Wandering Eyes

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk It’s been years in the making and Claire Downey is still in a bit of disbelief that she and her “Mr Reliable” Major Ouch are Horse of the Year winners. Yesterday at equestrian’s biggest event, the Defender Horse of the Year show, the combo were crowned NZ Standardbred Breeders Association Ridden Standardbred of the Year at Hastings. “It was a shock to the system, I can’t really believe it,” says Downey, “but I’m stoked to have won it with him.” Over the years she has literally collected buckets of ribbons in the Show Ring but before yesterday she hadn’t won the title she wanted the most. “This was Ouch’s fourth or fifth year in the Ridden class. So much time and effort and money go into it,” says Downey, “it was emotional.” She has been close before, and just last year the pair finished third in both the Inhand and the Ridden disciplines. So what changed this year? “I thought beforehand he’s 17 now and maybe this is our swansong so I was pretty relaxed about it.” “I just took the pressure off myself and thought he’s nothing left to prove to anyone.” “He’s also had a much easier season. He’s only been to two shows and in the past he’s been to 12 or 13. He was the happiest he’s been.” “If this is the last time we go to HOY what better way to finish?” The win caps off a remarkable association between horse and rider. Major Ouch was a six race winner on the track. The son of Art Major had four wins for dual New Zealand Cup-winning trainer Ray Green before getting injured. In 2012 Downey then took the horse and re-educated him under saddle. She thought his racing days were over until she was noticed “he was just hooning around the paddock”. After an absence of over two years, and after getting approval for Major Ouch’s owners John and Lynne Street, he returned to the racetrack, winning fresh up at Pukekohe. Trained by Claire’s husband Roydon and/or his late father Errol, Major Ouch also took out the 2014 Taranaki Cup. Major Ouch finished racing at Hawera in 2015 after winning six races from 35 starts. Since then he’s done all sorts of things in his life after racing – saddle paces, endurance races and of course many events in the show ring. “I know him inside out,” says Downey, “he’s Mr Reliable, just the coolest easiest horse.” While yesterday was a huge day in their lives together there was no time for celebration. They had an eight hour road trip back to Kumeu! Tonight though they might be able to relax a bit with Claire off to see country star Chris Stapleton at Auckland’s Spark Arena. Horse of the Year 2025 Results : The NZ Standardbred Breeders Association Ridden Standardbred of the Year : 1st- Claire Downey and Major Ouch 2nd- Taylah Dolan and Michelangelo 3rd- Tash Higgs and You Can Fly Arden 4th- Chanelle Dickie and Eagles Nest 5th- Sarah Collinson and Smith Willow Bay 6th- Annie Eldershaw and Ideal Zen The Harness Racing NZ Inhand Standardbred of the Year : 1st- Connor Hill and Hawk (pictured above) 2nd- Simon Higgs and Does It On His Ear 3rd- Chanelle Dickie and Eagles Nest 4th- Tash Higgs and You Can Fly Arden 5th- Christina Bird and Shake Your Bon Bon 6th- Alessandra MacFarlane and Seize the Moment View the full article

HRNZ Chief Executive Brad Steele says there is still room for optimism despite the fall in breeding numbers for the 2025 season. Latest figures show that a total of 1552 individual mares have been bred to, a drop of 12 per cent on last year. “Breeding numbers have been under pressure over the past two decades,” says Steele, “and it is disappointing to see a double figure decrease. We have to own that but there are encouraging signs that we can stabilize and eventually rebuild.” The total for 2025 is 225 mares bred down on the corresponding 12 months, with Trotting Mares services stable at around 500 and Pacing Mares services down 200 from 1351. “The trotting totals are gratifying. They reflect recent initiatives to increase their funding and recognition, with trotters making up 30 per cent of our sport,” says Steele. Volstead leads the way with 53 mares, ahead of Tactical Approach (47) and On A Streak (37). Sweet Lou tops the pacing stallions’ list with 149 while his son Confederate had good numbers (67) as did the likes of Always B Miki (113), Captain Crunch (81) and Pebble Beach (79). Some colonial sires like Carlton (28), Krug (23), Royal Aspirations (27), Habibi Inta (27), Sky Major (19) and Oscar Bonavena (15) have also been in demand. Steele says the latest figures just reinforce how critical is it to get new and younger people involved in the sport. “It is evident that smaller breeders are especially reducing their numbers,” says Steele, “and there are a number of reasons for that – costs are rising and some of the breeders themselves are getting older and getting out of the breeding game.” Steele is confident the tide can turn. “Our surveys show that there is confidence in the future of our sport, and that is crucial.” “Several positive industry developments are also beginning to take effect, creating a more attractive environment for breeders, owners, and investors.” Steele says these include increases in stakes, the success of Next Gen, proposed tax reforms, the Entain 2YO bonuses and other incentive schemes and the strong results at the recent NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales. “We cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a lot of optimism for our sport and we are committed to doing all we can to turn these breeding stats around,” says Steele. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1400m The Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap is a Group 3 race run over 1400m under handicap conditions at Flemington by the Victoria Racing Club. First held in 2001, the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap briefly lost its Group status from 2008 to 2010 but has since regained its place on the autumn calendar. The Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, worth $200,000 in 2025, has produced a mix of winners, with some finding success later in their careers. Notable past winners of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap include Sedation, Orange County, dual winner Launay, Amorino, Kissonallforcheeks, and Scallopini. 2025 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap betting odds Von Hauke ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2024 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Odds for the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap as of March 5 – Courtesy of Neds Is It Me Win $2.80 Place $1.40 Fancify Win $5.50 Place $2.00 Ayrton Win $8.00 Place $2.50 Territory Express Win $9.00 Place $2.70 Aztec Ruler Win $9.50 Place $2.80 Nugget Win $10.00 Place $3.00 Klabel Win $15.00 Place $3.90 My Khalifa Win $17.00 Place $4.40 Cote Atlantique Win $21.00 Place $5.00 Lady Jones Win $23.00 Place $5.50 Communist Win $41.00 Place $8.50 How to bet on the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap The Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap isn’t a race that’s on the tip of every punters’ tongue, but Australian betting sites do have markets out in the weeks leading up to the event. Some of the top Australian online bookmakers will open up Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap all-in markets, which don’t provide insurance if your selected runner doesn’t start in the race, but the odds are more appealing. All of our horse betting sites offer betting on the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap and bookmaker offers will also be available in the days leading up to the race. These horse racing betting sites generally have apps available for iOS and Android smartphones. 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. 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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. Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap News Flemington race-by-race tips & quaddie | All-Star Mile Day 2025 Horse Racing Tips 24 hours ago A massive 10-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington for All-Star Mile Day 2025 on Saturday, March 8. Check out HorseBetting’s … Read More Von Hauke storms home to claim Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Cliff Brown and Craig Williams have combined with Von Hauke to take out the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap on … Read More Flemington full racing preview & quaddie tips | March 9, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago A stacked eight-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington on Saturday for Newmarket Handicap Day. Check our free race-by-race preview for … Read More Scallopini proves way too good in Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Damian Lane and Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted have combined with Scallopini to win the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap … Read More Flemington full racing tips & quaddie | Newmarket Handicap Day Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Nine races are set down for decision on Saturday at Flemington for Newmarket Handicap Day, and HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents … Read More Kissonallforcheeks takes out the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Australia horse racing news 3 years ago WA raider Kissonallforcheeks has given her rivals a galloping lesson in Saturday’s Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, with Group 1 goals firmly … Read More 2025 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Ayrton Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Jamie Melham 9 58.5kg 2 Nugget Ciaron Maher Declan Bates 8 58kg 3 Territory Express Paul Niceforo Ms Carleen Hefel 1 58kg 4 Aztec Ruler Stefan Vahala Damian Lane 10 56.5kg 5 Lady Jones Stephen Brown Jye McNeil 7 54kg 6 Fancify Michael Hickmott Joe Bowditch 11 54kg 7 Cote Atlantique Henry Dwyer Harry Coffey 4 54kg 8 My Khalifa Gordon Richards & Damien Moyle Lachlan Neindorf 2 54kg 9 Communist Anthony & Sam Freedman Craig Newitt 6 54kg 10 Is It Me Daniel Bowman Billy Egan 3 54kg 11 Klabel Richard & Chantelle Jolly Zac Spain 5 54kg Previous Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Fields 2024 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Berkshire Shadow Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 3 59kg 2 Pinstriped Enver Jusufovic Ben Allen 2 59kg 3 Amenable Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Damian Lane 7 55kg 4 Savannah Cloud Phillip Stokes Thomas Stockdale 8 54.5kg 5 Wild Planet Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jye McNeil 10 54.5kg 6 Brayden Star Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 1 54kg 7 Windstorm John Leek (Jnr) Harry Coffey 6 54kg 8 Jimmysstar Ciaron Maher Jamie Kah 4 54kg 9 Superium Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes N/A 9 54kg 10 Von Hauke Cliff Brown Craig Williams 5 54kg 2024 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flemington-2024-Goup-3-Shaftesbury-Avenue-Handicap-09032024-Von-Hauke-Cliff-Brown-Craig-Williams.mp4 1st – Von Hauke (+115) 2nd – Amenable (-125) 3rd – Savannah Cloud (+190) Recent runnings of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap: 2024: Von Hauke rolls odds-on favourite Craig Williams and Cliff Brown combined with Von Hauke ($8.00) to take out the 2024 Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, which gave Williams his fifth victory in the race in the last 13 years. Race favourite, Amenable ($1.80) led the field from the barriers and beat all bar the winner, as he began to tire in the final 100m after doing all of the hard work into the strong wind. Savannah Cloud ($3.90) faded out of the race in the concluding stages to finish third after settling outside the leader, leaving the top two to fight the race out, gapping the rest of the field by 2.5 lengths. 2023: Scallopini proves too gritty Scallopini gave the rest of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap field 1.5kg and he still gave them a beating, bringing up his fourth win from four starts at the Flemington 1400m. After jumping from barrier 14, Damian Lane pushed forward and was made to work three-wide for the first 200m of the race, before crossing and settling outside Savannah Cloud at the front of the field. Rounding the home turn, Lane asked for the ultimate effort and when he did the eight-year-old son of Snitzel exploded away to put two lengths on Savannah Cloud who couldn’t go with him and with nothing making up considerable ground, Scallopini was home with 100m to go. 2022: Kissonallforcheeks cruises to victory Western Australian visitor Kissonallforcheeks took out the 2022 Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) at Flemington in convincing fashion. WA Trainer Dan Morton made the trip over after a first-up second in the Listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) at Ascot. She had also managed to record Group 1 placings last preparation in both the Railway Stakes (1600m) and Kingston Town Classic (1800m). The Ascot-trained mare appreciated the step up to 1400m; a distance where she had won three times from five attempts. Jockey Mark Zahra settled the four-year-old mid-field, one off the fence. Kissonallforcheeks then cruised up to join the leaders at the 300m mark before sprinting away with an impressive 2.25 length victory over the Ben & JD Hayes-trained Crosshaven. Previous winners of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Von Hauke Craig Williams Cliff Brown 2023 Scallopini Damian Lane Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted 2022 Kissonallforcheeks Mark Zahra Daniel Morton 2021 Morvada Damian Lane Peter Jolly 2020 Blazejowski Craig Williams Greg Eurell 2019 Violate Michael Walker Brent Stanley 2018 Nozomi Jye McNeil Anthony Freedman 2017 He Or She Mark Zahra David & B Hayes & T Dabernig 2016 Red Bomber Damian Lane David & B Hayes & T Dabernig 2015 Amorino Craig Williams Archie Alexander 2014 Mouro Craig Williams Tony McEvoy 2013 Launay Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2012 Rockpecker Craig Williams Ken Fythe 2011 Launay Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2010 Wind Shear Stephen Baster Dale Sutton 2009 Chasm Brad Rawiller Heath Conners 2008 Skiddaw Peak Greg Childs Michael Moroney 2007 Archie Senior James Winks Danny O’Brien 2006 Vroom Vroom Craig Williams David Hayes 2005 Roman Arch Noel Callow Robbie Laing 2004 Rain Gauge Vincent Hall Tom Hughes 2003 Old Man Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2002 Prince Benbara Brett Prebble Tony Rosolini 2001 Yammer Nash Rawiller Tony Noonan 2000 Arabian Magic Brett Prebble Ken Newman 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

Left with more questions than answers after the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), Linebacker‘s (NZ) (Super Seth) trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton are focusing on the three-year-old’s pleasing work at home as the best guide to his Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) prospects. Following a solid first-up performance in the Gr.3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), Linebacker turned in a head-scratching effort in the Hobartville when he drifted back in the field and never seriously threatened, finishing sixth and more than three lengths from winner Broadsiding. Tom Charlton admits the stable has ben unsure what to make of the run but cannot fault the horse at home. “It was hard to get a good guide on him from where he got to in the run, and he never really had a chance to get balanced and build up his revs,” Charlton said. “But we’re confident he is going well enough to run very well. Whether it’s good enough to beat Broadsiding is probably a separate conversation. “His work at home is very good. His SP (starting price) profile the other day was very good so it seemed like a few people were expecting to see a more improved run as much as we were.” Linebacker led in the Eskimo Prince and Charlton said they had anticipated him stalking the speed last start. While still to analyse the race makeup for Saturday’s Randwick Guineas (1600m), he expects Linebacker to assume a more positive position. “I haven’t had a good look at the map but that’s our intention,” Charlton said. “We definitely wouldn’t want to ride him in such a negative way.” In-form jockey Zac Lloyd has been booked for his first race ride on Linebacker, whose only other start over the Guineas course and distance yielded a Group One second to nemesis Broadsiding in the Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m). As is the case with many of his rivals, Saturday’s feature is a fork in the road and will determine whether Linebacker is stretched out in distance to a Rosehill Guineas (2000m) or targeted towards a race like the Doncaster Mile (1600m). View the full article

Promising filly Island Life could cap a big week for one of Pencarrow Stud’s families when she lines up as favourite for the Gr.3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Island Life is by Vadamos out of the Montjeu mare Lycia, whose half-sister Corinthia is the dam of last Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) winner Feroce. Pencarrow principal Sir Peter Vela retained Island Life to race in his familiar blue and white hooped colours, and she has been a big mover in Final Field betting in the lead-up to the Sunline Vase. Island Life and fellow black-type performer Eye Candy vied for favouritism when the markets opened on Wednesday, with Island Life at $4.40 and Eye Candy $4.80. But it has been one-way traffic from there as Island Life has tightened into $3.20. Island Life boasts strong form credentials in a six-race career that has produced a win, two seconds and a third. She finished second and first in her first two starts in the spring, then stepped up to stakes level with a close second in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki. She was beaten by a long head in that race by Tuxedo, who went on to place in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) before easily winning last month’s Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m). He is a leading contender for the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Saturday. Island Life’s next start produced a late-finishing fifth in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) behind this season’s benchmark staying filly Leica Lucy. She then stepped up over ground and ran third behind Real Class and Bella Montagna in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Both of those fillies have since been sold to Australia. Trainers Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie freshened Island Life after the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes. She resumed with a sixth over 1500m at Pukekohe on February 23. “She probably needed that run,” Ritchie said. “We chucked her out in the paddock for 10 days after the race on New Year’s Day, and she did really well and we were possibly a bit light on her. But she also ran into a wall of horses in that race at Counties, so she didn’t have a lot of luck go her way either. “She’s come through that run really well and is looking bright and happy. Everything’s gone pretty well with her leading into Saturday.” Ramsay and Ritchie will use Saturday’s Sunline Vase to determine whether Island Life carries on to Trentham for a shot at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on March 22. Leica Lucy dominates the market for that fillies’ classic as a $1.30 favourite. Myakkabelle is on the second line of betting at $8, with Island Life currently rated a $10 third favourite. “Early on, we were a bit sceptical about getting her up over ground,” Ritchie said. She used to race a little bit fiercely. But she seems a lot more relaxed these days and has settled down a lot. “Saturday is going to be a big test for her. We’ll use this race to see whether we press on for the Oaks, or if she might be better suited to dropping back down in distance. There’s still a little bit of a question mark there. “What we do know is that a nice, even tempo will suit her and help her to relax. The Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes was just run too slowly.” The Sunline Vase could be part of a big Champions Day for Sir Peter Vela, who also shares in the ownership of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) contender Public Attention. View the full article

Legarto will contest Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) After a pair of fast-finishing seconds on major Ellerslie racedays last season, New Zealand’s highest-rated mare Legarto has the chance to set the record straight on Champions Day. Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) will be the fourth start at Ellerslie for Legarto, who picked up a win and two second placings from her three appearances at the reopened Auckland track last season. Legarto was a winner over 1400m at Ellerslie last January, then was upset by Desert Lightning as a $1.30 favourite in the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) on Karaka Millions night. Desert Lightning kicked away at the corner, leaving Legarto more than half a dozen lengths in his wake, and the star mare could only claw the gap back to a length and three-quarters at the finish line. The third placegetter finished seven lengths behind the first pair. It was a strikingly similar story in the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) last March, where Legarto jumped as a $1.20 favourite. This time it was El Vencedor who opened up an unassailable advantage, beating the strong-finishing Legarto by a neck with five and a half lengths back to third. “She has had a bit of a problem with getting too far out of her ground, which you can’t really afford to do in these top-level races at Ellerslie,” Legarto’s co-trainer Ken Kelso said. “That’s going to be up to Ryan Elliot (jockey) on Saturday, but our only instructions will be to ride her like the best horse in the race.” There is little doubt that Legarto deserves that description. The daughter of Proisir has won 10 of her 16 starts and more than $2 million, including Group 1 triumphs in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Australian Guineas (1600m) and Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). A minor tendon injury ruled her out of the spring, but she returned to action with a stunning performance in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata three weeks ago. In her first start for 322 days, she pounced at the top of the straight and won with ease. “I have to admit to being a bit surprised by what she did that day,” Kelso said. “We obviously know how good she is, and she’d been working well leading into the race and had a very good exhibition gallop at Tauranga. But that performance probably blew us away a little bit. “Everything’s gone to plan since that race as well. She had another exhibition gallop at Matamata last Saturday, where Ryan rode her and was very happy with how she felt. She did a nice bit of maintenance work on Tuesday morning. All systems are go for Saturday.” Legarto is one of two Champions Day runners for Kelso and his wife Bev, with both set to jump as favourite. The couple will also saddle the brilliant three-year-old filly Alabama Lass in the Group 3 King’s Plate (1200m). Alabama Lass won all of her first three starts this season including the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). She has finished second at Group 1 level in both of her starts since then, chasing home Captured By Love in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and being edged out by a short head by Crocetti in the Sistema Railway (1200m). Bookmakers rate Alabama Lass a $2 favourite to turn the tables on Saturday, with Crocetti the second favourite at $3.30. “She’s been a bit unfortunate with the weather,” Kelso said. “She’s struck rain-affected ground in both of those Group One races, which didn’t suit her at all. With a bit better luck, she could just about be unbeaten this season. “The rain made the 1600m quite a test in the Guineas at Riccarton, which it was always going to be for her anyway, but she was very brave. And then it was similar on deteriorating ground in the Railway, but she was extremely brave that night too. “She’s gone the right way since then. She’s had five weeks between runs, but galloped brilliantly between races last Saturday and ran fantastic time there. She worked up very well again on Tuesday. We think she’s right where we want her to be.” Horse racing news View the full article

Loftys Gift currently leads the Southern Cups Bonus Series after winning last Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) at Wingatui. Photo: Tayler Strong Sunday’s Wyndham Cup (2000m) at Gore is the penultimate race in the Southern Cups Bonus Series, with Ascot Park trainer Robert Dennis holding pole position at the moment with his mare Loftys Gift. The six-year-old daughter of Ghibellines put herself three points ahead of her nearest rival with victory in last Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) at Wingatui, and she is in line to try and secure the $50,000 bonus in next month’s Riverton Cup (2147m). “We have been winning a few races, so it is nice to get a black-type win for the season, and for the owners too,” Dennis said. “She has flown through the race, which is really pleasing. “At this stage, we are going to look to run in the Breeders’ Stakes (Group 3, 1600m) at Riccarton before heading to the Riverton Cup. They were on a Heavy8 this week (at Riccarton) and if she struck a heavy track, I think she will be very competitive over a mile at set weights and penalties. “A $50,000 bonus, winner takes all for the owners, is highly motivating to carry on from here and try to win the Riverton Cup.” Dennis will aim to gain some valuable series points this weekend with three other runners, including Sacred Dream, Stolen Magic, and Vino Valentino. “Things didn’t go right for Sacred Dream in the Invercargill Cup,” Dennis said. “She is dropping back to 2000m and has drawn barrier one. The track and distance she has won at in the same meeting last year, and I would expect to see an improved performance from her. She might be better with a bit of a freshen-up after the race too, we will just see how she goes on Sunday. “Stolen Magic has come a long way this preparation. She was only a maidener about four months ago. She has won three races now, but she is probably looking for the paddock fairly soon too, so this could be one last roll at the dice for her. If she can hold her form from the Invercargill Cup, I would imagine she would be hard to beat. “Vino Valentino was pretty disappointing last start after a really good run first-up. Hopefully it’s a little bit of second-up syndrome there and we are looking to see her bounce back on Sunday.” Dennis is also looking forward to lining up Xrated in the Pine Bush Cup (2000m). “She should be a good chance again,” he said. “She doesn’t help herself being a bit awkward out of the gates at times. She won at this track and distance at the start of February, and it doesn’t look an overly strong field. “She is a real stayer, she just needs to be able to get out at the right time and hopefully put the pressure on them early in the race and outstay them.” Stablemate The Bright One has been knocking on the door, placing in her last three starts, and will be out to break through for her maiden win in the K2 Kontracting & Bridgestone Gore (1335m). “She has got plenty of ability and talent, just lacks ringcraft,” Dennis said. “I think it is a good thing that she hasn’t won because she has given herself the chance to learn and pick-up a bit of ringcraft in maiden company. “We have got the blinkers on and pre-race ear covers too just to help settle her a touch. She should be a really good chance.” Meanwhile, Dennis is looking forward to welcoming three new acquisitions to his barn in the coming weeks after being active on Gavelhouse.com’s auction on Monday night. The southern horseman has had a fair bit of success with graduates of the online platform, headed by Group 3 winner Out Of The Park. “Friends of mine, Jack Stewart and Mike Rennie, bought Out Of The Park off there for about $14,000,” Dennis said. “We gave her seven starts and she won four of them, including a Group Three (South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, 1600m), and broke a track record. “I bought three horses on Gavelhouse on Monday night, adding more strength to our racing team, and we have got shares available.” Horse racing news View the full article

Belclare pictured with breeder and co-owner David Woodhouse. Photo: Race Images Belclare will attempt to carve out a piece of New Zealand racing history with an unprecedented third victory in the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The daughter of Per Incanto won the fillies and mares’ feature at Pukekohe in 2023, then defended her crown at Ellerslie last March. She became only the sixth back-to-back winner of the Breeders’ Stakes, joining Tudor Light (1976-77), Orchidra (1978-79), Waikiki (1990-91), Aimee Jay (1998-99) and Saint Cecile (2001-02). Now Belclare has the chance to be the first member of that group to make it a treble. Belclare raced in Australia in the spring, scoring outstanding victories in the A$2 million Group 2 The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on October 26 and the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on November 9 for expat Kiwi trainer Bjorn Baker. The seven-year-old ventured across the country to contest the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) in Perth on November 23, but was well below her best and finished at the tail of the field. Owner-breeder David Woodhouse elected to bring Belclare back home to the Awapuni stable of Lisa Latta, hoping for a repeat of her Ellerslie heroics in last season’s Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) and Breeders’ Stakes. Belclare went into this year’s Westbury Classic fresh and finished 10th, just over seven lengths behind the winner Konasana. She showed signs of improvement with a last-start fifth behind El Vencedor, Qali Al Farrasha, Orchestral and Konasana in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). “She’s always seemed to be a mare that’s needed a couple of runs before she’s at her best and in the right frame of mind,” Woodhouse said. “Sam Spratt got off her after that last run and said she expected her to really benefit from that run, although she then decided to hop off her altogether (to ride Provence on Saturday). “Lisa has been very happy with Belclare leading into this weekend, so we’ll see what happens. What I was hoping when I decided to bring her back home was that she’d really relish racing around Ellerslie again, where she’d won the Westbury and Breeders’ Stakes so well last season. “I’d love to see her right back at that sort of level again on Saturday. It won’t be easy, but winning the Breeders’ Stakes three years in a row would be a remarkable achievement and something to be very proud of.” Belclare has made a habit of scoring upset victories on the big stage. She defied $22 odds for her first Breeders’ Stakes win, then landed a $21 boilover in the Westbury. Her win in The Invitation in Sydney came at $26 odds. Belclare will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn on Saturday and is rated a $16 chance, sharing fourth favouritism with this season’s Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) winner Provence. Legarto dominates the market at $1.60, with Konasana at $7 and Acquarello the third favourite at $15. Horse racing news View the full article

A federal judge in New Mexico has dismissed a first amended complaint stemming from a lawsuit initiated one year ago in which the New Mexico Horsemen's Association (NMHA) sued SunRay Park, Albuquerque Downs and Ruidoso Downs for injunctive relief and damages over alleged violations of the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA). “In sum, NMHA fails to state plausible claims for relief under the IHA's consent provisions,” stated the Mar. 5 opinion and order out of the United States District Court for New Mexico. “NMHA has not established itself as the relevant horsemen's group as defined by [federal statute] §3002(12),” the opinion stated. “Further, the [complaint] contains no allegations that any of the Racetracks accepted an illegal interstate off-track wager. To the extent the IHA may permit civil actions for violations of the regular contractual [process] NMHA does not allege any facts establishing that it engaged in such a process with the Racetracks, much less an abandonment of that process. Accordingly, the Court grants the Racetracks' request to dismiss NMHA's enforcement claims.” The opinion stated the sequence of events that led to the lawsuit. “In early 2024, NMHA sent draft consent agreements to the Racetracks in an effort to negotiate NMHA's role in the 2024 race season. The Racetracks declined to execute those contracts and continue in their refusal to deal with NMHA. Despite this ongoing dispute, and lacking an agreement with NMHA, Ruidoso Downs conducted its 2024 race meet and simulcasted races for off-track wagering outside the state. “The Racetracks took further action against NMHA in the wake of the contract dispute. SunRay and Ruidoso Downs banned NMHA's board of directors from their facilities. Albuquerque Downs began refusing NMHA directors stalls for their race horses. Albuquerque Downs and Ruidoso Downs also started requiring racehorse trainers who participate in race meets to enter agreements appointing the tracks' own horsemen's groups as their representatives in the requisite off-track wagering process. The agreements state that the local horsemen's groups are responsible for negotiating horseracing contracts with Albuquerque Downs and Ruidoso Downs. If trainers refuse to sign, they are excluded from racing or obtaining stalls for their horses,” the opinion stated. “The fallout spurred the present litigation. NMHA first sued SunRay and sought a temporary restraining order, which the Court denied. SunRay responded with its own counterclaims and sought equitable relief and damages. Ruidoso Downs and Albuquerque Downs intervened, and filed their own third-party complaint [and] the Racetracks moved to dismiss,” the opinion stated. The NMHA, in the complaint, had advanced four claims for relief under the IHA: 1) A declaration that the racetracks must have a written agreement with NMHA before consenting to off-track wagering, and if an agreement is not reached, that the racetracks may not simulcast their races or enter simulcast agreements with any entity. 2) An injunction requiring the racetracks to negotiate and enter an agreement with NMHA as required under the IHA, and if no agreement is reached, that the racetracks be enjoined from simulcasting their races. 3) To preclude the racetracks from requiring owners, trainers, or NMHA members and directors to sign contracts compelling the relevant party “to appoint any other group as the horseman's representative as a condition of entering racetrack grounds, using a racetrack stall, or participating in racing.” 4) That the racetracks be enjoined from excluding or banishing NMHA directors, officers, or members from their respective facilities. The judge wrote that, “to plausibly allege that it was the horsemen's group under the IHA, NMHA must state in the [complaint] that it represented the majority of owners and trainers at the Racetracks on particular race days when races were offered for interstate off-track wagering. “NMHA fails to do so,” the opinion continued. “The [complaint's] allegations regarding NMHA's status as the horsemen's group are all framed broadly. “For instance, NMHA states that it has represented horsemen in New Mexico since 1966 and is the largest advocacy group for racehorse owners and trainers in the state,” the judge wrote. “NMHA further alleges that a New Mexico state court recognized it as the largest New Mexico horsemen's group in 2023. These allegations, without more, do not establish that NMHA represented the majority of owners and trainers at any of the Racetracks on any race day; the [complaint] contains no allegations relating to specific races offered for interstate off-track wagering by the Racetracks. “Moreover, the [complaint] alleges that Ruidoso Downs and Albuquerque Downs now condition owners and trainers' participation in their race meets on the execution of contracts appointing local 'stalking-horses' groups as the horsemen's groups for given races. Functionally, these allegations and the related contracts establish the existence of alternative, unanimously appointed horsemen's groups at Ruidoso Downs and Albuquerque Downs for all race days,” the opinion stated. “A unanimously appointed horsemen's group at a track on a particular race day is the horsemen's group under the IHA, not a rival entity with statewide majority representation,” the opinion continued. “NMHA has alleged that it is the latter, not the former. Accordingly, the [complaint's] enforcement claims must be dismissed because NMHA has not established itself as the horsemen's group for purposes of this dispute.” The post Federal Judge Dismisses New Mexico Horsemen’s Association Complaint Against Tracks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Champion’s Day 2025 Where Ellerslie Racecourse – 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland 1051, New Zealand When Saturday, March 8 First Race 12:15pm NZDT (10:15am AEDT) Visit Dabble New Zealand racing’s richest raceday, Champion’s Day, awaits punters at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday with an action-packed 10-race meeting scheduled. The inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) headlines proceedings, but is duly supported by four Group 1 races, including the time-honoured New Zealand Derby (2400m) worth $1.25 million. A perfect day for racing is forecast in Auckland, and with the rail in its true position, and the track likely to be a Good 4 come race one, there will be no excuses for fancied runners throughout the meeting. The opening event of Champions Day 2025 is set to commence at 12:15pm NZDT (10:15am AEDT). Race 1: Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final (1400m) Vegas Queen was a touch outclassed last time out in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), but as she steps back in grade, the Kenny Rae-trained filly looks well-placed. The Proisir progeny was only beaten a length at this track over 1200m in Group 3 company two starts ago, and with this being her second look at the 1400m, she should be primed to bounce back from her 4.8-length defeat at her most recent run. Barrier seven is offset by her early speed, and if Jasmine Fawcett can find the rail, Vegas Queen will take some catching. Selections: 1 VEGAS QUEEN 11 BOSS ‘N’ HIGHHEELS 7 BONIFLEUR 6 SEXY AND I MOET Race 2: Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) Eye Candy was only run down in the shadows of the winning post in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth after leading the field up. The Darci Brahma filly may have had an excuse, as jockey Lily Sutherland dropped her whip at a crucial point, and she was only beaten by a half length. From barrier seven, Kevin Stott looks set to gain an uncontested lead throughout, and with a well-rated ride, Eye Candy is the one to beat in the 2025 Sunline Vase. Selections: 1 EYE CANDY 4 THIS TIME GIRL 6 SHOCKABELLA 3 SKYMAX Sunline Vase Race 2 – #1 Eye Candy (7) 3yo Filly | T: Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray | J: Kevin Stott (56.5kg) Race 3: Group 3 Kings Plate (1200m) A small but select field has come together for the 2025 Kings Plate, but it is last start Group 1 Railway (1200m) winner Crocetti who gets the verdict. The son of Zacinto managed to stalk Alabama Lass throughout on that occassion when giving the filly 4.5kg, and managed to get the better of that runner in a driving finish late on. That was on rain-affected going, which may not have suited the filly, but with a similar run in transit expected for Crocetti, look for the ‘Wizard of Waz’, Warren Kennedy to have this guy pouncing late. Selections: 1 CROCETTI 5 ALABAMA LASS 3 BABYLON BERLIN 2 SACRED SATONO Next Best Race 3 – #1 Crocetti (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny Walker & Arron Tata | J: Warren Kennedy (58kg) Race 4: Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) La Dorada returns to the Ellerslie 1200m in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes, the same course and trip which saw her salute in the Karaka Millions 2YO two starts ago on January 25. Aided by a perfect on-speed steer on that day, the Super Seth filly put close to two lengths on her rivals in commanding fashion. She has since gone on to win the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and despite stable companion Return To Conquer being the favourite with PlayUp, La Dorada will give her something to run down. Barring any misfortune from barrier seven, La Dorada will settle on speed and if she offers the same kick she did in the Karaka 2YO, she will prove too hard to run down. Selections: 6 LA DORADA 1 RETURN TO CONQUER 9 LUCY IN THE SKY 2 HE WHO DARES Sistema Stakes Race 4 – #6 La Dorada (7) 2yo Filly | T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | J: Michael McNab (55kg) Race 5: Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) If Legarto is anywhere near her best, then the 2025 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes is hers to lose. She returned from a near 12 month break with a breathtaking win in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata when forced to lug 58kg, and unless she encounters traffic issues or something to that degree, this field will simply not get near her. The $1.65 with Bet365 is the wrong price, she should arguably be $1.20. Selections: 1 LEGARTO 2 BELCLARE 5 KONASANA 3 CAMPIONESSA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes Race 5 – #1 Legarto (3) 5yo Mare | T: Ken & Bev Kelso | J: Ryan Elliot (57kg) Race 6: Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) Hong Kong-bound El Vencedor is chasing a third straight Group 1 win when he lines up in the 2025 New Zealand Stakes, and it is hard to see how his rivals get near him. He disposed of a similar field two runs back in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) by three lengths, and then dropped back in distance to win the WFA Classic (1600m) in similar fashion at this track on February 22. Wiremu Pinn will have this bloke on speed throughout, and if “Big EV” is in the same vein of form on Saturday as he has been in recent weeks, he will win again. Selections: 1 EL VENCEDOR 8 QALI AL FARRASHA 7 ORCHESTRAL 6 LA CRIQUE Best Bet Race 6 – #1 El Vencedor (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Stephen Marsh | J: Wiremu Pinn (59kg) Race 7: Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) There is plenty of value in this year’s Auckland Cup, with the Stephen Marsh-trained Nest Egg representing great value with horse racing betting sites. He put in a perfect Auckland Cup trial in the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) when beaten two lengths behind the classy Wolfgang when running on strongly in potentially inferior ground. For a stayer, the son of Reliable Man has a nice turn of foot, and if George Rooke can find a bum to follow into the race, Nest Egg at $34 seems a great each-way bet. Selections: 8 NEST EGG 11 TAJANIS 4 SON OF SUN 1 INTERPRETATION Best Value Race 7 – #8 Nest Egg (12) 6yo Gelding | T: Stephen Marsh | J: George Rooke (53kg) Race 8: The NZB Kiwi (1500m) The Australian-based horses dominate the top of The NZB Kiwi market with Boombet, and it is the classy Evaporate who is a desrving favourite and looks hard to beat. The three-year-old gelding finished 2.8 lengths off the classy Angel Capital when held up for a major portion of the Caulfield home straight. He then finished 1.8 lengths off genuine WFA stars Mr Brightside, Tom Kitten and I Wish I Win in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) after being caught three wide with no cover. Michael Dee will need a touch of luck from barrier 10, but with an economical run in transit, Evaporate should prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 1 EVAPORATE 2 PUBLIC ATTENTION 7 PERFUMIST 4 PENMAN The NZB Kiwi Race 8 – #1 Evaporate (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Michael Dee (59kg) Race 9: Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) A field of 16 will battle it out in the 2025 New Zealand Derby, and if Tuxedo continues to improve he looks ideally suited. He was beaten a length in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) two starts back, and then last time out deadset trotted in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) when putting 3.5 lengths on Bourbon Proof. There was a further 4.5 lengths back to third on that day to suggest this son of Tivaci will relish every bit of the 2400m with the right run in transit. He looks to be the one who will run out a strong 2400m, and as long as he isn’t caught wide from the widest barrier, Tuxedo will be thundering home late in the Derby. Selections: 2 TUXEDO 4 WILLYDOIT 1 THEDOCTOROFLOVE 3 BOURBON PROOF New Zealand Derby Race 9 – #2 Tuxedo (16) 3yo Gelding | T: Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray | J: Joe Doyle (57kg) Race 10: Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) Te Akau Racing’s Class is as honest as they come and drawn beautifully in barrier three, he looks hard to run down in the closer. The son of Embellish was beaten a half legnth in a tougher race last time out after leading the field up at Te Rapa over 1600m, and the step back to 1500m looks ideal for the natural frontrunner. Blake Shinn will look to pinch a break early in the home straight, and with race fitness on his side, hopefully Class will live up to his name in a bold front-running display. Selections: 2 CLASS 1 TARDELLI 5 PEERLESS 14 SHE’S ALL THAT Saturday quaddie tips for Ellerslie Ellerslie quadrella selections Saturday, March 8 1-4-6-8-11 1-2 1-2-3-4-5 1-2-5-9-10-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Lumber Punk after winning at Bendigo on March 11, 2022. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Runner up in Darwin’s Palmerston Sprint (1200m) last year, Lumber Punk has returned to the NT and is eyeing Alice Springs’ $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) on April 5. The six-year-old gelding commences his Red Centre campaign on Saturday when he faces decent 0-70 opposition over 1200m at Pioneer Park. His fortunes once again rest with leading Darwin trainer Gary Clarke. Returning to South Australia following the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival, Lumber Punk spent time with Murray Bridge trainers Matthew Sayers and Justin Pickering. The son of Starspangledbanner had 27 starts for Flemington trainers Leon and Troy Corstens for six wins at Moonee Valley, Geelong, Bendigo, Pakenham, Terang and Murray Bridge. It was after finishing 12th in a BM90 over 1175m at Albury that Lumber Punk ended up in the Top End. “The horse handles the dirt, he did go well in Darwin last year and ran second in a lead up to the Palmerston,” Clarke said from Alice Springs. “On that basis alone, if he can find that form once again he’d be a chance in the grand final (Pioneer Sprint) down here you would think. “He’s only been here a week and a half, but I’m really happy with how he’s arrived. “He’s a lovely horse, a big strong animal – the only knock against him is that he likes to settle in his races a bit too early.” In his first two Fannie Bay starts, Lumber Punk was fifth and fourth with 61.5kg and 61kg on his back. Settling at the rear next start over 1200m at weight-for-age, the former Victorian galloper rattled home with 58.5kg to get within 0.4 lengths of Early Crow. With 54kg for the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint a fortnight later, Lumber Punk was the $4.20 second favourite with horse racing betting sites. Way off the pace, the gelding was no chance at the 400m before winding up to finish 2.3 lengths adrift of Early Crow. “He was going to stay in Darwin after the Palmerston if he didn’t run well, but when he ran second the owners decided to send him back to Adelaide,” Clarke said. “He managed a fourth and third at Morphettville for Matthew Sayers.” Lumber Punk made two more appearances for Sayers before having two starts for Pickering where he was a last start sixth over 1200m in the 0-68 ranks at Morphettville on February 22. Clarke’s No.1 rider Jarrod Todd replaces the suspended Aaron Sweeney aboard Lumber Punk, who has 60.5kg and gate two on Saturday in the nine-horse field. “If he can get an uninterrupted run, he’ll be competitive,” Clarke added. “If he gets a fair crack at them, I expect him to probably take up one of the placings at least. “He’s here for the Pioneer Sprint, so he needs to run a pretty strong race on Saturday if he’s going to go on and be a chance in the Sprint.” Horse racing news View the full article

A quartet of group 1 races will take place in Australia March 8.View the full article

Per Incanto’s son Evaporate is ready to fulfil expectations and complete a memorable New Zealand feature race double for brothers Ben, Will and JD Hayes. He has headed betting for the $3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m) since he was confirmed in early January by slot holder Entain as their representative in the inaugural running of the age group event. The three-year-old will bid to emulate older stablemate Here To Shock, who was sent across the Tasman by the Lindsay Park operation last month to romp to victory in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Evaporate arrived without incident last week and hasn’t missed a beat in the meantime. “We’re staying with Lance Noble and he worked super (on Thursday morning), I am very happy with the way he’s settled in,” JD Hayes said. “They are amazing facilities and we’re very lucky to be here. The horse has thrived and we’re all looking forward to Saturday. “It will be his first start this way of going, but he seemed to handle the course proper gallop (at Ellerslie on Monday) very well.” Evaporate has been successful four times from 12 appearances with his homecoming prompted by his spring form. He completed four wins on the bounce when triumphant in the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1400m) and finished third in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) before tailing the field home in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m). “He put the writing on the wall as a very progressive three-year-old in the spring, we were approached for a slot and put a big circle around this date, so hopefully the plan comes off,” Hayes said. Evaporate has further boosted his profile this time in with a resuming third in the Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) and off a wide run finished fourth, and less than two lengths off stablemate Mr Brightside, in the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m). “We have done a lot of form and are respectful of the opposition, but we do feel that we’ve brought the right horse over,” Hayes said. “He’s in barrier 10 and there looks to be some nice speed and we should be able to come across and get a nice run.” Evaporate was bred by Little Avondale Stud, who remain in the ownership group, and will be partnered by regular rider Michael Dee. The stable is primed for a massive afternoon with fan favourite Mr Brightside chasing a 10th elite level title in the Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington. “He is fit and firing and will take a lot of beating, as he always does,” Hayes said. Lindsay Park will also be represented by Rise At Dawn, an Almanzor four-year-old bred by Monovale Farm who has won eight of his 13 starts, including a last-start success in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m). “He’s got a very good record and I’m excited, and that’s an understatement, for this weekend,” Hayes said. View the full article

Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will head to Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday with a number of leading prospects, and the country’s leading trainers are looking forward to being a part of the monumental meeting. The 10-race card will include eight stakes races, three at Group One level, and the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), and Bergerson said it will be a landmark day for New Zealand racing. “It is a ground-breaking day in terms of the history of New Zealand racing,” he said. “It is probably the best race meeting that has ever been put on. To be a part of it and to have some nice, live chances on a big day of racing like that is something the whole team is excited about. “It is a credit to Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Entain, who have come on board and really changed the game. “It is an exciting time in New Zealand racing. Even speaking with my Dad (Roydon Bergerson, trainer) who has been in the game a long time, he said he couldn’t remember a time that it’s ever been like this. “There is plenty to look forward to, and that is highlighted by Saturday’s racing and the quality of the fields is second to none.” The Matamata stable have a strong hand in the opening Group One of the day, the Sistema Stakes (1200m), where they will be represented by a quartet of runners, including the undefeated Return To Conquer. The two-year-old son of Snitzel has won all three of his starts to date, including the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m), and Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), and will get his first tilt at elite-level this weekend. “He has got the perfect record, and he was very good at Matamata,” Bergerson said. “We are putting the blinkers on Saturday, we have kept them up our sleeve for the Group One. His work has been super, and he is a colt that is hard to fault at home, he just keeps raising the bar.” Stablemate La Dorada shares a similarly impressive record, winning three of her four starts, including the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), with her only defeat coming when runner-up to Too Sweet in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m). “It is hard to knock her as well, she is not very big but she is just so tough,” Bergerson said. “She is really thriving on racing and is another one we have asked a lot of and she has never missed a beat. She has come through the Matamata fillies race in really good order.” The stable will also be represented in the juvenile feature by Matamata Slipper runner-up He Who Dares, and Group Two performer Marokopa Falls. “He Who Dares is a real up-and-comer who is out of a good race mare (Rondinella),” Bergerson said. “I thought he was really good at pushing Return To Conquer at Matamata. He has trialled well right-handed, so we are hoping he gets around Ellerslie okay. He is a horse that is not out of it. “Marokopa Falls probably needs to step up a bit from that last start effort (fourth in Matamata Breeders’). She won so well on debut and then we are scratching our heads a bit about her last couple of runs. We have adjusted a bit of gear, the blinkers go on and we have taken the nose band and tongue-tie off. Her work has been good, and she is a filly we think will be a nice three-year-old. “All four have drawn well, so we are fortunate in that regard.” The NZB Kiwi has top-billing on Saturday’s card, and Te Akau Racing will be represented in their slot by last start Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) victor Damask Rose. She will once again be partnered by leading Australian hoop Blake Shinn, who rode her to her Karaka Millions victory, 12 months after guiding her to a runner-up result in the Karaka Millions 2YO. She won a star-studded 1100m trial at Taupo last month to ready for Saturday’s assignment and is rated New Zealand’s leading chance with the TAB at $8, behind Australian raiders Evaporate ($2.40), Public Attention ($6), and Perfumist ($7.50). “We think she is coming into the race 110 percent,” Bergerson said. “We have been really happy with her since the Karaka Millions, she had a bit of a freshen-up and the quiet trial at Taupo, which we were really pleased with. Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) rode her that day and certainly couldn’t knock her, and she has come through it really well. “Her work was good here (Matamata) on Tuesday for Opie (Bosson) and she is just flying in the stable. She probably needs to go up another level again from the Karka Millions, but we think she can. “Barrier eight, we are happy enough, but we would have loved to have drawn a little bit closer. We are confident she can give it a real shake, it is shaping up very interesting with the Aussies in it, it should be a good race.” Earlier on the card, Campionessa will be looking to add to her elite-level haul in HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). “We were disappointed with Campionessa’s run at Wellington (sixth in Gr.3 Trentham Stakes, 2100m) so we gave her a freshen-up,” Bergerson said. “A freshen-up and a change around here at home we are hoping can spark her back into a bit of form. She is going to have to lift off her previous efforts to beat the likes of Legarto. “She seems bright and well here at home, and on her day she is a Group One-winning mare, so she is more than capable.” Te Akau will have a two-pronged attack in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) courtesy of Midnight Blue and perennial bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha, who has finished runner-up in her last four outings, including the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA (1600m). “There isn’t much of Qali Al Farrasha, but she is all heart,” Bergerson said. “She has done a fantastic job this season without winning that Group One. She seems in good form, she has come through Ellerslie well, I thought she was really game behind El Vencedor, who is absolutely flying. “She has drawn well (1), should get a good trip in behind the speed and she will run well, it’s just whether she can turn the tables on the two favoured runners. “We have freshened Midnight Blue up from the 2400m (Gr.3 Avondale Cup). He has had a quiet time of it between runs. He was unlucky in the Avondale Cup. Speaking to Ryan (Elliot, jockey) post-race, he thought if he had an unchecked run he would have gone close to winning it. We think he is capable of a cheeky race.” Te Akau’s Ellerslie Group One offering will be rounded out by Hakkinen in the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m). “Hakkinen was very good (when fourth) in the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2100m) and Rory (Hutchings, jockey) gave him a lovely run on speed,” Bergerson said. “We have drawn well again (2), so we will hopefully be able to put him up there in behind the speed in the race, which we think will suit. “He has gone the right way since the Avondale Guineas, he is lightly raced and he will take great benefit from his last run. There are a few talented ones that he needs to turn the table on, but we think he is going the right way and is a nice each way chance.” I’m A Dirty Rascal will be the stable’s sole contender in the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m), and Bergerson believes he will appreciate the two miles. “We weren’t overly disappointed with his run at Ellerslie five or six weeks ago. He got back off a slow tempo, they sprinted and he is very one-paced,” Bergerson said. “We think he is going to love the 3200m. We have given him a European style prep. We thought his trial at Taupo was good over a distance (1100m) well short of his best. He has a nice, light weight (53kg) with Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) aboard and we think he is a nice live chance.” Meanwhile, across the Tasman, Captured By Love will carry Te Akau’s tangerine and blue silks in the Gr.2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. She finished fourth in her Australian debut in the Listed Desirable Stakes (1400m) at Flemington last month and her connections are hoping for an improved performance this weekend. “It is pretty easy to knock her run last time,” Bergerson said. “We thought the rain on the day just cost her. She loomed up like she was going to really be in it, but when Blake (Shinn) went for her she floundered in the ground a little bit. “I know they (Cranbourne stable) are really happy with her and her work has been very good leading into it. Back up to the mile really suits her. Hopefully she can bring back that (New Zealand) 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) form, and if she does, we are confident she can be in it.” View the full article

Stephen Marsh has given the high flying El Vencedor the nod as his best chance of landing a winning blow at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Cambridge trainer is well-represented in the Champions’ Day features but finds it hard to go past the in-form son of Shocking in his bid to add the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) to his record. El Vencedor is chasing his third top-flight title on the bounce following successes in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and the Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). “I think he’s our best the way he’s been going, he loves Ellerslie and back to 2000m, I can’t see any negatives,” Marsh said. “He’s got barrier four as well and that’s probably the perfect gate.” El Vencedor, who will head to Hong Kong next month to contest the Gr.1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin, is set to have a big payday on Saturday no matter the outcome, with the gelding having an unassailable lead in the Rich Hill Champion Middle Distance Series going into the final race of the series this weekend. The six-year-old currently leads the series on 17 points, and with the winner of the Bonecrusher set to accrue seven points, and his nearest rival on Saturday being eight points adrift, the connections of El Vencedor will take home the $300,000 bonus for winning the series. Race rivals La Crique, Orchestral and Qali Al Farrasha will battle out the minor placings, with the trio having to usurp second-placed Snazzytavi to take home the runner-up bonus of $150,000, with $50,000 going to third place. While pleased with El Vencedor’s draw (4), Marsh can’t say the same for Tale Of The Gypsy and To Cap It All, who will jump from gates nine and eight respectively in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). “It’s just a shame they’ve both drawn wide and Tale Of The Gypsy hasn’t been able to get a good gate all her life,” Marsh said. The Written By filly has won once from three starts, having drawn the outside barrier on each occasion, while To Cap It All was a debut winner before finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). “She’s going well and they are both deserving of a crack at a Group One,” Marsh said. The stable will chase further elite level honours with Bourbon Proof and Kiwi Skyhawk in the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Provence and Merchant Queen to contest the Gr.1 HKJC World Pool NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). Bourbon Proof has finished runner-up in both the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m). “He doesn’t need to improve much to be in the thick of it, his last two runs have been great,” Marsh said. “I’m really happy with him and he maps well from a good gate (three) and Kiwi Skyhawk wasn’t suited by the slow tempo in the Avondale Guineas. “If it’s a genuinely run Derby, it will bring him right into it.” Provence will look to turn her fortunes around in the Breeders’ Stakes after a luckless run in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1400m) while Merchant Queen was a last-start third in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m). “Provence is a very good mare and has drawn out a bit at 11. She’s going really well but will need a bit of luck taking on Legarto,” Marsh said. “It’s a throw at the stumps for Merchant Queen, but she does love Ellerslie and will jump and put herself up on the speed and deserves her chance.” Marsh also has two live hopes in the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) with the in-form Penman and Ardalio, winner two starts back of the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) before she was sixth in the Champagne. “Penman’s just a horse that has kept improving all the time and his work has been terrific,” Marsh said. “Ardalio was great last time when they went slowly, she got a long way back and was good to the line. I think she’s the forgotten horse to be honest.” Meanwhile, Marsh is hoping a changed approach leading into the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) will bring out the best in Nest Egg, who hasn’t raced since third in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m). “We’re trying something different with him and didn’t run him in the Avondale Cup (Gr.3, 2400m),” he said. “We’ve had him at the beach, he’s done some schooling and has worked well.” Wide gates will make it tough for Tardelli (15) and She’s Untouchable (12) when they round off the day in the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) with the former rated the top seed. “Tardelli has been going really well, his run for third in the Uncle Remus (Listed, 1400m) was super. He just needs some luck,” Marsh said. View the full article

9th-Fair Grounds, $55,000, Alw (NW3$X)/Opt. Clm ($80,000), 3-6, 4yo/up, 1mT, 1:39.39, fm, 1/2 length. DONEGAL MOMENTUM (c, 4, Uncle Mo–Moon Dash {SP}, by Malibu Moon) was named a 'TDN Rising Star' at the beginning of a 3-year-old campaign which saw him win the Gio Ponti Stakes in October and finish out his season with a third, just one length off winner Formidable Man (City of Light) who took last week's GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile, in the GI Hollywood Derby at Del Mar Nov. 30. Cutting back to the mile for his 4-year-old debut Thursday, the 1-2 favorite got outrun for the lead from his outside gate and had to rate third behind pacesetter Swiftsure (Uncle Mo) and Wonderful Justice (GB) (Justify) through the opening half in :49.04. Pushed along on the outside of that pair around the far turn, he quickly drew past but had to keep finding as Out of Deductions (Nyquist) challenged late, ultimately coming up a half-length short of Donegal Momentum on the line. Moon Dash, who was herself a $650,000 2-year-old at OBS April in 2017, reported a Corniche filly this year. Sales History: $375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW/GISP, 7-4-1-1, $285,250. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Donegal Racing; B-Speedway Stable (KY); T-Thomas Morley. Donegal Momentum hangs in to win R9 at @fairgroundsnola as the betting favorite! @jjcjockey came in town to ride and @morley_racing trains. TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/lmn4EcGJ3D — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 6, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Donegal Momentum Back To Winning At Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual Eclipse winning trainer Brad Cox is drawing up intended targets for Flood Zone's (Frosted) next start after the colt took home the GIII Gotham Stakes at the Big A last weekend. The trainer said that possibilities include the Mar. 29 running of the GI Florida Derby and also two races scheduled for Apr. 5–the GII Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct and the GII UAE Derby at Meydan. Flood Zone stablemate and GI Florida Derby contender Tappan Street (Into Mischief) continues to tune up at Payson Park. Most recently, the GIII Holy Bull Stakes runner-up breezed a half-mile in :49.80. “He's a very nice colt and continues to train forwardly for the Florida Derby,” Cox said. “The race will only be his third start, but he's shown a lot of natural talent in the morning and afternoon.” @MaggieWolfndale shares her thoughts on Flood Zone's impressive Gotham Stakes win and what it could mean for his Kentucky Derby chances! Can he make a splash on the First Saturday in May? pic.twitter.com/CKdKAQN76i — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) March 2, 2025 The post Cox Making Plans For Gotham Hero Flood Zone And Lightly-Raced Tappan Street appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Friday, March 7. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for March 7, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Newcastle R1-2 | Bet Back Run 2nd or 3rd up to $50 back Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1 & 2 at Newcastle this Friday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $50 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Moonee Valley – Friday Bonus Back 2nd All Races Moonee Valley. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your horse comes 2nd. Fixed odds only. Eligible customers only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Sandown R1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Back Back up to $25 Place a Fixed Price Win bet on Races 1-3 at Sandown and if your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd, get your stake back in bonus up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Moonee Valley – Friday Best Tote Exotics All Races Includes Quaddies, Quinellas, Exactas, Trifectas & First 4s. Eligible customers only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for March 7, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

A little over a month after posting the first black-type win of her career with a furious late rally in the Endeavour Stakes (G3T), CHP Racing's Saffron Moon is back at Tampa for more graded accolades in the Hillsborough Stakes (G2T) March 8.View the full article

Participants of the Maryland Horse Breeder Association's Annual Yearling Show not only have the opportunity to take home ribbons and prize money at the show, but they are eligible for a portion of $40,000 in bonus awards from the Maryland-bred fund.View the full article

The under-tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, delayed a day by weather and beset by a strong and persistent headwind when it opened Thursday, nonetheless got off to a fast start when the first horse on track, a colt by Charlatan (hip 176), worked a furlong in :9 4/5. Just a few minutes later, a son of another freshman sire, Maxfield (hip 119), equaled that time and the trio of bullet workers on the day was completed later in the first set by a colt by Maclean's Music (hip 238). Consigned by Torie and Jimbo Gladwell's Top Line Sales, hip 176 is from the first crop of GI Arkansas Derby winner Charlatan (Speightstown) and out of graded-placed Hang a Star (Tapizar). He was bred by Newstead Corp. Top Line Sales also sent out hip 238, who is out of stakes winner Katie's Kiss (Kantharos). The colt was bred by Torie Gladwell, Cincinnati Equine, Borrowdale LLC, Knollwood Farm and Valerie Dailey and was purchased in utero for $75,000 at the 2022 Keeneland November sale. From the first crop of multiple Grade I winner Maxfield (Street Sense), hip 119 is consigned by Wavertree Stables. The bay colt, who was a $75,000 Keeneland September purchase, is out of multiple stakes winner and graded-placed Eyeinthesky (Sky Mesa). “He's always been a really nice horse, hence his positioning in the breeze show today,” said Wavertree's Ciaran Dunne. Wavertree sent out two juveniles by Maxfield to work Thursday. In addition to the bullet worker, the consignment was also represented by a filly (hip 290), who is scheduled to work Friday. “I have two Maxfields and they are both in this sale,” Dunne said. “They are two very different horses. He's very sleek and lean and the filly is a bigger, rangier type. I don't see a lot of Street Sense in him. He's just a beautiful horse.” Dunne admitted conditions were difficult during Thursday's first of what is now a three-day under-tack show. Hip 119 conducted his work into a significant headwind. “I think he breezed in a 17mph headwind that popped up on the screen when he was going,” Dunne said. “And that was pretty typical of the day. It gusted as well, so some of them got a bit of a break and others just got the worst of it. From start to finish, it was a really tough day. But that's no one's fault. It's just the conditions that there were. I am sure that the astute horse buyers will sort through it and pick themselves out a couple who are going to be real value, especially if, as we are expecting, the wind changes and they have a tailwind tomorrow. It will definitely be two completely different racetracks.” A pair of juveniles shared the fastest quarter-mile time of :20 4/5 for the session. First up was hip 19, a filly by Connect (Curlin) out of stakes-placed Catsadiva (Tale of the Cat). The bay filly, purchased for $20,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July sale, is consigned by Hoppel, LLC, agent. Equaling that time later in the session was hip 245, a colt by Fog of War out of stakes-placed Kiss the Lady (Quiet American). The colt, consigned by Omar Ramirez, was purchased by Luis Quevedo for $4,000 at the OBS Winter sale last year and RNA'd for $9,000 at the OBS October sale. The under-tack show continues Friday and Saturday with sessions beginning at 8 a.m. The March sale will be held next Tuesday through Thursday with bidding commencing each day at 11 a.m. The post Battling the Wind, Trio Share Fastest Furlong at OBS Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chad Brown will have a pair of chancers, err, chances, to repeat in Saturday's GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby. 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie), a sensational, come-from-behind winner of last year's GI Hopeful Stakes and GI Champagne Stakes, will kick off his sophomore campaign in the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Downs centerpiece, good for 105 points (50-25-15-10-5) on the road to the GI Kentucky Derby. The Flanagan Racing colorbearer suffered his first career defeat finishing a disappointing sixth at a well-backed 2-1 while making his two-turn debut in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar Nov. 1. He will race with first-time blinkers while facing six rivals this weekend. Regular rider Flavien Prat will be aboard the 8-5 morning-line favorite. “I was a little reluctant to make the change because he's got those two Grade I wins without them,” said Brown, who won last year's Tampa Bay Derby with subsequent GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial winner and first-season Coolmore stallion Domestic Product (Practical Joke). “He's overcome a lot in his races and wasn't helping himself with his early position at all. He's been running in spots and has enough raw ability and heart to get up there in time. I kept an open mind this off season about any improvements I could make and we tried him with blinkers recently and I did see him go a little bit better. He was definitely there for the rider the whole way, so we're gonna try it.” Hailing from the first crop of McKinzie, Chancer McPatrick, a $260,000 FTKJUL yearling turned $725,000 OBSAPR breezer (:21), is out of the winning Bernardini mare Bernadreamy, a daughter of GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes heroine and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies runner-up Dream Empress (Bernstein). “He's done what you'd like to see from two to three, he filled out a bit and looks pretty good,” Brown said. “That said, he was always a pretty advanced horse mentally as a 2-year-old, which also contributed to him having so much early success. He always trained like an older horse.” Brown will also get fellow 'Rising Star' Hill Road (Quality Road)'s 3-year-old season underway in the Tampa Bay Derby. The Amo Racing USA representative was transferred to Brown after rallying smartly for a longshot third over a surface playing quite kindly to speed in the Juvenile. He finished up in a field-best :30.02 that day, reporting home 4 3/4 lengths adrift of the wire-to-wire winner, champion Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). “Him and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) were really the only two horses that closed effectively all (Breeders' Cup) weekend,” said Brown, who, of course, saddled the latter to a powerful, off-the-pace win in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic as well as a near miss earlier in the year in the Kentucky Derby. “I was quite impressed with that given the track.” Hill Road | Horsephotos Hill Road, a $350,000 KEESEP yearling produced by a stakes-placed, Lemon Drop Kid half-sister to MGISW and promising young sire City of Light (Quality Road), made two prior starts for conditioner Adrian Murray on grass in Ireland, winning impressively on debut at Leopardstown and finishing seventh in the G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh. Drawn one to the outside of Chancer McPatrick in post three, Hill Road will also race with first-time blinkers in the Tampa Bay Derby. “(Hill Road) needed some time off as well after the Breeders' Cup,” Brown said. “He's a couple of weeks behind Chancer McPatrick as far as when I could get him on a work schedule, so he's not as fit. I elected to run him in here, because looking at the schedule, I'm not confident I'm gonna have the right kind of allowance or stakes race to serve as a good bridge. Whether he gets to the Derby or a different Triple Crown race, there needs to be some sort of bridge of development for me.” Chancer McPatrick has posted six workouts at Payson Park base since having a “tiny flake” removed from a front ankle, including a four-furlong breeze in :48.80 (4/68) Mar. 1. Hill Road has breezed five times for Brown, most recently covering four furlongs in :49.20 (10/68) Mar. 1. “Him and Chancer, neither of them have as many works that I would want given their 60-day breaks, which is more (time off) than you'd want to give a Derby horse in the off season,” Brown said. “But I want to give these horses a chance to make the Derby without going all in and potentially harming their development. This race at Tampa is a bit of a happy medium. It gives you enough time on paper to make the Derby and still have a chance for them to run really well in the race.” Brown added, “I'd rather go into a race less than 100% fit like this, especially with horses that don't run on the pace, and have the option to go to the Derby or not and still have a horse for the year than to really tighten the screws trying to go for points and make up for lost time. If you fail doing that, not only do you lose the Derby, you lose the year.” Chad Brown | Sarah Andrew The very promising Praetor (Into Mischief), meanwhile, will also make his 3-year-old bow for Brown in a first-level optional claimer going a one-turn mile at Gulfstream Park Sunday. Campaigned in partnership by William H. Lawrence, CHP Racing and Gainesway Stable, the $725,000 KEESEP graduate was featured in these pages following a sneaky good debut third after an eventful start sprinting in the Saratoga mud, then held on to graduate by a neck over Sovereignty (Into Mischief)–yes, the same Sovereignty that everyone is still talking about after his head-turning win in last Saturday's GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes–going a one-turn mile at Aqueduct. “He's another one, he looked like a very promising Derby prospect and I had to stop on him (last year),” Brown said. “No surgery, but he had an issue and wasn't right. He did beat Sovereignty and had the better of him with the way the track was playing at Aqueduct that day and being loose on the lead. To Sovereignty's credit, he was against everything and it was a close race. It's nice to see that he's coming out of a race with one of the favorites for the Derby right now. I think it's a good spot to start back at a one-turn mile, then go from there to see if he can get around two turns.” Brown added that last year's previously mentioned champion 3-year-old colt Sierra Leone remains on target to return in the GII Oaklawn Handicap Apr. 19. The post Led by Chancer McPatrick, Trio of Talented 3yos Returning for Chad Brown This Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the road to Oaklawn Park from his barn at Fair Grounds, Kenny McPeek seemed like a man without a care in the world when reached by phone in his car. And why should he? His Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) will begin her 4-year-old year in the GII Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn and since last seen in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff she has not missed a step. “If she's every bit as good as she was as a 3-year-old I think we'd be satisfied,” McPeek said. “I don't know how much better you can get her from three to four. She's ultra special, as we all know. She's done everything right this winter. She's made an easy transition from three to four. We gave her a couple of months at our Magdalena Farm. Then she was able to train in Florida, some more in Louisiana and now she's going to run in Arkansas.” McPeek is known for taking chances with his horses and accepting challenges most trainers would not. But that won't be the case in the Azeri. Beyond Thorpedo Anna, it's a pretty weak field. Grade III winners Wild Bout Hilary (Midnight Lute) and Recharge (Gun Runner) are the only other higher level winners in the field. Thorpedo Anna is 2-5 in the morning line. “I thought it was a pretty conservative spot to bring her back in,” McPeek said. “She's only run against older horses one time. She's fond of the Oaklawn strip. We have a division there and, of course, the purse is a good one, $400,000. This race should propel her into the Apple Blossom, if all goes smoothly.” While McPeek is relatively certain that the Apr. 12 running of the GI Apple Blossom Handicap will be next, he hasn't totally ruled out an appearance in the G1 Dubai World Cup Apr. 5. “I haven't closed the door on going to the Dubai World Cup,” he said. “If she went out there and won by some silly amount and was ultra impressive, maybe I would be enticed. We've done all the vaccinations and checked in with the shipping companies. We haven't declined the invitation, but if you asked me today, we would probably go to the Apple Blossom.” Once the spring is in the books, McPeek will consider the GI La Troienne Stakes at Churchill along with the many stakes races for older fillies run in New York. “We'd like to stack her resume and her earnings,” he said. “You can't assume anything. You've got to hope she stays healthy. At this point everything we've asked her to do she done. That's been her modus operandi. She's just a lovely filly to be around.” Thorpedo Anna outside of Fierceness in the Travers | Sarha Andrew McPeek tried the GI DK Travers Stakes last year and Thorpedo Anna lost by a head to the top 3-year-old colt Fierceness (City of Light). Though she was beaten perhaps more so than in any other race, the Travers is what vaulted her to the Horse of the Year title. McPeek has made no decisions yet so far as whether or not she will try males again this year. “It's too far away to think about running against colts,” he said. “Maybe at the end of the year. Let's see how her season goes. I'm not going to rush her into running against colts. We've got a lovely filly on our hands. Let's get through the spring and we can start worrying about some of those things in the summer. In this business you can't count your chickens before they've hatched. If you do you will be humbled real quick.” After winning the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff and Horse of the Year, there's not a whole lot left for Thorpedo Anna to achieve. McPeek said the primary goal will be winning again at the Breeders' Cup. “I'd love to think she can win another Breeders Cup race, whether it's the Distaff or the Classic. That would be an ultimate year-end goal,” he said. And after the Breeders' Cup she may not be done. McPeek said the ownership group is seriously considering running Thorpedo Anna as a 5-year-old. “We have not ruled out running her next year,” he said. “If you think about it, she is by a modest stallion, Fast Anna. We assume people aren't going to throw money at that at the sales. The fact she was a modest yearling, it's hard to say what she would bring at auction, so we might be more inclined to keep her and race her next year. “I don't know in the long run if we would sell her,” McPeek said. “The partnership group has not had any notion to sell. We have had a lot of big offers. Its enticing, but at the same time this is the kind of horse where you really want to enjoy having her. We'll let her take us on this fantastic ride she has taken us on, and see how long it's going to last.” The post Thorpedo Anna Raring To Go For 4-year-old Debut In Azeri appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday sees an unusual double-header with Westport getting underway at 1.56pm and an eight race card at Alexandra Park at 5.42pm. Sam Ottley returns to Patterson Park after her heroics there in December while Duchess Megxit, the 3YO Pacing Filly of the Year, starts a new campaign up north. Duchess Megxit returns after tough week for top trainer By Michael Guerin Training legend Barry Purdon is hoping this weekend goes better than last and he has two of his stable stars with opportunities to put a smile back on his face. The Hall of Famer had to watch his best horse Merlin miss making tomorrow’s Miracle Mile after a horror show of a prelude at Menangle last Saturday where he caused a false start and then paced a dazzling first 400m sectional before understandably fading out of the placings. The night wasn’t a total write off for Purdon and training partner Scott Phelan as their under-rated pacer Sooner The Bettor qualified for the Miracle Mile with a prelude third, putting him in the red hot thriller at 11.45pm (NZ time) tomorrow night. But while that gives him an opportunity to match or even go better than last year when Sooner The Bettor finished second to Leap To Fame, Purdon isn’t able to be at Menangle as he is in hospital. He is having complications after having a hip replaced so needed to go back in for another operation last week. “It hasn’t been a lot of fun but luckily we have good staff and of course Scott is over there (Sydney) with those horses,” says Purdon. The stable were going to back Merlin up in a 2300m free-for-all tomorrow night, a race he actually won last year, but they have pulled the pin and will instead bring him home to prepare for his defence of the Cambridge slot race now known as The Race by Betcha. “But we are still very happy to have Sooner The Bettor in the Miracle Mile. It is a great race that means a lot to us and he has a good draw so we think he will go well.” Closer to home the stable will also launch the new season for their outstanding mare Duchess Megxit when she returns in the main pace at Alexandra Park tonight, the Warren Mathieson 60th Birthday Mobile Pace. Duchess Megxit was our best three-year-old pacing filly last season and will be given her first shot at the superstars of pacing on April 4 as she too is being aimed at the Race by Betcha, taking on Merlin and Leap To Fame. That could ensure she draws the ace under the slot race conditions but while tonight’s field is much weaker than what she will face in a month she faces the tricky barrier in the 1700m mobile. Duchess Megxit (R5, No.7) wasn’t asked to show her best at the Pukekohe trials last week and while she opened the $1.90 favourite for tonight’s sprint she was quickly backed into $1.65. “It won’t be easy as she tends to be driven for speed and that will probably be the case this week,” said Purdon. “And she will improve with the run. “We also have Invisible in that race and he has been going well.” Ohoka Connor is a pivotal rival tonight as he was heavily backed last week even though his trainer warned he could be a run short. That proved to be the case but he will strip a lot fitter and his $6.50 opening price for tonight was an over-correction. Tonight’s black type trot named in honour of I Can Doosit sees Kyvalley Hotspur try to overcome a 30m handicap over 2200m, never easy at The Park, especially with plenty of good beginners in the race. If he can get the right drag into the race the backmarker can still win so the $2.50 the TAB bookies opened him at was fair and soon became $2.10. Ottley returns to Coast with new mission By Mike Love Sam Ottley returns to the track where she created history today, with a number of good each way chances on Westport’s 11 race card at Patterson Park. She had five winners on Boxing Day to claim a history-making 100 wins for 2024, the first time a female driver had done so in a 12 month season in this country. Today will see two $20,000 features as well as plenty of interest around the four Team Teal races. “It was great they got so many noms and were able to split the races. It’s great for the cause,” said Ottley. Team Teal, HRNZ’s annual campaign to raise funds for ovarian cancer research, started on February 1 and finishes in just over a week, on March 16. Ottley suggests Martha Stuart ($4.60FF) in Race 6, the TRT Builders Team Teal Trot over 2600m will be a leading chance. “She was good last start. She gets into the race well having won eight races. She should be a good top three show. There’s a couple there that go okay but she should be right in it.” Race 7, the Jennian Homes Team Teal Pace over 2000m will see Francent strive for her third win from just five starts. Ottley says the Vincent mare will notice the rise in class but should hold her own in what is a deep field. “She’s only had a few starts. But she goes alright. The grass shouldn’t worry her. She just needs to get a good run. Her last win at Methven was really good.” Tempo Warrior lines up in Race 9, the $20,000 Buller Chartered Accountants Kawatiri Handicap Pace over 2600m (6.28pm) and will offer more of the same for punters. “He’s got great manners to put himself in the right spots. The draw is a little bit tricky. Hopefully we get a good run through early. He should run a good race.” Nellie Doyle ($3.80FF) in Race 10, the $20,000 Happy Birthday Pauline Rogers and Murray Acklin Handicap Trot over 2600m (7.04pm) will be a stern test for the six-year-old mare. “She’s done everything right to date. It’s a bit of a step up. She’s racing really good and hopefully she can keep the good form up.” Ottley’s other drives are : Race two – Moa Mojito ($41.00FF) Race four – Amalfi ($20.00FF) Race five – Franco Hoffman ($26.00FF) Race eight – Art’s Mischief ($17.00FF) Race eleven – Rapid Response ($10.00FF) Race one gets underway at 1:56pm, while the two features will go at 6:28pm and 7:04pm. View the full article

Race 3 WATER SERVICES NZ 1400m RUE DE RIVOLI (R Hutchings) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, has now been retired as a racing proposition from their stable. The post Racing Taupo @ Taupo, Wednesday 26 February 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article