Wandering Eyes

By Dane McLeod/Kristen Manning/TTR AusNZ The 2025 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale saw fireworks on day one, with two standout colts reaching the coveted A$1 million mark, igniting excitement at Oaklands Junction as they become only the fourth and the fifth horses to reach that significant mark at this particular sale. Lot 201 – Frankel (GB) x Heavenly Curlin (Curlin) (colt) – A$1,000,000 American John Stewart, under his banner of Resolute Bloodstock, joined forces with the McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock (FBAA) team to make a significant impact on day one, triumphing in an intense bidding war for Lot 201 and securing the Frankel colt for A$1 million. The colt is the second foal of Group 3-winning American mare Heavenly Curlin and he comes from the esteemed family of Redoute's Choice (Aus). It was a major moment for Rosemont Stud, as he became only the second horse they have ever offered to reach the A$1 million mark. Anthony Mithen proudly stated, “Unbelievable. Proud of the horse, proud of the farm, proud of the staff, and Kelsie, our yearling manager. I know what they will be doing in our row right now–they will be going mental. “To achieve a result like that on your home deck–in football terms, we're playing at home this week–and it feels pretty good with the black shorts on. “I'm still shaking a bit. It's a lot of money, and it takes a lot to get your horses here. You held your breath on multiple occasions, but we got there. It's a sense of relief but also a great sense of achievement.” He added, “John Stewart–I hope he's having a party somewhere in the world. He's a world force. He's my sort of guy, especially when he's got a million to spend on a Rosemont yearling. “He was a horse that we really thought would be a headliner here in Melbourne. We want to support our backyard–we are proudly Victorian–and we feel like we're doing some good things for the Victorian breeding and racing industry. You've got to put your best horses where your mouth is when you say those things and back it up with your stock.” Calvin McEvoy was understandably thrilled, saying, “He was a star colt from the first time I saw him. “He's by Frankel, who is a star stallion, and he has a lovely American family. I would like to acknowledge and thank John Stewart for backing us–it's great to have him on board. “We love everything about him. He handled the sale so well and we are excited to have him. He is a blue-chip investment.” Another $1 million dollar lot! Lot 201 (Frankel x Heavenly Curlin) from @RosemontStud sells to @resracingky / @jstewartrr for $1,000,000. Congratulations to all involved in the colt. #InglisPremier pic.twitter.com/89TjQsnnSL — Inglis (@inglis_sales) March 2, 2025 Lot 197 – Toronado (Ire) x Hardly Surprising (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) (colt) – A$1,000,000 Toronado has long been an outstanding stallion, enjoying numerous highlights both on the racetrack and in the sales ring. However, a new high came on Sunday afternoon when his colt, Lot 197, from the draft of Gilgai Farm, sold for A$1 million to the bid of Andrew Williams Bloodstock (FBAA) and Hong Kong Bloodstock. This athletic colt is the fifth foal out of the Group 3-placed All Too Hard mare, Hardly Surprising, who has already produced the winner The Swooper (Aus) (Divine Prophet {Aus}). He is part of the crop where Toronado served his first book of mares at an A$88,000 fee (inc. GST), and breeder Rick Jamieson was ecstatic with the unexpected price. He said, “I would have been rapt with getting about four times his service fee, so the price was very unexpected. I just love Toronado.” The co-purchaser Andrew Williams expressed his excitement, saying, “It's very special to buy a horse like this. We probably expected to be in that price bracket, and we knew he was going to get there quickly–it was just a matter of when it would stop. “All I can say is I'm very grateful to be able to buy a horse like this. He's a bloody ripper and he comes off a very good nursery in Gilgai. I went back to 2018 when Masked Crusader sold here, found the picture of him and the walking video, and they look very similar. “He's been purchased for a Hong Kong client who has some really good horses up there at the moment, and we joined forces with Anthony Fang from Hong Kong Bloodstock. “We had been waiting for this horse–we purposely didn't buy at Magic Millions, we purposely didn't buy in New Zealand or Classic. We've been waiting for this horse. He added, “I have seen him every day since Tuesday, and he's only gotten better and better, I think. Unbelievably forward horse, a lot of strength about him, fantastic head, unbelievable temperament–he's handled it so well. “Rick Jamieson has bred some bloody good horses in his time. We put a lot of faith in those good nurseries. He will go to New Zealand next week to be gelded and then get broken in, and then we will see how he goes.” Wow! Lot 197 (Toronado x Hardly Surprising) from the @GilgaiFarm draft sells for an incredible $1,000,000 to @AWilliamsBldstk! All the best to those involved with this colt! #InglisPremier pic.twitter.com/ixXsU97lIT — Inglis (@inglis_sales) March 2, 2025 At A Glance Day 1 of the 2025 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale saw 177 of the 283 lots offered sold, recording a clearance of 70 per cent. The figure is slightly below Day 1 of the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, where 187 lots sold at a clearance rate of 74 per cent at the close of day–a rate which rose to 86 per cent after several days. Day 1's gross amount of A$26,142,000 is almost the same as the Day 1 aggregate of A$26,124,000 in 2024, which was down from the 2023 Day 1 figure of A$28,215,000. The 2025 Day 1 average was A$147,695 higher than the A$139,701 at the same point in 2024, with a median of A$110,000 up from 2024's Day 1 figure of A$105,000. These compared favourably to 2023's average and median figures of A$136,966 and A$100,000, respectively. Two colts made seven figures, both at A$1 million each, to top the day's proceedings, being Lot 197 a Toronado (Ire) colt from Hardly Surprising (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) sold by Gilgai Farm to Andrew Williams Bloodstock (FBAA) and Hong Kong Bloodstock, and Lot 201 a Frankel (GB) colt from Heavenly Curlin (Curlin) sold by Rosemont Stud to Resolute Racing, McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock. The leading buyer by aggregate on Day 1 was Hong Kong trainer Ricky Yiu who bought five horses for A$1.28 million, while the leading buyer by average (TWO or more bought) was Yulong who purchased two yearlings for a total of A$660,000 or an average of A$330,000. Yulong were the leading vendors by aggregate on Day 1, selling 17 yearlings for A$3.17 million, while Gilgai Farm was the leading vendor by average (two or more sold) with an average of A$367,500 achieved for their four horses sold. Courtesy of their joint sale toppers, Toronado (Ire) and Frankel (GB) lead the sires by aggregate and average with Toronado selling five yearlings for a total of A$1.91 million and Frankel's pair achieving a sum of A$1.36 million which gave him an average price of A$680,000. With most other sales this year having either a colt or filly bias, it was interesting to note that the average price for colts was A$147,200 and the average price for fillies on Day 1 was A$148,300. The post Frankel and Toronado Colts Top Day One of the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Caspar Fownes-trained three-year-old blows his rivals away, stopping the clock more than a second inside standard.View the full article

A week after Ka Ying Rising’s third Group One win of the season, the Australian handler delivers again at Sha Tin.View the full article

Australian jockey salutes with three of his four mounts on an afternoon when six overseas jockeys suited up at Sha Tin.View the full article

Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn) displayed exactly why she is the overwhelming favourite for the upcoming $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks (2400m), with a fourth-straight Group victory in Sunday’s Gr.2 Jennian Homes Lowland Stakes (2100m). An unstoppable force out of the Central Districts, Leica Lucy was a winner on debut and Robbie Patterson, who trains her out of New Plymouth, stamped her as an Oaks filly from that moment forward. After a narrow second to Wingman at the following start, Leica Lucy has not been beaten since, dominating her way through the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) and Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). There was little doubt from punters that she would continuing her winning stampede in the Oaks dress rehearsal, shortening from an opening quote of $1.50 into $1.22, with her closest rival Connello closing at $10. After getting on-toe in the parade, Leica Lucy was a consummate professional at the barriers and jumped away positively, with regular rider Craig Grylls holding his position on the inside to land on the rail trailing the leader in Prestissimo. A moderate tempo quickened as the field neared the home turn and Leica Lucy was travelling like the winner a long way out, and when Grylls let her go at the 250m, it was game over, the filly charging clear to score by an extending 3 – ½ lengths to an honest Myakkabelle. Other meritorious runs with the upcoming Oaks in consideration came from third and fourth placegetters Dubai Gold and Thrilling. Grylls had already steered home One Bold Gigolo for Patterson earlier in the meeting, and when it comes to Leica Lucy, he has the upmost praise for the filly. “I didn’t have to use her as such (at the start), but just dig to hold my spot because they were going to rush around,” he said. “As you’ve seen before the race, she got quite worked up today, but as soon as she jumped out of the barriers, she comes straight back to you and switches off. I was able to get off (the rail) and she’s improving all the time, that was even better than last time. “She does it without really being asked too, I was pretty soft on her but she just loves it and runs through the line.” While Patterson has trained the likes of Coventina Bay, Puntura and One Bold Cat to top-flight victories in recent years, he holds Leica Lucy in the highest regard as the best horse to come out of his successful operation. “She’s not even screwed down yet, she’s an unbelievable horse and I’ve never had one like it,” he said. “I think she’ll be screwed down in three weeks’ time, that’s been the goal since the day she won her first start and I’m looking forward to that. “We all know she’s going to Chris Waller’s, and you know what, Caulfield Cup maybe next year, or the Queensland Oaks this year, she is the real deal.” The Oaks will be Leica Lucy’s final appearance for Patterson before she heads across the Tasman to join the Waller powerhouse, with the million-dollar feature being run back on the champagne turf on March 22. “I can’t plod her along, I’ve purposely left her a little bit fresh and I know I can’t leave her too fresh, because you can’t win an Oaks behaving like that,” Patterson said. “I’ll tighten up the screws a little bit on her, but even if I stuff up, she makes up for it on her ability.” Sunday’s success increased Leica Lucy’s earnings to just shy of $440,000, with five wins and a second placing from six starts. Her first four appearances were representing owner-breeders Heather and Peter Crofskey, before prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir purchased a share in the daughter of Derryn. View the full article

Talented sprinter Lhasa (Hellbent) is a force to be reckoned with on Cambridge’s synthetic track and he brought that form to the turf at Trentham on Sunday, taking down a quality field in the IRT 1200. Prepared by Mark Treweek, Lhasa had recorded each of his four prior victories on all-weather at his home course, while Trentham has also been a happy hunting ground, picking up placings behind the likes of Nereus, Loch In Ora and at his most recent start, Platinum Attack. Despite the form on course, Lhasa was slightly underrated in the market for the open handicap and closed at $9.80, with Insatiable on top at $4.30. Carrying just 53kgs courtesy of Tayla Mitchell’s one-kilogram claim, Lhasa crossed from a wide gate and sat outside of Idyllic, who showed her customary speed up-front. Mitchell began to stoke up Lhasa as they neared the course proper and he continued to build that momentum in the straight, the gelding still having plenty in the tank to hold off Silent Is Gold and a storming Insatiable at the post by a half-neck. Treweek had been confident in the gelding’s trackwork and was rapt to see that transfer to race-day. “He’d worked very well during the week and he always races well fresh,” he said. “We thought that with the lightweight on, the instructions were to go forward and get going when you get across the crossing, and go for it. We had to go forward just with the way they are racing today and it paid off. “She (Mitchell) rode him 100%, I’m very happy.” As a 75-rated galloper prior to the race, Lhasa will be up to open company and Treweek hopes to return for the upcoming feature meetings on the champagne turf. “I’m hoping that because I’m friends with Bruce Sherwin (chief handicapper) that he will be nice to me (with ratings), but probably not,” Treweek quipped. “I’d love to come back for the next two meetings if there is something for him.” A five-year-old by Hellbent, Lhasa was co-bred by Kia Ora Stud in Scone and is raced by the Treweek family. In 23 starts, he has earned over $120,000 with five wins and six minor placings. View the full article

Stephen and Kevin Gray needed to see a winning performance from Sword In Stone (NZ) (Redwood) to consider tackling next Saturday’s Gr.2 Barfoot and Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m), and the evergreen nine-year-old duly delivered at Trentham on Sunday. A son of Redwood, Sword In Stone was purchased by Stephen Gray for just $33,000 at the National Yearling Sales and was initially trained by Lauren Brennan, who prepared him to place in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) in 2019 before continuing his career in Hong Kong. Racing as Columbus County, the gelding earned over HK$13.7 million in five seasons and was twice a Group One placegetter. After proving himself among the best staying gallopers in the competitive jurisdiction, Sword In Stone’s former trainer Caspar Fownes sent the gelding back to New Zealand in search of more suitable options in the twilight of his career. The gelding immediately made an impression in his homeland, starting off on a winning note as a $43 chance over a mile at Otaki in December. In two starts following, the Sword In Stone finished at the tail in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m), but was back in form finishing second to Heart Of Gold at Wanganui, warranting a final opportunity to prove himself a true prospect for the $600,000 showpiece at Ellerslie on Champions Day. Well-respected in the market as a $6 third-favourite, Sword In Stone had the services of Michael McNab and the top hoop gave him the perfect run in transit, settling in the one-one outside of Titicaca. Ruby Rocks dictated the tempo throughout, and on straightening, Sword In Stone and Titicaca began to fight out the finish, with the former having the edge late to score by a half-head. Sword In Stone was the second of a winning treble for McNab, also guiding Ballon d’Or and Slipper Island to victories through the card. “He switched off well, the speed of the race was good for a small field,” he said. “I thought the second horse (Titicaca) had me covered turning in and he was able to dictate to me being a big horse, but he was brilliant.” Stephen Gray was thrilled with the effort, particularly when considering he was giving away four kilograms to the second placegetter. “I’m rapt, he’s a nine-year-old and for our little team that we’re building, for him to come back and do that with 60 kilos is a pretty good effort,” he said. “He’s a lovely horse and we looked after him, we’ve taken our time and that run last week brought him on.” Sword In Stone is raced by Gray and his wife Bridget, who will have plenty to think about over the coming days. “He’s in there (Auckland Cup) and I forgot to take him out after the last ones (withdrawals), and Bridget said to me, do you know how it costs to put him in there?” Gray said. “But I’m not sure, I’ll talk to my partners and see how we go.” The victory was Sword In Stone’s fifth in 44 starts, accumulating over $2.8 million in stakes earnings. He is out of a Kilimanjaro mare Spirit Of Sandford, who has also produced Secret Spirit, a four-time stakes winner including the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m). View the full article

Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay have announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in exciting three-year-old filly Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) from her owner, Colin Wightman. The daughter of Ten Sovereigns will carry the stud’s black and gold colours in next Saturday’s $3.5m NZB Kiwi at Ellerslie. “Jo and I are thrilled to be involved with Pivotal Ten,” Brendan Lindsay said. “Like many people we were very taken by the record she has developed, particularly her win in the Southland Guineas.” Pivotal Ten has strung together five consecutive wins for trainer Samantha Wynne. In her most recent victory, she posted an impressive 8.8-length margin in the Listed Southland Guineas on February 12. Wightman is keen to see his star southern filly take on her northern rivals and hopes the partnership will benefit Pivotal Ten’s future on the racetrack and beyond. “In discussion with Brendan, I was convinced that the partnership was good for the filly’s future as both a racehorse and broodmare given the international pedigree she has,” Wightman said. “I am pleased to be associated with owners who are as passionate about racing as I am. All we need now is the luck of the Irish.” Pivotal Ten, who will run in the Selangor Turf Club’s Kiwi slot, joins fellow Lindsay runner First Dance in the showpiece event on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day. “The inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi is going to be part of a historic day for New Zealand racing and we are incredibly excited to have two runners representing us in the Kiwi,” Lindsay concluded. View the full article

Joe Pride had his game face on and did well enough to hide his disappointment over Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) missing a run in the Gr.1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. A genuine weight-for-age contender this autumn and already a two-time Group One winner plus second-placed in the 2024 Australian Derby, Pride was all set for the four-year-old to again take on Via Sistina and Fangirl over the mile trip towards other Sydney Autumn Carnival features. “We couldn’t go around this time,” Pride said. “We had a horse ready to go in a group one and you want to run them but it was one of those fifty-fifty calls on Friday and I just wasn’t happy enough with him on race morning.” That injury was an abrasion to the off-hind cannon which he incurred after Friday morning trackwork. “It wasn’t too bad but it wasn’t worth the risk,” he added Ceolwulf will now start in the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick this Saturday before taking on the Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 22 where he will meet with Fangirl again. “We are still on track to go to the Queen Elizabeth as our main aim but it might be now that we run in the Doncaster as he needs a bit of racing to get there. “Where he was probably a less than 50% chance to go to the Doncaster, now he is a better chance of going there on the way through.” Though not all was lost after missing yesterday’s Randwick outing, Pride did his best not to show the way he really felt. “Believe me, I am disappointed,” he said. “I’ve just had a few more hours to get over it.” View the full article

Guy, Emily & Bruce put a spotlight on the south, reviewing all the action from Wingatui yesterday, We also dive deep into all the superstars across the Tasman including our very own Savaglee who was brave in defeat. And the team reflect on the life and career of Mike Moroney. Weigh In, March 2 View the full article

An unexpected trip to the South Island produced a winning debut by Queen’s Evidence (NZ) (King’s Legacy) at Wingatui on Saturday, paving the way for another southern mission later in the autumn. Queen’s Evidence was a trial winner at Ellerslie on February 11 and then travelled to Otaki last Saturday for what was meant to be her first start. When that meeting was abandoned after one race, trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson decided to send her further down the country. Saturday’s Grand Casino 2YO (1100m) served as take two for Queen’s Evidence, but the King’s Legacy filly sent another scare through her camp when she reared in the gates and had to be backed out for a vet check. Queen’s Evidence was cleared to start and it was a procession from there. She was sent straight to the lead by jockey Joe Doyle, then kicked clear at the home turn and cruised to victory by a length and a half over the fast-finishing Professional Lad and Shesascorcher. “It was a bit of a nervy start,” Doyle said. “She seemed calm beforehand, but then she just reared up in the gates and got a leg stuck over the side. The vet had a good look at her and was happy with her, and I was happy with her too, and she’s gone out and performed very well. “She was a bit green, changing leads a few times and having a good look around. But when I gave her a squeeze, she picked up very well. I think she’s got more ahead of her.” Walker and Bergerson are now keen for Queen’s Evidence to chase black type in the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton on April 12 and the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) at the same venue on May 3. “She keeps us on our toes a little bit, but young horses can be a bit like that,” Bergerson said. “She paraded very fresh today. She obviously handled the big trip down here very well – probably too well. “But once she got in the gates, jumped and went clear, she was able to follow the rail around, which always helps young horses. Hopefully she can go on with it from here. “The beauty of her winning today is that we’ve now got a bit of time before those two Listed races at Riccarton later in the autumn. We can get her home now and give her a quiet week, which she really deserves, and take it from there. We’ve got a bit to look forward to.” Queen’s Evidence was bred by Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay and is by King’s Legacy out of the twice-winning High Chaparral mare Enjay. That makes Queen’s Evidence a half-sister to three winners including the multiple Group placegetter Familia. Queen’s Evidence is the third winner from the first two-year-old crop of Coolmore Stud stallion King’s Legacy, who himself won the Gr.1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1600m) and Champagne Stakes (1600m) in Sydney as a two-year-old. Te Akau has already struck black type with the progeny of King’s Legacy, with the promising Born To Be Royal finishing third in last month’s Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Cambridge Stud offered Queen’s Evidence during Book 1 of Karaka 2024, where Te Akau principal David Ellis bought her for $220,000. View the full article

What Port Macquarie Races Where Port Macquarie Race Club – 283 Oxley Hwy, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 When Monday, March 3, 2025 First Race 1:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble The new week of racing gets underway at Port Macquarie Race Club on Monday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program set for decision. The rail moves out +2m the entire circuit, and with no significant rainfall forecast across the weekend, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. All the action is set to kick-off at 1:45pm local time. Best Bet at Port Macquarie: Speithtacular Speithtacular couldn’t have done much more in a luckless runner-up debut at Ballina on February 14. The Spieth filly missed the start before being ridden along to find the top in the middle stages, using plenty of energy to hold a position as they turned for home. She had every right to fade in the concluding stages, but kept finding as Deep Stealth narrowly got the upper hand on the line. Expect Aaron Bullock to get the three-year-old to jump with them, and provided she can give them the slip, Speithtacular should justify the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 2 – #9 Speithtacular (3) 3yo Filly | T: Indiana Turner | J: Aaron Bullock (57.5kg) Next Best at Port Macquarie: Éclair Vitality The Matthew Smith-trained Éclair Vitality put it all together at Scone on February 17, bursting clear of his rivals to claim a dominant 2.8-length maiden victory. The son of Lord Kanaloa showed a blistering turn-of-speed when asked for the ultimate effort, with the lightly raced four-year-old eased down on the wire. He appears well placed in this Class 1 contest, and with plenty of upside compared to some key rivals, Éclair Vitality will prove hard to hold out in his quest for back-to-back wins. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Éclair Vitality (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: Ben Looker (60.5kg) Best Value at Port Macquarie: Exceedzu Exceedzu should appreciate stepping out to the 1500m third-up in the campaign after a much-improved effort at this course on February 16. The daughter of Exceedance found the 1200m too sharp but hit the line well to suggest she’s ready to peak. Andrew Gibbons can lob into a handy position throughout from barrier six, and provided Exceedzu can continue to progress for the Todd Howlett barn, she represents terrific each-way value with Dabble. Best Value Race 4 – #6 Exceedzu (6) 3yo Filly | T: Todd Howlett | J: Andrew Gibbons (55,5kg) Monday quaddie tips for Port Macquarie Port Macquarie quadrella selections March 3, 2025 1-6-7-12 1-2 2-5-6-7 1-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Trainer Michael McCarthy entered the March 1 card at Santa Anita Park with a formidable lineup of stakes runners, and he exited with a hat trick of victories capped by Formidable Man's victory in the $301,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1T).View the full article

Stan Tsaikos, pictured after winning last year’s Alice Springs Cup on the Kerry Petrick-trained Venting, landed a double at Pioneer Park on Saturday aboard Will Savage’s Becquerel and Terry Gillett’s Great Buy It got ugly for punters at Alice Springs on Saturday with three odds-on favourites going down. Lisa Whittle’s O’Tycoon – starting at $1.70 with online bookmakers, Dick Leech’s Cavendish ($1.22) and Terry Gillett’s Kangaroo Court ($1.85) brought excellent form to the table. However, Pioneer Park continues to be an unpredictable venue and the feature races are up for grabs during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival starting March 16. Carnival culminates with the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) on April 5 and the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 6. O’Tycoon, eyeing five wins from his past six starts, once again looked vulnerable when denied the opportunity to sit on the speed before finishing fourth in the open 1200m handicap. Just like on January 5 when he settled midfield in a BM76 over 1000m before coming fourth, Sonja Logan had O’Tycoon camped three deep in sixth place on Saturday after drawing the outside gate in the seven-horse field. Greg Connor’s Flying Yishu, returning after three months, continues to impress first up after holding off all challengers in the home straight despite sharing the lead and sitting three-wide. It was a super ride by apprentice Lek Maloney on the contender, but lumping 53.5kg certainly benefitted Flying Yishu. For Gillett’s $26 pop Supreme Attraction, ridden by daughter and apprentice Dakota, to get within a neck of the winner in second place was remarkable with the 2023 Pioneer Sprint winner a long last in the back straight. Ray Viney’s $6.50 threat Kickatorp – third in last year’s Pioneer Sprint – was a close third with Queensland jockey Brendon Newport on board. Cavendish, a NT Guineas (1600m) hopeful on March 22, had decimated his rivals in his two previous starts over 1400m in February, but came to grief in his 1600m debut. With in-form Victorian apprentice Hannah Le Blanc as the pilot, the three-year-old gelding held big leads throughout the Class 2 contest before succumbing to Will Savage’s fast-finishing Becquerel. Starting at $7.50 and with Stan Tsaikos in the saddle, Becquerel swamped the erratic Cavendish to win by 0.8 lengths. Savage trains NT star Savatoxl, the 2019 NT Guineas winner. Kangaroo Court had won three straight until a last start second behind O’Tycoon over 1100m a fortnight ago and dominated the BM76 over 1400m along with stablemate and $3.90 fancy Great Buy. The Gillett pair led their rivals a merry dance before Great Buy, a last start winner in the same grade over the same distance on February 8, stepped up at the 200m under the guidance of Tsaikos to seal victory by 4.4 lengths. Kangaroo Court, sitting outside Great Buy, had no excuse as he had a 5.5kg advantage over Great Buy courtesy of Dakota Gillett’s 1.5kg claim. Heatwave conditions prompted the Alice Springs Turf Club to bring the meeting forward with the mercury reaching 42.7C – thus equalling the hottest day in March set in 2019. Horse racing news View the full article

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With an electrifying rally through the stretch, Sovereignty ran down River Thames to win the March 1 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Despite being carried wide on both turns and toting the co-high weight of 124 pounds, there was no denying Locked was much the best in the $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) March 1 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Journalism caught pacesetting Barnes and scored a decisive victory in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

He had to settle for second behind White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Pegasus World Cup but 'TDN Rising Star' LOCKED (c, 4, Gun Runner–Luna Rosa, by Malibu Moon) did one better Saturday while romping to victory in the GI Santa Anita Handicap. Opting to skip last week's G1 Saudi Cup in favor of this spot, the 3-5 favorite never looked in doubt, surging to the front with a sweeping move around the far turn and putting 12-1 shot Express Train (Union Rags) quickly in the rearview mirror to come home by nearly double digits. The 6-year-old Express Train held second while Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) ran third in a final time of 2:01.71. #7 LOCKED ($3.40) was spectacular in the $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at @santaanitapark! The four-year-old Gun Runner (@Three_Chimneys) colt was piloted by @jose93_ortiz for trainer @PletcherRacing. The now two-time Grade 1 winner is owned by @EclipseTBP and @WalmacLLC. pic.twitter.com/EbG0KpN8kb — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 2, 2025 Saturday, Santa Anita SANTA ANITA H. PRESENTED BY YAAMAVA' RESORT & CASINO-GI, $301,500, Santa Anita, 3-1, 4yo/up, 1 1/4m, 2:01.71, ft. 1–LOCKED, 124, c, 4, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Luna Rosa, by Malibu Moon 2nd Dam: Gabriellina Giof (GB), by Ashkalani (Ire) 3rd Dam: Paola Quatraro (Ire), by Cure the Blues ($425,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm LLC; B-Rosa Colasanti (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-Jose L. Ortiz. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 8-5-1-2, $1,661,650. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Express Train, 120, h, 8, Union Rags–I'm a Flake, by Mineshaft. ($500,000 Ylg '18 KEESEP). O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Dixiana Farms LLC (KY); T-John A. Shirreffs. $60,000. 3–Hit Show, 124, h, 5, Candy Ride (Arg)–Actress, by Tapit. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. O-Wathnan Racing; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $36,000. Margins: 8HF, 3 3/4, 2 1/4. Odds: 0.70, 12.00, 2.90. Also Ran: Midnight Mammoth, J B Strikes Back, Katonah, New King, Mirahmadi. Scratched: Tarantino. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Locked Romps In The Big Cap appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

About half an hour removed from a stirring victory in the GII San Felipe Stakes with Journalism (Curlin), jockey Umberto Rispoli and trainer Michael McCarthy were right back into the spotlight when Mr. & Mrs. William Warren's FORMIDABLE MAN (c, 4, City of Light–Fanticola, by Silent Name {Jpn}) closed good ground hard up against the rail and was along in the final strides to add the GI F. E. Kilroe Mile Stakes. Off at odds of 5-1, the $375,000 Keeneland September yearling–by the sire who gave McCarthy and the Warrens memorable victories in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and in the GI Pegasus World Cup–was getting the blinkers off following a largely forgettable run in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf and settled in mid-division as Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) came across from his outside gate to establish a moderate pace up front. Continuing to skim the rail down the backstretch and into the final three furlongs, the bay colt looked to be traveling well five-sixteenths from home and Rispoli took the decision to ride for luck into the lane. Air Force Red (Air Force Blue), prominent throughout, aided that cause when drifting a bit off the inside and leaving an inviting opening at the three-sixteenths. Still with some work to do entering the final furlong, Rispoli conjured up one final rally from Formidable Man, who drove through in the dying strides for the victory. Sales history: $375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 12-6-2-0. O-William K & Suzanne Warren; B-Town & Country Horse Farms (KY); T-Michael McCarthy. A tremendous ride from @umbyrispoli gets Formidable Man home to win his second Grade 1 in the Frank E Kilroe Mile pic.twitter.com/glNWBpuk7s — Idol Horse (@idolhorsedotcom) March 2, 2025 The post City of Light’s Formidable Man Up The Fence To Land Kilroe Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

South African grade 1 winner Beach Bomb broke through with her first United States win with a gate-to-wire score in the $150,000 The Very One Stakes (G3T) March 1 Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Talk about a quick dividend. In his first race since being purchased privately, not only did Flood Zone land in the winner's circle at 17-1 odds, he earned a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

The question going into Saturday's GII DK Horse San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita was whether unbeaten $3.2-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga star Barnes (Into Mischief) could win at two turns. He may have if it weren't for a new star on the scene, GII Los Alamitos Futurity winner Journalism (Curlin). Barnes, favored at 2-5, set the pace in the San Felipe, while Journalism bided his time back in fourth as the 3-1 second choice. When Barnes came off the turn and sprinted for home, Journalism–running for the first time as a 3-year-old–reeled him in with gusto and finished powerfully, about two lengths on top. Rodriguez (Authentic) was a distant third. After Berlin Wall (Practical Joke) scratched Saturday, the San Felipe was worth 37.5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the winner, instead of 50. Following the race, jockey Umberto Rispoli told FanDuel that Journalism was in “beast mode.” #2 JOURNALISM ($8.20) adds 37.5 @KentuckyDerby points to his total with a strong victory in the $300,000 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at @santaanitapark. The Curlin colt is trained by @mwmracing. @umbyrispoli was in the irons. This is Journalism's third consecutive win! pic.twitter.com/fVjRnRSqxo — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 Saturday, Santa Anita DK HORSE SAN FELIPE S.-GII, $300,000, Santa Anita, 3-1, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:42.24, ft. 1–JOURNALISM, 124, c, 3, by Curlin 1st Dam: Mopotism (GSW & MGISP, $876,090), by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Peppy Rafaela, by Bernardini 3rd Dam: Peppy Lapeau, by French Deputy ($825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG). O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC and Robert V. LaPenta; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1, $338,880. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Barnes, 120, c, 3, Into Mischief–All American Dream, by American Pharoah. ($3,200,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $60,000. 3–Rodriguez, 120, c, 3, Authentic–Cayala, by Cherokee Run. ($485,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson,Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Kingswood Farm & David Egan (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $36,000. Margins: 1 3/4, 9HF, 4HF. Odds: 3.10, 0.40, 3.80. Also Ran: Mellencamp, Smooth Cruisein. Scratched: Berlin Wall. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Journalism Bests Barnes in San Felipe Showdown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sportingly sent to the U.S. after years-long export regulations for South African horses were eased and after having to endure an arduous period in quarantine post-arrival, Cayton Park Stud's Beach Bomb (SAf) (Lancaster Bomber) was given a beautifully rated steer from the front by Luis Saez and led past every pole in Saturday's GIII The Very One Stakes at Gulfstream Park. A latest eighth, but not beaten far, in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Beach Bomb was ridden positively by Saez and got into a good rhythm through opening sections of a controlled :24.17 and :50.48 as Whatloveslookslike (English Channel) settled closest to her in the run. Going comfortably and ears-pricked turning down the back, Beach Bomb covered the opening three-quarters of a mile in 1:16.05, with Saez keeping his powder dry, waiting for the right moment to up the tempo. With a shake of the reins from Saez entering the last of three turns, Beach Bomb began to sprint, had a bit of a break on her rivals entering the final furlong and proved a comfortable winner over Immensitude (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}) and La Mehana (Fr) (Al Wukair {Ire}), who ran well despite being tactically disadvantaged to varying degrees. Beach Bomb is, according to available sources, the first South African-bred to win a U.S. graded event since Gypsy's Warning (SAf) (Mogok) took the GI Matriarch Stakes in 2010. The Apache (SAf) (Mogok) was first past the post in the 2013 GI Arlington Million, but was demoted to second behind Real Solution (Kitten's Joy). “I kind of told [Luis] to go forward, so I'm not surprised,” said winning trainer Graham Motion. “Luis helped her away from there. It looked like nobody wanted to go. “I think Grade I may be a stretch for her, but she didn't run badly in the Breeders' Cup. She didn't get beat that badly,” Motion continued. “We liked her. Everything had to go perfectly to get to the Breeders' Cup. We gave her a little break after that to let her catch up with herself and settle in. Things went well for this race. “I haven't thought much about [what's next]. I don't know if a mile and a half is what she wants to do. I think a mile and a quarter is a pretty good trip for her.” An upset winner of the GI Cape Fillies' Guineas at Kenilworth in Cape Town in December 2023, Beach Bomb earned her place in the Filly and Mare Turf with a victory in the GI Paddock Stakes in her next appearance. Runner-up against the boys in the GI Cape Derby in February 2024 in her final start for Candice Bass-Robinson, she arrived in New York in March following a trip from Johannesburg with a refueling stop in Barbados, but was confined to nearly no exercise while in quarantine for a period of two months-plus. She managed a trio of starts in the second half of the season, finishing a promising second in the Aug. 31 Violet Stakes at Monmouth and a good third in the GII Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita Oct. 5. Sent away at 55-1 at Del Mar, she turned in a mostly even effort from a high draw to be eighth, but just 3 1/2 lengths behind champion Moira (Ghostzapper). Pedigree Notes: Beach Bomb is one of four top-level scorers for her sire, second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2016 and runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile the following season before earning winning Group 1 laurels of his own in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in his final career appearance in 2018. In the first two months of 2025, Lancaster Bomber has also supplied Eight On Eighteen (SAf), winner of the prestigious Grade 1 Met and Grade 1 Cape Derby and Rascova (SAf), victorious in the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes. Lancaster Bomber, the sire of six stakes and 84 individual winners, passed away from a suspected heart attack at Gaynor Rupert's Drakenstein Stud in 2021. Beach Bomb is one of five winners for her dam, herself a two-time champion and five-time scorer at the highest level in South Africa. Beach Beauty is the dam of the 3-year-old maiden filly Beach Queen (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}), the 2-year-old filly Beach Verse (SAf) (Vercingetorix {SAf}) and is due to the Drakenstein stallion Jet Dark (SAf) (Trippi) for 2025. Saturday, Gulfstream Park THE VERY ONE S. PRESENTED BY MYRACEHORSE-GIII, $150,000, Gulfstream, 3-1, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 3/8mT, 2:14.03, fm. 1–BEACH BOMB (SAF), 120, m, 5, by Lancaster Bomber 1st Dam: Beach Beauty (SAf) (Ch. Older Mare-SAf, Ch. Older Mare-SAf, Broodmare Of The Year-SAf, MG1SW-SAF, $576,854), by Dynasty (SAf) 2nd Dam: Sun Coast (SAf), by Capture Him 3rd Dam: Leisure (SAf), by Hobnob (Fr) O-Cayton Park Stud; B-Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs. G. A. Rupert) (SAF); T-H Graham Motion; J-Luis Saez. $89,280. Lifetime Record: MGISW-SAf, 12-5-3-1, $251,860. *1/2 to Amanzimtoti (SAf) (Trippi), GSW-SAF; Wild Coast (SAf) (Trippi), GSW-SAf; and Narina Trogon (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}), MSW & GSP-SAf. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Immensitude (Fr), 120, m, 5, Lawman (Fr)–Ma Petite Poule (Fr), by Elusive City. (€80,000 Ylg '21 ARQDOY). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Isabelle Corbani (FR); T-William I. Mott. $28,800. 3–La Mehana (Fr), 123, m, 6, Al Wukair (Ire)–Oceanie (Fr), by Dansili (GB). (€55,000 RNA Ylg '20 ARDEAY; €400,000 4yo '23 ARQDEN). O-LSU Stables; B-S.A. Haras du Mezeray (FR); T-Christophe Clement. $14,400. Margins: 1, HF, NK. Odds: 3.70, 6.10, 3.20. Also Ran: Queen Regent (GB), Forever After All, Whatlovelookslike, Be My Sunshine, Youknownothing, Blush (Ire). Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. BEACH BOMB (SAF) ($9.40) makes her return a winning one in the $165,000 The Very One Stakes (G3) at @GulfstreamPark. @GrahamMotion trains the five-year-old mare. @luissaezpty was up! Mindframe returns in the next: https://t.co/lz4ozgmtzA pic.twitter.com/cmsKFtNezC — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 The post Beach Bomb Takes Them Gate To Wire in The Very One appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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