Wandering Eyes

Juddmonte Farms's Laurel River (Into Mischief) has been removed from consideration for the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup on Feb. 22 after picking up a minor injury that will require 'two weeks' rest', according to a tweet from racing personality Nick Luck, who was first to report the news. “Just a knock apparently, but it prevented him from getting in a critical workout before traveling,” Juddmonte USA's General Manager Garrett O'Rourke said in a text message. “Will wait for the Dubai World Cup.” Trained by Bhupat Seemar, the homebred 7-year-old demolished a field including defending champion Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) and 2024 Saudi Cup hero Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) in last year's World Cup, for which he was recently recognized as the world's joint top-rated runner in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings. Put away for the season with an eye on the Saudi Cup and a title defense at Meydan in April, Laurel River returned to action in the G3 Firebreak Stakes on the Fashion Friday program Jan. 24. Aggressive in the run beneath his regular rider Tadhg O'Shea, Laurel River carried what appeared to be an insurmountable advantage into the final 400 meters, but he began to feel the pinch, shortened stride and was nabbed on the wire by King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}). Seemar told the Dubai Racing Club: “He had a small setback in training and missed his intended workout for the Saudi Cup. We will keep him in Dubai and aim him at the Dubai World Cup.” Laurel River began his career under the care of Bob Baffert, winning four of seven starts, including the GII Pat O'Brien Stakes in 2022. The would-be favorite for that year's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, he was taken out in the days leading up to the race and was transferred to Seemar. After faltering in a Group 3 sprint over 1200 meters on his local debut last winter, the bay bounced back in no uncertain terms in the G3 Burj Nahaar, a course-and-distance prep for the G2 Godolphin Mile. Connections elected to take their shot in the World Cup instead and the results were sensational, as he had 8 1/2 lengths on Ushba Tesoro on the wire. A full field of 14 is still expected for the 1800-meter contest. With Laurel River's defection, Wootton'sun (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is eligible to draw in from the reserves. He is also entered for the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap over 3000 meters. The post Laurel River Ruled Out of Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the 2025 breeding season upon us, the TDN staff is once again sitting down with leading breeders to find out what stallions they have chosen for their mares, and why. Susan Anderson is involved in every aspect of the industry as an owner, breeder, and trainer. She runs Point Of View Farm in Ohio, where she bred 'TDN Rising Star' GSW Jonathan's Way (Vekoma), who currently sits in eighth on the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' leaderboard with 15 points. Anderson shares her 2025 mating plans, including for her newest additions to her broodmare band–a homebred stakes winner and the half-sister to Jonathan's Way. Female Drama (18, Indian Charlie-Newhall Road, by Dixieland Band) to be bred to Twirling Candy. Female Drama is currently in foal to Nashville and is going to Twirling Candy this year. I decided she deserves a proven stallion and Twirling Candy fits that bill. She nicks well with him and I love him as a sire. Windsail (14, Grand Appointment–Windcat, by Iroquois Park) to be bred to Kingsbarns. Windsail is going to Kingsbarns. I loved him immediately when I saw him. He fits Windsail physically as she is a big mare and he is average in height but very fast looking with a great shoulder and nice hip. She is the dam of SW Windy Lu Who (Justin Phillip), MSP Angel's Sassy (Cinco Charlie), and SP Maleah (Mitole). Her 2024 filly is by Drain the Clock and Windsail currently in foal to Two Phil's. Bode's Rose (6, Bodemeister–Female Drama, by Indian Charlie) to be bred to Vekoma. She is a maiden mare and a half-sister to Jonathan's Way, which is the reason for my choice, as well as MSP Startdfromdabottom (Kantharos). I believe she fits Vekoma physically as well. Angel's Sassy (7, Cinco Charlie–Windsail, by Grand Appointment) to be bred to Bolt d'Oro. Angel's Sassy is a young, unproven stakes-placed mare. Her first foal is a yearling colt by Jimmy Creed. She is in foal to Drain the Clock and is booked to Bolt d'Oro. He is a great value at $15,000 this year. Angel's Sassy is an A+ Nick with him. Windy Lu Who (8, Justin Phillip–Windsail, by Grand Appointment) to be bred to Arabian Lion. Windy Lu Who is a stakes winning mare by Justin Phillip. She was my first stakes winner as the breeder and has earnings over $300,000. She is booked to Arabian Lion. He is a second-year sire and she nicks very well with him. The post 2025 Mating Plans, Presented By Spendthrift Farm: Susan Anderson appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sands Of Mali (Fr) will remain at Ballyhane Stud after an injunction application by Steve Parkin to have the stallion removed from the care of his former advisor Joe Foley was turned down by the High Court in Ireland. The injunction hearing, which took place in Dublin on January 23, outlined the disputed ownership of Sands Of Mali, with Parkin claiming to have bought the son of Panis outright while Foley, owner of Ballyhane, countered that Parkin had taken a 50 per cent share of the horse with him. Foley's claim to shared ownership of the stallion was backed up by affadavits from Sands Of Mali's former trainer Richard Fahey and bloodstock agent Federico Barberini, who was formerly employed by Parkin. The latter had made payment to Sands Of Mali's former owner The Cool Silk Partnership but in court Foley stated that his share in the stallion was credited against boarding and training fees due for Parkin-owned horses residing at Ballyhane Stud. This is disputed by Parkin, who claims that there was a profit-sharing agreement for Sands Of Mali but no partnership. Delivering his judgement, Mr Justice Nolan determined that Sands Of Mali should remain at Ballyhane Stud on the proviso that he is examined by a vet at least once every six weeks and that monthly accounts pertaining to the stallion are made available to Parkin. Parkin had claimed that there were welfare issues in regard to Sands Of Mali remaining at Ballyhane but this was refuted in the judge's determination which stated that “There was no evidence that the stallion is subject to any detrimental environmental issue or that his health is in any way affected by it remaining there”. Reacting to the judgement, which comes as the covering season gets properly underway, Foley said, “I'm obviously happy that this judgement vindicates my position but am equally pleased that it provides certainty for Sands Of Mali and to the many breeders who want to use him this season. “The uncertainty surrounding his future caused by this court action was unsettling but, despite this, he's on track to cover a full book of mares and I'd like to put on record my thanks to our many clients for their support. Sands Of Mali looks to have a lot of talent as a stallion and he should have a bright future ahead for both of us.” In reference to the court proceedings, he added, “It's obviously a shame that it came to this but recent events notwithstanding, Steve and I had a great 20 years working together. We enjoyed some brilliant successes during that time and I'm proud of the role that I played in that success, culminating with two Group 1 winners bred from his farm in 2024 out of mares I'd bought for him as yearlings. It's important to reflect that Steve was a big investor in the industry and supported a lot of smaller trainers and breeders over the years and I wish him and his family every success into the future. “However, it's time to concentrate all my efforts now on Ballyhane and I'm pleased to report that our new recruit, Sakheer, has gone down very well with breeders and has a strong first book of mares to cover, so along with Sands Of Mali, we're delighted to have two exciting young stallions here and my family and I can't thank our friends and clients enough for their support during the past year.” Sands Of Mali at Ballyhane Stud Sands Of Mali was initially bought as a yearling by Con Marnane for €20,000 at Osarus and later fetched £75,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot Breeze-up Sale when selected by Matt Coleman for The Cool Silk Partnership. His racing career spanned five wins from 18 starts across four seasons, with victory over Harry Angel (Ire) in the G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint of 2018 representing the peak of his success for the Fahey stable. Bought for stud duties in August 2020 for £225,000, Sands Of Mali started covering mares at Ballyhane Stud in 2021 and was one of the leading first-season sires in Europe last year with 21 two-year-old winners. In 2023, Parkin launched his own stallion operation at Dullingham Park just outside Newmarket and moved his stallion Soldier's Call (GB) from Ballyhane Stud to stand alongside the newly purchased Shaquille (GB) in England for the 2024 covering season. In March 2024, following a breakdown in the longstanding business relationship and friendship between Parkin and Foley, Parkin removed Space Traveller (GB) and Asymmetric (Ire) from Ballyhane to stand at Starfield Stud in Ireland. Sands Of Mali remained with Foley, who had previously been racing manager and advisor for Parkin's racing operation conducted under the name of his company Clipper Logistics, which he sold in May 2022. Parkin and Foley filed legal proceedings against each other in the Irish High Court last July. In 2024, Parkin enjoyed victory in the G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas with Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). The filly was bred by him at his Branton Court Stud in Yorkshire and was sold last summer, along with a number of other horses, to Wathnan Racing. Parkin also bred last year's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Starlust (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}). Steve Parkin has been approached for comment by TDN and this story will be updated when a statement is received. The post Judge Rules Sands Of Mali Will Stay at Ballyhane Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ryan Moore, Declan McDonogh, Richard Kingscote, Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand have been granted jockeys' licences to ride in Hong Kong over the next few months. Doyle and Marquand have both ridden winners in Hong Kong in recent seasons and will be available to ride at Sha Tin on Sunday 16 February and Happy Valley next Wednesday, 19 February. Moore is set to be in attendance for meetings at Happy Valley (26 February and 5 March) as well as at Sha Tin (2 March) for Hong Kong Classic Cup race day. Kingscote and McDonogh are both set to make their debuts in Hong Kong and will be in the territory for the longest periods, with Kingscote granted a six-week licence beginning next Wednesday (19 February) at Happy Valley, while McDonagh is free to ride from next Sunday's Sha Tin (23 February) meeting up until 2 April. Regular Hong Kong riders Zac Purton, Vincent Ho, Keith Yeung and Angus Chung were all injured in an incident at Sha Tin last Sunday and have been ruled out of riding at the upcoming meetings. Latest updates suggest Yeung could return in two to three weeks, while Purton and Chung both sustained fractures and it is thought they will be out for four to six weeks. Vincent Ho sustained a head injury and has been discharged from intensive care but it is not yet known how long the leading local rider will be out for. The post Moore, Marquand And Doyle Among Five European Riders Set For Hong Kong Stint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

William Pike.(Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Champion Western Australian jockey William Pike is set to make his highly anticipated return to the saddle this Saturday at Flemington, marking the end of a frustrating injury layoff. The 38-year-old, has been sidelined since December 7 after fracturing his wrist in an e-scooter accident. Pike’s return ride will be aboard fellow WA galloper Aztec Ruler in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) for trainer Stefan Vahala. “The wrist is feeling pretty good,” Pike told Racing WA. “Fitness probably isn’t quite where it should be, but it will be okay for the one ride.” Aztec Ruler, a proven talent over the 1400m distance, has shown mixed form in Melbourne. He put in a bold first-up performance when running second in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington but failed to fire when finishing unplaced in the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) at Sandown. “He’s picked up, looks better, is working better, but you still don’t know what you are going to get,” Pike said. “He had to be picked up off the floor and the team have done a very good job in doing it.” A tough task awaits Aztec Ruler, as he has drawn the outside barrier (11) in the field of 11 runners, with top horse racing betting sites having him marked as a $7.50 chance. However, a win in The Elms Handicap would secure the horse a spot in the lucrative Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m), a significant incentive for connections. Having missed out on the winning ride aboard Western Empire in the $1.5 million Gold Rush due to his injury, Pike is determined to make up for lost time. His return to Flemington on Saturday could be the first step in reclaiming his dominance in the saddle. Horse racing news View the full article

Star Englishman, Richard Kingscote, Declan McDonogh and James Orman join Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle in answering the Jockey Club’s call.View the full article

Check out this week’s The Box Seat with Matt Cross and Greg O’Connor View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk One of the country’s top drivers Sarah O’Reilly has been dealt some more bad news. Out of action since a trackwork accident at Ashburton Raceway last July, the Mid Canterbury-based driver has been told this week that she requires an operation on her arm and will be months away from resuming race day driving. “I got the result from the CT scan and it has not healed properly and they are going to put a plate into the arm,” O’Reilly says. It had been hoped that the arm will ultimately mend itself and that she’d be back driving by the end of last year. “There is still a gap in the fracture,” says O’Reilly, “the movement in the arm is ok it’s just when I will try and put weight on it.” Now she’s awaiting a date for surgery at Christchurch Hospital. “They say that it will take three months after that before it’s back to normal.” It’s just the latest “pretty annoying” blow for the 24-year-old. “I’m bored,” she admits. In July 2024 O’Reilly broke the arm and suffered a broken cheekbone and jaw after a horse “jumped” into her cart. At the time she had recorded 32 wins in her first year as an open driver after being a star in the junior ranks. She won the junior drivers’ premiership in 2022 and 2023 and was the Junior Drivers Championship winner four times in five years between 2019 and 2023. For someone used to chasing the drives, especially all around the South Island, it’s clearly been a frustrating time. “I try to keep busy but really there’s not a lot to do.” View the full article

Timaru Harness Racing Club president Gary Moir has got April 2 circled on his calendar – and he can’t wait. “It’s going to be a bit of history isn’t it?,” he says. The reason for his excitement is that it’s been agreed that the club will hold its first meeting on the grass track usually reserved for the gallopers at Phar Lap Raceway. Records show there hasn’t been grass track racing at Timaru since the original track was turned into an all-weather (grit) one in the late 1960s. “It’s something different,” says Moir, “we have seen how popular grass track racing is around the country and we have been keen to give it a go.” After many discussions with Harness Racing New Zealand and other parties the midweek April 2 date was sealed and Moir is confident the gallops track will cope with the sulkies just fine. “The pylons will be set out three metres and the gallops don’t race there till June so we will be all good.” “Historically weather wise it is also one of the better times of the year and anyway we had 40 mils of rain the other day and you would have known – the surface was perfect.” Eight races have been programmed for the Wednesday meeting. “We are hopeful there will still be some good grass trackers wanting to race in April,” says Moir, “the likes of the Dunns and Hopes and others.” “It’s what they call an “industry day” but we think it will get some good support.” View the full article

Sales graduates starring at the HRNZ awards, Harrison Orange’s slender lead in the Revell Douglas series and an eye-catching quinella all feature in this week’s News Briefs. Sales graduates win big With the NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales getting underway at Karaka this Saturday it’s timely to note that Sales graduates claimed eight trophies during Saturday night’s NZB Standardbred-sponsored 2024 Harness Racing Awards at Addington. They were : Merlin – 4YO Pacing Entire/Gelding and Pacer of the Year Marketplace – 2YO Pacing Colt/Gelding Republican Party – 5YO and Older Pacing Entire/Gelding Bet N Win 4YO Trotting Entire/Gelding Meant To Be – 2YO Trotting Colt/Gelding Chase A Dream – 3YO Pacing Colt/Gelding Mantra Blue – 4YO Pacing Mare Saturday’s sales in Auckland will be followed three days later in Christchurch next Tuesday, February 18. To see the catalogue click here Transport, entry and hospitality at The Mot Harness Racing New Zealand and Next Gen have arranged a special bus service for visitors attending the NZB National Standardbred Yearling Sales to get to and from Sunday’s Banks Peninsula Trotting Club meeting at Motukarara. The Christchurch pick ups are at : 10:20 AM – Commodore Hotel 10:35 AM – Chateau on the Park 10:40 AM – Depart for Motukarara Raceway Return Trip: 5:45 PM – Depart Motukarara, returning to Chateau on the Park and Commodore Hotel All bus passengers will get free entry to the course and are invited to join HRNZ and Next Gen in our marquee on the hill for an afternoon of great racing, networking, and hospitality. Seats are limited to 45 passengers and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your place, email cameron@hrnz.co.nz today. Changes to feature race calendar A small number of changes have been made to the Feature Race Calendar at Addington. All changes have been approved by HRNZ and The Metropolitan Trotting Club. The Canterbury Breeders Stakes was scheduled on April 19, 2025 and will now be held on May 2, 2025 while the Heather Williams Memorial moves from May 2 to May 23 and the About Now Mares Trot is brought forward, from May 23 to May 2. Grey 1-2 at Methven Everyone loves a grey and what a sight it was at Methven on Sunday when Dem Bones Dem Bones and Silverlinings produced the quinella in the John Morrison, Ken McRae and Dave McHugh Trot. The pair were one-two throughout with the Ben Hope trained and driven Dem Bones Dem Bones getting the better of the pace-making Silverlinings via the passing lane. Trained by Don Burrows, Silverlinings was driven by Sam Thornley, with the all-grey quinella paying $56.10. Orange leading Revell Douglas Series After four of seven heats, Harrison Orange has the narrowest of leads in the 2025 Hygain Revell Douglas Memorial Series. The latest heat was held at Methven on Sunday, with Olivia Thornley winning with Francent. She is now on 17 points, fifth equal with Taitlyn Hanara. Orange has 34 points, Crystal Hackett is next on 33 while 2022 Revell Douglas winner Alicia Harrison is on 26. This is the fourth year of the series which is run in memory of the late Revell Douglas who tragically lost his life in an incident at Karioitahi Beach in 2021. The next heat will be held at Motukarara this Sunday. Beside Me turns heads with Addington win The numbers don’t lie when it comes to Beside Me’s eye-catching win at Addington last Friday night. With Next Gen driver Carter Dalgety in the bike, the Downbytheseaside filly was eight lengths off the leaders turning for home in the Barron Bloodstock Class of 2025 Fillies and Mobile Pace only to roar past with ease to win by more than two lengths. Her last 800 was 53.91 with the last 400 at 26.4. It was her second win in just three starts and she looks a filly of enormous potential for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety. Kiwis to be honoured in USA There will be a strong Kiwi flavour to the latest inductees into the US Harness Racing Hall of Fame. Ex-pat Kiwi trainer Chris Ryder was announced last year and it’s now been confirmed that Kiwi-bred champion pacing mare Shartin N will join him. Bred by Grant Crabbe at Prebbleton, just outside Christchurch, in 2019 Shartin N became the first horse bred outside North America to be named Horse of the Year in the USA. With a best of 1:46.8 Shartin N was the fastest pacing mate in history. She won 46 races and $2.6m in stakes. The official Hall of Fame function will be held in New York in July. And pacing sensation Twin B Joe Fresh, who is part owned by Ryder and champion driver Dexter Dunn, has been named Older Pacing Mare of the Year in Standardbred Canada’s annual O’Brien awards. She won 11 from 12 in 2024 including nine in a row. Her best time was 1:47.6 at The Meadowlands. Latest from Sires Stakes The NZ Sires Stakes wants feedback on topics relating to the sport. There’s a questionnaire in their latest newsletter. To find out more click here View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The Purdon Racing era in Canterbury is over. It’s been announced that the highly-successful operation will leave their state-of-the-art facilities in Rolleston and re-locate to the Pukekohe training centre in a barn formerly used by the now Canterbury-based Steven Reid. With Mark Purdon now living in the Waikato son Nathan has been mulling over his future for some time.. He was unsure what to do after their 28 hectare property was sold some time ago. It will be used as part of a major new development in the area. The South Island’s biggest Pak N Save store is being built right next door. Nathan admits the idea of moving north took some getting used to. “Dad had suggested it before but I resisted it because the current setup suited me,” Nathan Purdon told the Purdon Racing website, “but when I was based in Auckland over Christmas with friends and family I began to have a change of heart and just before New Year we started having talks with the Auckland club.” “I was a bit worried too that our local owners might resist a major change like that but I have been really surprised at their reaction. Nearly all of them have signed up to it. The news will no doubt be welcomed up north. “We should have about 25 horses heading north in May. It’s a great boost for us,” says Nathan Purdon. The stable’s current stars include Don’t Stop Dreaming, Oscar Bonavena, and Chase A Dream. Mark Purdon moved south from Auckland in 2000 to Yaldhurst initially before setting up the current stables at Rolleston. He has had extraordinary success with the then All Stars operation, winning 14 training premierships either on his own account and in partnership. With 2626 career wins he is the country’s second most successful trainer ever, behind his brother Barry (2744). Mark and Nathan have had 133 wins in partnership since May 2023. Mark left Canterbury last year to move to Matamata. He has since scaled back his driving duties but is expected to have a more prominent role on race nights after the stable moves. “Now it’s go I am really looking forward to the challenge,” Nathan said, “it will be quite different in some ways but great in others. We will still naturally be travelling south for major races when we have the horses to suit.” “I have enjoyed it here and met some great people but it’s time to try something new.” View the full article

Promising filly She’s All That (NZ) (Time Test) rewarded the patience of her connections as a fitting winner of the Wexford Stables (1400m) at Te Aroha on Wednesday. Prepared by Wexford trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, She’s All That had come out of a key form race in mid-December, won by Ardalio (NZ) (Ardrossan), finishing fifth behind the subsequent Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) victor, and race-winners Charmrose (NZ) (Charm Spirit), Mirabella (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Kananaskis (NZ) (Vadamos). The daughter of Time Test closed at $6.40 in the hands of George Rooke, with the favourite Clear Conscience going forward early inside of Miss Seth. She’s All That settled in a good rhythm just better than midfield and looked a big danger turning for home, and once she balanced up, the filly let down with a dashing turn-of-foot to score by 1-3/4 lengths to Captain Stan (NZ) (Reliable Man). Rooke had been aboard She’s All That for much of her three-year-old campaign and was rapt with the performance. “We had a good draw and she jumped very well, as she always has done,” he said. “I didn’t want her to do too much early on, so I got cover straight away and she’s relaxed beautifully for me. “I just had to make sure to get her balanced at the top of the straight and she’s hit the line very well. “She’s got good form, she’s bumped into a few nice ones and last time we didn’t get the cleanest of runs. Stepping up to 14 today, I’m really pleased she’s got it done.” Scott was similarly impressed, indicating a switch to the right-handed Te Aroha circuit was well-suited to the filly. “We always knew that a win was close, she hadn’t had a lot of luck and struggled a bit going left-handed,” he said. “Back on the quick ground today, she quickened well and it’s a great result for a big bunch of owners who have shown a great deal of patience with her and continue to believe. “She’s got it all in front of her, she’s just starting to learn how to settle and quicken. That certainly won’t be her last win this season.” Bred by Little Avondale Trust, She’s All That carried the colours of the Wairarapa nursery who race her alongside a large ownership group. As a three-year-old filly, Scott has every intention of finding stakes-level opportunities for her later in the preparation. “There’s a couple of options for her at black-type level through the autumn months, she could quite easily work her way towards those with no bother at all,” Scott said. “She’s only going to continue to improve and it was a good win with a good bit of authority today. She’ll keep on improving.” She’s All That is the first foal out of an unraced Per Incanto mare Imadreamer. Her granddam, A Chance To Dream, won at Listed level and was fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). View the full article

It is a case of one-and-done for Lodi Dodi in her juvenile season, with the promising filly set to head for a spell after winning on debut in the Brookby Stables (1150m) at Te Aroha on Wednesday. Pleasing in two trial appearances, including a victory over 1000m at Matamata last month, trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall were confident of a bold first-up showing from the daughter of Blue Point. From her wide gate she was taken back to settle at the rear of the field for jockey Jasmine Fawcett, who bided her time before setting her charge alight at the turn and she ran over the top of her rivals to score by a length. Fawcett was impressed by the run, but said she wasn’t surprised, having partnered her in her two trial outings, and she believes a bright future is instore for the filly. “I was quietly confident because I knew she is a horse that keeps on improving. Today she put it all together and that is what you want on raceday,” Fawcett said. “She was a little bit green in front, there will be big improvement from her.” Richardson was pleased with Lodi Dodi’s winning performance and said she is now set to spend some time on the sidelines to strengthen and mature before being targeted towards some three-year-old stakes targets in the spring. “It was a good effort coming back from second-to-last. I am over the moon with that,” Richardson said. “She will go out for a good holiday and we will get her ready for the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m). She has got a lot of strengthening up and growing to do, she is a lovely horse.” Richardson was also pleased with the debut performance of stablemate Alizarin (NZ) (Lonhro), who finished a luckless sixth, and he believes the Cambridge Stud-bred and raced colt also has a bright future. “The other horse was just a bit unlucky, he couldn’t get out, so (there are) futures for both of them,” Richardson said. View the full article

Four years after being sold for just $2,750 on gavelhouse.com, Lady Telena (NZ) (Vespa) is back for sale again on the online platform – this time as a Group One performer and valuable broodmare prospect. Lady Telena raced between the ages of two and seven. Her 58-start career produced six wins, 10 placings and $212,500 in stakes. But she really found her groove after her sale on Gavelhouse.com in March of 2021, which saw her relocate into the Rangiora stable of her part-owner Kenny Moore. She collected all of her six wins under Moore’s care, and ventured to Trentham and produced her career-defining performance for third behind Puntura (NZ) (Vespa) and El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) in last year’s Group One Thorndon Mile (1600m). Lady Telena later added another black-type placing to her CV, overcoming an unlucky run to be second and only half a length from the winner in the Group Three South Island Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton in March. “She’s just been a fantastic mare,” Moore said. “She was a 30-start maiden when she came down to us, but she ended up with six wins and a Group One placing from a fantastic couple of years. “Her Thorndon Mile placing was the thrill of a lifetime really – right up there with when we placed in the Wellington Cup (3200m) with Bluey’s Chance (NZ) (Remind) in 2021. “She went so close to winning a South Island Breeders’ Stakes as well and was pretty unlucky not to win that day. “So she’s done a great job and is going to make a wonderful mum for someone. If I was 20 years younger, I’d probably breed from her myself. But it’s quite a few years down the track that any of her foals will be reaching racing age.” Moore couldn’t speak highly enough of Lady Telena’s nature. “She’s just an angel,” he said. “She’s an absolutely beautiful mare to do anything with, and she’s been that way since the day we got her. It’s been a real pleasure having her around.” Lady Telena is out of the twice-winning Street Cry mare Langara, who is a three-quarter-sister to the Australian stakes winner Liveandletdie (Street Cry). The pedigree page also features Group One winner Lend A Hand (Great Commotion), along with Epsom Derby (2400m) placegetters Tamure (Sadler’s Wells) and Carlton House (Street Cry), Epsom Oaks (2400m) placegetter Maysoon (Shergar) and English and Irish 2000 Guineas (1600m) placegetter Dubawi Gold (Dubawi). Lady Telena is one of 30 Lots online with bidding in the auction ending from 7pm (NZDT) on Monday 17th February. View the full article

Exciting filly Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) has been making waves in the south, scoring consecutive stakes victories, and will bid to extend it to three when she heads to Ascot Park on Saturday. The three-year-old daughter of Ten Sovereigns has won her last four starts, including the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day and the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) earlier this month, and trainer-jockey Samantha Wynne couldn’t be any happier with her charge. “She has been going great, I couldn’t ask for more. She seems happy in herself at the moment,” she said. “Hopefully she keeps doing what she is doing, but we will just take each race as it comes.” Wynne will once again partner the filly this weekend in the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1400m) where they have drawn ideally in barrier two. “I am delighted with the draw. She puts herself there, so hopefully she is clean away,” Wynne said. With her current run of form, Pivotal Ten’s name has been bandied around for a possible $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot, however, Wynne said their focus is firmly set on her upcoming targets at this stage. “If the opportunity came you would definitely have to have a look at it, but it is not on our radar at the moment,” she said. “We will just concentrate on Saturday and get her home, because she has stayed down here for the last two weeks, and then we will look at the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2 1400m).” Into her fourth season of training, Wynne has already bettered her best previous season tally, and said she is enjoying her dual role as a jockey and trainer but is looking to focus on the latter in the coming years. “I would be lost without the horses, so it is a dream come true to be able to train horses for a living,” she said. “I have loved horses my entire life and I think it (training) is a natural progression because my body has had a few injuries in the last few years, so it would be sooner rather than later that I would have to hang up the boots, so I needed to suss out my future. “I have got some great staff at home, a good farrier and vet. It is a big team effort. I am learning each day and enjoying the challenges ahead.” While enjoying the challenge of training, Wynne said she still loves getting out on the track to ride on raceday. “I love it (riding),” she said. “I am not getting full books anymore, I am just getting the four or five rides a meeting on average. “I am enjoying it and I have got a good, happy medium at the moment and it’s thanks to the staff at home that it gives me the confidence to go to the races.” While hoping to extend Pivotal Ten’s winning streak on Saturday, Wynne is also hopeful of a bold showing in the race from her other contender, Kellanzor (NZ) (Almanzor). The Almanzor filly broke through for her maiden win at Gore earlier his month after finishing runner-up over 1200m at Kurow on debut, and will take a step up to stakes level on Saturday in the Southland Guineas. “She is still green, but she has trained on well and hopefully she is going to improve the more racing that she has,” Wynne said. View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Southside Racing Pakenham – 420 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3810 When Thursday, February 13, 2025 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pakenham Racecourse hosts another Thursday night meeting this week, with showers expected as the evening progresses. The track was rated Good 4 early in the week and should remain in that range, despite a warm forecast with temperatures reaching a top of 36°C on raceday. The rail will be out 6m for the entire circuit, with the first race set to jump at 5:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Pakenham: Mr Verse If Mr Verse is anywhere near his best, then the even money on offer with horse racing bookmakers looks like a great price. The three-year-old gelding has shown a strong turn of foot in each of his last two starts, losing by the barest of margins at Seymour before seemingly peaking on his run in a strong BM70 Saturday race at Sandown. The drop back in class and stepping down to 1600m looks like the perfect recipe for success for Mr Verse. Best Bet Race 8 – #6 Mr Verse (12) 3yo Gelding | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Next Best at Pakenham: Matawai Resuming from a five-month spell, the Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)-trained Matawai looks to have found the perfect race to return a winner in. The four-year-old gelding has two wins and a second from three fresh runs, meaning she doesn’t take long to come to hand. The Derryn mare has warmed up with a handy enough Geelong trial win on January 29, and as long as Blake Shinn does not get caught wide without cover, Matawai should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 7 – #1 Matawai (10) 4yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (59.5kg) Best Value at Pakenham: Mr Magnus Mr Magnus was a smart winner at the Pakenham 1100m on January 30 when overhauling his rivals late in Class 1 company. He faces a similar field on Thursday afternoon, and stepping up to the 1200m looks ideal for the son of Magnus. He was hitting the line with great intent last time out, and despite going up 1.5kg for this BM74 assignment, there is no reason he cannot salute once more. Best Value Race 3 – #2 Mr Magnus (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths | J: Ethan Brown (60kg) Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections February 13, 2025 1-2-3-6-8 5-9-11 1-2-10 2-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, February 15, 2025 Prizemoney $750,000 Distance 1000m Conditions Weight For Age 2024 winner Imperartiz (2) | T: Mark Walker | J: Opie Bosson (56.5kg) Visit Dabble The time-honoured Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) headlines a stacked 10-race card at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. With $750,000 on the line, a field of 12 — including five Group 1 winners — will duke it out down the famous Flemington straight. With three superstar three-year-olds dominating the early Black Caviar Lighting betting, Saturday’s Group 1 could mark a changing of the guard in Australia’s sprinting ranks. That said, there are several talented older runners that are capable of springing something of an upset in Flemington’s first Group 1 of 2025. 2025 Black Caviar Lightning odds Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland has opened as a $2.90 favourite with horse racing betting sites for the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning. Fellow three-year-olds Growing Empire ($3.90) and Traffic Warden ($6.50) are seemingly the biggest danger to the favourite, while I Am Me ($8.50) is the only other runner at a single figure quote. Outside of Benedetta ($14), better than $21 is available for every other runner. 2025 Black Caviar Lightning speed map Former Hong Kong sprinter Joyful Fortune is expected to set a breakneck tempo in the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning. Behind him, the likes of Philosopher, Way To The Stars, Mornington Glory and Growing Empire will all look to take a sit just off the speed. I Am Me, Mazu and Switzerland will be aiming for a midfield position, while Benedetta, Traffic Warden, Stretan Angel and Skybird will be setting up to savage the line late from the rear of the field. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning. Black Caviar Lightning 2025 preview & form Growing Empire will need to overturn a 2.8-length deficit to Switzerland from the Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring, but the Zoustar colt looks perfectly placed to bring up a maiden Group 1 triumph. Despite this being his first 1000m start, the Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter is blessed with a high cruising speed and will be stalking the leaders throughout. Mark Zahra sticks on board, and he looks to be the key to getting the best out of Growing Empire, having partnered him to three wins from four engagements. Switzerland is a deserving favourite in the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning after dispatching his main rivals with relative ease when they last clashed. That was over 1200m, however, and considering his first-up run during the spring was an absolute stinker, he could be a bit of a risk. If he is at his best, he may just blow this field away, but at the $2.90 quote with BlondeBet, he is a favourite punters can bet around. There isn’t much splitting the top two in the market, and with Traffic Warden wanting a bit further than 1000m, the backend of trifectas and first-four bets seem like a bit of a lottery. Black Caviar Lightning 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 10 GROWING EMPIRE 11 SWITZERLAND 12 TRAFFIC WARDEN 2 MORNINGTON GLORY $100 betting strategy $100 win Growing Empire (#10) @ +300 with Black Caviar Lightning 2025 final field 1. Mazu (11) T: Joseph Pride J: Ben Melham W: 58.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Maurice (JPN) Dam: Chatelaine +1600 +320 2. Mornington Glory (9) T: Gavin Bedggood J: Ethan Brown W: 58.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Shalaa (IRE) Dam: Crowned Glory +1800 +360 3. Joyful Fortune (1) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Harry Coffey W: 58.5kg Age: 8YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Nicconi Dam: Sneaky Tsu +7000 +1200 4. Way To The Stars (8) T: Matthew Smith J: TBD W: 58.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Reward for Effort Dam: Writteninthestars +2500 +500 5. Philosopher (10) T: Enver Jusufovic J: Michael Dee W: 58.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Zoustar Dam: Lone +4000 +700 6. I Am Me (12) T: Ciaron Maher J: Blake Shinn W: 56.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Mefnooda +700 +150 7. Benedetta (2) T: Jason Warren J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 56.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Whatalovelyday +800 +170 8. Stretan Angel (5) T: Phillip Stokes J: Lachlan Neindorf W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Sretan +1800 +360 9. Skybird (3) T: Mitchell Freedman J: John Allen W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Exosphere Dam: Real Desire +4000 +700 10. Growing Empire (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Zoustar Dam: Miles of Krishan +340 -133.33 11. Switzerland (7) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Ms Bad Behavior +190 -222.22 12. Traffic Warden (4) T: James Cummings J: Ms Jamie Melham W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Street Boss Dam: Efficiently +600 +130 Horse racing tips View the full article

The 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington this Saturday promises to be a thrilling sprint contest, with a stellar field of sprinters vying for Group 1 glory. Leading the charge is Coolmore Stud Stakes champion, Switzerland, who is eager to kick off his autumn campaign in style. Trained by the in-form Chris Waller stable, […] The post 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Field & Odds Update: Switzerland Punters’ Pick appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners CS Hayes Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1400m The CS Hayes Stakes is a Group 3 race for three-year-old colts and geldings, run over 1400m under set weights and penalties at Flemington. Conducted by the Victoria Racing Club, it was first held in 1986 as The Debonair, before being renamed the CS Hayes Stakes in 2008 to honour legendary trainer Colin Hayes. A key lead-up to the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), The CS Hayes Stakes has been a Group 3 since 2001. The 2024 CS Hayes Stakes, worth $200,000, was won by Riff Rocket, defeating King Colorado and Verdad. Riff Rocket became the latest Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner to claim the CS Hayes, following Mahogany back in 1994. Eight horses have completed the CS Hayes/Australian Guineas double, including Zabeel (1990), Mahogany (1994), and Alligator Blood (2020). 2025 CS Hayes Stakes betting odds Riff Rocket ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2024 CS Hayes Stakes. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Odds for the CS Hayes Stakes as of February 10, 2025 – Courtesy of Neds Royal Insignia Win $5.00 Place $2.00 Henlein Win $7.00 Place $2.50 Feroce Win $8.00 Place $2.75 Sepals Win $9.00 Place $3.00 Storm Ahead Win $9.00 Place $3.00 Goldrush Guru Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Ndola Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Red Aces Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Stay Focused Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Wonder Boy Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Opening Address Win $13.00 Place $4.00 Railway Man Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Detroit City Win $17.00 Place $5.00 Saint Emilion Win $17.00 Place $5.00 Stay Humble Win $17.00 Place $5.00 Scary Win $26.00 Place $7.25 Nostringsattached Win $31.00 Place $8.50 How to bet on the CS Hayes Stakes All of the trusted betting sites listed offer markets on the CS Hayes Stakes, including futures, all-in and fixed-odds options. Due to the popularity of betting on marquee races in Melbourne, horse racing bookmakers frame markets as early as possible which is often months in advance. 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. 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Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. CS Hayes Stakes News Royal Insignia to use C.S. Hayes Stakes as Guineas lead-up Australia horse racing news 22 hours ago Royal Insignia will use Saturday’s Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes as a lead-up for the Group 1 Australian Guineas at … Read More Feroce nearing return, Australian Guineas on radar Australia horse racing news 2 weeks ago Feroce shines in Geelong trial ahead of an Australian Guineas preparation, with trainer Dominic Sutton weighing up upcoming race options … Read More Australian Guineas draws capacity field of three-year-olds Australia horse racing news 12 months ago The Group 1 Australian Guineas will headline the 10-race card at Flemington on Saturday, with 18 runners accepting for the … Read More Flemington race-by-race preview & free tips | February 17, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) headlines a stacked 10-race program at Flemington on Saturday. Check out HorseBetting’s full … Read More Preusker’s Steparty ruled out of autumn Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Steparty, a notable dual stakes winner, will be absent from the upcoming Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington … Read More The Follow Files: Moody star shines on return at Flemington Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three horses that are worth following next start after impressive runs on … Read More 2025 CS Hayes Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 CS Hayes Stakes final field is released. Previous CS Hayes Stakes Fields 2024 CS Hayes Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Riff Rocket Chris Waller Craig Williams 5 59.5kg 2 King Colorado Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 9 59.5kg 3 Run Harry Run Michael Moroney Opie Bosson 13 58.5kg 4 Amur James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 10 58.5kg 5 Tannhauser Chris Waller Blake Shinn 1 57kg 6 Ambassadorial Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Jordan Childs 12 57kg 7 Otago Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Ben Melham 3 57kg 8 Cap Ferrat Chris Waller Michael Dee 7 56kg 9 Verdad Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Jye McNeil 2 56kg 10 Amigo Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Billy Egan 4 56kg 11 Hey Fat Cat Robbie Laing Craig Newitt 8 56kg 12 Et Tu Brute Anthony & Sam Freedman Damian Lane 11 56kg 13 Flying Valley Julius Sandhu Jamie Mott 6 56kg 2024 CS Hayes Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Flemington-2024-Group-3-CS-Hayes-Stakes-17022024-Riff-Rocket-Chris-Waller-Craig-Williams.mp4 1st – Riff Rocket (+600) 2nd – King Colorado (-111.11) 3rd – Verdad (+160) Recent runnings of the CS Hayes Stakes: 2024: Riff Rocket finishes best Victoria Derby winner Riff Rocket proved his class with a strong victory in the 2024 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. The Chris Waller-trained gelding stormed home under jockey James McDonald, defeating King Colorado and Verdad in a thrilling finish. Settling midfield, Riff Rocket unleashed a powerful late surge down the straight to notch his first win since his Derby triumph. His performance cemented him as a leading contender for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), where he would attempt to join an elite list of three-year-olds to complete the double. 2023: Elliptical returns a winner After a 105-day spell it was the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt Elliptical who proved too classy in the 2023 edition of the CS Hayes Stakes. After finishing his spring campaign in the Group 1 Champions Stakes where he wasn’t disgraced against the older horses. His form against his age group came to the fore this time as his runner-up finishes in the Spring Champions Stakes and Caulfield Guineas prior to that saw Elliptical finally get a well-deserved stakes win. Blake Shinn had no choice but to go back from the wide draw and get cover on the son of Dundeel before executing a perfectly-timed ride to secure victory in a blanket finish. He’s Heaven was the pacemaker along with Tasmanian raider Bello Beau, who set a genuine tempo throughout the 1400m contest. Gallopers made their runs from everywhere with 400m to go as Elliptical proved the best to secure the win by a head. 2022: Pinstriped remains undefeated The Enver Jusufovic-trained Pinstriped made it a hat-trick of wins to claim the Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. The unbeaten gelding started favourite for the event after pre-race favourite Lightsaber was scratched at the barriers. Jockey Michael Dee had the son of Street Boss in a midfield position early in the race. They had a lot of work to do after straightening though, as the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained Pascero was also looking for a hat-trick of wins and looked likely to do that after kicking well clear in the early part of the straight. Pascero tired late though and Pinstriped charged home to pounce on the colt in the shadows of the post. Previous winners of the CS Hayes Stakes CS Hayes Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Riff Rocket Craig Williams Chris Waller 2023 Elliptical Blake Shinn Anthony & Sam Freedman 2022 Pinstriped Michael Dee Enver Jusufovic 2021 Tagaloa Luke Currie Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young 2020 Alligator Blood Ryan Maloney David Vandyke 2019 The Inevitable Sigrid Carr Scott Brunton 2018 Grunt Damien Oliver Mick Price 2017 Hey Doc Luke Currie Tony McEvoy 2016 Tivaci Craig Williams Michael Moroney 2015 Wandjina Damien Oliver Gai Waterhouse 2014 Hucklebuck Dom Tourneur Phillip Stokes 2013 Sheer Talent Stephen Baster Mark Kavanagh 2012 That’s the One Craig Williams Colin & Cindy Alderson 2011 Bullbars Mark Zahra Peter Snowden 2010 Take the Rap Craig Williams Danny O’Brien 2009 Fair Trade Nicholas Hall Michael Kent 2008 Playwright Sebastian Murphy Steve Richards 2007 Wordsmith Steven King Shane Nichols 2006 Minson Craig Williams Michael Hibbs 2005 Lieutenant Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2004 Starcraft Matt Pumpa Garry Newham 2003 Innovation Girl Nash Rawiller Brian Mayfield-Smith 2002 Dash for Cash Kerrin McEvoy Rick Hore-Lacy 2001 Kosta Zoff Vincent Hall Mathew Ellerton 2000 Crawl Darren Gauci John Hawkes CS Hayes Stakes winners pre-2000 CS Hayes Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Mossman 1998 Encounter 1997 Mouawad 1996 El Qahiras Son 1995 Rullene 1994 Mahogany 1993 McBrave 1992 Coolong Road 1991 The Strategist 1990 Zabeel 1989 Tin Woodman 1988 Spacecraft 1987 Raveneaux Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article

Auckland Classics await promising Wairarapa gelding Skippers Canyon (NZ) (Belardo) following his pleasing trial at Foxton on Tuesday. The Belardo gelding was runner-up to Group Three performer Beavertown Boy in their 1600m heat, and his performance was to the satisfaction of trainer Jim Wallace. “I was happy with him,” Wallace said. “He had a few days off after his last run and he has had a bit of an easy time, so he needed a good hit-out today, which he got. He had a good blow afterwards and I am happy with where he is at.” Bred by Wallace under his Ardsley Stud banner, Skippers Canyon was initially raced by the Opaki horseman until last month when he was sold to Australian syndicator OTI Racing prior to his fourth placed run in the $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. “I thought his run (in the Remutaka Classic) was enormous,” Wallace said. “His sectionals were absolutely brilliant and from where he came from to where he got was very encouraging looking forward to a mile-and-a-half.” That mile-and-a-half target will be the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2400m) at Ellerslie on February 22, a fortnight ahead of his final run in New Zealand in the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie. “He will go to the Avondale Guineas,” Wallace said. “If he can win it that would be great, but he won’t be fully wound up for it. The Derby is the end game, but he has got to go and have a look around Ellerslie. “We are very happy with the horse.” Following the New Zealand Derby, Skippers Canyon will head to Sydney where a tilt at the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) await. Meanwhile, stablemate Merkel (NZ) (Reliable Man) also pleased Wallace with her second placing in her 1000m heat, with the daughter of Reliable Man making quite the impression on her trainer. “I am absolutely delighted with her,” Wallace said. “She hasn’t done anything for a long time, she had a couple of accidents. “She blew out of puff in the last 100m (of the trial) and had a good blow and she will come on from that, we are happy with her. “I will just see how she pulls up to where we go, but I think she is very high class. I think she is right up there as one of the better ones that I have had.” View the full article

Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) will have an opportunity to better last year’s runner-up finish in the Gr.1 HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) next month, in what will be the penultimate start to her final racing campaign. The seven-year-old daughter of Tavistock has accumulated eight wins and over $550,000 in stakes earnings in a 39 start-career, with most of her success coming in the last two seasons. A two-time Group Three winner, Town Cryer finished second to Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) in last year’s running of the Breeders’, and more recently, she came within a long neck of the winner (Provence (NZ) (Savabeel)) in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). With the end of a brilliant career looming, her trainer Roydon Bergerson is looking forward to heading back to Ellerslie after the mare stuck on bravely to finish eighth in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) last start on Karaka Millions Night. “We may just wait for the Breeders with her, we’re mulling it over with the owners,” he said. “She may have a quiet trial in between times and go back to the Breeders instead of the Otaki race (Gr.1, 1600m), we had Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) to ride her but now with Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) in, we’re more likely to miss that and concentrate on the Breeders. “It was a good run the other day, but it was just frustrating that they took her on. I did feel as though we shouldn’t be having three-kilo claiming apprentices riding in races on our biggest night, with the world watching. Our industry is trying to bring up the standard of racing here to a global level and having kids on horses in high-pressure races does not reflect that. “But Craig Williams (jockey) was full of praise for the horse, he said she was really strong in the last 100m. We had a go because it was a $700,000 fillies and mares race and we knew it would be a battle going back to the 1400m, she is better at a mile. “After the Breeders’, her swansong will probably be the Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr.2, 2100m). It’s definitely her last prep.” Meanwhile, Bergerson welcomed his class filly Too Sweet (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) back into the stable on Tuesday. Too Sweet won the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) convincingly on New Year’s Day and was among the favourites for the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), but after drawing the outside barrier, the filly never got her chance in the $1 million feature. “She has come back into the stable and she looks really well, she’d been down spelling at Chris Rutten’s (part-owner) for 10 days and he worked her around the farm for a couple of days,” he said. “I was a bit disappointed about the ride in the Millions and the jockey was the first to admit that, you expect to be up the front and you’re five wide last, it’s mission impossible. “It may sound like sour grapes, but the structure of the barrier draws was also disappointing. Our filly was the top qualifier for the race and didn’t get a look in, the owner just had to take the last barrier and she was virtually ruled out of contention from that point. “I’m not sure how they could make this change, but it’s certainly something that should be taken into consideration going forward. “When it’s the race you plan for, it’s a tough one to take, but that’s racing.” Pressing on in her juvenile campaign, Bergerson is contemplating a return to Ellerslie for the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) on Champions Day or staying closer to home for the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) later in March. “We’ll probably give her a quiet trial at Waipukurau in a couple of weeks’ time, then decide whether to go to the Sistema or the Sires,” he said. “She’s pretty laidback and not a hard going filly.” Another Trentham feature is on the radar of Wingman (NZ) (Swiss Ace), a promising three-year-old who defeated star filly Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn) over 1400m at the course in early December. The son of Swiss Ace returned to the trials at Foxton on Tuesday, pleasing Bergerson as he begins preparing for a shot at the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) on March 22. “He showed me exactly what I wanted to see, I’m trying to get him ready for the Wellington Guineas so a nice quiet trial was all he needed,” he said. “He may have a three-year-old race now or go back to the trials, but he goes pretty well fresh and he’s pulled up super. I couldn’t be happier with him.” A familiar face gearing up for the softer tracks is Bradman (NZ) (Pins), a model of consistency in Bergerson’s stable who won the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) in April last year. He went on to record placings in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m), Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m) and Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m). “He’s waiting for the tracks to get a bit softer again, he’s a horse that gets badly down on his heels and the firm tracks don’t really suit him,” Bergerson said. “He’s such a versatile horse, he can go 1.10 or 1.20 over 1200m, he’s just so tough and loves racing. He’s a real character and I’m looking forward to his prep, it’ll probably be his last winter as well. “He’s been in for about six weeks and he’s coming up super.” View the full article

Mornington Glory ridden by Ethan Brown winning the 2024 Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Ethan Brown is aiming for a second Group 1 victory aboard Mornington Glory when the Gavin Bedggood-trained six-year-old contests the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington this Saturday. Brown, who has secured six elite-level wins throughout his career, guided Mornington Glory to victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley last September, and believes the six-year-old is in good form ahead of the race. “We know we’re heading into a hot race being a Group 1 first-up,” Brown said. “He’s going as well as ever, and he trialled on Monday, very much an on the bridle trial. I expect him to run really well. “I’m not going there expecting him to win or anything, but he’ll run a really good race. I think he’ll surprise a few people how well he’s going. “I think he’s just a good horse. I don’t think too much worries him, whether it’s a bend or the straight. “The straight will suit him in the sense that there’s probably going to be good speed in the race, and he will be able to tuck in and get a bit of cover and build into it. “I think the straight will suit him fine.” Horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald and Broadsiding after winning the Group 1 Golden Rose. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Three-time Group 1 winner Broadsiding edged closer to his competitive return with a narrow yet impressive victory in a 1000-metre trial on a Heavy 8 track at Warwick Farm on Tuesday. It marked the colt’s second trial of the campaign, following a more low-key hit-out over 900 metres on January 30, and has bolstered the excitement around his trainer, James Cummings. “I just like the way he’s hard and forward in this early stage of his campaign,” Cummings commented. “He hasn’t softened up in his break, but he enjoyed a nice break, and he’s got every chance to maintain the mantle of being the top seed.” Broadsiding is scheduled to resume in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 22, which will serve as his only lead-up to the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 8. Plans for the remainder of his campaign are still to be confirmed, though Cummings has previously expressed interest in testing the colt over Classic distances and is confident in his ability to extend his brilliance to 2400 metres. “I’d say if he ended up at the Classic distance he could be explosive over a mile-and-a-half,” Cummings added. Horse racing news View the full article

I Wish I Win with Jamie Melham in the saddles cruises to victory at Caulfield in 2022. Photo credit: Bruno Cannatelli Jamie Melham could be poised to reunite with I Wish I Win after riding the Group 1-winning six-year-old at the Pakenham jump-outs in recent weeks. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained gelding has secured a pair of jump-out victories, with the latest coming on Tuesday morning. This would mark the first time Melham has ridden the horse on race day since their easy win in a 1400-metre contest at Caulfield back in August 2022. With I Wish I Win’s regular rider, Luke Nolen, currently sidelined due to injury, Melham could be in prime position to take the ride in the $750,000 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22. “I’m definitely not going to knock him back,” she said. “Compared to when I rode him at Caulfield, when I didn’t think he was going to do what he has, he’s really stepped up and turned into an absolute superstar. “All systems seem positive with him.” I Wish I Win is currently a $4.60 winning chance with horse racing betting sites for the Futurity Stakes. Horse racing news View the full article

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