Wandering Eyes

Two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer David Hayes has been enjoying a strong season with his runners, and on the back of a trio of Group 1 victories courtesy of Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}), is aiming to add the HK$13-million Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800 metres with either Rubylot (Aus) (Rubick {Aus}) or Hong Kong debuter and G1 South African Derby-placed Mondial (SAf) (Flower Alley). The former is the most experience runner in the field with 17 Hong Kong starts, good for five wins. Already a winner over 1000m, 1200m, and 1400m, the gelding has yet to score at the distance of the Classic Cup, but Hayes, who won this with Resfa (Arg) (Fitzcarraldo {Arg}) in 1999, is unperturbed. Rubylot ran sixth in the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, the Hong Kong Classic Mile. “He's going well, he really is going well. He's trialled well between runs and he's crying out for 1800 metres,” Hayes said. “He finished well last start and I think he's going to run well.” The first, second, and third from the Hong Kong Classic Mile run back, in the diminutive My Wish (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Divano (Aus) (Brave Smash {Jpn}), and beaten favourite Packing Hermod (Aus) (Rubick {Aus}). The latter has won four times in Hong Kong. Of My Wish, trainer Mark Newnham said, “I've been really pleased with him. He's come through the Classic Mile in good shape, held his condition well. He's been able to follow the same programme that he has had pretty much all season with the month between runs with an easy trial in between. He'll have one gallop later in the week, so the preparation is the same as it has been the whole way through and he's in good form.” The post Rubylot To Sparkle For Hayes In Hong Kong Classic Cup? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Racing Rewards Easter Showcase will return to Addington Raceway for a fourth time in 2025. Terms and conditions for the Showcase have been approved by Harness Racing New Zealand with five $30,000 races confirmed for Saturday, April 19. The series will be for 4Y0 and older horses, rated 57 and below on January 1,2025 with three races for the pacers (capacity field of 14) and two for the trotters (capacity field of 16). To qualify for the “finals” horses have to have had a minimum of five starts between January 1 and April 13. Within the qualification period each horse gets a “Racing Rewards Score”. It is the total of the number of wins (x 1) multiplied by the number of seconds (x 0.5), the number of thirds (x 0.33) and the number of fourths (x 0.25). The top 42 ranked pacers nominated will be selected for three races (each with 14 starters) while there will be two trotting races with maximum fields of 16. The series started in 2022 as the RATTO series and has evolved into the Easter Showcase. Such has been its success that when Amarla won her race in 2023 co-trainer Kendra Gill described it as “like winning the New Zealand Cup.” Last year there were six races. The winners were : Pacing – Judgement Bay, Raging Whitebait, Dalton Shard and Flyaway Trotting – Who’s Queen and Fiery Bandito To see the Terms and Conditions click here View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk It could be racing’s perfect marriage. Dunstan Horse Feeds has just secured the eighth and final slot for the $600,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge’s Night of Champions on April 4 – and all they need is a horse. And Queensland trainer Graham Dwyer reckons in Not As Promised he has the horse for the big race – and all he needs is a slot. So could be a deal be done? Not so fast, says Dunstan’s founder/director Dave Smith. “We have a couple on our radar,” says Smith, “without giving anything away.” “Now this has been put together we will work on what we decide to do.” Dunstan has been involved in the Night of Champions before. They had Mach Shard in the $1m The Race last year, with Kango and Pembrook Playboy (scratched) before that. Dunstan will also have the naming rights for the Group 2 Dunstan Horse Feeds Trotters Flying Mile a week before the TAB Trot at Cambridge on Friday, March 28. “Dunstan is a wonderful supporter of the industry and it’s great to have them on board again and as part of our key event,” says Cambridge Raceway’s Chief Executive Dave Branch. While Smith is open minded about his trotter of choice for the big race, Dwyer is confident his star five-year-old is up to the job. “He’s a serious horse who’s on the up,” Dwyer told Australian harness racing pundit Paul Campbell, “I think the distance (2200 metres) would suit him and if we got in we’d give it a shake.” Not As Promised did not race from November 2023 to January this year because of injury but has come back with a roar, winning five of seven starts at Albion Park in Brisbane. He’s raced in this country once before, with a fourth behind Sunnys Sister in the 2023 Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Derby at Addington. Overall he’s won 14 from 23 starts Smith meanwhile says they are no rush to confirm their runner as he prepares to take on the likes of Oscar Bonavena, Muscle Mountain, Bet N Win and The Locomotive. “We believe the winner is still out there,” he says. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Cran Dalgety has been here before. This time last year in fact with a filly who has so many similarities to his new rave pacer Beside Me. The three-year-old is causing heads to turn every time she steps on the track, the latest when she thrashed older opponents by five lengths at Addington on Friday night courtesy of a 56-second last 800m in the Breckon Farms Thanks Buyers Mobile Pace. A big, strong daughter of Downbytheseaside and former outstanding filly Dream About Me, Beside Me is bred to be good and is. How good we will find out in April when she heads north for fillies features culminating in the Pascoes Northern Oaks on April 25. Dalgety, wife Chrissie and son and driver Carter has been in this exact position last year when All You Need Is Me stormed through the grades and won the Oaks at Alexandra Park, only to get ill and struggle to recapture that form this season. Just like All You Need Is Me, Beside Me is owned by Charles Joseph Ltd, a company set up for members of the late great man’s family to race some of the breed. So the two fillies have plenty in common but Dalgety says one big difference. “All You Need Is Me is a good mare and was a very good filly but she had a few issues which horses can get racing at the highest level whereas I don’t think we will see those with this filly. “She has yet to win an Oaks like the other filly has but she is bigger and stronger and I am sure she will handle whatever we throw at her.” That is a decent warning shot for trainers of other good three-year-old as Beside Me looks to have real x-factor and if she handles the right-handed Alexandra Park she is the one to beat in the Oaks, for which she is now the $2.20 futures favourite. She was one of two winners on the night for the Dalgetys and while Captain Commodore’s only came in a maiden race, the style in which he sat parked to win easily suggests he will be winning again soon. The highlight of the night at Addington was the return of Bet N Win in the $40,000 Lamb And Hayward Classic and he didn’t disappoint. He was driven conservatively early by Bob Butt as his connections had suggested he would be but he had a lot harder run over the last lap yet was still too good. “The fact he was able to beat One Over All, who has been one of the form trotters so far this year, is very heartening for us heading forward,” says co-trainer David White. Bet N Win will return for the Fred Shaw NZ Trotting Champs in two weeks and then head north to be aimed at the $600,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge on April 4. The feature pace was taken out by the under-rated Dalton Shard who grabbed Bazooka late in a race set up for the swoopers after a hot early tempo that saw surprise favourite Beach Ball drop out after leading. The race was so upside down the open class horses paced their last 400m in an incredibly slow 30.2 seconds. Group 3 win for American Muscle at Alexandra Park By Michael Guerin American Muscle may have got the career highlight win to cap a great summer for her family on Friday night but she is anything but finished on the track. That is the assessment from co-trainer Michelle Wallis after she and husband Bernie Hackett continued a great last six months in Alexandra Park’s big money trots when the six-year-old held out stablemate Faith In Manchester in the $40,000 Fisken And Sons Northern Trotting Breeders Stakes. While American Muscle already had time-related black type and a Group 3 placing to her name she is now a Group 3 winner among her 10 career victories, which counts for something at future yearling sales. Especially when your dam is the newly-crowned Trotting Broodmare of the Year in Liberty City, also the dam of Empire City and Atlantic City, two of our best young trotting fillies in recent years. But while American Muscle’s manners and ability have guaranteed her a broodmare career for her owners and breeders Peter and Janet Argus, she will remain a racehorse. “She really deserved that tonight,” said Wallis. “But I don’t think they will be making any plans to retire her. “I’d say they will keep racing her as long as she is racing well.” While the win continued a hot streak for the Wallis/Hackett stable in these type of races the punter’s favourite Belle Neige finished near last. “She came back in with a very elevated heart rate so something clearly wasn’t right with her,” said Wallis. The stable won the trot before too with Hillbilly Blues, who made up for an early gallop when favourite last week to trot faultlessly for former trainer Tony Herlihy. Hillbilly Blues trotted his last 800m in 57.9 seconds to suggest he is way better than this grade. “He was actually bought and trained by Tony but he thought he’d be better off being beach trained so sent him out to us,” said Wallis. Away from their twin trotting wins it was two Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained three-year-old pacers who scored the other most impressive wins of the night. Without You started the ball rolling in the first race when she beat her older rivals by six lengths pacing 2:40 for the 2200m, suggesting she could be a force in the Northern Oaks in two months. Later her stablemate Rubira was stunning coming from last at the 400m to win the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion Mobile Pace, storming past of likes of Ohoka Connor and Greased Lightnin, with the second placed Colonel Lincoln all but denying the winner as he flew home with him. The same punters who would have been abusing Purdon 400m earlier were calling him a genius after the win. “He has always been a good horse but that was a big win tonight considering the opposition,” said Purdon. Rubira will have the Harness Million in three weeks and the Northern Derby a month after, both in the considerable shadow of Marketplace. Other winners on Friday night saw Romeo Foxtrot keep winning for red hot junior driver Harrison Orange while Carrera Hombre left maidens like a three-year-old with a decent future for trainer Brian And Gareth Hughes. View the full article

There are 14 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, March 1. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Randwick, Flemington, Eagle Farm, Ascot & Alice Springs. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 1, 2025 Randwick Racing Tips Flemington Racing Tips Eagle Farm Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs 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 1, 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. 3 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. Recommended! 4 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. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 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. 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

Trainer Mark Casse said an extra sixteenth of a mile should help the grade 2-placed son of Tapit.View the full article

It's not at all unusual for the New York Times to publish anti-horse racing pieces, something it has done dozens of times. But in Friday's edition, the Times held nothing back in what was arguably its most negative story yet. In a scathing 4,600 guest essay written by Noah Shachtam entitled “Dead Athletes. Empty Stands. Why Are We Paying Billions to Keep This Sport Alive?,” the author's main conclusion is that governments should not be propping up a dying business in horse racing, whether that is through revenues from casinos or loans, like the one made to the New York Racing Association to rebuild Belmont Park, or through direct subsidies paid to the New Jersey and Maryland purse accounts. According to a short bio of the author that runs above the story, Shachtman is a contributing editor at Wired, who previously served as the editor in chief of Rolling Stone and The Daily Beast. Shachtman realizes that there was a time when the relationship between state governments and racing worked in favor of both. Call it racing's glory days, when racing was, outside of Las Vegas, the only gambling game in town. The tracks were granted licenses to run and, in return, they generated millions in tax revenues for the states. As racing's popularity has declined and it has found it hard to compete with casinos, lotteries, sports betting and other legal forms of wagering, the relationship between the tracks and states has taken a 180 degree turn. Shachtman writes that tracks no longer support government but it is government that supports the tracks. He cites the many arguments the racing industry uses to justify its existence, but isn't sympathetic. “Every dollar they get to skip in taxes is one that, at least in theory, has to be made up elsewhere,” he writes. “The sport belongs to us. It's time to think about whether we actually want it.” Shortly after the story appeared on the Times' website, Light Up Racing, an advocacy group formed to combat negative media coverage of the sport posted its response on its website under the subject line, “Racing deserves better than this–here's how we respond.” “A new New York Times article on horse racing has been published, and unfortunately, it follows a familiar pattern: misleading claims, outdated narratives, and a failure to acknowledge the industry's real progress. They frame the industry as reliant on subsidies while overlooking the hundreds of millions it contributes in tax revenue. They call racing a dying sport but ignore the record Kentucky Derby audience and the $2-billion invested in track infrastructure. They question safety standards, even though racehorse fatalities have dropped 27% since HISA's implementation, marking the safest period in modern racing. Misinformation spreads when it goes unchallenged. That's where this community comes in.” The 4,600 words gives the writer plenty of opportunity to run through the laundry list of topics racing's critics use to demand that the sport be banned or have its alternative forms of revenue taken away. The sport still has serious problem, but, particularly when it comes to breakdowns, the game is headed in the right direction. Shachtman doesn't seem impressed. He notes that other sports get subsidies, but says there is a distinction: “Those other sports don't routinely kill their athletes. The antiracing advocacy organization Horseracing Wrongs has shown that 11,000 horses have been put to death at American racetracks since 2014.” The writer focuses in on the story of New York Thunder (Nyquist), who broke down while well on his way to victory in the 2023 GI. Allen Jerkens Memorial S. at Saratoga. Instead, he broke down and fell in a heap a few yards from the wire. It was one of the ugliest breakdowns anyone had seen at the racetrack. Shachtman writes: “veterinary records reviewed by the Times and a pair of post-mortem reviews later conducted by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission revealed more than a few clues (so far as why the horse broke down). And already that year, New York Thunder had been scratched–withdrawn from a race–four times, at least two of which were for medical concerns. The race New York Thunder was running had a $500,000 purse. As the financial rewards of racing get bigger, so do the incentives to keep running the animals. But breeding practices that favor speed over durability have caused successive generations to grow genetically homogeneous and vulnerable to injury. These days, multiple veterinarians tell me, nearly every thoroughbred is running wounded.” The author does note that the breakdown numbers have dropped sharply since the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has have taken over and are responsible for such things as track safety, drug testing, and veterinarian checks meant to keep unsound horses off of the racetrack. But this development is covered in one sentence. The 11,000 figure he uses from Horseracing Wrongs includes Quarter Horse races, and the writer fails to make the distinction. He writes that Bob Baffert was banned from Churchill Downs for “doping,” a word the Times loves to use every time it covers the Baffert saga. Baffert was not charged with doping but for failing to follow the guidelines when it came to a therapeutic medication, betamethasone. There is a big difference. There's also no mention that revenue from slot machines at the New York racetracks is not used solely to prop up racing, The casino at Aqueduct, Resorts World NYC (RWNYC), is New York State's largest taxpayer and generated more than $4-billion in revenue supporting the state's public education fund since the casino first opened its doors in 2011. Should a full casino license be awarded this year to RWNYC, New York State would see an immediate $500-million financial windfall from the initial casino license fee alone, and hundreds of millions of additional dollars in new, direct annual revenue. One area in which the Times might have gotten right is when Shachtman talks about the working and living condition for the backstretch workers, who are mostly paid minimum wage and work long hours. Thanks to the generosity of prominent horsemen like Michael Dubb and groups like the New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America, progress is being made. But more needs to be done. But, like so many other things that are positives when it comes to racing, the Times conveniently ignored that fact. The author sees this as a black-and-white issue, with no room for the discussion of what's going right and, yes, what racing could do better. No. The only solution is to pull whatever plugs are keeping the sport going. “Few things are more inspiring than seeing a horse run, and the feelings that these animals evoke in humans can border on the mystic,” Shachtam writes. “But that's neither an economic nor a policy rationale for spending billions on an unpopular sport. So why do it? Why keep propping up a pastime that, despite many attempted overhauls, can't keep its fans and takes such a heavy toll on its athletes and workers? Our state and local governments struggle to pay teachers what they're worth, to build affordable housing, to put enough firefighters on a rig. “With sports betting exploding across the United States, it makes less sense than ever for the public to be coddling this sport like some sort of delicate foundling. “The obvious solution here is also the simplest: Just stop. Let the sport stand on its own and dwindle to whatever size its fan base supports.” Like so many other anti-racing stories that have appeared in the New York Times, that's the only side of the story their readers will hear. The post In a Lengthy Guest Essay, the New York Times Advocates Ending Subsidies to Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As the calendar turns to March, Derby fever kicks into high gear with no fewer than six races awarding points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby or the Kentucky Oaks respectively this weekend. Saturday features the return of the undefeated GII San Vincente Stakes winner Barnes (Into Mischief) for trainer Bob Baffert as one of a six-horse field in the GII DK Horse San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita. The $3.2m FTSAUG grad lines up with a pair of well-regarded stablemates in Mellencamp (Constitution) and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic), both of whom are still seeking their first stakes wins. Taking money into the teeth of the Baffert trio is the GII Los Alamitos Futurity winner Journalism (Curlin) who makes his 3-year-old debut Saturday for trainer Michael McCarthy. The San Felipe awards 50 Derby points to the winner, essentially guaranteeing a spot in the gate especially for those already with points accrued (Journalism and Rodriguez each have 10, Mellencamp has 1). Gulfstream's 50-point Derby prep, the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes, also has several contenders looking to pad their current Derby points. GIII Holy Bull Stakes winner Burnham Square (Liam's Map) sits ninth on the points list with 20 for Ian Wilkes while Godolphin homebred Sovereignty (Into Mischief) brings 10 points in from his win in the GIII Street Sense Stakes in his last start Oct. 27. “He's been working great,” jockey Edgard Zayas said of his mount Burnham Square. “He's just getting better and better through racing. His last work was five furlongs, he worked really good and his gallop-out was amazing. The best part of his works is always his gallop-out. It looks like he has a really long stride and he just keeps on going.” Both of them will have to tackle the undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) who makes his stakes debut Saturday as one of two entries for trainer Todd Pletcher (the other being rail-drawn Gate to Wire {Munnings}). Florida-bred Neoequos (Neolithic) will look to likely set the pace as the sole entry for Saffie Joseph, Jr. who always merits a second look at his home track. River Thames | Lauren King The GIII Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct is the third of the 50 point Derby races Saturday and welcomes a pair of undefeated New York-breds who line up side by side in Sacrosanct (Honest Mischief) for Brad Cox and 'TDN Rising Star' Sand Devil (Violence) for Linda Rice. Chad Brown brings up Juddmonte homebred Garamond (Uncle Mo) from Tampa for his stakes debut in just his second start while Cox's second entry, Flood Zone (Frosted) is a newcomer to his barn after breaking his maiden at Gulfstream for Victor Barboza Jr. Jan. 4. The Road to the Kentucky Oaks also makes a stop at each of the above mentioned tracks over the weekend with Gulfstream hosting the GII Davona Dale Stakes Saturday. Saffie Joseph brings GSW The Queens M G (Thousand Words) here off a third in the GIII Forward Gal Stakes going a furlong shorter Feb. 1. She'll have to tackle Tracy Farmer homebred La Cara (Street Sense), the impressive winner of the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Feb. 8 for Mark Casse who also took last year's GIII Pocahontas Stakes. “The Davona Dale comes back pretty quick for us, but I'm trying to set her up and getting her ready for the Ashland and hopefully the Kentucky Oaks,” Casse said of La Cara. “She's already in South Florida, so we'll just stay at home.” Ballerina d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) ran a game second to 'TDN Rising Star' Muhimma in the GII Demoiselle Stakes last out in her first try on the main track and steps in here for her 3-year-old debut for Chad Brown. Offering Oaks points in New York, the listed Busher Stakes welcomes rail-drawn Liam in the Dust (Liam's Map) who ran third in the aforementioned Demoiselle Stakes and Juddmonte homebred Ramify (Munnings) who cuts back to the mile off a fourth in the 1 1/8-mile Busanda Stakes Jan. 18 for Chad Brown. Brad Cox's Sharp Smile (Practical Joke) ran third in the Busanda after breaking her maiden over course and distance Nov. 21 and draws outside Saturday. Whitworth Beckman takes the blinkers off Silverbulletday Stakes third Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro) who also cuts back from a pair of 1 mile and 70 yd races. Santa Anita put their Oaks prep as the Sunday feature with the GIII Santa Ysabel Stakes with Bob Baffert wielding a three-strong hand again in the six-horse field led by a pair of 'TDN Rising Stars' in Cipriani (Bernardini) and Maysam (Game Winner) the latter of whom comes in off just two weeks rest after disappointing as the favorite in the Sunland Park Oaks Feb. 16. Rounding out the trio, Howin (Gun Runner) is still seeking her first stakes win after running fourth in the Santa Ynez Stakes Jan. 5. Of the non-Baffert runners, Just as Fancy (Volatile) ran third of three runners in the GIII Las Virgenes Stakes for Michael McCarthy while Supa Speed (Justify) makes her dirt debut for John Sadler. Maysam | Benoit The older horses features in the two Grade I races held Saturday topped by the GI Santa Anita Handicap at the classic 1 1/4-mile distance. Last year's GII Cigar Handicap winner 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) ships out from Florida for Todd Pletcher having recently run second to White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Jan. 25. He draws outside a Baffert pair in Mirahmadi (Into Mischief) and New King (Into Mischief). Also shipping out is Brad Cox's Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) who last rallied to take the GIII Louisiana Stakes over a sloppy Fair Grounds track Jan. 18. War horse Express Train (Union Rags), who won this race in 2022 and now returns as an 8-year-old for John Shirreffs, draws inside off a game second to Katonah (Klimt) in the GII San Pasqual last time out Jan. 25. One race earlier, the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile hosts Mi Hermano Ramon (Creative Cause) who returns to Santa Anita off a fourth in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational for Mark Glatt. Trainer Dan Blacker, who took last weekend's G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint with Eclipse champion Straight No Chaser (Speightster), brings in the ultra-consistent El Potente (Temple City) off back to back wins over the course and distance. Neat (Constitution) is making his 4-year-old debut Saturday for Rob Atras just outside of Formidable Man (City of Light) who will race without blinkers for Michael McCarthy off a win two back in the GI Hollywood Derby. Also going one mile on the turf, Santa Anita's GII Buena Vista Stakes sees Tirupati (Mitole) line up inside of Uncorked (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) who makes his 2025 debut for Phillip D'Amato. Rashmi (Oscar Performance) took the GII Megahertz Stakes last time out Feb. 1 for Jonathan Thomas and Alpha Bella (Justify) looks to go one better after finishing runner up in her last three graded stakes starts for John Sadler. Gulfstream hosts much of the weekend's action with eight graded stakes races Saturday including the aforementioned Fountain of Youth and Davona Dale. Other main-track features include the return of 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) in the GII Gulfstream Park Mile along with Encino (Nyquist) and 6-year-old Steal Sunshine (Constitution) who exits a sixth at long odds in the Pegasus World Cup last out. “When he won the Battaglia, we were keen to see what he would do in the Lexington,” said Godolphin's Michael Banahan of Encino. “It was a nice field, and he won it well, and we were on the verge of getting into the Derby when he came up with that little injury and we had to give him the rest of the year off. It's good to have him back. I think he's got plenty of talent but we're not too sure what his ceiling is.” Mindframe | Coglianese On the turf, the GIII Herecomesthebride Stakes opens the graded action with Sweetest Chant Stakes winner Vixen (Vekoma) tackling Godolphin homebred Civetta (Into Mischief). The GIII Canadian Turf Stakes sees Irish Aces (Mshawish) line up opposite Fort Washington (War Front) and Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro). The GIII The Very One Stakes hosts the distance runners going 1 3/8 miles and the GIII Honey Fox Stakes closes out the turf action with another one-mile feature. The post March Madness: Derby Preps Highlight Busy Race Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The March 2 Hong Kong Classic Cup, middle leg of the Hong Kong Derby series, is a step up in distance for progressive 4-year-olds.View the full article

A lawsuit naming jockey Luan Machado as a defendant claims his inaction caused a Kentucky racehorse to finish second instead of winning an allowance race last November at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Book'em Danno has been named the New Jersey-bred Horse of the Year for the second consecutive year.View the full article

Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania-bred horse that captured the hearts of sports and horse fans across the world during his historic race for the Triple Crown in 2004, is the subject of a new documentary, "Ride of a Lifetime: The Smarty Jones Story."View the full article

1st-GP, $94K, Msw, 3yo, f, 7f, 11:30 p.m. ET. LA NEIGE (Frosted) makes her first start for Connie and Richard Snyder. The Riley Mott trainee is out of unraced French Passport (Elusive Quality) who was acquired by Cover Springs for $200,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale. The first-time starter counts as a half-sister GI Alabama and GI Ogden Phipps heroine Randomized (Nyquist). French Passport is a herself a half-sister to MGSW Smooth Air (Smooth Jazz), GSW & sire Overdriven (Tale of the Cat), and the dam of MGISW Got Stormy (Get Stormy) and MSW Sir Alfred James (Munnings). Also making the barrier is the Walmac bred Mazayaat (Bernardini). Owned by KAS–who made her the second topper when they went to $650,000 during last year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Sale–the filly is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Her unraced dam is a half-sister to foundational sire Tapit (Pulpit). TJCIS PPS 2nd-AQU, $80K, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 1:11 p.m. ET. Ranging up to Long Island, Vow of Secrecy (Game Winner) will take to the track for Alpha Delta Stables. Trained by Linda Rice, the homebred's unraced dam is a half-sister to current sire Elite Power (Curlin) and her extended female family includes MGSW Golden Lad (Medaglia d'Oro). TJCIS PPS 6th-GP, $94K, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 2:02 p.m. ET. Back in Hallandale, Stone Farm homebred Litigation (Twirling Candy) is set to be unveiled under the care of trainer Brian Lynch. Under his third dam we find MGSW E Dubai (Mr. Prospector) and GISW No Matter What (Nureyev), the dam of European champion 2-year-old filly Rainbow View (Dynaformer). Chillax (Bernardini) carries Godolphin's blue as he represents the shedrow of Bill Mott. The colt's second dam, MGISW Composure (Touch of Gold), produced GSW Penwith (Bernardini). TJCIS PPS The post Saturday’s Insights: MGISW Randomized’s Half-Sister Leads ‘Organized’ Unveiling At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association (PHRA) has partnered with Delaware Valley University to live stream the program's 2025 foaling season Mar. 1 through Apr. 7 via 'foal cams' centered on the University's three expectant broodmares, the association announced Friday. Offering a 24/4 live video, free of charge, via their website, the streams will feature an uninterrupted look at the three Thoroughbred and Standardbred mares as they prepare for the arrival of their foals. The university's Equine Science and Management students will work with full-time faculty and a stable manager to receive hands-on experience in day-to-day procedures of managing the facility as well as being able to actively assist with foaling and breeding procedures. In addition to the live stream, the PHRA will provide information on breeding basics, videos, interactive polls, and gender reveals. Live updates will be shared on the PHRA's social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on the broodmares as well as accessing the video, please click here. The post PHRA Partners with Delaware Valley University to Live Stream 2025 Foaling Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wildcard Crystal Lightning (Ire) (Shirocco {Ger}) (lot 41) topped the ThoroughBid February Sale at £36,000. Sold to TS Equine, the mare was consigned by William Twiston Davies. She is out of an unraced half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Guitar Pete (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Topping the Racehorse Ownership Club dispersal was the Dandy Man (Ire) gelding Last Outlaw (Ire), who sold to Apollo Horses for £16,500. The gelding (lot 6) is a full-brother to Royal Ascot listed winner and G1 Nunthorpe Stakes third Extortionist (Ire). He will move from Michael Wigham to Michael Keady. Apollo Horses' Daniel Tuckwell said, “We were looking for a horse that we could potentially improve through the turf campaign and target something towards the end of the season, possibly on the Ayr Gold Cup card, and we felt he was the standout lot of the sale. At Apollo Horses, we've got owners who are based up in Ayr, so while it's a long way off, that's the idea. “He's won over five furlongs and the cadence data suggests he'll benefit from running over seven furlongs or a stiff six, while his action tells us he probably like a bit of cut in the ground. He's lightly-raced, his form stacks up pretty well and we think Michael Keady can improve him. Michael started up in December and enjoyed his first win, which was actually also his first ever runner, with an Apollo Horses runner called Currumbin. It's a forward-thinking operation with a hunger to do well.” Of the 38 lots offered, 22 sold (58%) for a gross of £141,600. The average was £6,436 and the median was £3,500. For the full sale results, please visit the ThoroughBid website. James Richardson, CEO of ThoroughBid, said, “Dispersals always attract plenty of interest and the 14 lots offered by the Racehorse Ownership Club certainly contributed to a busy session of bidding. Apollo Horses came out on top to secure Last Outlaw, who looks like the pick of the horses from the dispersal, and we look forward to following his Flat campaign for new trainer Michael Keady. “Away from the dispersal, we're really pleased to have sold a nice horse of Robcour and Gordon Elliott's again, this time to Jerry McGrath in the shape of the lightly-raced Paul Collins (Ire) (Pillar Coral {GB}) (lot 15) [for £14,000], while sales were also made for the likes of Ben Pauling and Gavin Cromwell. A clearance rate of 58% is pretty strong in the current climate and we look forward to our next sale, which is on Mar. 27.” The post ThoroughBid February Sale Topped By Shirocco Mare appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Besting a field of over 5,500 competitors over a 12-month period, Brett Wiener has claimed the 2024 National Horseplayers Championships (NHC) Tour and is eligible for a $5-million bonus if he wins the 26th NTRA NHC Mar. 14-16 at Horseshoe Las Vegas, it was announced via press release Friday. Wiener kicked off 2024 with an induction in the NHC Hall of Fame and later won online and ontrack contests during the '24 tour season to amass 25,160 tour points. Gregory Lewis finished second in the Tour standings with 24,793 points while David Brownfield finished third in 24,540 points. Lewis and Brownfield shared the Tour lead for most of the season before being overtaken by Wiener. A full list of the NHC Leaderboard positions may be found here. The NHC Tour is a year-long bonus series awarding $345,000 in cash prize money and 75 qualifying berths to the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship. Membership in the NHC Tour is mandatory in order for top finishers of sanctioned NHC qualifying events to be eligible to compete in the NHC Finals in Las Vegas. Membership in the NHC Tour is open to adults 21 years of age or older and requires a one-time, annual membership fee of $50. The NHC Tour membership must be in place prior to the start of any given qualifying tournament in order for one to qualify for the NHC Finals at that qualifying tournament. For more information or to sign up for the NHC Tour, please visit the NTRA website. The post Brett Wiener Captures 2024 NHC Tour, Eligible for Bonus at 26th NHC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A raft of measures to further enhance the owner value proposition as applications for the 2025 Horse Ballot open next Monday were announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) on Friday. Current prize-money, including bonuses, are at record highs at an estimated HK$1.73 billion (€213,999,329) across the 2024/25 racing season. The HKJC will introduce in the 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season an extension to the current PP (Previously Raced Horse) Bonus scheme, whereby a horse with a rating higher than or equal to 70 at the time of import is eligible for a HK$1.5-million bonus when they record a first Class 3 win within their first two years of racing–enhancing eligibility for owners to maximise returns with previously raced imports. The extension to the initiative will be available to all horses currently racing in Hong Kong that received an import rating of 70 or higher. The two-year period of opportunity will commence from their date of import into Hong Kong. Since the current format was introduced for the 2022/23 racing season, 115 horses have earned a Class 3 PP Bonus, totalling HK$149.5 million in returns for owners. Including the PPG (Privately Purchased Griffin) Bonus, ISG (International Sale Griffin) Bonus, Class 2 PP Bonus and Top-Up Bonuses, HK$221 million has been paid to owners due to wins by 177 horses. Additionally, with immediate effect there will be a new cap of seven (up from four) syndicates any one member can join and a new cap of seven horses (up from five) owners can own at any one time. Basic monthly livery fees remain capped at HK$30,000. In addition to this during the first four months after the arrival of a new horse, basic monthly livery fees are reduced to HK$25,000. The sustained freeze on livery, first four months reduction, and export grant top-up will represent a HK$140 million investment made by the Club. Implemented during the 2023/2024 to assist owners exporting their horses after retirement from racing in Hong Kong, current payments of HK$50,000 from the HKJC will continue in addition to the HK$100,000 existing travel subsidy. The HKJC's RESTART programme will also assist owners in handling the aftercare of their horses post-racing careers. The HKJC also continues to boost the world-class training facilities at Sha Tin and Conghua. Key application dates are as follows for permits (120 PP & 340 PPG): Applications open on Monday, Mar. 3. Applications close on Monday, Apr. 14. Ballot announced on Thursday, June 5. Andrew Harding, executive director, racing, HKJC, said, “The investment that owners make in sourcing high-quality horses from around the world to support Hong Kong's horse racing is a vital pillar of the Club's success, and it is essential that we continue to find means by which we can assist owners and ensure that they have an excellent ownership experience.” For more information on the new enhancements, please visit the HKJC website. The post Ownership Benefits Enhanced By HKJC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Onesto (Ire) has sired his first reported foals, according to a release from Haras d'Etreham on Friday. Haras de Saint-Julien, Haras de Bourgeauville and Coulonces Sales welcomed the first arrivals of the 2022 G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner. Said Anna Sundstrom of Coulonces, “She is a high-quality filly, very correct, with plenty of size and a pretty and expressive head. She is easy to handle and I am delighted with her, as are her owners who will certainly keep her.” Added Louis Baudron, “We are very pleased with Villanelle's filly by Onesto. She is elegant, well-balanced and displays excellent quality.” Another filly, out of Motivation (Fr)) (Muhtathir {Ire}), arrived at Haras des Capucines. The dam has already produced the Group 1 winner Rockemperor (Ire) to the cover of Holy Roman Emperor (Ire). Capucines also welcomed a colt out of Mintaka (Fr) (Zamindar), whose first foal, Cartiem (Fr) (Cape Cross {Ire}), won the G3 Prix Penelope and finished third in the G2 Prix de la Nonette; and a filly who is the niece of two black-type horses including Group 1 winner Odeliz (Ire) (Falco). Eric Puerari was pleased with the new arrivals and said, “We have had two colts and two fillies and we are delighted with them. They are very well-balanced, just like their sire, with strong physiques and refined heads. They are all foals with great presence, good conformation and plenty of character.” Lady Glenham (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), a half-sister of dual Group 1 scorer Russian Camelot (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), also gave birth to a filly at Haras d'Etreham. The stallion, who is standing his second season for €12,000 at Etreham, covered 120 mares in 2024 and is set to represented by approximately 100 foals, including the progeny of 62 sister of 100 stakes performers, 26 dams of black-type horses, and 23 black-type mares, of which over a third earned that status at two. Thirteen of his 2024 book were stakes winners. The post First Reported Foals For Grand Prix De Paris Hero Onesto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

“An eagle-eyed former Timeform employee, Adam guarantees that if the next Notable Speech is out there, about to make his debut on the all-weather this winter before marching on to Classic glory, then he will spot him. No pressure, then.” Those were the words of TDN colleague Emma Berry when she penned her final Seven Days column of 2024, teeing up what was to come in the column introduced in its stead for the winter. Now, in this 12th edition of Winter Watch, we've reached the stage where it's time to put some cards on the table and deliver on the task which was set back in November: that of spotting the next Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), if such a thing existed. Step forward Opera Ballo (Ire), the son of Ghaiyyath (Ire) who must now be considered the closest thing we've seen to a Classic contender this winter. That would certainly be the view of this scribe–one shared by bookmakers if ante-post odds of 8-1 for the 2,000 Guineas are anything to go by–following back-to-back wins at Kempton, by a cumulative margin of over 12 lengths. If nailing my colours to the Opera Ballo mast really does bring any pressure with it, then thanks should go to Charlie Appleby and the Godolphin team for spelling out so clearly that this is the colt considered the heir apparent to last year's Guineas winner. Perhaps we're guilty of putting two and two together and getting five, but it didn't escape anybody's attention that the one-mile maiden chosen for Opera Ballo's debut last month was the same race in which Notable Speech had kicked off his career 12 months earlier. The result was a bloodless victory by eight and a half lengths, not to mention 'TDN Rising Star' status. Next up for Opera Ballo was Wednesday's “European Road To The Kentucky Derby” Conditions Stakes over the same course and distance, a race Appleby has now four times in five years, after this colt again emulated Notable Speech with a smooth defeat of some promising rivals as the 11-10 favourite. A shade keener than ideal through the early stages, Opera Ballo eventually settled on the heels of stable-mate Olympus Point (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}) in second, before moving up to challenge the leader early in the straight. Towering over the tiring Olympus Point approaching the two-furlong pole, the imposing Opera Ballo then dipped under 11 seconds for the penultimate furlong–just as he had on his debut–as he surged clear for a four-length win. Opera Ballo – all class in the “European Road To The @KentuckyDerby” Conditions Stakes for team @godolphin Two runs Two wins Smart prospect pic.twitter.com/cQi0kw86xX — Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 26, 2025 They finished in a bit of a bunch behind the winner, but the runner-up, Hott Shott (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), came into the race with a BHA mark of 94, while Saddadd (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}) and Quai De Bethune (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}) each arrived at Kempton having recorded impressive wins when last in action. They had to settle for third and fourth, respectively. Certainly, there's some substance to the form, as you'd hope for a colt who now has only The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) categorically ahead of him in those ante-post lists for the Guineas. The majority of bookmakers now have him the same price as stable-mate Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), a dual Group 1 winner as a two-year-old when landing the Middle Park Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes. That suggests William Buick might have a decision to make come the first Saturday in May, especially if Opera Ballo can further enhance his reputation with another showstopping performance between now and then. In 2024, Notable Speech completed his hat-trick in a conditions race at Kempton on Easter Monday, but this year that fixture falls just 12 days before the 2,000 Guineas. A provisional schedule for that card on the Kempton website also shows no such conditions race being held this year. Perhaps the team at Kempton have made the decision to bring it forward in the calendar, so as not to deter any potential Classic contenders from taking up the option. Either way, Appleby will no doubt be keen to give Opera Ballo more experience, ahead of the big spring races which the son of Ghaiyyath looks like he belongs in. No pressure, though. A Taste of the Turf Some might consider this outside of our remit, but we're still in February and this is Winter Watch, so there's no harm in sneaking in a bit of turf racing from Sunday's card at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. One of the feature events there was the Listed Prix de la Californie, another race which had a top-class winner last year in the shape of the subsequent G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest hero Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}). Only time will tell whether Silius (Ire) can scale similar heights in 2025 after his authoritative victory on Sunday, but he's certainly bred to go to the top as a son of Dubawi (Ire) and the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac and G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Silasol (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}). He's the fourth winner from five runners out of Silasol, with the others including Fasol (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Silawi (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), both of whom were placed at Group 3 level in France. Silius was kept busy as a two-year-old when he won two of his six starts–as well as finishing fourth in a pair of Listed contests at Deauville–and already this year he's rattled off a hat-trick of victories over the extended seven furlongs at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. The latest of them was achieved by three and a half lengths from Kaadi (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), just needing to be kept up to his work by Maxime Guyon to justify short odds with the minimum of fuss. Trained by Christophe Ferland, Silius holds an entry in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and a trial for that Classic looks the obvious next step. At this stage he is one of five entries in the Poulains for his owner-breeder, Wertheimer et Frere, alongside the likes of Pacifiste (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), who created a big impression when making a winning debut on the Deauville polytrack back in November. He is out of the GI American Oaks and GI Del Mar Oaks winner Lady Of Shamrock (Scat Daddy). C Ferland trained SILIUS (IRE) takes the Listed Prix de la Californie at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. 3yo son of @DarleyEurope sire Dubawi (IRE) bred & owned by Wertheimer & Frere. pic.twitter.com/AnklX0eFtY — ITM (@IREthoroughbred) February 23, 2025 One for the Shakira Fans It was back to our bread and butter on Tuesday when the all-weather action resumed at Cagnes-Sur-Mer, featuring another dominant front-running display from Prix du Jockey Club entrant Waka Waka (Fr) as he made it two wins from three career starts for the Jerome Reynier stable. In a near carbon copy of his breakthrough success over the same course and distance last month, the son of Dabirsim (Fr) was in front for virtually every yard of the 10-furlong trip, ultimately winning by three lengths eased down, having gained a decisive advantage when kicking clear early in the straight. The limitations of the placed pair are fairly well exposed at this stage–they came into the race having had a combined 15 starts between them–but Waka Waka did everything that was required of him in putting them to the sword in comprehensive fashion. He'll be well worth his place in better company when the time comes. The second foal out of the Listed winner Watayouna (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), he sports the silks of Michael Motschmann, having been bought by Reynier for €28,000 at the Arqana October Yearling Sale. Prix De Porquerolles @hippocotdazur Cagnes Sur Mer – Classe 2 – 3 ans – 2000m – 6 Pts – 26 000 € Waka Waka (m) (Fr) Antonio Orani (Dabirsim (Fr) – Watayouna (Fr) par Siyouni (Fr) @AgaKhanStuds )) Jérôme Reynier @EcurieReynier M.Motschmann… pic.twitter.com/X5XsC5oWS7 — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) February 25, 2025 Amo Fillies to the Fore at Dundalk Spicy Margarita (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}), who earned a positive mention in this space last week, was ruled out of a quick return to action at Dundalk on Friday after she was found to be coughing, but Adrian Murray and Amo Racing were still responsible for the winner of the race she'd been due to contest in Carolina Jetstream (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}). Sent off the 4-5 favourite for what was a conditions event run over an extended 10 furlongs, Carolina Jetstream proved very well suited by the step up in trip as she followed up her maiden victory over a mile at the same track in November. At the line she was two and a quarter lengths clear of her closest pursuer, impressing with how quickly she asserted after moving up to lead entering the final furlong. Bought for 110,000gns at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Carolina Jetstream holds an Irish Oaks entry and it would seem that she takes more after the dam's side of her pedigree than her sire in terms of trip requirements. She is the second winner from three runners out of the Sea The Stars (Ire) mare Queen Of The Stars (GB), who gained her sole career win over 10 furlongs. Queen Of The Stars, in turn, is out of Queen Of Pentacles (Ire) (Selkirk), a Listed winner over the same trip and a half-sister to the classy stayer Caucus (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). This filly still has plenty to find to achieve the level required to be a genuine Classic contender, but she's certainly going the right way for connections who also won the one-mile fillies' maiden on Friday's card with California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}). She was a 1-6 shot to finally get off the mark and duly obliged by five and a half lengths, matching her peak two-year-old form which included a runner-up finish in the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh. Incidentally, the victory of Carolina Jetstream also paid a compliment to the form of Giselle (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who had this filly back in third when they met in a seven-furlong maiden at the Curragh in October. The winner is seemingly held in very high regard by the team at Ballydoyle, while the runner-up, The Palace Girl (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), subsequently sold for 1,550,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Irishinjuredjockeys .com Rated Race @DundalkStadium Dundalk – 3 ans – 2148m – 4 Pts – 15 499 € Carolina Jetstream (f) (Gb) W J Lee @wjlee24786 (Pinatubo (Ire) @DarleyEurope – Queen Of The Stars (Gb) par Sea The Stars (Ire)) A Murray AMO Racing… pic.twitter.com/22paTdOHbJ — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) February 21, 2025 Hey Boo Springs a Surprise Back on British soil, the crossbar has been taking a good battering from the Amo team in recent days, including at Southwell on Saturday where their Royal Ascot winner, Valiant Force (Malibu Moon), finished third in the Listed Hever Sprint Stakes. Expensive breeze-up buy Too Sweet (GB) (King Of Change {GB}) went closer still when filling the runner-up spot in the seven-furlong fillies' maiden at Chelmsford on Saturday, a race won by the Jack Channon-trained newcomer Hey Boo (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). The first two were separated by just three quarters of a length at the line, though 16-1 shot Hey Boo was arguably value for extra, having overcome a sluggish start and a wide draw to win going away. Jonathan Mitchell's homebred winner is out of the Listed-placed Tricksy Spirit (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), who is now a perfect three from three since retiring to the paddocks, with the G3 Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes heroine Juniper Berries (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}) featuring among her two previous winners. Hey Boo was hooded for her debut but showed a likeable attitude and ought to do better still with this experience under her belt. Similar comments apply to Hugo Palmer's Miami Matrix (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), the winner of the seven-furlong maiden at Wolverhampton on Monday, at the expense of another Amo runner in Political Power (Ire) (Wooded {Ire}). Beaten just a length and a half when finishing third on his debut at Newcastle last month, Miami Matrix still looked far from the finished article at Dunstall Park, but he was always going forward despite wandering right in the closing stages, hitting the line powerfully with nearly two lengths to spare over his closest pursuer. He should stay at least a mile on this evidence. An 80,000gns purchase at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale, having initially sold for €48,000 at Book 1 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale, Miami Matrix is the second winner from as many runners out of the Listed-placed Duchess Of Danzig (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). His second dam is the multiple Group 3 scorer and G1 Preis der Diana runner-up Djumama (Ire) (Aussie Rules), whose other notable progeny include the Listed winner and G3 Prix Cleopatre second Samahram (Fr) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). Maiden Fillies' Stakes @ChelmsfordCRC Chelmsford – Maiden – Femelles – 3 ans et plus – 1408m – 12 Pts Hey Boo (f) George Bass (Iffraaj (Gb) @DarleyEurope – Tricksy Spirit (Gb) par Lethal Force (Ire)) J Channon @ChannonRacing M. J… pic.twitter.com/VfsRozZTEC — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) February 22, 2025 Winners in Waiting My Kinda Ghaiy (Ire) Ghaiyyath (Ire)–Mamonta (GB), by Fantastic Light The one-mile maiden on Saturday's card at Southwell had a promising winner in the Ralph Beckett-trained Run With It (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), while My Kinda Ghaiy also shaped with plenty of encouragement as the sole newcomer in the line-up. He was a never-nearer fourth, passing the post two lengths behind the winner, and it's worth watching a replay to see just how much ground he made up in the straight under a hands-and-heels ride. A 75,000gns purchase at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, he looks a useful middle-distance performer in the making, a half-brother to the G2 Lancashire Oaks winner and G1 Prix Vermeille and G1 Prix Royal-Oak runner-up Endless Time (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Dancing Teapot (Ire), runner-up at Dundalk (November 22) since publication Padua (Ire), seventh at Kempton (December 4) since publication Marhaba Ghaiyyath (Ire), winner at Lingfield (December 3) since publication Safe Idea (GB), third at Wolverhampton (December 21) since publication Indian Springs (Ire) Spanish Voice (GB) Noble Horizon (GB) Dixieland Blues (GB) City Of God (Ire), winner at Southwell (January 17) and runner-up at Wolverhampton (February 18) since publication War And Love (GB), runner-up at Chelmsford (January 11) and fifth at Newcastle (February 4) since publication Cupola (GB), seventh at Wolverhampton (February 18) since publication Lady Lilac (Ire) The post Winter Watch: Could Opera Ballo Be The One? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Meydan's nine-race Super Saturday card features eight Thoroughbred contests, with several of them offering automatic entry into the big day in April. The G2 Al Maktoum Classic is one such race, with last year's G1 Al Maktoum Challenge hero Kabirkhan (California Chrome) signed on. Trained by Chief Stipe Watson and the very image of his dual American Horse of the Year sire, the 5-year-old entire was only eighth to Laurel River (Into Mischief) in the G1 Dubai World Cup last March, and returned to action with a seventh-place finish defending his title in the Al Maktoum Challenge on Jan. 24. “We thought we had him in good shape for his last race, off a ten-month layoff,” said trainer Chief Stipe Watson. “I think that he just got in the kickback and then he lost his action. I like the draw [9], a little wide, to keep out of the kickback. I think he will run a nice race.” Tadhg O'Shea and Bhupat Seemar team up with Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won a pair of Meydan handicaps earlier this season. He ran second to Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the Al Maktoum Challenge on Jan. 24 and is looking for some redemption. “He's done nothing wrong,” said the reigning UAE Champion Trainer. “He's won two races and he was second in the Group 1. There's no Walk Of Stars this time, but Kabirkhan is a good horse.” Gun Runner's Guns And Glory, who races for Fitri Hay, could also be rounding into his best form and cuts back 200 metres in trip after taking a 2200-metre contest here on Jan. 31. “He is being thrown a bit in the deep end here having broken the track record last time out,” said Alex Cole, racing manager to the Hay family. “I feel he's earned a shot at this level and on Saturday night we'll find out if he's good enough or not.” Decorated Nations Pride Looms Large in Singspiel Godolphin's four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) appears to have the G2 Singspiel Stakes field at his mercy. After a productive American campaign that saw him run third in the GII Man O'War Stakes, second in the GI Manhattan Stakes and win the GI Arlington Million Stakes, the 6-year-old entire was unplaced in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy in November. He was a last-out ninth in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes on Jan. 25. “Nations Pride put up a strong performance over this course and trip in the Dubai Turf two years ago and enjoyed a productive campaign in the United States last season,” said trainer Charlie Appleby, who has won this race twice. “He is a multiple Group 1 winner and looks a leading contender if he runs to his best.” Godolphin also has First Conquest (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) entered. He is two-for-two over this trip in a Meydan handicap in January and in the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes defeating Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road) on Jan. 31. “First Conquest has done nothing wrong so far this winter and came out of the Dubai Millennium Stakes in good order,” he added. “He deserves to take another step up the ladder and will have no problem with the return to nine furlongs.” Karl Burke saddles G1 Jebel Hatta third Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), who leaves from stall three under Danny Tudhope. The Nick White and Elaine Burke runner had only Hong Kong Horse of the Year and G1 Saudi Cup second Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and the late Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in front of him on Jan. 24. Jumeirah Guineas Up For Grabs The Meydan nightcap, the Listed Jumeirah 2000 Guineas sponsored by Emirates Holidays sees 10 colts and geldings vie for AED800,000 (€209,175) in prize-money. A clear head and shoulders above his contemporaries on ratings is William Buick's mount, 'TDN Rising Star' Ruling Court (Justify). That Godolphin runner blitzed a quality Sandown field by 5 1/2 lengths on debut in July, and was third to current G1 Derby favourite The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in York's G3 Acomb Stakes over seven furlongs in August. He is joined by Appleby's second string and three-time winner Hallasan (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), who is the only other runner rated over 100 in the 1600-metre affair. That gelding won the prep for this race, the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, locally at the end of January. The duo break from posts five and two, respectively, with James Doyle booked for Hallasan. “Ruling Court won impressively on his debut and put up another strong effort in the Acomb Stakes, when he finished third behind two nice colts,” said Appleby. “The plan is to give him one run out here before heading back to Europe for a Classic trial, and this will hopefully guide us whether we go down the Guineas or Derby route. On Hallasan, he added, “Hallasan progressed from his first start of the season to win the trial for this, with Al Qudra going on to frank the form by winning out in Qatar. He's a tough, honest horse who should be competitive again.” Saffie Osborne will ride her father Jamie's The Fingal Raven (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) in this spot. Third to Hallasan in the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, the colt leaves from stall seven. Among the six fillies for the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas sponsored by Emirates Skywards, Godolphin has the 'TDN Rising Star' Mountain Breeze (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who will leave from stall two. Runner-up at Newmarket in both the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes in July and the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes in August, the filly was only eighth when traveling for the GI Natalma Stakes in Canada, but rebounded to win the Mawj Stakes (conditions) over 1400 metres here on Jan. 31. She handily defeated the re-opposing Spanish filly Octans (Spa) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), with Lhakpa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) third that day. “We were very pleased with Mountain Breeze in the Mawj Stakes,” said Appleby of the Lope De Vega filly. “It was always the plan to come here before possibly looking at a Guineas trial in Europe. She has come forward for her seasonal return and looks the one to beat.” Additional Undercard The G2 Dubai City of Gold features a trio from Godolphin in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf second Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) versus four foes. The first-named was third in a pair of American Grade Is in August and September and has been freshened since. Oxbow's Tuz towers over his foes in the 1200-metre G3 Mahab Al Shimaal sponsored by emirates.com. He is aiming for his fifth win in a row, and has captured the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, Listed Al Garhoud Sprint, G3 Dubawi Stakes, and G3 Al Shindagha Sprint in succession, the last-named race on Jan. 24. Turf sprinters test the Meydan straight course in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint, with the G2 Blue Point Sprint one-two of West Acre (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) set to renew their rivalry. In the G3 Burj Nahaar sponsored by Emirates Airlines, 2023 G3 Mahab Al Shimaal winner Sound Money (Flatter) faces off against the equal-rated stakes winner Cagliastro (Flatter), who was third in the G3 Firebreak Stakes to King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) last month. The post Super Saturday Tees Up Dubai World Cup Night Pointers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Light Up Racing is pushing back against a New York Times article on horse racing with a message sent to its members Friday. The message reads in part: “A new New York Times article on horse racing has been published, and unfortunately, it follows a familiar pattern: misleading claims, outdated narratives, and a failure to acknowledge the industry's real progress. They frame the industry as reliant on subsidies while overlooking the hundreds of millions it contributes in tax revenue. They call racing a dying sport but ignore the record Kentucky Derby audience and the $2 billion invested in track infrastructure. They question safety standards, even though racehorse fatalities have dropped 27% since HISA's implementation, marking the safest period in modern racing. Misinformation spreads when it goes unchallenged. That's where this community comes in. With the Kentucky Derby approaching, the grassroots network we've built is more important than ever in ensuring that the real story of racing is heard.” Light Up Racing also included a google document with key talking points related directly to the article and encouraged readers to share it and “help set the record straight.” The post Light Up Racing Pushes Back Against New York Times Racing Piece appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania-bred horse that captured the hearts of sports and horse fans across the world during his race for the Triple Crown in 2004, is the subject of a new 37-minute documentary titled 'Ride of a Lifetime: The Smarty Jones Story'. Following Smarty Jones being named a finalist for the National Museum of Racing's 2025 Hall of Fame last week, the documentary can be streamed for free exclusively on a newly-launched website. Filmed last year to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Smarty Jones' Triple Crown run, the story recounts how he overcame a potentially career-ending injury and features new interviews with owner Pat Chapman, trainer John Servis, jockey Stewart Elliott and many other key figures. “Smarty brought so much joy to me, my husband, and fans around the world,” said Chapman. “Smarty gave hope, courage, and inspiration to multitudes after his recovery from a near-career-ending injury. He was the quintessential underdog, overcoming incredible odds and capturing the hearts of people around the world. I love the way that this documentary captures his story, spirit, and how much he inspired and meant to so many people. He truly took us on the 'Ride of a Lifetime.' I am also incredible grateful to the Hall of Fame Committee for naming Smarty as a finalist. It is truly an honor and I am thrilled that he will be on the ballot.” Smarty is one of eight racehorses who will appear as a finalist on the National Museum of Racing's 2025 Hall of Fame ballot. Finalists must receive a minimum of nine votes from the Hall's 14-member nominating committee. To earn induction into the Hall of Fame, finalists must receive a majority of votes from the voting panel. Results will be announced on Thursday, April 24 and the induction ceremony will be held on Friday, August 1 at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, NY. The post Hall Of Fame Finalist Smarty Jones Honored With New Documentary appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There was a hint of Spring despite the expected February cold at Chantilly on Friday and also a sign of the initial shoots of the upcoming Flat season with some big operations represented on the course's Polytrack. Among them was George Strawbridge's homebred Kryon (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}–Darkova, by Maria's Mon), a Victoria Head-trained half-brother to Wootton Bassett's champion Almanzor (Fr) who made his 3-year-old bow a relatively impressive one in the colts' division of the fixture's pair of 9 1/2-furlong maidens. Not seen since finishing third on his sole juvenile start over an inadequate 7 1/2-furlong trip at Saint-Cloud in October, the 3-1 second favourite raced under cover in mid-pack early before given the command by Christophe Soumillon in early straight. In front with 300 metres remaining, he stretched to a three-length dismissal of the Christopher Head-trained 12-5 favourite Zodd (Ire) (U S Navy Flag). (C. Soumillon – V. Head) ouvre son palmarès dans le Prix du Four à Tuile sur l'hippodrome de Chantilly. Frère utérin d' par , il avait débuté par une troisième place le 10 octobre dernier dans un lot de poulains estimés et… pic.twitter.com/ZZBOg47io2 — Equidia (@equidia) February 28, 2025 The post Sea The Stars Half To Almanzor Strikes At Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WinStar Farm's first-year stallions Cogburn (Not This Time), 'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief), and 'TDN Rising Star' Heartland (Justify) have each had their first mares checked in foal, the farm announced Friday. For more information on Cogburn ($30,000 S&N), Timberlake ($20,000 S&N), and Heartland ($10,000 S&N), visit the WinStar Farm website here. The post WinStar’s Freshman Trio All Get First Mares Checked In Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Duality Sports & Entertainment, in collaboration with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), will present Winner's Circle, a short documentary offering an exclusive look into the high-stakes world of professional horse race betting at the 2024 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC). The film debuts March 6, 2025, on Duality's YouTube channel, with exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content available on NTRA.com. Each year, thousands of bettors put their skills, strategy, and bankroll to the test in qualifiers across the country, competing for a coveted spot at Caesars Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. The NHC is the pinnacle of horse gambling, bringing together over 600 elite horseplayers battling for the $800,000 grand prize and the prestigious title of “Horseplayer of the Year.” “The moment we stepped onto the tournament floor at the NHC, it was clear that horse racing's most passionate and knowledgeable fans are its gamblers,” said Michael Horton, director of Winner's Circle. “Handicapping is a mix of skill, instinct, and deep research. The dedication these players bring to the game is what makes this world so compelling.” The post NTRA To Present ‘Winner’s Circle’ Documentary Diving Into The World Of Championship Horse Gambling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article