Wandering Eyes

Qatar's flagship international meeting at Al Rayyan Racecourse was abandoned due to unsafe conditions on the turf course. With racing moved to Al Uqda Feb. 16, Rebel's Romance, the big favorite in the H. H. The Amir Trophy (G3), has been withdrawn. View the full article

It's likely on to the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail for Baeza after the half brother to classic winners Dornoch and Mage rolled to a 4 3/4-length victory Feb. 14 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

AHAVAH (f, 3, City of Light–Holiday Soiree, by Harlan's Holiday) overcame a bit of a sluggish dispatch and held off a persistent late challenge from fellow well-tried first-starter Unwavering Trust (Nyquist) to take the second division of the 3-year-old filly six-furlong maiden Saturday afternoon at the Fair Grounds. A bit flat-footed at the break, the $400,000 Keeneland September yearling, whose half-sister Vahva (Gun Runner) won last year's GI Derby City Distaff, mustered for pace at the rail, took command and covered the first couple of furlongs in :21.49, slightly faster than the same split in race four. Going along nicely on the turn, Ahavah held the call into the stretch, was confronted by Unwavering Trust with a furlong and a half to race and dug in resolutely to prevail. The final time of 1:10.43 was 0.57 slower than the time recorded by the debuting Velvet Vortex in the first division. Sales history: $400,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Twin Brook Stables, Glassman Racing, Belladonna Racing, Woodford Racing, BCWT Ltd & Taylor Creek; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. Ahavah takes them gate-to-wire on debut in R6 at @fairgroundsnola for trainer @reredevaux with @jose93_ortiz aboard! This is a half-sister to MGSW Vahva! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/kjSzhHOQqj — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) February 15, 2025 The post Ahavah, City of Light Half-Sis To GISW Vahva, Home on NOLA Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton It wasn’t the night the Kiwis hoped for at Menangle. Better Knuckle Up and We Walk By Faith finished fourth and fifth respectively in the Hondo Grattan Stakes, meaning they will have to back-up next Saturday to try and snare spots in the $200,000 Group 1 Chariots Of Fire field. They were both sound runs in a race dominated from the front by last year’s TAB Eureka runner-up Bay Of Biscay in a scorching 1min49.8sec mile. Driver Cam Hart bustled Bay Of Biscay out from gate one to lead easily and then was kept honest in front by a headstrong and heavily-backed The Bigboss. Hart dashed for home rounding the final bend and opened up a big lead before speedy Emma Stewart-trained stablemate War Dan Buddy emerged from the back and charged home to get within 2.3m. Former Kiwi and Queensland Derby winner Major Hot, now trained in NSW by Paul Fitzpatrick, sat behind the lead and battled into third spot. They dashed home in 54.3 and 26.7. “He really deserved that. It’s a relief as much as exciting after a few luckless runs,” Bay Of Biscay’s part-owner Russell Maisner said. “We wanted to take luck out of the equations, so it was great to see him begin so well and lead. “Now we go straight to the Chariots where we’ll be hoping for another good draw.” Stewart already looks to safely have at least three Chariots runners with Bay Of Biscay and War Dan Buddy joining Miki To Success, who qualified through winning the 4YO Bonanza at Melton on Hunter Cup night. Earlier in the night, Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan’s Miracle Mile runner-up of last year, Sooner The Bettor, opened his latest Menangle campaign. But it proved an uncharacteristic flop after sitting one-one and weakening to finish last in a powerhouse free-for-all. Stewards stood the five-year-old down pending a vet’s certificate. The free-for-all was won by David Aiken’s remarkable veteran Max Delight, who worked hard to lead and smashed the clock with a 1min48.8sec mile rate. It took a second off his career best at the age of nine. Max Delight kept digging in to fend-off a very gallant Captains Knock, who sat outside him for the last half of the race. The pair further underlined the stunning strength of the Hunter Cup form. Max Delight ran eighth and Captains Knock sixth and both grabbed the eye from well back behind Swayzee in the February 1 Hunter Cup. Significantly, Don’t Stop Dreaming split them in seventh spot in the Hunter Cup and he has gone on to run a huge second to Leap To Fame in the Cranbourne Cup and then easily won the Terang Cup. The quick times at Menangle carried into the mares’ free-for-all where Luke McCarthy’s Eye Keep Smiling stunningly turned the tables on glamour Kiwi-bred mare Aardie’s Express. Eye Keep Smiling sat parked, poured on the pressure and dashed away to win by 7.9m in a career-best 1min49.4sec mile. Aardie’s Express settled back and looked a shadow of herself, just labouring into fourth spot, beaten 11.3m. View the full article

Sisters Kerryn and Sheree Tomlinson both look to have good chances at today’s two grass track meetings at Gore and at Motukarara. Tomlinson thrilled to drive Homebush Lad in Gore Summer Cup By Jonny Turner A week ago Kerryn Tomlinson wouldn’t have guessed she would be linking up with two of the most talented horses stepping out on Gore Summer Cup Day today. The Oamaru reinswoman has almost been in a game of musical sulkies this week, but she certainly has no complaints about landing the drives behind Homebush Lad and Jimmy Carter. Homebush Lad will be out to add to his incredible record in grass track features in the Gore Town and Country Club Gore Summer Cup. The veteran pacer won his second Waikouaiti Cup in his last trip south of the Waitaki River, earlier this month. “The smaller field will help him and he is usually a pretty good beginner.” “He loves the grass and the longer distances, so it looks like a pretty suitable race for him even off the back mark.” “I am thrilled to pick up the drive and I can’t thank the Hopes enough for putting me on.” “He has won a heap of cup races and hopefully he might be able to get another one.” Tomlinson is the regular driver of the Brad Williamson trained Domination’s Call, but in the Kim McDowall Painting and Decorating Gore Summer Trotters Cup, she will link up with Jimmy Carter. The driver knows the Phil Williamson trained trotter doesn’t lack horsepower, but he has been very error-prone lately. “It made sense for Brad to drive Domination’s Call this week or he would be sitting on the sidelines.” “Jimmy Carter has all the ability there, but it will be whether he can get away at the start.” “I have won on him before, but it was a mobile.” “Fingers crossed he can do things right.” Magnetic Beckers looks as strong as any of Tomlinson’s drives outside of Sunday’s features. The pacer only battled in his last start at Winton, but his prior third on grass at Riverton was excellent. “His last start on grass was great, he got pushed out and held up and then ran on very well wide.” “He has got a much better draw this time and he looks like a good each way chance.” Sheree Tomlinson with nice book of drives at Motukarara By Mike Love Canterbury reinswoman Sheree Tomlinson will provide punters with a lot of value to follow at today’s Banks Peninsula meeting at Motukarara with strong top three and four chances. Tomlinson has nine drives across the 11-race programme. Tomlinson will drive Dance With The Boss ($4.80FF) in Race 1, the NZB Airfreight Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainer Matt Purvis. The five-year-old Bettors Delight gelding was a gallant runner up last time out at the Waikouaiti meeting in Oamaru when driven by Ricky May. “He’s gone some good races lately. Hopefully he will relax from that draw and if we don’t get too far back he will be a good chance,” said Tomlinson. Other chances in the event include equal favourite Hi Hopes ($4.80FF) for Tom Bagrie. Major Linc ($8.50FF) in Race 3, the Seahorse Supplements Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainer Bruce Negus cannot be overlooked as a strong each way chance. The Sky Major gelding has drawn the ace. “The draw should bring him into it. He will be a good place chance. With his good gate speed, we should get a good run and be thereabouts.” Other chances in the event include the shortest priced favourite of the day Mariana Trench ($1.75FF) while Imperial Laz ($6.00FF) will have his second outing for new trainer Bob Butt. Tomlinson will drive four runners for West Melton trainer Amber Lethaby – one of those coming in Race 7, the Chris Jones – Bayleys Real Estate Trot over 2170m with Racey Krusa ($4.60FF). “I thought he ran on well at Methven last time, so if he brings his manners he will have a good chance with the right run.” Tomlinson rates Zsazsa Binx ($7.00FF) in Race 10, the Moore Walker Davey Searells Accountants trot over 2170m as a strong chance with luck. The five-year- old Majestic Son mare will need to overcome a second line draw to play a role. “She’s been going really well lately. She did all the donkey work last time and tried right through the line. It’s not an ideal draw, but if she continues her good form then she’s a good chance.” Tomlinson’s other drives are; Race 2 – Star Invasion ($51.00FF) Race 5 – Gamely ($61.00FF) Race 8 – Sweet Glory ($11.00FF) Race 9 – Misty Blue ($4.50FF) Race 11 – Hope For Love ($26.00FF) Race 1 gets underway at 12:15pm. HRNZ representatives will also be on course at Motukarara today to answer all queries about the new Next Gen ownership model. After yesterday’s highly successful NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales at Karaka more Next Gen yearlings will go under the hammer at Christchurch on Tuesday. View the full article

There are eight horse racing meetings set for Australia on Sunday, February 16. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Port Macquarie & Sha Tin (HK). Sunday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 16, 2025 Port Macquarie Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) 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 16, 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

Rider Penalties R Elliot | Te Aroha 12 February; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 15 February). T Mitchell | Te Aroha 12 February; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 15 February). N Hailey | Taranaki 14 February; medical clearance required. W Kennedy | Matamata 15 February; careless riding; suspended 24 February – 7 March inclusive. M Lerner | Matamata 15 February; failed to make weight; fined $100. S Wynne | Southland 15 February; weighed in over the weight she weighed out; fined $200. K Mudhoo | Southland 15 February; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalty P Gerard | Te Aroha 12 February; late to present runner to enclosure; fined $150. Horse Penalties BOXMOSS | Te Aroha 12 February; lost rider early stages; must complete trial. LET IT BEGIN | Matamata 15 February; epistaxis; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. INTENTION | Matamata 15 February; very slow to begin; must complete trial. ZA BEAUTEOUS | Southland 15 February; lame; veterinary clearance required. LOOSE SALLY | Southland 15 February; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. The post 10-16 February 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

4th-Fair Grounds, $55,000, Msw, 2-15, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:09.86, ft, 3/4 length. VELVET VORTEX (f, 3, Complexity–Sweet Pistol, by Smart Strike) was bet down from a morning line of 9-2 to jump as the 13-5 favorite while making her career debut at the Fair Grounds Saturday afternoon and got the better of a final-furlong tussle with second-time starter Velvet Devil (Kantharos) to graduate in strong fashion. Drawn three, the $375,000 Keeneland September purchase bounced beautifully, but was just outfooted to the front by the rail-drawn Velvet Devil, second after leading into the final furlong of her lone start to date over course and distance Jan. 20. Settled just off the pacesetter's flank through sharp fractions of :21.65 for the quarter and :45.32 for the half-mile, the less-experienced Velvet runner chased outside Velvet Devil into the final furlong, grabbed her stubborn rival about a sixteenth of a mile from the finish and edged clear. It was a chasm of 8 1/2 lengths back to the well-meant Atarah (Bolt d'Oro) in third. The winner is a half-sister to 'TDN Rising Star' Faiza (Girvin), the 2022 GI Starlet Stakes winner before adding the GIII Santa Ysabel Stakes and GII Santa Anita Oaks in 2023 en route amassing earnings of $672,000. Herself a $325,000 KEESEP yearling, Sweet Pistol– whose MGSW/GISP dam Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy) also produced MGSW sire Thousand Words (Pioneerof the Nile)–was purchased by the late Brereton C. Jones for $33,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale. Owing to Faiza's exploits, Sweet Pistol's now 7-year-old daughter Kirtan (Cairo Prince) fetched $235,000 in foal to Girvin at KEENOV in 2023, while Faiza herself was hammered down to Godolphin for $4 million at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Sweet Pistol is also the dam of Velvet Vortex's 2-year-old full-brother Cocked Pistol, a $550,000 KEESEP purchase by Mike McCarty at KEESEP last fall, and a colt foal by Not This Time. Sales history: $375,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $33,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-e Five Racing Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Brereton C Jones (KY); T-Brad H Cox. It was all about velvet in race 4 at @fairgroundsnola as first-time-starter #3 VELVET VORTEX ($7.20) would get the best of #1 Velvet Devil. The half-sister to grade 1 winner Faiza was ridden by @Tyler_Gaff and is trained by @bradcoxracing. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/bziA1p15AN — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 15, 2025 The post Complexity Filly Takes Battle of the ‘Velvets’ at the Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's likely on to the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail for Baeza after the half brother to classic winners Dornoch and Mage rolled to a 4 3/4-length victory Feb. 14 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Qatar's flagship international meeting at Al Rayyan Racecourse was abandoned due to unsafe conditions on the turf course. With racing moved to Al Uqda Feb. 16, Rebel's Romance, the big favorite in the Amir Trophy (G3), has been withdrawn. View the full article

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Jessica Harrington has described Classic contenders Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) as two of the most exciting colts that she has had to look forward to for some time and revealed that the latter would get his campaign underway in a 2,000 Guineas–but the legendary trainer hasn't decided whether she will go to England, Ireland or France. While Hotazhell is viewed as a Guineas prospect, Harrington admitted that she is “dreaming” that Green Impact can develop into a Derby horse this season. Owned and bred by Marc Chan, Green Impact won two of his three starts as a juvenile, and signed off on his campaign with victory over Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown. Meanwhile, Hotazhell accounted for that same Aidan O'Brien-trained rival when running out a gritty winner of the G1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster. Harrington said, “We're very happy with Hotazhell. He's done very well–has put on weight, developed nicely and is doing everything right in his work at home. Couldn't be happier, really. “To be honest, he's in the English, Irish and French 2,000 Guineas, but we haven't made a call about what route we're going to take. The only thing that does look likely is that he would start off in a Guineas and skip running in a trial. He has a great attitude and always showed us that. I mean, he was unlucky to get beaten first time out at Leopardstown last year and it probably was the making of him as he was very good with how he carried on improving right throughout the season. Considering he was a breeze-up horse, he did an awful lot last year, and we're hoping there is even more to come.” Hotazhell was snapped up for just 200,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale last year. He was consigned by Eddie Linehan's Lackendara Stables and is the second high-class horse that Harrington has trained on behalf of the US-based Silverton Hill Partnership, who famously owned the 2010 G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes winner Pathfork (Distant Humour). Hotazhell | Racingfotos.com “We always buy a few breeze-up horses every year. We never come away with big numbers–three, four or five at the most–every year and it has been a very lucky place to shop for us.” She continued, “With Green Impact, he has the option of running in a Guineas but he is a proper mile-and-a-quarter or even a mile-and-a-half horse. I am hoping that Hotazhell would get a mile-and-a-quarter.” Asked if Green Impact could be a Derby horse, Harrington replied, “It's a long, long way away at the moment but we can only dream that he is. They are two very exciting colts to have in the yard–as exciting as we've had in a long time.” Hotazhell is as big as 25-1 in places for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket while Green Impact is available at 50-1 for the Derby. But it isn't all about those two colts in the Harrington camp this season, with the trainer revealing that she has some nice under-the-radar three-year-olds to go with an exciting batch of juveniles. “Norwalk Havoc (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) is an older horse I'm looking forward to. He is a soft ground horse and we know that now so it makes it easy for us going forward. The Calyx (GB) filly, Barnavara (Ire), is one we're excited about in the three-year-old fillies division and we also have Kodilicious (Ire), the Kodi Bear filly who finished second in a Listed race on her final start at two. The two of those are lovely fillies but we have a few very nice unraced ones as well. Diamond Exchange (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) had one run when sixth in the Goffs Million and she's very exciting–a stayling filly going forward. We have a very nice Sea The Stars (Ire) colt who is owned by Newtown Anner that never ran last year, either, and he's very nice.” Harrington added, “We seem to have a lovely bunch of two-year-olds as well. We have a good few in so far and they seem to be very nice. Because we had some good two-year-olds last year, we seem to have been sent some better pedigrees this year. We say it every year, that the yearling sales were difficult to shop at, and that's only because we want to buy at one price and the sellers want to sell at another! But we are happy with what we have and are looking forward to the season ahead.” The post ‘We Can Only Dream’ – Harrington Outlines Plans For Hotazhell, Green Impact And More appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars LASERBLANCA - R2 (4) Looks smart enough to overcome gate 12 and deliver on debut Jay Rooney SWIFT ASCEND - R10 (1) Went close in Class Two last start and drops back to a suitable grade Trackwork Spy COLOURFUL KING - R9 (4) Has trialled superbly ahead of his Hong Kong debut and looks hard to beat Phillip Woo PODIUM - R1 (4) Has been racing very well and deserves another win here Shannon (Vincent Wong) MAGNIFIQUE - R3 (1) Scored well on debut last start and can repeat the dose here Racing Post Online MASTER OF ALL - R5 (2) Has drawn nicely and looks capable of another win with Alexis Badel aboard Tom Wood BEAUTY ALLIANCE - R6 (2) Excellent run considering how much ground he covered last startView the full article

By Jonny Turner A week ago Kerryn Tomlinson wouldn’t have guessed she would be linking up with two of the most talented horses stepping out on Gore Summer Cup Day on Sunday. The Oamaru driver has almost been in a game of musical sulkies this week, but she certainly has no complaints about landing the drives behind Homebush Lad and Jimmy Carter. Homebush Lad will be out to add to his incredible record in grass track features in the Gore Town and Country Club Gore Summer Cup. The veteran pacer won his second Waikouaiti Cup in his last trip south of the Waitaki River, earlier this month. Though the Greg and Nina Hope trained pacer must overcome a 40m handicap, Homebush Lad’s Gore assignment looks no harder than his Waikouaiti Cup bid. “It is never easy off 40m but there do look to be a couple of things in his favour,” Tomlinson said. “The smaller field will help him and he is usually a pretty good beginner.” “He loves the grass and the longer distances, so it looks like a pretty suitable race for him even off the back mark.” “I am thrilled to pick up the drive and I can’t thank the Hopes enough for putting me on.” “He has won a heap of cup races and hopefully he might be able to get another one.” Tomlinson is the regular driver of the Brad Williamson trained Domination’s Call, but in the Kim McDowall Painting and Decorating Gore Summer Trotters Cup, she will link up with Jimmy Carter. The driver knows the Phil Williamson trained trotter doesn’t lack horsepower, but he has been very error-prone lately. “It made sense for Brad to drive Domination’s Call this week or he would be sitting on the sidelines.” “Jimmy Carter has all the ability there, but it will be whether he can get away at the start.” “I have won on him before, but it was a mobile.” “Fingers crossed he can do things right.” Magnetic Beckers looks as strong as any of Tomlinson’s drives outside of Sunday’s features. The pacer only battled in his last start at Winton, but his prior third on grass at Riverton was excellent. “His last start on grass was great, he got pushed out and held up and then ran on very well wide.” “He has got a much better draw this time and he looks like a good each way chance.” With her strong gate speed and a good draw, Crackasky looks another handy chance for Tomlinson on Sunday. Grass track specialist Speeding Spirit is another solid top-four hope. Though up in grade for the first time, Kensi looks capable of making an impact. Nubliah Chamay looks well capable of featuring for Tomlinson, however there are queries over the mare’s fitness given she hasn’t raced or trialled since early December. View the full article

Sensational three-year-old Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) made it five wins in a row and importantly, three black-type contests in succession when she bolted clear to take out the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1400m). The daughter of Ten Sovereigns went into the Invercargill feature event off the back of comprehensive victories in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) and Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) and was expected to prove too tough for her age-group rivals on Saturday. It was doubtful however that the many supporters who backed her into a red-hot $1.40 favourite expected her to completely demolish her opponents by a margin of more than eight lengths after leading from the barrier for trainer and rider Samantha Wynne. Wynne wasn’t afraid to hunt her mount to the front and set up a steady speed before putting the peddle down with 600m to run. Pivotal Ten responded brilliantly as she raced clear rounding the home bend with Wynne having plenty of time to ease off the throttle at the 150m as she coasted home in a smart 1.21.70 for the 1400m journey. Wynne had exuded plenty of confidence in her chances before the race and was thrilled her filly could deliver upon her wishes. “It means so much to me as so much work goes in through all my team at home,” Wynne said. “I am just delighted and very lucky to have a horse like her. “She is still only learning as she is trucking along and getting to know her racing, so she might even improve from here. “You can’t buy this feeling and I’m just blessed to have her.” Wynne has her eyes on another stakes mission with her charge which will involve a trip to the lower North Island or even a possible shot at the NZ$3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m) if invited. “I’ve got my eye on the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) as long as she is happy and healthy,” she said. “If someone called (about the NZB Kiwi) we would have to consider it as you would be mad not to as we would be proud to represent the South. “I’m not sure we know just what grade of horse we are up to beating but we will know more when she gets to Wellington.” Pivotal Ten was bred by Valachi Downs and sold through their dispersal sale in 2022, where Colin Wightman purchased the filly for $15,000. In seven starts, she has recorded five wins and just over $197,000 in stakes earnings. View the full article

New Zealand-bred gelding With Your Blessing (NZ) (Vadamos) took his career earnings past A$500,000 with an emphatic victory in Saturday’s A$160,000 Macquarie St Social Handicap (1300m) at Randwick. The six-year-old has now had 28 starts for six wins, nine placings and A$521,955 in stakes for his big group of owners. Placed in only one of his seven appearances between January and August last year, With Your Blessing has returned to peak form this time in with two wins from three starts so far in his 2025 preparation. He won a Benchmark 78 handicap over 1100m at Randwick on January 4, then finished a close fourth in a Benchmark 88 over 1200m at Rosehill on February 1. With Your Blessing had never won in three previous attempts over further than 1200m, but the step up to 1300m on Saturday held no fears. After sitting on the outside of the leader for expat New Zealand jockey Alysha Collett, With Your Blessing took command in the straight and quickly put the result beyond any doubt. Collett began to ease him down in the final few strides and he cruised to victory by a length and three-quarters over fellow Kiwi-bred galloper Bunker Hut (NZ) (Savabeel). Trainer John Thompson was quick to praise Collett, who has picked up two wins from three rides on With Your Blessing. “The horse is going great, and credit to Alysha as well,” Thompson said. “She’s done a great job with this horse. Every time she’s ridden him, he’s run well. “Back to Randwick today, he goes well here and you were confident a long way from home. The horse was travelling very well all the way and let down like a very nice horse.” With Your Blessing completed a race-to-race double at Randwick for the Collett family. Alysha followed in the footsteps of her brother Jason, who won the Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) on Fangirl (Sebring) just 40 minutes earlier. Alysha Collett was impressed by With Your Blessing’s performance. “They don’t normally come that easy,” she said. “The plan wasn’t to sit outside the leader, but when we were presented with that option, it seemed to be the best one. He relaxed beautifully in that position. He can be a bit wary when he’s amongst horses, so it worked out really well for him.” With Your Blessing was bred by the Hawkins family’s Llanhennock Trust and is by Vadamos out of the Darci Brahma mare Super Trouper (NZ). Herself a five-race winner from a 28-start career in the Llanhennock colours, Super Trouper is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Lim’s Dashing. With Your Blessing is the best of four foals to race so far for Super Trouper, who is also the dam of the four-time Australian winner Super Alana (NZ) (Belardo). Super Trouper has an unnamed two-year-old filly by Ole Kirk. View the full article

Matamata’s biggest day of the year was completely dominated by Te Akau Racing, who won three of the four black-type features on Saturday afternoon. What You Wish For’s (NZ) (Embellish) hard-fought victory in the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) completed a big treble for the tangerine army and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson. They had previously filled the trifecta in the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) with Return To Conquer (Snitzel), He Who Dares (NZ) (Snitzel) and To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel), then saddled La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth), Born To Be Royal (King’s Legacy) and Marokopa Falls (Hellbent) to finish first, third and fourth in the Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The all-conquering stable also picked up a win on the undercard with Balance Of Power (NZ) (Almanzor) in the Gavelhouse (2000m). The only Matamata feature to elude the Te Akau team on Saturday was the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m), where My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High) carried their colours into third behind Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) and Acquarello (Written Tycoon). “It’s been a great day,” Walker said. “It’s our home-track meeting and it’s always special. Now everyone who comes down to clock their horses has to go past the tangerine on the statue! “But the locals always come out in big numbers to support this day, and Graeme Styles and his team have presented an outstanding track today. It’s been fantastic.” While Te Akau’s two-year-old victories came with red-hot favourites at $1.20 and $1.80 respectively, What You Wish For jumped as a $7 chance in an even-looking Kaimai Stakes line-up. The Embellish gelding had shown bright promise earlier in his career, winning as an autumn two-year-old and finishing third and sixth respectively in last year’s Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). What You Wish For collected two wins from his first three starts this season, then finished ninth in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m), eighth in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) and sixth in the Listed Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). The step up to 2000m on Saturday brought What You Wish For into his element. He jumped smartly for jockey Craig Grylls and was prominently placed throughout, settling in third or fourth in a muddling race that saw multiple lead changes. Grylls presented What You Wish For on the outside of the leaders at the home turn, and he lengthened stride and soon reeled them in. The challenge came from last-start Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) winner Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini), who quickened well under his 59kg topweight and drew up alongside him. What You Wish For rose to meet his challenge, edging back in front and winning by a long head. The third-placed Nigella Lane (NZ) (Niagara) finished just under two lengths behind the first pair. “He hasn’t been beginning that great in his recent runs,” Grylls said. “The plan was to be midfield, but this time he absolutely flew out of the gates. I took the opportunity to come across and get into the trail. “It was a real slack tempo. He was on the steel all the way. Once he was presented in the straight, he travelled up really strongly. “He was probably aided by the second horse, because once he came up alongside him, it made him find more and more. It was a great run.” What You Wish For was offered by breeders Cambridge Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, where David Ellis bought him for $60,000. He is a son of Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish, who himself was an Ellis purchase at Karaka and won the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in the Te Akau colours. What You Wish For has had 17 starts for four wins, six placings and $207,890 in stakes. “He’s always promised a lot,” Walker said. “We actually sprinted him up over 400m this morning, which got him thinking a little bit. You wouldn’t want to play cards with this horse, but it was good to get the win today. “With the stock of Embellish, I think you’ve just got to have a little bit of patience with them. He’s an under-rated sire. If you’re patient and you take your time with them and nurse them along, they can be very good four-year-olds and five-year-olds.” View the full article

Officials at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, in consultation with horsemen, called off the remainder of Saturday's Amir Trophy and Amir Sword Meeting at Al Rayyan following a nasty spill involving two horses and affecting several others with 400 metres left to race in the first of the day's events, the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup over the 1600 metres. The Ed Bethell-trained Point Lynas (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) was tracked to his outside by the locally owned Surfers Paradise (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) into the straight, but the latter appeared to have the ground go out from under him and fell, casting jockey Szczepan Mazur to the turf over the bowed neck of his mount. The Archie Watson-conditioned defending champion Brave Emperor (Ire) (Sioux Nation), the mount of Luke Morris, raced in the slipstream of Surfers Paradise into the straight but could not avoid the fallen horse immediately in front of him and went down as well. Mazur, who may have been clipped by Brave Emperor, was sitting up shortly after the incident, while Morris was back on his feet. Surfers Paradise subsequently galloped off the screen to the right towards the rails and out of view. On the head-on patrol replay, Brave Emperor could be seen galloping slowly through the stretch. Middleham Park Racing, the owners of Brave Emperor, posted that both the horse and Morris were “both up and very thankfully seem to be okay.” No immediate update was available on the Surfers Paradise, while Luck posted that Mazur was transported to hospital with suspected collarbone and leg injuries. This space will be updated when and if information emerges on Surfers Paradise. The ITM Cup was won by General Panic (GB) (Outstrip {GB}). Underfoot conditions also wreaked havoc on the second day of the Amir Sword Festival on Friday, as jockeys expressed their disapproval. Following a two-hour delay, racing was allowed to continue and the card was completed. According to further posts from Luck on X, jockeys labeled the newly laid track a 'disgrace' and were refusing to ride the rest of the program. Geoffrey Riddle, on site in Doha, posted that a Godolphin official said that Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) would have been withdrawn from the Amir Trophy had the meeting been allowed to proceed. According to Luck, the balance of Saturday's program will be transferred to Qatar's second racecourse, Al Uqda, and be run Sunday. The Amir Trophy will have its distance shortened from 2400 to 2300 metres owing to the track configuration at Al Uqda, Luck posted. The post Amir Trophy Meeting Postponed After First Race Spill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Michael O'Sullivan remains in intensive care at Cork University Hospital following a fall at Thurles nine days ago with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board [IHRB] stating that there has been no change in the jockey's condition. The 24-year-old was airlifted to hospital after falling at the last in a handicap chase. The meeting was subsequently abandoned. The IHRB released a statement on Tuesday, stating that O'Sullivan “continues to receive the best of care in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital”. Providing a further update to the rider's condition on Saturday morning, the IHRB released a statement on X that read, “Michael's family remain by his bedside at Cork University Hospital and continue to be very grateful for all the support which they are receiving. “There is no change in Michael's condition today and any updates will be communicated on behalf of the O'Sullivan family by the IHRB.” The post No Change In Michael O’Sullivan’s Condition With The Rider Remaining In Intensive Care appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Legarto winning Saturday’s Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) After 322 days off the scene, triple Group One winner Legarto made a triumphant return to racing in Saturday’s Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata. The superstar daughter of Proisir was previously the winner of the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). She had been on the sidelines since finishing sixth in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington in March of last year, having suffered a minor tendon injury during a trial win at Te Rapa in early August. Legarto headed into a tough first-up assignment on her home track on Saturday with only an exhibition gallop under her belt. The Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes has been freshly elevated to Listed status and drew a high-class field of fillies and mares, including Group One winners Provence and Skew Wiff, defending champion Karman Line, last-start Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) runner-up Imprevu and recent Group winners Acquarello, My Lips Are Sealed and Ardalio. But Legarto is New Zealand’s highest-rated racehorse at 112, and her performance on Saturday showed exactly why. The five-year-old and her regular rider Ryan Elliot settled in fourth-last before beginning to slide forward around the outside of the field heading down the side of the track. By the point of the home turn, Legarto had moved all the way up into fourth and was looming ominously on the outside of Fall For Cindy, Acquarello and Moving Melody. Elliot pushed the button in the straight and Legarto bounded to the lead. Acquarello fought back bravely on her inside, with Legarto’s lack of race fitness beginning to take a toll and her tank emptying. But pure class shone through as Legarto edged away to beat Acquarello by half a length. 2025 Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) Replay – Legarto https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Matamata-2025-Listed-Champagne-Stakes-15022025-Legarto-Ken-Bev-Kelso-Ryan-Elliot.mp4 “That was stunning, I’ve got no words to describe it,” said Ken Kelso, who trains Legarto in partnership with his wife Bev. “She’s been away from the races for 12 months and has just that had one exhibition gallop. When she loomed on the outside at the bend, I thought, ‘We’ve got a chance here. Hopefully she doesn’t come to the end of it.’ But what a horse she is. “I’ve got a lot of people to thank. The Treweeks had her on their water treadmill, then Danica Guy had her on her treadmill as well. The staff at home, our vet and farrier, they all play a big part in getting these horses to raceday. And of course, even though Bev can’t come to the races now, she’s still a big part of it. She’s my eyes and ears. We discuss everything that we do with all of our horses.” Elliot has now ridden Legarto to eight of her 10 career wins. “I can’t believe it,” he said. “To be honest, I didn’t even know she was in work until Ken rang me up a week ago and asked me to come and gallop her. But Ken had her so forward. I was really surprised how forward she was when I came and rode her. “That lack of raceday fitness was going to get to her at some stage, but luckily she’s got that class on her side. “She jumped well today. I didn’t want to do too much on her, but she got into a good rhythm and then we popped out three-wide to get going. She worked through her gears nicely and then let down so well and got there very quickly. “She might have been coming to the end of it in the last 100m, but she’s such a gutsy and classy mare and she showed that today.” Legarto was bred by Warwick Jeffries and was offered by Highline Thoroughbreds during Book 2 of Karaka 2021, where Ancroft Stud bought her for $90,000. From a 16-start career, Legarto has now recorded 10 wins and three placings. Saturday’s win took her career earnings past $2 million. Horse racing betting sites now rate Legarto a $1.40 favourite for the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day on March 8. “That’s probably the obvious target,” Kelso said. “But we’ve always said we’ll take things one step at a time in this preparation. Hopefully she’ll come through this run safely, and then we can start working towards our next target, which will probably be the Breeders’ Stakes at Ellerslie in three weeks.” Horse racing news View the full article

The 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington delivered a stunning upset, with the 25/1 outsider Skybird producing a breathtaking performance to claim the coveted Group 1 sprint. In a race where the fancied runners struggled to find their best, Skybird exploded from the back of the field, unleashing a powerful finish to sweep past […] The post Skybird Wins 2025 Black Caviar Lightning at 25/1 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

La Dorada winning the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Local filly La Dorada backed up from her stunning victory in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) last month with another gritty performance to take out her home track feature, the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared daughter of Waikato Stud resident stallion Super Seth was expected to put in a strong showing and once she found the fence and the lead after 200m she was always going to be hard to beat. Rated perfectly by rider Michael McNab, who had taken out the other two-year-old feature on the card aboard stablemate Return To Conquer in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), La Dorada cruised along nicely with her main danger in Cambridge visitor To Cap It All on her outer. This pair settled down to a fierce home straight battle with La Dorada pulling out something extra in the shadows of the post to win by half a length with another Te Akau Racing runner in Born To Be Royal taking third ahead of stablemate Marokopa Falls. 2025 Group 2 Matamata Breeders Stakes Replay – La Dorada https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Matamata-2025-Group-2-Matamata-Breeders-Stakes-15022025-La-Dorada-Mark-Walker-Sam-Bergerson-Michael-McNab.mp4 Bergerson was quick to praise both the filly and the ride by McNab after the race. “What she lacks in size she makes up in toughness as she is just the ultimate racehorse,” Bergerson said. “She has gone to the next level since her Karaka Million win as we gave her a quiet week after that and she came back and hasn’t missed a beat. “She paraded fantastic and she has the little bit of grit and sassiness that gives her the edge and when the other one went up to her, she was really game. “He (McNab) got away with a cheap sectional down the back and that was the winning of the race. “We had it mapped that we were going to be outside the leader but he used his initiative and took up the running and the filly was very game late.” Bergerson indicated that La Dorada was now likely to take on Return to Conquer in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 8 where she is the second favourite at $3.20 in the Fixed Odds market with horse racing bookmakers behind her stablemate, who is at the head of affairs at a $2.20 quote. McNab was thrilled with just how tough his mount was at the finish. “She (La Dorada) is as tough as anything and she was never going to let the other horse get past her,” he said. “The second horse is a really good one and we probably fit inside her height-wise, but mine is just all heart and a real little sweetheart.” Horse racing news View the full article

Return To Conquer winning the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Exciting two-year-old colt Return To Conquer remained unbeaten when he headed home a Te Akau Racing trifecta in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) on Saturday. The raging hot favourite with horse racing betting sites was made to work for the victory by stablemate He Who Dares who set up a solid pace in front throughout for rider Craig Grylls before being joined by Return To Conquer at the 300m. While always appearing to have his rival covered Return To Conquer had to fight hard as He Who Dares showed plenty of heart at just his second start, battling gamely to get within a long neck from the winner at the post as the third member of the Te Akau triumvirate, To Bravery Born, shaded Daylight Robbery for third. 2025 Group 3 Matamata Slipper Replay – Return To Conquer https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Matamata-2025-Group-3-Silver-Slipper-15022025-Return-To-Conquer-Mark-Walker-Sam-Bergerson-Michael-McNab.mp4 Rider Michael McNab left no doubt about his opinion of Return To Conquer despite the narrow margin of victory. “It was a good win and it (the race) sort of mapped the way I thought it might as I wanted to sit outside Craig, so I put myself there just like it was trackwork on a Tuesday morning,” McNab said. “He is a star in the making as he has a great attitude and you can’t fault him as he has it all there.” Co-trainer Mark Walker, who prepares the son of Snitzel with Sam Bergerson at Matamata, was pleased to see his star colt continue on his winning path while also providing some encouraging words for the runner-up. “It was a good effort from the second horse as he has just had the one start for a win at Wanganui and the winner is more experienced,” Walker said. “With the other horse running third (To Bravery Born) it was a good effort all round. “He (Return To Conquer) was the same as he was at Ellerslie (last start) in that he seems to win but not by big margins. “We’ve got a bit of thinking to do although it is most likely the first two will go to the Sistema (Group 1, 1200m) at Ellerslie next month and we will have a think about the third horse.” The Group 1 Sistema Stakes is one of the feature events on a star-studded programme at Ellerslie’s Champions Day on Saturday 8 March. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, February 16, 2025 First Race 12:30pm HKT (3:30pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 11-part program lined up on the turf. The rail moves out to the C+3 position the entire circuit, and with sunny skies forecast across the weekend, punters can anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface. All the action at Sha Tin is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Top Dragon Top Dragon appears set to peak third-up in the campaign after a barnstorming effort at this course and distance on January 19. The son of Pierata showed a tremendous turn of speed to close within a half-length of Blazing Wind and had the three-year-old got out a stride earlier, he would’ve made things interesting as the pair past the post. Harry Bentley gets the chance to slot into the one-one from barrier three, and provided Top Dragon can reproduce his last start performance, expect this guy to justify favouritism with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Top Dragon (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris So | J: Harry Bentley (58.5kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Spirit Of Peace Spirit Of Peace couldn’t have been more impressive breaking his maiden at Happy Valley on January 22. The son of Harry Angel produced a devastating turn-of-foot in the final furlong to power away by a half-length, with the four-year-old relishing every inch of the 1200m. Stepping up to the 1400m at Sha Tin should be ideal, and provided the breaks fall his way from the awkward draw (9), Spirit Of Peace must be considered the one to beat in this Class 4 contest. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Spirit Of Peace (9) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Harry Bentley (61kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Magnificent Nine Magnificent Nine is yet to taste success in Hong Kong, with the Toronado gelding finding the minor money in six of his 16 starts. His best performance came at this track and trip two starts back, however, with the John Size-trained galloper relishing the drop back into Class 4 company when nosed out by Another World on January 5. Brenton Avdulla will look to slot in for cover from barrier seven, and although he must lug 61kg to victory, Magnificent Nine should get every chance to claim his first Hong Kong win. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Magnificent Nine (7) 5yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Brenton Avdulla (61kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections February 16, 2025 2-4-7 1-2-4-6-7-10 1-2-3-4-12 3-4-8-11-12-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Port Macquarie Races Where Port Macquarie Race Club – 283 Oxley Hwy, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (Link if we have track page) When Sunday, February 16, 2025 First Race 12:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Port Macquarie Race Club is the destination for country racing on Sunday afternoon, with a quality eight-part program set for decision. The rail reverts to the true position throughout the entire circuit for the meeting, and although the track is rated a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, sunny skies forecast on race-day could allow for a potential upgrade into the Good range at some stage. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:55pm local time. Best Bet at Port Macquarie: Kosuke Kosuke returns after a 127-day spell and appears well placed in this BM66 contest. The Autumn Sun colt was tested amongst metro company in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at the end of last preparation, and although he didn’t figure in the finish, the three-year-old never shirked the task when closing to within six lengths of El Castello. Kosuke oozes class compared to his key rivals, and despite the 1500m being short of his best trip, expect this guy to get the job done first-up. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Kosuke (7) 3yo Colt | T: Gregory McFarlane | J: Ashley Morgan (59kg) Next Best at Port Macquarie: Bodhi Boy Bodhi Boy is undefeated heading into his fourth career start and seems to be improving every time he steps out. The son of So You Think has produced back-to-back wins at Port Macquarie to kick-off the campaign, with the untapped three-year-old making every post a winner over 1000m and 1100m respectively. Ben Looker will send Bodhi Boy to the top to offset barrier 12, and although he may be tested at the end of 1200m, expect him to fend off all challengers at a good price with BlondeBet. Next Best Race 7 – #6 Bodhi Boy (12) 3yo Gelding | T: Lyndall Olson | J: Ben Looker (56kg) Best Value at Port Macquarie: Coolriver Fergie Coolriver Fergie appears set to strike on debut for the Joseph Burges barn. The Puissance De Lune filly held her ground in a recent barrier trial at Taree on January 31, with the unraced three-year-old cruising through the wire under her own steam. She appeared to have plenty left to give in the concluding stages and provided Luke Rolls can slot in for cover throughout this first-up assignment, expect Coolriver Fergie to be storming down the centre of the course at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #12 Coolriver Fergie (9) 3yo Filly | T: Joseph Burges | J: Luke Rolls (56.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Port Macquarie Port Macquarie quadrella selections February 16, 2025 3-4-5 3-9-12-14 4-5-6-9-10 1-3-4-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article