Wandering Eyes

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Royal Aspirations has become the latest trotting sire to join the $1m club. And for a New Zealand stallion that’s a pretty rare feat. Last weekend when KD Royalty (Royal Aspirations – Kazzle Dazzle) and Paris Prince (Royal Aspirations – Paris Belle) won at Addington and Rangiora respectively it pushed his progeny’s career earnings to $1,008,563. Standing at Grant Beckett’s Phoebe Standardbreds near Christchurch, Royal Aspiration has produced 20 individual winners, with 73 wins from 677 starts. KD Royalty, Paris Prince and Sunny Louis have had seven wins, with Royal Del (pictured above) leading the way with 11. In 2022 his stock had a great run, producing five winners in 10 days. There has also ben some Australian success with Frosty Girl (5 wins) and Gracias (4 wins). “I’m a one man band” says Beckett, “and $1m is an achievement and we’ll certainly take the milestones as they come along.” “I personally think there is no harder place in the world for a stallion to establish himself, particularly a local one against all the shuttle stallions and frozen semen we have – it’s not an easy gig.” Royal Aspirations (above) went to stud after a racing career that saw him win 18 races and he still holds the New Zealand record for two-year-old trotters (1:56.5) set over a mile at Cambridge Raceway in 2012. It’s widely believed that the last New Zealand trotting sire to top $1m in earnings was Great Evander, a seven race winner in the 1950s. Records show his trotting progeny accrued $1,995,205. Among his best performers were Easton Light (36 wins), About Now (25) and Basil Dean (24). Beckett is hopeful the best of Royal Aspiration’s stock is yet to be seen. “Right now he is the mid-20s (serves) per season and he did have that one crop of over 100 a couple or three years ago.” Ironically Beckett says he has never bred a winner from Royal Aspirations himself. “I’ve bred about 25 – the oldest is four – and there is still time,” he laughs, “we’ll get there.” Maybe the first could be a Royal Aspirations two-year-old being prepared by Ross Houghton. “He’s called Circus Maximus and he’s out of Phoebe Revival, one of our foundation mares.” “It sounds like they think a bit of him.” View the full article

By Bruce Stewart A member of New Zealand’s greatest harness racing family, Les Purdon passed away peacefully last week in Auckland. He was 83. Les was the youngest son of Hugh Purdon and like his brothers Roy, Sandy, Foster and Joe, he trained horses. For a number of years he worked for Hugh, and in 1958 he obtained a junior driver’s licence. His first winner came in June that year when he drove Dusky Valley to win for his father. Les ultimately drove 235 winners, his last being behind Galaxy at Alexandra Park in March 1985. Other successes followed. He drove Sally Belwin, trained by Len Bayer and Brian Barlett, to win eight races including the 1975 North Island Breeders Stakes. He drove Gymea Gold to win the 1976 Northern Oaks in which she beat Olga Korbut. He drove Del’s Trophy (a Birdie Hanover gelding) for Arthur Cross, winning eight races including the first Dominion Breweries Mobile Stakes – now known as the Cardigan Bay/ Young Guns Final. He also drove one of New Zealand’s greatest mares Delightful Lady to win her first race at Claudelands in January 1977. And he drove successfully in the USA. Les’s training career began in 1966. His first winner was Goodray which won the Morrinsville Juvenile Stakes. He trained 152 winners under his own name, 27 with son-in-law Steven Reid, 16 with Fraser Kirk and 11 with his daughter Angela. Les also trained Born To Trot to win the 1990 Group Two New Zealand Two Year Old Trotting Stakes at Addington. His best winner was As Required which won eight. He also had success with Chance With Vance which won seven, Reilly and Evander’s Gift. He trained Chance With Vance with Reid. Reid said “I was working for Les’s brother Sandy and I came to a bit of a crossroads. I was a bit despondent. I was getting some drives, but not a heap. I made the call to take a break from the industry. Les approached me and offered to take me into partnership. I jumped at that. It was at that time I started dating Les’s daughter Wendy.” After two years training with Purdon, Reid decided to branch out on his own. “He was really good to me. He gave me gear, carts and he even gave me three horses. It gave me a real kick. Two of the horses were racehorses. One was Amendment which we’d just brought up from Christchurch and he won within two or three weeks of me going into training. I was always very appreciative of what he did for me.” He continued, “He was an extremely good horseman and a very good driver. He never did a big team, maybe about 10 but he really focussed on his horses. They were always brushed up and they looked immaculate. He was a very good feeder and paid attention to detail. They’re the two things I took away from working with Les.” Purdon trained for all of his career at a property on Harrisville Road in Pukekohe. “He bought that property maybe 50 to 60 years ago and his daughter Angela and her husband Kerry own it now. He was a great worker. He was one of those guys who would never get anyone in to do anything on the property. He would do everything himself. He could turn his hand to most things.” Les had an affinity for colts. “He used to love his colts. If he could leave them as colts he would. He said to me that he got taught from his Dad that colts needed to be really groomed up. When they go to the races they need to look good because the colts want to look like that. When you think about it, it makes sense. It’s like the boy going out on the town and trying to look good for the girls (laughter). He used to plait up their forelocks, have them bandaged up and they’d be shampooed,” said Reid. At the end of his training career Purdon focused on exporting racehorses to America and became very good friends with international bloodstock agent John Curtin. “He worked for Bob McArdle for years. They used to take horses to America and sell them along with John Devlin and Bob Latimer. It was big business in those days. We were selling three $100,000 horses a week to John Muscara,” Curtin said. During the exporting years Les forged a great working relationship with international horse transporter IRT. Curtin commented “IRT are so good at keeping you up to date with everything. They’d tell you when the horse got on the plane, what it did on the plane and when it got off. Les was very good at that and kept a track on everything all the way through. He was sensational.” Les Purdon will be remembered as a quality reinsman and a trainer who focused on detail. He had a generous nature and willingness to help people get on in the industry that he loved. Les is survived by his three children Angela, Wendy and Adrian and the wider Purdon family. View the full article

Mitch caught up with Dominic Sutton after Feroce’s win in the Australian Guineas. Dominic Sutton 04.03.25 – Racing HQ with Steve Hewlett – Apple Podcasts View the full article

Robbie Patterson joined Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate to discuss Leica Lucy’s amazing win at the weekend. The incredible backstory behind Leica Lucy’s weekend win in New Zealand – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm View the full article

Tony Pike will be represented in a number of the Champions Day features this Saturday, including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), the first top-flight appearance for his promising juvenile Lucy In The Sky (NZ) (Hello Youmzain). The daughter of Hello Youmzain had a reputation before her debut at Ellerslie last month, and running as favourite she duly delivered, holding off a number of more-experienced rivals with authority. That performance was enough for Pike to return to the course for Saturday’s assignment, where a number of different juvenile form lines will come together for a shot at $550,000. “She’s bounced through her run very well, she worked super this morning (Tuesday),” Pike said. “She’s going into it only off one trial and one raceday start, but it was a smart field last-start and she couldn’t have been more impressive. “If she improves off that, our two-year-old’s probably lack a little bit of depth this year, so even though it’s a big jump-up in class for her, she’s very progressive and deserves her chance.” In the following event, ultra-consistent mare Acquarello (Written Tycoon) will also make her first elite-level appearance, taking on the Gr.1 HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). A Group Three winner in the spring, the imposing five-year-old continued that form into the new year, including an impressive last-start placing to Legarto in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m). “She was great at Matamata in a very hot race, Legarto beat her that day and unfortunately we’ve got to take her on again on Saturday at weight-for-age,” Pike said. “She’s come a long way this preparation and she’s in great form, she deserves her chance in the race after running a close second last-start. She’s another horse that makes her own luck, she’ll be in the race for a long way.” While the Cambridge horseman will chase his first titles in the Sistema and Breeders’ Stakes, he is no stranger to the top-spot in the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), and he’ll have a two-pronged attack in this year’s edition. Front-running grey Amazing Fluke (The Autumn Sun) and the promising OTI Racing-owned Golden Century (NZ) (Pierro) will represent the stable, both coming through the traditional route of the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m). “Amazing Fluke’s run in the Avondale Guineas was a good performance, he’s still very much a work in progress but he got a nice soft time out in front and was only beaten a length or so,” Pike said. “He deserves his chance in the Derby, he’s trained on well since and he’ll roll up near the speed. It’s a very wide-open Derby this year. “Golden Century is going to be a lovely horse at some stage, I would’ve loved to have him for another preparation. “His run was solid in the Avondale Guineas, he was strong through the line and was one of the last to pull up so I’ve got no doubt that he’ll run out the mile-and-a-half stronger than most. His racing manners still let him down a bit at this stage, but if he does everything right, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s right in the finish.” The meeting will come to a close with the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m), run to ensure the emergencies for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) are ready to compete in the big dance if required. Pike has nominated Boss ‘N’ Highheels, Arundel Castle and Ziggy Stardust for the $100,000 event, with the first pair most likely to start. “Arundel Castle (NZ) (Darci Brahma) resumed over 1200m and was a bit outpaced over the shorter trip, but got home very well late,” Pike said. “The 1500m will suit him and it’s just a tier down from our best three-year-old’s, so it looks like a nice race for him. “Boss ’N’ Highheels (Written Tycoon) was a bit unlucky at Matamata, the horse broke down in front of her and she just lost her momentum on the corner, so she’s run very well to finish fourth.” Pike is looking forward to New Zealand’s biggest ever raceday, but back in the stable, the team farewelled a class mare as Impendabelle (Impending) was retired from racing. A talent from day one, Impendabelle won her first start as a juvenile before taking out the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m). Returning at three, she went from strength-to-strength, winning the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and placing in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m). She continued on to place in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), but niggling issues hindered her preparation this term, where she was performing below her best form. “She’s been a great filly for the stable, she was super right through her three-year-old season and we just battled a few knee issues near the end of that season,” Pike said. “We haven’t been able to get the best out of her at four because of that, but she was probably the second-best three-year-old filly in the country last season and is a lovely type, that will be a very good addition to any broodmare band.” While one member departed, the recent rise in form of Slipper Island (No Nay Never) has been welcomed by Pike, collecting his second-straight victory with an explosive display down the chute at Trentham on Sunday. “He seems to love the Wellington straight-six, he’s had three wins from four runs down there now and a second,” Pike said. “He’s been a bit of a heartbreak for the owners, so it’s great to see him put a couple of wins together and ridden that way, he’s quite effective down the chute over 1200m. He’ll probably head back down there in four weeks’ time on Sires’ Produce Day for a 75 1200m, he’s going really well.” View the full article

Chris Waller is looking to pick up another Group One win with Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) at Flemington. The mare has joined the trainer’s Flemington team ahead of the Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m) on Saturday which will be followed by the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) three weeks later. Atishu is a dual Group One winner at Flemington having taken the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival while 12 months earlier the mare won the Champions Stakes (2000m) having finished second in the Empire Rose at her previous outing. At her most recent appearance at Flemington, Atishu chased home Via Sistina in last year’s Champions Stakes. Waller said the granting of Group 1 status for the All-Star Mile made the trip south for Atishu an attractive proposition despite their being a reduction prize money. “It’s come back in prize money, but in my opinion, it’s added more value by being a Group One,” Waller said. “What a Group One does it adds value, not just to the horse, not only Atishu, but her mother, her brothers, her sisters and the further down.” Atishu arrives in Melbourne having had one start for the campaign, finishing seventh in the Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 15. Waller said the mare ran well first-up and had benefitted from the run. “She ran behind Via Sistina and Fangirl and that day she drew wide, she got back and finished off nicely,” Waller said. “She’s trained on really well since and has had a couple of gallops since back in Sydney. “She loves Flemington and is a multiple Group 1 winner here. She loves the mile, so that’s good timing, and then it will be on to the Australian Cup from there.” Waller said the Flemington circuit suited Atishu’s style of racing where she can balance early. “Flemington is a fantastic track. All horses get their chance,” Waller said. “It has a lovely, long straight, a sweeping bend and it’s always a good surface, very consistent. “Atishu relishes those sorts of conditions and track, and it suits her racing style. She likes to be left alone, build momentum and finish off strong. “I think all tracks should strive to be like Flemington if we could get it 52 weeks of the year.” View the full article

Flemington, home to Michael Moroney’s historic Melbourne Cup victory with Brew, will host a memorial to the beloved late trainer next Tuesday, March 11. The Moroney family and Ballymore Stables invite his many friends to celebrate his life with a service overseen by Andrew Bensley to take place in the mounting yard from 11.30am. Attendees can park in the members car park. Michael’s funeral will take place in New Zealand, current plans dependent on when he can take his final journey home but at this stage Monday, March 17 is the date in which those in his country of birth can pay their respect. Karen, Michael’s family and the Ballymore team would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love for Michael and for the many fond memories being shared. It has really helped at such a difficult time. View the full article

It’s a Champions Day bonanza! Michael reacts to the news of Dealt With being ruled out of the NZB Kiwi, before looking to answer the questions surrounding race favourite Evaporate, diving deep into all of the races, and chatting with the teams behind several horses. Guerin Report – Ep.27 Champions Day Preview View the full article

Ellerslie has been the home of several of Orchestral’s (NZ) (Savabeel) career highlights, and trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are hoping she can add another on Saturday when she contests the $1 million Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). The daughter of Savabeel was unbeaten at the Auckland track as a three-year-old, stringing together three consecutive victories, including the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). This season she was victorious in the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) in January before placing in last month’s Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). “She got held up for a couple of strides (last start in the Otaki-Maori WFA Classic) from one that was stopping in front of her over the mile,” Wellwood said. “It took her a while to get through her gears but once she hit top speed, she really took ground off them.” Wellwood has been pleased with her progression over the last fortnight and is looking forward to stepping her up to 2000m. “We really feel that we have got her peaking at the right time, and it is going to be quite exciting to see her back over 2000m for the first time this preparation at a track she loves so much and has had so much success at,” he said. “Clearly El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) is going to be very hard to beat, he is at the top of his game, but if we get a fair run in transit, they are going to have a hell of a fight.” Australian targets await Orchestral post-Champions Day, with Wellwood keen to add to her previous victory across the Tasman in last year’s Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). “There are a number of options, the Australian Cup (Gr.1, 2000m), Tancred (Gr.1, 2400m) and Ranvet (Gr.1, 2000m), but the Tancred is probably number one at this stage,” he said. “It would be lovely to pick-up a Group One as an older horse over there, and we always love getting over there and competing.” Wellwood is also looking forward to having a two-pronged attack in the $1.25 million Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Saturday courtesy of Grey Area (NZ) (Pierro) and Oceana Dream (NZ) (Ocean Park). “They are both in grand order,” he said. “Oceana Dream was superb (when third in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas, 2100m) and I think the mile-and-a-half is going to be no trouble to him, and likewise Grey Area. He (Grey Area) didn’t get a lot of clear air in his last start at Ellerslie, but he’s had a look around there and I am looking forward to seeing him step out in the Derby too.” Kingsclere will also be represented in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) by Zormella (NZ) (Almanzor), who replaced stablemate Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High) on Monday for slot holders Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing after he pulled up sore following a track gallop over the weekend. View the full article

After booting home six winners in February, Frenchman sets sights on more success at city circuit with eight rides.View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Challenge Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Location: Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, New South Wales Prize Money: $500,000 Distance: 1000m The Challenge Stakes is a Group 2 weight-for-age sprint over 1000m, held by the Australian Turf Club at Randwick. First run in 1906, the Challenge Stakes is Sydney’s premier 1000m race, and has been part of the autumn carnival since 2003, serving as a key lead-up to the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) and Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m). Originally a handicap until 1979, the Challenge Stakes has seen two triple winners — Razor Sharp (1982-84) and At Sea (1985-87) — along with 10 dual winners, including English (2016/17), Eduardo (2021/22), and Passive Aggressive (2023/24). Notable past winners of the Challenge Stakes include Wenona Girl, Snippets, Show County, Hay List, Redzel, and Nature Strip. Eduardo broke the Randwick track record, running 55.20, when winning the Challenge Stakes in 2021. The 2024 Challenge Stakes, worth $500,000, was won by Passive Aggressive, defeating Zapateo and Aft Cabin. 2025 Challenge Stakes betting odds Passive Aggressive ridden by Jordan Childs takes out the 2024 Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Odds for the Challenge Stakes as of March 3 – Courtesy of Neds Mazu Win $2.80 Place $1.36 Headwall Win $6.00 Place $2.00 I Am Me Win $6.00 Place $2.00 Kimochi Win $6.00 Place $2.00 Uncommon James Win $6.00 Place $2.00 Dragonstone Win $9.00 Place $2.60 Kallos Win $11.00 Place $3.00 Way To The Stars Win $11.00 Place $3.00 Jedibeel Win $21.00 Place $5.00 Shelby Sixtysix Win $101.00 Place $21.00 How to bet on the Challenge Stakes Being a strong betting race, any bookmaker that doesn’t offer the markets on the Challenge Stakes well in advance of the event is leaving money on the table. The team at HorseBetting has compiled comprehensive reviews of our trusted online bookmakers which all offer odds on the Challenge Stakes. The best Challenge Stakes betting sites are accessible across multiple platforms, with most having bookmaker apps available for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 7 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. 8 By Players, For Players UniBet Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Join Unibet Review 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Challenge Stakes News Passive Aggressive goes back-to-back in Challenge Stakes Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Grahame Begg and Jordan Childs have combined with Passive Aggressive to take out the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick … Read More Randwick full racing preview & quaddie tips | Saturday, March 9 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) headlines a bumper 10-race card at Randwick this Saturday. See our free betting tips … Read More Passive Aggressive gets the head down in Challenge Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 years ago It was a ding-dong battle down the straight at Royal Randwick as Passive Aggressive got the verdict in a grandstand … Read More Punt Drunk: Nature Strip stunned by bolt from the blue Australia horse racing news 3 years ago It was an epic weekend of racing which saw a last-start Highway winner beat home The Everest champion – we … Read More Eduardo goes back to back in Challenge Stakes Australia horse racing news 3 years ago The Joseph Pride-trained Eduardo has claimed the Challenge Stakes for a second year in a row, but was given a … Read More Punt Drunk: Bring on Nature Strip vs Eduardo Australia horse racing news 3 years ago The Punt Drunk team brings you some of the more interesting stories in racing at the minute, including Chautauqua’s ‘reappearance’ … Read More 2025 Challenge Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Challenge Stakes final field is released on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Previous Challenge Stakes Fields 2024 Challenge Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Private Eye Joseph Pride Nash Rawiller 7 58.5kg 2 Mazu Joseph Pride Jason Collett 3 58.5kg 3 Remarque Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Tommy Berry 1 58.5kg 4 Aft Cabin James Cummings James McDonald 2 58.5kg 5 Zapateo James Cummings Kerrin McEvoy 4 56.5kg 6 Passive Aggressive Grahame Begg Jordan Childs 5 56.5kg 7 How’s The Serenity Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Tyler Schiller 6 56.5kg 2024 Challenge Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-Randwick-09032024-Group-2-Challenge-Stakes-Passive-Aggressive-Grahame-Begg-Jordan-Childs.mp4 1st – Passive Aggressive (+650) 2nd – Zapateo (+390) 3rd – Aft Cabin (NTD) Recent runnings of the Challenge Stakes: 2024: Passive Aggressive returns to racing in style After almost a full calendar year off the scene and a brief stint as a broodmare, Passive Aggressive ($8.00) made a triumphant return to racing, claiming back-to-back victories in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m). The Grahame Begg-trained mare won this race impressively in 2023, before finding Group 1 company in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) too testing and was retired shortly after being unable to make an impact in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. She was unable to get into foal while standing as a broodmare, and the decision was made to return to racing. It was a patient steer aboard the daughter of Fastnet Rock, with Jordan Childs sliding across to find a midfield position one horse off the rail throughout the 1000m journey, as Zapateo ($19.00) found herself in an unfamiliar front-running role. Aft Cabin ($6.00) and Remarque ($5.00) got into lovely positions behind the speed, while the race favourite Private Eye ($2.20) was slightly slow away, with Nash Rawiller making the decision to take him towards the rear of the field. Passive Aggressive rounded up her rivals with relative ease with 200m to go, while Aft Cabin never got clear running between gallopers. 2023: Passive Aggressive denies Eduardo hattrick It was a ding-dong battle down the straight at Royal Randwick as Passive Aggressive got the verdict in a grandstand finish of the Group 2 Challenge Stakes. Trained by Graeme Begg and steered by jockey Jordan Childs for his only ride of the day, the first-up mare produced an electric turn-of-foot to storm to line in a photo finish with multiple Challenge Stakes winner, Eduardo. It was the affectionately known ‘Special Eddy’ Eduardo who lead them up as the firming favourite looking for his third success in the race for trainer Joseph Pride and the nine-year-old almost pinched the race turning for home. Passive Aggressive under a terrific ride from Jordan Childs stalked the speed and came across from the wide draw, timing his run to perfection. 2022: Eduardo makes all The Joseph Pride-trained Eduardo made it back-to-back wins in the Challenge Stakes, leading all of the way in the 1000m dash, beating a fast-finishing Shelby Sixtysix, while Nature Strip disappointed back in third. Just four horses went around in the Group 2 event, with Nature Strip ($1.70) and Eduardo ($2.20) dominating the betting, however there was nearly a boilover as last-start Highway winner Shelby Sixtysix surged into second at massive odds. The winning trainer said that jockey Nash Rawiller wanted to ride Eduardo a bit faster compared to last year, and while it paid off, it nearly brought the dual Group 1 winner undone. Previous winners of the Challenge Stakes Challenge Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Passive Aggressive Jordan Childs Grahame Begg 2023 Passive Aggressive Jordan Childs Grahame Begg 2022 Eduardo Nash Rawiller Joseph Pride 2021 Eduardo Nash Rawiller Joseph Pride 2020 Nature Strip James McDonald Chris Waller 2019 Ball Of Muscle Glyn Schofield Joseph Pride 2018 Redzel Kerrin McEvoy Peter & Paul Snowden 2017 English Blake Shinn Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 2016 English Tommy Berry Gai Waterhouse 2015 Miracles Of Life Hugh Bowman Paul Snowden 2014 Villa Verde James McDonald Anthony Cummings 2013 Snitzerland Corey Brown Gerald Ryan 2012 Rain Affair Corey Brown Joseph Pride 2011 Hay List Glyn Schofield John McNair 2010 De Lightning Ridge Glyn Schofield Joseph Pride 2009 Olonana Tim Clark John O’Shea 2008 Hurried Choice Jeff Lloyd David Payne 2007 Spark Of Life Zac Purton Allan Denham 2006 Snitzel Craig Newitt Gerald Ryan 2005 Impaler Dale Spriggs David Atkins 2004 Star Of Florida Patrick Payne Pat Duff 2003 Star Of Florida Patrick Payne Pat Duff 2002 Bomber Bill Damien Oliver Russell Cameron 2001 Pimpala Prince Shane Treweek Gordon Yorke 2000 Easy Rocking Darren Beadman Ron Quinton Challenge Stakes winners pre-2000 Challenge Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Ab Initio 1998 Cangronde 1997 Cangronde 1996 Light Up The World 1995 Moss Rocket 1994 Classic Magic 1993 Spanish Mix 1992 All Archie 1991 Lightning Bend 1990 Show County 1989 Groucho 1988 Snippets 1987 At Sea 1986 At Sea 1985 At Sea 1984 Razor Sharp 1983 Razor Sharp 1982 Razor Sharp 1981 Steel Blade 1980 Acamer 1979 Christole 1978 Monreale 1977 Crimson Cloud 1976 River Ridge 1975 Zephyr Bay 1974 War Island 1973 Bounty 1972 Playbill 1971 Farlara 1970 Constant Rhythm / Biarritz Star 1969 Gay Gauntlet 1968 Dawn Boy 1967 Gay Gauntlet 1966 Tar Girl 1965 Time And Tide 1964 The Tempest 1963 Wenona Girl 1962 Rush Bye 1961 Gili 1960 Olympiad 1959 Huntly 1958 Dubbo 1957 My Kingdom 1956 Apple Bay 1955 Gay Vista 1954 Tarien 1953 Apex 1952 True Leader 1951 Donegal 1950 San Domenico 1949 San Domenico 1948 Gay Monarch 1947 Brazier 1946 Felbeam 1945 Felbeam 1944 Yaralla 1943 Gold Salute 1942 High Caste 1941 Caesar 1940 High Caste 1939 Bradford 1938 Hammer Head 1937 Silver Rose 1936 Heritor 1935 The Marne 1934 Air Queen 1933 Captivation 1932 Golden Gate 1931 Casque D’Or 1930 Venetian Lady 1929 Whitta 1928 Greenline 1927 Don Moon 1926 Quixotic 1925 The Hawk 1924 Laneffe 1923 Duke Isinglass 1922 Sir Maitland 1921 Maltgilla 1920 Aries 1919 Sydney Damsel 1918 Bonnie Plume 1917 Wedding Day 1916 Quinn’s Post 1915 Ninfia 1914 Golden Hop 1913 Golden Hop 1912 Pride Of Murillo 1911 Poi Dance 1910 Fille Fogi 1909 Neith 1908 Lord Merv 1907 Queen’s Court 1906 The Pet 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

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, March 5, 2025 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Happy Valley Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-race program lined up under lights. The rail is in the C+3 throughout the night, and with overcast conditions forecast on Monday and Tuesday, punters need to be wary of a possible track downgrade into the Soft range at some stage. All the action at Happy Valley is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm HKT. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Smashing Express Smashing Express has been excellent since arriving to Class 5 company, finishing in the minor money in two of his four starts. The son of Churchill has had excuses, including his latest effort over the 1650m on February 5, and appears primed to strike stepping out to the 2200m for the first time. Punters can expect Ryan Moore will press forward from gate six to find some cover throughout, and provided he can stay the journey, Smashing Express should finally shirk the maiden tag at start 11. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Smashing Express (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Ryan Moore (61kg) Next Best at Happy Valley: Mission Strike Mission Strike was a big improver second-up at this course and distance on February 5 and appears set to peak heading into start three. The Dundeel gelding was held up at a crucial stage when searching for rails run on that occasion, bursting clear in the final furlong as Luke Ferraris attempted to navigate a passage aboard the lightly raced three-year-old. Expect Ferraris to sit much handier throughout the journey this time around, and provided he can show a similar acceleration, Mission Strike should be right in this at a good price with BlondeBet. Next Best Race 6 – #5 Mission Strike (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Luke Ferraris (59.5kg) Best Value at Happy Valley: Star Figure The Jamie Richards-trained Star Figure debuts after some eye-catching barrier trials, including his latest piece of work at this track on February 15. He closed on the heels of California Touch and managed to beat home Group 1 winner Invincible Sage, with the pair cruising through the wire under their own steam. Hugh Bowman will go looking for the one-one from barrier five, and with this guy representing a good each-way price with horse racing bookmakers, expect Star Figure to give followers a bold sight. Best Value Race 5 – #4 Star Figure (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Hugh Bowman (59kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections March 5, 2025 1-5-9 1-3-4-6-7-8 1-2-4-6-8 2-4-5-9 Horse racing tips View the full article

Tuxedo is primed to take on Saturday’s $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Shaune Ritchie couldn’t have wished for a smoother run with Tuxedo into Saturday’s $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). The Cambridge horseman, who trains with Colm Murray, has enjoyed a trouble-free run with the well-named son of Tivaci and Ball Gown ahead of Saturday’s Trackside-sponsored feature. “It’s getting harder to find the negatives around him, I suppose if you’re being picky then the traditional lead-up would have been the Avondale Guineas (Group 2, 2100m),” Ritchie said. Tuxedo hasn’t raced since he romped to victory in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa in early February. “We felt he was fit enough and didn’t need it, and I gave John Bary a call and he did the same thing with Jimmy Choux,” Ritchie said. “It’s not like it’s not doable, I understand it’s against normal things, but we felt he didn’t need another run on a hard track at Ellerslie two weeks before the Derby when he’d already excelled in the Waikato Guineas. “We’re very happy with how he’s come through everything, and he went up to Ellerslie yesterday (Monday) for a gallop and that has topped him off beautifully.” Like all his rivals, Tuxedo will head into unchartered waters over 2400m, and Ritchie is as confident as he can be that his charge will master the Classic distance. “An extra 400m is a big step and we’re not underestimating that and there are horses such as probably Bourbon Proof and Thedoctoroflove who look almost certain to run the mile and a-half,” he said. “I think we’ve got the best turn of foot in the race and that’s a massive factor, if he does run the trip out then I doubt there’s going to be a horse with a quicker last sectional than our bloke, based on his Waikato Guineas performance. “He is only in his first prep and that weighs on our mind as well, which is another reason we missed the Avondale Guineas and that was certainly by design. We’ve got him spot on for the weekend.” Tuxedo has posted three wins and two runner-up finishes from his five appearances, all in the hands of Joe Doyle who will again take the reins on Saturday. “He’s been remarkably consistent and ran into a very in-form Willydoit and he beat us fair and square and of course Damask Rose came from behind and beat him in the Karaka Millions (1600m),” Ritchie said. “He was beaten by two very good ones when he has been defeated and his three wins have been spectacular, so he’s never gone to the races and let us down.” Should Tuxedo perform up to expectations at Ellerslie, the focus may then turn to Australia. “We were thinking that missing the Avondale Guineas would also set us up much better to be able to progress to Sydney for the ATC Derby (Group 1, 2400m) and that be his last run this prep,” Ritchie said. Tuxedo is raced by majority Auckland owner Grant Barnett, and friends, who purchased him out of breeder Waikato Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $70,000. “He’s had a Group One winner with me before in Magic Cape (Group 1, New Zealand 2000 Guineas) and he’s raced some very nice horses, but Tuxedo looks like he could be better than all of them,” Ritchie said. “Grant deserves the accolades because he found him and then we looked at the horse and gave him the thumbs up. “We also went to the Inglis Classic Sale and bought (for $130,000) Tuxedo’s half-sister by Super Seth so we’ve got her in the paddock.” Horse racing news View the full article

The arrival of March has ushered in an exciting new training partnership in Chantilly with Nicolas Clement, one of the most respected members of the French training ranks, teaming up with Dutch-born Frauke Hermans. Widely known by the nickname Flo, Hermans, 30, has been Clement's assistant for the past five seasons, having previously worked in various English stables, including for Roger Varian in Newmarket, and also in Dubai. “It has always been my dream to train so Nicolas pushed me to get my trainer's licence and to get started,” she says. “And I always wanted to train in France as I think it's the best country to set up.” Clement, one of the longest-standing trainers in Chantilly with some 37 years' experience, says, “My career started in 1998 and this is like a second wind. I always thought that when you hit 60 it's not a bad thing to have a partner for the continuity, and I have always been keen to train young people. It's quite popular now to train in partnership and it makes a lot of sense. “I've seen the world change. I have a lot of contacts in foreign countries and I train for a lot of international owners, but I could see last year that I didn't go to Tattersalls as often as I used to, for example, and I think you've got to market yourself. We've been pretty good at sourcing talent at the sales for a reasonable budget but you've got to go there, and you also need to train your horses. We'll be training most days together but we will divide the tasks and I can escape a bit more to the sales.” He adds, “I've got lots of projects for the new partnership, we've started data analysis – stride, heart rate analysis – but I am also an old-fashioned trainer in that I want to be with my horses in the mornings and checking their legs in the evenings. With two of us there will be a lot more time for the data analysis, placing the horses, client communication. We also like to run horses abroad – it's the best way to put your stable on the world map if you have the right horse.” Clement and Hermans with Survie | Quentin Bertrand One of those horses on the international wish list for this year is Survie (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), who was bred by Gerard Augustin-Normand and is raced by him in partnership with the China Horse Club. Second in last year's G1 Prix de Diane, she went on to win the G2 Prix de Malleret. “We've kept Survie in training and we've got high goals for her. We're aiming to win a Group 1 this year, whether it is in France, Ireland, England or America, says Clement, who has long had strong international links, particularly in America, where his brother Christophe trains, his operation being split between New York and Florida. Clement started training following the premature death of his Classic-winning father Miguel. Prior to that he had worked for John Gosden in California, Vincent O'Brien in Ireland and was assistant to another legendary trainer closer to home, Francois Boutin. It wasn't long before he put his own name rightfully alongside theirs when winning the 1990 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Grand Prix de Paris with Saumarez (GB) in his second full season with a licence and at the age of just 26. Group 1 victories have followed with the likes of Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Style Vendome (Fr), French Fifteen (Fr), Le Balafre (Fr), Vespone (Ire), Stormy River (Ire), and Wonderment (Ire). The latter's three-year-old daughter Wassail (War Front) is now in the stable and holds Classic entries for her American owner-breeder Stella Thayer, the president and owner of Tampa Bay Downs racecourse in Florida. Clement says, “People might think Flo's a bit young but she has been with me for five or six years, she's 30 now, she's mature, she's gifted. I mean, I won an Arc at 26, so I don't think age is a problem as long as you have that feel for the horse, which I am convinced she has. “Flo has worked long enough here. She's a great horse person. I've had a few assistants and she has as much talent as I've seen working for me.” Hermans brings international experience of her own, from her upbringing in Holland and stints in Britain and Dubai. “I discovered the Thoroughbred when I was about 16 years old, back in Holland, and I absolutely fell in love. It's a love story that's going to last me a lifetime,” she says. “I decided to move to England to do the British Racing School course and I worked all over the place before I came to France. “I've seen a few different countries and a few different ways of working and I chose France mainly because of the premium system and the prize-money. I come from a non-racing family so I'm truly on my own, and it's an expensive business, so before I knew that I was going to set up with Nicolas I decided that France was economically the best place to be somewhat of a successful trainer.” Clement and Hermans in their racing office in Chantilly | Quentin Bertrand Originally planning to set up as a sole trainer, she credits Clement for giving her the platform to take the next step in her career. “Nicolas is already famous for helping young people and he has been a great support, a great mentor, and there is so much to learn from him,” she says. “It's been so fantastic working with him. We both kind of have the same vision in life, which helps, and so far it has been a breeze going through this partnership. I am very grateful to him for offering me this opportunity.” For Clement, it offers the reassurance of a longer-term plan for the stable which in his father's tenure housed the 1966 Prix du Jockey Club winner Nelcius (Fr). “I think it's a win-win situation,” he says. “Flo is coming into the company as a partner and, for me, it's about the continuity. I am in my dad's stable and I am giving myself five to ten years to train again, but now I know there can be continuity. This is a great challenge for me and it is giving me a great kick.” The post ‘A Great Kick’: Nicolas Clement Heralds New Training Partnership with Frauke Hermans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kendrick Carmouche has won the 2025 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, which honors riders whose careers and personal character earn esteem for the individual and for the sport of Thoroughbred racing, via nationwide vote of his fellow riders.View the full article

Trainer Todd Pletcher accepts a seven-day suspension and $1,000 fine for a betamethasone positive discovered after a colt named VView the full article

Post Time, one of the most consistent older runners in the nation in 2024 while racing exclusively in stakes, has been named 2024 Maryland-bred Horse of the Year, champion older male, and champion sprinter.View the full article

Angel Capital ridden by Ben Melham winning the Autumn Stakes. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Angel Capital will continue his racing career under the guidance of trainer Chris Waller after Yulong Investments purchased the three-year-old following his impressive first-up win in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. Former Trainer Clinton McDonald confirmed on Monday that the new ownership group had decided to transfer the Harry Angel colt to Waller’s stable. Angel Capital was the favourite for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) but was scratched on race morning last Saturday after a scope revealed mucus. McDonald shared his thoughts on the transfer with Racing.com. “I wish Yulong all the best with Angel Capital and I’ve got no doubt in my mind that he’s a Group 1 winner in the making,” he said. “It’s unfortunate what occurred on Saturday, I was extremely confident he would win his Group 1 in the (Australian) Guineas, so it will come as no surprise if he wins a Group 1 race, whether that be this preparation or if he returns as a four-year-old in the spring and makes a big statement. “He is the type of horse who I believed could be freshened up and aimed at a race like the William Reid, a Goodwood in Adelaide or a Group 1 in Sydney.” Horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald returns to the mounting yard on Aeliana after winning the Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington. (Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) The Chris Waller-trained Aeliana will once again face some of Australia’s top colts and geldings in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m). “The Thousand Guineas is so late she needed an extra two weeks in the paddock, so she’s a bit behind the others,” Waller explained about the filly, who finished second in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) last spring. “It’s worked out well, but hopefully we’re not asking too much of her, because it is hard taking on the boys.” Since the Canterbury Guineas became the Randwick Guineas and dropped from 1900m to 1600m in 2006, Mosheen – the 2012 winner – remains the only filly to beat the boys. Aeliana made her return against the colts and geldings in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 22, finishing third to Broadsiding and Swiftfalcon, beaten by just over a length. Aeliana is on the third line of betting with horse racing betting sites at a $4.50 quote for Saturday’s Randwick Guineas. Horse racing news View the full article

Melbourne Cup winner, Knight’s Choice. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Reigning Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner Knight’s Choice will miss the autumn campaign after co-trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon confirmed the five-year-old has suffered a leg injury and will head to the spelling paddock. The son of Extreme Choice was slated to run in this weekend’s Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m). He will now be sidelined until potentially the Group 2 Q22 (2200m) on June 14. “We are disappointed to advise that Knight’s Choice has, unfortunately, sustained a knock to his fetlock and the subsequent filling indicates that it is best to put him aside for a few weeks to allow the oedema to subside,” Symons Laxon Racing said in a social media statement. Knight’s Choice is a six-time winner from 23 career starts, and following his win in the 2024 Melbourne Cup, he has earned his connections $5,842.400 in prizemoney. Horse racing news View the full article

Shaune Ritchie couldn’t have wished for a smoother run with Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci) into Saturday’s $1.25 million Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). The Cambridge horseman, who trains with Colm Murray, has enjoyed a trouble-free run with the well-named son of Tivaci and Ball Gown ahead of Saturday’s Trackside-sponsored feature. “It’s getting harder to find the negatives around him, I suppose if you’re being picky then the traditional lead-up would have been the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2100m),” Ritchie said. Tuxedo hasn’t raced since he romped to victory in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa in early February. “We felt he was fit enough and didn’t need it, and I gave John Bary a call and he did the same thing with Jimmy Choux,” Ritchie said. “It’s not like it’s not doable, I understand it’s against normal things, but we felt he didn’t need another run on a hard track at Ellerslie two weeks before the Derby when he’d already excelled in the Waikato Guineas. “We’re very happy with how he’s come through everything, and he went up to Ellerslie yesterday (Monday) for a gallop and that has topped him off beautifully.” Like all his rivals, Tuxedo will head into unchartered waters over 2400m, and Ritchie is as confident as he can be that his charge will master the Classic distance. “An extra 400m is a big step and we’re not underestimating that and there are horses such as probably Bourbon Proof and Thedoctoroflove who look almost certain to run the mile and a-half,” he said. “I think we’ve got the best turn of foot in the race and that’s a massive factor, if he does run the trip out then I doubt there’s going to be a horse with a quicker last sectional than our bloke, based on his Waikato Guineas performance. “He is only in his first prep and that weighs on our mind as well, which is another reason we missed the Avondale Guineas and that was certainly by design. We’ve got him spot on for the weekend.” Tuxedo has posted three wins and two runner-up finishes from his five appearances, all in the hands of Joe Doyle who will again take the reins on Saturday. “He’s been remarkably consistent and ran into a very in-form Willydoit and he beat us fair and square and of course Damask Rose came from behind and beat him in the Karaka Millions (1600m),” Ritchie said. “He was beaten by two very good ones when he has been defeated and his three wins have been spectacular, so he’s never gone to the races and let us down.” Should Tuxedo perform up to expectations at Ellerslie, the focus may then turn to Australia. “We were thinking that missing the Avondale Guineas would also set us up much better to be able to progress to Sydney for the ATC Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) and that be his last run this prep,” Ritchie said. Tuxedo is raced by majority Auckland owner Grant Barnett, and friends, who purchased him out of breeder Waikato Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $70,000. “He’s had a Group One winner with me before in Magic Cape (Gr.1, New Zealand 2000 Guineas) and he’s raced some very nice horses, but Tuxedo looks like he could be better than all of them,” Ritchie said. “Grant deserves the accolades because he found him and then we looked at the horse and gave him the thumbs up. “We also went to the Inglis Classic Sale and bought (for A$130,000) Tuxedo’s half-sister by Super Seth so we’ve got her in the paddock.” View the full article

Feroce’s (NZ) (Super Seth) stunning Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) victory was celebrated in several of New Zealand’s most prominent stud farms over the weekend. Bred by Pencarrow Stud, Feroce was narrowly beaten by Private Life in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) back in October, but there was no denying the gelding at Flemington on Saturday, outmuscling fellow Kiwi-bred colt Savaglee to take the three-year-old feature by three-quarters of a length. Leon Casey, stud manager at Pencarrow, was thrilled to see the gelding earn his redemption after such a narrow miss at Caulfield. “It was a massive thrill, he’d just been beaten in the Caulfield Guineas and you’re never sure whether you’re going to get into that position again, to win a Group One race,” he said. “It was great to see him pull it off on Saturday, and in a marquee event.” A mid-August foal, Feroce stood out among his peers but continued to grow and wasn’t offered for sale as a yearling, instead being presented at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. Offered by Eion Kemp’s Kilgravin Lodge, Feroce was purchased by bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever and Victorian trainer Dominic Sutton for $160,000. “He was an outstanding foal, but he just kept growing and didn’t really look like he was going to be suited to the yearling sale,” Casey said. “He matured a lot as a two-year-old and he found his place at the Ready To Runs, which we reserved him for.” The sixth foal out of Corinthia, Feroce became the first Group One winner for Waikato Stud’s second season sire Super Seth, of whom Pencarrow are shareholders in and have supported in numbers in his short breeding career to date. “We are shareholders in Super Seth and we’ve sent quite a few mares to him in his first little while at stud,” Casey said. “We are big believers in what he may be able to achieve and it was great to see him establish himself as a stallion at that level. “He’s just been going so well everywhere and to put in a win like that, he’s just adding to his CV all the time.” For Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick, collecting the quinella (Super Seth and Savabeel) in a feature race was not only beneficial for the stud, but for the future of Super Seth, who has had an outstanding season. A winner of the Caulfield Guineas himself, Super Seth has left six stakes winners, including Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner La Dorada, and multiple stakes-winner Sethito, the latter taking her place in Saturday’s $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). “We had plenty of interest in the race and were very, very proud of the way that Savaglee measured up in Australia,” Chittick said. “But for a young sire that won a Guineas himself to have left a Classic Guineas winner in his first crop is why we’ve identified and put so much work and investment into Super Seth. “When you take the results of the last three weeks, he’s had a Group Two winner, a Listed winner and now a Group One winner, and seven winners in seven days. Now looking to this weekend, he’s got a runner in the Group One (Sistema Stakes, 1200m) and one in the Kiwi, you just couldn’t ask for anything more. “We’ve all had to work pretty hard at the sales series this year, but Seth got some good results. I certainly think from now on, people will recognise the way that he’s going and I’m really looking forward to the coming years. “We’re extremely proud of what he’s doing.” A daughter of O’Reilly out of a Group Three performer, Corinthia was unraced but is a half-sister to Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) winner De Beers, and her granddam, Tristalove, won the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) before taking out the Gr.1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) at Randwick. While not making it on to the racetrack, Corinthia immediately made an impression as a broodmare, with her first foal, Siracusa, winning the Listed Karaka Classic (1600m) and placing in the Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes and Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m). She produced another winner the following season in Calliope, but after a couple of quieter years, Feroce has put her firmly back on the map, with Saturday’s result increasing his total earnings beyond A$1.3 million. “She’s a great type of mare with a great pedigree, she didn’t make it to the races, but we had a lot of faith in her,” Casey said. “Her first foal was a stakes winner. “She’s a large mare with big shoulders so we thought Super Seth would suit her on type, and of course the Eight Carat family crosses so well with so many families, but particularly the Sadler’s Wells and Redoute’s Choice in Super Seth. “We thought that would spark the family back to life.” After Feroce was born, Corinthia was served by U S Navy Flag, producing a colt that was purchased for $150,000 by Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung at the Ready To Run Sale last November. The following year she visited Almanzor, resulting in a filly that will be retained by Pencarrow. She unfortunately lost her most recent foal by U S Navy Flag, with a plan to go back to Super Seth next year now firmly in mind. “She was the last mare to foal this year and ran way over her time, so she wasn’t bred,” Casey said. “It’ll have to be on the agenda to go back to him next year.” Siracusa has also joined Pencarrow’s broodmare band, with progeny by Almanzor (juvenile colt) and a Dundeel filly at foot. “Siracusa has got a Dundeel filly on the ground, and she’s in foal to Proisir,” Casey said. View the full article

Continue your working week with an exciting lineup of horse racing promotions this Tuesday, March 4. Top-tier online bookmakers are offering incredible bonus-back specials, enhanced odds, and other enticing deals to take your betting experience to new heights. Whether you’re placing a bet on a long shot or backing a proven favourite, these promotions ensure you get more out of every wager. With money-back offers on close calls and boosted payouts on feature races, now’s the perfect time to dive into the action. Don’t miss out on these generous offers—explore the latest promotions today and make this Tuesday’s races one to remember! The top Australian racing promotions for March 4, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Price Boost – Boost your odds for bigger payouts! Fixed Win, Multi & Same Game Multi bets. In the Punters Toolbox. May not be available on certain days. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet 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 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 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 Boost ‘Til You Boom Get your racing boost back if you don’t win. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Eligible customers only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet 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 4, 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. More horse racing promotions View the full article

There are four horse racing meetings set for Australia on Tuesday, March 4. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Kembla Grange. Tuesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 4, 2025 Kembla Grange Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 4, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Aaron Haberman joins the March 3 episode of BloodHorse Monday to discuss Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful California Burrito. OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski joins to preview the upcoming OBS March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.View the full article