Wandering Eyes

Simon and Katrina Alexander came close to winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) a few years ago with their stable star La Crique, and now it looks like they may have another Derby prospect on their hands. Three-year-old gelding Aksil had already attracted the attention of eagle-eyed scouts in his four trials prior to making his debut in the Master Builders Taupo (1300m) at Taupo on Friday, and he lived up to his early promise when comfortably winning by 1-1/4 lengths in the hands of jockey Masa Hashizume. “He’s impressive and did it nicely, albeit still quite green,” Katrina Alexaner said. “We are really thrilled to see him do that and live up to our expectation of him, hopefully he will go on with it.” Alexander said they are taking a patient approach with the son of Ace High, and they are hoping his connections will reap those rewards at the business end of his Classic season. “He was quite a nuggety, little two-year-old and then he has really grown and developed structurally quite a lot,” she said. “We have had to be relatively patient and just get a line on what we think he is going to be. I think distance will be his go, so we are trying to nurture him along in that direction. “He’ll have a couple of runs for experience now and we might give him a breather and concentrate on the other end of the season.” The Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day in March looms as an obvious target, with the Alexanders dreaming of going one better than La Crique’s effort in the 2022 edition. “He could be a lovely Derby horse because he has also got a super turn of foot,” Alexander said. “We have been quite particular to educate him that way, in that he is tractable and can take a sit midfield and not overthink it. “Hopefully he will continue along that track. I would like to see him get out in distance and I think he can be whatever we want him to be.” While there was plenty of interest in Aksil following his trials, Alexander’s phone is set to be ringing red-hot once again following his debut effort, and she is hoping the stable can retain him a little longer. “Even after his first trial, he attracted a lot of interest and even when he was out spelling they kept coming back,” she said. “He is a very eye-catching individual, and you can’t get too carried away with looks, but he certainly lived up to his looks today. “We have got a very happy group of owners and some of them are first time owners, so it is a big thrill for them. Hopefully we can keep him a bit longer and when he is mature, I think he will be quite an exciting horse.” Alexander said Aksil is also proving a hit at home as a stable favourite, and is looming as an heir apparent for the stable’s multiple Group One winner La Crique. “You have those lovely horses like her (La Crique) in the stable for so many years and you can’t help but think that you won’t get one as good as her again,” Alexander said. “It is nice to be able to retain a horse like Aksil in the stable, particularly for the team in general who put in a lot of work in behind the scenes. He has been a stable favourite all the way through. “For the owners to decide to keep him at this point, is really nice for the guys at home to have a quality animal to continue on with for maybe when La Crique is gone.” View the full article

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott got a busy weekend off to a promising start with two wins at Taupo on Friday. The Wexford Stables team won the first race on the card, the Placemakers Rotorua Maiden (1800m), with lightly raced four-year-old Gippsy God, and two hours later they saddled first-starter General Menari for a smart victory in the McLeod Hiabs 3YO (1100m). For good measure, the Matamata trainers also collected placings with High Society and Woman In Charge. “It was a really pleasing day,” Scott said. “Both of those winners had been working particularly well leading into the meeting, and they produced raceday performances to match. “Young and inexperienced horses can sometimes get a bit lost around Taupo, but we took a good number there back in August to have a gallop and a look around the course. I think that’s stood us in good stead.” General Menari, a son of the Snitzel stallion Menari, was bought for A$18,000 by owners Mark and Tania Stratford from the 2023 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. The gelding had won two of his three trials leading into Friday’s debut and stepped out as one of the favourites at $3.70. Masa Hashizume gave him a cosy run in third along the rail behind Too Darn Sweet and Mazino, then drove him in between that pair in the straight. General Menari showed a good turn of foot and soon swept up alongside Too Darn Sweet, getting the better of that rival in the final few strides to win by a long neck. “He’d shown in all of his trials that he has good levels of ability,” Scott said. “Those also gave him a good level of education leading into today. The team were really happy with how he’d been working. “He was aided by a beautiful ride from Masa from a sweet draw, and then he did a good job to quicken in the straight. He can only keep on improving from here. “We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves with him at this early stage of the season. We were never going to rush him and try to get him down to Christchurch or anything like that. He’s got the whole summer in front of him. January, February and March will be his time. He’s got the makings of a nice miler or maybe even a NZB Kiwi (1500m) horse.” Tarzino gelding Gippsy God opened his winning account in style with a dominant victory on Friday. Lynsey Satherley presented him on the outside of the leaders at the turn and he took command, drawing away to win by two and a half lengths. Gippsy God has now had eight starts for a win, a second and a fourth. “He lacked a lot of luck as a three-year-old last season,” Scott said. “He ran in a number of those tough staying maiden races and had excuses every time. We put him away and gave him a good break, and he won with a bit of authority today. “With a bit more maturity on his side, he can work through the grades.” The Wexford team will attempt to carry Friday’s momentum into Sunday at Rotorua, where they will be represented by Grail Seeker in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m), Smart Love in the Campbell Infrastructure (1400m), Sicillian in the Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua (1400m) and first-starter Yamato Satona in the Green Light Insurance Brokers (1400m). “All of the team is really pleased with Grail Seeker,” Scott said. “She’s in good form at home. The weather looks like it might play its part and the track won’t be too wet, so we’re expecting to see her quicken well. “She didn’t have a lot of luck in the Proisir (Gr.1, 1400m) last month. It was no one’s fault, she just didn’t have things go her way. Most of the field raced in very tight quarters, and she’s a big mare that needs to have a little bit of room, which she just never quite got. She ended up having a reasonably quiet run – no more than a trial, really. “While the result was a little bit frustrating, it indicated that she’s going well. Had she got the breaks, I’m not saying she would have won, but we believe she would have run well and quickened with them. “After that race, we gave her a week out at the farm to freshen up. Through that week, followed by a week of trotting and cantering, she put on 23 kilos and really came on in the coat. “She galloped between races at Matamata on Saturday. Opie (Bosson) rode her – he was going to ride her this weekend until he got suspended. He was thrilled with how she felt, and we really thought it was right up there with some of the better work she’s done. “Masa will take the mount. He’s ridden her in a few trials, so he knows her pretty well and she’s trialled well for him.” Scott also has high hopes for other members of Wexford’s Rotorua team – particularly impressive last-start Te Rapa winner Smart Love and promising three-year-old colt Yamato Satona. “Smart Love is a mare who’s shown quite a lot in her short career to date,” Scott said. “She’d trialled well leading into her resuming run at Te Rapa last month, and then it was very encouraging the way she came back and won so well first-up. Her assignment at Rotorua is another step up, but we think she can take that step. “We’re also looking forward to Yamato Satona on Sunday. He’s trialled well on the track there at Rotorua and we think he’s a nice middle-distance three-year-old in the making.” View the full article

Trainer Dominic Sutton will forever hold Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) in the highest regard as the gelding chases a second Group One win, this time at Caulfield. Feroce provided Sutton, who has been training just over 18 months, with his first winner, his first city winner and his maiden Group One success. That Group One success came in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in March and the trainer is hoping for premier win number two with Feroce in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Sutton said Feroce was primed for Saturday’s assault after two runs back from a break. A first-up sixth over an unsuitable 1100m at Caulfield on August 30 was followed by a closing third to Sepals in the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 20. “First-up was a lot shorter, distance wise, than what he wants, and he ran a very creditable race,” Sutton said. “He ran the second fastest 200 metres of the day and finished off nicely and then stepping up to the Sir Rupert Clarke he was terrific. “He gave four kilos to the first horse and second horse and three kilos to the fourth horse. “He ran a PB on his ratings and we knew he was going to take benefit out of that run as well into the Toorak, so we’re very happy. “I think this is his prime distance, the mile. Stepping up is going to be ideal and being third-up he’s going to be rock hard fit. “I can’t complain.” Feroce is nominated in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on November 1, and Sutton said all going well the gelding would be Sydney bound. “It’s too big a carrot to pass up on,” Sutton said of the $10 million prize pool. “They’re only four once and it’s a restricted race for four-year-olds. “The question will be going the Sydney way, but I don’t think that will be too much of an issue.” Sutton said the Golden Eagle could mark the end of Feroce’s spring campaign, although he will be entered for the Group One double of the Railway Stakes (1600m) and the Northerly Stakes (1800m) in Perth, while the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on November 15 may also be considered. Longer term, Sutton hopes to again step Feroce up to 2000m, a trip he tackled in the Gr.1 Australian Cup at Flemington in March to close out his three-year-old season. “It won’t be this campaign, but I haven’t written off 2000 metres in the future,” Sutton said. “He is showing he is pretty brilliant at the mile, at the moment, so I don’t want to train the speed out of him at this stage, but as he gets older, I think naturally we will be looking to step him out to the 2000 (metres).” View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Clevedon trainer-driver Matthew White enjoyed a standout night at Cambridge Raceway last night , coming away with two wins and a second from his three runners. He drove all three himself. First out for the night was Forgiveness, who set the tone with a gritty effort to finish second in the Xmas At The Raceway Tickets On Sale Now Handicap Trot. Off a 25m handicap, the mare produced a strong finish to run into the placing and signalled a welcome return to form. “Back left-handed is probably the reason she’s picked up,” White said, “the drop in company helps as well. She’s been racing well and it’s great to see her coming back into form.” Oakley, who has been part of White’s stable since he was a yearling, stepped up to the mark in the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Mobile Pace. The three-year-old made the most of his inside draw, using his gate speed to find the front early. From there, he rolled along in front and dug deep in the run home to hold on and claim his maiden victory. “I thought his fresh-up run was good, I was a bit disappointed with his second run,” White said, “I was reasonably confident in him heading into last night, he’d found the right race and had a good draw to help. He really only just got there, but he’s still learning, and he’ll only improve with more racing.” The night was capped off perfectly by Change Tact, who continued her strong form with an emphatic victory in the Gavelhouse.com Mobile Pace. The Lazarus mare has been a model of consistency all season, and she showed her class once again, sitting in the trail before dashing up the passing lane to win by 3¼ lengths in a sharp 1:57.7 mile rate, closing in 56.6 for the last half. “She got the run I was hoping for, it panned out beautifully for us,” White said, “I thought that she’d race well with how consistent she’s been all season. She’s been up for quite a while, but she handles the work and she’s still racing well.” “The run of the night was definitely Change Tact,” he said. “Her owners Rob (Carr) and Don (Kirkbride) were on course, which made it even better. They’re great people who get a huge buzz out of it and it was really nice to get that win for them.” View the full article

Triple Crown winner and Horse Of The Year American Pharoah is set to shuttle to The Shizunal Stallion Station in Japan for the 2026 breeding season in partnership with the Japanese Bloodstock Breeders Association (JBBA). The son of Pioneerof The Nile will return to his base at Coolmore America's Ashford Stud in July 2026. “We have worked very closely shuttling stallions with the JBBA in the past and are delighted that their members will now have access to his bloodline,” said Ashford Stud manager Dermot Ryan. “There has been interest from Japan for the past number of years in purchasing the horse and we've come up with a compromise that suits both parties. Pharoah will be accompanied to Japan by his groom from Ashford.” American Pharoah has already made a significant impact in Japan, siring 58 winners from just 88 runners at an impressive strike rate of 65%. Among them are nine blacktype scorers, most notably Café Pharoah, a dual winner of the Grade 1 February Stakes. The post American Pharoah to Shuttle to Shizunal Stallion Station in Japan for 2026 Breeding Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It would not be hard to argue that the current crop of Hong Kong jockeys is one of the strongest in recent memory – so why was a return to the city for Joao Moreira talked about as if it were a certainty? There is no debating that the “Magic Man” is one of the best jockeys to ever grace Hong Kong, racking up 1,235 wins and being champion jockey on four occasions. His regular tussles with Zac Purton were something to savour and he is internationally acclaimed - his talent is certainly not up for...View the full article

Saturday looms as a special day in the careers of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, who are the part-owners and former trainers of two horses that will chase million-dollar prizes in Australia. The couple’s Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) hero Willydoit will line up in the A$1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill, while Hezashocka takes on just three opponents in the A$1 million Gr.1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield. The Clotworthys bought Willydoit for $75,000 as a yearling at Karaka and trained him through a standout three-year-old season that produced four wins headed by the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie in March. Now trained by Ciaron Maher, the Tarzino gelding caught everyone’s eye with a flying finish into eighth when he resumed in the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 6. That performance pointed to him being a live chance in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), but he was a late scratching just hours out from the race because of a minor eye issue. “That was a bit of bad luck,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “I’m not sure if it was a slight bug, or if he gave it a bang in the float on the way to the track or what it was. It wasn’t anything major and it had cleared up completely by the next day, but it was enough for the stewards to scratch him. “The horse has had a good week since then. Emma’s been over there watching him, and I’ve seen some video of him galloping. He’s looking great. “He was entered for the Alan Brown as well as the Toorak (Gr.1, 1600m) in Melbourne, where the mile might have suited him a little bit better than the 1400m. But he drew poorly for both races and they’ve decided to stay in Sydney. I’m just hoping there’ll be enough tempo over the 1400m for him to be able to finish the race off strongly.” Kerrin McEvoy will take the mount on Willydoit in Saturday’s Alan Brown, in which the TAB rates him an $11 fourth favourite behind Miss Roumbini ($4.60), Gringotts ($7) and Bosustow ($10). Further down the track, Maher and the MyRacehorse ownership team are aiming Willydoit at the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on November 1. “He’s still got a few spring nominations, like the Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m), but I think the Golden Eagle is the target they’re working towards,” Clotworthy said. Meanwhile in Melbourne, Hezashocka will kick off his new campaign with a first-up run against Treasurethe Moment, Buckaroo and Globe in the Might And Power Stakes. The Clotworthys paid only $18,000 to buy the son of Shocking as a yearling, and they trained him to win the Gr.2 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie as an autumn three-year-old. Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have added another four wins and more than A$1.4 million to that record, including victories in the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup (2400m) and Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2200m) along with placings in the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m), Gr.3 JRA Plate (2000m) and Listed Mornington Cup (2400m). “It’s exciting to have a Group One runner, and with only a four-horse field, we’ll be picking up a cheque,” Clotworthy said. “Mick Price was just looking to kick the horse off somewhere, so he’s going to benefit from this run. He hasn’t raced since July. “But Jamie Melham has always got on well with him, and strange things can happen in these small fields.” Hezashocka is the $41 outsider of the field, with Treasurethe Moment at $1.70, Buckaroo at $2.50 and Globe at $6.50. The Clotworthys will also have runners at two New Zealand meetings this weekend. They will saddle Roc Up Ralph in the AR Printers Premier (2200m) at Otaki on Saturday, followed a day later by Quill in the Rotorua Club (1950m) at Rotorua. Roc Up Ralph has been in top form through the winter and early spring, recording two wins and four second placings from his last seven starts. The only exception was a last-start seventh on an improving track at Te Rapa on September 27. “I sent Roc Up Ralph down to Otaki this morning, and I’ve heard from Howie Mathews that it’s raining down there and it will be a heavy track,” Clotworthy said. “He’ll be right at home in those conditions.” Quill also boasts a consistent form line. He has never further back than sixth in his last eight starts dating back to the beginning of June. “His last couple of runs have been on soft tracks and he’s looking for a bit more easing in the ground, which he should get on Sunday as well,” Clotworthy said. “He’s been racing very consistently. He just needs to improve a touch more on that recent form to be winning races, but I think he’s capable of doing that.” View the full article

Bruce Wallbank has been on a wonderful ride since returning to the training ranks last term, with his only horse Midnight Edition rising through the ranks to become one of the favourites in Sunday’s Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1400m). The 79-year-old bred the son of Wrote and after having success previously as a trainer, breeder and owner, he decided to prepare the gelding himself out of Pukekohe Park. Always rating him as a serious talent, Midnight Edition proved that on the big stage at Ellerslie on Boxing Day last year, dead-heating the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) before losing the win in the inquiry room. He continued to rise through the grades into his four-year-old term, dominating open-class opposition first-up at Te Rapa before returning to the course a fortnight later to go down by a narrow margin to Whiskey ‘N Roses. Wallbank is rapt with how his gelding has returned as an older horse and believes he can make his presence felt in a big way at Arawa Park on Sunday. “He’s a very good horse, I think he can win a couple of good races this year,” he said. “He ran a good race (second-up), he blew quite a bit and possibly needed another gallop, so that was a grey-haired trainer’s fault I suppose. Masa (Hashizume, jockey) said he didn’t see the other horse coming either, so it was probably a combination of those, but he’s going very well and we think he can go very well in the Sweynesse. “He can run on a hard track, a wet track, it doesn’t worry him, and we’ll have Matt Cameron on.” Wallbank has heeded plenty of advice from trainers with Midnight Edition and had considered handing over the reins this spring to one of those in Nigel Tiley, but he is pleased to have continued on while he can. “I’m getting close to 80 years of age now and things do get a little bit harder, but I’ve only got the one horse and Nigel is away overseas for four months through the winter so it’s not convenient at this stage,” he said. “But he (Midnight Edition) has probably got three or four years ahead of him, so I’ll enjoy doing it while I can. “He’s one of those horses you look for in a lifetime, he’s a hell of a nice horse and very easy to handle.” Midnight Edition will remain the sole horse in his stable, but Wallbank is already looking forward to seeing his half-sister (by Proisir) hit the track at some stage this term for Katrina and Simon Alexander. “We’ve got half-shares in a Proisir filly with Mark Chitty, she’s a beautiful two-year-old filly and has had two preparations,” he said. “I think she’s off to Katrina Alexanders in the next couple of weeks, she’ll come up as a late two-year-old. “Midnight Gossip (dam of Midnight Edition) is a very good mare, she’s had three horses to the races and three black-type horses. “She’s just foaled a magnificent Ace High filly, so we’ll give her a year off now.” View the full article

Promising colt El Vaquero will be out to further his Group One claims when he steps out again in age group company at Ashburton. The Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained son of Ferrando takes aim at Saturday’s Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) off the back of a last-start fifth at Riccarton. El Vaquero was seven weeks between runs there and the stable were far from disappointed with his performance. “In a perfect world, he would have started off over 1200m but there were no races to suit so he ran over 1400m and ended up in front,” Michael Pitman said. “It was just the way it worked out, and we certainly didn’t want to be there, he over-raced and just blew out.” El Vaquero had won his previous two starts and will be partnered for the first time by Sam Weatherley, who enjoys a strong association with the father and son team. “The plan was always to come to this race second-up and we’re very happy with the horse,” Pitman said. El Vaquero is headed toward the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) with two more outings to have him at peak for the November 15 Classic. The stable will have a host of chances at Ashburton, including Third Decree, who will also be ridden by Weatherley in the GD Jones Handicap (1200m). She came from last when resuming at Riccarton last month to finish runner-up when opening her preparation and will be opposed in the sprint by in-form stablemate Zoulander with two-kilo claimer Abdul Najib to ride. “She’s got a bit of weight (60kg) and we thought about claiming, but Abdul’s been going really well on Zoulander who was terrific the other day,” Pitman said. “Third Decree will go to the Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1400m) at Riccarton at her next start and will get in on the minimum. “At this stage, there’s every chance she could then back up and we’re leaning toward the Stewards (Listed, 1200m) rather than the TAB Mile (Gr.3, 1600m).” Pitman also rates the chances of Ocean Light in the McCrea Painters & Decorators Ashburton Cup (1600m) while stable newcomer Rosso will make his New Zealand debut in the Clem & Russel Brand Memorial (2200m). “He’s an interesting one and won a race in Ireland and then raced in Melbourne and was fourth at Sandown at his last start,” Pitman said. “Lloyd Williams raced him in Ireland from Joseph O’Brien’s stable and then Nick Williams and Gerry Ryan took him to Australia and my brother John bought him off an Inglis Digital Sale.” Another ride for Weatherley, the five-year-old has a win and three placings from nine starts and finished fourth on debut behind one-time Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) favourite Jan Brueghel on debut at The Curragh. By Camelot, Rosso is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Egyptian Sky and the family of multiple Group One winner and sire Henrythenavigator. “He didn’t settle in Australia, but he’s a lovely horse and still got plenty of room for improvement,” Pitman said. View the full article

Matt Laurie is confident that a wide draw will be no barrier to success for Vinrock in the Caulfield Guineas (G1) over 1,600 meters (1 mile) as the crack colt headlines the stable's three-pronged attack on the stallion-making contest Oct. 11. View the full article

Toby Moore, son of legendary Ballydoyle top jockey Ryan Moore, is set to make his much-anticipated riding debut at Kempton Park Oct. 10 when he partners Valdorcia for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby in a 6-furlong fillies' novice.View the full article

Robert Hunt, a respected veterinarian at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, passed away Thursday after a bout with cancer. Dr. Hunt graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. From 1984 to 1987 he worked at the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Santa Ynez, California. He returned to the University of Georgia in 1987 to complete his surgical training and graduate degree in cardiovascular physiology. He paid his way through school by taking a job as a farrier. Dr. Hunt remained on faculty and became a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1992. He joined Hagyard Equine Medical Institute as an equine surgeon in 1992. According to a 2024 feature by Chris McGrath in the TDN on Hunt he said that when he was asked why he worked with farm animals, he replied: “This is the one thing I can do that's going to help a guy put bread on the table.” “And I've always taken that with me,” Hunt continued. “Especially with the emergencies where you have an animal that's going to die, but if you do the right intervention, it's going to live and stay in production. That's always been a very impactful, meaningful part of my job.” Jockey and veterinarian Ferrin Peterson, who worked with Dr. Hunt, met him one morning while breezing horses at Turfway Park. That led to her working under him in surgery for a year. Two of the horses they performed surgery on went back to the races and won with Peterson aboard. “Dr. Hunt's character, integrity and perseverance have been so impactful on not only my career but the lives and careers of so many people and horses,” Dr. Peterson said. “He always placed the needs of the horse first, even if it cost him personally and financially. But he remained steadfast, standing strong in his convictions. Mentoring people in his line of work was one of his greatest passions. I can think of no greater legacy than for these mentees, myself included, to carry on the principles he exemplified. I am forever grateful for my time with this great man.” Hunt told McGrath that one of his greatest pleasure was helping young veterinarians, like Peterson, and vet students. “I love hanging around young people,” he said. “They're energetic, their minds are bright, they want to learn.” In an undated video posted on the website iamanequineveterinarian.com, Hunt spoke of how hard he worked at his craft. “I might have pushed the envelope too hard when it came to the dedication department,” he said. “It was what I always wanted to do. My philosophy was that I had to be all in in order to play at the level I wanted to play at.” Mill Ridge General Manager Price Bell spent a memorable week with Hunt. “I moved back to town in 2011 and in April of that year I was talking to Dr. Hunt and was trying to learn,” Bell said. “His way was so welcoming and he put you at ease. He asked me if I wanted to tag along with him for a week. I rode with him for a week. There was the backyard pony to major farm operations doing everything from sales surveys to lacerations. We made a stop in the necropsy lab because something had been bothering him about a surgery and he wanted to see the necropsy so he could understand the puzzle. He had two to four interns with him at all times. His patience, grace and humility with them and with me, it was inspiring. I'd say it was the best week of work I've ever had because it was stimulating and he was so passionate about it.” The post Dr. Robert Hunt Passes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Atropa (Into Mischief) showed a big turnaround in form when storming off to win with consummate ease, earning a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard badge in the process, at Keeneland Thursday afternoon. Away in good order under red-hot Jose Ortiz, she settled in a stalking position as Sea Zest (Hard Spun) and 5-2 second choice Kayla's Komet (Mitole) led through opening splits of :23.86 and :48.08. Engaging the leading pair midway on the far turn, the $450,000 KEESEP graduate drew clear of those rivals approaching the quarter pole and burst clear in the stretch. Despite offering a few reminders down the lane, Ortiz all but wrapped up on the 7-2 chance in the final sixteenth as the duo crossed the wire an eye-catching 10-lengths ahead of closing favorite Measure (Essential Quality), who was a clear second. Kayla's Komet held on to round out the trifecta. Sent off at 8-1 in a sloppy six-furlong test at Saratoga on July 12, the daughter of GSW Bellera barely lifted a leg, finishing sixth, beaten 14 lengths. Bellera, purchased by Stonestreet for $850,000 at Fasig-Tipton November Sale in 2020, produced a colt by Uncle Mo this season and was bred back to McKinzie. Second dam, Habiboo (Unbridled's Song), is a half-sister to MGISW and sire Street Boss (Street Cry {Ire}) and Rushin No Blushin (Half Ours). The latter is responsible for MGISW and sire Jack Christopher (Munnings). 7th-Keeneland, $110,000, Msw, 10-9, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:45.50, ft, 10 lengths. ATROPA, f, 2, by Into Mischief 1st Dam: Bellera {GSW, $326,698}, by Bernardini 2nd Dam: Habiboo, by Unbridled's Song 3rd Dam: Blushing Ogygian, by Ogygian Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $67,143. O-Belladonna Racing LLC, Twin Brook Stables, Woodford Racing LLC and B.C.W.T. Ltd.; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. *$450,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Click for the Equibase.com chart. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. ATROPA ($9.06) was phenomenal!@jose93_ortiz was aboard the @reredevaux trainee in the 7th at @Keenelandracing. The filly by Into Mischief (@SpendthriftFarm) is owned by @BelladonnaRaci1, Twin Brook Stables, @woodfordracing and B.C.W.T. Ltd. Up Next: https://t.co/ybo2UACnE6 pic.twitter.com/Bbat1DLgUM — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 9, 2025 The post Into Mischief’s Atropa Runs Off to ‘TDN Rising Star’ Victory at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release After the Races, the organization that provided Jersey Fresh with the groundwork he needed to go from the racetrack to success as a show jumper, and CANTER USA, where owner Dr. Kate Carruthers found her TAKE2 Hunter Finals champion Red Magic, have been announced as the 2025 TAKE2 Jet Run Award winners. Created in 2017, the Jet Run Awards put the spotlight on the aftercare organizations that are essential in transitioning Thoroughbreds to second careers. “Racehorses still have so much to give when they leave the track and, being Thoroughbreds, they are still very eager to show what they can do,” said TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore. “But they need to learn the fundamentals of their new careers, and to find the right person to guide them. The hard work and dedication of our partners in aftercare are vital to that process.” Launched by Bonnie McRae in 2011 and accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2016, After the Races is located in Elkton, Maryland, near the Fair Hill training center. “We're very close to adopting out our 1,000th horse!” McRae said. “Our mission is to rehabilitate and rehome retiring Thoroughbred racehorses into suitable, long-term homes while promoting the versatility and usefulness of the breed beyond racing.” CANTER USA operates through a national network of local affiliates that work directly with trainers and owners at the racetrack. “This is big deal,” treasurer Robbie Timmons said. “It is such a big honor for CANTER USA and for all of our Thoroughbreds. It shows that although some Thoroughbreds may not be competitive on the racetrack, they can excel in new careers. That's what CANTER is all about. We're trying to promote the Thoroughbred as just the most terrific breed.” The post After the Races and CANTER USA Earn 2025 TAKE2 Jet Run Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin This is a public service announcement for punters: Mark Purdon is confident heading to Addington’s mega meeting tonight. Which means when assessing many of the features on the stacked 13-race card you should start with the champion horseman’s drives before looking anywhere else for your money makers. Purdon being confident is not unusual when discussing a horse or two, after all he has trained an army of champions who have been close to unbeatable in a series of Group 1 races. But this week there is extra spring in his step. He has had the elite members of the team he trains with son Nathan down in Canterbury, able to give them the one-on-one kind of attention that gets the best out of them. It is called the famous Purdon polish and tonight you can consider the team polished. “We are really happy with them,” he said. “The main players, the big names like Akuta and Oscar [Bonavena] are in really good places and most of the young ones are too.” So pleased is Purdon he is confident he can drive both Akuta, who starts off 25m in the handicap pace and Oscar Bonavena, who is on a 20m handicap in the open trot, aggressively. “Of course it depends on the race tempo but I wouldn’t be scared to make a move on Akuta,” explains Purdon. “He is a horse who can do some work and he is ready to do that this week if the race pans pan out that way.” That makes him in horse to beat in a small field with Republican Party the obvious danger but possibly still on the way up whereas Akuta has had four races this campaign. Oscar Bonavena was stunning winning on the grass at Banks Peninsula last start but faces the double challenge of a 20m back mark over 2000m and his arch rivals Bet N Win and Muscle Mountain standing right alongside him. “Luck will play a part but he is in a really good place and I wouldn’t be scared to do some work on him even though he is best when driven for speed,” says Purdon. Purdon is also talking unusually tough with Rubira from barrier 1 in a red hot Flying Stakes for the three-year-old pacers. “I’d like to stay in front on him,” he offers. “I think he has more gate speed than Got The Chocolates and the only other horse I could consider trailing is Marketplace but if we handed the lead to him and he didn’t cop any pressure I don’t think we’d catch him.” The father-and-son training combination have three reps in the $150,000 NZBS Haress Million for two-year-old pacing fillies and Purdon opts for Shezsofast as their best hope. “All the fillies are well but River (No.1) is the one who has really thrived since getting down here so she could be the improver.” The champion trainer also finds himself in the rare position of having two outside drives on favourites tonight in Midnight Diamond (R1, No.6) and Arafura in the three-year-old fillies pace. “I have been really impressed by Midnight Diamond, she is a good strong trotter while Arafura was excellent late last start and will be hard to beat, although her stablemate Winelight will be a big danger.” The Purdons have expensive last start flop Special Occasion in tonight’s $200,000 Harness Million for the juvenile boys but he meets a deep field headlined by the unbeaten Jumal and the impressive pair of Zeus Lightning and Allamericanplayer in what will be the definitive juvenile race of the season so far. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Trainer Regan Todd is adamant superstar three-year-old pacer Marketplace will be a different horse at Addington tonight than the one who ran unplaced last start. But Todd isn’t so sure that will still be enough to win the Group 1 Flying Stakes (9.37pm), the highlight of a stunning night of harness racing. Marketplace finished out of the money for the first time in last 13 starts when fourth fresh up two weeks ago in a very similar field to what he meets tonight. Todd wasn’t surprised and punters who paid attention to Marketplace’s career record shouldn’t have been either but Todd likes what he has seen for the Northern Derby winner since. “We always try to peak him for the biggest races and that means often he is going to be vulnerable fresh up,” says Todd. “He ended up parked and he peaked late but I am thrilled with how he has come on since. “He will be a different beast this week but in saying that he is still building. “He has the NZ Derby and slot race [The Velocity] as his other major aims so I think he will be even better again after this week.” The tone in Todd’s voice suggests he would love to tip punters his stable star but he is slightly cautious because the three horses who beat him home last start are all in tonight’s 1980m mobile and drawn inside Marketplace again. Last start Rubira led then trailed Got The Chocolates and beat him for speed up the passing lane and something like that scenario would play out again tonight, with Bettors Anvil somewhere in that mix too. That means there are two, possibly even three, rivals tonight who could beat Marketplace and make punters pay if the magnificent pacer has to work too hard. “Rubira has gate speed so he should be able to control his own destiny so he will be really hard to beat,” says Todd. With all his key rivals drawn better Marketplace faces having to cover more ground than then or driver Craig Ferguson launching at the start and getting the front, from where he should win. “But that could also mean burning petrol and being run down late so I am not going to give Craig instructions. “I have done my job and am thrilled with the horse. I will leave the rest to him.” Todd has Mo’unga in tonight’s main handicap pace in which he gets a 15m head start over 25m backmarkers Republican Party and Akuta but he warns Mo’unga is still coming back up and will be a better horse in the Canterbury Classic next week. While backing backmarkers has been punting poison this year tonight may be the night either Republican Party or Akuta defy that trend as the configuration of the field means the are only giving away the full 25m to three of their rivals and with only seven starters one of the big guns should be in a potential one-one sit starting the last lap. Akuta will be the fittest horse in the race so driver Mark Purdon’s mid-race intent could ultimately decide the race. Todd has both Lakelsa (R10, No.4) and Treacherous Gal in tonight’s $60,000 Woodlands Mares Classic and says Lakelsa is ready to use her draw. “She faded after going too hard to lead two starts ago but won well with a sit last time. “But I think she can lead and win tonight as long as she doesn’t have to go too hard to get there.” View the full article

The Dewhurst Stakes (G1) promises to be one of the best juvenile races of the season after leading hopes Gstaad, Distant Storm, and Zavateri were declared in a nine-runner field set to go 7 furlongs Oct. 11 at Newmarket Racecourse.View the full article

Calvin Nguyen always figured that he and his brother Joey Tran had found their once-in-a-lifetime horse right out of the gate. In 1999, they claimed their very first runner for $32,000. Freedom Crest turned that gamble into a 13-race in-the-money streak, climbing his way into graded company and making it to the 2001 Breeders' Cup Classic. But two decades later, a filly who was never supposed to run in their silks has proven that she is worth her weight in silver—literally. The grey Twirling Candy filly named Ag Bullet has become Nguyen and Tran's brightest success story yet. Trained by Richard Baltas, turf star Ag Bullet has collected seven stakes wins, including the GI Jaipur Stakes and back-to-back renewals of the GII Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs. “She's taken us on quite a ride,” said Nguyen. “When she gets the trip, she's proven herself. I think it's just her fight. When she sees other horses around her, she has that killer instinct where she doesn't want to be passed. I'm just so fortunate to have a horse like her.” In top form this year at 5, Ag Bullet is now gearing up for one last dance with her connections in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint before heading through the ring at Fasig-Tipton's 'Night of the Stars' Sale. Over the past two decades, Nguyen and Tran have been involved in the game at various levels, from breeding to claiming to buying. Stable standouts include GISW Idol (Curlin) and GSWs Bob and Jackie (Twirling Candy) and Balladeer (Distorted Humor). The brothers maintain a small broodmare band and have about 10 horses in training. In 2021, they purchased Ag Bullet for $220,000 with plans of pinhooking her as a 2-year-old. From Ocala, consignor Robbie Harris reported that the filly was the fastest horse he had ever trained. When an ankle chip kept her from making it to the sale, Nguyen and Tran decided to keep her to themselves. “It turned out to be a great thing,” recalled Nguyen. “Since Robbie always said how fast she was, that's how we came up with the name. She's like a bullet and with her being silver, we gave her the name Ag Bullet.” A stakes winner at three, Ag Bullet earned her first graded score last year as a 4-year-old in the GIII Monrovia Stakes. Her breakout victory came later in the GII Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes, when she set a course record with her 5 1/4-length win, stopping the clock at 1:14.19 for six and a half furlongs. “To me that was her most impressive race,” trainer Richard Baltas reflected. “But she always shows up. Sometimes she'll be difficult to saddle because she's got a lot of fire. There are certain things she likes and certain things she doesn't like, but maybe that's why she's so good.” In last year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, Ag Bullet came just a neck short of the win, settling for third behind Starlust (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) and Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}). After finishing third in the GI Matriarch Stakes, her connections sketched out a plan to get Ag Bullet a Grade I in 2025. With limited opportunities available for turf sprinters, they set their sights on the GI Jaipur Stakes at Saratoga. The dream came to fruition when Ag Bullet beat the boys by two lengths, but as luck would have it, it was the only race that Nguyen couldn't attend. Ag Bullet gets the win in the 2025 GI Jaipur Stakes | Sarah Andrew “My daughter graduated from high school that same day,” Nguyen said with a laugh. “But I watched it live on TV and I screamed so loud. It was unbelievable. I got goosebumps just with the fact that she was a female beating the boys in a Grade I-caliber race and she did it so dominantly.” After a second win in the GII Ladies Turf Sprint, where she came just 0.19 seconds shy of her previous record, Ag Bullet returned to her base at Santa Anita. She recently worked a bullet five furlongs in :58.20 on Oct. 5 in preparation for her Breeders' Cup bid. “My rider who has been on her for two or three years said she's better than ever,” Baltas reported. “She has been lightly raced this year and she's had a good rest with no issues, so we're going to keep our fingers crossed.” Team Ag Bullet is counting down the days until their trip to Del Mar. “I think she's coming into the race amazingly well,” said Baltas. “I'm not afraid of anybody and I know she's not. She's just 100% racehorse. I know that when she's right, it doesn't matter who she's running against.” “Every week she works and you're getting more nervous as she's ramping up for that performance,” said Nguyen. “I think Richie has done an amazing job getting her there. He gets them to build up that momentum and hopefully hit that crescendo on Breeders' Cup day. Every time she runs, we think we have a big shot so it makes it really exciting.” After the Breeders' Cup, Ag Bullet will set off to Kentucky to go through the ring at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Cataloged as Hip 183 and offered as a racing or broodmare prospect, she will be consigned by Mill Ridge Farm. Consignor Price Bell said he sees a promising blueprint for Ag Bullet's future in fillies like Lady Shipman (Midshipman), the runner-up in the 2015 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint who is the dam of Coolmore sire Golden Pal, winner of the 2020 GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. “To me, Ag Bullet has one of the most internationally appealing pages,” said Bell. “For most of the world that races on turf, America is where they come looking for speed. As Lady Shipman showed, our turf sprinters can not only win at the top level, but produce offspring who do the same. We're in the business of speed and Ag Bullet is exceptionally fast.” Ag Bullet and Richard Baltas | Katie Petrunyak “Ag Bullet is a very unique offering–a mare of this quality who has sustained her brilliance over a long period,” said Fasig-Tipton's Boyd Browning. “She consistently demonstrated that speed and turn of foot. Ag Bullet has earned over $2.7 million to date and she's Twirling Candy's leading money earner. It's quite an accomplishment when you think of all the fantastic horses, colts and fillies, that Twirling Candy has sired.” “To see the impact that she's had on the lives of her owners Calvin and Joey, how much she means to them, it's the dream,” he continued. “That's why everybody gets in this business.” Nguyen admitted that letting go of their stable star won't be easy. “She's once in a lifetime for us,” he explained. “If we could keep her, we would, but I think the value is just so high that we would love for somebody to carry on with her. She's brought me so many wonderful memories that it's going to be very bittersweet.” Nguyen said one of his favorite parts of the journey has been traveling to the races with his brother. “We got to spend so much time together because of her and just enjoyed every moment,” he said. Ag Bullet is Baltas's leading earner–and perhaps one of his all-time biggest personalities as well. Managing her queen bee-like tendencies hasn't always been easy, but Baltas said the dapple gray mare will be impossible to replace. For now, he's focused on ending their chapter together on a high note. “She's meant a lot to me,” he said. “She's given me a couple of really big wins. In this business it's not easy so when you get a top horse that can run in the Breeders' Cup, you get a lot of satisfaction out of it. She will be missed, but I just want her to have a great life. That's what it's all about.” The post Ag Bullet On Track for Breeders’ Cup Bid Before Fasig-Tipton Stage appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brian Sheerin and Emma Berry NEWMARKET, UK — The millionaire lots kept coming almost to the end and, after a fairly flat start to the day, trade picked up significantly by mid-afternoon to the degree that, by the time the curtain fell on Book 1, a total of 16 seven-figure lots had passed through the ring. That equalled the number sold last year, while 70 in total sold for at least 500,000gns. What was different this time around, however, was a larger catalogue and vendors pointing to some frailty in the market beyond the top tier where the major buyers ensured fierce competition. The clearance rate picked up through the sale to settle at 85%, compared to last year's impressive 90%. Turnover of 128,580,000gns – from 50 more yearlings sold this year compared to 12 months ago – was down by just 1%, while the median was 210,000gns (-16%) and the average was 322,091gns (-13%). It is worth considering this in comparison to the figures from 2023 as well as last year. From a similar-sized book to this year, the aggregate then had been 96,887,500gns, the median 180,000gns and the average 243,977gns. It was always going to be hard to match last season's phenomenal trade but this year's Book 1 still rang plenty of bells. Tuesday's boom start, when Amo Racing gave 3,600,000gns for a Frankel colt from Newsells Park Stud and Godolphin's riposte was to go to 3,700,000gns for Longview Stud's Sea The Stars colt, meant that Tattersalls has been responsible for the two most expensive yearlings sold anywhere in the world this year. “It has been gratifying to return figures that are second only to last year's record renewal,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony. Fittocks Stud Caps Sensational Week Luca and Sara Cumani sugar-coated what has been one of the sweetest success stories of the week at Tattersalls when their Fittocks Stud-consigned Wootton Bassett colt sold to Godolphin for 1,900,000gns on the third and final day of Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale. The colt became Fittocks Stud's third seven-figure sale this week and followed on from the 2,200,000gns and 1,300,000gns achieved with colts by Frankel and Dubawi respectively. All told, Fittocks Stud has sold four yearlings at Book 1 for a combined sum of 5,900,000gns. Luca Cumani commented, “It has been an absolutely fantastic week and I have to thank the people who have been bidding on our horses. It has been emotional, really. I especially need to thank my staff who have worked so hard with these horses and presented them beautifully. And obviously my wife, Sara – you always have to thank your wife! “We have been very blessed to have three very beautiful horses this week. This was one and obviously the two yesterday. It is a blessing to get horses as good looking as that. They also happened to be by the right sire and from good families with good female lines as well.” He added, “People tell me the market has been patchy. I obviously can't comment on that because it hasn't been patchy for me. Obviously, it is probably not as buoyant as it was last year and we are probably returning to the 2023 levels but, as far as I am concerned, it has been a wonderful market.” Agent Anthony Stroud, who buys on behalf of a number of clients and is a key member of the Godolphin buying team, paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammed, who has been present at Park Paddocks throughout the sale and bought 23 yearlings for 19,625,000gns, which accounted for around 20 per cent of the market. Stroud said, “You cannot believe how we couldn't do it without him. Words can't really express how remarkable all of us who work for him feel about it. “And it should be everyone in this industry, whoever you are. I mean, every year he keeps coming here. I think he really enjoys it and we depend on him for his eye. It's very important.” Stroud, who has also been buying this week for KHK Racing and Peter Harris among others, said of the week's trade, “I think that the figures stack up very well, but I think it's very polarised. When you go to America there are so many people. We're a very small market. It's us, the Coolmore team, MV (Magnier), at the top end, and obviously Amo (Racing), and it's very important to have competition, whether it's in sales or on the racecourse, it's vital to have that.” Love At First Sight No Fluke For Lordship Tom Harris of Lordship Stud will never forget the day he first laid eyes on the Le Havre mare Ville De Grace, nor will he forget the sale of her first foal after the filly by Frankel went the way of Juddmonte for 1,500,000gns . Winner of the G3 Pride Stakes for owner-breeders Hunscote Stud and Chris Humber when trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Ville De Grace is now based at Lordship Stud after being bought for 2,000,000gns at the 2022 Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Recounting the story of his first encounter with the mare, Harris, who was celebrating the moment with assistant stud groom Rebecca Martland who foaled the filly, said, “She was very expensive, but my father [Trevor] and I were coming from the Solario Yard, and she was down nearby with Jenny Norris. As we crossed the bridge, we saw this black filly just walking. She's a very pretty mare and we both looked at each other and said, 'Wow, what is that?' It was literally love at first sight. She's a fantastic-looking mare, an unbelievable mover, and she has had a beautiful first foal.” Lot 498 was consigned on behalf of Lordship Stud by Watership Down Stud, with Harris adding, “From day one, we thought she was a star, and she continued to develop in that way. We came up here, we were looking at fillies each day, and each evening we'd say to each other, 'Have you seen anything better?' And the answer was always no. It's so incredibly exciting to have one so good-looking as the first foal.” Juddmonte's Simon Mockridge said of this third seven-figure lot for their home stallion, “We went in there with a figure in mind and we'd reached that limit, but the family were happy to have one more go. It's an outcross family, which is very important to Frankel. She's a beautiful filly, with a great action to her. Let's hope she's lucky.” 'He's a Sire on the Rise': Juddmonte Sign Up Night Of Thunder Colt Just a handful of lots into the final day of Book 1 saw the twelfth seven-figure lot of the week when Juddmonte went to 1,050,000gns for the Night Of Thunder colt out of Quschi (Encosta De Lago). Bred by Andrew Stone of St Albans Bloodstock – who was also the co-breeder of the day's top lot – the Newsells Park Stud-consigned colt (lot 364) is a half-brother to GII Glens Falls Stakes winner Mrs Sippy (Blame) and to Listed winner Phantom Flight (Siyouni). The family, which was cultivated for many years by Lord Howard de Walden, includes his homebred champion Grand Lodge. Earlier in the week, Juddmonte also went to 1,000,000gns Lodge Park Stud's Night Of Thunder colt from the family of Park Express. Simon Mockridge, general manager for Juddmonte in the UK, said, “I think it's probably coincidence that they're both by Night Of Thunder but he's had a fantastic season, as we all know. The quality of mares that he's been covering over these last few years has got better and better. He's a sire on the rise, and a sire that we need to pay attention to. “He has a proper pedigree, and this was an incredibly good-looking horse, very well presented by Newsells Park Stud. “Over the last few years we've bought a handful of horses at auction. And it depends what we're doing – sometimes it's yearlings, sometimes it's foals. We're very specialised in what we're looking for. These two horses have got to come back and fit into what I would call the top 10 per cent of the yearlings at home. And if they can't do that, there's no point in buying them.” One of those previous purchases was Field Of Gold (Kingman), one of the outstanding three-year-olds of the season. The winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes has been off the track since finishing fourth in the Sussex Stakes in late July but Juddmonte's racing manager Barry Mahon reported that he remains on course for a reappearance in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day a week on Saturday. Burke Rallies For Millionaire Number 16 Night Of Thunder was responsible for the 16th and final seven-figure sale at Book 1 through lot 525, a colt consigned by James Hanly's Ballyhimikin Stud that went the way of trainer Karl Burke on behalf of an existing client. The colt – which hailed from the same farm as Night Of Thunder's top-class runners Ombudsman and Estrange – completed what has been another excellent Book 1 for Hanly with two individual millionaire lots featuring among the 3,605,000gns for seven sold at Park Paddocks this week. It also cemented a good week of shopping for Burke, who has done well with the progeny of Night Of Thunder, notably through recent Group 2 winner Zeus Olympios. He said, “It is a lot more than I thought we'd have to go for him but he was a beautiful colt by a fantastic sire. We've started to get a few Night Of Thunders and they have done well for us. Hopefully he will as well. This fella could be anything.” Reflecting on the business carried out this week, Burke added, “We only got one horse the first day and I thought it was going to be a bad week. I only got one horse yesterday but I got sent a couple and then today everything fell into place. To be honest, I went past the budget on this horse but then I got an instruction to keep going. That was great. He's been bought on behalf of an existing owner in the yard and thankfully I checked my phone and saw the message to keep going.” The Night Of Thunder colt also claimed the accolade for being the 'Golden Touch' from Thursday's trade, given that Johnny McKeever had pinhooked the colt alongside Hanly. The pair turned an initial outlay of 175,000gns at the December Foal Sale from Barton Stud into seven figures. Some shooting. Subplots The case could be made for MV Magnier sniffing out a bit of value in lot 393, a sister to Middle Park winners Wise Approach (Mehmas) and Perfect Power (Ardad) for 480,000gns. Consigned by Tally-Ho Stud, the Mehmas filly is out of Sagely (Frozen Power), who is fast becoming one of the most talked-about broodmares in the business given her recent achievements. Tally-Ho also sold a Starman colt out of Visions, who is the dam of Group 1-winning juvenile Power Blue (Space Blues), to Anthony Stroud for 280,000gns. “Yes! Get in there, Brummitt!” Only one man can liven up a sale ring like Clive Washbourn, and the excitable owner-breeder was back with a bang after Jeremy Brummitt secured lot 507 on his behalf for 550,000gns. The Wootton Bassett filly hails from a strong German family which traces back to champion racemare and producer Wurftaube and includes the Arc winner Waldgeist and St Leger winner Masked Marvel. The latter had also been bought by Brummitt for Bjorn Nielsen. Washbourn exited the ring shouting “I love Wootton Bassett” before giving MV Magnier a bear hug. Redpender Stud's Jimmy Murphy enjoyed a great result with lot 460, a Minzaal half-sister to talented sprinters Mill Stream (Gleneagles) and Asymmetric (Showcasing), who sold to Amo Racing for 550,000gns. Shadwell underbid the filly who was described by many shrewd judges as one of the outstanding horses in the sale. Murphy commented, “She's a very good looker and she's by Minzaal. In my opinion, they seem to have great minds. He trained on well as a racehorse and he surely has potential as a stallion. The mare has been outstanding; it's all there on the page. We wish Amo the best of luck, not just with her but all their purchases. I bought her off David Brown. She's an outstanding mare. I'd tried for years to buy into the family but I could never get into it. Ended up being smart by mistake!” Angus Gold had been underbidder on the Minzaal filly but struck later on with the purchase of lot 484, a colt by another of Shadwell's first-season stallions, Baaeed, from Corduff Stud. The son of G2 May Hill Stakes winner Turret Rocks (Fastnet Rock) was sold for 625,000gns, making him the most expensive by his sire, who had 12 yearlings sold for an average of 237,917gns. He said, “Obviously, we are keen to support the stallion wherever possible. We've got some very nice homebreds and, interestingly, most of them are fillies, so we were keen to try and buy a colt from this book. I think we saw all of them, and we rated him very highly. He's a big, powerful horse and seemed to have the temperament of his father, and the same back end. Let's hope that he's got the engine of his father. Shadwell's principal, Sheikha Hissa Al Maktoum, has been at Park Paddocks this week, and Gold added, “She's really enjoying seeing them all. It's exciting. These are the first stallions she's had under her watch, as you might say. “At the moment, she doesn't want to be spending too much money when we've got 30 homebred yearlings to put into training. We're trying to concentrate on quality, rather than quantity. But I think she just loves sitting up at the ring, coming around the grounds, to look at them all.” The Chairman Concludes… At the close of Book 1 and ahead of next week's Books 2 and 3, which begin a five-day run on Monday, Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony commented, “Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale consistently showcases the finest British, Irish, French and German-bred yearlings to a global audience and this year's renewal has been no exception. Longview Stud's Sea The Stars colt out of Crystal Zvezda and Newsells Park Stud's Frankel colt out of Aljazzi, which realised 3,700,000gns and 3,600,000gns respectively are the two highest-priced yearlings in the world this year. “A remarkable 70 lots have sold for 500,000gns or more as we have welcomed buyers from throughout the world to Park Paddocks. As ever, the support from the Gulf region has been a feature as has the large number of American buyers who have purchased more than 40 yearlings. “Last year's renewal of Europe's premier yearling sale was widely regarded as one of the more remarkable sales of recent years, bucking the trend of earlier yearling sales that autumn with wide margin increases in all the key metrics. Those results saw the bloodstock market take a significant upturn over the last twelve months and whilst a drop in average and median were to be expected with the larger catalogue, it has been gratifying to return figures that are second only to last year's record renewal.” Buy of the Day Alex Elliott played a major role at the top end of the market this week but he also uncovered a bit of value through Philipp Stauffenberg's Sottsass filly [512] at just 35,000gns. One of the cheapest horses in the whole sale, she boasted plenty of quality and looks well bought at that price. Thought for the Day Who knew Anthony Stroud could move so fast? The super agent was taking a moment to himself out at the back cafe when his phone rang while lot 503 was making 80,000gns in the ring. The deceptively-quick Stroud showed a Group-class turn of foot to make it out to the ring in time to purchase the Kingman filly on behalf of Godolphin for 450,000gns. The post Top Stronger Than Ever As 16 Millionaires Star At Tattersalls Book 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-SA, $60K, Msw, 3-5yo, 6f, 6:33 p.m. ET. Set for his unveiling is $2-million 2023 Keeneland September grad JUDE (Uncle Mo), who was purchased by Zedan Racing and sent to trainer Bob Baffert. Out of winner at 2 Helena Bay (GB) (Johannesburg), the first-time starter is a half-brother to GI TVG Pacific Classic Stakes hero & sire Collected (City Zip) and a current 2-year-old colt in-training by Gun Runner–himself a $700,000 Keeneland September buy for M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm. TJCIS PPS 8th-BAQ, $85K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6fT, 4:53 p.m. ET. James Wigan's London Thoroughbred Services went to 800,000gns on behalf of Erdenheim to acquire at the 2021 Tattersalls December Mare sale Daily Times (GB) (Gleneagles (Ire) who was in foal with eventual unraced gelding Full and Bye (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}). The Pennsylvania farm then sent Daily Times to be covered by Kingman (GB) which resulted in Barclay Tagg trainee Time for You. This dam's half-sister is GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf victress Newspaperofrecord (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), and her extended female family includes Irish Group 1 stakes winner Latrobe (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: Pricey Uncle Mo Colt Jude Gets The Call To The Post In Arcadia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 16th and final seven-figure lot this year at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale was Ballyhimikin Stud's Night Of Thunder colt out of Wild Rye (Bated Breath), who was knocked down to Karl and Kelly Burke for 1,000,000gns. Successful once in three career starts for Juddmonte, Wild Rye is a sibling to seven other winners, including the G1 Grand Prix de Paris-winning sire Zambezi Sun (Dansili), G2 Guillaume d'Ornano hero Kalabar (Kahyasi) and Listed scorer Zero Gravity (Dansili), the dam of the high-class filly Kalpana (Study Of Man). Wild Rye was a 300,000gns purchase at the 2019 Tattersalls December Mares Sale. “He is a gorgeous colt,” Burke said of lot 525. “I had gone over budget, but luckily I checked my phone and a message to press on had come in from the client.” This colt was the fifth seven-figure yearling to change hands at Book 1 for Night Of Thunder, who currently leads the way at the top of the British and Irish sires' table and can count Burke among his many fans. The trainer added, “The Night Of Thunders are going well for me. [G2 Joel Stakes winner] Zeus Olympios is very exciting and really a horse for next year. The horses by Night Of Thunder do need a bit of time.” The post Night Of Thunder Signs Off at Book 1 In Style with 1m Gns Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) winner Daryz will stay in training as a 4-year-old, the Aga Khan Studs revealed Oct. 9. The 3-year-old colt secured the biggest win of his career when defeating Minnie Hauk in France's showcase race Oct. 5.View the full article

C2 Racing Stable, Gary Barber, and La Milagrosa Stable's White Abarrio breezed a half-mile in company Oct. 9 at Gulfstream Park in preparation for a planned start in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar.View the full article

Hundreds of Kentucky HBPA-member trainers are now eligible to sign up for a workers' compensation policy that covers their stable employees at a possible substantial savings.View the full article

Friday, Newmarket, post time: 14:57, THE BET365 FILLIES' MILE-G1, £528,750, 2yo, f, 8fT Field: Amora Queen (Ger) (Waldgeist {GB}), Composing (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Dance To The Music (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Evolutionist (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Legacy Link (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Moments Of Joy (Justify), Moon Target (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Queen Of Hawaii (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Sugar Island (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Venetian Lace (Ire) (Masar {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Following her wins in the Prestige and Moyglare, Precise is queen bee here with the step up to a mile unlikely to be any problem based on the stamina-packed dam's side. Aidan O'Brien sent Love here in 2019 following her win in that Curragh contest and she was only third, but there is so much to like about the way this filly has been going through her races so far. Juddmonte's Legacy Link is a relative of Frankel and despite the promise of her Haydock novice win has quite a bit to find with the Ballydoyle first-string, while Godolphin's Sweet Solera winner Dance To The Music has to overcome a recent trip to Canada where she was unlucky in the Natalma. Queen Of Hawaii had the re-opposing Ballydoyle understudy Moments Of Joy 2 1/4 lengths back in second in The Curragh's Flame of Tara and is also in the mix. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Newmarket, post time: 14:25, THE THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY EMPLOYEE AWARDS CHALLENGE STAKES-G2, £125,000, 3yo/up, 7fT Field: Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Poet Master (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Cosmic Year (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Scoville (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Analysis: Cosmic Year's year has been in-and-out, but it's probably about next year with him and a win here would provide a nice confidence boost for the son of Passage Of Time whose contrasting fortunes can be summarised by a second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and last-of-four finish in Goodwood's Thoroughbred Stakes. Despite boasting a tally of two Group 3s and four Group 1 placings, Beauvatier has always threatened to be better and is simply the best horse in this race if it all comes together. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Newmarket, post time: 16:45, THE NEWMARKET PONY ACADEMY PRIDE STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT Field: Ambiente Amigo (GB) (Postponed {GB}), Charlotte's Web (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Frances Ethel (SAf) (Rafeef {Aus}), Karmology (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}), Miss Justice (GB) (Justify), Skellet (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Falakeyah (GB) (New Bay {GB}), Sand Gazelle (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Spirited Style (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Victory Queen (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Analysis: This marks the belated return of the impressive Listed Pretty Polly Stakes winner Falakeyah, who has not been seen since finishing down the field in the Coronation Stakes. A distant fourth in the Pretty Polly, Sand Gazelle split Red Letter and Barnavara in the Snow Fairy at The Curragh in August and it may be that she is an entirely different proposition to the filly who was beaten so far here in May. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Newmarket, post time: 13:50, THE GODOLPHIN LIFETIME CARE OH SO SHARP STAKES-G3, £65,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Blingy's Sister (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Calendar Girl (GB) (Advertise {GB}), Classic Cuvee (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Coming Attraction (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Midnight Tango (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Mood Queen (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Mubasimah (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Senorita Vega (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Shady Dame (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Tavana (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). TDN Analysis: Runner-up on debut here to the subsequent Rockfel winner Zanthos, Classic Cuvee went one better in a hot Doncaster maiden last month and is an exciting prospect for the 2026 Classics. She meets the Weatherbys Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes winner Calendar Girl and the recent course-and-distance one-two Mubasimah and Shady Dame who emanate from top stables with in-depth understanding of what a good filly looks like. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Newmarket, post time: 13:15, THE NEWMARKET ACADEMY GODOLPHIN BEACON PROJECT CORNWALLIS STAKES-G3, £65,000, 2yo, 5fT Field: Revival Power (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Aspect Island (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Beckford's Folly (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Brussels (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Chairmanfourtimes (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}), India Love (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Our Cody (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Palmeira (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Spicy Marg (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Wor Faayth (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Revival Power's rivals will be hoping that a penalty for her Flying Childers win can stop her, as there doesn't seem much hope otherwise given how strong she looked at Doncaster. Ballydoyle's Brussels drops in trip after his solid Middle Park second, but he has done little so far to suggest he can live with the flying filly at this distance. Spicy Marg beat the King Power runner in Goodwood's Alice Keppel, but may not have made the same progress in the interim. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Dundalk, post time: 16:50, IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF LEGACY STAKES-Listed, €28,500, 2yo, 5f (AWT) Field: Howd'yadoit (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Jack The Bachelor (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Kansas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Sir Alfie (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Sirius A (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), Ipanema Queen (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Aegina (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), By The Lake (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Strait And Narrow (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Tornado Kiss (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Treasured Royal (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Xerling (Ire) (Sioux Nation). TDN Analysis: Rescheduled from last Friday, this sees Ballydoyle switch out their original runner Controlled for the Flying Childers runner-up Kansas who was fifth in the Middle Park. Ipanema Queen beat him in the Listed Curragh Stakes in August and is better than her last run when down the field on soft ground in Ayr's Listed Harry Rosebery Stakes. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Dundalk, post time: 19:00, IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF STAR APPEAL STAKES-Listed, €28,500, 2yo, 7f (AWT) Field: Andab (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Controlled (Ire) (No Nay Never), Eleven A (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), Frescobaldi (Ire) (No Nay Never), Which Wolf Wins (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Fairy Oak (GB) (A'Ali {Ire}), Inbox (GB) (Ectot {GB}), Lookingforarainbow (Justify). TDN Analysis: Also rescheduled with a different look, this features Ballydoyle's gelding Controlled who was due to run in the Legacy last week and instead moves up two furlongs following his success in first-time blinkers in a Naas maiden last month. He replaces the stable's original runner Straight Up and the Fillies' Mile-bound Moments Of Joy and faces the proven Andab, who was third to Albert Einstein and Power Blue in the Marble Hill in May, fourth in the Coventry and second in the Prix Francois Boutin. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Compiegne, France, post time: 16:03, PRIX CHARLES LAFFITTE-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, f, 10fT Field: Al Uqda (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Tajlina (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Al Dhaby (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Light The Ghost (Ger) (Waldgeist {GB}), Whataboutism (Fr) (Camelot {GB}), Azaniya (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Gaga Girl (Fr) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), Sunshine Baby (Fr) (Areion {Ger}), Janey Mackers (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Place Fontenoy (Fr) (War Command), Heed (Aus) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Analysis: Al Asayl's G3 Prix Penelope victrix Tajlina has not been seen since running second in April's G3 Prix Cleopatre and, with the scratching of Al Shaqab's G2 German 1000 Guineas runner-up D'Ores Et Deja, she offers the best form on show here. Godolphin's Andre Fabre-conditioned Whataboutism finished ahead of Al Uqda in August's G3 Prix de Psyche and holds solid place claims, while Kostyantyn Zgara's German 1000 Guineas third Place Fontenoy is winless in eight starts and needs to find more to feature. The three-strong British challenge is an intriguing mix, with the George Boughey-trained Ffos Las maiden winner Heed pitched into black-type company off the back of that debut success at the end of August. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 15:00, THE DARLEY DEWHURST STAKES-G1, £500,000, 2yo, c/f, 7fT Field: Alparslan (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Distant Storm (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Gewan (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Italy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Oxagon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), Pacific Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Saba Desert (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Zavateri (Ire) (Without Parole {GB}). TDN Analysis: The Vincent O'Brien National Stakes one-two-three Zavateri, Gstaad and Italy reunite with no obvious reason for any change in the order. Eve Johnson Houghton's “dude” has been outsmarting everything the big stables could throw at him all season with that Zarkava turn of foot and there is nothing to suggest he can't improve further with time. Despite his outstanding credentials, the bookmakers are happy to lay him as third favourite behind Gstaad and Godolphin's current market-leader Distant Storm, who was impressive over course and distance in the Tattersalls Stakes and bids to cap a big week for Night Of Thunder. Oxagon ran into Puerto Rico in the Champagne and what seemed an upset at the time has subsequently been proven to be smart form. This livelier ground will help his cause and he is another who is almost certain to progress with time and experience. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 13:15, THE TOO DARN HOT DARLEY STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 9fT Field: First Conquest (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), Liberty Lane (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Torito (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Damysus (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Gladius (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Mister Rizz (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Something of a forgotten horse after his Dante second and Derby no-show, Damysus is hot property again after his return win in Deauville's Listed Deauville Prix Nureyev and is being campaigned similarly to Ombudsman last term. Gladius is another three-year-old with potential and his close fourth in York's Strensall Stakes is as good as his peer's win in France. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 13:50, THE NIGHT OF THUNDER ZETLAND STAKES-G3, £65,000, 2yo, 10fT Field: Allegresse (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Del Maro (Ger) (Camelot {GB}), Endorsement (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Look To The Stars (Ire) (Galiway {GB}), Loz Vegas (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Mr Colonel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Pierre Bonnard (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Spyce (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Analysis: A fascinating encounter between some unexposed stayers of the future, with Ballydoyle's duo of Endorsement and Pierre Bonnard two obvious colts to follow. The latter is a son of the Nassau winner Sultanina who was impressive at Dundalk and might edge it, while elsewhere Godolphin's Haynes, Hanson & Clark winner Look To The Stars and the Mariscottis' dual Kempton winner Allegresse add intrigue. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 14:25, THE EMIRATES AUTUMN STAKES-G3, £65,000, 2yo, 8fT Field: Al Zanati (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Archer Royal (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Glacius (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Hankelow (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), New Zealand (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Pathein (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Straight Up (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: This has become a race to take note of, staged over the Guineas course and distance and responsible for Ghaiyyath in 2017, for Persian King, Magna Grecia and Circus Maximus a year later, Coroebus in 2021 and Delacroix 12 months ago. Godolphin's Al Zanati has a big reputation and the form of his debut win over seven on the July Course looks better after August George ran so well in the Goffs Million. Aidan O'Brien saddles the Listowel winner Straight Up and Curragh scorer New Zealand, while Pathein is the one with the TDN Rising Star, Presented by Hagyard label. His Doncaster maiden win on debut has been boosted by the runner-up Lyneham and it is interesting to note that the well-beaten Del Maro is considered good enough to take part in the afternoon's Zetland Stakes by Charlie Appleby. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, York, post time: 13:30, THE CORAL ROCKINGHAM STAKES-Listed, £70,000, 2yo, 6fT Field: Black Star Boy (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Boston Dan (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Comical Point (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Dandy Style (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Division (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Flying Comet (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Rydale Frosty (Havana Grey {GB}), Star Material (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Anaisa (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Ali Shuffle (GB) (A'Ali {Ire}), Azleet (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Flowerhead (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Indy B (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Killavia (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Lightning Polka (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Wathnan Racing's exciting Division bids to build on his promising wins at Haydock and Yarmouth, but this is tough with so many hardened juveniles in the line-up. Flying Comet was third in the Mill Reef, while the Queen Mary runner-up Flowerhead may have been through a sticky patch of late but obviously possesses class. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 13:40, CRITERIUM DE MAISONS-LAFFITTE-G2, €173,800, 2yo, 6fT Field: Samangan (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Graft (Ire) (U S Navy Flag), Trinquette (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Tadej (GB) (City Light {Fr}), Street Show (Fr) (Showcasing {GB}), Royal Bay Cen (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: Champion trainer-elect Francis Graffard has bulldozed his way through a banner campaign and sends forth last month's G3 Prix Eclipse hero Samangan, who has the measure of Eclipse third and fourth Graft and Royal Bay Cen. August's G3 Prix de Cabourg winner Tadej has run unplaced in two starts since, while Trinquette and Street Show are both one-from-five and need much more here. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 14:50, PRIX LE FABULEUX-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 9fT Field: Diego Ventura (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Batal Youmzain (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Midak (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Chibitty (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Poschiavo (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Marchon (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Amilcare (Fr) (Wooded {Ire}), Nitoi (Siyouni {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Francis Graffard nominee Midak annexed May's G3 Prix Greffulhe, but has been gelded since running tenth in Epsom's G1 Derby, and makes his first start since that Classic. His chief threats are the Andre Fabre-conditioned stakes-winning G1 Prix du Jockey Club 13th Nitoi, who comes back off a fifth in last month's G2 Prix Niel, and Wathnan Racing's consistent G3 Spreti-Rennen fifth Diego Ventura, who had previously run second in Goodwood's G3 Thoroughbred Stakes. LNJ Foxwoods' homebred Marchon is two-for-two and an intriguing contender in this black-type debut. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 16:07, PRIX SARACA-Listed, €54,900, 2yo, 7fT Field: Ulymine (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Ikotofetsy (Fr) (Threat {Ire}), Merle (Fr) (Recoletos {Fr}), Dostoievsky (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Commander's Intent (Fr) (Victor Ludorum {GB}), Kenzel (Ire) (Zelzal {Fr}), PIana (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Union Helper Cen (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Commander's Intent, representing George Scott's in-form Newmarket barn, is the only contender to have earned black type and will be a prime contender for this coming back off runner-up finishes in last month's G3 Zukunfts-Rennen and G3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes. He will bid to become the first stakes winner for his Haras d'Etreham-based freshman sire. Potential party-poopers include Christophe Ferland trainee Kenzel, who raced too freely when fourth behind subsequent G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere second Nighttime in last month's G3 Prix La Rochette, and wide-margin maiden winner Dostoievsky. Others worthy of consideration are G3 Prix Eclipse fifth Ulymine and Ikotofetsy, who ran fourth in both G3 Prix de Cabourg and G3 Prix des Chenes. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Fillies Star On Friday, With Dewhurst On Deck appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article