Wandering Eyes

After Brian Sheerin provided his 10 horses to follow during the 2025 Irish Flat season, we now head to Britain where Adam Houghton has been pouring over the pedigrees and performances to narrow down his list of under-the-radar three-year-olds–including potential Classic contenders available at odds of 33-1 and 40-1 for their respective targets. Almeric (GB) Study Of Man (Ire) colt out of Alvarita (GB) (Selkirk) Form: 41 Trainer: Andrew Balding Study Of Man only has 58 two-year-olds to run for him this year, but there's enough promise among his latest crop of three-year-olds to suggest this is a stallion we're going to continue to hear plenty about in the coming months, after a blistering start to his second career at Lanwades Stud. One such name to look out for is that of Almeric, a homebred from the family synonymous with Lanwades owner Kirsten Rausing. His maiden victory at York in October saw him become the tenth winner (from 13 runners) out of his Listed-winning dam, with the others including the G3 Kilternan Stakes scorer Alla Speranza (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}). Alvarita, in turn, is out of the dual G1 Champion Stakes heroine Alborada (GB) (Alzao), a full-sister to the three-time Group 1 winner Albanova, whose Listed-winning daughters All At Sea (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Alwilda (GB) (Hernando {Fr}) have produced Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}), respectively. All eyes will be on Alpinista's two-year-old full-sister, recently named Alpinara, when she takes to the track this year with a 2.5 million guineas price tag on her head, but Almeric could be the one to watch after his breakthrough win on the Knavesmire, by a length from the standard-setting favourite. That appeals as strong form–the first two pulled four lengths clear of a next-time-out winner in third–and the way Almeric came home over a mile on soft ground suggests he'll be well suited by middle-distances this year. Cathedral (GB) Too Darn Hot (GB) filly out of War And Peace (GB) (Frankel {GB}) Form: 12 Trainer: Ralph Beckett Ralph Beckett had so many promising two-year-old winners in 2024 that this list could very easily have been populated by horses trained exclusively at Kimpton Down Stables, but in the end it was Cathedral who got the nod, after she showed more than a hint of star quality in two starts last season. The daughter of Too Darn Hot had plenty of admirers from early on last year, notably fetching the joint-top price for a filly at the Arqana May Breeze-up Sale when going the way of the Amo Racing team for €800,000. She then didn't make her debut until lining up in a six-furlong fillies' maiden at Lingfield in September, but it proved well worth the wait as she sprinted to a clear-cut win by over four lengths. Though beaten when stepped up in class and distance for the seven-furlong G3 Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket the following month, Cathedral arguably went through that race like the best horse, travelling powerfully into contention before being worried out of it close home by Ballydoyle second string Merrily (No Nay Never). Certainly, Cathedral has the scope to do better as a three-year-old with only two starts under her belt, with a Classic trial such as the Nell Gwyn appealing as a suitable starting point. She should stay a mile on pedigree–her dam is an unraced half-sister to last year's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), also trained by Beckett–and odds of 33-1 for the 1,000 Guineas surely won't last if she can build on last year's promise on her return. That gear change from €800k debutante Cathedral @amoracingltd could have a smart one on their hands… pic.twitter.com/I3nbaIQrch — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 4, 2024 Good Banter (Ire) Calyx (GB) colt out of The Stalking Moon (Ire) (Arcano {Ire}) Form: 211 Trainer: Clive Cox Beaten just a head on his debut at Salisbury in August, Good Banter has since confirmed the promise of that effort with back-to-back victories on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. He was last seen winning a six-furlong novice there in November, since which time the form could hardly have worked out better, with the second, The Quiet Gent (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), and third, Don Pacifico (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), both winning next-time-out. Good Banter ran out the winner by nearly two lengths, despite conceding 7lb to both of the placed horses, earning himself an opening BHA mark of 93. That appeals as being more than fair and he could be one to rack up a sequence in three-year-old sprint handicaps for Clive Cox and owners Paul and Clare Rooney, who enjoyed some good days with a similar type last year in James's Delight (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), the Listed winner who pushed his rating from 88 to 110. Northern Ticker (Ire) Mehmas (Ire) gelding out of Moment Of Hope (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}) Form: 3113 Trainer: Michael Dods If Cox is renowned as an expert handler of sprinters, then County Durham trainer Michael Dods most definitely belongs in the same category, having enjoyed notable success with Mecca's Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Mabs Cross (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) and Azure Blue (Ire) (El Kabeir), to name just a few. Northern Ticker still has some to way to go if he's to be mentioned in the same breath as that trio, but he achieved a lot in a short space of time as a two-year-old, winning twice after an encouraging debut at Carlisle, before signing off with a third-place finish in the Listed Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar in October. He was very well backed on the last occasion, returning an SP of 5-2 in a field of 19, and even in defeat there was plenty to like about his performance. He certainly travelled like the winner for much of the contest and the fact he was beaten just a length saw him emerge as the best horse at the weights, having conceded 4lb to each of the front pair. Northern Ticker was raised to a BHA mark of 101 on the back of that run, so it will be interesting to see whether his connections test the waters in handicaps this year or pitch him straight in at the deep end. Either way, he's likely to be contesting Group races before the season is out, very much a sprinter going places. Candy lands a surprise victory in the Listed William Hill Two Year Old Trophy for George Wood and Richard Spencer @WilliamHill @Richspencer89 pic.twitter.com/tq6EKfIQQr — Redcar Racecourse (@Redcarracing) October 5, 2024 Realign (Fr) Blue Point (Ire) colt out of Maggies Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) Form: 23 Trainer: William Haggas Like Cathedral, Realign was an expensive purchase at the Arqana May Breeze-up Sale, when bought by Blandford Bloodstock–on behalf of Wathnan Racing–for €550,000, before showing plenty of promise without managing to get his head in front in two starts for the William Haggas yard. Runner-up when making his debut over six furlongs at Newmarket in August, he was beaten only two lengths there by none other than Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), the subsequent dual Group 1 winner who was, admittedly, giving him 7lb. Three weeks later he made his second appearance in the Convivial Maiden at York's Ebor Festival, the richest race of its type in Britain, where he posted another encouraging effort to finish third (beaten four lengths) behind the ill-fated Angelo Buonarroti (Justify). A son of Blue Point and the Listed-placed sprinter Maggies Angel, Realign shaped over seven furlongs on the Knavesmire like a drop back to six would be in his favour, looking the biggest threat to the winner at one stage before tiring late on. A good-looking sort, he should have more to offer as a three-year-old and winning a maiden/novice is likely to be a mere formality on his way to bigger and better things. Sacred Fire (GB) Cracksman (GB) colt out of Hurricane Harriet (GB) (Bertolini) Form: 1 Trainer(s): John and Thady Gosden The fact Sacred Fire was an 18-1 shot when making his debut at Newmarket in early-November suggests his subsequent victory rather took his powerful connections by surprise, but it was certainly an encouraging start to his career as he edged out a well-touted rival from the Beckett yard by a neck, despite edging right throughout the final two furlongs. The Gosden stable won the same seven-furlong novice in 2021 with the classy Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) and the form of the latest edition is already working out well, with the fifth, Noble Champion (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), and seventh, Merchant (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), both among the winners on the all-weather this winter. A 70,000gns purchase at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale, Sacred Fire is the fourth winner from five runners out of his winning dam, with the others including the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes heroine Move Swiftly (GB) (Farhh {GB}). He should progress and win more races in 2025, with a step up to a mile (and perhaps further) promising to play to his strengths. Tough Sacred Fire (Cracksman) digs deep to prevail on debut in the Cologne's German 2000 Guineas @BritishEBF Novice Stakes for John & Thady Gosden under Kieran Shoemark @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/ohP9W792dh — Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 1, 2024 Shes Perfect (Ire) Sioux Nation filly out of Galeaza (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) Form: 13 Trainer: Charlie Fellowes Shes Perfect made rather hard work of her debut success in a fillies' maiden at Haydock last August, but her effort when third in the British EBF £100,000 2yo Fillies' Series Final at Goodwood a few weeks later was much more like it, suggesting she's a filly with her best days still ahead of her as a three-year-old. In a race run on heavy ground, the daughter of Sioux Nation looked to be labouring at one stage, before making steady headway through the final two furlongs to be nearest at the line, less than three lengths behind the more aggressively-ridden winner, Love Talk (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}). Crucially, Shes Perfect was conceding 3lb to that filly, as well as the runner-up, Miss Nightfall (GB) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), who had previously finished third in the valuable sales race at Doncaster's St Leger Festival. That appeals as very solid form, especially with the subsequent Listed winner Glamis Road (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) back in fourth. She now has a BHA mark of 100, whereas Shes Perfect has been allotted an opening mark of just 88. She's clearly thought capable of better–certainly if her French Classic entries are anything to go by–and there should be a handicap or two to be won with her, before her connections start to consider black-type options. Stem (Ire) Calyx (GB) colt out of Princess Cleopatra (Bernardini) Form: 1 Trainer: Richard Hannon Johnny de la Hey, the owner of high-class chasers such as Cyrname (Fr) and Pic d'Orhy (Fr), is no stranger to big-race success at Ascot through his investment in National Hunt racing, but it could be time for him to swap his tweed for top hat and tails come the summer, when the exciting Stem might have a Royal Ascot date in his diary. There's a lot of water to pass under the bridge before then, of course, but it's fair to say that Stem could hardly have been more impressive when making a successful debut in a seven-furlong novice at Newbury last September. In a race run in conditions more suitable for National Hunt racing, the son of Calyx ploughed through the mud in a manner that his eight rivals simply couldn't live with, hitting the front inside the final two furlongs and gradually drawing clear from there to win by nine and a half lengths. That performance seemingly didn't come as a total surprise to trainer Richard Hannon, who spoke very highly of this colt in his post-race interview. A €120,000 purchase at the Arqana May Breeze-up Sale, he looks to have a very bright future and is one to follow when he steps up in grade, with no reason why he shouldn't prove just as effective on a sounder surface. Smart performance! Stem makes an eye-catching debut as he bolts up at @NewburyRacing for @rhannonracing and Ryan Moore… pic.twitter.com/aZBxQSS9DC — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 21, 2024 Treble Tee (Ire) Persian King (Ire) colt out of Sefroua (Kingmambo) Form: 1 Trainer(s): Simon and Ed Crisford The seven-furlong novice which went the way of Treble Tee at Newmarket last October looked a warm race of its type on paper, featuring a whole host of well-bred newcomers from powerful yards, and already its proving an informative contest with the third-, fifth- and seventh-place finishers all winning on the all-weather subsequently. In the race itself, Treble Tee belied his inexperience with a stylish performance, really impressing with the way he put the race to bed in the final furlong as he powered to the line over two lengths clear of Mudbir (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a sibling to the multiple Group 1 winners Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Nazeef (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) from the Gosden yard. Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, having been bought for €55,000 at the Arqana October Yearling Sale, Treble Tee is one of five winners from seven runners out of his Listed-winning dam, with the others including the G3 Prix Chloe scorer Suphala (Fr) (Frankel {GB}). A scopey sort, he's very much in the mould of his sire, Persian King (Ire), and it will be no surprise if he makes significant progress from two to three. Take the odds of 40-1 for the 2,000 Guineas now, before he appears in a Classic trial. Verse Of Love (GB) Siyouni (Fr) filly out of Vercelli (GB) (Shamardal) Form: 1 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Charlie Appleby and Godolphin already have one ready-made Classic contender in the shape of their unbeaten G1 Fillies' Mile winner Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), while Verse Of Love must be considered an enviable second string to have waiting in the wings after her stylish debut victory in the seven-furlong fillies' maiden which kicked off the Fillies' Mile card at Newmarket. Sent off the 2-1 favourite in a field of 15, the 'TDN Rising Star' justified that market confidence in no uncertain terms as she dished out a five-length beating to her rivals, showing her inexperience at various stages of the race but ultimately proving in a different league to the rest after moving up to lead over a furlong out. A Godolphin homebred, Verse Of Love is the first foal out of Vercelli (GB) (Shamardal), a half-sister to four black-type winners, headed by Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), a three-time Group 1 scorer in Australia. A general 16-1 chance for the 1,000 Guineas, she's another filly with the potential to advertise her claims in a trial between now and then. Even if that Classic comes a bit too soon in her development, there can be little doubt that she's a Pattern performer in the making. Verse Of Love (Siyouni) makes a lovely start, travelling powerfully and pulling clear of a talented and well-bred field for Charlie Appleby, @WilliamBuickX and @godolphin @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/R9ASRAqdlZ — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 11, 2024 The post Under The Radar: 10 British-Trained Three-Year-Olds to Follow in 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Rachel King and Costa Nova (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) partnered in Tokyo's G1 February Stakes on Sunday, and came away the three-quarter length winners over Sunrise Zipangu (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). King is the first female jockey to win a race at the highest tier in Japan. The February Stakes is a “Win and You're In” for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic this autumn. Positioned in the first third of the strung-out field, the 3-1 shot followed in the wake of Mitono O (Jpn) (Logotype {Jpn}). That rival carried them to the quarter pole, with King steering her charge out into the centre of the track for his bid. Mikki Fight (Jpn) (Drefong) appeared in with a chance closer to the fence in the lane, but Costa Nova kept finding for the score. Sunrise Zipangu unleashed a strong turn of foot up the rail in the dying strides to snatch second, 1 1/4 lengths to the good of a stubborn Mikki Fight. “I'm very proud to be the first female jockey [to have won a G1 title] but also proud that Japan has welcomed me as a jockey and not just a “female” jockey–something that I've always strive to be–I'm one of everyone and we're treated the same, so I'm always thankful to the Japan and all the supporters for welcoming me like that,” said King. Only off the board twice in nine starts prior to Sunday's heroics, Costa Nova was only sixth over a sloppy track in the Listed Cluster Cup at Morioka in August. He opened his 5-year-old campaign with a tally in the G3 Negishi Stakes in Tokyo on Feb. 2. Pedigree Notes The 11th top-flight winner for his sire, who is based at Shadai Stallion Station, Costa Nova is also part of a 58-strong brigade of stakes winners (41 group/graded). Lord Kanaloa is best known for his outstanding daughter Almond Eye (Jpn), a two-time Horse of the Year in Japan and Japanese Filly Triple Crown heroine. Previously, his Red Le Zele (Jpn) had finished second in the 2023 February Stakes. A half-brother to the G3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes third Feiern Kranz (Jpn) by another son of King Kamehameha (Jpn) in the late Duramente (Jpn), Costa Nova counts stakes winner and GI Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap third Tropical Blossom (Thunder Gulch), herself a half-sister to GII Davona Dale Stakes winner and multiple Grade I-placed Diamond On The Run (Kris S.), as his second dam. Grade I winners Celestine (Scat Daddy), and Super May (Super Concorde) are also kin. Triple winner Colorful Blossom (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) has a 2-year-old colt by Makfi (GB), and was covered by Drefong last spring. Sunday, Tokyo, Japan FEBRUARY STAKES-G1, ¥233,100,000, Tokyo, 2-23, 4yo/up, 1600m, 1:35.50, gd. 1–COSTA NOVA (JPN), 128, h, 5, by Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) 1st Dam: Colorful Blossom (Jpn), by Heart's Cry (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Tropical Blossom, by Thunder Gulch 3rd Dam: Barbara Sue, by Barbara Sue 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Katsumi Yoshida; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); T-Tetsuya Kimura; J-Rachel King; ¥123,570,000. Lifetime Record: 10-7-1-0, ¥240,891,000. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Sunrise Zipangu (Jpn), 128, c, 4, Kizuna (Jpn)–Saimaa (Ire), by Zoffany (Ire). (¥64,000,000 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL). O-Life House; B-Oiwake Farm (Jpn); ¥49,020,000. 3–Mikki Fight (Jpn), 128, c, 4, Drefong–Special Groove (Jpn), by Special Week (Jpn). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-Mizuki Noda; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); ¥30,5160,000. Margins: 3/4, 1 1/4, NK. Odds: 3.30, 6.00, 2.30. Also Ran: Peptide Nile (Jpn), Emperor Wakea (Jpn), Meisho Hario (Jpn), Gaia Force (Jpn), Tagano Beauty (Jpn), Ater Astraea (Jpn), Sunday Funday (Jpn), Dura Erede (Jpn) Dead Heat: Helios (Jpn), William Barows (Jpn), Derma Stotogake (Jpn), Mitono O (Jpn), Ammothyella (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. 【February Stakes (G1), 1600m, Tokyo, JRA】 Winner: Costa Nova English Race Call Video (Full)https://t.co/SZWHWSn6ip Resulthttps://t.co/6bCZmwe8Lg#JRA #horseracing #FebruaryStakes #CostaNova pic.twitter.com/PwBoglQOwD — HorseRacingInJapan (@HorseRacing_JPN) February 23, 2025 The post Costa Nova Lands February Stakes For Lord Kanaloa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The second winner on the Sha Tin card to have parlayed a win in the 2024 Longines Hong Kong International Races to Group 1 glory on Sunday, Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) secured the 2000-metre HK$13-million Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, although not without some trouble in running. Reunited with James McDonald after he returned from taking second in the G1 Saudi Cup aboard Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) on Saturday, the 3-10 crowd's pick settled in midfield as Winning Dragon (Chi) (Ivan Denisovich {Ire}) established a pressured advantage. Chancheng Glory (Mor Spirit) took over on the backstretch and commanded a narrow lead at halfway. Just prior to the 800-metre pole, Voyage Bubble clipped heels and was shuffled back to last, bar one. McDonald let the gelding find his rhythm once more and Voyage Bubble just needed room inside the final quarter mile. He bulled his way through a split in the lane and took over at the 150-metre mark, before kicking away to win by 3 3/4 lengths. Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid) caught Chancheng Glory for second, with the eventual third-place finisher 1 1/4 lengths back. “It wasn't smooth sailing but he's a great racehorse. I'm lucky to have him as a partner because he got me out of a sticky situation,” said McDonald. “We might have found a new way of riding him as well. Who knows?” Voyage Bubble has a chance of landing a HK$10-million bonus for winning all three legs of the Triple Crown Series. He only needs the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on May 25 to become the second horse to do so after River Verdon (Ire) (Be My Native) in 1993/94. Revelling in his first Group 1 success at 2000m, trainer Ricky Yiu said, “I'm a bit optimistic to run him over 2400m. Before James takes off tonight, we're going to have a little celebration party and I'm going to have a good chat with him to see where we go next.” A winner of the G1 Stewards' Cup last January, the bay has experienced mixed fortunes since, but seemed to turn over a new leaf when back in the winner's circle in the G2 Jockey Club Mile six starts later in November. After taking the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile a month later, he added his second Stewards' Cup on Jan. 19. Pedigree Notes By some margin the most decorated runner for his sire, Voyage Bubble is one of 38 stakes winners, 23 group, for Deep Field. The Hong Kong star is also one of four top-level scorers, with Deep Field's others striking in South Africa (Al Muthana {Aus}), Australia (Portland Sky {Aus}), and Hong Kong (Sky Field {Aus}). The Gold Cup winner is a half-brother to Group 3 winner Diddums (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), and the stakes-placed Brettan (Aus) (Commands {Aus}). His granddam, Laoub (Red Ransom), is a half-sister to Canadian Horse of the Year and champion grass mare Never Retreat (Smart Strike), who won five graded races, among them the GI First Lady Stakes. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-23, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:00.59, gd. 1–VOYAGE BUBBLE (AUS), 126, g, 6, by Deep Field (Aus) 1st Dam: Raheights (Aus), by Rahy 2nd Dam: Laoub, by Red Ransom 3rd Dam: Lisieux, by Steady Growth (A$380,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB). O-Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate; B-Torryburn Stud (NSW); T-Ricky Yiu; J-James McDonald; HK$7,280,000. Lifetime Record: 24-10-6-3, HK$85,152,475. *1/2 to Diddums (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), GSW-Aus, $164,688. Werk Nick Rating: D+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Ensued, 126, h, 5, Lemon Drop Kid–Alluvial Gold (Ire) by Danehill Dancer (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. ($120,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; €260,000 2yo '22 ARQMAY). O-Ada Wong Yin Man; B-T/C Stable, LLC (KY); T-John Size; J-Karis Teetan; HK$2,730,000. 3–Chancheng Glory, 126, g, 5, Mor Spirit–Solid Scam, by Consolidator. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Wlg '20 KEENOV; $110,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $220,000 RNA 2yo '22 OBSMAR). O-Chancheng Racing Syndicate; B-H. Allen Poindexter; T-K Lui; J-Hugh Bowman; HK$1,495,000. Margins: 3/4, SHD, SHD. Odds: 0.30, 14.00, 15.00. Also Ran: Winning Dragon (Chi), Happy Together (Ire), La City Blanche (Arg), Straight Arron (Aus), Galaxy Patch (Aus), Five G Patch (Ire), Sword Point (Aus). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. CLASS PREVAILS! Aiming to become the second horse to win Hong Kong's #TripleCrown after River Verdon in 1993/94, Voyage Bubble captures the second leg – @Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup – with @mcacajamez at Sha Tin… @WorldPool | #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/ZauVUYRIWc — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 23, 2025 The post Voyage Bubble Takes Second Leg Of Hong Kong Triple Crown Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The world's highest rated sprinter, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) added his third Group 1 on the bounce and 10th victory in a row in Sunday's 1400-metre HK$13-million Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin. Missing in action was his regular jockey Zac Purton, who has been sidelined with a foot injury. Step forward Karis Teetan, and the show went on. Keeping a close eye on last year's winner California Spangle (Aus) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) from the bell, the 1-5 favourite never let his rival have a moment's ease. He cruised up to even terms at the 300-metre mark, and, covering his final three furlongs in :33.98, withstood the rallying Helios Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) to win by 1 1/2 lengths. The latter got the bob over fellow closer Howdeepisyourlove (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}). “It was an enjoyable last 100m but a frightening 200m,” trainer David Hayes said. “[Karis] said when he put him under pressure he responded and he felt he didn't have to give him much more. He's won 10 in a row at basically a month between runs so I'm a bit loath to change if he does well.” “It's unbelievable how this opportunity came up to be sitting on one of the world's best horses. I'm just really thankful that everything worked out well–I think I was just the pilot on him today,” said Teetan. “I want to thank the owner and David and finally Zac. I spoke to him during the week and he was really kind. He said 'Just know you're on the best horse and ride him like that and trust him', so thank you to Zac.” The victory marked a Group 1 double for the Hayes family on the weekend, following the G1 Futurity Stakes victory of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars {Aus}) for Ben, Will and JD Hayes at Caulfield in Australia the day prior. Ka Ying Rising claimed the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint over Helios Express and Satono Reve (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in December, before defeating Helios Express and Howdeepisyourlove in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup on Jan. 19. Pedigree Notes Shamexpress has sired 14 stakes winners, nine of them at group level. Alongside Ka Ying Rising, he is also responsible for dual New Zealand Group 1 winner Coventina Bay (NZ). The first foal for his dam, who racked up five wins during her career, Ka Ying Rising has the year-younger half-sibling Ka Ying Glory (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}), who is registered in Hong Kong. The gelding is from the extended family of G1 Caulfield Cup hero Gurner's Lane (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) and G1 Marlboro Cup winner Trichelle (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}). Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-23, 3yo/up, 1400mT, 1:20.33, gd. 1–KA YING RISING (NZ), 126, g, 4, by Shamexpress (NZ) 1st Dam: Missy Moo (NZ), by Per Incanto 2nd Dam: Royal Rhythm (NZ), by Rhythm 3rd Dam: Her Dynasty (NZ), by Sir Tristram (NZ) O-Ka Ying Syndicate; B-Grandmoral Lodge Racing (NZ); T-David Hayes; J-Karis Teetan; HK$7,280,000. Lifetime Record: 13-11- 2-0, HK$45,657,200. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Helios Express (Aus), 126, g, 5, Toronado (Ire)–Paris Texas (Aus), by Hinchinbrook (Aus). O-Andy Yung Ming Tai; B-C Wells (WA); T-John Size; J-Hugh Bowman; HK$2,730,000. *Known in Australia as Tex Mex. 3–Howdeepisyourlove (Aus), 126, g, 5, Deep Field (Aus)–My Shabella (Aus), by Haradasun (Aus). (A$270,000 Ylg '21 INGFEB). O-Lo Profile Syndicate; B-P Sweeney (Qld); T-John Size; J-Ben Thompson; HK$1,495,000. Margins: 1HF, SHD, HF. Odds: 0.2, 4.3, 58.00. Also Ran: Beauty Eternal (Aus), Red Lion (Aus), California Spangle (Ire), Invincible Sage (Aus), Patch Of Theta (Aus), Mugen (Aus). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. GO ON, @KarisTeetan! The Mauritian ace guides superstar Ka Ying Rising to a third Group 1 win in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin ahead of Helios Express and Howdeepisyourlove… #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/sVEeLdIERx — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 23, 2025 The post Mr Consistency: 10 Straight For Ka Ying Rising In Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) continued his imperious reign as Hong Kong’s sprint monarch with a superb victory in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) for David Hayes and Karis Teetan at Sha Tin on Sunday as the world’s joint highest-rated sprinter landed his third Group One. Settling outside the leader and last year’s winner California Spangle, Ka Ying Rising cruised to the lead entering the straight before rallying late under pressure to resist the charge of John Size-trained quartet Helios Express (second), Howdeepisyourlove (third), Beauty Eternal (fourth) and Red Lion (fifth). Recording a slick 1m 20.33s at his first attempt over 1400m, Ka Ying Rising notched his 11th win from 13 starts to secure the second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series. Having already annexed the Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), Ka Ying Rising will attempt to clinch a HK$5 million bonus with success in the HK$22 million Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on 27 April. Hayes admitted to rare anxiety when Helios Express emerged from a chasing pack to raise a serious challenge at the 200m. “I had a nervous moment at the 200m but on the line I think he was holding them very well. It was an enjoyable last 100m but a frightening 200m,” Hayes said. “(Karis) said when he put him under pressure he responded and he felt he didn’t have to give him much more. “He’s a very special horse. There should be a lot more to come. “I have always said he’s a miler but he’s just such a good sprinter (so) I’m a bit loath to change. They were closer to him at the 1200m than the 1400m. He’s got two more races for an undefeated season, or maybe one race if he feels this (race).” Hayes indicated he would monitor Ka Ying Rising’s recovery from today’s race before finalising plans for the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. “He’s won 10 in a row at basically a month between runs so I’m a bit loath to change if he does well. Substituting for injured Zac Purton, Teetan was ecstatic post-race. “It’s unbelievable how this opportunity came up to be sitting on one of the world’s best horses. I’m just really thankful that everything worked out well – I think I was just the pilot on him today,” the Mauritian said. “He flew out of the gate, I wanted him to use the early speed that he has but sort of dropped my hands and he just came back to me pretty easily and he was waiting for me to press the button and, when I did, he produced really well. “I want to thank the owner and David and finally Zac. I spoke to him during the week and he was really kind. He said ‘Just know you’re on the best horse and ride him like that and trust him’, so thank you to Zac.” Ka Ying Rising forged through the 400m section from 1200m to the 800m in 21.67s before clocking 45.46s for the final 800m, while fellow Group 1 winner Beauty Eternal produced the best final 800m split of 44.99s. Bred by trainer Fraser Auret with his wife Erin under their Grandmoral Lodge Racing banner, Ka Ying Rising was born, raised, broken-in and initially trained at Auret’s property before he was sold to Lindsay Park following an impressive jumpout at Levin. Ka Ying Rising gave the Hayes family a Gr.1 double across the weekend following Mr Brightside’s win in the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. View the full article

Bruce Wallbank describes Midnight Edition (NZ) (Wrote) as his one-in-a-million horse and the exciting three-year-old gave the Pukekohe horseman plenty to cheer about on his home track on Sunday. Midnight Edition showed early promise and defeated subsequent Group Three winner Checkmate when breaking maidens back in September. He lost no admirers when finishing fifth in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), before coming desperately close to pulling off an big upset in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m), losing the dead-heat in an enquiry. Wallbank opted to test his charge over the middle distance in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m), but after he failed to see out the trip, a change in tactics had him placed back in the sprinting role in the Horizon By SkyCity (1200m). Midnight Edition was initially set to be ridden by Matt Cartwright, who was unwell, meaning the country’s leading jockey in Craig Grylls took the reins and allowed the gelding to stride forward in his usual pattern early. The race-favourite Age Of Discovery did the opposite, settling last and gave Midnight Edition a decent head-start as they turned for home. Showing a decent kick on straightening, Midnight Edition was going to take a lot of chasing and his rivals couldn’t catch him, holding off I’m All In to win by three-quarters of a length with a further two lengths back to Flash Effect. “He’s a very, very good horse,” Wallbank said. “In his last two starts, we know why he didn’t run well and that was a trainer error. Nigel Tiley has been assisting me over the last couple of weeks with the horse, so I put this win down to him.” Wallbank has received a number of high-priced offers for Midnight Edition, but at 78 years of age, he is not interested in selling the adored gelding, instead looking ahead his next Group assignment on March 22. “We’ve been offered big money for him, but we’re not interested selling him,” he said. “Money doesn’t mean a hell of a lot to us at my age, you want to be enjoying what you’re doing. “He’s got good legs, he’s very clean-winded and eats anything, he’s just one in a million. He’s a really cool dude, he’s home in the paddock and eating flat out already tonight. “I used to work for a farmer down in Woodville who won plenty of good races, so I’m training him a little bit in the same way. As I said, Nigel has given me a lot of help as well and he’ll probably go into his stable in the spring as he knows what he’s doing a lot more than I do, but we’ll see what happens. “We’ll definitely be going to the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) and then we’ve got the option of going to Aussie with one of our other trainers. “Craig Grylls was very, very impressed with him today, I hope he’ll be able to ride him in the Guineas.” Bred by Aston Racing, Midnight Edition is a son of Highview sire Wrote and out of the Wallbank’s two-win mare Midnight Gossip, who finished fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Of her three foals to race, Midnight Gossip has produced six-race winner Midnight Mass, who placed at Listed level in Australia, and Midnight Scandal, a winner of three for trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander. Wallbank has more of the family coming through, with a yearling full-sister to Midnight Mass by Proisir at Haunui Farm, and the mare currently in foal to Ace High. “He (Midnight Edition) was effectively bred by us, we own a share in Wrote and have 15 acres here in Pukekohe,” Wallbank said. “We get plenty of advice from good trainers, including Katrina Alexander who trains his half-sister Midnight Scandal, who she thinks very highly of. We’ve still got the mare, Midnight Gossip, she’s in foal to Ace High, and we’ve got a beautiful Proisir filly out at Haunui with Mark Chitty. “We normally work with Mark, he’s a very good family friend of ours and has been very good to us over the years. The Proisir filly was a really tough weanling and I couldn’t handle her, so the boys from Haunui came and picked her up and weaned her out there. We did a deal with Mark and she was going to head to the sales, but then he came back to me and said we’re not selling her Bruce, we’re going to race her. “It’s a bit of a good treat.” Wallbank owns Midnight Edition alongside his wife Raelyn and son Mark, who have enjoyed success over the years with horses including Group Two performer Brighton and four-race winner Establishment. View the full article

Rachel King made history in Japan on Sunday when she became the first female jockey to partner a Grade 1 winner in the country when she guided Costa Nova to victory in the February Stakes at Tokyo. King rode six winners as an amateur in Britain between 2009 and 2013. She has gone on to become something of a globetrotting sensation and even rode a winner in the final leg in the International Jockeys' Challenge at Riyadh on the opening night of the Saudi Cup meeting prior to her Japanese success. The breakthrough Grade 1 win in Japan was achieved for trainer Tetsuya Kimura with Costa Nova scoring by just under a length at the winning line. King commented afterwards, “Very privileged to be here-competing on this stage. Very proud to get this moment today and to be the first female to ride a Grade 1 in Japan. “[It was my] first time sitting on him but I was given lots of information from his trainer and the team–previous jockeys as well. I have done all my homework and he is a very straightforward horse who can keep progressing even from today.” She added, “A big thank you to all of the JRA racing fans. They have been amazing in the support I have had last year and this year. I couldn't be winning a Grade 1 without all of that support behind me.” The post Rachel King Creates History In Japan With Breakthrough Grade 1 Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ricky Yiu’s stable star lands third straight Group One in style despite appearing to stumble and being shuffled back through the field.View the full article

Veteran handler enjoys Sunday successes with Sky Jewellery, Crossborderpegasus, Juneau Pride and Brilliant Express.View the full article

Superstar sprinter bags third Group One success with victory under Karis Teetan in Sunday’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin.View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Kiwi young gun Carter Dalgety was among the first to congratulate his Queensland contemporary Angus Garrard after his historic win in the inaugural Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Challenge at Albion Park. Dalgety and Garrard shared a bond as the two “babies” at just 21 in the stellar 10-driver line-up in the first series of its kind, run across 20 races and two nights. “I know Angus and I were blown away just being part of it against all these superstars, people we’ve looked up … winning it must feel incredible,” Dalgety said. “He didn’t just win, he really controlled the series from the early stages and just kept his calm and building points. It was so impressive.” Dalgety had his own moment in the spotlight winning Heat 17 with Momentum Swing while Garrard laid the foundations with an “unexpectedly big” 10 heats on opening night and essentially cemented the title with a win and second from the first of two of last night’s second round. US and Swedish Hall of Famers, Yannick Gingras and Bjorn Goop, and Kiwi-born champion Dexter Dunn were among those left in Garrard’s wake. After containing himself for 19 heats, Garrard’s emotions overflowed when he, fittingly, stormed home to win the last of the 20 races, flourishing his whip to the adoring hometown crowd. “This is so surreal,” he said. “I couldn’t believe my luck when I got the chance to drive in the series, winning it is a fairytale. “These are people I’ve grown up in awe of, hoping I’d just get the chance to meet them or even drive against them one day. “To win the first (running) of this series, to have my family and friends involved and for it to be here, in my backyard … it’s going to take some time to sink in.” Although Garrard held a big lead for much of the series, he refused to ponder winning until those closing stages of the final heat. “No, no way. Gary (Hall Jr), just kept picking up big points and closing the gap and we know what a superstar he is,” he said. “I just kept thinking back to a junior driver series I was in when I led most of the way and just got pipped in the last race. I thought, ‘no, surely it can’t happen again.” Garrard’s role went further than driving, he was integral in choosing which horses he drove with his slot owners (SEN Track, Garrards and 1Equine Syndicate) through a unique “draft” system. “We hoped we could have a home ground advantage on and off the track, no doubt it helped a lot,” he said. Garrard spaced his rivals with 180 points, 25 ahead of Hall Jr (155), then followed: Pete McMullen (146), Dunn (133), Goop (128), Brad Hewitt and Gingras (121), Nathan Dawson (116), Carter Dalgety (96) and Kate Gath (81). “They call him, ‘The Kid’, it should be ‘The Whiz Kid’ now,” slot spokesman Gareth Hall said. “The maturity and composure Angus showed against drivers he idolizes was amazing. “The eyes of the (harness) world were on the series with guys like Bjorn, Dexter, Yannick and Carter here, the world knows who Angus Garrard is now.” Dunn said the series was “way more than I expected.” “It sounded great when I first heard about it, so I jumped at the chance to compete … but it was just incredible with a terrific group of people,” he said. “It’s great to the industry trying something new and this will just keep getting bigger and bigger. I’d love to come back next year if they’ll have me.” View the full article

Trainer Penalty J McInerney Jnr | Christchurch 14 February (heard Christchurch 21 February); failed to provide adequate care for Greyhound while on racecourse; fined $300. Dog Penalty ALPHA RANGER | Christchurch 17 February; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. The post 17-23 February 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties K Mudhoo | Canterbury 19 February; careless riding; suspended 2-7 March inclusive. L Sutherland | Wanganui 21 February; careless riding; suspended 3-9 March inclusive. M Cartwright | Auckland 22 February; careless riding; suspended 24 February – 7 March inclusive. C Barnes | Auckland 22 February; careless riding; suspended 2-8 March and fined $250. M Hashizume | Auckland 22 February; use of whip; fined $400. M Lerner | Otaki-Maori 22 February; failed to make weight; fined $200. A Mudhoo | Non-raceday dated 17 February; misconduct; fined $2,500. J Nishizuka | Auckland 23 February; careless riding; suspended 27 February – 7 March inclusive. M Lerner | Auckland 23 February; medical clearance required. B Rogerson | Auckland 23 February; medical clearance required. M Cartwright | Auckland 23 February; medical clearance required. Horse Penalties MISS STARLIGHT | Canterbury 19 February; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. MATAKANA GIRL | Wanganui 21 February; late scratching after becoming fractious in barrier; must complete trial. SWEET ENVY | Wanganui 21 February; epistaxis; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. CHEVAL D’OR | Auckland 22 February; lame; veterinary clearance required. KIWI SKYHAWK | Auckland 22 February; lame; veterinary clearance required. BIG EXIT | Auckland 23 February; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. GRAPHIC | Auckland 23 February; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. General The Wanganui JC meeting of 21 February was abandoned after Race 6 due to an unsafe track. The Otaki-Maori meeting of 22 February was abandoned after Race 1 due to an unsafe track. The post 17-23 February 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Driver Penalties M Ranger | Auckland 21 February; careless driving; suspended 22 February – 4 March inclusive. B Orange | Wyndham 21 February; careless driving; suspended 3-9 March inclusive. S Hill | Wyndham 21 February; use of whip; suspended 3-9 March inclusive. Trainer Penalties M House | Ashburton 22 February; failed to scratch by required time; fined $200. B Waldron | Wyndham 21 February (heard Wyndham 23 February); raced in unapproved gear; fined $450. Horse Penalties BUILT FOR GLORY | NZ Metropolitan 20 February; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. RUN FOREST RUN | Auckland 21 February; fell in running; must complete trial. SAM SNEAD | Ashburton 22 February; broke in score up; must complete mobile start trial. DON’T TELL JENNY | Ashburton 22 February; broke in score up; must complete mobile start trial. MAJESTIC DAUGHTER | Wyndham 23 February; broke in running; must complete trial. Protests ANNROSE | Wyndham 21 February; excessive galloping during race; disqualified from 3rd. MAJESTIC CHALLEN | Wyndham 21 February; excessive galloping in home straight; disqualified from 4th. WHISPERING MAJESTIC | Wyndham 21 February; excessive galloping in home straight; disqualified from 4th. PINSEEKER | Wyndham 23 February; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. The post 17-23 February 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah) held off a late surge from the slow-starting and previously unbeaten Promised Gene (Jpn) (Nadal) to take out Sunday's $244,745 Listed Hyacinth Stakes over the one-turn mile at Tokyo Racecourse. The victory was good for 30 points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby in a race that was won by the colt's champion full-brother Cafe Pharoah some five years ago. The $1.80 (4-5) favorite had the services of Rachel King, runner-up in Friday's International Jockeys' Challenge in Saudi Arabia, and was away fairly before settling in mid-division and well out into the track down the back straight. Held together on the bend, Luxor Cafe swung into action at the top of the lane, sprinted nicely when set down five off the inside approaching the final furlong and clung on gamely to score narrowly. Promised Gene missed the start by a length or two, but flew home down the center of the track to just miss. Luxor Cafe, who races in the colors of Cafe Pharoah's owner Koichi Nishikawa, is one of three full black-type winners for his outstanding dam, a number that also includes champion Regal Glory (Animal Kingdom), who has a date with Gun Runner this year. Regal Glory topped the dispersal of the late Paul Pompa, Jr. on Peter Brant's bid of $925,000 and she was the joint-highest priced offering overall at Keeneland January in 2021. Luxor Cafe is the seventh winner from eight starters for Mary's Follies, who made $500,000 from the BBA Ireland at the same auction. Mary's Follies has a 2-year old colt by Into Mischief and is due to Flightline this term. He is the 56th stakes winner for American Pharoah. The Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby concludes with the Fukuryu Stakes (allowance) going 1800 meters at Nakayama late next month. Sunday's Results: HYACINTH S.-Listed, ¥36,540,000 ($244,745), Tokyo, 2-23, 3yo, 1600m, 1:37.6, ft. 1–LUXOR CAFE, 126, c, 3, by American Pharoah 1st Dam: Mary's Follies (MGSW, $338,889), by More Than Ready 2nd Dam: Catch the Queen, by Miswaki 3rd Dam: Wave to the Queen, by Wavering Monarch 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O-Koichi Nishikawa; B-Orpendale, Chelston, Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland ULC (KY); T-Noriyuki Hori; J-Rachel King; ¥19,238,000. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-0, $257,197. *Full to Cafe Pharoah, Ch. Dirt Horse, MG1SW-Jpn, G1SP-KSA, $5,447,518; half to Regal Glory (Animal Kingdom), 'TDN Rising Star', Ch. Turf Mare, MGISW, $2,619,134; and Night Prowler (Giant's Causeway), MGSW, $475,682. 2–Promised Gene (Jpn), 121, f, 3, Nadal–Promised Leap (Jpn), by Henny Hughes. 1ST BLACK-TYPE. O-Silk Racing Co Ltd; B-Tenei Horse Park Ltd; T-Yuki Uehara; J-Keita Tosaki; ¥7,668,000. 3–Don in the Mood (Jpn), 126, c, 3, Asia Express–Hagino Wish (Jpn), by Agnes Tachyon (Jpn). 1ST BLACK-TYPE. (¥13,750,000 Ylg '23 JBBAUG). O-Koichi Yamada; B-Nobiyuki Matsumoto; T-Hironobu Tanabe; J-Teiichi Konno; ¥4,834,000. Margins: HF, 1HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 0.80, 5.30, 47.30. Luxor Cafe earns 30 points on the Japan Road to the #KyDerby! pic.twitter.com/3q9vNfXTZJ — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) February 23, 2025 The post Luxor Cafe Makes a Statement In Hyacinth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A newcomer to the South Island in Eastandwest (NZ) (Charm Spirit) made a winning start for the stable of Michael and Matthew Pitman at Ashburton on Sunday. A son of Charm Spirit, Eastandwest had four starts under the care of Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan, including a pair of fourths behind Tristar and Rochmie Ray. He finished back in the field at Tauranga in mid-December, and fresh-up in the Rainer Irrigation (1400m), he was underrated in the market at $23. A downgrade in track conditions to a Heavy 8 caused the late scratching of a favoured runner in Super Sincere, alongside Discretion Rules, who came out earlier in the day. Their absence left progressive filly Those Ocean Eyes clearly on top of the market at $2.80, but she was one of the slowest to jump, while second-elect Alberton Angel flew the gates and took the early lead. Eastandwest raced keenly early under the Pitman’s stable apprentice Abdul Najib, sitting three-wide at the tail of the field before venturing wide on the course turning for home. In the last 200m, Ex Aye, Maracatu, Those Ocean Eyes and Eastandwest all looked winning chances, but in the final bounds, Eastandwest managed to overcome the favourite to score by a head. “He was really good, he’s only a three-year-old and is obviously going to find some improvement and is handy on a wet track,” Michael Pitman said. “He ran fourth in a Rating 60 race at Pukekohe before he came down, which is a good run from any maidener. “He’s a work in progress, when he first came down he was just wanting to get too keen and Abdul rode him really well, settling back and holding him up for one run at them and we got the chocolates.” Purchased for $7,000 through gavelhouse.com, Eastandwest has made a swift return on that investment for the SIRE Syndicate. “My brother bought him off Gavelhouse about six or eight weeks ago after he ran four nice races up north,” Pitman said. “We were thinking about taking him to the trials on Tuesday, but we thought we would throw him in the deep end and it worked out well. “Effectively, it was a maiden win worth $40,000 so it was a great stake to get. “We won’t go to the Dunedin Guineas (Listed, 1600m) with him, we will probably head to Riccarton on the 26th of March, there’s a three-year-old race over 1400m which I think will suit him ideally.” Eastandwest is out of a Black Minnaloushe mare Riverina Girl, who has produced eight foals, seven of those being winners. Riverina Girl is a half-sister to Group Two winner Bak Da Chief, the dam of star galloper and multiple-Group One winner Te Akau Shark. View the full article

Emerging talent Betty Spaghetti (Stratum Star) made a deserved return to the winner’s circle at Ashburton on Sunday, powering away with a competitive Rugby, Racing and Fun (1400m). A mare by Stratum Star, Betty Spaghetti was a classy three-year-old, finishing runner-up in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m), alongside fourth placings in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) and Listed NZB Warstep Stakes (2000m). She went on to collect a trio of victories at four, and after a couple of fitness-building runs to kick off her new prep this season, she looked to be near her devastating best when narrowly missing behind The Good Shepherd at Wingatui. A gallant fourth-placed effort in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m) was enough to place her on top of the market for Sunday’s open handicap, closing at $3.70 over Third Decree ($4.60) and Tumuch ($5). Jumping away positively, Betty Spaghetti settled into a comfortable rhythm midfield under Billy Jacobson, while Fellini went up to lead and controlled a moderate tempo. Tumuch loomed up to Fellini on the corner while Betty Spaghetti had all rivals ahead of her, but winding up down the outside, she let go with a booming finish to power over the top and score by just shy of two lengths. Anna Furlong, who trains the mare at Riccarton Park, had every faith she could produce a performance of this calibre. “It is very special, it’s great to get the job done for the owners and she’s been racing in top company, and performing so well,” she said. “It was nice that she could show us that she’s fit and well and still wants to be out there doing her best. “She takes a little bit of time to wind up these days, but she really showed her class at the line. “Billy rode her pretty much to plan, we wanted to be in behind the speed and he wasn’t stressed when they came around her, he just let her bide her time. He is going to be a huge asset to the South, he’s already been very well-received and he’s a great addition to the riding ranks here.” A journey back to Wingatui for next Saturday’s Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) is not on the radar for Betty Spaghetti, with Furlong looking ahead to the Gr.3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1600m) on her home track on March 22. “Off that run, we would be leaning towards the Breeders’ Stakes, which is at a mile,” she said. “That (distance) wouldn’t be a problem. “We thought the White Robe wouldn’t quite be the right fit for her, at weight-for-age in what I think will be a really strong field. We thought it would be nice to potentially get a win with her today for the owners and that’s what we opted to do.” Bred in Canterbury by Beaufort Downs, Betty Spaghetti was purchased for just $20,000 at the 2021 National Yearling Sales by Robert Dennis. The Southland horseman syndicated her out to a large group of owners, of whom she has earned $187,160 for with five wins and six minor placings in 19 starts. Her dam, Swiss Beauty, won two races over 1200m, and as a broodmare has also produced Mogul, a two-race winner. Earlier on the Ashburton card, Furlong was delighted with the effort of Those Ocean Eyes, a promising three-year-old filly who backed up her debut victory last-start with a narrow second to Eastandwest in the Rainer Irrigation (1200m). “She didn’t love the heavy but she tries very hard, Sam (Wynne, jockey) was rapt with her run as were we,” she said. “She was the most inexperienced horse in the field and she’ll take huge improvement again from that, we will now look to get her back on top of the ground and over 1400m next start.” View the full article

Emily, Jayne & Bruce review all the racing action from Ellerslie yesterday, Wiremu Pinn & Tayla Mitchell join the show to talk about their big days, Darin Balcombe talks about the Otaki abandonment & Guy was at the Halberg Awards. Weigh In, February 23 View the full article

Rider Masa Hashizume made a quick return to winning action following an injury-enforced stint on the sideline when he guided emerging star Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino) to an impressive victory in open company over 1200m at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Auckland-based hoop suffered a broken collarbone in a race fall at Trentham in January but barely a month later he was back at trackwork with his sights set on returning for the ride on Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) favourite Willydoit in his final lead-up to the blue riband event, the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m). While Willydoit didn’t produce his best in the Guineas with a somewhat lacklustre effort in a farcically slow run contest, Hashizume showed he was back to full fitness with a well-judged effort aboard the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-prepared Tomodachi. Shooting for the fifth win of her brief career to date, Tomodachi settled back in the seven-horse field before Hashizume set her alight approaching the home corner as Michael McNab aboard race favourite Glamour Tycoon tried to steal a march on his rivals after setting up a slowly run affair from barrier rise. Tomodachi quickly joined issue at the 300m and the pair set down to a titanic struggle that went in favour of Tomodachi by a neck at the winning post, much to the delight of O’Sullivan. “I thought Masa summed it up well as he was a little concerned that the horse he labelled his biggest danger (Glamour Tycoon) was going to camp outside the leader and canter whereas it actually found the lead and cantered,” O’Sullivan said. “I think the winning of the race was the move he made to get handy three-deep and she (Tomodachi) was right there when they let go. “She is certainly very progressive and Andrew and I and the team really rate her although she is probably a season away from her best, but long term she has a real future.” While playing a patient game with the four-year-old, O’Sullivan is keen to step her out in distance in the future. “We think a mile is going to be her go although we did try to get her to run further as a three-year-old. “She just raced a little bit hard in the running for that but once she learns who knows what her ceiling is. “We will go home and have a look through the programme and see what is available to her before we make any decisions on where we go next.” Hashizume was wearing his trademark beaming smile when questioned about the performance. “She is a really really nice horse who jumped well and settled beautifully today,” he said. “There wasn’t much pace on and I didn’t want to get too far away from the favourite, so I moved early to be closer and she kicked on well, hit the line strong and was very hard to pull up.” The Sir Peter Vela-bred and owned daughter of Tarzino is out of Vela’s lightly raced High Chaparral mare Quintessentially and comes from a female line that includes horses of the calibre of multiple Group One winner Ethereal and Hong Kong Cup (1600m) winner Romanee Conti. She has now won five of her seven starts and over $114,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

What Grafton Races Where Clarence River Jockey Club – Powell St, Grafton NSW 2460 When Monday, February 24, 2025 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The new week of racing is set to get underway at Clarence River Jockey Club on Monday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program lined up at Grafton. The rail moves out +5m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with no significant rainfall to hamper proceedings, participants can expect a genuine Good 4 surface for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm local time. Best Bet at Grafton: Dusty Bay Dusty Bay heads to the races for the first time after one official barrier trial on the synthetic surface at Newcastle on February 11. It was an impressive piece of work by the son of Sandbar, pressing clear of his rivals when asked for a minor effort by Aaron Bullock. The two-year-old maps to find the one-one from barrier three, and provided Dusty Bay can bring a similar attitude under race-day conditions, expect this guy to justify the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Dusty Bay (3) 2yo Gelding | T: Tracey Bartley | J: Aaron Bullock (58kg) Next Best at Grafton: With Style With Style looks prepared for a first-up assault after two strong barrier trials heading into this debut assignment. The Pride Of Dubai filly flattened out nicely in her most recent work at Ballina on February 14, climbing over the back of Wendt to settle for a runner-up finish. Matthew McGuren will go in search of cover from barrier five to save the unraced three-year-old’s energy for one final drive, so watch for With Style to be storming down the centre of the course when asked for the ultimate effort. Next Best Race 3 – #4 With Style (5) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Sinclair | J: Matthew McGuren (57.5kg) Best Value at Grafton: Silver Canvas Silver Canvas is looking for a bone-dry track after being outclassed first-up at this course and distance on February 4. BM72 company proved a stretch too far for the son of Natural Destiny, falling out of the contest on Soft ground. He has a formidable record of six starts for two wins and two minor placings at this track and trip in the past, and with this BM58 contest proving much easier on paper, expect Silver Canvas to figure at the each-way price with Picklebet. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Silver Canvas (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Shannon Manwarring | J: Nick Palmer (4kg) (63kg) Monday quaddie tips for Grafton Grafton quadrella selections February 24, 2025 5-6-9-10-11 1-2-5-6-8 1-2-3-7-10 1-2-4-6-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

California Burrito, ridden by apprentice Irving Moncada, introduced himself to the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail Feb. 22 with a hard-fought win in the $173,500 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway Park.View the full article

CALIFORNIA BURRITO (c, 3, Army Mule–Bluegrass Sunset, by Hard Spun) is the newest player on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, earning 20 points with a gate-to-wire win in Saturday night's John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway Park. Shaken up for the lead from mid-gate, the 7-2 shot, who came off a 7 1/4-length win going just a 1/16th shorter on the local Tapeta Jan. 24, showed the way along the inside through fractions of :24.50 and :49.41 with 37-1 longshot Maitre D (Game Winner) keeping him honest to the outside and 2-1 race favorite Baby Max (Maximus Mischief) also looming a threat while three wide around the far turn. Turning for home, the top pair opened up a sizeable gap back to Maximum Promise (Maximum Security) who ran on into third with California Burrito besting Baby Max narrowly in a final time of 1:45.98 for the 1 1/16-mile trip. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-0. O-Aaron and Victoria Haberman; B-Westbrook Stables LLC; T-Thomas Drury, Jr. Sales History: $60,000 ylg'23 FTKJUL. California Burrito takes the John Battaglia Memorial S. and picks up 20 Kentucky Derby points! @tomdruryracing trains the 3YO and @irvingjmoncada was aboard! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/q5TXZgT2N4 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) February 23, 2025 This post will be updated Sunday with the full result running in Monday's edition of the TDN. The post Army Mule’s California Burrito Wires The John Battaglia Memorial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Victorian apprentice Hannah Le Blanc, who partnered the Dick Leech-trained Hasseltoff to success at Pioneer Park at Alice Springs on Saturday, aboard the Chris Nash-trained Seven Secrets before celebrating victory at Darwin on Friday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) Former South Australian galloper Hasseltoff produced a slashing Alice Springs Cup trial after saluting on his NT debut over 1600m in open company at Pioneer Park on Saturday. After a last start win at Morphettville in late January against BM78 opposition over 1600m for Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes, Hasseltoff was purchased by NT trainer Dick Leech – who has stables in Alice Springs and Darwin. It’s yet to be confirmed, but the eight-year-old gelding contesting the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 6 appears inevitable. Hasseltoff, the son of Toorak Toff, had success at Flemington for Cranbourne trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew De Kock and Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig before debuting for Stokes last October. A ninth over 1400m at Murray Bridge was followed by two wins at Morphettville over 1533m at BM72 level and Gawler over 1500m in the BM78 ranks. In late December, Hasseltoff was eighth in a BM78 over 1800m at Morphettville before getting that third win for Stokes on January 25 when he surged from the back of the field in the home straight. Hasseltoff may have had form and fitness on his side on Saturday, but dealing with the dirt and kick-back for the first time was a concern. A $1.95 favourite with online bookmakers before starting as the $2.60 second favourite, Hasseltoff settled fourth before Victorian apprentice Hannah Le Blanc looked for the lead entering the back straight. After joining Ray Viney’s $4.40 hope Duty, ridden by Sonja Logan, at the helm, Hasseltoff was two lengths clear at the 1000m and was cruising at the 600m when Duty got within a length. Hasseltoff, who had to contend with 61kg despite Le Blanc’s 2kg claim, skipped away turning for home and was three lengths clear at the 200m before overcoming Duty by two lengths. Kerry Petrick’s Venting, last year’s Alice Springs Cup winner, started as the $2.30 favourite with Paul Denton in the saddle, but he failed to fire and finished 4.5 lengths adrift of Duty in third place. With the Darwin and Alice Springs St Patrick’s Day Cups (1600m) in March followed by the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) and an open 1900m Handicap during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival – which starts on March 16 – the build up to the Alice Springs Cup will intensify, but Hasseltoff has made an early statement. Le Blanc, who could be Hasseltoff’s regular rider, continued her good form in the Red Centre with another double on Saturday after landing a treble the previous week. Horse racing news View the full article

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Tiz Secure (c, 3, Maximum Security–Tough Tiz's Sis, by Tiznow) became the first 'TDN Rising Star' for his sophomore sire with an ultra-impressive debut victory at Santa Anita Saturday evening. Off as the 7-2 second-choice with his Bob Baffert-trained stablemate Voldemort (Good Magic) taking the bulk of the action at 8-5, Tiz Secure broke like a shot from his outside draw, but was content to drop back to fourth as they sped through an opening quarter in :22.34. Tiz Secure began to roll while three wide on the far turn, stuck his head in front approaching the quarter pole and powered clear in the stretch to win going away by five lengths. The final time for six furlongs was 1:09.92. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O/B-Karl Watson & Paul Weitman (KY); T-Bob Baffert. It was a Bob Baffert first-time-starter exacta in race 8 at Santa Anita. #8 TIZ SECURE ($9.40) by Maximum Security (@coolmoreamerica) ran right on by his stablemate #7 Voldemort in an impressive debut. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/bvlriPQGig — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 23, 2025 The post Baffert Unleashes Maximum Security Firster to ‘Rising Star’ Honors appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article