Wandering Eyes

Former Kiwi galloper Jimmysstar scored a stunning win in the Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday under a brilliant Ethan Brown ride. The son of Per Incanto stalked eventual runner-up She’s Bulletproof and launched from the rear of the field to record an emphatic length and a quarter victory in a slick 1:02.25. The winner of two of his three starts in New Zealand for Hastings trainer Guy Lowry, a majority share in Jimmysstar was sold to clients of Ciaron Maher following a Rating 65 win at Hawke’s Bay. Maher has subsequently placed the now five-year-old to perfection with Jimmysstar having a particular affinity for Caulfield, where he has won four of five starts, with his only unplaced effort at the venue when luckless in the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at the end of last campaign. “He is a very special horse,” Maher said. “Ozzie Kheir and the team of owners, they’re great people. He’s got such a following does Jimmy. I’ve been patient, he has always shown that sort of ability and Ethan did say to me ‘it’s about time’, before the race.” Maher said winning fresh-up last campaign over the course and distance had given him the confidence to thrust the exciting talent into the Group One short-course contest fresh-up. “I think Ozzie thought I was crazy when I ran him over 1100m the first time,” he said. “He’s a special horse. He’s always shown that bit of X factor and I can’t thank Ozzie, John and the whole ownership group enough. They’re fantastic to train for, he’s got a knack of finding the best horses. “It’s huge for Sam (Williams) at Little Avondale. He is just a great advertisement for what patience can do. He was very well managed in New Zealand and came over after only a few starts.” Rising star Ethan Brown has seven Group One victories to his name and six of those have come for Maher. “I take a lot of pride in the fact we have built a good relationship and you can see he is just so confident to ride a horse like that in a Group One, it was beautiful,” Maher said. Jimmysstar was bred by Wairarapa couple Pete and Chrissy Algie in partnership with Masterton’s Little Avondale Stud. Stud proprietors Sam and Catriona Williams along with the Algies remain in the ownership of the star galloper. The chestnut gelding is by Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding stallion Per Incanto out of Anniesstar. The Zed mare won five races including the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m), while her full-brother Jacksstar was a seven-time winner up to Group Two level and also placed in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) and her half-brother Bourbonaire was runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Anniesstar is the dam of three named foals, and all of them have been winners, including Charms Star, winner of the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m), and she was also runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Queensland Oaks (2200m) as a three-year-old. View the full article

Champion galloper Mr Brightside notched his ninth Group One victory when winning the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes under a positive Craig Williams ride. The son of Bullbars displayed all his fighting qualities as he made it back-to-back Futurity Stakes, defying his widest draw and a strong head-wind as he raced outside the leader Private Life, with that rival trailing the field home. Mr Brightside scored by the barest of margins as Tom Kitten swooped late, while I Wish I Win turned in a strong performance for third fresh-up. “To see him win like that and just get in, it’s not good for the heart, but we’re so proud of him,” Ben Hayes said. “It’s a long week but we’re just so passionate about this guy and we know he’s good enough and he’s shown it here and he’s the most important horse that we’ve ever been involved with. “For him to continue and keep winning – that’s his ninth Group One victory – and he’s also won an All-Star Mile and that’s a Group One now so you could technically say 10.” Mr Brightside has now surpassed Better Loosen Up as the most successful Group One winner produced by Lindsay Park and is nearing on A$17 million in prizemoney. That tally can be added to as he heads to the A$2.5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8. “He’ll improve a lot from today and all he needs is a nice barrier,” Hayes said. “He’s due one, he’s drawn wide both runs this prep. If he gets a soft run where he doesn’t have to roll forward and lead, he’s a much better chaser and he’ll be right in it.” The Gr.1 Hong Kong Champions Mile (1600m) on April 27 is also a longer range target for the venerable seven-year-old. Mr Brightside was bred by Ray Johnson in partnership with his late wife Martha. He was sold as a yearling for $22,000 via Janine Dunlop’s Phoenix Park at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock May Sale, where he was bought by Phill Cataldo. He then failed to meet his $50,000 reserve when re-offered at the Ready to Run Sale. An opportunity later arose for Johnson to buy him back on gavelhouse.com for just $7,750, in conjunction with Cambridge trainer Ralph Manning and good friend Shaun Dromgool. Mr Brightside finished a luckless fifth in his sole New Zealand start at Matamata for Manning, having previously won a trial. He was subsequently sold privately to clients of the Hayes stable via Australian agent Wayne Ormond. View the full article

Coeur Volante delivered a commanding performance at Caulfield on Saturday, securing her third Stakes victory in the Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) under the guidance of jockey Blake Shinn. Prepared by Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson, the talented Proisir mare overcame a challenging run at Sandown in her previous start, showcasing her class this time around. Grinzinger Belle set a brisk early pace, allowing Coeur Volante to find the trail from a wide barrier. As the leader’s momentum waned rounding the final turn, Coeur Volante surged clear for a comfortable four length win from So Glamorous and Quintessa. Moroney was full of praise for his four-year-old mare and said the decision to be patient through last year’s Queensland Carnival was now paying dividends. “She’s a very classy filly. It’s just a matter of getting the gear [right],” Moroney said. “We had her in the Tatts Tiara (Gr.1, 1400m) and I had the blinkers on her that day and then we scratched because we weren’t happy with her and saved her for now. “She had a nice long break up there in Queensland and it’s going to pay off. Her whole demeanour is starting to change now she’s accepting racing. She went through a bit of a funny stage when she went off the boil – I think she’s back now.” Moroney also acknowledged the teamwork behind the stable’s success given the experienced horseman’s health challenges in the past 12 months. “Between me, Glen, Anthony, my partner Karen, I keep the business and the stable going. I’ve not been there a lot of late but I’m getting there,” he said. Looking ahead, Moroney confirmed that Coeur Volante is likely to head to Sydney next. “We’ll probably go up to Sydney with her now for the Coolmore (Gr.1, 1500m). We think she’s Group One class and she ran a good race here in the Thousand Guineas, probably on pretty tired legs, so I’m pretty sure that she’ll handle 1500m no problems.” Bred by Fairdale Stud, Coeur Volante is one of 21 stakes winners by Rich Hill Stud stallion Proisir. Out of the Testa Rossa mare Shanina, Coeur Volante was purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock in conjunction with Ballymore Stables for $90,000 out of the Prima Park draft during the Book 1 Yearling Sale at Karaka in 2022. She is the younger half-sister of stakes placed filly Hasstobemagic and comes from a family that includes multiple Australian Group Two winner Rose O’ War and outstanding race mare Savana City who included the Gr.1 AJC Oaks (2400m) amongst her eight career victories. View the full article

Four confirmed candidates for the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) had their final dress rehearsal in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, and a classy performance by Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) put a spring in the step of her connections and slot-holders. Bred and raced by Waikato Stud patriarch Garry Chittick, Sethito was selected to represent Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s slot after an impressive run of form that started with a six-length Rotorua maiden win in November. She followed that up with another win in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and a second placing, beaten by a half-head, in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). The Super Seth filly had a 58-day gap between the Eight Carat on Boxing Day and Saturday’s Uncle Remus, but trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott had her spot-on for the $110,000 assignment. Sethito added a new string to her bow in the Uncle Remus Stakes, settling further back than usual in fourth place for jockey Sam Spratt as Vegas Queen, Dealt With and Archaic Smile showed the way. Dealt With cruised past Vegas Queen at the top of the straight and took command, opening up a clear lead with 200m to run. But Spratt went to work on Sethito and she responded, accelerating smartly and eating into Dealt With’s advantage. Even though Dealt With showed no sign of stopping, Sethito drew alongside him and collared him in the final 50m to win by a long neck. Dealt With took second by a nose from Tardelli, with another length back to the winner’s stablemates Checkmate and Hankee Alpha. “Sethito hadn’t been anywhere for a little while, so it was very good to see her do that today,” O’Sullivan said. “Shortly after straightening for home, I thought she might be struggling to catch the leader, but then she really picked up and found the line well. “We’re certainly well pleased with how she’s tracking. She looked reasonably forward today, forward enough that the run wasn’t going to hurt her, but she should certainly go on from this. “Heading into the NZB Kiwi, I think she has a couple of factors in her favour. She’s got good tactical speed, and also she gets around Ellerslie particularly well. So that’s a couple of very strong points for her.” Sethito is by exciting Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth, who was New Zealand’s leading first-season sire last season and tops the second-season standings in 2024-25. His daughter La Dorada has recently won the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and last Saturday’s Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The dam of Sethito, meanwhile, is the two-time Melbourne Group One winner Suavito. From six starts, Sethito has now recorded three wins, two second placings and $194,595 in stakes. She is poised to add significantly to that total on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8, with the TAB now rating her an $8 chance for the richest three-year-old race in the southern hemisphere. Australian raider Evaporate is the $2.80 favourite after a bold fourth in Saturday’s Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) against older horses at Caulfield, where he was beaten by less than two lengths by Mr Brightside. The others in single figures are Damask Rose ($6), Checkmate ($8) and Perfumist ($8). O’Sullivan was also more than satisfied by Saturday’s strong-finishing efforts by Checkmate and Hankee Alpha. Checkmate will represent O’Sullivan and Scott’s Wexford Stables slot in the NZB Kiwi, while Hankee Alpha was on Saturday announced as Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s runner. “Both Checkmate and Hankee Alpha ran super races,” O’Sullivan said. “Hankee Alpha got home very well late. We’re very pleased with all of those three heading towards the big one, so now we’ve just got to hang in there for another two weeks.” Spratt was impressed with Sethito’s versatility. “That was a really good performance,” she said. “She has a lot of speed, but I said to Lance before the race that we probably don’t have to lead. She jumped quite well, but I quickly decided that I’d have to do too much work to try to cross them and get to the front. She’s very tractable. “I got her out into the clear at the top of the straight and I wasn’t sure whether we’d be able to catch Dealt With, but then she quickened and got there easily. I think going a bit further in the NZB Kiwi is going to suit her even better. Hopefully we can come away with the same result – we’ve just got to hope for a decent draw.” View the full article

Smart four-year-old mare Firestorm snared a well-deserved Group Two victory when getting the better of her rivals in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Prepared by Chris Waller and ridden by Jason Collett, Firestorm was resuming from a spell and got the better of her rivals late to defeat Dark Glitter and stablemate Scarlet Oak. The daughter of Satono Aladdin commenced her career in New Zealand when prepared by Paul Mirabelli and finished sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before joining Waller. She has subsequently won four races for Waller and had been around the mark in stakes company, finishing fourth in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), third in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m), third in the Gr.3 Drinkwise Mile (1600m) and midfield in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). Firestorm has now only been beaten once fresh-up and Waller is keen to focus on sprint-mile distances. “Each time she’s stepped out first up basically she’s won,” Waller said. “It was a lovely ride from Jason, she was well prepared for the race today, two trials and we expected her to show something but to win a Group Two it was quite a step up. “It puts a lot of value on her. She has come back really well. “It was a lovely patient ride from Jason. There wasn’t a lot of speed. He didn’t panic and got her out at the right time. “I don’t think she gets too far. Maybe she gets a mile, but beyond that I wouldn’t, so I think now we have learnt to keep her a bit shorter and sharper, probably a race like the Coolmore Classic (Gr.1, 1500m) will suit.” Firestorm was bred and originally owned by Carl Ferguson and is by Rich Hill Stud’s boom sire Satono Aladdin, becoming the stallion’s 11th Southern Hemisphere bred stakes winner from just 88 runners or a remarkable 12.5 percent stakes winners to runners. She is one of three winners from five foals to race out of the Istidaad mare Dancing Embers who herself won three races and placed in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton. Now the winner of five of her 19 starts, Firestorm has amassed A$441,803 in prizemoney and sports the colours of for bus transport magnate Glenn Ritchie, who recently purchased the regally-bred yearling full-sister to glamour mare Orchestral for $2.4 million at Karaka. View the full article

El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking), or the big EV as he is becoming affectionately known, continued his career-best form with another superb victory at Ellerslie in Saturday’s Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki-Māori WFA Classic (1600m). The gelded son of Shocking sat three back off the pace set by Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) and looked to be travelling like a winner throughout for rider Wiremu Pinn. Given his head rounding the home bend, the Stephen Marsh-trained runner charged to the front at the 200m and never looked like being denied as he went to the line powerfully to head Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) (Almanzor) with Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) making up good ground in the straight to finish an eye-catching third. Once considered by Marsh as a sprinting type only, El Vencedor has come into his own in the last two seasons with Marsh and owners Mark Freeman and David Price enjoying the ride of their life as he has taken his record to eleven wins from 40 starts, including three at Group One level in his last nine runs. Marsh couldn’t contain his smiles as he described just what the horse has done for his Cambridge stable. “I said to Wiremu to ride him where he is happy, get him into a rhythm and ride him like the best horse,” Marsh said. “I thought he rode him perfectly as he started to get him to travel coming to the top of the straight. He just keeps raising the bar and he is just a phenomenal horse. “I’m happy for Wiremu as he has been doing a lot of work for us around the stable and this meant a lot to him and to us as well.” Marsh indicated that his charge would return to Ellerslie in a fortnight to tackle the Gr.1 Bonecrusher Stakes (2000m), a race he won in 2024, before preparing for a trip to Hong Kong to contest the Gr.1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April. “It is the Bonecrusher in two weeks’ time and then get the passport ready for Hong Kong,” he said. “We definitely want to get him to the Bonecrusher in tip-top condition. “You just can’t dent him at the moment, so that’s why we came here before the Bonecrusher. “He is becoming the people’s horse as the big EV, and we just love that. He is a stable favourite and it may have just been another day at the office for him.” Pinn was thrilled to claim his second Group One win in the saddle and was quick to thank Marsh and the owners for trusting him with the ride. “This means a lot as I have been battling a bit in the last three weeks without much luck,” he said. “I’m just so grateful to Stephen, Mr Freeman and Mr Price for having me on the horse. “Anyone could have won on him today. He is such a good horse and makes me look good. “He didn’t have that much early speed today, so I let Qali Al Farrasha cross me as I knew she would get me to the point I needed to get to before peeling off her back and letting him go. “Once he saw clear air he was very electric and will be very hard to beat in the Bonecrusher.” Bred and raced by Freeman and Price, El Vencedor has now had 40 starts for 11 wins, 14 placings and more than $1.529 million in prizemoney. View the full article

Australian raider Thedoctoroflove bursts into New Zealand Derby contention with victory in the Avondale Guineas. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Visiting three-year-old Thedoctoroflove sounded an ominous warning to his Kiwi rivals heading towards the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) with a stunning victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie. Prepared by expat Kiwis Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, the gelded son of champion galloper So You Think only arrived in New Zealand last Friday but showed no effects of that travel as he capitalised on a magical ride by Daniel Moor to close off powerfully in the final 150m and claim a narrow but comprehensive victory. Moor used plenty of initiative to send his mount forward in the early stages and after 500m had secured a perfect position one out from the rail and just a few lengths off a muddling pace set up by Bourbon Proof. In contrast the $1.50 favourite Willydoit, who was shooting for his fourth consecutive victory, was back near last in a strung out field and a conservative fifteen lengths from the leaders. After being allowed to dictate proceedings Bourbon Proof had a good kick in the home straight and with 200m to run seemed to have most of his rivals covered. Not so Thedoctoroflove, who was winding up in the middle of the track. He joined and headed Bourbon Proof at the 100m before easing to a long neck victory over the gallant pacemaker, who shaded the fast-finishing Oceana Dream for second. 2025 Group 2 Avondale Guineas Replay – Thedoctoroflove https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ellerslie-2025-Group-2-Avondale-Guineas-22022025-Thedoctoroflove-Trent-Busuttin-Natalie-Young-Daniel-Moor.mp4 With both Busuttin and Young still at home in Australia and travelling stable representative Brendan Hawtin not on track due to illness, it was left to Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie to speak on behalf of the winner as he has had the horse staying at his Cambridge property. Ritchie made light of that situation as he and training partner Colm Murray prepare New Zealand Derby second-elect Tuxedo and had chosen to bypass Saturday’s contest with their charge. “Geez we can improve them can’t we and I hope Trent is listening to this as he is going to have to find another box for him, because he’s not staying with us,” said Ritchie with tongue firmly in cheek. “He was impressive today and these Aussie riders are good as he (Moor) got him into the one-one from looking like getting caught wide and he has attacked the line hard. “They do know how to find the right horse, do Trent and Natalie. They had one that sat three wide a few years ago and ran second in the Derby. “We gave him a little bit of work on Tuesday morning and it was lovely gallop. He is very laid-back. He is in superb order, his coat is great and he will improve from here, which is a warning for us all.” Ritchie was referring to Rising Red, who finished in the runner-up position in the 2017 New Zealand Derby behind Gingernuts. Moor was suitably impressed although thankful he got the win after his mount didn’t really handle going the right-handed way around for the first time. “He showed me he could race closer, which is very handy, as he began so well but didn’t really go right-handed,” he said. “Around every bend he was all over the place. He took a bit of riding and will benefit from that experience. “He is a pretty cool customer although he was a little on edge, but he raced forward and was impressive at the end.” The victory of Thedoctoroflove and the relative failure of the pre-post New Zealand Derby favourites Willydoit (10th) and Hinekaha (11th) has seen the Fixed Odds market for the Group One feature on 8 March turned upside down, with Thedoctoroflove and Willydoit now both sitting at a $4 quote while Oceana Dream and Tuxedo are at $5 and Hinekaha $21. Horse racing news View the full article

Blue Sky At Night finishes over the top of About Time to win the Avondale Cup. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Blue Sky At Night has defied double-digit odds to win both of New Zealand’s biggest 2400m handicaps this season, adding Saturday’s Group 3 Avondale Cup at Ellerslie to her victory in the Group 3 Waikato Cup in December. The Shamexpress mare landed a $13 upset with her Te Rapa triumph three starts ago, but subsequent unplaced finishes in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) and Group 3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) saw those odds balloon to $34.70 with horse racing betting sites on Saturday. But under a well-judged ride from Tayla Mitchell, Blue Sky At Night settled into a smooth rhythm in eighth place and in the slipstream of the $3 favourite with Neds, About Time. Despite the race being run at a stop-start pace, both of those mares warmed into their work stylishly coming up to the home turn and began to gain ground on the leaders. About Time pounced at the 300m mark and looked the winner, but then Mitchell brought Blue Sky At Night home with big bounds down the outside. She charged up alongside About Time, and when that rival lifted again, Blue Sky At Night found that little bit more and edged ahead to win by a neck. 2025 Group 2 Avondale Cup Replay – Blue Sky At Night https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ellerslie-2025-Group-3-Avondale-Cup-22022025-Blue-Sky-At-Night-Shelley-Hale-Tayla-Mitchell.mp4 “It’s great to win another big Cup with this beautiful mare,” trainer Shelley Hale said. “I was a bit surprised that she was at such big odds. I suppose her last two runs weren’t that flash on paper, but she’d been hitting the line well in both of those races. When she gets the right run, 2400m is really her sweet spot. “She was so bright and well coming into this race. She’s a fabulous mare and I just love her.” About Time and the Australian raider Tajanis remain the $4 equal favourites for the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day on March 8, but Blue Sky At Night has moved into third favouritism at $8. “I’m pretty hopeful that she can run a strong two miles,” Hale said. “She gives us the impression that she will. The progeny of Shamexpress are quite remarkable, they can win over 1200m to 2400m, and now we’re going to try to win one over 3200m!” Blue Sky At Night has formed a special bond with Mitchell, who has now won five times from 12 rides on the mare including the Waikato and Avondale Cups. Horse racing news View the full article

El Vencedor adds another Group One win to his career-best run of form. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) El Vencedor, or the big EV as he is becoming affectionately known, continued his career-best form with another superb victory at Ellerslie in Saturday’s Group 1 Otaki-Māori WFA Classic (1600m). The gelded son of Shocking sat three back off the pace set by Belclare and looked to be travelling like a winner throughout for rider Wiremu Pinn. Given his head rounding the home bend, the Stephen Marsh-trained runner charged to the front at the 200m and never looked like being denied as he went to the line powerfully to head Qali Al Farrasha with Orchestral making up good ground in the straight to finish an eye-catching third. Once considered by Marsh as a sprinting type only, El Vencedor has come into his own in the last two seasons with Marsh and owners Mark Freeman and David Price enjoying the ride of their life as he has taken his record to eleven wins from 40 starts, including three at Group One level in his last nine runs. 2025 Group 1 WFA Classic Replay – El Vencedor https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ellerslie-2025-Group-1-WFA-Classic-22022025-El-Vencedor-Stephen-Marsh-Wiremu-Pinn.mp4 Marsh couldn’t contain his smiles as he described just what the horse has done for his Cambridge stable. “I said to Wiremu to ride him where he is happy, get him into a rhythm and ride him like the best horse,” Marsh said. “I thought he rode him perfectly as he started to get him to travel coming to the top of the straight. He just keeps raising the bar and he is just a phenomenal horse. “I’m happy for Wiremu as he has been doing a lot of work for us around the stable and this meant a lot to him and to us as well.” Marsh indicated that his charge would return to Ellerslie in a fortnight to tackle the Group 1 Bonecrusher Stakes (2000m), a race he won in 2024, before preparing for a trip to Hong Kong to contest the Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April. “It is the Bonecrusher in two weeks’ time and then get the passport ready for Hong Kong,” he said. “We definitely want to get him to the Bonecrusher in tip-top condition. “You just can’t dent him at the moment, so that’s why we came here before the Bonecrusher. “He is becoming the people’s horse as the big EV, and we just love that. He is a stable favourite and it may have just been another day at the office for him.” Pinn was thrilled to claim his second Group One win in the saddle and was quick to thank Marsh and the owners for trusting him with the ride. “This means a lot as I have been battling a bit in the last three weeks without much luck,” he said. “I’m just so grateful to Stephen, Mr Freeman and Mr Price for having me on the horse. “Anyone could have won on him today. He is such a good horse and makes me look good. “He didn’t have that much early speed today, so I let Qali Al Farrasha cross me as I knew she would get me to the point I needed to get to before peeling off her back and letting him go. “Once he saw clear air he was very electric and will be very hard to beat in the Bonecrusher.” Horse racing news View the full article

Jimmysstar produced a barnstorming finish to win the 2025 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday, claiming his maiden Group 1 victory in the process. The Ciaron Maher-trained five-year-old son of Per Incanto delivered a stunning first-up performance in the $750,000 sprint feature. “I haven’t had a horse probably go as quick, ever. I’d love to […] The post Oakleigh Plate 2025 Winner Jimmysstar Claims Maiden Group 1 Victory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

A stunning upset unfolded in the 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, with the Hawkes Racing-trained outsider, Devil Night, defying the odds to claim victory in the prestigious two-year-old feature. The son of Extreme Choice, a $1.4 million purchase for Yulong, entered the race as a $16 chance despite an impressive debut performance when runner-up […] The post 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes Results: Devil Night Wins in Narrow Upset appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Mr Brightside reaffirmed his champion status with a gritty victory in the 2025 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, successfully defending his title in the Group 1 feature. The seven-year-old son of Bullbars, trained by the formidable Hayes team, demonstrated his resilience and class, bouncing back from a narrow defeat in the CF Orr Stakes to claim […] The post Mr Brightside Wins Futurity Stakes 2025 for a Second Time appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Hong Kong Gold Cup Day 2025 Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, February 23, 2025 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-part program set for decision. The Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) share top billing, with the latter headlined by the worlds’ best sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Participants will be racing on the A course for the meeting, and although there is some rainfall expected to hit the track across the weekend, it shouldn’t affect the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Hong Kong Gold Cup Tip: Galaxy Patch Voyage Bubble and Galaxy Patch go head-to-head once again after meeting in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on January 19. The pair step out to 2000m this time around, and while it may be advantage Voyage Bubble, Galaxy Patch should get every chance to turn the tables. Blake Shinn will attempt to stalk the four-time Group 1 winner every step of the way, and provided this guy can produce his elite turn-of-foot in the concluding stage, Galaxy Patch should finally crack his first Group 1 success in the 2025 Hong Kong Gold Cup. Hong Kong Gold Cup Race 7 – #2 Galaxy Patch (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup Tip: Ka Ying Rising The 1400m is the only box Ka Ying Rising must tick off heading into the 2025 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. He’s been breaking track records over the 1200m and toyed with his rivals in his most recent victory in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), suggesting the son of Shamexpress should have no issues extending out in trip. Helios Express appears to be the only danger on recent form, so expect Ka Ying Rising to justify the short price with horse racing bookmakers once again as he claims his third Group 1 success. Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup Race 5 – #1 Ka Ying Rising (9) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Karis Teetan (57kg) Best Bet at Sha Tin: Shamus Storm Shamus Storm was impressive debuting at this course and distance on December 29, and although he was no match for Endeared, he cleared out by 2.3 lengths on his remaining rivals in his runner-up performance. The Shamus Award gelding hasn’t been sighted on race-day since, however, produced a comfortable piece of work on the all-weather circuit on February 13 in preparation for this second-up assignment. He maps to get the perfect run from barrier one with Andrea Atzeni in the saddle, and with no Endeared in her to spoil the party, expect Shamus Storm to go one better in the opening event. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Shamus Storm (1) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Andrea Atzeni (58kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Yee Cheong Glory Yee Cheong Glory put them away stylishly debuting at Sha Tin on January 31, sitting mid-field with cover before exploding down the centre of the course. He steps up to Class 3 company in the final event and looks well placed with 54.5kg on his back as Karis Teetan gets legged aboard in place of the injured Zac Purton. Gate three should allow him to take a similar stalking run in transit, and provided he can stretch out to the 1400m second-up, Yee Cheong Glory must be considered the one to beat in the Sha Tin finale. Next Best Race 10 – #14 Yee Cheong Glory (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Karis Teetan (54.5kg) Next Value at Sha Tin: Dilbagh Dilbagh hasn’t fired a shot in four Hong Kong starts but should appreciate dropping back into Class 4 company for the first time. His best performance of the preparation came at this track and trip two starts back, with the son of Akeed Mofeed working through the line nicely in a high rating contest. Keagan De Melo will look to be positive from barrier three, and provided he can find the top turning for home, Dilbagh presents at a massive each-way price with horse racing betting sites. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Dilbagh (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Douglas Whyte | J: Keagan De Melo (61kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections February 23, 2025 1-2 3-5-8-9-10-11-14 2-3-5-6-7-8-10-11-12 5-8-13-14 Horse racing tips View the full article

Broadsiding cruised to victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Godolphin three-year-old Broadsiding ($2.70) has made a triumphant return from a 105-day spell, storming to victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. The son of Too Darn Hot couldn’t have been more impressive surging to victory in the $400,000 feature, with Zac Lloyd producing a stellar ride to find the one-one from barrier six. The James Cummings-trained colt had already stamped himself as a first-up performer in the past, claiming the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at this course and distance to kick-off last preparation before going off the boil against the older horses in the spring. He appears back to his brilliant best, however, sitting off the likes of Mayfair ($14.00) and Public Attention ($4.20) before exploding down the centre of the course with a superior turn-of-foot. Swiftfalcon ($11.00) and Aeliana ($9.50) appear on song for a big autumn preparation after hammering the line from the rear of the field, but it was all about the winner as Broadsiding added a sixth win to the resume at start 12. Click here for all of the Rosehill race replays. James Cummings was on track to speak post-race and is excited by the potential of his lightly raced three-year-old. “We’re pretty excited about having him back and we’ve been confident all over the summer that he’d come back in good shape,” said Cummings. “We thought it would be a matter of good luck for them beating him in a race like this, Set Weights, 1400m at Rosehill. “But I’d love to see him derive good benefit from this and build up nicely for the Randwick Guineas in a fortnight. Dominic Beirne was all over it. He thought with a horse fresh up that he could be there. The map looked good from Wednesday night. I think it’s worked out well. “Zac Lloyd has just delivered, the pressure goes on him when James McDonald is in Saudi Arabia to ride the good Horse Romantic Warrior. Zac has done a great job here on Broadsiding just like he did on Traffic Warden last year. “Back against the three-year-olds is going to suit him nicely after doing battle against those weight-for-age horses, his last couple. “And look, that has been our focus for a while. But it’s a matter of continuing to convert that and keep him up there because it’s not an easy thing to do as these others emerge and get better over the break.” Zac Lloyd chalked up his fourth win of the afternoon at Rosehill and couldn’t have been more impressed with the first-up performance of Broadsiding. “He’s very special, obviously, he’s a very valuable colt to the team and yeah, he’s getting better with age,” said Lloyd. “Never in doubt, never in doubt. Once he’d begun like that, I had to give him a bit of a squeeze to just get in front of the runners underneath me, and once I got there, he just fell right back asleep. “Obviously, Mayfair was making it a genuine 1400m for him first up, but perfectly prepared and yeah, he’s just a very, very good colt. “At the 500m, I just went through my gears, and he didn’t really need it. He knows his job.” Broadsiding has now firmed into a $2.00 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Randwick Guineas on March 8. Horse racing news View the full article

What Nowra Races Where Shoalhaven City Turf Club – 96 Albatross Rd, South Nowra NSW 2541 When Sunday, February 23, 2025 First Race 12:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Nowra is the destination for country racing on Sunday afternoon, with the Shoalhaven City Turf Club set to host a competitive eight-part program. The $150,000 Country Championship Qualifier headlines the action, with a capacity field of 14 attempting to book their spot in the final at Randwick on April 5. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit for the meeting, and with mostly sunny conditions forecast across the weekend, punters can expect the surface to be rated somewhere in the Good range. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:55pm local time. Country Championship Qualifier: Tavolo Tavolo was held up behind a wall of horses first-up at Randwick on February 8, failing to hit top gear as she managed to close within two lengths of Dark Glitter. That appears to be the strongest form heading into this $150,000 feature, with current favourite, Kimberley Secrets, coming through the same race. Tavolo isn’t weighted to turn the tables; however, she should’ve beaten home her key rival last time out with even luck, so with a change of fortune at a crucial stage, punters can be happy to side with Tavolo at the appealing each-way price with Neds. Country Championship Qualifier Race 7 – #6 Tavolo (10) 6yo Mare | T: Rob Potter | J: Brodie Loy (57kg) Best Bet at Nowra: Rose Aye The Matthew Dale-trained Rose Aye couldn’t have been more impressive breaking her maiden at this course and distance on February 9. The Supido filly put six lengths on her rivals in a stunning display after lobbing into the one-one, suggesting the lightly raced three-year-old still had plenty more wins coming her way this preparation. Ashley Morgan should gain an economical run from stall six, and provided she can show a similar turn-of-speed in this Class 1 contest, Rose Aye should take a power of beating in her quest for back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Rose Aye (6) 3yo Filly | T: Matthew Dale | J: Ashley Morgan (56.5kg) Next Best at Nowra: Airliner Airliner appears set to peak heading into start five of the campaign after a forgivable performance at Goulburn on February 11. The son of Starcraft didn’t go a yard on the Heavy ground and was unable to justify a wealth of support with horse racing betting sites, falling back in the field to be untested in the home straight. Getting back on top of the ground should be ideal, and although it’s been over two years since Airliner has tasted success, this looks like a perfect opportunity to get back into the winners’ enclosure. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Airliner (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Terry Robinson | J: Nick Heywood (60kg) Best Value at Nowra: Common Goal Common Goal seems an overs price at the $26.00 with Dabble as he debuts for the Joseph Ible barn. He caught the eye in a recent barrier trial at Kembla Grange on February 10, with the son of Unite And Conquer cruising to victory by a half-length under minimal riding. There’s plenty of classy types engaged in this maiden contest, however, with the market seemingly missing this guy, Common Goal warrants an each-way ticket at the odds. Best Value Race 5 – #1 Common Goal (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Joseph Ible | J: Brodie Loy (58.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Nowra Nowra quadrella selections February 23, 2025 1-2-6-8-11 1-2-4-5-9 6-10 1-2-3-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Our Anchorage winning the Gorup 3 Parramatta Cup. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Our Anchorage ($3.00) has strung together his fourth straight win of the preparation, grinding his way to victory in the Group 3 Parramatta Cup (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. It was a big step up in grade for the son of Galileo after claiming a dominant win in a competitive BM78 at Rosehill, offset by only 53kg on his back tackling stakes level for the first time. Ashley Morgan took luck out of the equation aboard the airborne six-year-old, pressing forward to sit outside of Redstone Well ($8.50) throughout the journey as the pair ticked over some modest sectionals in the middle stages. Palmetto ($9.50) slid across to find the one-one under Tim Clark, while the Chris Waller-trained pair of Asterix ($11.00) and Kinesiology ($8.00) got into a lovely rhythm mid-field with cover throughout the journey. Morgan was quick to pull the whip turning for home, and pinched a break at the top of the straight as he played a game of ‘catch me if you can’ with some key rivals, as Palmetto loomed as the only danger in the final furlong. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding was simply too strong late, however, as Palmetto, Kinesiology and Foujita San ($14.00) would fight out a blanket finish for the minors. Click here for all of the Rosehill race replays. Baker was on course to discuss the win and what’s next for Our Anchorage. “He’s been remarkable,” said Baker. “There’s a big team behind this, firstly Darby are sourcing such good horses and my team at home are doing a great job. Luke’s being particularly important in finding out how to get the best out of this guy and I thought it was a great ride by Ash Morgan. “He’s a smooth rider, he’s a big time rider, his second win today and he’s going to cement himself at home in Sydney city. “You just keep believing and hoping and we’ll just see where we end up. He is nominated for the Sydney Cup and I think over a bit further he might be better again.” Ashley Morgan was elated with the win and spoke to riding in metro company against the best in NSW. “It’s working out well,” said Morgan. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work for the last four or five years to try and get these opportunities and it’s usually in the off-season in the winter. We knock off a few winners and then we disappear back after that. “But I feel like this time I’m really getting a good run on. I feel like I’m riding well, I’m getting great support off trainers like Bjorn (Baker), Ciaron (Maher) and Nathan (Doyle), so just making most of these opportunities while I can.” Our Anchorage is now a $26.00 chance with Dabble for the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) on April 12. Horse racing news View the full article

Deny Knowledge ridden by Mark Zahra winning the Victoria Gold Cup at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Deny Knowledge proved too strong in a bold front-running display to capture the Listed Victoria Gold Cup at Caulfield on Saturday. Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman and expertly ridden by Mark Zahra, the seven-year-old mare led throughout the 2000m feature to notch her tenth career win. Breaking cleanly from barrier five as the $4 favourite with the top Australian bookmakers, Deny Knowledge surged to the lead and dictated the tempo, setting a solid gallop while keeping her rivals at bay. Bankers Choice tracked in second throughout, while Shaiyhar and Toranzino settled further back in the field. Rounding the home turn, Zahra asked Deny Knowledge to extend, and she responded by kicking clear at the 300m mark. Despite a determined challenge from Bankers Choice, Deny Knowledge found another gear in the final strides, holding on to win by three-quarters of a length, with Shaiyhar edging out Toranzino for third. Click here for all of the Caulfield race replays. Post-race, Zahra praised the mare’s resilience and tactical speed. “She’s tough. I knew she was fresh and ready to go today, so I just had to hold her together early. When she kicked at the top of the straight, she was strong late. Even when they came at her, she found again.” Trainer Sam Freedman was pleased with the performance, indicating that an Australian Cup tilt was under serious consideration. “She’s as genuine as they come. We knew she was forward enough today, but she’ll take even more improvement from this. She had three solid trials and plenty of work leading in, so credit to the whole team. She’s tough, and that’s what gets her results. We’ll chat with the boss in Sydney, but the Australian Cup is definitely on the radar.” Deny Knowledge’s win capped off a stellar day for Yulong, following their success in the Blue Diamond Stakes earlier in the meeting. With a career record of 40 starts for ten wins and over $1.9 million in earnings, she continues to prove herself as one of the most durable and competitive mares in training. Deny Knowledge is currently a $12 hope with Neds to win the 2025 Australian Cup on March 29. Horse racing news View the full article

What Ballarat Races Where Ballarat Turf Club – 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest VIC 3352 When Sunday, February 23, 2025 First Race 1:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Ballarat Turf Club is the destination for horse racing in Victoria on Sunday afternoon. A competitive eight-race card is set down for decision on a track rated a Good 4, while the rail coming out 8m means there should be no disadvantage to being up on speed. The Ballarat races are set to commence at 1:20pm AEDT. Best Bet at Ballarat: Speir Speir was pestered throughout over 888m at Moonee Valley and, despite being rolled as an odds-on favourite with Neds, went massive in defeat when beaten less than a length. The four-year-old gelding was entitled to weaken after not being left alone out in front, so a step back up to 1000m on Sunday should be ideal for this lightly-raced speedster. Drawn in barrier three and with Stephanie Hateley on board claiming 3kg, it should be a case of jump, lead, win for Speir. Best Bet Race 7 – #1 Speir (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Jack Laing | J: Stephanie Hateley (a3) (61.5kg) Next Best at Ballarat: Miss Winslet Miss Winslet is set to appreciate the dropback from a Sandown BM70 to a Ballarat BM64 on Sunday as she steps up to the 1400m. The four-year-old mare was beaten less than a length behind the in-form Written Bligh when second-up from a spell. The Shamus Award mare steps up to the 1400m for the second time in her career, and if Ben Allen can land a spot in the moving line with cover, Miss Winslet has the turn of foot, which can see the mare salute in the second leg of the quaddie. Next Best Race 6 – #9 Miss Winslet (10) 4yo Mare | T: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | J: Ben Allen (58.5kg) Best Value at Ballarat: Geemes Geemes may have been beaten 4.8 lengths in a Pakenham maiden last time out, but considering that was her first look at 2000m and she finished on the heels of the third-placed horse, she may have some upside. Through her three starts, she has shown tactical speed to hold a prominent position, so barrier 15 looks to be offset by that early speed. Two runs back she was the best of the rest behind the smart Emphasize, and if Declan Bates can pinch a cheap sectional or two, Geemes looks set to run a big race at a double figure quote with horse racing betting sites. Best Value Race 4 – #13 Geemes (15) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Declan Bates (57kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Ballarat Ballarat quadrella selections February 23, 2025 1-3-4-7-9 2-4-9 1-2 3-4-8-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Jimmysstar ridden by Ethan Brown winning the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Jimmysstar produced a breathtaking first-up performance to claim the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday, February 22. Trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by Ethan Brown, the five-year-old gelding stormed home from off the pace to capture the 1100m sprint in dominant fashion. Breaking cleanly from barrier 14, Jimmysstar settled midfield while Insurrection and Golden Boom set a strong tempo early. As the field turned for home, Arabian Summer made a bold move up the middle, but Jimmysstar, unleashed by Brown, surged past his rivals in the final furlong. With an explosive turn of foot, he powered past She’s Bulletproof and Rey Magnerio to score by a length and a quarter at $8 with the top horse racing bookmakers. Post-race, Brown was effusive in his praise for Jimmysstar. “Yeah. I haven’t had a horse probably go as quick ever. He flew away. What a training performance. Having a 1,400-metre horse first up fresh up in an Oakleigh Plate and run like that. It’s quite amazing. Click here for all of the Caulfield race replays. Trainer Ciaron Maher was thrilled with the performance and praised Jimmysstar’s versatility. “He’s always had that X-factor. Some thought I was crazy running him over 1100m first-up, but he was just electric today. He was well-managed in New Zealand before coming over, and we’ve placed him carefully. “I was thinking about the Doncaster, but after that performance, the Canterbury Stakes might be an option. He’s got plenty of options now, and we’ll let the horse tell us where he goes next.” Currently, Jimmysstar is an $8 chance with Neds Bookmaker in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes set for Randwik on March 8. With this victory, Jimmysstar now boasts an impressive record of 16 starts for eight wins and over $1.45 million in prize money. Connections are weighing up his next move, with the Canterbury Stakes and Doncaster Handicap both potential targets. Horse racing news View the full article

Master handler hopes one of his Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup quartet can join Wunderbar in bringing down the superstar speedster.View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Chief Stipe Gale has two opinions on his best of the day for Manawatu’s new twilight Sunday meeting. The Bulls trainer has four runners engaged – Call Security (R1), Stealers Wheel (R4), Whitebait Delight (R6) and Miki’s Moment (R7). “I’d say of my chances on ability it’s Stealers Wheel but from the draw it’s Call Security – a toss up between the two.” Appropriately in the first race Michael Hay will steer Call Security, who has drawn one, in the Michael Hay Stables Mobile pace. “He’s been racing well from poor draws, I think this is the first time he’s drawn well since he last won, at Cambridge (April 25,2024),” says Gale. “He has got enough gate speed to hold up if he needs to and then we’ll see whether he leads or trails.” A last start winner, Stealers Wheel lines up in the Chatham Islanders Mobile Pace (6.49pm). The four-year-old gelding has won four from 33. “He has a lot of promise,” says Gale, “he’s a typical A Rocknroll Dance, he’s taken a bit of time and practice to learn his craft.” “He’s rated 1:57 and change around Palmerston North and I think that suggests he’s got a bit of a future.” With a solid form line Whitebait Delight has drawn the outside of a small field in the Jay Abernethy Stables Mobile Pace (7.49pm). “She’s improving and her form is not as good as it should because we have issues with her tying up in her races,” says Gale, “maybe fourth is the best we can expect from that draw.” Race 7, the Thank You John Denton Mobile Pace, rounds out the card for Gale with Miki’s Moment searching for his maiden win at start number seven. “On his last run he sat parked and he really came to the end of it late, if he’s improved on that he’d be a place chance anyway and depending on how much he’s improved an outside win chance.” Manawatu will kick off its seven race programme at 5.29pm, and host two more Sunday twilight meetings on March 30 and April 6. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Dexter Dunn remains the only Kiwi connection still in contention to win the inaugural Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship (UDC) after some unexpected twists on night one at Albion Park. The first blow to the Kiwi hopes came before the first of the 20 heats in the series was run when Carter Dalgety’s best drive, Waikaka Magic, was scratched from race four on opening night. It was $1.30 favourite and a win Dalgety needed to have any real hope of being a key player. But it was another 21-year-old, Queensland’s Angus Garrard, who stole the show. The five-time Queensland Junior Driver of the Year continually put his horses into great spots and that, along with wins in the second and fourth heats last night, has him leading by five points after the first 10 races. “It’s better than where I expected to be with what looked like just an OK set of drives,” Garrard said. “It can all change quickly, but I’ve got a fairly good set of drives on night two, so I’m well placed/ “It’s just such an incredible buzz driving against so many superstars like this on my own home track.” Dunn also drove two of the 10 winners last night and provided the “wow” moment of the night with his 24.3 metre win aboard Sports Bounty in race six. Sports Bounty is a 12-year-old who was having his 259th start. “They did well picking him for me in the draft, anyone could have won on him,” Dunn said. Dunn finished third on night one, but 24 points behind Garrard in a series where you only get 17 points for a win. Dunn’s best hopes in tonight’s remaining 10 heats are: Risk Taker ($4.60 in race five), Houston Street ($3.60 in race eight) and Joans Rising Star, the $2.60 favourite in the final race of the series. It looks a big ask to win from where he is with the drives he has on night two. WA’s Gary Hall Jr also had two winners last night and other consistent runs put him a close second to Garrard with 93 points. Garrard does look to have a stronger book of drives on night two. Brad Hewiit could be the big mover from fourth (on 65 points) with what looks the strongest book of all drivers tonight. Global superstars Bjorn Goop, from Sweden, and the US’s Yannick Gingras, both won heats last night, but are too far off the pace in fifth and sixth spots. Losing his best drive and some other disappointing runs have left Dalgety last on the points table after night one. Leaderboard after night one : 98 Angus Garrard (latest NZ TAB odds: $1.85) 93 Gary Hall Jr ($3.50) 74 Dexter Dunn ($10) 65 Brad Hewitt ($4.50) 64 Pete McMullen ($18) 60 Bjorn Goop ($21) 59 Yannick Gingras ($26) 57 Nathan Dawson ($31) 51 Kate Gath ($201) 36 Carter Dalgety ($501) View the full article

Beiwacht winning the Silver Slipper Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Godolphin two-year-old Beiwacht ($17.00) has caused a minor upset in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, fending off the late challenge of West Of Swindon to claim a confidence building victory. The Bivouac colt was coming off a strong runner-up performance behind Bellazaine in the Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m) at Randwick on February 8 and appeared set to peak third-up into the campaign after a testing front-running effort. He adopted similar tactics under Adam Hyeronimus on Saturday, with Beiwacht sent forward to sit outside the Peter Snowden-trained Gambler ($8.00) in the early stages, as the pair strode out in unison. Bel Merci ($3.20) and West Of Swindon ($9.00) slotted into the perfect stalking position behind the leading pair, while it was a horror watch for favourite backers with horse racing bookmakers, as Wodeton ($2.00) was cast three-wide without cover at the rear of the field under Kerrin McEvoy. Beiwacht gave a strong kick turning for home, and put four lengths on them at the 300m pole, leaving West Of Swindon the only one making inroads as they ran past the furlong marker. The James Cummings-trained colt proved too classy in the end, however, while West Of Swindon and Wodeton lost no admirers filling out the minor money. Click here for all of the Rosehill race replays. James Cummings spoke post-race and discussed the work that has gone into the two-year-old behind the scenes. “He was out of the frame on debut but we chipped away,” said Cummings. “Stuck to the plan, we didn’t panic and it’s a great testament to our teams that we’ve been able to continue to get this horse to go the right way because he’s got a lot of natural pace. “He’s got speed to burn and we just needed to calm him down, get him to do it right and that’s what you get with a colt by Bivouac who’s a fast horse out of a Street Cry mare who’s already thrown a group winner. “This is a class animal and a month out from the Golden Slipper, that’s a huge result. “His debut was disastrous but it was just a bad set-up. We stuck to the plan and I love that he’s had that tough run. He loomed up on the inside last time and he was better again coming into this race. “I appreciate that he’s had everything, absolutely everything go his way today but look, he’s a Silver Slipper winner and a legitimate class act going into a Golden Slipper four weeks out.” Adam Hyeronimus was delighted with the performance and suggested Beiwacht has plenty of upside moving forward. “Last start it was a perfect set-up,” said Hyeronimus. “He was quite strong on debut and he’s quite a strong colt. Not aggressively strong, just learning and obviously a horse that’s got a lot of ability and just trying to teach him to get to him to settle and harness that. “Today, with the good speed, he jumped well, he was nice and relaxed in the first 100m, and I was able to take up a nice position outside the lead on a good speed. “There’s a lot of improvement, as I said, he’s still a very raw colt, and a couple little things he’s doing, what he’s doing is just pure ability. They’re not bad things that he’s doing, but once he realises he’s a racehorse, there’ll be a lot of a different story.” Beiwacht is now a $13.00 chance with BlondeBet for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 22. Horse racing news View the full article

Visiting three-year-old Thedoctoroflove sounded an ominous warning to his Kiwi rivals heading towards the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) with a stunning victory in Saturday’s Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie. Prepared by expat Kiwis Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, the gelded son of champion galloper So You Think only arrived in New Zealand last Friday but showed no effects of that travel as he capitalised on a magical ride by Daniel Moor to close off powerfully in the final 150m and claim a narrow but comprehensive victory. Moor used plenty of initiative to send his mount forward in the early stages and after 500m had secured a perfect position one out from the rail and just a few lengths off a muddling pace set up by Bourbon Proof. In contrast the $1.50 favourite Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino), who was shooting for his fourth consecutive victory, was back near last in a strung out field and a conservative fifteen lengths from the leaders. After being allowed to dictate proceedings Bourbon Proof had a good kick in the home straight and with 200m to run seemed to have most of his rivals covered. Not so Thedoctoroflove, who was winding up in the middle of the track. He joined and headed Bourbon Proof at the 100m before easing to a long neck victory over the gallant pacemaker, who shaded the fast-finishing Oceana Dream (NZ) (Ocean Park) for second. With both Busuttin and Young still at home in Australia and travelling stable representative Brendan Hawtin not on track due to illness, it was left to Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie to speak on behalf of the winner as he has had the horse staying at his Cambridge property. Ritchie made light of that situation as he and training partner Colm Murray prepare New Zealand Derby second elect Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci) and had chosen to bypass Saturday’s contest with their charge. “Geez we can improve them can’t we and I hope Trent is listening to this as he is going to have to find another box for him, because he’s not staying with us,” said Ritchie with tongue firmly in cheek. “He was impressive today and these Aussie riders are good as he (Moor) got him into the one-one from looking like getting caught wide and he has attacked the line hard. “They do know how to find the right horse, do Trent and Natalie. They had one that sat three wide a few years ago and ran second in the Derby. “We gave him a little bit of work on Tuesday morning and it was lovely gallop. He is very laid-back. He is in superb order, his coat is great and he will improve from here, which is a warning for us all.” Ritchie was referring to Rising Red, who finished in the runner-up position in the 2017 New Zealand Derby behind Gingernuts. Moor was suitably impressed although thankful he got the win after his mount didn’t really handle going the right-handed way around for the first time. “He showed me he could race closer, which is very handy, as he began so well but didn’t really go right-handed,” he said. “Around every bend he was all over the place. He took a bit of riding and will benefit from that experience. “He is a pretty cool customer although he was a little on edge, but he raced forward and was impressive at the end.” The victory of Thedoctoroflove and the relative failure of the pre-post New Zealand Derby favourites Willydoit (10th) and Hinekaha (11th) has seen the Fixed Odds market for the Group One feature on 8 March turned upside down, with Thedoctoroflove and Willydoit now both sitting at a $4 quote while Oceana Dream and Tuxedo are at $5 and Hinekaha $21. Out of the Rebel Raider mare Liberty Lover, Thedoctoroflove has now won two races from just five starts for his large group of owners and over NZ$247,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Handy five-year-old gelding Step Aside ran out a ready winner of the Rosehill Bowling Club Handicap (1300m) on Saturday for trainer Chris Waller under a perfect Zac Lloyd ride as the young hoop showed his class with an early treble at Rosehill. Lloyd rode the first three winners and had Step Aside perfectly poised behind the leaders Salisano and Lady Boss and comfortably overhauled them to score by just on two lengths. The son of Redwood sports the colours of OTI Racing and has bounced back from an incident two starts back where Tommy Berry was dislodged after being crowded for room with Step Aside breaking through the running rail. He subsequently finished third behind Bunker Hut earlier this month. “He came through that incident Scott-free fortunately,” Waller said. “His next run was good. He probably peaked with 100m to go but today’s ride from Zac was brilliant. He utilized the good draw and just landed there (behind the leaders) and didn’t do any work and was able to have a good solid finish. Waller admitted Step Aside is a bread and butter horse but said there was plenty of lucrative prizemoney as evidenced by the A$160,000 BenchMark 78. “It tastes pretty good the bread and butter on Saturday in Sydney,” Waller said. “He has earned just over $80,000 for winning, which takes you a long way. If he can win another one, he has done a great job.” Winning rider Zac Lloyd said the gelding filled him with confidence heading to the starting gates. “I have never sat on him previously, but with the addition of blinkers today I was very happy with the horse cantering to the gates,” Lloyd said. “I just kept him nice and happy as he doesn’t win out of turn. The race panned out well for him as he has a good turn of foot on him on his day and they went very steady. “I needed a bit of luck as we straightened but I did and he won that race quite easily.” By Redwood out of the winning Roc de Cambes mare Teena Rox, Step Aside began his career with Cambridge trainer Ralph Manning, winning an 800m trial on the Cambridge synthetic before his sale to OTI. Step Aside has now won four of his 20 starts with a further eight placings and prizemoney of A$293,100. View the full article