Wandering Eyes

Front Page. (Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au) Matt Dale concedes he didn’t get the barrier he was hoping for with Front Page ahead of Saturday’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot, but he still believes the proven sprinter is capable of finishing in the top three. Front Page, who has made the trip west alongside fellow NSW-trained contenders Overpass and Headwall, will jump from barrier 11 in the third running of the slot race. It wasn’t so much the wide draw that frustrated Dale, but the fact that race favourite Overpass drew directly inside in gate ten. “Ideally I wanted to draw inside Overpass,” Dale told Racing.com. “Overpass wouldn’t cross Front Page, but Front Page is probably unlikely to cross Overpass, so I thought that drawing inside Overpass would be ideal no matter where that was. “But that wasn’t to be, so it’s plan B, which I haven’t finalised—how aggressive we’ll ride him or what not just yet.” Despite that, Dale remains confident in his gelding’s natural ability to take up a position and be in the finish. “He’s a high-cruising-speed, rolling horse. That’s what he does, so he’ll be right up there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Maison Louis. (Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au) Go Racing may have farewelled Group 1 winner Atishu, but they’ve quickly found another potential headline act in Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) contender Maison Louis. Trained by the Sydney-based duo of John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, the progressive three-year-old has made an immediate impact, winning three of his first five starts. That includes a strong last-start victory in a Benchmark 64 over 1900m at Canterbury on Monday, where he held off Existential Bob by 0.8 lengths with Andrew Adkins in the saddle. “He was really good picking up another win,” O’Shea said. “He’s developing into a lovely middle-distance horse, and he’s got a great appetite for racing.” With the Queensland winter carnival looming, connections are keen to test Maison Louis at stakes level. “Being that they’re only three once, we’re going to give him the opportunity to run in a stakes race,” O’Shea added. “We’ll take him to Queensland to run in the Rough Habit Plate on May 17 which is a lead-up to the Queensland Derby.” Maison Louis is currently a $15 chance for the Queensland Derby with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Mehzebeen’s Australian campaign may have not gone to script, but she is back in her happy place in New Zealand where she will be out to continue her good run of form at Te Rapa on Saturday. The daughter of Almanzor had an unsuccessful two-run campaign in Victoria following her victories in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) and Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton in November, but returned to form in her New Zealand resumption, placing in the New Zealand St Leger (2500m) last month. She followed that with victory in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) a fortnight ago and will be looking to double-up in Saturday’s Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m). “It just never worked out in Aussie for whatever reason,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains the five-year-old mare in partnership with Mark Walker. “It was good to see her bounce back into form like that and we have kept her nice and fresh. “Back to 2000m is the query, she has shown really good staying prowess, but she has won a Taupo Cup over 2000m. “She gets in well under the weight-for-age fillies and mares (conditions) and her work on the course proper (on Wednesday) was good. I am happy to have George (Rooke) aboard, who is riding really well, and barrier one is certainly a big plus.” Earlier on the Te Rapa card, stablemate Celestial Wonder will be seeking her first stakes scalp in the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The three-year-old daughter of Xtravagant was runner-up in the Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui last November and underwent a wind operation following that run. She returned in pleasing fashion at Te Rapa a fortnight ago where she was runner-up over 1200m to Group Two performer Midnight Edition, much to the relief of her connections. “She had a bit of a wind tidy up after Wanganui. She had a layoff and you never know whether it has worked or not until you get to the races a lot of the time,” Bergerson said. “I am really pleased with her effort first-up, she just got pipped late and probably blew out that last little bit. She will take good improvement from it. “She is lightly raced and has never finished further back than second. She has got it all ahead of her.” While confident in his filly’s ability, Bergerson is wary of Saturday’s quality line-up. “It has come up a very hot race,” he said. “It is a good field, but we are pleased that we have got a nice enough barrier draw (6) where she can be positive. “I think there will be a few that want to lead but she should hopefully get a nice run in transit, and I am confident that she can run well again. “We have put the visor blinkers on. She likes to have a good look around at times so we think that can sharpen her up a bit.” Further south on Saturday, Te Akau Racing will also have two stakes contenders at Riccarton, with Dream Of The Moon and Donna Chiara contesting the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m). Dream Of The Moon was a dominant victor of the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at the Christchurch track a fortnight ago, and Bergerson said he has received positive reports from assistant trainer Hunter Durrant in the lead-up to Saturday. While he shares punters confidence in his charge, with Dream Of The Moon currently sitting atop the TAB market at $3.50, Bergerson shared concerns over the recent weather bomb that has hit the city and the step up to 2000m. “She has come through the race really well, Hunter and the team are really pleased with how she has bounced through it,” Bergerson said. “The query is the weather. It has gone really nasty down there and they are probably going to be running on a Heavy track. “Up to 2000m makes it quite testing, which is the worry. Off her last start win it looks like she will get 2000m and if she is going to get it, it is going to be against her own age and sex. If she cops the track, we think she is a very good chance. “It is a race that is even on paper. There were a couple of unlucky runners in behind her that are suited up to the 2000m, but we are really pleased with her, and I am sure she will put in a really good effort following on from her last start win.” She will be met in the race by stablemate Donna Chiara, who ran third behind Dream Of The Moon in the NZB Airfreight Stakes. “I was really pleased with her from an awful barrier. Joe (Doyle) gave her a lovely run and we were pleased to get black-type there and we would love some more on Saturday,” Bergerson said. “We think she will get through a heavy track, but in saying that, her form on it has been a bit muddling. “Being out of a Zabeel mare, we think up to 2000m really suits her. She has drawn barrier three, and whether that is an advantage or disadvantage by that stage of the day we won’t be sure until raceday.” Across the Tasman, Te Akau will be shooting for stakes glory at Flemington on ANZAC Day, with West Indies lining up in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m). “He has gone two really good races (third) this time around,” Bergerson said. “Just talking with Mark, it looks a really nice race for him on paper. It hasn’t come up an overly strong race and Blake Shinn aboard is a big plus. “He is an out-and-out stayer, and he should love the trip. John Galvin (Fortuna Syndicate director) is heading over and he is excited about Leaderboard at Warrnambool next week. “It would be a fantastic way to start off his trip over there. They are confident he is going to run well and will relish the trip.” On Sunday, Te Akau will have eight runners at Wanganui, and Bergerson is particularly excited about the prospects of Charmrose in the Kevin Myers Stables 1200. “If she were to take her place at Wanganui, we think she will be a strong chance,” he said. “She was really good last time around and has won at Wanganui, and her work has been super. “With the trial schedule so up in the air, we are going to probably run the risk and head back to the races. We are confident she will run well after a short let-up.” View the full article

An ounce of good fortune would have had Val Di Zoldo winning last year’s Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m), and the mare will be back to make amends on that result at Te Rapa on Saturday. A five-year-old by War Decree, Val Di Zoldo has competed in stakes company on a regular basis since she was a juvenile, and while she won the Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at three, the hope of adding to that in the Travis last year was dashed when Wiremu Pinn’s iron detached from his saddle. She was finally back in the winner’s circle last-start when taking out the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m), a welcome result for her trainer Tony Pike. “It was just good for her to get another stakes win under her belt, she definitely deserved that, and she’s come through that race very well,” he said. “She just deserves some luck, I think she’d be one of the unluckiest mares I’ve ever trained and it was this race last year that Wiremu’s iron came off the saddle when she was about three lengths in front, she probably should’ve won that race. “She’s always competitive in these sorts of races so from a good draw on Saturday, she should be right in the finish again.” Proven three-year-old sprinter Poetic Champion will lead the Pike charge in the other stakes contest at Te Rapa, the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Poetic Champion kicked off the new season with a bang winning the Listed Sir Colin Meads – El Roca Trophy (1200m) at Hastings and replicated that result when fresh-up at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. The son of Super Seth was a meritorious fourth in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) on Karaka Millions Night, but Pike was happy to head back to the paddock with his gelding, aiming to continue his unbeaten record in that state on Saturday. “We’ve followed a similar path with him this season, he’s electric fresh and he’s unbeaten fresh-up from three starts,” he said. “He’s coming into this race off the one barrier trial at Cambridge, which he has done previously before winning fresh-up. He won that trial quite impressively and will take good improvement from that. “Back left-handed is going to be key for him on Saturday and if he can get a reasonably soft time of it on speed, he should be hard to beat. “He’s pretty adaptable on any ground he runs on, but any sort of give in the ground would be ideal for him.” Joining Poetic Champion in the race will be Boss ‘N’ Highheels, an improving filly who earned her opportunity with a last-start win in Rating 65 company at the same venue. “She was impressive at Te Rapa last time over 1300m, this is her last opportunity to have an attempt at some black-type as a three-year-old before we head into the winter,” Pike said. “It’s probably a bit of a throw at the stumps in a very strong race, but she’s racing in good form, drawn well and deserves her chance.” There will be plenty of interest in the debutants when it comes to the Cambridge Raceway 2YO (1200m) on Saturday and Pike has only praise for his representative in Argo. Argo made an early statement at the trials as a two-year-old but subsequently went shin-sore and missed his chance to make the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) field. “He trialled up really impressively earlier on in the season and we were in a bit of a rush to get him to a Karaka Million, but unfortunately he went shin-sore and went out for a spell,” Pike said. “He’s come back and trialled very well again on the synthetic at Cambridge, he’s drawn a very good gate in two and he’s a very promising horse going forward. It’s a strong two-year-old race on Saturday so whether he can win I’m not sure, but he’s definitely a horse to follow later on into the season and as a three-year-old.” A son of Almanzor and stakes-winning mare Untamed Diamond, Argo was purchased out of the National Yearling Sales by Pike for $80,000 and races in the colours of his breeders, Cambridge Stud. “He was just an impressive type of horse and still is too, he’s a very good-looking son of Almanzor and I knew Untamed Diamond well when she was trained by Richard Collett,” Pike said. “She was a very good sprinting mare.” Pike’s other juvenile runner, Pink Gin, is likely to contest the Egan Racing 2YO 1200 at Wanganui on Sunday, instead of contesting her stablemate at Te Rapa. Earlier in the week, Pike will head to the Central Districts with a serious up and coming prospect in Cannon Hill entering stakes company the first time. The four-year-old will contest Friday’s Listed Manawatu ITM ANZAC Mile (1600m) off the back of a big fresh-up performance behind Karman Line at Te Rapa on April 13. That race was Cannon Hill’s first appearance since winning at Ellerslie in early November, and with few suitable options remaining, Pike identified the Awapuni feature where he will carry just 53kgs under Matt Cartwright. “He just jarred up a wee bit after his last run (at Ellerslie) so we backed off him, then decided to give him a reasonably decent break,” Pike said. “He has come back even stronger again, he’s just taken a while to mature. “I was really happy with his trial leading into that race (Te Rapa) and it was his first run in open company, so I thought he ran extremely well, he was unlucky not to win really. “He’s come back in good form but running out of good track surfaces, so if he runs well on Saturday, I’d be more than happy to put him aside and come back for the nice mile races in the spring and summer next season.” View the full article

Rich Hill Stud’s Group One stallion roster has enjoyed another stellar year and the farm’s 2025 service fees will reflect that success while also being mindful of the uncertain economic times. Champion sire Proisir will stand at $70,000 + GST, Satono Aladdin at $45,000 + GST, Ace High will be offered at $15,000 + GST and Shocking at $10,000 + GST. “Breeders who have supported Rich Hill stallions over recent seasons have reaped substantial rewards,” Rich Hill Managing Director John Thompson said. “Our 2025 service fees directly reflect this ongoing success, but we have made some adjustments in line with current market challenges. “This ensures the industry continues to benefit from the exceptional value they offer.” Proisir’s progeny have again excelled across the racetracks of Australasia, with 19 individual stakes performers already this season. His 10 individual Australasian stakes winners include multiple Group winner Waitak, brilliant mare Legarto and three-year-olds Vegas Queen and Sergeant Major. Proisir currently ranks second by earnings on the New Zealand Sires’ Premiership and leads by individual stakes winners (seven), winners (41), and total wins (56). His 2025 yearlings were highly sought after and again provided breeders with outstanding returns. At Karaka, he sired three of the top five priced yearlings, including the spectacular Donna Marie filly who fetched $1,100,000 and his 41 Book 1 yearlings averaged $233,171. “Going forward, we can all be very excited about Proisir’s future results,” Thompson said. “We eagerly anticipate his upcoming two-year-olds, which are the first progeny to race from the higher quality mare books bred over the last three seasons.” Deep Impact’s son Satono Aladdin will return to New Zealand this season and despite not having a current crop of Southern Hemisphere three-year-olds, he has maintained his profile as one of New Zealand’s leading young sires. His Australasian progeny statistics are world class and from limited early opportunities has a 12.2 per cent ratio of stakes winners to runners. His 2020-21 crop of 43 foals has produced six individual Group winners at a remarkable 14 per cent Group winners to foals, including Firestorm, Raf Attack, Lupo Solitario and Tokyo Tycoon. Satono Aladdin also excelled in the sale ring, with his twenty-nine 2025 Book One yearlings averaging $170,690 and selling up to $525,000. At the recent Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, his Gallwitz filly from the Trelawney Stud consignment sold for A$725,000. “Satono Aladdin’s progeny displays incredible versatility and class. With his larger foal crops now emerging, his future impact on Australasian racing and breeding looks set to ascend to new heights over the next few seasons,” Thompson said. Proven Group One producer Shocking has enjoyed another excellent season. The highlight for Shocking fans was his February Group One double at Te Rapa with El Vencedor capturing the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Here To Shock claiming the Waikato Sprint (1400m). Shocking also came close to a unique Group One Derby double when his son Scary ran second in the VRC Derby and Packing Angel was a close third in the Hong Kong Derby. Furthermore, he continues to enhance his legacy as a broodmare sire, most recently through Repo Bay, dam of Proisir’s Group One winner Waitak. “Shocking’s racetrack progeny consistently delivers outstanding results, and he offers breeders access to a proven Group One sire at remarkable value,” Thompson said. Ace High has made a flying start to his stud career, siring Gr.1 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Molly Bloom from his first crop. The momentum has continued this season with My Lips Are Sealed winning at Group level and the talented performers She’s A Hustler, O’Ziggy, Texas Dolly, Bullets High and Angland all coming through the grades. Ace High’s second crop of three-year-olds are also impressing, with stakes performers Kitty Flash and Dealt With supported by emerging runners such as She’s A Dealer, Croupier, Canny Queen and Katashi. “Ace High continues to attract strong breeder support achieving his largest book yet in 2024,” Thompson said. “His 2025 yearlings averaged $122,000 at Karaka Book One and given his impeccable pedigree as a son of influential sire High Chaparral, Ace High’s progeny are set to thrive as they mature and step up in distance.” View the full article

Evergreen eight-year-old Harlech will be back on even terms with his counterparts in a bid to go one better in this year’s Gr.3 Coca Cola Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) at Riccarton Park. A multiple Group One performer through his career, Harlech has found his form of old in recent seasons residing in Christchurch, winning last year’s Easter Cup (1600m) and the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui in February. He came within a half-neck of adding the Canterbury Gold Cup to the mantelpiece in last year’s attempt, and after carrying topweight throughout his current campaign, trainer Pam Gerard is looking forward to the level playing field presented in Saturday’s weight-for-age feature. “He’s had some horrendous weights, but unfortunately there’s just not a lot of high-rated horses down there this year,” she said. “Last year we got away with it, there were some with quite high ratings, but he’s had to carry the weight, and I guess he deserves it. “It’s a bit weird that we ran him in an Open 1200 last week, but it was the only race we could run him in. It’s also really tough to get grass gallops down there at Riccarton, you never know when you’re going to get one, so we had to make use of doing it through a race. “He was pretty cheeky in that race and he’s been super with the weight on his back.” While Gerard oversees her team in Matamata, she has received positive reports from Harlech’s strapper Richie Fallon. “Richie is down there with him and he was really happy with his work yesterday morning,” he said. “Back to weight-for-age he comes right into it, my only concern is the rain that has been around but hopefully it will clear up and they’ll get no more before Saturday.” There is only a week between the Canterbury Gold Cup and Easter Cup this year, but Gerard is still likely to back-up her gelding before he heads back to the North Island for a spell. “He’s likely to back up, but once again he’ll cop the weight, so we’ll claim off him again,” she said. “That’ll pretty much be the end of his season, we’ll probably bring him back up here and see what the tracks are doing, if we get a nice track around here you might see him pop up for one more. “It’s getting into winter now and it’s no secret that he’s not a fan of wet tracks.” While he may be eight, Gerard believes there is still plenty of life left in the son of Darci Brahma and hopes to have him back in her care next term. “We were talking about that this morning and it’s bizarre, it’s almost like he’s back to how he was as a three-year-old,” she said. “Although we’ve had a bit of bad luck and a couple of runs that didn’t go to plan, he’s had a great season and he’s loving his work, he really wants to be there. “I guess it’s a discussion we’ll have with the owners at the end of the season, but he’s very competitive down there and if not up here, so I’ll certainly be suggesting that he goes again.” Gerard will also have representatives in the Awapuni (Friday) and Te Rapa (Saturday) meetings this week, headlined by Fall For Cindy contesting the Listed Manawatu ITM ANZAC Mile (1600m) at the former. A Group Three winner over 1400m in Australia, Fall For Cindy returned to her homeland earlier this season and recorded fifth placings in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Gerard was hopeful of a bold showing last start when she contested the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m) at Wanganui, but nothing went to plan in a slowly run event. “I was a little bit miffed at Wanganui to be honest, we thought she was a really good chance and to be fair, it was probably the most ridiculously run race I’ve ever seen,” she said. “They honestly just jumped out and walked and we’d decided we want to run her back for her first time over ground. It just didn’t suit her, but I also feel horses either handle Wanganui or they don’t and she got a little bit stuck in the mud that day. “She had good form on wet tracks, but whether it was the way the race was run, or the sticky track, I’m not sure. “I’ve decided her best runs are at a mile, we were aiming for 2000m but maybe this is the better option for her at this stage.” Further north at Te Rapa, stakes winner Pericles will continue to build into his new campaign in the Hutton Contracting 1400, while Chaplin kicks off his career in the Cambridge Raceway 2YO (1200m). “Pericles was super last start and he’s just had a little hiccup through this prep, nothing major but enough to miss a couple of nice races,” Gerard said. From the first crop by King Of Comedy, Chaplin has made a good impression on his trainer, but his early gate speed shown at the trials may play to his disadvantage on debut. “I love him, I think he’s a really nice horse in the making,” Gerard said. “He’s obviously a little bit weak at the moment and could probably go to the paddock, but I like to get a run into them before we tip them out. He’s a big long-striding horse that lacks a bit of strength, but he does everything right. “He’s that fast out of the gates that he leaves them for dead, but hopefully the race-day pace will mean he might be able to get behind something and learn to relax a little bit.” View the full article

The Instructor ridden by Jett Stanley wins at Moonee Valley on March 22. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Track staff at Moonee Valley have been working hard to restore the turf following the discovery of multiple diseases after last month’s William Reid Stakes meeting — but concerns remain ahead of the venue’s return to racing this Saturday due to an uncertain weather forecast. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted between 3mm and 25mm of rain on Friday, leaving officials nervously watching the skies. “If we get up to 7mm I’ll be ok with that, but if we get north of that, it could be an issue,” track foreman Tony Salisbury told Racing.com. While significant progress has been made since the March 22 meeting, Salisbury admitted the surface could still be vulnerable under heavy rainfall. “I would expect it to play well otherwise, it may still cut out, but not as much as it did (on March 22),” he said. “We’ve had to put water on this week, including 3.5mm last night (Tuesday), because you can’t let the track dry out because it will go backwards. “So it’s a balancing act with the right amount of moisture to get the percentages within the profile in terms of moisture readings so it doesn’t drop off.” Salisbury revealed the team identified and addressed a number of turf issues after the William Reid Stakes meeting, including root-borne disease and three separate foliage infections. “We knew the roots weren’t right but upon investigation after the meeting, we got some testing conducted,” he said. “There was a lot of negativity around the meeting understandably with the track cutting out, but at least now we know why.” He added that the remediation works took a full week to complete, meaning a tight three-week turnaround to prepare for Saturday’s meeting. “The improvement is definitely there… The track is healthy, there is no problem there though, the plant, the growth and growth rate and appearance is spot on.” Horse racing news View the full article

Victor Espinoza and American Pharoah electrified the sport of horse racing with their accomplishments together. After winning the Triple Crown, they won the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).View the full article

What Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Friday, April 25, 2025 First Race 12:45pm AEST Visit Dabble The annual Anzac Day meeting returns to Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program lined up on the Kensington circuit. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with the track rated a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances and more rainfall forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect that rating to hold true for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to commence at 12:45pm local time. Best Bet at Kensington: Engine Room Engine Room made a mess of his rivals when breaking his maiden at Warwick Farm on April 2. The son of Super Seth rounded them up stylishly from the rear of the field to record the one-length victory, being eased down by Zac Lloyd in the final 100m. The Bryce Heys camp have been conservative finding a second-up assignment, and with BM64 contest lacking depth outside of the favoured galloper, expect Engine Room to have no issues claiming back-to-back wins at the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Engine Room (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Bryce Heys | J: Zac Lloyd (61.5kg) Next Best at Kensington: Campaldino Campaldino didn’t look like stopping when bursting clear in the Orange Gold Cup (2100m) on April 11. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained gelding was exceptional over the 2100m, proving hard too classy for country grade. He’ll strip fitter for that effort extending to the 1400m, and with Anna Roper likely to gain the run of the race from barrier four, punters can expect a similarly dominant display in this BM78 contest by Campaldino. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Campaldino (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Anna Roper (a3kg) (59kg) Next Best Again at Kensington: Satin Sparkle Satin Sparkle had no luck chasing home Redicio at Wyong on April 3, cast three-and-four deep without cover in the small field of six. She did a good job despite the torrid run in transit, leveling up to the leading contingent before peaking on the run first-up from a spell. Zac Lloyd should have no issue getting cover from gate two, and provided Satin Sparkle has come on from that testing performance, expect her to be right in this when the whips are cracking. Next Best Again Race 2 – #8 Satin Sparkle (2) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: Zac Lloyd (55kg) Friday quaddie tips for Kensington Kensington quadrella selections April 25, 2025 3-4 4-6-8 4-5-8-9-10-11 5-6-9-10-11-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Flemington ANZAC Day Races 2025 Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Friday, April 25, 2025 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble The traditional ANZAC Day meeting at Flemington awaits punters on Friday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race meeting set down for decision. The Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) and Listed ANZAC Day Stakes (1400m) headline proceedings on a day where up to 25mm of rain is forecast, meaning the Good 4 track rating is likely to be downgraded to Soft. The rail will stick to its true position, with the first event at the Flemington races set to jump at 1pm AEST. VRC St Leger Tip: West Indies The Mark Walker-trained West Indies has put in two strong performances over 1875m and 2080m this campaign, with each run suggesting the further he gets out in trip, the better. Considering he already has a win to his name on a Heavy deck, the wet weather should prove to be no issue for him. Blake Shinn will look to settle midfield with cover throughout, and as long as he can avoid any tiring horses in the home straight, West Indies should have no issue in rallying late on. VRC St Leger Race 6 – #5 West Indies (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Mark Walker | J: Blake Shinn (58kg) ANZAC Day Stakes Tip: Prestige Ole Prestige Ole has strung together a couple of classy wins leading into the 2025 ANZAC Day Stakes. The Ole Kirk colt came from the rear of the field on both occasions and had no issue in overhauling his rivals. Barrier 13 is offset by his want to be in the second half of the field, and if Ben Allen can find a bum to follow in the home straight, Prestige Ole has the finish to be running down the leaders once again. ANZAC Day Stakes Race 5 – #1 Prestige Ole (13) 2yo Colt | T: David Brideoake & Matt Jenkins | J: Ben Allen (59kg) Best Bet at Flemington: King Zephyr King Zephyr has won three straight in midweek company this time in and looks hard to beat at his first look at Flemington and 1400m. The four-year-old gelding continues to wear down his rivals in smart fashion, and the way he finished off over 1300m at Sandown last time out suggests he will handle the jump in trip with ease. From a midfield position, all King Zephyr needs is clear air in the home straight. Best Bet Race 8 – #5 King Zephyr (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs (59.5kg) Next Best at Flemington: No Fuss No Fuss has lived up to his name in both starts this campaign, winning with a touch of arrogance over 1300m and then 1500m. The son of Jon Snow continues to show a strong turn of foot, and despite needing to do plenty of work last time out after chasing a hot speed, he still put 2.3 lengths on Liberami, who has since come out and won. From barrier six, John Allen will have the four-year-old in the moving line throughout, and if he can show a similar turn of foot, No Fuss should prove too hard to hold out once more. Next Best Race 3 – #1 No Fuss (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: John Allen (61.5kg) Friday quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Friday, April 25, 2025 1-2-4-5 1-4-5-11-12 1-2-3 5-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

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The Thoroughbred racing industry joined forces on Saturday, Apr. 19 for the seventh annual PDJF Telethon to raise over $445,000 for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), the organization said through a Wednesday press release by FanDuel TV. The fundraiser was presented by Lane's End Farm and broadcast on both FanDuel TV and America's Day at the Races on the FOX Sports family of networks. “This event is one that we all look forward to every year,” said FanDuel TV's General Manager of Racing Andrew Moore. “This event showcases the real good that can be accomplished when so many people in racing, especially the fans, come together. Each donation, regardless of how large or small, is critically important. We are grateful to all of the industry partners that came together to make this event such a success and we are proud to be able to give back to the sport.” The telethon has broken records each year to support jockeys who have suffered serious on-track injuries. Since the inaugural telethon, there has been nearly $2.5 million raised. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this day a success in support of the PDJF mission,” said Nancy LaSala, president of PDJF. “The Telethon is a crucial fundraiser for the PDJF. Without the planning and support from our industry partners, as well as the generous donations from all participants, our ability to continue our work would be limited.” The post 7th Annual PDJF Telethon Shatters Record With Over $445K Raised appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A last-out fourth in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Cornucopian returns to action in a one-mile allowance optional claiming contest at Aqueduct Racetrack April 27 with an eye on the Preakness Stakes (G1).View the full article

The 2025 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Thoroughbred inductees are Ivan Dalos, Builder; Marketing Mix, Female Horse; Perry Winters, Jockey; Ghostzapper, Male Horse; Mike Doyle, Trainer; and Storm Bird, Veteran.View the full article

Griffin Johnson may not be well known within horse racing circles, but that doesn't mean he can't help the sport. For decades, racing has been fighting a losing battle when it comes to attracting a younger audience. That's where Johnson comes in. He is a social media influencer who has 9.7 million followers on TikTok and 2.6 million on Instagram. He's also a horse owner. Johnson is part of the West Point Thoroughbreds group that owns GI Arkansas Derby winner and GI Kentucky Derby contender Sandman (Tapit). He'll be at Churchill Downs during Derby week and has promised to spread the word about the joys of racing and horse ownership to his millions of followers. The plan to get influencers involved in racing and owning horses was hatched by America's Best Racing. West Point Thoroughbreds came forward, joined the program and connected with Johnson, who owns 2.5% of Sandman. Johnson was the Gainesway Guest of the Week on this week's Thoroughbred Daily News Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland. “Once he started winning, people started paying attention,” Johnson said of Sandman. “So now they see me and Sandman and all of our content on the Internet. I jumped in from day one. We hadn't even seen him really train or do anything yet. It was kind of a 'I trust you, you trust me moment.' No matter how much money you spend or how much prep you put into it, you never know if you're going to get a true winner. I just thank my lucky stars that I got a piece of Sandman out of all the horses.” He started promoting Sandman as far back as the Arkansas Derby. After that victory, he posted on Instagram: “SANDMAN WINS THE $1.5M ARKANSAS DERBY. WE ARE RACING IN THE 2025 KENTUCKY DERBY!!!!” He believes he can help the sport. “A lot of people have seen the content I've been putting out,” he said. “A lot of people want to see everything about horse racing from what they eat to how they get bathed to where they sleep. It's really incredible how interested people are in the A to Z care of these horses. And now we're starting to reach out and do press and interviews with amazing people like yourself. We're collaborating with Gen Z and some of the younger millennials that are on Tik Tok. We're working on doing the ice bucket challenge this weekend. We're starting to do some charity work when it comes to aftercare. I'm trying to use my leverage and social media to promote that. We have some cool things in the works. We have some things we've already done and I want to be as useful as possible to the sport.” He's not promoting just any horse but one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby. “I would say that I've had Derby Fever for a few months now,” he said. “I know that the Kentucky Derby is the Holy Grail for horse racing. I can't even believe it whenever I say that I'm going to be participating in the Kentucky Derby. It's surreal.” In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, the hosts went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Independence Hall. The fastest horse of the week was GII Oaklawn Handicap winner First Mission (Street Sense), who earned a 109 in his victory. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, Darley Europe, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV, the team of Randy Moss, Bill Finley and Zoe Cadman gave their longshot picks for the Derby as well as the horses they thought could be thrown out. We'll save our actual Derby picks for next week. There was also a discussion of the latest developments in Florida over the decoupling issue. All agreed that the anti-coupling forces won a major battle when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came out and said he would not be inclined to sign a bill that allowed decoupling. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To listen to the show as a podcast, click here. The post Influencer Griffin Johnson Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Tony Stratford’s new recruits are clearly thriving in Southland. Now the Gore trainer is hoping that translates to winning race day form at Ascot Park on Thursday. Stratford is taking three runners to the Diamonds Day warm-up meeting, including a new addition to his stable in La Dama. The six-year-old joined Stratford’s barn after producing ordinary form in Canterbury and Manawatu recently, but that looks set to change after two nice workout wins in Southland. “I am not sure why she is so badly out of form,” Stratford said. “Kevin Townley rang me and he thought she was worth a go in Southland.” “She had been up to Manawatu and obviously didn’t handle it and her form in Canterbury wasn’t much better.” “But since she has come down, I couldn’t fault her really.” “Both of her workouts have been good, she has trotted along good.” “We will find out a lot more at the races, but as I say, I can’t fault her.” Cosmic Star will have his second start for the Stratford stable after a solid southern debut at Winton earlier this month. After sitting parked throughout, the six-year-old fought on strongly to run fourth. Stratford is hopeful his new recruit can produce an even better result with a little more luck. “I don’t think sitting parked was ideal going by the feel of him.” “He has probably got enough gate speed that he could get across them.” “If he was able to get to the markers he would be a pretty good chance.” “It is hard to believe he is a 30-start maiden, because he feels like a horse that will win one pretty quick.” Stratford also starts Van Liberty at Ascot Park. The pacer hasn’t had things go his way in his last two starts, after producing consistent efforts to start his campaign. “He hasn’t had any luck, he was $1.50 favourite two starts ago and got left parked.” “Then last start they ran 2.54 (for 2400m).” “If things pan out for him, he most certainly can run in the top three.” Blair Orange takes the reins behind all three of the Stratford team on Thursday. View the full article

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has decided to pause the multi-year projects to develop The Skye, Conservatory and Infield areas due to the increasing uncertainty surrounding construction costs related to the Trump tariffs and trade disputes as well as current macro-economic conditions, the company said in a press release on Wednesday afternoon. In the coming months, CDI said it will assess the evolving economic landscape and evaluate any changes to the timing and sequencing of these multi-year projects. Renovations of the existing Finish Line Suites and The Mansion at Churchill Downs Racetrack are expected to be complete by April 2026. The renovation of the Finish Line Suites will update the existing 15 suites on the fifth floor overlooking the finish line at Churchill Downs, which will increase the capacity to a total of 750 guests. The Trophy Room, which sits behind the Finish Line Suites, will also have its renovation go forward. Also, renovation of The Mansion will introduce updated finishes and other enhancements to an area that was built out in 2013. CDI expects to spend approximately $25-30 million on these new capital projects. “We are pleased to announce these new projects designed to significantly improve the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion which are two of our most exclusive areas of the racetrack,” said Chief Executive Officer of CDI Bill Carstanjen. “The decision to pause the Skye Terrace and infield projects was a difficult one for us to make because we do not want to disappoint our fans; however, we have a responsibility to be disciplined given the recent changes in the economic environment. We remain committed to growing our iconic flagship asset over the long term with projects that will provide new once-in-a lifetime experiences for our guests and deliver best-in-class shareholder returns.” The post Churchill Downs Pauses Key Projects Due To Trump Tariffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Colonial Downs, in New Kent, Va., will host an eight-race Claiming Crown Preview Day.View the full article

First Mission has a guaranteed spot in the Pimlico Special Stakes (G3) May 16, but his team has bigger plans for the 5-year-old son of Street Sense. A first career grade 1 victory. The $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) is June 28.View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, April 24. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Tamworth. Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – April 24, 2025 Tamworth Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on April 24, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 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. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

A few weeks after taking down Keeneland's Limestone Stakes with Shisospicy, trainer Jose D'Angelo sends Lugamo Racing Stable's Cloe out west for a bid in the $100,000 Senorita Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Tickets for the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships are on sale now. Beginning April 23, fans can secure their place at the 42nd running of the season-ending international championships, which will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar.View the full article

Ellis Park, which experienced flooding and wind damage following heavy rains earlier this month, will delay the pre-meet opening of its backstretch for training, according to Gary Palmisano, vice president of racing for CDI.View the full article

Since claiming Tirupati back for $50,000, Augustin Stables and trainer Jonathan Thomas have been on a roll, and they will look to continue their success April 26 in the $100,000 Royal Heroine Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

A sprawling, 133-page tax package in the Florida House of Representatives that got advanced by that chamber's Budget Committee on Tuesday includes a small section tacked onto the end of the bill that would maintain $27.5 million in annual purse subsidies at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs while stripping out the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) as a receiving or administering entity for that money. The annual purse subsides were signed into law last year. Although the dollar-amount allocation for Thoroughbred entities would remain the same, the language in House Bill 7033 would take away the annual $5-million distribution made to the FTBOA that currently gets used to fund Florida-bred and -sired purses, stallion awards, “other racing incentives” and the “promotion of the Florida Thoroughbred breeding industry.” Instead, the House version of the taxation bill would redistribute the FTBOA-allocated money directly to the two tracks to pay the related purses while deleting the requirement that horses eligible for those state incentives must registered with the FTBOA. The non-profit FTBOA, which has been in existence since 1945, represents over 1,300 Thoroughbred breeders and owners in the state. The FTBOA was instrumental in getting the purse subsidy bill passed in 2024, and it has consistently fought against various decoupling issues over the last two decades, including three pieces of legislation that are currently active in the Florida session that is expected to end May 2. Those highly controversial decoupling bills would remove the live racing requirement for Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to operate their respective casino and card room. Lonny Powell, the FTBOA's chief executive officer, told TDN on Wednesday that the House's opposition to his organization is intertwined with the FTBOA's adamant stance against decoupling. He added that the FTBOA is used to having to deal with “blowback from any opposition” to such a polarizing legislative topic. “I don't expect that $5 million being removed,” Powell said. “Remember, there are two branches of the legislature. We just don't believe that the other side is going to really approve that type of obvious [attempt to] take FTBOA's money out and spread it amongst the racetracks that want to decouple. It just doesn't have a lot of traction. “If you were calling me and saying the Senate voted [for those anti-FTBOA measures], that would be a different conversation. I'm just saying that the House has consistently voted along these directions from the word 'go' this session. They're finishing out their business, and I don't expect them to get any softer or to take any more pressure off of us,” Powell said. “I'm concerned that such a discussion even took place, but not really surprised on the [anti-FTBOA sentiments of] the House. We just feel really good about the Senate doing the right thing, and [the larger issue of decoupling] is obviously a very complicated and complex issue that [has to] get settled within the last several days of the session. “We do not anticipate the Senate going along with us being unfunded [via House Bill 7033] from the very [purse subsidy] bill that we championed on behalf of the industry over the last two years.” When the House Budget Committee heard about 45 minutes of testimony on the 2025 tax bill before reporting it favorably by a 16-1 margin Apr. 22, the section about purse subsidies and the anti-FTBOA language did not get discussed. The post As Session Nears End, Florida House Tax Bill Attempts To Strip Out FTBOA From Existing Purse Subsidy Law appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article