Wandering Eyes

In the wake of Smarty Jones's first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot, announced Thursday, the Pennsylania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Bob Hutt, issued a statement indicating how meaningful the nomination was to the organizations around the state. Roy and Patricia Chapman's champion three-year-old of 2004 won his first eight races, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, before falling a length short in the Belmont Stakes, where a record 120,000 people turned out to see him bid for the Triple Crown. He was retired after that race. “On behalf of the Chapman family, the PTHA, PHBA, PARX and racing fans all over the world, we wish to thank the Hall of Fame nominating committee for selecting Smarty Jones to be a 2025 finalist for the Horse Racing Hall of Fame. Everybody at Parx and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania is proud of our brilliant Pennsylvania bred Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion, a horse that captured the hearts and imagination of millions of people in the United States and around the world. As the voters consider Smarty's candidacy, we would like to thank them for their due diligence.” –Bob Hutt, President, PTHA The post `Pennsylvania Proud’: PTHA Thanks Hall for Smarty Jones Nomination appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong sprinter extraordinaire Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) headlines the HK$13-million G1 Queen's Silver jubilee Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. Trained by David Hayes for the Ka Ying Syndicate, the likeable gelding is operating on a nine-race winning streak, and had the re-opposing Helios Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) and Howdeepisyourlove (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) second and third when he took the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup last month over his pet distance of 1200 metres. The world's highest rated turf sprinter in 2024, the gelding will be partnered with Karis Teetan for the first time in his 12-race career, and the duo leave from gate nine. Regular rider Zac Purton is sidelined by a toe injury sustained in a three-horse fall on Feb. 10. Defending champ and 2024 Hong Kong Champion Sprinter California Spangle (Aus) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) is looking for a return to form, but has picked a tough spot for it. After his win in this race a year ago, he took his show on the road with a successful foray to Meydan and added the G1 Al Quoz Sprint in March, but he's been winless in five additional starts. Patch Of Theta (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) defeated the gelding in the G3 Challenge Cup on New Year's Day, and Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), Galaxy Patch (Aus) (Wandjina {Aus}), and Red Lion (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) ran one-two-three when they met in the Jan. 19 G1 Stewards' Cup going a mile. The Tony Cruz trainee was unplaced in each of those efforts. “You saw the barrier trial, he's back in business. The trial was good and the jockey was very happy with him,” Cruz said of the gelding, whose chances of defending his Al Quoz title hinge on this start. “His condition compared to last season is not as good, so we'll make a decision after the race on Sunday. Let's see the outcome before we decide on Dubai.” Last year's 2024 G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize hero Invincible Sage (Aus) (Thronum {Aus}) is aiming for his second top-level ring and leaves from stall three in the nine-horse field. He was fourth to Ka Ying Rising in the Centenary Sprint Cup. Gold Cup Up For Grabs With Hong Kong poster boy Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) trying dirt for the first time in the $20-million 1800-metre G1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh the day prior with James McDonald in the irons, the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup is a fairly open race. Multiple Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble will try for four-in-a-row and has the services of McDonald, who will arriving fresh from Riyadh on Saturday. Second to Galaxy Patch in the G2 Sha Tin Trophy over 1600 metres in October, the son of Deep Field has not lost since, taking the G1 Hong Kong Mile over Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), and Chancheng Glory (Mor Spirit) on Dec. 8. He added the aforementioned Stewards' Cup over several of these at a mile on Jan. 19. Of Chancheng Glory, reigning Hong Kong Champion Trainer Francis Lui said, “Chancheng Glory is also in good form. He's maintained his form, so we hope he can run well.” A dual champion trainer in Hong Kong, Cruz is sending a three-pronged attack against Voyage Bubble in Five G Patch (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), La City Blanch (Arg) (Cityscape {GB}) and Winning Dragon (Chi) (Ivan Denisovich {Ire}) in the 2000-metre feature. The trio break from gates 10, two, and three, respectively. “They're all ready for the race. They're all 2000 metres and above horses, but I'm happy with their condition going into the race,” Cruz said. Dirt Horses To The Fore In February Stakes With some of Japan's best and brightest dirt horses contending for Saudi Cup honours, the way is clear to crown one of the 16 locals entered in the 1600-metre G1 February Stakes at Tokyo on Sunday. One of the rising stars of the dirt ranks is Group 3 winner Costa Nova (Jpn), who has won all five of his starts over the local dirt, including the 1400-metre G3 Negishi Stakes earlier this month. That was the Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) 5-year-old entire's first attempt in group company, and on Sunday, the waters get even deeper. Assistant trainer Yu Ota said, “Things were a bit tight on the turn for home in the Negishi Stakes, but he showed what he could do by running on well to win comfortably. He came out of the race with no tiredness, and it wasn't long before he was training again as usual.” With the absence of Saudi-Cup bound Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Meisho Hario (Jpn) is hoping to go one better than his second at the hands of that rival in the Listed JBC Classic at Saga in November. He's in with a chance, as he rolled a pair of threes in both the 2022 G1 Tokyo Daishoten, and in the 2023 edition of this race behind Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid). Mikki Fight (Jpn) (Drefong), too, holds a formline with a Saudi Cup hopeful. In his case, the G3 Leopard Stakes hero was second in the Listed Japan Dirt Classic to Group 1 scorer Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in October, before he improved to land the Listed Nagoya Daishoten over 2000 metres on Dec. 19. Assistant trainer Hiroyuki Yamazaki said, “He's had his usual routine, returning to the stable a month ago. He was plus 14kg for his last race, so we've just been training him accordingly and checking his weight. Since some time ago, we thought he would become a better horse, and he's developing well.” The 2025 edition of the February Stakes also features the 2024 one-two of Peptide Nile (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) and Gaia Force (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}). The former would be only the second 7-year-old to win the race since Roman Prince (Jpn) (Bravest Roman) in 1988. Trainer Hidenori Take, who said, “He maintained his form in the latter half of last year, and even though the Champions Cup was a tough race, he managed to finish fifth. I think he can run well with just the one turn over 1600 metres even if the field is bunched together more.” Emperor Wakea (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is a track-and-trip winner of the G3 Tokyo Chunichi Hai on Nov. 9. His fitness is a slight question mark, as that was the last time the Listed Enif Stakes hero was seen in action. Sunday Funday (Jpn) (Suzuka Causeway {Jpn}) is also coming off a group win after taking the G2 Procyon Stakes at Chukyo on Jan. 26. The post Spangle Vs Rising In Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA — Fourteen horses with Grade I or Group 1 form from America, Argentina, Dubai, Hong Kong, Japan and even Uruguay will take their chance at the winner's share of the $20-million gross purse for the world's richest horse race, Saturday's G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. And few of them are without some sort of chance. Susumu Fujita's Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) returns to the Saudi capital 12 months on from a last-lunge success in the G3 Saudi Derby and looks to become the first to complete the double. Unlucky to not post a better finish when third in the GI Kentucky Derby, he returned to the U.S. for a crack at the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, but he arguably sat too close to a very quick tempo after drawing the inside and felt the pinch late when third to would-be Saudi Cup starter 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and fellow 'Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light). He exits a smooth success over the running-on Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) and Ramjet (Jpn) (Majestic Warrior) in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten in late December, a first elite-level success, but not likely the last. Jockey Ryusei Sakai remains predictably bullish and said: “He travelled to Riyadh very well. He has been very relaxed and looked confident since he has arrived. I have no worries about him. He is a very versatile type of horse and can handle any type of track condition.” If there was any consternation in drawing the widest barrier in 14 for Saturday's 1800-metre contest, trainer Yoshito Yahagi was certainly not letting on, saying only that an outside alley was preferred to one on the inside. Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), the 2023 G1 Dubai World Cup winner who was just caught on the wire of last year's Saudi Cup, is the fourth and perhaps–remarkably–weakest of the Japanese challenge. Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) makes a much-anticipated first dirt appearance as he looks to join the likes of Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) and the Yahagi-trained Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) as seasoned turf horses to make a successful transition. The 10-times Group 1 winner has made a more favourable impression in his local dirt work than over the main track at Meydan, where he has been stabled since late December, but the surface itself isn't necessarily the concern in the eyes of trainer Danny Shum. “He can handle the dirt, I don't know how he'll handle the kickback,” Shum told the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia's Martin Kelly during a Thursday press conference. “Some horses can handle it and others will shorten their stride. This is normal. You never know until they're past the winning post. He looks very fit. Physically, in all his career, this time he's the best in his life.” Given his draw in three, the kickback could have a say in the outcome, but in Romantic Warrior, you have a horse that has taken everything that has been thrown at him in his stride and it would be foolish to discount his chances. Trainer Danny Shum casts an eye across Romantic Warrior | JCSA Rattle N Roll (Connect) will look to become the third US-based winner of the Saudi Cup and the 6-year-old earned his way into the race with a 4 3/4-length thumping of Wait To Excel (GB) (Postponed {Ire}) and the commonly owned Wootton'sun (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (King's Cup) on Jan. 22. Joel Rosario jets in from the States and trainer Ken McPeek will give the Dominican carte blanche where it comes to tactics. “You don't tell Picasso or Rembrandt how to paint, you give him a brush,” the conditioner quipped Thursday. Trainer Bhupat Seemar had intended to start reigning Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief) in the Saudi Cup, but a minor injury dictates his absence with an eye on a repeat bid at Meydan six weeks from now. The Zabeel Stables boss is nevertheless represented by Walk of Stars (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a participant in the G1 Derby for Godolphin in 2022, who has since found a new home on the dirt. He most recently defeated 2024 G1 Dubai Turf hero Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) soundly into third in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge over 1900 metres and could be the one they'll have to catch on Saturday. Of Facteur Cheval, his trainer Jerome Reynier said: “His best performance was in the Dubai Turf last year over 1800m, left-handed. It's the same conditions in The Saudi Cup, except that it is run on the dirt. “Facteur Cheval is a very strong individual, who always delivers, he is just a very special horse. Even if we might struggle to be as competitive as Forever Young or the other true dirt specialists, who are international champions, being placed in this race is already an achievement.” The G1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini is not often a test that produces runners in a race such as this, but the 2024 renewal sees its top two finishers–Intense for Me (Arg) (Fortify) and El Kodigo (Arg) (Equal Stripes {Arg})–line up here. The latter, exiting a top-level score at Maronas in Montevideo, Uruguay, is widely regarded as the best dirt horse in South America and both horses are owned by Muhaideb Abdullah A Almuhaideb. Al Musmak (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) won last year's Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes for Roger Varian and was impressive in landing a course-and-distance conditions event Jan. 4. Former US Grade I winner Defunded (Dialed In) completes the field. Returning Champions Contest Undercard In addition to Forever Young, the winners of three of the five other races from 2024 are back in search of repeat Riyadh riches. The Richard Fahey-trained Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) defeated Japan's Killer Ability (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Calif (Ger) (Areion {Ger}) in last year's G2 Neom Turf Cup (2100m) and the three renew acquaintances on Saturday. The field also includes G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin hero Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), the €2.1-million 2022 Arqana August topper who makes his first start for the Forever Young connections since dead-heating for second in the G1 Japan Cup in November. The Mick Appleby-trained Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) made the 2024 G2 1351 Turf Sprint his own and he, too, is back in Riyadh against challengers from America, Bahrain, Japan and Qatar. Of note are Listed Dubai Duty Free Stakes winner Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), having his first run for Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole; and the locally based Malyan (Ire) (Sioux Nation), never worse than third in 10 starts in Riyadh and winner of five on the trot, including the local qualifier on Jan. 24. An eight-length winner of the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes over two miles last fall, Al Nayyir (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) carries top weight of 62kg (136 pounds) into Saturday's G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap (3000m) against the likes of Wathnan Racing's Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) and Deira Mile (GB) (Camelot {GB}), last seen crossing the line third, but demoted to fourth in the G1 St Leger in September. Remake (Jpn) (Lani) carried Yuga Kawada to an easy win in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint 12 months ago, but arrives in more questionable form this time around, having done no running whatsoever behind Straight No Chaser (Speightster) in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint in early November. Gabby's Sister (Jpn) (Apollo Kingdom) and Chikappa (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) also look to give Japan a fourth win in the race, while the outgoing Jimmy Jerkens saddles the sneaky Ancestral Land (GB) (Sioux Nation). Japan also goes for a fourth win in the G3 Saudi Derby, with the undefeated filly Myriad Love (Jpn) (New Year's Day) a real chance to make it four-from-four in her career against G3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner Golden Vekoma (Vekoma) and US raider Cyclone State (McKinzie), impressive in winning the Listed Jerome Stakes last time. The post Worldwide Formlines Converge In Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are 12 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, February 22. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Caulfield, Rosehill, Doomben, Ascot and Alice Springs. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 22, 2025 Caulfield Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Doomben Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 22, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Hasseltoff will make his Alice Springs debut on Saturday. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) Victorian apprentice Hannah Le Blanc is leaving her mark in the NT, so much in fact that the 29-year-old has a full book at Darwin on Friday and will feature in five of the six Alice Springs races on Saturday. It is no surprise after the Glenrowan-based Le Blanc bagged a winning treble in the Red Centre last weekend. Le Blanc will partner Dick Leech’s Hasseltoff, Lethal Encounter and Boom Smash Opera, Kevin Lamprecht’s Daniher and Lisa Whittle’s Another Val on Saturday. The fact that Le Blanc claims 2kg will benefit Hasseltoff, an eight-year-old gelding from South Australia, who debuts at Pioneer Park in open company over 1600m. Originally assigned 63kg, the son of Toorak Toff will now lump 61kg and arrives in town after winning three of his past four starts for Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes. Success over 1533m at Morphettville and 1500m at Gawler against respectable opposition was followed by a last start win in BM78 grade over 1600m at Morphettville on January 25. It’s not confirmed, but Le Blanc believes Leech will start Hasseltoff in the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 6. Back celebrating recent success after serving a six-month suspension last year, Leech won the 2023 Alice Springs Cup with Write Your Name. “Dick never talked to me about Hasseltoff being a Cup horse, but he keeps things pretty quiet,” Le Blanc said. “A last start winner at Morphettville, he won convincingly. “He’s not a leader, so if he can handle the dirt and kick-back he should be hard to beat.” It’s 240km from Glenrowan to Melbourne, but Le Blanc still enjoys travelling to the NT. She has 11 wins this season in the Alice Springs and Provincial jockeys’ premiership – Sonja Logan holds sway with 15 wins. “It’s going really good, I’m getting good opportunities up there, hopefully it will keep going,” she said. “I don’t see it any different to any other jockey that has to drive as far as I travel. “I only have to do it pretty much on weekends, I don’t find it too taxing. “It was good to get that treble, but to be fair Sonja would have probably ridden O’Tycoon, Cavendish and Bad Man had she not been suspended.” Le Blanc, who picks up the occasional ride in Victoria and has celebrated six Darwin wins this season, left for Darwin on Thursday night. She heads to Adelaide straight after the Alice Springs meeting before flying to Melbourne on Sunday for a ride at Ballarat. Horse racing news View the full article

Ka Ying Rising surges to record-breaking success. Photo: HKJC Karis Teetan concedes extending beyond 1200m for the first time is a “small question mark” for outstanding sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, but the Mauritian is buoyed by David Hayes’ supreme confidence. Ka Ying Rising has notched 10 wins from 12 starts, with only two narrow defeats, all over 1200m, rocketing from obscurity as an unraced 52-rater to status as one of the world’s premier sprinters after twice breaking Sha Tin’s course record. With regular rider Zac Purton injured, Teetan reunites with the 132-rater for the first time since winning the Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin last June, when the Shamexpress gelding carried only 115lb and demolished a class field, including three of Sunday’s rivals Howdeepisyourlove, Mugen and Invincible Sage. “It’s a great opportunity that has come up, not in nice circumstances but I’m happy the other jockeys are recovering, but I’m thankful for the opportunity. It is my second time to ride Ka Ying Rising in a race and I’m looking forward to it,” Teetan said. To jump from barrier nine, Ka Ying Rising also faces California Spangle, Helios Express, Beauty Eternal, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta as he bid for a 10th straight win and a third Group 1 triumph after last start victory in Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) in 1m 07.20s on January 19. “I think he’s going to be fine. He’s won from worse gates than nine,” Teetan said. “He’s a horse that can handle all the pressure that you can put on him, so 1400 metres is going to be a small question mark, but I think he’s going to be fine. “I’m just looking forward to going out to ride him. He’s got a lot of natural speed and he led last time, so from that draw, he’s just going to use his natural speed and get into a position where he’s comfortable. “He had a nice trial and he pulled up really good. He seems really well.” Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising’s explosive sprint could be potentially even more spectacular at 1400m, provided the four-year-old relaxes in the early stages. Hugh Bowman believes Helios Express, who has finished second three times and a third behind Ka Ying Rising in four starts this campaign, will better suited at 1400m. “I think 1400 is more favourable for him than the 1200, actually. He’s been isolated to the sprint course so far this season but now he gets his chance to go a bit further and I think 1600 metres is within his repertoire further down the track,” Bowman said. “The horse has been flying all season. He’s had to compete with Ka Ying Rising, who’s taking all before him but, that aside, the horse is going really well and I expect the same on the weekend. “Our horse continues to develop, he’s going very well. He’s ticking over really nicely and I think we can expect a forward showing.” Bowman also partners Francis Lui-trained Chancheng Glory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) after the gelding’s impressive Group 3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) success on January 31. “He’s going to meet some classier horses than last time, but there was a lot of merit in his performance with that win and I just loved the way he went about business,” Bowman said. “He jumped out quickly, put himself in a favourable position and, when I needed him in the straight, he was there. With the set weight conditions of Sunday’s race, he drops a few pounds but he’s meeting some classy opposition at the same weight. His form is very consistent. I think he’s a worthy challenger.” Chancheng Glory will drop from 130lb to 126lb in the Hong Kong Gold Cup, where he meets Voyage Bubble, Galaxy Patch, Ensued, Happy Together, Straight Arron, Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Sword Point and Winning Dragon. Irish jockey Declan McDonogh returns to Hong Kong this weekend and will ride Pearl Of Pang’s, Only U, Sunnyvale and Mr Vigor on the undercard. Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting starts with the Class 4 Citi Wealth Handicap (1400m) at 1pm HKT. Horse racing news View the full article

Expat Kiwi hoop Michael Dee has been booked to ride Evaporate (pictured) and Savaglee in their upcoming targets. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Kiwi three-year-old Savaglee and the New Zealand-bred Evaporate are giving expat jockey Michael Dee plenty to look forward to over the next few weeks. Dee rode Evaporate to four consecutive victories in the spring including the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m), followed by a third placing in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). The Per Incanto gelding resumed with a third in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on February 8 and will reunite with Dee for a shot at Saturday’s Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. Safely through that, Evaporate will cross the Tasman to contest the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8. In between those two Evaporate assignments, Dee has been booked to partner Savaglee in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1. New Zealand three-year-olds are a proven source of Guineas success for Dee, who guided Legarto to victory in the race in 2023. “That was a pretty special day with Legarto a couple of years ago,” Dee said. “I’d love to keep that going with another Kiwi three-year-old this year.” Trained by Pam Gerard for owners The Oaks Stud, Savaglee has been the standout three-year-old in New Zealand this season. The Savabeel colt has won five of his seven starts including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m), Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m). Savaglee’s four-race winning streak was broken at Te Rapa earlier this month, but he lost little in defeat against older horses in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m). He was the first New Zealander across the line, finishing a gallant third behind Australian raiders Here To Shock and Bosustow. “I’m really looking forward to riding Savaglee,” Dee said. “The ride came about because I’m pretty good friends with Dean Williams, the son of Rick from The Oaks Stud. I put my name forward and was lucky enough to get this opportunity. “His form through those New Zealand three-year-old races has obviously been exceptional, and I thought he performed very well against the older horses last time out. I don’t think he needs to improve much to be extremely competitive in the Guineas.” Bookmakers rate Savaglee an $8 third favourite for the Australian Guineas behind Angel Capital ($4) and Sepals ($6). Meanwhile, Evaporate is a $13 chance for his clash with older horses in Saturday’s Futurity Stakes, but his main assignment this autumn is the NZB Kiwi. Evaporate will represent the TAB slot in the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, for which he heads the fixed-odds market as a $4 favourite. “He seems to be coming up extremely well in his new preparation,” said Dee, who has ridden Evaporate in seven of his 11 career starts. “The Futurity will be my first ride on him this time in, but I thought his first-up run was very good without a lot of luck. He’s drawn a bit awkwardly tomorrow (gate eight), but he’s capable of running a very good race if we manage to have a little bit of luck in the running. “He probably doesn’t have to be winning tomorrow, but as long as he shows some of that form that he had in the spring, I think he’s going to be heading over to New Zealand as one of the hardest horses to beat in the Kiwi. “If he runs well tomorrow and the team is happy to push on, I’d definitely be pretty keen to head over and ride him at Ellerslie. It would be exciting to be a part of it.” Dee has ridden 119 winners in New Zealand along with more than 700 in Victoria. His last time riding on this side of the Tasman was in December 2022, when he rode a winning treble at Trentham and finished second in the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) aboard Aegon. Horse racing news View the full article

HRNZ has approved a requested alteration to the Bob Rochford Memorial Seddon District Trotters Series. Originally it was decided that trotters would only qualify for the $30,000 Final at Addington if they had competed in four of the 10 qualifying races. The heats started at Kaikoura last November and have continued on through the top half of the South Island over the summer. There are just two heats left, at Westport and Reefton on March 7 and 9. Now HRNZ has agreed to a change to the qualifying criteria. Now, trotters will be eligible for the final as long as they have started a minimum of four times across the 10 Seddon Shields Districts race meetings from 4 November 4 to March 9, and that they have started in at least one of the designated qualifying races. “This amendment will allow trotters that graduated from lower rating levels throughout the series and competed in fewer than four qualifying races to also be eligible to contest the Final on 21 March,” says HRNZ Handicapper Andrew Morris. “We have done this to ensure a viable final with an optimum field size, it’s the best outcome overall.” The final will have a capacity field of 16. Under the new criteria five trotters have now automatically qualified for the final. They are Masterly, Premium Player, Knowing Me, Regal Sierra and Helloveamoment. Six others – Nellie Doyle, Judy J, Special Effects, Here Comes Jane, What The Bell and Sod’s Law – are also eligible for the final, under the new criteria. To see the latest leaderboard click here View the full article

By Michael Guerin Greg Manson did something he wouldn’t usually do with Franco Marek at Addington on Thursday night but he might be doing it a bit more from now on. The way the star of his five-horse stable won wearing flip flops in the main pace, on Thursday, The Peninsular Beachfront Resort – Mooloolaba Handicap Pace, they could be the answer to the high-class pacer’s problems. Franco Marek held out Vessen after wresting the lead off him mid-race and roaring home his last 800m in 54.6 seconds, the final 400 in 26.3. They don’t go much quicker which may surprise a few trainers as Franco Marek was racing in flip flops for the first time. Flip flops are pads which can be worn as part of a horses shoeing, the padding helps negate concussion often in the knee region but in Franco Marek’s case trainer Manson is more trying to alleviate hoof concerns. “He has always had an small soundness issue which is why he can go rough when he is going slow,” says Manson. “He has raced that way most of his career so I tried the flip flops on him intending to take them off closer to the races, which is what I hear some trainers do. “But I took him to Lavros Lodge last week and he worked great in them so I decided to try them race day even though some people believe they seem to slow a horse down a bit. “They worked tonight so he might keep them on when he goes to the Rangiora Classic next weekend.” That $35,000 race is Sunday week meaning Franco Marek will miss his engagement at Ashburton on Saturday where he was set to be the backmarker in the Ashburton Cup. “I put him in that race because I thought tonight’s race wouldn’t get off the ground.” Franco Marek may return to Addington for a free-for-all on March 14 but Manson is already thinking ahead to this year’s New Zealand Cup, the iconic race that Franco Marek finished eighth in last year. “He got crook on his Cup campaign last season so it was all a bit rushed last year and I just have to be a little bit smarter about it this time around.” He wasn’t the only old boy to overcome a handicap to win a feature on Thursday night with Midnight Dash coming off the 25m handicap to win the main trot even after burning hard in the middle stages. The seven-year-old was recording his first win since December 2022 and while he has raced the trotting elite most of the time since then he has also had to overcome a breathing issue that has had Team Hope work overtime to get him back to his best. The other big eyecatcher on Thursday was Bazooka who rolled home in 26.6 to down Midnight Miki and Betterthancash in what should prove a good form race. View the full article

Star jockey and veteran trainer upbeat about champion galloper’s bid for an 11th Group One triumph in world’s richest race.View the full article

Determined Stables and Kingdom Bloodstock's Determined Kingdom has been named Virginia-bred Horse of the Year and will be recognized—along with other 2024 award winners—during Virginia Derby Day festivities at Colonial Downs March 15. View the full article

With his connections making the decision to fork out a AU$55,000 late entry fee for the Feb. 22 Blue Diamond Stakes (G1), Field of Play heads the market for the AU$2 million group 1 after a perfect barrier draw. View the full article

Roger James and Robert Wellwood have played starring roles on many of Ellerslie’s biggest racedays over the last 13 months, and the Cambridge trainers are hoping to continue that trend on Saturday and again on Champions Day on March 8. Ellerslie staged four races last season with a stake of $1 million or more, and there have been three so far in 2024-25. James and Wellwood have won three of those seven-figure prizes with their stable star Orchestral. The high-class daughter of Savabeel headlines the Kingsclere contingent again at Ellerslie this Saturday, lining up in the Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) ahead of a tilt at the $1 million Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) two weeks later. She will be backed up by three promising stablemates who will use their Saturday assignments as auditions for lucrative three-year-old prizes on Champions Day. That includes exciting talent Dealt With, who has a slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) and will have his final dress rehearsal in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). James and Wellwood will also saddle a pair of potential $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby contenders, with the unbeaten Oceana Dream lining up in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m) while last-start winner Grey Area takes on Rating 65 opposition in the Eagle Charters (2100m). Orchestral was the standout three-year-old of the summer last season, producing dazzling performances to roar home from off the pace and win the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) by three and a half lengths, the Avondale Guineas by four lengths and the New Zealand Derby by 3-3/4 lengths. She later ventured across to Sydney and added the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and a placing in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m). Unplaced in her first four appearances as a four-year-old this season, Orchestral turned her form around with a commanding last-start victory in the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) on January 25. “You had to be pretty impressed with what she did last start,” James said. “She won with ease in the end. It was very pleasing to see her produce a performance like that. “Everything’s gone really well with her since then. She’s had a nice break between runs to keep her as fresh as we can for another mile on Saturday, and she’s going into this race in very good order. It’s very much the idea to step her up to 2000m for the New Zealand Stakes next, and then hopefully we might take her back to Australia after that.” Things have happened quickly for Dealt With, who burst on to the scene with a smart win on debut at Te Aroha on January 4. He won again at Pukekohe on January 19, then was thrown in at the deep end and ran a close third behind Damask Rose and Tuxedo in the Karaka Millions 3YO. “He came a long way in quite a short period of time,” James said. “He’s improved with every run. He’s a big, burly boy and we’ve had to really stay on top of him, but his campaign is geared around that 1500m race in a couple of weeks’ time. We think we’re right on target.” Dealt With will represent the Kerri Spence Bloodstock & Clotworthy Racing slot in the NZB Kiwi, and the TAB rates him a $10 chance in a market headed by Evaporate ($4), Checkmate ($6), Damask Rose ($6) and Perfumist ($7). James is also enthusiastic about his chances of yet another victory in the New Zealand Derby, which he has previously won with Tidal Light (1986), Roysyn (1995), Zonda (1997), Hades (1999), Silent Achiever (2012) and Orchestral. Oceana Dream, who brings a perfect two-from-two record into the Avondale Guineas on Saturday, is rated a $12 chance for this year’s Ellerslie classic. The lightly raced Grey Area is at $31. “I really like Oceana Dream,” James said. “He’s a lovely type of three-year-old who I’m very confident will stay. My only worry with him on Saturday is that he’s drawn awkwardly in gate 14 against quite a good field where there doesn’t seem to be a lot of pace. So I hope there will be a reasonable pace on, because that usually ensures that the best horse wins. “Grey Area is a horse we’ve got a lot of time for as well. He’d run 2400m tomorrow if there was a race we could run him in over that distance. He’s got a fantastic constitution and a great attitude. I think he’s got a lot in front of him.” James and Wellwood also have seven entries at Pukekohe on Sunday, including first-starter Hephaestus in the TAB (1600m). The colt by The Autumn Sun was bought for $160,000 as a yearling at Karaka and scored a seven-length win in a small trial field at Ellerslie on February 11. “He’s a nice horse in the making,” James said. “He’s a big horse who has taken a while, which can sometimes be the case with The Autumn Sun’s progeny. That trial win was only a three-horse field, so you probably can’t read a lot into it, but he’s certainly gone the right way since then.” View the full article

Stakes performer Lombardi has rarely ventured out of Canterbury, but over the next month he is set to hit the road, with trainer Bruce Smith keen to broaden his horizons. “He has never travelled further than Oamaru, but it is time to man up,” Smith said. The $170,000 Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) at Wingatui next Saturday is set to be his first major target of the autumn before he ventures across the Cook Strait for the first time to tackle the $110,000 NZ St Leger (2600m) at Trentham. The Dunedin Gold Cup is part of Otago Racing Club’s Property Brokers Otago Classics Day, and Smith is looking forward to being a part of the big day before heading north. “The big money is up, there is a bit of dosh to be won this year, and it is great to see for South Island racing,” he said. “The northern boys will come down for it because of the money, and if things go to plan after that he will go up to Wellington for the St Leger.” To ready for his looming feature targets, Smith will head to Ashburton on Sunday with Lombardi to contest the Gallagher Insurance (2200m). The six-year-old son of Verdi heads into the race off the back of a first-up victory over a mile at Riccarton earlier this month, and Smith is hoping for a repeat performance. Lombardi has drawn the ace barrier and will be ridden by Leah Hemi, with Smith’s only concern being his 60kg impost, giving the rest of the field a 6kg advantage. “He goes well fresh-up, he has come through it well and I couldn’t be happier with him,” Smith said. “He has drawn a good gate and if he is as good as I think he is, it shouldn’t be that hard. “He is starting to get up there in the weights now, but he is big and strong and it won’t worry him too much. He is the highest rated horse in the field, so he deserves it.” Lombardi has won five and placed in seven of his 28 starts to date, including running third in the Listed Spring Classic (2000m) at Riccarton last October, and Smith believes the best is yet to come from the gelding. “I think next year he will be a better horse,” he said. “He would be one of the better horses I have trained. I have trained a couple of nice horses, but this fella has a bit of x factor about him. “He doesn’t stress about too much, even in his races and his work. He can handle good ground and bad ground, and I couldn’t be happier with the horse.” View the full article

Hinekaha will have an opportunity to stamp her Derby credentials against the boys at Ellerslie on Saturday when taking on the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m). The classy three-year-old has been lightly-tried, with just four starts returning two wins and two minor placings, including a victory at her most recent start in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth. Andrew Forsman, who trains Hinekaha at Cambridge, couldn’t have been happier with her effort in the Central Districts. “It wasn’t a big margin, but I thought it was a very dominant performance,” he said. “It was nice to see her be able to use a good draw and put herself in the race, so we know she’s versatile. “It was a strong effort with improvement to come out of it. “She had a pretty quiet week after that, the timing between with the three weeks was good and it’s worked in her favour. She’s had a good couple of gallops this week to have her ready.” Forsman indicated from an early stage that the filly’s ultimate goal would be the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) in favour of her own sex in the $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Saturday’s contest against Derby favourite Willydoit, and a number of other contenders, will determine whether she takes on the iconic feature on Champions Day or heads to Trentham later in March. “Depending on how she performs on Saturday, that will dictate our path forward,” he said. “We would clearly love to be running in a Derby, but from an awkward draw, I hope she gets her chance to prove she’s up to these boys.” Hinekaha’s stablemates Prochester and Mustang Morgan are among those on their way to the Derby, with the latter taking out the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) two starts back at the course. “He’s performed at the track which is always a bonus,” Forsman said. “We gave him a freshen-up after that and back to a mile, he was just a little unlucky that day too and the mile was probably a tad sharp. “He’s a horse that will run a solid race on Saturday, but I’m really looking forward to getting him out to the 2400m of the Derby.” Forsman shares a similar opinion of Prochester, who had no favours when running into fifth in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2400m), won by Tuxedo. “He was very unlucky, a couple of horses basically stopped in front of him when he was building momentum otherwise I think he would’ve been right in the finish,” he said. “Again, it’s a tricky race for him and we probably would’ve preferred to be in the 65, but he didn’t make the field. He’ll really come into his own over the 2400m of the Derby.” Group One performer Moonlight Magic will represent the stable in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m) after strong performances in the Remutaka Classic (2100m) and behind About Time last-start at Ellerslie. “I thought her last start was very good in a slowly run race, she got back and her sectionals were as good as anything in the race,” Forsman said. “It’s a shame about the barrier draw (15) for her, she typically does get back and it would’ve been nicer to be a couple of lengths closer in the running. She’ll be up against it, but I think she’s going well enough if she gets the right run.” The daughter of Almanzor holds a nomination for the Gr.2 Barfoot and Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) in a fortnight. “That’s the plan, her better performances have come on rain-affected tracks so on quicker ground, she probably needs further,” Forsman said. “It does depend on her run on Saturday, that will determine whether we try her at the two miles.” Stable stalwart Aegon was the hard-luck story of the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) last month, being held up to the dying moments before flashing into fourth. The gelding will aim to go one better on last year’s result in the Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m), where he will be ridden by Vinnie Colgan. “He’s going really well, he was another unlucky runner last start and again, he is that sort of horse,” Forsman said. “He gets back in his races and does need the luck at the right time. “He’s got an awkward draw (8), but a positive is that it’s only an 11-horse field so hopefully he won’t be too far off them. We know if he runs up to his best, he’ll be competitive.” Joining the $2 million-earner in the Group One will be Mary Shan, a talented mare who was beaten only by Orchestral in the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) on Karaka Millions Night. “She was great, she ran a super race and was just beaten by a better horse,” Forsman said. “From the wide draw (11), we’ll be able to press forward with her, there’s not a heap of speed outside of Belclare and El Vencedor. We can probably try to put ourselves in the race a bit from there.” Outside of the feature contests, Forsman is looking forward to kicking off the career of juvenile gelding The Espy, after a sharp trial win on February 11. The Espy has accepted into both the TAB 1100 at Ellerslie and the Cavallo Farms and Chris Rutten Bloodstock Two-Year-Old at Otaki, with Forsman leaning in favour of the latter. “I’m keeping an eye on the weather at Otaki, he wants a Good track so we accepted in both to see where we drew,” he said. “Clearly he has a better draw down there, so if the rain stays away, he’ll be more than likely heading down. “He’s always shown plenty of ability, I guess the only factor is he’s just had the one trial. You know that you’re up against the horses with a couple of trials or a run or two, they just have that little bit of an advantage. “But he certainly doesn’t lack ability and I think if he does things right and gets the right run, he’ll be competitive wherever he heads.” A son of U S Navy Flag, The Espy was bred by The Oaks Stud and purchased by Forsman for $100,000 out of their draft at the 2024 National Yearling Sales. “We had a nice U S Navy Flag that we rated at the time, and I thought this horse was a very nice mover, he was a neat type of horse,” he said. “He’s the athletic type that we try to buy if we can, and at this stage, he’s putting things together well.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike’s bid for a third Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (240m) title goes on the line at Ellerslie this weekend. His Classic contenders Golden Century and Amazing Fluke have arrived at the fork in the road when the youthful stablemates again clash in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m). Pike has previously won the Derby with Sherwood Forest (2020) and Rangipo (2016) and will know after the Guineas what firepower he will have at his disposal in his bid for a third success in the Blue Riband event. “Saturday will tell a story and whether they are ready for the Derby, we know both of them will get the trip but it’s just whether they are mature enough to handle the preparation,” Pike said. “It’s D-Day for both of them, but I think Golden Century is definitely a horse that can progress through.” Ryan Elliot will partner Golden Century while Kevin Stott is aboard Amazing Fluke, and a change of tactics will come into play on Saturday after they finished fourth and third respectively in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m). “They ran okay and were probably both ridden a bit aggressively,” Pike said. “I think with Golden Century that Ryan took off a bit early at Te Rapa and back to Ellerslie with a slightly quieter ride will help him. “Obviously, we’ve always thought the 2400m will suit him, as long as he’s finding the line on Saturday, it will set him up for the Derby.” Pike will make a gear adjustment to get the best out of Amazing Fluke. “We’ll take the side winkers off, he just got too keen last time but still fought on quite well and we’ll ride him a lot quieter with the Derby in mind,” he said. “I personally still think he’s a preparation away from it all, even though he’s got the ability.” Pike’s other black-type contender at Ellerslie is Roederer in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m). “He’s been a bit stiff and last start in a slowly run race he was really strong late,” he said. “He’s got an awkward barrier (18) so we’ll have to go back and ride for a bit of luck so it will be interesting to see where he fits in. “This will give us a line as to whether we press on to the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m) or toward something else.” The stable will also have two chances to get on the board early on Saturday with Lucy In The Sky and Boombox to debut in the opening event, the TAB 2YO (1100m). “They have both trialled well, Lucy In The Sky has only had the one and was very professional and ran good time,” Pike said. “She has got a good barrier (two) so it will be interesting to see how she goes, there’s some good race day form and strong trial form so it’s one of the better maiden two-year-old races we’ve had this season. “She should run well and Boombox is still a bit new but has showed plenty of ability and drawn to get a soft trip so he’s not out of the race either.” Of his other runners, Pike rated Dimaggio an each-way chance in the Bentley’s Chartered Accountants (1400m) following his last-start second to Derby favourite Willydoit. View the full article

The $20-million G1 Saudi Cup and much of its accompanying card will air in the U.S. Saturday, Feb. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on FS2, according to a release from the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Thursday. The 'Golden Hour' telecast will air from noon-1 p.m., with a scheduled post time for the Saudi Cup at 12:40 p.m. Following the Saudi Cup broadcast, America's Day at the Races will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday on FS2 with live coverage from Aqueduct Racetrack and Oaklawn Park. The post Saudi Cup Television Coverage on FS2 Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brendan Walsh trainees Somethinabouther and Salt depart from the balmy South Florida weather in search of Kentucky Oaks (G1) points in the Feb. 21 Cincinnati Trophy Stakes at Turfway Park.View the full article

Though three Japanese-trained 3-year-olds traveled to Saudi Arabia to compete Feb. 22 in the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3), a cast of 10 promising 3-year-olds remained behind in Japan to contest the Feb. 23 Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse.View the full article

Ruidoso Downs will not offer Thoroughbred racing at its upcoming race meet, leaving New Mexico without an operating Thoroughbred track during the summer. View the full article

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For the first time in the United States since data has been recorded, the racing-related fatality rate for the majority of U.S. races—specifically tracks under the oversight of HISA—fell below 1.00 per 1,000 starts for a calendar year in 2024.View the full article

Commissioner John Carvelli, who was appointed to the CHRB in August 2024, resigned from his position, CHRB executive director Scott Chaney acknowledged during the Feb. 20 meeting. Chaney said the resignation came "about 10 days ago."View the full article

MSW Determined Kingdom (Animal Kingdom) captured the title of Virginia-bred Horse of the Year and will be recognized–along with other 2024 award winners–during Virginia Derby Day festivities at Colonial Downs Mar. 15, the track said in a Thursday press release. A series of award presentations will take place between various races from the paddock infield that day and broadcast over the simulcast feed. Determined Kingdom's year was marked with his third straight win in the Punch Line Stakes at Colonial last July. The 6-year-old was also rewarded as the Virginia-bred Turf Sprinter of the Year. Gigante was named Virginia-bred Turf Horse of the Year. The son of Not This Time, bred by Ann Mudge Backer and Smitten Farm, won back-to-back black-types and was the runner-up in the GII Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes–all at Fair Grounds. Freshman title awards will be presented to Sail Theseven Seas (Street Sense) and Saxton (Mosler) in the Virginia-bred filly and colt categories, respectively. The former finished in the top three in all five of her races, while the latter was 2-for-5 and bankrolled $110,400 last year. Top Virginia-bred Older Female honors went to Tufani (Distorted Humor), who was bred by Chance Farm and the Distorted Humor Syndicate. Now a 5-year-old, she won the Brookmeade Stakes and Nellie Mae Cox Handicap at Colonial. Virginia-Certified winners include Future Is Now (Great Notion) as top female performer and Book'em Danno (Bucchero) as top male. Both had outstanding campaigns–the former earned $513,155 while the latter bankrolled $807,500. Maryland-bred Future Is Now won four stakes including a pair of Grade II races–the Intercontinental Stakes at Saratoga and the Franklin Stakes at Keeneland. The 5-year-old spent her Virginia residency at Johnson's Legacy Farm in Bluefield. Book'em Danno collected a trio of stakes wins including the GI Woody Stephens Stakes at Saratoga. The 4-year-old gelding also connected in the Pasco Stakes and Jersey Shore Stakes. In addition, Book'em Danno was a game runner-up in the G3 Saudi Derby. The New Jersey-bred spent his six-month Virginia residency at Gracie Bloodstock's Locust Hill Farm in Middleburg. Virginia Trainer of the Year honors go to Susan Cooney, whose farm is based in Delaplane. In 2024, Cooney had 11 wins, nine seconds and 17 third place finishes. The post Determined Kingdom Captures Horse Of the Year Honors To Lead Virginia-Breds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Matthew Williamson is itching to get into the harness racing hot seat at Cromwell on Friday. The Oamaru reinsman has received the call-up to drive two strong winning threats on the first of two days of harness racing over the weekend in Eurokash and Homebush Lad. Williamson is no stranger to wearing the Greg and Nina Hope colours but will link up with Eurokash for the first time in the feature trot, the Oakley Plumbing Supplies Handicap Tot (5.08pm) and the driver thinks he can make the most of his opportunity. “It is great to get on two good chances for Greg and Nina on Friday.” “They have been great to me over the years and we have had a bit of luck.” “Eurokash looks a great chance — it is a bit of a drop back in grade for him.” “He’s a nice horse and if he can get away and get a nice enough run he should be a great chance.” Homebush Lad did not get a run to suit in his last start in last weekend’s Gore Summer Cup. But the pacer can bounce back in Friday’s pacing feature, the McNulty’s Transport Handicap Pace (6.46pm). “Miraculous looks the horse to beat but Homebush Lad has to be a good each-way chance. “He loves the grass and the longer distance.” Williamson drives eight horses with Florence The Machine rating among his best winning threats on ability in Race 9, the Mojo Modern Joinery Trot (7.14pm). But the trotter has been making plenty of early errors recently which she cannot afford to repeat. “Hopefully, she is getting a bit closer to doing things right because she has the ability there to win a race like that on Friday if she can get away.” The Williamson-trained Pyramid Rose clashes with Florence The Machine on Friday. “She has been a bit the same lately. She’s made a couple of mistakes but the ability is definitely there.” Despite his patchy form line, Mighty Miki looks a winning hope for Williamson. The pacer was checked early in his last start at Gore and had little hope after. Jay Bee Hill and She’s A Jewel look top-four hopes among the reinsman’s outside drives. While Harold Hanover rates the clear outsider of Williamson’s drives, he would not be surprised if the pacer ran a cheeky race. “He won the last time I drove him and he beat Captain Amore who has been going well since.” “If he got a soft run from the draw it wouldn’t surprise me if he went a cheeky race. The horses in that grade are very even.” Williamson also links up with Cruising Fontana who must contend with barrier 8 in race 1. Five to follow at Cromwell Racing journalist Jonny Turner has analysed the colliding form lines from both further north and south to come up with five horses to follow on day one. Harold Hanover – Race 4 Being unable to crack the top eight in your last two starts generally isn’t the best form recommendation. But circumstances have been totally against Harold Hanover recently. The pacer has been caught three-wide for most of his last three starts, after breaking through for a maiden victory at Ascot Park previously. Harold Hanover doesn’t deserve to be among the favourites for race 4, but he also doesn’t deserve to rate the $34 outsider of the field, as he was in the race’s initial fixed odds market. This week a change of luck could be on the cards, with the five-year-old following out a fast beginner and strong winning hope in Paradise Valley. If Harold Hanover can settle in the trail of three back on the inner, he looks at least a top-four or place chance and possibly a cheeky win threat. Leading reinsman Matthew Williamson jumps in the sulky this week, which can only help the pacer. At big odds, there are far worse options for a cheeky dollar each way on Friday. To place a bet on this race click here Eurokash – Race 5 Friday’s feature trot looks to set up perfectly for Eurokash. The trotter steps back in grade after taking on Group 3 company over a less than ideal sprint trip at Addington. At Cromwell, Eurokash gets back on grass and over the longer trip of 2600m, against a field he looks very well placed in. With an early scratching, the trotter takes on just four other rivals, with few of them having raced at the kind of level Eurokash has in his career. His 20m handicap looks very workable and Eurokash should take plenty of holding out in his Cromwell raid. To place a bet on this race click here Deceptive Lee – Race 7 For a horse that has been to the fringes of open class, Deceptive Lee looks ideally placed in Friday’s junior drivers’ event. With early speed to burn and a sweet draw in barrier 4, driver Seth Hill is sure to have his eyes on the early lead. Over 1800m at Cromwell, there is no better place to be and it should give Deceptive Lee his winning shot. While his winning strike rate of six from 54 suggests he is far from a certainty, the seven-year-old has raced in strong company in many of those outings. He’s also placed in two of three starts at Cromwell and was unlucky not to win his last start there when a flat tyre cost him as he went down in a stronger grade two starts ago. To place a bet on this race click here Miraculous – Race 8 There looks to be a key ingredient in Miraculous’ quest to break through for a well-deserved win, having last scored in October of last year. The pacer went down by a small margin in the Wairio Cup when making up plenty of late ground after starting from a 20m handicap. While the four-year-old faces the same mark on Friday, he faces just five other rivals in a field that looks even more suitable. It should add up to Miraculous getting a big chance to break through after producing strong form through summer. Of course the horse must make a good beginning to help his winning chances, but he has been doing exactly that recently. To place a bet on this race click here Secret Agent Man – Race 10 He’s set to start the shortest-priced favourite on Friday and deservedly so. Secret Agent Man has only tasted defeat once in his short career, going down by the barest of margins two starts ago. The four-year-old bounced back when dispatching with a handy line up at the same track, despite sitting parked. The field Secret Agent Man faces on Friday is a step up from that win, but it looks well within the pacer’s range. The old saying goes there is no such thing as a good thing, but Secret Agent Man looks as close as you will find at Cromwell. To place a bet on this race click here View the full article