Wandering Eyes

Destino d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro) ran them all down late in the lane to win the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park. Content to watch the action unfold from the rear of the field as frontrunners posted opening splits of :23.43 and a half-mile in :46.87, Destino d'Oro was called on to improve her position as the field closed ranks after six panels in 1:10.41 and running room became something of a precious commodity for several competitors to her inside. Swinging into upper stretch with a full head of steam, Destino d'Oro took the overland route and rolled right by her rivals to win it well. Crevalle d'Oro (Constitution) ran on for second while Movin' On Up (Accelerate) claimed third. The final time was 1:40.33. Destino d'Oro claimed the GIII Pucker Up Stakes last year at Ellis Park as well as the Tropical Park Oaks in her 2025 season cap at this venue. #3 DESTINO D'ORO ($33.20) comes flying down the outside to win the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup F&M Turf Invitational (G2) at @GulfstreamPark. The daughter of Bolt d'Oro (@spendthriftfarm) was ridden by @JuniorandKellyA and is trained by @Bradcoxracing. Steve Landers Racing owns. pic.twitter.com/kctfGCiwX4 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 Saturday, Gulfstream Park PEGASUS WORLD CUP FILLY AND MARE TURF INVITATIONAL S. PRESENTED BY THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE-GII, $490,500, Gulfstream, 1-24, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.33, fm. 1–DESTINO D'ORO, 120, f, 4, by Bolt d'Oro 1st Dam: Heart of Destiny (GISP, $242,089), by Lion Heart 2nd Dam: Doc's Destiny, by Doc's Leader 3rd Dam: Ventured, by Codex ($20,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $185,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Steve Landers Racing LLC; B-Hurstland Farm, Inc. & James H. Greene Jr. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Junior Alvarado. $285,000. Lifetime Record: 8-5-0-1, $829,884. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Crevalle d'Oro, 118, m, 5, Constitution–Sonoma d'Oro, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($60,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $220,000 4yo '25 FTDAUG; $500,000 4yo '25 KEENOV). O-TCC Stables LLC, Iavarone, Michael and Iavarone, Jules; B-Sandra Sexton (KY); T-Jose Francisco D'Angelo. $95,000. 3–Movin' On Up, 118, m, 5, Accelerate–Stifle Yourself, by Cairo Prince. O-Kenneth L. Ramsey; B-Estate Of Harvey A. Clarke (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.. $47,500. Margins: HF, HF, HF. Odds: 15.60, 31.50, 7.30. Also Ran: Whiskey Decision, Heredia (GB), Caitlinhergrtness, And One More Time, Proctor Street, In Our Time, Breath Away (GB), Ready for Shirl, Classic Q. Scratched: Awesome Czech, Candy Quest. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Destino d’Oro Runs Down Rivals to Win Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Ashburton trainer/driver John Morrison will have a strong presence on his home track today, with eight drives and a number of each way chances. The meeting, that celebrates the various clubs of Canterbury, was transferred from Methven after it was deemed unsuitable to race on following this week’s bad weather. Morrison considers Destiny’s Dream as one of his best chances in the final race of the day, Race 11 the Ashburton MSA & Super Liquor Mobile Pace over 2400m. Coming into today after some credible runs at the recent Marlborough circuit, Morrison is quietly confident of a good run from the mare. “She’s been a great mare and has done a super job over the past 18 months for the stable. She shouldn’t be too far away if she gets a good run. She’s jumping out of her skin since she’s returned from Blenheim,” said Morrison. A race earlier Raknruin lines up in The Papanui – Founders Cafe Pace over 2400m. Raknruin won stylishly in a fresh state at Gore on December 27 and has had two runs since then leading into today. “I was disappointed with her run at Roxburgh, but she may not have handled the track. Then at Cromwell we had a false start and she threw her toys out. She can get a bit uptight when things don’t go her way. “I’m pleased with the draw because she’ll have no work to do. She can really run – she’s the best track worker I’ve got. She has the potential to win quite a few races. I’ve fiddled around with her shoeing a bit too since the Central circuit – so hopefully that will help her gait.” Morrison has six other drives on the programme including the shortest priced favourite of the day Scotlynn Fortress ($1.95FF) for trainer Dean Taylor in Race 3, the New Brighton Club By The Sea Mobile Pace over 2400m. “I don’t mind the horse, he’s a handy maiden. If he got a nice run he should go well, he’s in good form. Dean’s team is going well at the moment.” Morrison will link up with another of Dean Taylor’s runners Bodacious ($20.00FF) at longer odds in Race 9, the Hornby Club Handicap Trot over 2400m. “I haven’t driven it since it was a maiden. It can go near enough when it settles handy so we will be hoping for an economical run.” Morrison will also drive two runners for trainer Fred Scott. Take A Chance On Me in Race 4, the Richmond Club – The Borough Pace over 2400m, will need to find a few lengths to be a threat. However Courtney Rose in Race 6, the Rangiora RSA & Club “The Heart Of Rangiora” Handicap Pace over 2400m looks to have stronger credentials. “It went super at Nelson both days. A good draw and the way it’s been going she’s good enough to be right there. She begins pretty safe so should run well.” Kushite Warrior for trainer Malcolm Shinn has been steadily improving this campaign and looks set for another honest effort in Race 7, The Country Clubs, Oxford & Lincoln Pace over 2400m. “It ran on good at Addington on Friday. If I can just get her away and a nice sit she’s got a bit of speed.” Morrison links up with local trainer Ben Waldron and Georgie Zukov in Race 8, the Kaiapoi Club & The Garrick At The W.W.M.C Mobile Pace over 2400m. The 11-year-old gelding will line up favourite at career start 81. “He’s definitely improving. His run at Blenheim on the second day was good. He’s heading in the right path.” Race one gets underway at 12:10pm. View the full article

Litigation (Twirling Candy) posted four victories last season, with three in a row at one point, and he got right back to winning ways in his 2026 bow. Breaking his maiden in the middle of his campaign last year, he picked up two additional wins in succession against allowance company sprinting on the grass, defeating GISW Troubleshooting (Not This Time) while he was at it, and rallied belatedly at Keeneland in October to miss collecting his fourth in a row. He redeemed himself two back Oct. 31 when he defeated a Churchill allowance group across town and post his best career figure to date with a 92 Beyer. Litigation was last seen Dec. 20 at this venue running sixth in the Janus Stakes after being jostled at the break, and checked at the three-eighths marker. Made the lukewarm 5-2 favorite here, he watched the race unfold from eighth as 3-1 second choice Coppola (Into Mischief) set the early fractions of :20.79 and four furlongs clocked in :43.20 as the field launched rallies behind that leader coming off the bend. Swung seven wide in upper stretch, Litigation roared home in the final strides to nail 96-1 longshot Full Disclosure (Cajun Breeze) by a neck. My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) matched strides with the lead group in the final yards, and lost the photo for second by a nose, having to settle for third. During the running, around the sixteenth pole, Unconquerable Keen (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) clipped heels and lost the rider, completing the race without Umberto Rispoli and was collected by an outrider afterwards. The Stewards conducted a review of the running, but reported to not find any reason to alter the original order of finish. Litigation is the third stakes horse for dam Argue behind his half-sisters Slimey (Quality Road), purchased by Japanese connections in 2023, and SW Quality Response (Quality Road), who was exported to Australia in 2022. All of the winner's half-siblings to make it to the races have gotten their picture taken, and all four sisters, including the two black-type mares, are winner producers. The first live foal after several years of poor breeding luck for Argue, Litigation has a juvenile full-brother in the wings. The mare is due to Blame in 2026. GULFSTREAM PARK TURF SPRINT S. PRESENTED BY SEMINOLE HARD ROCK, $155,000, Gulfstream, 1-24, 4yo/up, 5fT, :55.03, fm. 1–LITIGATION, 120, c, 4, Twirling Candy–Argue, by Storm Cat. 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Stone Farm; B-Stone Farm (KY); T-Brian A. Lynch; J-Mario Gutierrez. $87,420. Lifetime Record: 9-5-1-0, $362,641. *1/2 to Slimey (Quality Road), SP, $265,964. 2–Full Disclosure, 118, g, 7, Cajun Breeze–Theladysaidno, by Concerto. O-Sherry Racing, Inc.; B-Shadybrook Farm Inc (FL); T-Mohamed Jehaludi. $33,200. 3–My Boy Prince, 122, g, 5, Cairo Prince–Hopping Not Hoping, by Silent Name (Jpn). (C$115,000 Ylg '22 CANSEP). O-Gary Barber; B-Murray Graham Smith (ON); T-Mark E. Casse. $14,100. Margins: NK, NO, 1HF. Odds: 2.90, 96.40, 4.20. Also Ran: Asher's Edge, And Uwish, Coppola, Sam the Sham, Incanto (Ire), Eamonn, Out On Bail, Unconquerable Keen (Ire). Scratched: Khaadem (Ire), Sosua Summer. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Litigation Back to Winning Ways in Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Less than 48 hours after Team Godolphin celebrated Horse of the Year success, among other plaudits, at the Eclipse Awards ceremonies in nearby Palm Beach, KNIGHTSBRIDGE (h, 5, Nyquist–Tyburn Brook, by Bernardini) kept the good times rolling, as he contested a hot pace outside of his less-experienced chief market rival Life and Times (Justify), got the better of that duel turning for home and kicked on gamely to take out Saturday's GIII Fred W. Hooper Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Favored at 4-5 off a maiden success at the graded level in the seven-furlong GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes last time, the homebred bounced away alertly from gate six and argued the pace from the outside, as Life and Times, big-figure winner of each of his two career starts to date, showed the way through an opening quarter mile in :23.64 down the chute and they were at each other after four furlongs in :45.25. Going nicely in hand on the turn, Knightsbridge nosed in front under a hold at the five-sixteenths, opened a winning margin and held sway to the wire, as 26-1 Back Em Up (Take Charge Indy) spiced up the exotics. Life and Times managed to hold on for third. Lifetime Record: 7-5-1-1. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Bill Mott #6 KNIGHTSBRIDGE ($3.60) had plenty left late after an all out battle with Life and Times from the start to win the $175,000 Fred W. Hooper (G3) at @GulfstreamPark. The son of Nyquist (@DarleyAmerica) was ridden by @JuniorandKellyA, trained by Bill Mott, and owned by @godolphin. pic.twitter.com/lJJYndSS21 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 The post Knightsbridge Wins Battle and War In Fred W. Hooper appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release Ahead of the OBSOnline January Sale and January Winter Mixed Sale, OBS has upgraded its internet bidding platform for both live and timed auctions. For new users, please go to the login page bid.obssales.com/login and register to be a new bidder. Instructions for NEW users: Go to the login page–bid.obssales.com/login Select the “Register Now” button Follow the prompts Be sure to check your emails for account activation invitations For existing users, as part of the migration process, existing passwords could not be moved over. To regain access in the new platform, existing users will need to go to the login page bid.obssales.com/login and use the “Forgot Password” feature to establish a new password. Instructions for EXISTING users: Go to the login page–bid.obssales.com/login Click “Forgot Password” Re-enter the email used for the existing account An email will be sent to the email address provided with a link to reset your password. Follow the prompts and you will be able to access the bidding platform. If you do not receive a password reset email, please check your spam or junk folder. The post OBS Updates Online Bidding Platform appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saudi businessman Amr Zedan is in investment talks with the English Football League's Preston North End club, according to Sky News. In recent weeks, Zedan has been in discussion with Preston North End's board about a possible deal. However, the club, which is chasing a playoff berth, is also in talks with other parties. Zedan is heavily involved with horseracing primarily in California in association with Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. As an owner under his Zedan Racing Stables banner, he has raced nine graded winners in the U.S. Topping that list are current stallions Taiba (Spendthrift Farm), a three-time Grade I winner, GI Arkansas Derby hero Muth (Gainesway Farm), GI Pacific Classic victor Arabian Knight (Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa), GI Woody Stakes winner Arabian Lion (Spendthrift Farm), and current three-year-old Brant (Gun Runner), a winner of the GI Del Mar Futurity. Zedan also raced GI Preakness Stakes third Medina Spirit. One of Englands oldest football teams, Preston North End has been owned by the Hemmings family since July of 2010. In July of 2024, the Hemmings family drafted Rothschild to determine options for new investment or an ownership change. A spokesperson for Zedan said that Zedan and the club's discussions began in early December “regarding an investment in the club intended to support its long-term Premier League ambitions.” The spokesperson also claimed there was currently a “lack of constructive engagement by club owners as money coming early into the transfer window which is now closing was key to [Zedan's] enthusiasm for supporting the club, its community and loyal fan base”. This weekend, people with close ties to Preston North End disputed those claims. Zedan was one of the interested buyers of Chelsea several years ago when the former owner Roman Abramovich was effectively forced to sell after Russia invaded Ukraine. The post Grade I-Winning Owner Amr Zedan In Investment Talks With Football Club Preston North End appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first foal sired by Grade I winner Domestic Product (Practical Joke–Goods and Services, by Paynter) arrived Friday, Jan. 23 at Hidden Brook Farm in Kentucky. “It's her first foal but he has good bone and the substance is there. We're very happy with him,” said owner Sergio de Sousa. The colt is the first produce from his dam She Caught My Eye (Violence), a five-time winner of better than $170,000 from ages three to five and a half-sister to the stakes-placed Jewel of Arabia (Daredevil). The colt's third dam Purrfectly (Storm Cat) was responsible for the classy Santa Catarina (Unbridled), a Grade II winner and placed three times at the highest level, including a runner-up effort to Bird Town in the 2003 Kentucky Oaks. This is also the female family of former 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard and current Kentucky stallion Caracaro. Bred and raced by Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables and trained by Chad Brown, Domestic Product won the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby, but proved most effective at one turn, winning the one-mile GIII Dwyer Stakes ahead of a victory in the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes where the vanquished included recent Eclipse Award winner Book'em Danno (Bucchero). Those accomplishments mirrored those of his sire in 2017. Domestic Product stands alongside Practical Joke at Coolmore's Kentucky nursery and will cover mares at a fee of $25,000 in 2026. The post Domestic Product’s First Foal A Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

7th-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 1m, 3:21 p.m. ET. The full-brother of champion 3-year-old filly Nest (Curlin) makes the races under same trainer Todd Pletcher. SPARTACUS dam Marion Ravenwood (A.P. Indy) was a $2.6-million purchase by M.V. Magnier at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale while the first-time starter was in utero. Her other progeny includes GI 'Big Cap' victor Idol (Curlin) and MSW Lost Ark (Violence). , Canaletto (Into Mischief) makes his first start after going for an even million at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale. Sent to trainer Chad Brown, the colt is a half-brother to GI Arkansas Derby champ Sandman (Tapit) and $1.1-million buy for John Sikura at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, She Can't Sing (Bernardini). Canaletto's dam Distorted Music (Distorted Humor)–who went through the same Fasig-Tipton auction ring in 2024 and was taken home for $375,000 by Springhouse Farm–is herself a half-sister to GSP Zinzay (Smart Strike), the dam of SW Moon Over Miami (Malibu Moon). The Brown trainee's extended female family includes GSW Whiskey Decision (Into Mischief), plus MGISW Music Note (A.P. Indy) who foaled current sire Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper). The strong pedigree ties continue with Hickman Creek (Constitution). The Juddmonte homebred, who is trained by Brad Cox, is a half-brother to G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief), and his dam is a full-sister to MGISW Emollient (Empire Maker) and a half to GI Florida Derby champ Hofburg (Tapit). TJCIS PPS 1st-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, f, 7 1/2fT, 12:20 p.m. ET. Solve (Ire) (Zarak {FR}) is out of a French group stakes placed dam who is a half-sister to sire Lope de Vega (Ire) (Shamardal). Continuing that theme, A Wonderful World (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the first foal for a mare who counts stallion Nathaniel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) as her half-brother. TJCIS PPS 5th-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 7 1/2fT, 2:21 p.m. ET. Democracy Defender (American Pharoah) heads to the post for Parkland Thoroughbreds and trainer Jorge Abreu. The dark bay's dam, Jody's Song (Scat Daddy), is also responsible for her full-sister GSW Jody's Pride. Jody's Song is a half-sister to MSW Make Mischief (Into Mischief), who Stonestreet secured for a million at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: Full To Champion Nest V. Sandman’s Half-Brother Set For Gulfstream Go appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Speed Shopper (Quality Road) made her first start at Gulfstream Park a winning one as she rolled home late to take the inaugural running of the GIII Christophe Clement Stakes on Pegasus World Cup Day. Breaking her maiden last season at Saratoga in her third start coming off a layoff of over a year, the Will Walden trainee steadily improved on paper and missed winning the GII Rodeo Drive Stakes two back Oct. 4 at Santa Anita. She resurfaced at Turfway Park Dec. 20 in the Florence Stakes to win by a half-length over Ayra Stark (Arg) (Cosmic Trigger), who returned here for this contest. The field was in no rush through the early fractions as Speed Shopper enjoyed a ground saving trip along the fence for most of the running behind a half-mile split in :50.20 and six panels in 1:15.05. Turning for home with Ayra Stark to catch as she bravely tried to turn back challengers, Speed Shopper quickly overtook her by midstretch to win well. That longtime leader held on for second over an equally game Weighted Average (English Channel). The final time for the mile and a half trip was 2:26.76. Sales history: $430,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $95,000 RNA HRA '24 KEENOV. O-Barber, Gary, Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-AR Enterprises, LLC & Edward Easton (KY); T-Will Walden. #1 SPEED SHOPPER ($16.60) saw a deal and was the first one to the line to win the inaugural $175,000 Christophe Clement (G3) at @GulfstreamPark . The daughter of Quality Road (@LanesEndFarms) was ridden by @ljlmvel and is trained by @wwaldenracing. pic.twitter.com/Cuw2aFAwP0 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 The post Speed Shopper Rolls Late to Claim Inaugural Running of Christophe Clement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Swing Vote (Constitution) went off as the favorite on debut in Hallandale Dec. 28. The late juvenile was slow out of the blocks and on hold approaching the stretch, but she offered a determined run at the rail and a strong gallop out after finishing third. Serving as the chalk once again here, the 9-5 choice raced behind the speed in the two path as a scramble ensued on the engine up the backstretch. The filly moved right past the 'Insighted' Beneficence (Into Mischief) around the far turn and began to target a trio of leaders before the top of the lane. Spoiling for a fight, the 3-year-old collared Sippin Pretty (Yaupon) inside the final sixteenth and turned the maiden bill into law for herself. Beneficence finished seventh. The second foal for her dam, the winner has a 2-year-old full-sister named Fifth and Walnut, who went to Mainline Racing/Avalong Racing for $275,000 during Keeneland September, and a yearling half-brother by Curlin. A half-sister to the dam of SW La Ville Lumiere (City of Light), Fast Scene was bred to Justify for this term. Out of an extended female family which includes GI Kentucky Derby hero Monarchos (Maria's Mon), Swing Vote's second dam is a full-sister to SW Supreme (Empire Maker), herself the dam of current sire Silver State (Hard Spun). 2nd-Gulfstream, $68,000, Msw, 1-24, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:09.84, ft, 1 length. SWING VOTE (f, 3, Constitution–Fast Scene {MSW-Can, SP-USA, $145,926}, by Fast Anna Sales History: $275,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $45,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-CJ Thoroughbreds; B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); T-William I. Mott. SWING VOTE ($5.60) rolled by them under @JuniorandKellyA in the 2nd at @GulfstreamPark. Bill Mott trains the 3YO filly by @WinStarFarm's Constitution. Play the Pick 5: https://t.co/yZK3pc7EZq pic.twitter.com/pvrUGOiAh5 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 The post Suffragette! Constitution’s Swing Vote Sweeps Into Maiden Office At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, post time: 15:00, CENTENARY SPRINT CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, 3yo/up, 1200mT Field: Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}), Helios Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}), Fast Network (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}), Raging Blizzard (NZ) (Per Incanto), Tomodachi Kokoroe (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), Beauty Waves (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Lucky With You (Aus) (Artie Schiller). TDN Analysis: Ka Ying Rising will attempt to make history and equal Hong Kong legend Silent Witness's record of 17 wins in a row by a Hong Kong-trained horse. A surprise here is not impossible, but Helios Express needs to find 12 pounds via international ratings. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, post time: 16:05, STEWARDS' CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, 3yo/up, 1600mT Field: Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}), Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), Red Lion (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}), Galaxy Patch (Aus) (Wandjina {Aus}), Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), My Wish (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Sunlight Power (Aus) (Capitalist {Aus}). TDN Analysis: It is difficult to look beyond Hong Kong heavyweights Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in Sunday's Stewards' Cup. The former holds top-level form in four countries and is running in his first 1600-metre race since claiming Japan's G1 Yasuda Kinen in 2024. The latter has won two editions of the Stewards' Cup in 2024/2025. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Hong Kong’s Big Three Return To Action appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jay Rooney DAZZLING FIT - R11 (2) Trialled well since his laststart defeat and can atone from a good draw Owen Goulding ALL'S WELL - R7 (3) Ran on well despite a nightmare trip last start and can strike here Trackwork Spy HAPPY INDEX - R10 (4) Can build on a nice third on his Hong Kong debut with Purton hopping on Phillip Woo LUCKY EIGHT - R2 (1) Should prove too good in this grade despite a wide draw Shannon (Vincent Wong) PATCH OF STARS - R9 (4) Performed well in recent trial and looks...View the full article

Expat Kiwi jockey Logan Bates returned home to record his biggest moment in racing when scoring his first elite-level success aboard Jigsaw in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The 24-year-old hoop has been making a name for himself in Victoria under the tutelage of his employer Cindy Alderson, who trains Jigsaw, and he was rapt to bring up the milestone in her silks. “It means everything,” Bates said. “I remember before I even started riding, Cindy and I had a conversation and she said one of her greatest achievements would be to see me win a Group One and the comment at the end was that it would be even better if it was in her colours for the Alderson family, and we have done it.” Bates has formed a formidable partnership with Jigsaw, having won their previous three starts before heading to New Zealand, including the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) and A$1 million Meteorite (1200m), and Bates said the seven-year-old gelding his belying his age. “What a beautiful horse,” he said. “You wouldn’t think he was a seven-year-old gelding to come back like this and get better and better. Every day I ride him going this way (right-handed) and all the work that we have done with him I just grew in confidence.” The pair sat outside pacemaker Alabama Lass for most of the journey and when Bates asked his charge the question down the home straight he immediately responded, kicking clear to score by three-quarters of a length over fellow Australian raider Arkansaw Kid. “The plan was either to lead if it was there or if they were rolling along at a tempo where he was happy in his rhythm,” Bates said. “When I gave him a squeeze and he ranged up to Alabama Lass, he grew with confidence and gave me an unbelievable kick.” Bates had plenty of support in the crowd, with his mother Kylie Williams, who had ridden earlier in the card, and his father, former jockey Jamie Bates, both cheering him home. “There are so many people to thank. I have got Mum and Dad here, my partner, my good mate Jake, and to do it for Cindy is just unreal,” he said. “It was like it was meant to be, to come back to where I grew up in New Zealand. Even his (Jigsaw) mother was from New Zealand. Coming here and racing on one of the best days here and taking out one of their bigger Group Ones in the Railway is just incredible.” Williams was beaming with pride following the win, and she was delighted to be trackside to share in the moment with her child. “I couldn’t get a Group One, but I produced one,” she quipped. “He knows this horse inside and out. To see them accomplish it together, and for Cindy, is awesome. “It is good to see him grow and mature into such a professional young man. I am very proud of him.” The win capped a great day for Bates, who bookended the six-race card, having ridden the Margaret Falconer-trained Moschino to victory in the HKJC World Pool Jo Giles Stakes (1400m). View the full article

For those looking for a succinct summary of the result in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie, the answer was very simple – Well Written first, daylight second. The unbeaten daughter of Written Tycoon was not just a red-hot favourite for the event, she was the horse that so many of the massive on-course crowd had specifically come to see, and she didn’t disappoint as she let rip with 200m to run and simply powered away from a quality field to win by an ever increasing six-length margin. Trainer Stephen Marsh has made no secret of the fact the filly could be the best horse he has ever trained and Well Written is living up to that mantle with five victories in a row, including four at stakes level. Marsh had admitted he had been nervous when his charge resumed at Ellerslie on Boxing Day in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and had cause to be as she won but not in her normal dominant fashion. That however was just the prelude to the first of two enormous target races and she stripped much fitter for this assignment in the hands of regular pilot Matt Cartwright. Brilliantly away to lead clearly from barrier three, Cartwright eased the filly back as Fleeting Star and He Who Dares took up pacemaking duties. The legion of supporters on the $1.50 Fixed Odds favourite had cause from concern when Cartwright found himself in a pocket approaching the home turn, although he was tracking second favourite La Dorada into contention. Cartwright forced his way clear at the 250m and in a twinkling of an eye Well Written burst away and put the result beyond doubt before receiving a massive round of applause as she hit the finish line. Cartwright’s assessment of the effort summed the victory up perfectly. “The best horse I have ever ridden, this horse is an absolute weapon,” he said. “It’s so exciting as we got the right run, we got through and wow I nearly fell off the back of her. “She was very keen today but I have always wanted to ride her with cover as she just drops her head relaxes and shows that good turn of foot. “I think we have seen a very special win today. I’m speechless and I think she is right up to Australia’s best.” Marsh was suitably relaxed despite the pressure of preparing a filly as good as Well Written. “Everything went well although we probably got back a length further than I wanted,” Marsh said. “I thought she paraded so well today as I was a shade of green before last start, but I was relatively relaxed today and we have just seen something pretty special.” Marsh also praised Cartwright for his handling of the filly as he has repaid his faith in having him aboard the now $1 million earner. “People have asked me how good is she and I just hope she keeps improving the way she has, as it is very exciting. “I always say to Matt don’t panic, have faith in yourself and the horse and if you are going well on one with this ability it will happen (winning). “He didn’t panic and that is what I like about him. “This makes me feel bloody good and this is why we do it, why we get out of bed and I just love seeing the owners and everyone so excited. “You will now see her in the Kiwi next.” Marsh was referring to the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) that will be run at Ellerslie on March 7. Marsh and his bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson paid a sale-topping $80,000 to buy Well Written from Brighthill Farm’s draft in the 2024 NZB National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus. Marsh’s large syndicate of owners that originally raced Well Written all sold down their share after she scored a seven-length victory in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), with major international player Yulong Investments coming into the ownership before she took out the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November. Her five race victories have rewarded her connections to the tune of $1,4 million in prizemoney. – View the full article

Letham Stud stallion Unusual Suspect was credited with his second stakes winner when Anemacore lived up to his long-held potential and pre-race favouritism with victory in Saturday’s A$160,000 Listed Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m). Ridden by Michael Rodd for trainer Shaun Dwyer, Anemacore had only three horses behind him with 300m to run but produced a powerful finishing burst to get up and win by a length and a quarter. Anemacore has now had 20 starts for six wins, nine placings and A$364,760 in stakes. But a series of setbacks have prevented him from fully achieving what Dwyer has long believed him to be capable of, including a bleeding attack at Eagle Farm last May. “We’ve probably only seen half of what the horse should’ve been able to do,” Dwyer said. “He had a back issue very early and we got on top of that, and then he bled.” The six-year-old has made a strong return since then, winning three of his four starts this season along with a third in the Listed Lough Neah Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm on December 20 in his previous start. Anemacore was bred by Nigel and Adaire Auret, who stand Unusual Suspect at Letham Stud. He is the sire of 52 winners from just 84 runners, with Anemacore joining Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) winner Unusual Countess as his second stakes winner. Unusual Suspect is also the sire of black-type placegetters Unusual Legacy and Unusual Culture. Anemacore is out of the Rip Van Winkle mare Saintly Ripa, a daughter of Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) winner Saint Cecile. Anemacore was a trial winner at Foxton in December 2022 for the Aurets’ son Fraser before being sold to Australia. View the full article

NZB Kiwi slot holder The King’s Men had massive grins on their faces following Belle Cheval’s victory in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. A day prior they made the announcement that they had secured the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained filly as their representative for the $4 million Champions Day feature in March, and their choice was quickly vindicated. The daughter of Savabeel jumped away well from her inside barrier and settled three back on the fence for jockey Craig Williams. The leading Australian hoop was able to extricate his filly off the fence when turning for home and Belle Cheval began to chase down the leaders, bounding to the front at the 100m mark and comfortably put away her rivals to win by 1-1/4 lengths over Bulgari, with a further short neck back to stablemate Drops Of God in third. “She is a very nice filly,” Williams said. “She was favourite for a reason and the fact that she was first-up over 1200m and she could utilise her barrier draw, she won untouched today.” The lightly-raced filly had three prior starts in the spring, culminating in her placing in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November, and Walker believes that southern trip has proven to be the making of her. “That’s why we love taking horses to Riccarton in the spring,” he said. “The trip down to Riccarton just made her. Mentally she was just a bit soft going down there but with that experience she has come back more mature, more experienced and she has got it all ahead of her.” With the NZB Kiwi (1500m) now firmly in their sights, Walker said Belle Cheval will likely be given one more start before the March 7 feature, before they potentially look across the Tasman for further targets. “1500m will be right up her alley,” Walker said. “Perhaps we will go to the Lisa Chittick (Listed, 1400m) at Matamata (on February 14) where she will have home track advantage. “Obviously, Lisa Chittick was a very special person to all the Te Akau crew and we would love to win that race. “There is obviously the NZB Kiwi and then we would like to get her to Australia.” Bred by prominent racing identity David Archer, Belle Cheval is a half-sister to his former three-time Group One winner Bostonian, and he races the filly in partnership with his partner Diane Wright and children Simon Archer and Natalie Micarone. Belle Cheval has now won two and placed in two of her four starts to date and accrued more than $216,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Queensland trainer Liam Birchley continued his great association with the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) when recording his third win in the juvenile feature at Ellerslie on Saturday. He had previously won the $1 million race in 2010 with Sister Havana before doubling his tally in 2015 with Hardline, while he also finished runner-up in the race in 2009 with Sarge In Charge. He returned to New Zealand with two contenders for his year’s running, including Dream Roca and Vanzadee, and it was the former who gave Birchley his third Karaka Millions crown following a gun ride by Australian hoop Ben Thompson. From her ace draw, the daughter of El Roca enjoyed an economical trip in the trail behind pacemaker Magill throughout, and while she needed the entire length of the straight to nab the Hawke’s Bay gelding, she showed her tenacity in the closing stages to reel in her foe to win by a long head. “We were lucky enough to draw number one, which saves you a lot of work in the run, she could take it easy and save her best for the end, which we needed to,” Birchley said. “From barrier one you are going to get the best run no matter what if you have got the right jockey. He (Thompson) is an emerging superstar.” Birchley was rapt to record his third win in the race and said it was particularly sentimental given one of her owners passed away just weeks before the race. “It’s tremendous to get it three times, I know how hard it is to win it, and the standard here of the two-year-olds has improved markedly over the last 10 years,” he said. “I have got a lot of really close friends in this horse that go back a long way. One of the owners has just died recently and he named her, so it means a lot.” It was the first meeting Thompson has ridden in in New Zealand, and he was duly rapt with his immediate success. “It is very surreal, it is an amazing track,” he said. “She is just a class filly. All credit to Liam Birchley, he is a brilliant trainer and it fills you with so much confidence when riding any horse of his, especially a two-year-old. It is the third time he has won this race, so it is great to partner up with him. “The track has been playing so fair, I had to just be patient and wait for a run, and she gave me a great kick.” Bred by Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvery, Dream Roca is out of five-win Redwood mare Petrachor, a half-sister to stakes performer Niobe. She was offered through Westbury Stud’s 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft where she was purchased by Birchley, under his Bloodstock Solutions banner, for $75,000. She has now won two and placed in one of her three starts to date and has earned more than $625,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

The addition of blinkers and a super ride by Opie Bosson resulted in Tuxedo taking out the first $1 million race on Karaka Millions night at Ellerslie, the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-prepared four-year-old has always shown massive promise and was a dual stakes winner during his three-year-old campaign before resuming with two meritorious performances in Group One company in the spring. Given a break after finishing sixth in the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa in September, the son of Waikato Stud stallion Tivaci resumed with a runner-up finish in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) before running a cracker second-up for fifth in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. With blinkers added to sharpen him up for his main assignment, Tuxedo proved an armchair ride for Bosson who had him positioned beyond midfield in a strung-out field early in the running, before taking gaps between horses as he forced his way into the clear after straightening. Hinekaha, who had had the drop on the leaders around the home turn, burst to the lead and looked the winner at the 200m, however, Bosson and Tuxedo were in the clear and powering home as they swamped the gallant mare in the shadows of the post to score by a long neck, with Aussie raider Knobelas running on strongly to take third. Ritchie, who along with the connections of the horse, looked resplendent in the group’s signature black tuxedo worn to every meeting the four-year-old races at, thanked the large group of owners albeit with a tongue-in-cheek caveat on their next purchase. “He has always shown us plenty of ability and I felt the blinkers would help him,” Ritchie said. “I’m delighted for my clients who have been with us for years and years and have put a lot of money in. “Days like this are what it is all about although I hope they don’t buy a filly and call it Mini Skirt as I won’t look that flash. “They have been at the Sales this week having a look around and they enjoy every moment of it.” Ritchie was quick to advise he hadn’t given Bosson any riding instructions prior to the horse heading out on to the track. “You don’t give Opie Bosson instructions on Karaka Million night,” he said. “I did say one thing in that when you do go for him, I think the blinkers will swich him on like they did in trackwork last week. “I’d love to have a little crack in Australia with this horse but we will stay at home now where maybe the Otaki mile (Gr.1, 1600m) and Bonecrusher Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) would be nice targets.” A win in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on March 7 would be a poignant moment for Ritchie, who was the strapper for the champion galloper the race is named after. Bosson was confident he was on a winning chance a long way from home and was delighted to win another of the richest race on a night where he has obtained cult status from a massive group of supporters who descend on the meeting each year. “The blinkers made a big difference as he travelled beautifully and across the top he started coming up underneath me,” he said. “All I needed was a split and when he got out and got balanced up, he just did the rest. “When I got clear I knew I was a big chance but then they kicked clear on the inside, but he stuck his head down and got the job done. “I missed this meeting last year so to get back in the saddle and win a big one is a great feeling.” Tuxedo was a $70,000 purchase from Book 1 of Karaka 2023. His 12-start career has produced five wins, three seconds and $1,037,235 in stakes. View the full article

Alexis Badel is hoping to continue his flawless record on My Wish when he looks to cause an upset against Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in Sunday’s Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin. The Mark Newnham-trained five-year-old put up some huge efforts last year, including wins in the Hong Kong Classic Mile and a close-up fourth in the Group One Champions Mile when only a length and a half behind Voyage Bubble. It has been mixed fortunes this season, however, with the Flying Artie...View the full article

Byerley Park conditioner Barbara Kennedy made her first foray to the South Island on Saturday a successful one as her handy mare Pour The Wine dominated her rivals in the closing stages of the Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton. The Daniel Nakhle-bred and part-owned daughter of Telperion had been struggling to recapture her form of old that had seen her finish in the top three in 13 of her 31 starts, and it had been nearly two years since she had featured in the winners’ enclosure. A last start seventh at Ellerslie, less than three lengths behind Sweynesday, hinted at better things and she stripped a fit horse for Kennedy and rider Kendra Bakker, although punters remained unconvinced as they let her start at odds of $24.80 on the tote. Bakker allowed her to find her feet early in the contest as she sat back near last on the inner before saving many lengths on her rivals by pushing up inside of runners rounding the home bend. Pour The Wine let down with a terrific sprint at the 300m and quickly burst to the front and went clear before easing down to beat the late closing Betty Spaghetti and Tomasina who filled the minor placings. Kennedy, who flew down from Auckland for the race, was overjoyed with her first stakes victory and also that she could provide apprentice Bakker with the same result. “That is my first stakes win and the same for Kendra so it is such a great feeling,” Kennedy said. “I had expected her to go well but when she got caught down on the inside I didn’t think she would finish off like that, but she handled the track really well. “She normally has quite a short sprint and then sort of peaks, but Kendra produced a pearler of a ride and she was just so strong at the end.” Kennedy had felt the mare could return to her best despite not having won for such a long period of time. “She has had some really hard luck stories and is always just in behind them,” she said. “This is going to be her last season before she goes to stud, so we thought she might get her best chance of a black-type win down here and I’m thrilled for Daniel and her other owners we could achieve that. “She is likely to stay down here for another couple of months as we have some more stakes races planned for her. “I do have to thank Lance Robinson, who has been looking after her for me since we sent her down last week, as he has done a great job keeping her ticking along in preparation for today.” Out of Nakhle’s O’Reilly mare Needlly, who won six races and was placed at stakes level, Pour The Wine is closely related to stakes winners Tomorrowland, Sahrhys and former top Hong Kong-based performer Flame Hero. She has now won five of her 32 starts and over $250,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

A clever ride and some good old-fashioned kiwi grit resulted in Savabeel filly Acer (NZ) (Savabeel) collecting her maiden victory in some style as she took out the Listed Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth. Consistent rain during the week and some heavy showers earlier in the day presented a very testing Heavy10 track surface, which had many struggling to cope with conditions a long way from the winning post. Wexford Stables pair Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott prepare Acer, who appealed as one who would get through the ground as she is a daughter of stakes-winning mare Sweet Treat, who scored her five career victories on wet tracks. Rider Erin Leighton made good use of an inside barrier draw to position her mount in behind pacemaker She Suits Herself, despite having her heart in her mouth immediately after the jump where the filly blundered before picking herself up and moving into the trail. Leighton took advantage of a slackening pace and charged through to dispute the lead at the 800m before hugging the rail around the home turn and seizing a two-length advantage. She Suits Herself was nothing if not game and fought hard to draw level once again, however, Acer was too tough and held her out by a neck at the line with Unbounded making up many lengths in the closing stages to take third. “I was really confident she had that residual fitness under her belt today and her Mum was a swimmer, so she had the breeding on her side to get through the track,” Leighton said. “Wexford knew what they were sending down as they looked at the forecast yesterday and told me she had water wings, so I was really confident. “I was advised to go forward, but if you look at the start she completely spreadeagled and we were about two feet from the ground. “She picked herself up and we went to Plan B which saw us get a prefect rails run and when she poked through on the inside she was tough enough to hold them all out.” Bred by the Smithies family under their Monovale Holdings banner, Acer failed to reach her $150,000 reserve at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale and has been retained for racing by the family. She holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie on 21 February where she now sits at a $21 quote in the TAB Fixed Odds market behind current favourite and stablemate Ohope Wins and Group One placed filly Tajana, who are both at $5. View the full article

Up-and-comer Taken (NZ) (Ardrossan) recorded his sixth win from only 12 career starts with another impressive performance in the A$150,000 A Caulfield Kind Of Summer Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday. The New Zealand-bred gelding made a big impression with his progress through the grades last year, stringing together five consecutive victories at Pakenham on April 24, Sandown on May 24, Flemington on June 7, Flemington on June 21 and Caulfield on November 15. That winning sequence came to an end when he was unplaced in the A$1 million Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham on December 13, but Taken bounced back to form in style on Saturday. The four-year-old was ridden by Jamie Melham and took up a position on the outside of the front-running Slane before kicking away at the top of the straight. His six rivals tried to reel him in down the straight but made little headway, and Taken went on to score comfortably by a length. Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Taken has now had 12 starts for six wins, five placings and A$489,360 in prize-money. “We were a bit perplexed after his performance in the Supernova,” Price and Kent’s racing manager Tom Sheahan said. “We ran over him with the vet and nothing was amiss. He’d run really well fresh before that, and it’s possible he was just a little bit dull second-up. We did also throw him in at the deep end. “We just took stock after that, gave him a nice tick-over trial in between, and as you saw today, he’s back up and firing. “The race worked out perfectly. We had him dual-accepted in Sydney as well, but this race came up light in numbers. The map looked super. We thought we’d be able to sit outside the lead, travel and win. “The 1700m is a new box that he’s just ticked today, so that might open up a few more doors for him going forward.” Originally prepared in New Zealand by Sam Mynott, Taken was sold to the Price-Kent stable following a trial win at Tauranga. By Waikato Stud’s emerging young sire Ardrossan, Taken is out of the Henrythenavigator mare Katherine Wright and stems from the same family as Ardrossan’s Group Three winner Beau Dazzler. Taken was bred by the Dewar Partnership, which was put together to support Ardrossan when he launched at stud by some people who raced the Group One-performed son of Redoute’s Choice. View the full article

Ka Ying Rising’s bid to equal Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 consecutive victories is “just another race” for a composed Zac Purton, who is just focusing on getting the job done in Sunday’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m). The David Hayes-trained superstar, who was crowned Timeform’s Horse of the Year and the joint second-best horse in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings earlier this week, will level the record that has stood since 2005 if he manages to defeat a field of...View the full article

There will be plenty of music at Gulfstream Park Jan. 24 on a typically festive Pegasus World Cup day. The DJs in the hospitality areas will probably be playing lots of pop and hip-hop. But on the racetrack, it could be Disco Time. View the full article