Wandering Eyes

Barely fourty minutes after taking their eighth individual Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) contest with La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth), the Te Akau Racing team made it back-to-back successes on the night at Ellerslie with favourite Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) scoring a brilliant victory in the Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). The three-year-old daughter of super sire Savabeel had looked a filly of enormous talent when finishing runner-up to Velocious (Written Tycoon) in the Karaka Million 2YO twelve months earlier and backed up that opinion in her first three-year-old run when finishing third to Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) and Captured By Love Written Tycoon) in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in the Spring. Put aside for another break she resumed with a win over 1200m at Te Rapa in December before disappointing a few when only sixth in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson went back to the drawing board and made a crucial gear change by applying blinkers for Saturday’s contest which proved the masterstroke along with bringing another top Aussie jockey in Blake Shinn across from Melbourne to ride her. Shinn has been an integral component in the success enjoyed by Te Akau’s Victorian stable and a fleeting trip across the Tasman to partner the filly in a jumpout convinced him she was on track for the effort she produced when charging home form midfield to collar Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivacii) and Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High), who looked likely to fight out the finish at the 300m. “It’s special to be able to come here on one of New Zealand’s biggest days, have a great book of rides and importantly get a winner,” Shins said. “It’s a big team effort and that’s what they do (Te Akau Racing), they win these big races so I’m thankful for the opportunity. “She jumped better than she did last time and she had blinkers applied today. I came over about two weeks ago and jumped her out in them and I thought they made her a bit more tractable and put her into the right spot where I wanted (today). “I’m just really proud to be able to achieve this for Te Akau.” Walker paid tribute to Shinn for producing the goods when it mattered. “It was a lovely ride by Blake as he rode her for a touch of luck and got the split at the right time,” he said. “That’s why you have these international riders on. “Also well done to David Ellis who bought her. She was actually our last yearling to sell of her year and they are often very good as Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) was the same and so was Avantage (Fastnet Rock). “I think her last run was just a little about being second up but if you didn’t run then she couldn’t have won tonight. “You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t sometimes. “We will let the dust settle now but she will probably have a run between races somewhere and then go straight into the slot race here in March.” Walker was referring to the first running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1600m) slot race that will be one of the many highlights on the newly minted Champions Day programme at Ellerslie on 8 March, with Damask Rose being recently announced as the representative for slot holder Te Akau Racing. The daughter of Flying Spur mare Sombreuil was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $200,000 out of Milan Park’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft. She comes from an extended family that includes her grand-dam Te Akau Rose who was a winner of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) along with Gr.1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) winner and now successful sire Brutal. TAB Bookmakers reacted quickly by moving Damask Rose into equal favourite for the NZB Kiwi alongside Checkmate, with the pair sitting at a $6 Fixed Odds quote ahead of Aussie raider Evaporate at $8. View the full article

It wouldn’t be Karaka Millions night if the familiar tangerine and blue colours of Te Akau Racing were not front and centre in the finish of one of the two feature events, the Listed TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). The 2025 edition of the contest proved no difference with promising filly La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) extending the Matamata stable’s outstanding record in the race to eight victories with a gritty on pace effort. Leading Victorian rider Craig Williams made the trip across the Tasman to partner the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared daughter of Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth and produced an absolute gem to guide her home. Williams made good use of her handy barrier draw (5) to head forward at the start, disputing the pace with Aussie raider Hello Romeo (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) before easing to a clear lead with 300m to run. Hard up against the fence, La Dorada produced a powerful kick and shot two lengths clear before gamely holding out the late charge of outsiders Vega For Luck (NZ) (Lucky Vega) and South Island visitor Miss Ziggy (NZ) (Brazen Beau) who stormed home from second last on the home turn. Williams was his usual calm and collected self after picking up his third win in the race, noting the addition of vizor blinkers and a tongue tied had been crucial to the performance. “The gear change today meant I had the right filly and she was very good,” Williams said. “She had a lovely run throughout although the instructions weren’t that specific. “It was all about her and they knew the horse they had.” Williams had previously taken out the contest aboard Ruud Awakening (Bernardini) in 2013 and with Ockham’s Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion) a year earlier Walker paid tribute to the staff involved with their Matamata operation and his training partner Bergerson. “This is terrific and great for Sam as he has had to sustain a lot of pressure as I have been in Melbourne a lot,” Walker said. “Full credit to him and the team, this was great as it is good to win on the big stage. “Also well done to David Ellis to buy eight individual winners of this race, as if you go anywhere in the world and find someone who has done that, you wouldn’t find it. “She just paraded so well and she looked a picture. “Craig Williams rode her a treat and the staff have been working hard as it’s this time of the year where you have to raise the bar. “It’s just fun being part of this night as it is the night on the racing calendar.” Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis purchased the filly for $190,000 out of the Waikato Stud draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in 2024 after purchasing her dam, Gold Fever (NZ) (Savabeel), as a yearling for $110,000, from the draft of Sledmere Stud, at the 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She comes from an extended family that includes Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush (NZ) (So You Think), a race also taken out by Gold Fever while outstanding Sydney galloper Golden Mile and Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Major Beel (NZ) (Savabeel) also feature. View the full article

Champion Sydney-based trainer Chris Waller turned back the clock at Ellerslie on Saturday with a heart-stopping victory by Konasana (Dundeel) in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). Konasana was Waller’s first New Zealand winner since the 2002-03 season, when he took the plunge and moved across the Tasman. He has gone on to become one of the all-time greats, winning more than 170 Group One races and earning Hall of Fame induction in both New Zealand and Australia. Waller has won many bigger and richer races than the Westbury Classic, but Saturday was a special homecoming. “It’s massive,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “And it’s great that the horse was ridden by Rory Hutchings, another expat New Zealander who outrode his claim for Chris as an apprentice in Sydney. Now they’ve both gone full circle. “It also means a lot to get this win for Woppitt Bloodstock (owner-breeders) with Debbie Kepitis and her family here. It’s pretty emotional stuff, really.” Konasana brought strong credentials into her trans-Tasman raid, with five wins to her name including a last-start success in the Gr.3 Belle of the Turf (1600m) at Gosford on New Year’s Eve. She had also won the Gr.3 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) on heavy ground at Randwick last April. A bold performance was expected from the daughter of Dundeel, who jumped as a $3.80 second favourite. But her prospects appeared to take a major blow when she was squeezed backwards soon after the start and dropped out to the tail of the field. Konasana was still well back and had a wall of horses in front of her turning into the home straight, but Hutchings drove her through a narrow opening and she chimed in with ominous ease with 200m remaining. However, the unheralded Imprevu (NZ) (Wrote) provided a major scare with a career-best performance. She dashed through on Konasana’s inside and matched motors with the Australian raider through a thrilling final 100m. In a head-bobbing finish, Konasana prevailed by a half-head. Imprevu finished three lengths in front of the third-placed Malt Time (Adelaide). “I had no idea whether we’d won it,” Hutchings said. “We weren’t clean away and took a while to get into stride. “She was going so well in the straight and got there so easily, I thought it was all over when she burst through. I couldn’t believe that another one came with her and made it so close. But it’s such a relief to get this win. Nothing went to plan, but she was still gutsy enough to get the job done. “It’s a big thing for Chris to bring a horse over here. I’m sure he’ll get great satisfaction out of this, and Debbie and the family too.” Duckworth suggested that New Zealand may not have seen the last of Konasana, with the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on Champions Day on March 8 a likely target. “There’s a big chance she’ll stay for that,” Duckworth said. “Knowing there’s a sequence of races she could target was a big factor in sending her over. “I’m just delighted for the horse. It wasn’t our intention to sit last, but she got a bad squeeze coming out of the gates. I didn’t know whether we’d got it on the line, but I’m glad we did. “We’ve always had a pretty good opinion of this mare. Her first Group win was on a wet track in the autumn, so we were delighted to see her do it on good ground in the Belle of the Turf and again today. “She travelled over beautifully and looked an absolute picture today. I thought we’d have some fun today if she ran up to her looks.” Konasana capped a special week for Kepitis, coming just a couple of days after Octagonal was announced as an inductee into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. The 10-time Group One winner was raced by Kepitis’s father and uncle, Bob and Jack Ingham. “We’re so excited,” Kepitis said. “Having Octagonal honoured with induction into the Hall of Fame is wonderful. He was an amazing horse for Jack and Bob. He put them on the map. They would both be so proud. “We bred Konasana and she’s been wonderful for us. To come over to New Zealand with a plan and have it come off is great. It’s all down to the master, Chris Waller, and his amazing team.” View the full article

A career-best campaign for Tumuch (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) went up another level on Saturday when the five-year-old scored his first black-type win in the Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton. The Satono Aladdin gelding has barely put a foot wrong in seven starts this season, starting with a win in Rating 75 grade at Riccarton in September. He then finished second and fourth in two appearances during the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November, followed by an outstanding last-to-first performance in a 1400m open handicap at Cromwell on December 1. Tumuch had no luck when third in the Timaru Cup (1600m) on December 28 and sixth in a 1400m open handicap at Wingatui last weekend, but he dropped down to 1200m on a quick turnaround on Saturday and produced the performance of his career. Ridden by Akshay Balloo, Tumuch settled near the tail of the talented Timaru Stakes field and still had a dozen horses in front of him with 250m remaining. But Balloo turned him loose down the outside of the track and Tumuch produced an explosive turn of foot, bursting to the front in the final 50m and winning by three-quarters of a length. “He was very impressive,” co-trainer Karen Parsons said. “He was about as impressive as that when he won at Cromwell last month too. He’s racing in really good form at the moment. “We’ll probably aim him at Wingatui now.” The Wingatui meeting on February 8 is headed by the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m). From 16 starts, Tumuch has recorded five wins and four placings and has banked $171,080 in stakes. Tumuch is out of the unraced Captain Rio mare Pamela Place (NZ), whose half-brother Camino Rocoso (NZ) (Shocking) won 15 races including numerous triumphs in those same red and white colours of the Parsons stable. His career highlight came in a successful North Island raid on the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) in 2020. The Timaru Stakes was the first stakes success for Balloo, a Mauritian jockey who arrived in New Zealand in 2019 after spending time at the South African Jockey Academy as an apprentice. Balloo also won Saturday’s Berkley Stud at Karaka 2025 Rating 65 (1200m) aboard Avitus. “It’s my first black-type win in New Zealand, so it’s a big thrill,” Balloo said. “It was a lovely ride to pick up for John and Karson Parsons. The horse is in good form and has quite a strong record at the track, so I was reasonably confident going into the race. “We ended up further back than planned, so I was a bit worried for a while, but then the horse showed a very good change of gears in the straight and won impressively.” View the full article

Quality mare Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) set Ellerslie alight on Karaka Millions night in 2024 with a stunning victory in one of the feature events and she did it again in 2025 with another perfect performance to claim the Listed Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). Last season’s Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) winner went on to take out a pair of Group One victories, triumphing in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Vinery Stakes Stud Stakes (2000m) before finishing a gallant third in the Gr.1 ATC Oaks (2400m) to round off her three-year-old campaign. What followed had her army of supporters scratching their heads a little as her Spring campaign was somewhat disappointing with an indifferent showing in a campaign opener at Ellerslie followed by two lacklustre efforts in Melbourne which necessitated some more time out before resuming at Ellerslie a fortnight ago with a handy enough effort in finishing last of four over 1400m lumping topweight of 60kgs. James knew not to panic when others were questioning her desire and she looked a different mare before the race on Saturday as she produced her hallmark home straight surge under rider Craig Grylls to down a quality line-up in the $1million feature. Grylls had her travelling sweetly four back on the fence throughout and when he angled her into the clear at the 250m she quickly hit top gear to draw in fellow mare Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) within the shadows of the post to score going away by a length and a half, with Mosinvader (NZ) (Vadamos0 making up good ground for third. James was quick to point out he never lost faith in his stable star. “I stayed staunch and we all did around the stable, but you guys (media) came from every angle this week and asked whether she had lost her enthusiasm for racing,” James said. “We got all sorts of grilling but she is mare and often they are better in the autumn and I think that is probably the case with her. “We were super happy going into this with her although a bit apprehensive with the draw (barrier 3) but it assisted her as he (Grylls) was able to sneak runs and be handier than normal. “It was a masterful ride.” James would not be drawn on where the daughter of Savabeel would be seen next but hinted she may stay in New Zealand for the time being. “There is a lot of money here, but we will see how she pulls up and make a decision from there,” he said. Grylls had James’ pre-race words ringing in his ears after finding himself in the exact position they had feared after 200m. “My instruction from Roger was to try not to be four back the fence, but from that draw she never begins that good although she was better than normal,” Grylls said. “I found myself in that position but I couldn’t have asked for a better run after that as there was good speed and I was able to peel her out and get her going without any traffic problems. “She did the rest and I’m just the lucky one who gets to sit on this very good mare. “I don’t want to sound too arrogant but she was clearly the best horse in the field on paper and it was just a matter of getting a good run and she did the rest.” Orchestral was bred by Barneswood Farm and is the first named foal out of the O’Reilly mare Symphonic (NZ), who herself won four races and placed in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Offered by Haunui Farm in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, Orchestral was bought by James and Wellwood for $625,000 or owners Colin and Helen Litt. Haunui Farm will offer her full sister as Lot 345 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling sale which kicks off tomorrow (Sunday) at the Karaka Sales Complex. View the full article

Six years after landing a Group Three prize on Karaka Millions night with Ardrossan, trainer Stephen Marsh and jockey Michael McNab kept it in the family with his exciting daughter Ardalio (NZ) winning Saturday’s Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie. Marsh trained Ardrossan throughout a nine-race career that produced four wins, headed by the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) on the 2019 Karaka Millions undercard. The son of Redoute’s Choice now stands at Waikato Stud, where he has sired 24 winners including six at stakes level. The newest member of that list is the lightly raced Ardalio, whose owner-breeder Lib Petagna also shared in the ownership of Ardrossan. Saturday’s $250,000 three-year-old sprint was only the third career start for Ardalio, and she announced her arrival on the big stage with a brilliant performance. Ardalio and McNab raced in midfield before angling to the outside at the home turn and bounding into contention. Front-running favourite Poetic Champion (NZ) (Super Seth) was swallowed up after the 200m mark, with Vegas Queen (NZ) (Proisir) diving through along the inside while Ardalio pounced out wide. Ardalio pulled ahead of Vegas Queen in the final 75m to score an emphatic one-length victory, clocking 1:08.86 for the 1200m. “Ardrossan won a Group Three on this day himself, and for him to sire the winner of this race is a huge result for the stallion and for Lib,” Marsh said. “Ardrossan is getting a lot of winners. “It was a big step up for Ardalio today, but she’s obviously a very good filly. All of her runs have been terrific. We’ll see where we go next with her, but we could look at something like the Uncle Remus (Listed, 1400m) in a few weeks’ time. We’ll just take her quietly. “She was ready to explode today and it was a matter of keeping a lid on her leading into this. She’s a very talented filly.” Marsh was thrilled to pick up a feature-race win on the eve of the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. “This is the night,” the Cambridge trainer said. “This is where we want to be, and this is where we want to be winning races. “Hopefully now we might be able to buy another horse or two this week and get some shares sold.” Ardalio’s three-start career has produced two wins and a second, where she was beaten by a head by the talented Sought After (NZ) (Tivaci) at Ellerslie earlier this month. Ardalio has now earned $168,300 in stakes. McNab has been in the saddle for all three of Ardalio’s starts. “We landed in a nice spot today, then got to the outside and she was really electric,” he said. “She’s got a bright future. “I think she just got a bit lost the other day, racing up on the speed. Today, ridden a bit quieter, she was very good late.” View the full article

There are 10 horse racing meetings set for Australia and one in Hong Kong on Sunday, January 19. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Wyong and Sha Tin (HK). Sunday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – January 26, 2025 Wyong Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 26, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Crocetti winning the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Last season’s champion male three-year-old Crocetti returned to his brilliant best at Ellerslie on Saturday, defeating a star-studded sprint field in the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m). The Zacinto gelding was one of the standout performers on the Karaka Millions card 12 months ago, extending his unbeaten career record to seven-from-seven with a dominant performance under 60kg in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m). It capped a winning sequence that also included the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). But Crocetti has been through his share of ups and downs through the 12 months since he hit those lofty heights, winning only one of his next five starts. He was scratched from the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham earlier this month because of unsuitable wet ground. Crocetti made a big impression with a blistering gallop between races at Ellerslie on January 12, giving his connections plenty of confidence leading into Saturday’s $700,000 Railway. But that confidence was washed away by heavy rain in the 90 minutes leading into the race, with Crocetti jumping from the inside gate on deteriorating ground. Jockey Warren Kennedy was able to get away from the fence within the first 200m of the race, taking up a position in fourth behind Babylon Berlin, Alabama Lass and Luberon. That trio appeared to have the finish to themselves halfway down the home straight, with Alabama Lass edging ahead of a brave Babylon Berlin while Luberon chased hard down the outside. But then Kennedy switched Crocetti across heels and into a gap between Alabama Lass and Luberon, and the horse took care of the rest. Crocetti pinned his ears back and roared home, getting the better of Alabama Lass in the final strides to snatch victory by a short head. Click here for full Karaka Millions 2025 race replays. It was the second consecutive Railway victory for Kennedy, who won the race aboard Waitak last year. “This means the world to me,” Kennedy said. “Everyone knows Daniel Nakhle (owner-breeder) was instrumental in getting me to New Zealand, and Crocetti and I have such a fantastic bond. “His preparation hadn’t been the best until today, he just hasn’t stepped up. I told Danny (Walker, co-trainer) that he was getting there too easily and just getting cruisy and not attacking the line. I suggested that we try some blinkers “You saw the gallop here a couple of weeks ago, where I couldn’t hold him, and now he’s really attacked the line today. The old Crocetti is back, for sure. “Being drawn one on a horse that likes dry ground, I was worried when the rain came. But I got him off the fence straight away and we had a lovely run through. The splits came when I needed them, and the way that he attacked the line proved that he’s back. He wanted to win. He really fought for it and deserved it.” Trained by Danny Walker in partnership with Arron Tata, Crocetti has now had 13 starts for nine wins, two placings and $1.19 million in stakes. “Unbelievable,” Walker said. “I thought he was battling 200m from the finish. He was grabbing the ground, like he does when it’s wet and he’s not comfortable. But then he just tried and really stuck his neck out. “Going into the Telegraph, I was so confident that he could win that race. I went to bed happy on the Friday night, but then it was wet on Saturday morning and it was a disaster. “He’s just a super horse and he showed that today.” Horse racing news View the full article

Orchestral winning the Listed Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Quality mare Orchestral set Ellerslie alight on Karaka Millions night in 2024 with a stunning victory in one of the feature events and she did it again in 2025 with another perfect performance to claim the Listed Aotearoa Classic (1600m). Last season’s Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) winner went on to take out a pair of Group One victories, triumphing in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Group 1 Vinery Stakes Stud Stakes (2000m) before finishing a gallant third in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) to round off her three-year-old campaign. What followed had her army of supporters scratching their heads a little as her Spring campaign was somewhat disappointing with an indifferent showing in a campaign opener at Ellerslie followed by two lacklustre efforts in Melbourne which necessitated some more time out before resuming at Ellerslie a fortnight ago with a handy enough effort in finishing last of four over 1400m lumping topweight of 60kgs. James knew not to panic when others were questioning her desire and she looked a different mare before the race on Saturday as she produced her hallmark home straight surge under rider Craig Grylls to down a quality line-up in the $1million feature. Grylls had her travelling sweetly four back on the fence throughout and when he angled her into the clear at the 250m she quickly hit top gear to draw in fellow mare Mary Shan within the shadows of the post to score going away by a length and a half, with Mosinvader making up good ground for third. Click here for full Karaka Millions 2025 race replays. James was quick to point out he never lost faith in his stable star. “I stayed staunch and we all did around the stable, but you guys (media) came from every angle this week and asked whether she had lost her enthusiasm for racing,” James said. “We got all sorts of grilling but she is mare and often they are better in the autumn and I think that is probably the case with her. “We were super happy going into this with her although a bit apprehensive with the draw (barrier 3) but it assisted her as he (Grylls) was able to sneak runs and be handier than normal. “It was a masterful ride.” James would not be drawn on where the daughter of Savabeel would be seen next but hinted she may stay in New Zealand for the time being. “There is a lot of money here, but we will see how she pulls up and make a decision from there,” he said. Grylls had James’ pre-race words ringing in his ears after finding himself in the exact position they had feared after 200m. “My instruction from Roger was to try not to be four back the fence, but from that draw she never begins that good although she was better than normal,” Grylls said. “I found myself in that position but I couldn’t have asked for a better run after that as there was good speed and I was able to peel her out and get her going without any traffic problems. “She did the rest and I’m just the lucky one who gets to sit on this very good mare. “I don’t want to sound too arrogant but she was clearly the best horse in the field on paper and it was just a matter of getting a good run and she did the rest.” Horse racing news View the full article

Konasana winning the Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Champion Sydney-based trainer Chris Waller turned back the clock at Ellerslie on Saturday with a heart-stopping victory by Konasana in the Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m). Konasana was Waller’s first New Zealand winner since the 2002-03 season, when he took the plunge and moved across the Tasman. He has gone on to become one of the all-time greats, winning more than 170 Group One races and earning Hall of Fame induction in both New Zealand and Australia. Waller has won many bigger and richer races than the Westbury Classic, but Saturday was a special homecoming. “It’s massive,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “And it’s great that the horse was ridden by Rory Hutchings, another expat New Zealander who outrode his claim for Chris as an apprentice in Sydney. Now they’ve both gone full circle. “It also means a lot to get this win for Woppitt Bloodstock (owner-breeders) with Debbie Kepitis and her family here. It’s pretty emotional stuff, really.” Konasana brought strong credentials into her trans-Tasman raid, with five wins to her name including a last-start success in the Group 3 Belle of the Turf (1600m) at Gosford on New Year’s Eve. She had also won the Group 3 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) on heavy ground at Randwick last April. A bold performance was expected from the daughter of Dundeel, who jumped as a $3.80 second favourite with . But her prospects appeared to take a major blow when she was squeezed backwards soon after the start and dropped out to the tail of the field. Konasana was still well back and had a wall of horses in front of her turning into the home straight, but Hutchings drove her through a narrow opening and she chimed in with ominous ease with 200m remaining. However, the unheralded Imprevu provided a major scare with a career-best performance. She dashed through on Konasana’s inside and matched motors with the Australian raider through a thrilling final 100m. In a head-bobbing finish, Konasana prevailed by a half-head. Imprevu finished three lengths in front of the third-placed Malt Time. Click here for full Karaka Millions 2025 race replays. “I had no idea whether we’d won it,” Hutchings said. “We weren’t clean away and took a while to get into stride. “She was going so well in the straight and got there so easily, I thought it was all over when she burst through. I couldn’t believe that another one came with her and made it so close. But it’s such a relief to get this win. Nothing went to plan, but she was still gutsy enough to get the job done. “It’s a big thing for Chris to bring a horse over here. I’m sure he’ll get great satisfaction out of this, and Debbie and the family too.” Duckworth suggested that New Zealand may not have seen the last of Konasana, with the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on Champions Day on March 8 a likely target. “There’s a big chance she’ll stay for that,” Duckworth said. “Knowing there’s a sequence of races she could target was a big factor in sending her over. “I’m just delighted for the horse. It wasn’t our intention to sit last, but she got a bad squeeze coming out of the gates. I didn’t know whether we’d got it on the line, but I’m glad we did. “We’ve always had a pretty good opinion of this mare. Her first Group win was on a wet track in the autumn, so we were delighted to see her do it on good ground in the Belle of the Turf and again today. “She travelled over beautifully and looked an absolute picture today. I thought we’d have some fun today if she ran up to her looks.” Horse racing news View the full article

Damask Rose winning Saturday’s Listed Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Barely fourty minutes after taking their eighth individual Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) contest with La Dorada, the Te Akau Racing team made it back-to-back successes on the night at Ellerslie with favourite Damask Rose scoring a brilliant victory in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). The three-year-old daughter of super sire Savabeel had looked a filly of enormous talent when finishing runner-up to Velocious in the Karaka Million 2YO twelve months earlier and backed up that opinion in her first three-year-old run when finishing third to Alabama Lass and Captured By Love in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in the Spring. Put aside for another break she resumed with a win over 1200m at Te Rapa in December before disappointing a few when only sixth in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson went back to the drawing board and made a crucial gear change by applying blinkers for Saturday’s contest, which proved the masterstroke along with bringing another top Aussie jockey in Blake Shinn across from Melbourne to ride her. Click here for full Karaka Millions 2025 race replays. Shinn has been an integral component in the success enjoyed by Te Akau’s Victorian stable and a fleeting trip across the Tasman to partner the filly in a jumpout convinced him she was on track for the effort she produced when charging home form midfield to collar Tuxedo and Dealt With, who looked likely to fight out the finish at the 300m. “It’s special to be able to come here on one of New Zealand’s biggest days, have a great book of rides and importantly get a winner,” Shinn said. “It’s a big team effort and that’s what they do (Te Akau Racing), they win these big races so I’m thankful for the opportunity. “She jumped better than she did last time and she had blinkers applied today. I came over about two weeks ago and jumped her out in them and I thought they made her a bit more tractable and put her into the right spot where I wanted (today). “I’m just really proud to be able to achieve this for Te Akau.” Walker paid tribute to Shinn for producing the goods when it mattered. “It was a lovely ride by Blake as he rode her for a touch of luck and got the split at the right time,” he said. “That’s why you have these international riders on. “Also well done to David Ellis who bought her. She was actually our last yearling to sell of her year and they are often very good as Imperatriz was the same and so was Avantage. “I think her last run was just a little about being second up but if you didn’t run then she couldn’t have won tonight. “You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t sometimes. “We will let the dust settle now but she will probably have a run between races somewhere and then go straight into the slot race here in March.” Walker was referring to the first running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1600m) slot race that will be one of the many highlights on the newly minted Champions Day programme at Ellerslie on March 8, with Damask Rose being recently announced as the representative for slot holder Te Akau Racing. Horse racing news View the full article

La Dorada winning the Listed Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) It wouldn’t be Karaka Millions night if the familiar tangerine and blue colours of Te Akau Racing were not front and centre in the finish of one of the two feature events, the Listed Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). The 2025 edition of the contest proved no difference with promising filly La Dorada extending the Matamata stable’s outstanding record in the race to eight victories with a gritty on pace effort. Leading Victorian rider Craig Williams made the trip across the Tasman to partner the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared daughter of Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth and produced an absolute gem to guide her home. Williams made good use of her handy barrier draw (5) to head forward at the start, disputing the pace with Aussie raider Hello Romeo before easing to a clear lead with 300m to run. Hard up against the fence, La Dorada produced a powerful kick and shot two lengths clear before gamely holding out the late charge of outsiders Vega For Luck and South Island visitor Miss Ziggy who stormed home from second last on the home turn. Click here for full Karaka Millions 2025 race replays. Williams was his usual calm and collected self after picking up his third win in the race, noting the addition of vizor blinkers and a tongue tie had been crucial to the performance. “The gear change today meant I had the right filly and she was very good,” Williams said. “She had a lovely run throughout although the instructions weren’t that specific. “It was all about her and they knew the horse they had.” Williams had previously taken out the contest aboard Ruud Awakening in 2013 and with Ockham’s Razor a year earlier Walker paid tribute to the staff involved with their Matamata operation and his training partner Bergerson. “This is terrific and great for Sam as he has had to sustain a lot of pressure as I have been in Melbourne a lot,” Walker said. “Full credit to him and the team, this was great as it is good to win on the big stage. “Also well done to David Ellis to buy eight individual winners of this race, as if you go anywhere in the world and find someone who has done that, you wouldn’t find it. “She just paraded so well and she looked a picture. “Craig Williams rode her a treat and the staff have been working hard as it’s this time of the year where you have to raise the bar. “It’s just fun being part of this night as it is the night on the racing calendar.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, January 26, 2025 First Race 12:30pm HKT (3:30pm AEDT) Visit Dabble After a historic night of Hong Kong racing at Happy Valley on Wednesday, attention turns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 11-race program set for decision. All turf races will be run with the rail in the A+3 position the entire circuit, and with no rain set to hinder proceedings, participants can be assured of a genuine Good 4 surface throughout the afternoon. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Sunlight Power Sunlight Power has been a model of consistency this season, posting a win and two minor placing across his five starts. The son of Capitalist has done it without much luck to boot, including his most recent outing at Sha Tin on January 12 where the five-year-old was forced to make inroads from the rear of the field after being dragged back from gate nine, running up behind a wall of horses and going through the line under a stranglehold. Zac Purton takes the reins from barrier one this time around, and with even luck in the concluding stages, Sunlight Power should justify the short price with Neds. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Sunlight Power (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Zac Purton (55kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Gorgeous Win Gorgeous Win has been unfortunate to run into an airbourne Raging Blizzard in his last two starts, finishing runner-up in back-to-back outings. The Press Statement gelding appears primed to got one better in this Class 2 contest, with Zac Purton likely to stalk his rival from barrier seven. Purton has a formidable record of six starts for four wins aboard the consistent Danny Shum-trained sprinter, and provided he can produce a peak figure, Gorgeous Win must be considered the one to beat in the first leg of the quaddie. Next Best Race 8 – #3 Gorgeous Win (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Zac Purton (58.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sha Tin: Monarch County The Caspar Fownes-trained Monarch County may be unplaced in three starts this preparation; however, it isn’t a fair indication of how the son of Per Incanto is travelling heading into start four. The four-year-old was chopped out at the start at Sha Tin on December 8 and did a fantastic job to recover and get within 1.8 lengths of Happy Park. Stepping out to 1400m should be ideal, and with Hugh Bowman likely to lob into a handy position from stall two, expect a much improved version of Monarch County as he storms through the wire at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 6 – #11 Monarch County (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (57kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections January 26, 2025 3 2-3-6-7-12 2-3-6-7-9-11-13-14 1-3-5-6-8-9-10-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

Royal Insignia ridden by Jamie Mott winning the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Sandown. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Grahame Begg and Jamie Mott have combined with the smart Royal Insignia to claim victory in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Sandown on Saturday afternoon. First up off a two-month spell, the son of Written Tycoon drifted throughout the day from $4.80 and jumped at $7.50 with horse racing bookmakers in the seven-horse field. Judicial ($8.50) jumped the best and took up the lead, ahead of the race favourite with PlayUp, Band Of Brothers ($4.00), while Tropicus ($5.50) and Another Prophet ($10.00) settled in behind the speed. With very little changing throughout the 1200m journey, Mott worked his way to the outside before releasing the brakes at the 400m mark. Band Of Brothers took over with 200m to go, but the runs were coming from midfield with Tropicus and Royal Insignia letting down strongly. By the time they hit the 50m mark, Royal Insignia had claimed the race favourite and Tropicus before racing away in the shadows of the winning post to claim a stylish win. Click here for Sandown race replays. Grahame Begg spoke about the win of Royal Insignia post-race. “We’ve always had a lot of faith in this horse,” Begg said of the winner. “I couldn’t believe it. I took him to Bendigo for his first start in a race, and he got it all wrong that day and got beaten about eight lengths. “We turned him out, and he came back for a couple of runs in the late part of the spring, but he’s just gone to another level, this horse. “He’s a pretty exciting horse, very unassuming, travels beautifully in his race; he wants to relax and find the line. “The small field probably helped him a little bit, but he (Jamie Mott) gave him a great ride and it’s a great result, onwards and upaward. “He will go to the C.S. Hayes next start and head to the Guineas.” Jamie Mott recorded his second win of the day at Sandown, and he spoke post-race. “I said to Grahame, ‘he’s won at Kyneton and at the Caulfield Heath, so I think he will be fine with Sandown and he will probably really enjoy it,” Mott said. “Beautiful animal. He’s taken nice progression from last preparation to this. “His first two wins, I left him alone early, and he struggled to travel comfortable, but he was good enough to win. Today he jumped and wanted to be in the race, that just shows his confidence and maturity he’s got from his last prep. “Grahame has got a really nice horse on his hands.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Sunday, January 26, 2025 First Race 1pm AEDT Visit Dabble NSW racing returns to Wyong Race Club on Sunday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program lined up for Australia Day. The rail moves out +4m the entire circuit, and with some scattered showers forecast across the weekend, it’s possible the track downgrades into the Soft range at some stage throughout the day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Best Bet at Wyong: Money Team Money Team returns after a 265-day spell and appears set for a first-up peak after undergoing a gelding operation. The son of I Am Invincible will make his debut for the Brad Widdup barn and appears to be flying heading into this after an eye-catching barrier trial victory at Rosehill on December 10. He’s been a costly commodity for punters, with the four-year-old suffering defeat in back-to-back starts as a short-priced favourite with Neds; however, with this maiden contest lacking depth of paper, the faith should be rewarded as Money Team claims his first career victory. Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Money Team (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Brad Widdup | J: Zac Wadick (1.5kg) (59kg) +180 with Neds Next Best at Wyong: Gran Caballo The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Gran Caballo makes his Australian debut in this Class 1 contest and looks supremely placed first-up. The Irish import was a dominant maiden winner on the all-weather surface at Dundalk in January 2024, careering away to score by a half-length, relishing every bit of the 2400m. The camp show strong intent kicking off the preparation over 2100m, and although his barrier trials haven’t been overly impressive, Gran Caballo is a progressive type and brings an element of class to this staying affair. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Gran Caballo (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Regan Bayliss (59kg) +320 with BlondeBet Best Value at Wyong: Milly Molly Mandy Milly Molly Mandy represents terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers as she gets set to make her debut for the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou barn. The daughter of So You Think was luckless in a recent piece of work at Rosehill on December 23, with unraced filly slowly going through her gears behind a wall of horses in the 900m barrier trial. The 1200m first-up could prove short of her best trip based on breeding alone, and barrier 16 may prove tricky to overcome; however, at the $12.00 quote with Picklebet, Milly Molly Mandy warrants an each-way ticket to find out. Best Value Race 3 – #9 Milly Molly Mandy (16) 3yo Filly | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Reece Jones (56.5kg) +1100 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Wyong Wyong quadrella selections Sunday, January 26, 2025 1-2-3 1-7-8-12 3-5-6-7-9 1-2-5-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Coastwatch ridden by Damian Lane wins the John Dillon Stakes at Sandown Lakeside Racecourse on January 25. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Richard & Will Freedman have combined with Damian Lane to take out the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) with Coastwatch, who put a run of outs behind him with a dominant victory at Sandown on Saturday afternoon. The son of Fastnet Rock was heavily supported late with top horse racing bookmakers, jumping at $3.60 on the second line of betting behind the Ciaron Maher-trained favourite, Chorlton Lane ($3). As expected, Buffalo River ($4.60) jumped smartly and took up the lead, setting a strong tempo ahead of Coastwatch, with Chorlton Lane and Aztec Ruler ($3.70) sitting off them. Turning for home, Lane asked for the ultimate effort from the winner, and he picked up quickly to take over from a tiring Buffalo River, while Jye McNeil on Aztec Ruler tried to hold Shane Foley in a pocket aboard Chorlton Lane. As those two continued to battle for the same run, Coastwatch extended his margin on the field and ran away with a one-length victory, with Chorlton Lane and Buffalo River filling the placings. Click here for Sandown race replays. Following the victory, co-trainer Will Freedman spoke to the media. “Sam (Kavanagh) was one of Amy’s (Yargi) and my great mates, and he always used to tell me actually that he (Coastwatch) would win a nice race again, so its still very much at the forefront of our memory,” Freedman said of the late Sam Kavanagh. “The ownership changed in Coastwatch recently, and they are getting paid dividends. “I was happy that there was some genuine speed, and I was gonna get a bit worried that it would be a sit-and-sprint. “Because he is rock-hard fit and had a few runs this prep, he gets better as he gets deeper into his prep. “When he got to the bend, I thought, ‘Well, we’re carting them up here; we might be giving something a bit of a trail,’ but he gave a good kick at the 300 (metre mark) and put them away. “It was a beautiful ride.” Damian Lane brought up a riding double aboard Coastwatch, and he spoke post-race about the win. “It worked out really well. He stepped good, and he was a touch keen early, but when Buffalo River put the tempo into the race, he travelled perfect,” Lane said. “I got nice suck in behind, and when I presented him, he was really genuine. “Sometimes he can run some really good races, but has struggled to put them away, so it was good that he really put them away today and ran through the line strong.” Horse racing news View the full article

Ardalio winning the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Six years after landing a Group Three prize on Karaka Millions night with Ardrossan, trainer Stephen Marsh and jockey Michael McNab kept it in the family with his exciting daughter Ardalio winning Saturday’s Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie. Marsh trained Ardrossan throughout a nine-race career that produced four wins, headed by the Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) on the 2019 Karaka Millions undercard. The son of Redoute’s Choice now stands at Waikato Stud, where he has sired 24 winners including six at stakes level. The newest member of that list is the lightly raced Ardalio, whose owner-breeder Lib Petagna also shared in the ownership of Ardrossan. Saturday’s $250,000 three-year-old sprint was only the third career start for Ardalio, and she announced her arrival on the big stage with a brilliant performance. Ardalio and McNab raced in midfield before angling to the outside at the home turn and bounding into contention. Front-running favourite Poetic Champion was swallowed up after the 200m mark, with Vegas Queen diving through along the inside while Ardalio pounced out wide. Ardalio pulled ahead of Vegas Queen in the final 75m to score an emphatic one-length victory, clocking 1:08.86 for the 1200m. Click here for full Karaka Millions 2025 race replays. “Ardrossan won a Group Three on this day himself, and for him to sire the winner of this race is a huge result for the stallion and for Lib,” Marsh said. “Ardrossan is getting a lot of winners. “It was a big step up for Ardalio today, but she’s obviously a very good filly. All of her runs have been terrific. We’ll see where we go next with her, but we could look at something like the Uncle Remus (Listed, 1400m) in a few weeks’ time. We’ll just take her quietly. “She was ready to explode today and it was a matter of keeping a lid on her leading into this. She’s a very talented filly.” Marsh was thrilled to pick up a feature-race win on the eve of the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. “This is the night,” the Cambridge trainer said. “This is where we want to be, and this is where we want to be winning races. “Hopefully now we might be able to buy another horse or two this week and get some shares sold.” Ardalio’s three-start career has produced two wins and a second, where she was beaten by a head by the talented Sought After at Ellerslie earlier this month. Ardalio has now earned $168,300 in stakes. McNab has been in the saddle for all three of Ardalio’s starts. “We landed in a nice spot today, then got to the outside and she was really electric,” he said. “She’s got a bright future. “I think she just got a bit lost the other day, racing up on the speed. Today, ridden a bit quieter, she was very good late.” Horse racing news View the full article

Off to Sky City - told to follow these two.

Not many willing to stand outside!

Guy Heveldt in tbe Owmers Pavilion before the Railway!

That is the end that doesn't have the totes there is a wall about a third in and everyone is on that side. A private Entain function. A mate of mine got an invite.

Only part of the course that isn't. Pissing down now.

Enjoy Golf looks well placed to strike in the Class Four Para Athletics Handicap (1,000m) on Sunday.View the full article