Wandering Eyes

Joliestar. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The 151st running of the $1.5 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) has attracted a star-studded field of 15 set to scorch the Flemington turf on Saturday afternoon. The Chris Waller-trained Joliestar makes the trip south of Sydney and has been installed as the $4.80 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the event following a luckless first-up effort in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15. The daughter of Zoustar will be partnered by Damian Lane who will go in search of cover after drawing barrier eight for Saturday’s feature handicap. The Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) is considered one of the traditional lead-ups, and the Phillip Stokes-trained Stretan Angel fits that mold after finishing second behind Skybird on February 15. The Harry Angel mare has never missed the frame second-up across four starts and is well respected on the second line of betting at $6.50 with Neds. There are plenty of terrific betting propositions outside of the favoured pair, with $10.00 available with Picklebet for the likes of Growing Empire and Rey Magnerio. Meanwhile, the three-year-olds down towards the bottom of the page in the form of Espionage and Gatsbys are sure to gain plenty of interest at the double-figure odds with the pair set to carry 50kg on their backs respectively. The 2025 Newmarket Handicap is the penultimate race on the Flemington program and is scheduled to get underway at 4:50pm local time. 2025 Newmarket Handicap Field 1. Benedetta (2) T: Jason Warren J: Ben Melham W: 57kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay/Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Whatalovelyday +1000 +260 2. Maharba (1) T: Grahame Begg J: Billy Egan W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Blizzardly +1800 +400 3. Arkansaw Kid (14) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Newitt W: 56kg Age: 4YO Colour: Brown or Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Florabella +1000 +260 4. Buenos Noches (9) T: Ciaron Maher J: John Allen W: 56kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Horse Sire: Supido Dam: Koi +2500 +600 5. Joliestar (8) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 56kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Zoustar Dam: Jolie Bay +360 +100 6. Rey Magnerio (4) T: Robbie Griffiths J: Jye McNeil W: 56kg Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Magnus Dam: Luchardo +850 +220 7. Growing Empire (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Zoustar Dam: Miles of Krishan +750 +200 8. Ostraka (13) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Jamie Mott W: 55.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pariah Dam: Madame Andree +1800 +400 9. Stretan Angel (7) T: Phillip Stokes J: Lachlan Neindorf W: 55.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Sretan +600 +160 10. It’sourtime (6) T: Danny O’Brien J: Craig Williams W: 54kg Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Time for War Dam: Zedoble +2500 +600 11. Sghirripa (10) T: Shane & Cassie Oxlade J: Luke Currie W: 53kg Age: 5YO Colour: Grey-Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Lonhro Dam: Wonder I Do +2500 +600 12. Headwall (3) T: Matthew Smith J: Harry Coffey W: 52.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dream Ahead (USA) Dam: Positive Quest +1700 +400 13. Suparazi (12) T: Ben Brisbourne J: Declan Bates W: 52kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Super One Dam: Arazi Belle +4000 +900 14. Espionage (11) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Dean Yendall W: 50kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Zoustar Dam: In Times of War +1000 +260 15. Gatsby’s (15) T: Chris Waller J: Karis Teetan W: 50kg Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Miss Charming (USA) +1300 +320 Horse racing news View the full article

Another milestone looming for Gerard O’Reilly, the return of the Duchess, the Otago and Southland Awards winners and Addington Raceway’s Owners Night all feature in this week’s News Briefs. One down one to go for O’Reilly Ashburton trainer-driver Gerard O’Reilly is on the brink of achieving two milestones in quick succession. He clocked up his 200th training success when he drove Bettor Be Sharp to a gutsy win in the Woodlands Stud Thanks Buyers Mobile Pace won at Addington last Friday and now sits on 698 as a driver. His 200 training wins have come from 1521 starts with his first winner being Kivalina at Blenheim in 1994. His first driving success was with Yellow Ribbon for his father Patrick O’Reilly Senior in 1982. Stormont out till April, at least James Stormont will be out of action for a while after breaking a leg at his employer Graeme Rogerson’s barn. He was kicked by a young horse. He broke a bone in his leg and damaged the ligaments on the inside of his knee. He’s hoping to be back driving sometime next month. Stormont has had 1305 career wins, putting him 17th in the all time New Zealand list. He’s also had 227 wins as trainer. Trainers urged to buy scanners Trainers are being reminded to buy their own scanners, now that there aren’t any freeze brands. The reminder comes after a recent case of mistaken identity of a horse following a paddock mix up. Scanners are available for less than $100. For more information on microchipping click here House leads trainers’ premiership After producing 17 winners in February, Michael House now has a big lead in the trainers’ premiership. His 32 winners is 18 clear of nearest challengers Robert and Jenna Dunn, and Mark Jones, both on 14. Seven-time champion Blair Orange leads the drivers’ premiership with 38, 14 ahead of Wilson House, with Sam Ottley on 23 and Orange’s son Harrison on 21. $270,000 yearling makes debut An expensive purchase at the 2024 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales, Queen Lizzy has made her public debut. The Captaintreacherous-Princess Tiffany filly, bred by the Whitelocks and purchased at the sales by Mark Jones for $270,000, qualified at Ashburton on February 26. She won the six-horse trial by a nose. The yearling was the top lot at Karaka and was second overall behind the then record price of $340,000 paid for Don’t Stop Dreaming’s full brother. The Duchess is back Reigning 3YO pacing Filly of the Year Duchess Megxit will open her 2025 campaign year when she returns in the Warren Mathieson 60th Birthday Celebration Mobile Pace (7.38pm) at Alexandra Park on Friday. The multiple Group 1 winning daughter of Sweet Lou finished last year on a high and has now won 12 from 18 lifetime starts. Among her targets this year will be the $1m The Race by betcha on Cambridge’s Night of Champions on April 4. More wins for Empire City and Captains Mistress The Williamson family has been all over the Otago and Southland Harness racing awards held over the weekend. After four wins in 2024, the multiple Group-winning Empire City took out Otago Horse of the Year for owners Peter and Janet Argus. Trained by Phil Williamson, Empire City was also second in the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Derby. Son Matthew Williamson was named trainer and driver of the year in Otago as was his brother Nathan Williamson in Southland. His star two-year-old Captains Mistress was also named Southland Horse of the Year after winning four races in 2024, including the Group 1 Sires’ Stakes Fillies Championship. OnTrack looking for champions Racing’s mental well being and suicide prevention programme, OnTrack, is holding its next Champions course in Christchurch on March 27. The Champions is programme is designed to empower and educate those in the racing industry to support mental well-being in their communities. Anyone interested in becoming a Champion should contact james@ontrack.org.nz For more information click here Aussies – no surprises It will come as a surprise to no-one but dual New Zealand Cup Swayzee has been named 2024 New South Wales Horse of the year. He had seven wins in 10 starts during the year with earnings just under $1m. His regular pilot Cameron Hart was named Driver of the Year. Swayzee will next line up in Saturday’s Miracle Mile in Sydney after another dominant win in the qualifying heats at Menangle last weekend. 551 starts and still not finished The legend that is Lancelot Bromac is back in work. The 14-year-old was “retired” after running ninth at Albion Park in Brisbane in October. He had had a record 551 starts with 34 victories. Now he will return to the racetrack. “You put him in the paddock and all he wanted to do was walk up and down the fences, he would run amuck,” says trainer and part-owner Stewart Dickson. Club News : Addington Addington Raceway will be hosting its annual Owners Night on Friday, March 28. The function starts at 5pm. For more information click here Club News : Northern Southland The Northern Southland Trotting Club hold their final meeting of the 2024/2025 season at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill this Saturday (8 March). Top quality harness racing is the order of the day with several feature races on the programme including the $40,000 Group 3 Caduceus Club Of Southland/Alabar Fillies Classic, the Night n Day/Tip Top Ice Cream Autumn Cup, the Mark Jones Racing Stables/Gordon Sutherland Memorial Handicap Trot, the second heat of the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes and the Ascot Four Square Stella Frost Stakes. . Admission at the gate is free while the club offers a great day of value with their $50 Gold Card which allows access to the Top Of The Park with superb viewing plus food and beverage throughout the day. The first race is timed to start at 12.20pm and owners are welcome in the Alabar Owners Room on the first floor of the main grandstand where they can enjoy hospitality throughout the day. Kidz Kartz will be on track with a race early on the day as well. Head to the Northern Southland Trotting Club facebook page for more information on a great day of action. View the full article

Another Wil defeated Mr Brightside in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) The Group 1 All Star Mile (1600m) may have only attracted a field of seven runners at Flemington on Saturday afternoon, but it will feature another meeting between Mr Brightside (+130) and Another Wil (+230), who finished first and second in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield last start. On that day, the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding got the better of Mr Brightside, finishing over the top of his rival to claim an emotional win for connections of the five-year-old rising star. However, since that defeat, Mr B returned to Caulfield to claim his ninth Group 1 success of his illustrious career by defending his Futurity Stakes title. Tom Kitten (+450), who finished an unlucky second place behind Mr Brightside, will attempt to turn the tables from last start when he heads to Flemington second up. The James Cummings-trained gelding looks like the obvious threat to the top two, as he is expected to enjoy getting out to 1600m and the bigger track at headquarters. Atishu (+750) from the Chris Waller stable will be the only runner heading down from Sydney to contest the All Star Mile, following her seventh-place finish in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes. The daughter of Savabeel owns a formidable record at Flemington, recording a victory in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes and a second-place finish behind Cox Plate winner Via Sistina in the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes in her last two starts. The All Star Mile will be race seven on the Flemington program and is scheduled to jump at 3:30pm AEDT. 2025 All Star Mile Final Field 1. Mr Brightside (5) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Williams W: 59kg Age: 7YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Bullbars Dam: Lilahjay (NZ) +130 -222.22 2. Tom Kitten (4) T: James Cummings J: Ben Melham W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Transfers +450 +150 3. Light Infantry Man (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ethan Brown W: 59kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Fast Company (IRE) Dam: Lights On Me (GB) +1100 +360 4. Another Wil (1) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Melham W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Arohanui +230 -133.33 5. Flying Trapeze (3) T: Gary Portelli J: Billy Egan W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Horse Sire: Trapeze Artist Dam: Coromandel +8000 +2700 6. Rise at Dawn (2) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Kay’s Awake (NZ) +1100 +360 7. Atishu (7) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 57kg Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Posy (NZ) +750 +240 Horse racing news View the full article

Canterbury Stakes contender, Magic Time. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) is the second of back-to-back Group 1 features at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with the $750,000 prize attracting a quality field of 12. The top of the market can’t be split by horse racing betting sites, with the trio of Switzerland, Magic Time and Sunshine In Paris all installed as equal $4.60 favourites. It will be left in punters hands to decide what form-lines to follow, with two of the three favoured runners last-start winners. Magic Time returned an impressive winner of the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15, while Sunshine In Paris bloused her rivals in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at the end of last preparation. Meanwhile, the Chris Waller-trained Switzerland returns to Sydney and will be looking to bounce back after a lacklustre performance in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 15. The Bjorn Baker-trained Stefi Magnetica isn’t far away at the $6.00 with BlondeBet as she returns after a 119-day spell, while Here To Shock returns to Australia after tasting Group 1 success across the ditch. Double-figure odds are available about every other runner with Dabble, including two-time Group 1 winning colt Ceolwulf ($11.00) who heads into this contest second-up after missing last Saturday’s Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m). The chances don’t end there, however, with the pair of Militarize and Royal Patronage representing terrific each-way value at the $15.00 apiece The 2025 Canterbury Stakes is the eighth race on the Randwick program and is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm AEDT. 2025 Canterbury Stakes Final Field 1. Ceolwulf (1) T: Joseph Pride J: Adam Hyeronimus W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Las Brisas (GB) +900 +200 2. Here to Shock (2) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Nash Rawiller W: 59kg Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Shocking Dam: Frescoes +800 +180 3. Airman (4) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Zara Bay +6000 +1100 4. Militarize (5) T: Chris Waller J: Tommy Berry W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Amerindia (GB) +1600 +340 5. Pericles (10) T: James Cummings J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Accessories (GB) +2500 +500 6. Royal Patronage (11) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 59kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Shaloushka (IRE) +1600 +340 7. Celestial Legend (8) T: Les Bridge J: Jason Collett W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Grey-Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Sarraqa +2500 +500 8. Encap (3) T: Gary Portelli J: Ms Rachel King W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Capitalist Dam: Enquare +8000 +1500 9. Sunshine In Paris (12) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Chad Schofield W: 57kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Invader Dam: Zenaida (NZ) +400 -105.26 10. Magic Time (6) T: Grahame Begg J: Jordan Childs W: 57kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Time Awaits +320 -133.33 11. Stefi Magnetica (7) T: Bjorn Baker J: Zac Lloyd W: 57kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: All Too Hard Dam: Mid Summer Music +550 +130 12. Switzerland (9) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 56kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Ms Bad Behavior (CAN) +400 -105.26 Horse racing news View the full article

Broadsiding cruised to victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The time-honoured Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) headlines the action at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of nine set to line up in the $1 million three-year-old feature. It is no surprise the James Cummings-trained Broadsiding heads the market as $1.60 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, with the son of Too Darn Hot producing a dominant first-up victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 22. Seven of the nine runners engaged come through the same form-line and will be attempting to turn the tables on the Godolphin colt as James McDonald gets legged aboard from barrier four. Swiftfalcon ($4.60) is the second market elect and the best backed runner to overcome his first-up defeat, with Tyler Schiller likely to gain a more economical run from gate five. Aeliana is the only filly in the race and is on the third line of betting at $6.00 with Neds after closing off impressively in the 2025 Hobartville Stakes. The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) runner-up will be piloted by Jason Collett and has drawn well in barrier three. Zac Lloyd will partner Linebacker ($8.00) for the first time, and the Super Seth gelding should get favourable wet conditions, with significant rainfall forecast leading into the weekend. Bevan Laming and Martin Harley will combine with Queensland raider Our Benefactor ($26.00) who brings a differing form-line and is searching for a fourth-straight victory, however, the son of Contributor will need to do it the hard way drawn out in barrier nine. The 2025 Randwick Guineas is the first leg of the quaddie on Saturday and is scheduled to get underway at 3:50pm local time. 2025 Randwick Guineas Final Field 1. Broadsiding (4) T: James Cummings J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Speedway -166.67 -1666.67 2. Swiftfalcon (5) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Exceedance Dam: Tempting Delight +360 -285.71 3. Linebacker (6) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Super Seth Dam: Garden of Swans (GB) +700 -133.33 4. China Sea (2) T: John Sargent J: Tim Clark W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Rippled (GB) +10000 +900 5. Firm Agreement (1) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Tom Sherry W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Yes Yes Yes Dam: Money Magic +5000 +500 6. Depth of Character (8) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Joshua Parr W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Deep Field Dam: Caricature (NZ) +5000 +500 7. Our Benefactor (9) T: Bevan Laming J: Martin Harley W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Contributer (IRE) Dam: Madonna Mia (NZ) +2500 +250 8. Tenbury Wells (7) T: Brad Widdup J: W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Dowager Queen (NZ) +15000 +1400 9. Aeliana (3) T: Chris Waller J: Jason Collett W: 54.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Castelvecchio Dam: Temolie +500 -200 Horse racing news View the full article

The Fasig-Tipton Digital Soul of an Angel Flash Sale, a one-horse online auction of Eclipse champion female sprinter Soul of an Angel closed March 4 with a record result of $2.6 million. She was purchased by Chatsworth Stud, Australia. View the full article

Following an eight-month hiatus, the Mucho Macho Man gelding returned in January for the listed Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint Stakes, finishing sixth.View the full article

Nic's Style looks to secure her first graded stakes win in the $165,000 Hurricane Bertie Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park, March 8. The 5-year-old daughter of Uncaptured takes on a field of six fillies and mares in the six and a half furlong sprint. View the full article

Reigning Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter Soul of an Angel (Atreides–Factor One, by The Factor) set a new record price for the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform Tuesday, selling to Australia's Chatsworth Stud for $2.6 million in a one-horse flash sale. Winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in November, Soul of an Angel was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Throughout the sale, Soul of an Angel remained at her current base of Gulfstream Park in Florida. “Soul of an Angel took us to the pinnacle of horse racing in the Breeders' Cup, so it was a bit bittersweet letting her go,” said co-owner Mark Cornett. “We are thrilled with the result and wish the new owners the best of luck with her.” The $2.6-million sale is the highest to date on Fasig-Tipton's Digital platform, which launched in March of 2022. “We are extremely thankful to owners Mark Cornett of C2 Racing, Mark Martinez of Agave Racing, and Ken T. Reimer, along with Taylor Made Sales for entrusting Fasig-Tipton Digital with their Champion,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “It was an honor to have a horse with the accolades of Soul of an Angel on the platform.” Fasig-Tipton Digital's next sale is the March Digital Sale, which is scheduled Mar. 13-18. The post At $2.6 Million, Soul of an Angel Sets New Fasig-Tipton Digital Record appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lightly-raced Tavistock five-year-old Henry Robin (NZ) (Tavistock) is set to make his New Zealand debut at Te Aroha on Friday when he contests the Ecolab 1600. Bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, Henry Robin was offered through Woburn Farm’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, for $440,000. He was broken in by Cambridge trainers Maxim and Samantha Van Lierde before heading across the Tasman where he had five starts for Ben, Will and JD Hayes, including a victory over 2520m at Cranbourne in January last year. The gelding has been plagued by injury and returned to the care of the Van Lierdes last year, for whom he is set to make his New Zealand debut this week. “It will be quite sentimental, having broken him in,” Maxim Van Lierde said. “Henrieta, the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, is a very good friend of ours and we break in a few of her young horses, and we have been fortunate enough to train a couple as well. “We broke him (Henry Robin) in and did all of his education and then he went off to Australia. He has had a fair bit of misfortune with injury over the years, so he has been back and forward to us just to do a bit of spelling and get him up to speed again. “He predominately did his racing with Lindsay Park in Australia, and he won over 2500m over there. The boys did a phenomenal job with him, but he ended coming back through injury. “He has had a long injury layoff, we have trialled him twice since and then he wasn’t quite right, so we turned him out again and now we have got him back up this time. “George Rooke galloped him this (Tuesday) morning at Cambridge and gave him the tick of approval, he was very happy with him.” Henry Robin will be having his first start in more than 12 months and his conditioners are pleased with him ahead of his resuming run, with the mile distance and inside barrier of two being their only concern. “The distance will be far short of his best,” Van Lierde said. “He has won over 2500m but on the big, roomy track at Te Aroha, if he is finding the line and running on well, we will be very happy. “He is probably best drawn out. Being a Tavistock, he wants a bit of racing room, he is quite a big horse. We will certainly be telling Masa (Hashizume, jockey) to get off the fence when he can and give him some clear air.” Meanwhile, Van Lierde will be keeping a close eye on the weather in Taranaki this week, with stablemate Slippery (NZ) (Keano) set to contest the rating 65 1000m at New Plymouth on Saturday. “Slippery is a new acquisition to the stable and we are excited by him,” Van Lierde said. “He has shown that he is more adept on softer tracks, so we are on weather watch with him. If it is too firm, we may just save him for when the rain comes, but we have been very happy with the way he has been working.” View the full article

The week didn’t get off to the best start for South Auckland horseman Shaun Clotworthy, with his NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot holder syndicate having to replace their initial representative Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High), but he is hoping the rest of the week goes more to script. Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing have chosen fellow Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Zormella (NZ) (Almanzor) as their replacement in the $3.5 million feature, and while Clotworthy is excited about her prospects in the race, he has a number of his own team he is hoping will feature prominently on Champions Day at Ellerslie this weekend. Clotworthy, who trains in partnership with his wife Emma, are set to have a two-pronged attack in the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) with Interplanetary and Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino), the latter currently sharing $4 equal favouritism with Australian raider Thedoctoroflove. Willydoit was a $1.50 beaten favourite in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) last month, which was taken out by Thedoctoroflove, with Interplanetary finishing towards the tail end of the field. Clotworthy has ruled a line through the race for both of his runners and is expecting better showings in this weekend’s assignment. “We think Willydoit is in good space, we are happy with his condition, and we are just putting a line through his last run,” Clotworthy said. “I can’t fault Interplanetary. He was similar last start to Willydoit, he got back off a slow tempo and it was difficult to make ground. It was hard to get a real line on him as well.” Clotworthy will also be chasing Group Two glory with Aftermath (NZ) (Rock N Pop), who will step up to 3200m for the first time in Saturday’s Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup. The five-year-old gelding won two consecutive races before finishing 10th in the Gr.3 Avondale Cup (2400m) last month, and Clotworthy is confident his charge can see out the two-mile distance. “We are keen to try him over two miles. His pedigree doesn’t quite indicate it (get two miles), but he is a big, lanky type of free-going horse, and he just needs to learn to settle a touch more,” he said. “He got in a lovely position (in the Avondale Cup), he was well ridden, he just probably got a bit keen and got buffered around in the early stages, which made him over-race a touch, and that was the reason he couldn’t quite finish it off. “We just hope he gets a bit smoother run. A little bit more work in him and I think he will be a bit better from that Avondale Cup run. “(Stable apprentice) Ace Lawson-Carroll will be riding him on Saturday and it will be a good opportunity for him, and he gets along with the horse and gets him to settle.” Clotworthy is excited to be chasing some big prizemoney on New Zealand racing’s new marquee day, and said it is a great event for the industry. “It is a huge week in New Zealand racing and it’s all starting to get pretty real now that we are getting close to it,” he said. “The slot has been outstanding, there has been so much hype about that. With these Australian horses coming over it has got a real international flavour to it. There are some great three-year-olds there and everyone is excited about it. It is going to be a phenomenal day.” View the full article

Racing Queensland (RQ) has announced adjustments to upcoming race meetings due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is forecasted to make landfall between late Thursday and early Friday near Brisbane. ​ Thoroughbred Racing Sunshine Coast Turf Club: Wednesday’s meeting has been abandoned. RQ will assess opportunities to reschedule lost races in the coming days, depending on the cyclone’s effect on the overall racing calendar.​ Doomben Racecourse: The meeting scheduled for Friday is under review. Given the forecasted heavy rainfall and strong winds, there is a possibility of cancellation, although no official decision has been made yet. Gold Coast Turf Club: Saturday’s meeting is also at risk, with RQ closely monitoring weather developments to ensure the safety of participants and attendees. ​ Harness Racing Redcliffe Harness Racing Club: Wednesday’s meeting has been abandoned. Further updates on scheduled harness meetings will be provided on Wednesday morning.​ Greyhound Racing Albion Park: All meetings have been canceled until Sunday, March 9, to allow for necessary flood mitigation strategies. RQ will provide additional updates tomorrow regarding race meetings scheduled from Thursday, March 6, to Sunday, March 9, with an official advisory expected by early afternoon.​ RQ continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as necessary. Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Wednesday, March 5. 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 5, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Sandown R1-4 | Bet Back Run 2nd or 3rd up to $50 back Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1-4 at Sandown this Wednesday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up to $50 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of the race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds 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 Sandown Race 1 – Copy Any Bet AND If Your Horse Runs 2nd OR 3rd – Real Cash Back Up To $25 Valid on the FIRST Win Bet you copy, in each race. Max refund of $25 for your first copied bet only. Eligible customers only. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Wednesday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd R1-3 at Warwick Farm & Sandown Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotional limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Eligible customers only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo 25% Winnings Boost! – Sandown Get 25% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in bet slip. Cash bet only. Max Bonus $250 Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo 10 Again! – Belmont & Launceston Bet & win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet 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 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 Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Boost ‘Til You Boom Get your racing boost back if you don’t win. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. 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 5, 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

Lexington, KY–The final day of the Organization of Racing Investigators (ORI) Training Conference at Keeneland escalated the focus on enforcement and how investigators can broaden their expertise. Though participants regularly receive training at home, the ORI sessions offer equine knowledge that is highly specialized which can be taken back to their own jurisdictions and applied. Mike Singletary, vice president of security for the Maryland Jockey Club, said when his team walks the shedrow at Pimlico or Laurel being cognizant of your surroundings takes time and effort to hone. “Information is power and there is a lot of experience that comes to the conference,” Singletary said. “So, as you sit and listen to these speakers there are stewards here, equine vets here, and that's a major resource not just for me, but it's essential for my team when they go to a barn or a tack room. It's about developing an eye, so the horses are safe.” Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) investigator Lisa Vila said her horizons were broadened by returning to the event. “The ORI conference presenters have given me tools to feel more confident around horses and the industry,” she said. “As an FGCC investigator, I'll be better prepared to protect the needs of our equine athletes and help identify the use of illegal performance-enhancing substances.” On Tuesday, topics ranged from horse traceability tools offered by The Jockey Club of America to how investigators can protect their own professional reputations in a social media-driven world. An update from Dr. Michael Hardy, executive director of the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium, yielded a survey of how laboratories rely heavily on investigators who collect evidence in real time. “I consider from a drug testing and an investigation standpoint, that those two are cornerstones when it comes to integrity in this sport,” he said. “The intelligence and the evidence that the investigative body provides to our laboratories as information goes a long way when it comes to enforcement. Substances that we don't necessarily know about can be uncovered because of shared information and intelligence. What we receive helps us focus the efforts of science and there are benefits when investigators catch what the laboratory simply can't.” Dr. Alina Vale, a veterinary forensic consultant, presented an overview of why necropsy reports can offer clues to the investigator when they are building a case. Speaking of cases, Shaun Richards–the current Director of Intelligence & Strategy for the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit–gave a detailed appraisal of the FBI takedown of trainers Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis. Richards's own knowledge of horses while growing up on a farm in New Jersey was part of a full-circle moment for the seasoned agent. After a law enforcement roundtable with local Lexington police officers who took questions about how they interact with Keeneland's staff to keep everyone safe, the audience had the opportunity to hear about how the track manages protocols on race days. Attendees were given a behind-the-scenes look into Keeneland's barn surveillance system. With a proactive approach to monitoring what is an expansive set of grounds, the some 700 backside cameras provide a digital layer to equine security. The 30th ORI Training Conference is set for Mar. 1-4 at Tampa Bay Downs, a track that will be celebrating a century of racing. The post ORI Conference Enforcement-Focused On Final Day At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $300,000 Beholder Mile Stakes (G1) has drawn what looks like an evenly matched field of six fillies and mares, including shippers from Florida and Louisiana, for the one-mile dirt race that headlines an 11-race card March 8 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Feb. 24-March 2View the full article

Coming off a weekend in which Laurel Park ran eight races on Sunday with 48 starters and nine races on Saturday with 55 starters (with three four-horse fields between the two days), the non-profit (TMJC), which took over the management of Laurel and Pimlico Race Course this year, is banking on a combination of better weather, an upcoming schedule break, and a new carryover structure for the Pick Five to boost field sizes and betting handle. In response to a query from a commissioner, Bill Knauf, the president and general manager of TMJC, told the board of the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) during Tuesday's monthly meeting that entries have been difficult to fill of late. “We are down, compared to last year, about 250 horses,” Knauf said. “Now, obviously, Pimlico was open [for training] last year. I think that is the single biggest reason. It's just horses are not on the grounds, and we just have a lot less population to draw from. “But yes, [the races] have been harder to fill,” Knauf continued. “We've already drawn for this coming weekend, but the weekend after that we are taking a break [between Mar. 10 and 20 while Colonial Downs runs its Mar. 13-15 Virginia Derby festival]. So I just think that action will help us get a little bit of a break. “You know, turf racing is hopefully around the corner, and then we will start to see some of those horses coming in,” Knauf said. “In general, I think the horse population just increases as it gets warmer. We've seen spots of sunshine from the handle, but it's still a tough go.” During the Mar. 4 meeting, TMJC asked for and received commission approval to alter aspects of both the early and late Pick Five bets at Laurel. According to Christopher Merz, the MRC's executive director, the two wagers previously functioned differently with respect to carryovers. The early Pick Five got paid out in its entirety to tickets with the most number of races won, even if those winning tickets did not have all five winners. The late Pick Five, by contrast, had a carryover that went into the next racing date's late Pick Five if all five legs went unhit. Now, with the commission's approval, if no one selects all five winners, the early Pick Five will carry over to the next racing day's early Pick Five. And the late Pick Five will also carry over into the early Pick Five for the next day. In explaining the new rule before the vote, Merz underscored that the early Pick Five will not carry over into that same afternoon's late Pick Five. All carryovers will be directed to the next day's early Pick Five. “The reasoning for this is that their early Pick Five outhandles the late Pick Five by nearly half, if not more,” Merz said. “So the theory is if there's more money on the front end of their card, they will gain more attraction to their card. It's easier for them to market, and hopefully more eyes will come and bet on the card. “This rule is very similar to what has already been established in New Jersey and, I believe, Indiana also carries this rule as well,” Merz said. The post Down 250 Horses, New Laurel Management Searching for Short-Field Solutions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Darby Dan Farm's first-year stallion Blazing Sevens (Good Magic–Trophy Girl, by Warrior's Reward), Classic placed and a Grade I winner at two, has had his first mares checked in foal. Blazing Sevens stands at Darby Dan for $12,500 S&N. Named a TDN Rising Star as a 2-year-old after a debut victory at Saratoga–winning at six furlongs by 6 1/4 lengths–Blazing Sevens won the GI Champagne Stakes for owner Rodeo Creek Racing and trainer Chad Brown in just his third career outing. At three, Blazing Sevens was beaten just a head by multiple GISW National Treasure in the GI Preakness S. at Pimlico. Blazing Sevens is out of the winning Warrior's Reward mare Trophy Girl, a half-sister to GISW King David and stakes winner Bertsgoldenmissile. Bred in Kentucky by Tracy Farmer, Blazing Sevens was a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale graduate. For more information, contact Stuart Fitzgibbon at (859) 621-6763, or by email at Stuart@darbydan.com, or visit www.darbydan.com. The post First Mares In Foal to Darby Dan’s Blazing Sevens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As racing across the nation heats up with spring nearly upon us, we take a look at trends and notable items from the country's graded races in February. February featured 20 graded races from coast to coast. Five tracks hosted graded events during the month: Fair Grounds (4), Gulfstream Park (3), Oaklawn Park (4), Santa Anita Park (7), and Tampa Bay Downs (2). Four were Grade II events, while 16 were Grade III. Six were contested on turf, with 14 on dirt. Eight of the graded contests were for sophomores, split evenly with four each for fillies and colts. Trainers Bob Baffert and Brad Cox each won two, while the feel-good story was undoubtedly trainer Lonnie Briley, who won the first graded race of his career when Coal Battle (Coal Front) took the GII Rebel Stakes. It also marked the first graded win for Louisiana stallion Coal Front, who formerly stood at Spendthrift Farm. Magnitude (Not This Time) notched a 108 Beyer Speed Figure in the GII Risen Star Stakes, a number believed to equal the highest ever awarded to a sophomore at Fair Grounds. The Risen Star is also the first Kentucky Derby prep race of the year at nine furlongs. The 20 graded races were won by the progeny of 17 unique sires, with Into Mischief, Not This Time, and the late Malibu Moon all doubling up. Into Mischief got his pair of graded winners in about 90 minutes on Feb. 1 (Citizen Bull and Eclatant) and Not This Time got his in about two hours on Feb. 15 (Magnitude and Dazzling Move). A dozen of the month's 17 graded sires are active in Kentucky. Of the five remaining sires, three are deceased, one has moved to Japan, and the other to Louisiana. Only one held court outside of the Bluegrass state (Florida) when his February winner was conceived. Of the dozen Kentucky stallions, Omaha Beach has the fewest crops to race (2), while Medaglia d'Oro has the most (17). Into Mischief ($250,000, Spendthrift) and Gun Runner ($250,000, Three Chimneys) have the highest fees, while Midnight Lute ($10,000, Hill 'n' Dale) and Temple City ($5,000, Spendthrift) stand for the least. Each graded winner was represented by a different breeder. Six were homebreds. Two sides of the yearling sales spectrum were represented, with GIII Mineshaft Stakes winner Hall of Fame (Gun Runner) bringing $1.4 million as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling and GIII Tampa Bay Stakes winner Running Bee (English Channel) bringing $19,000 as a short yearling at Fasig-Tipton February. The 20 winners featured 18 unique broodmare sires, with Scat Daddy and Victory Gallop doubling up. Of the four living broodmare sires that are still active in the U.S., three stand at Darley: Medaglia d'Oro, Midshipman, and Street Sense. The other is Gainesway's Tapit. Although he's come close several times, Silver Charm–the oldest living GI Kentucky Derby winner at 31–had his first U.S. graded winner as a broodmare sire when El Potente (Temple City) won the GIII Thunder Road Stakes. GII Santa Monica Stakes winner Kopion (Omaha Beach) is out of Canada's 2016 Broodmare of the Year, Galloping Ami. The latter's sire, Victory Gallop, who was exported to Turkey in 2008, was also represented as a broodmare sire by GIII Palos Verdes Stakes winner Roll On Big Joe (Prospective) in February. The post TDN Takeaways: February’s Graded Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NYRA's head starter Hector Soler's employment has been terminated as of Sunday, Mar. 2, according to a NYRA release Tuesday. Consistent with NYRA policies, Soler has been precluded from accessing NYRA properties for a period of 90 days. Soler had been in the head starter position since December, 2020, and had worked on the gate at NYRA for over two decades. According to the organization, Jeff LaRue will assume the head starter duties on an interim basis. LaRue is the head starter at Finger Lakes and has been a substitute at NYRA since November. Additionally, NYRA Clerk of Scales Jack Welsh resigned his position effective Saturday, Mar. 1. NYRA Assistant Clerk of Scales Brian Pochman will assume responsibilities on an interim basis. The post Hector Soler, Head Starter at NYRA, Terminated appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Kentuckiana Lodge will begin chasing down spots in the best southern age-group features starting at Oamaru today. Trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety and driver Carter Dalgety will start the favourite for heat one of the Macca Lodge and Nevele R Stud Southern Oaks in Justyouwait. The three-year-old looks to get the perfect opportunity to qualify for the Group 2 final of the series when starting from barrier 2. “She should get her chance on Wednesday, there shouldn’t be too many excuses for her from that draw,” Carter Dalgety said. “She won her last trial and did it quite nicely.” “There are some handy fillies in the heat but she draws inside her main rivals so hopefully she can make use of that.” Justyouwait is currently a $2.50 favourite. Dalgety rates Grazie and Sophia Bromac among the best of his remaining drives at Oamaru. Grazie has placed in her two starts for the Dalgety stable and will try to chase down a maiden victory. “Drawing 12 probably isn’t ideal, but I still think she will be a good winning chance,” Dalgety said. “Her runs so far have been good and she only needs a little bit of luck to be a good hope.” The Mark Smolenski-trained Sophia Bromac heads to Oamaru in excellent form which can continue. “She’s been going great and it looks a suitable race for her.” “She loves the longer trips and hopefully she can have the last say at them.” Dalgety also links up with The Night Fox and Who’s Queen who look solid each way chances at Oamaru. The Southern Supremacy Stakes Series will also be on the radar for the Dalgety camp this week. Kentuckiana Lodge will take their impressive debut winner Captain Commodore to the second heat of the series at Ascot Park on Saturday. View the full article

The first mare believed in foal to GISW Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed–Achalaya, by Bellamy Road) was reported by Mill Ridge Farm Tuesday afternoon. Owned by Newtown Anner Stud Farm, Hokey Okey (Lonhro {Aus}) is also the dam of Manitoba Derby winner Red Knobs (Union Rags), an earner of $285,000, who also hit the board in the GIII Canadian Derby and GIII Iroquois Stakes An earner of over $2.6 million on the track, Casa Creed won eight black-type races–including six at the graded level. His wins were highlighted by consecutive renewals of the GI Fourstardave Handicap (2022-2023) and the GI Jaipur Stakes (2021-2022). The nine-year-old stallion stands the 2025 season for $10,000 LF. The post First Mare in Foal to MGISW Casa Creed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $300,000 Behold Mile Stakes (G1) has drawn what looks like an evenly matched field of six fillies and mares, including shippers from Florida and Louisiana, for the one-mile dirt race that headlines an 11-race card March 8 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

In response to the proposed bill that would remove the requirement that Florida tracks run a minimum number of live Thoroughbred races in order to operate their casino and cardrooms gaming licenses, the Thoroughbred Owner and Breeders Association weighed in on what the action would mean to racing should if the bill was signed into law. The statement from TOBA read: “The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) fully supports the Florida owners, breeders and horsemen's stand against the decoupling of live horseracing from the ability of a racetrack to conduct alternative gaming in Florida. Thoroughbred racing and breeding support a far-reaching agricultural ecosystem and preserve greenspace. Beyond the Thoroughbred farms and training centers are tack and feed suppliers and the farms that grow the feed, equine services and products, professional services, hospitality, construction and farm equipment, and transportation businesses all supported by Thoroughbred breeding and racing. This agricultural ecosystem needs racetracks and live racing to exist and vice versa. Decoupling incentivizes racetrack operators to end live racing and break the relationship between farm and track thereby causing great harm to the agricultural economy. A healthy Florida Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry is not only important to those owners, breeders and horsemen in Florida, but nationwide. Any harm to the Florida Thoroughbred industry brought about by decoupling will be acutely felt throughout the U.S. Thoroughbred industry and therefore TOBA is opposed to decoupling.” The post TOBA Weighs in With Opposition to Decoupling Legislation in Florida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna is training like "the energizer bunny" according to trainer Kenny McPeek ahead of the $400,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park March 8, her 4-year-old debut.View the full article