Wandering Eyes

The 1600-metre AED700,000 G3 Firebreak Stakes presented by Longines was all about last year's explosive G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief) until the last jump. Instead, it was the evenly racing G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest victor KING GOLD (FR) (Anodin {Ire}-Miss Gandelia {Fr}, by Kingsalsa) who closed resolutely and claimed the winner's laurels. Breaking a step slowly, the Bhupat Seemar-trained Juddmonte runner rushed up to challenge for the advantage and soon held the baton while pushed by Meshtri (Medaglia d'Oro) with King Gold near the tail of the field. Laurel River soon distanced himself from his rivals for much of the race and, at one point carried an eight-length lead in upper stretch. His long break from the races and eager efforts hard on the steel wore him down, evident by the final furlong, with a resolute King Gold spoiling the fairytale comeback right on the line. The margin was a short head, with Wathnan Racing's Cagliostro (Upstart), sandwiched in between the top pair, the same distance back in third. The final time for the mile was 1:36.70. Sales history: 180,000gns RNA '24 TAONOV. Lifetime Record: 44-10-3-7. O-Mme Christian Wingtans & Nicolas Caullery. B-Mme Raymonde Wingtans. T-Nicolas Caullery. Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River chinned on his comeback at Meydan by King Gold @RacingDubai pic.twitter.com/o4e2A5ZXbM — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 24, 2025 The post Anodin’s King Gold Pips Overzealous Laurel River In Firebreak appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After the Road to the Kentucky Derby series passed through Louisiana last week with the Lecomte Stakes (G3), the next qualifying race moves to Arkansas Jan. 25 when Oaklawn Park stages the Southwest Stakes (G3).View the full article

Every few years the Eclipse Award goes to a horse (always a turf horse) who ships in from overseas–usually fresh–and wins a Breeders' Cup race and our designated voters make the horse an American champion. I remember going down to New Orleans 25 years ago to watch the 9-year-old gelding John's Call (Lord At War {Arg})–a people's horse if there ever was–be named champion turf horse after watching him win the Sword Dancer (by nine lengths) and the Man o' War. Unfortunately in the GI Breeder's Cup Turf he got trapped, but was flying to just come up a length short beaten by a French horse who was making his only start in America that year. This was the only stake he ever won–some French stayer named Kalanisi (Ire) (Doyoun {Ire}) was named champion turf horse of America! I wrote a letter after that suggesting that to be an American champion you need to run in America three times that year. It happened again eight years later win when one-time American starter Conduit (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}) upset Grade l American-raced Dancing Forever (Rahy). It also happens occasionally in the Filly & Mare Turf–like when the Japanese bred, owned and raced, Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) won by a neck beating the hard-hitting War Like Goddess (English Channel) who was coming off five straight graded stakes wins! This year the voters did it again when the stayer Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) won–he didn't even beat the two other nominees. Please NTRA leaders change the rule! –John Stuart, Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services The post Letter To The Editor: The Case Against One Start Euro Raiders At The Eclipse Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Golden Vekoma (Vekoma) stretched out to the metric mile following up on his sound success in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial over 1400 meters on Jan. 3, wrested command with about a furlong and a half to travel and held off the well-fancied Heart of Honor (Honor A.P.) to take out Friday's G3 UAE 2000 Guineas at Meydan. Drawn 13 in a full field of 16, the bay colt bounced well enough from out wide and took up a position just ahead of midfield as dirt debutant High Season (GB) (New Bay {GB}) took them along at a decent clip up front while chased by the four-start maiden and American import Rafid (Into Mischief). Fifth passing the 800-metre peg, Golden Vekoma was patiently handled in behind a wall of four rounding the turn, was produced five deep entering the straight, eased to the front at the 300 metres and kept on nicely to score by a length and a half. Heart of Honor missed the kick and spotted his rivals valuable real estate down the back. Left with plenty to do approaching the final 400 metres, the Jamie Osborne trainee was taken out to the grandstand side and steamed down the outside to finish a sound second. Royal Favour (GB) (Hard Spun) rounded out the placings. Pedigree Notes: Golden Vekoma becomes the seventh stakes winner and second graded winner for his 2024 leading American freshman sire. The winner's dam, a daughter of the 2005 American champion 2-year-old male Stevie Wonderboy, was purchased by the Sticks Wondergirl Partnership for $60,000 at the 2014 Keeneland November Sale and is the dam of four winners from four to race, including the stakes-winning Midshipman's Dance. Sticks Wondergirl represents the only black-type in the second dam, but the third dam is full of runners that have come through the program of prominent US breeder Ramona Bass. The Grade I-placed third dam is responsible for Choreograph (Dynaformer), whose six winners include MGSW Goliad (War Front), SW Dancing To Town (Speightstown), MSW Welcome Dance (Henny Hughes) and MGSP Fredericksburg (Speightstown). Sticks Wondergirl did not produce a foal in 2023 or 2024 and is due to Tiz the Law for 2025. What. A. Race! gamely denies the fast-finishing HEART OF HONOR in the @Longines UAE 2000 Guineas! @HARMASHRACING | @connorbeasley9 #FashionFriday | #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/6IwAKPirbB — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) January 24, 2025 The post Golden Vekoma A Strong Winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1-placed sprinter Givemethebeatboys (Ire) will continue his career in Australia after the majority owners in the four-year-old, Bronsan Racing, switched the colt from Jessica Harrington to the stable of Michael Freeman Down Under. Twice a winner at Group 3 level, Givemethebeatboys was purchased by Bronsan Racing for £1.1 million at the Goffs London Sale on the eve of Royal Ascot. He had previously been sourced by Con Marnane, who retains an interest in the colt, for just €11,000 as a yearling. Neil Sands commented, “The decision to send the horse to Australia was one we took our time on–we also weighed up the potential of going to the Middle East. He's a big horse that really likes the top of the ground, as we saw when he was nodding with Group 1 winners over the summer.” Givemethebeatboys has already shown he is in good spirits with himself in Australia after trialling at Rosehill on January 23. Sands continued, “Our friends at De Burgh Equine and James Harron have been very helpful in this move. We are excited to have a horse with trainer Michael Freedman and his first barrier trial was very promising.” Shezanalister takes out her second trial this time in, the @BBakerRacing mare darts up inside import Givemethebeatboys to win the 900m heat at Rosehill with Traffic Warden in third. They ran 55.69. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/eGlMTIpE0b — Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) January 22, 2025 The post Givemethebeatboys Set To Continue His Career In Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2025 Listed Goldmarket winner Golden Boom. Photo: Darren Winningham Golden Boom showcased his blistering early speed and gritty determination to clinch the Goldmarket Handicap (1100m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday night. The five-year-old gelding, trained by Tony Gollan and ridden by Ryan Maloney, overcame a significant weight disadvantage to hold off a late surge from Tiger Shark and claim the Listed feature by a narrow margin. Jumping swiftly from barrier 12, the $3.50 bookmaker favourite quickly established his position at the head of the field, dictating the tempo with Maloney ensuring the gelding remained composed on the rain-affected Soft 6 track. Tiger Shark, under Bailey Wheeler, loomed dangerously in the final stages after covering extra ground but fell just short, while stablemate All That Pizzazz rounded out the placings in third. Gold Coast Goldmarket Handicap Replay – Golden Boom https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gold-Coast-2025-Listed-Goldmarket-24012025-Golden-Boom-Tony-Gollan-Ryan-Maloney.mp4 The victory, Golden Boom’s seventh from 18 starts, highlighted his class and resilience despite carrying 59kg. Post-race, trainer Tony Gollan praised the gelding’s effort and adaptability, noting the impact of the rain on their original race plan. “We had to adjust after the rain came, but he was quick, tough, and stuck on well. He’s a really good horse, and this win shows his quality,” Gollan said. Jockey Ryan Maloney echoed the sentiment, emphasising Golden Boom’s toughness. “He flew out of the gates and took control. Even with the weight disadvantage, he fought hard when Tiger Shark challenged. It was a well-deserved win,” Maloney remarked. The win marks another milestone for Gollan, who has now claimed the Goldmarket title four times in the last five years. The trainer hinted at a potential southern campaign for Golden Boom, possibly targeting short-course sprints over 1,000-1,100m, given his exceptional speed and stamina. However, Gollan stated that no plans were set in stone. Horse racing news View the full article

Schwarz ridden by Blake Shinn winning the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Schwarz demonstrated his brilliance with a dominant performance in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, showcasing his readiness for a tilt at Group 1 success. Guided by Blake Shinn, the four-year-old son of Zoustar led from start to finish, securing a decisive two-length victory over Steparty, with Apache Song a further 0.25 lengths back in third. Breaking cleanly from the outside barrier, Schwarz displayed his natural speed to surge forward and assume control of the race. Shinn expertly guided the colt in front, and as they approached the home turn, Schwarz extended his lead, putting the race to bed with an explosive turn of foot. The field chased gamely, but Schwarz was in a class of his own, completing the 1200 metres in 1:10.46 with the top horse racing bookmakers offering $4.40. Group 2 Australia Stakes Replay – Schwarz https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Moonee-Valley-2025-Group-2-Australia-Stakes-24012025-Schwarz-John-OShea-Tom-Charlton-Blake-Shinn.mp4 Speaking after the race, co-trainer Tom Charlton praised Schwarz’s professionalism and ability. “He’s always been a horse with a lot of ability and class,” Charlton said. “When he gets into a rhythm like he did tonight, he’s a very determined horse. Blake summed it up perfectly—he got the horse into a great rhythm, and he just kept extending. It’s a pleasing first-up run, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.” Jockey Blake Shinn, who recorded a double on the night, highlighted Schwarz’s growing maturity. “He was great tonight. He went into the barriers like an old open handicapper, jumped well, and was all business,” Shinn said. “I just rode him with trust, and he was fit and ready to go. When he got to the front, he relaxed beautifully and showed his true ability.” Schwarz’s victory marked his fifth win from ten starts, elevating his career earnings to over $700,000. Charlton confirmed that the C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) is the logical next step for the colt, which Neds Bookmaker is currently offering $8 after the impressive win. “He’s proven at 1400 metres, and we believe he’s ready to take the step up to Group 1 level,” Charlton said. “It’s an exciting time for the team and his connections.” The race also showcased strong runs from the runner-up, Steparty, who charged home late in his first Group 2 sprint, and Apache Song, who continued to impress with a competitive effort against quality opposition. However, the night belonged to Schwarz, whose dominant display solidified his status as a rising star in the sprinting ranks and a potential stallion prospect. Horse racing news View the full article

During an evening celebrating excellence in North American Thoroughbred racing, a star filly, as expected, was the culminating focus of attention at the 54th annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards ceremony Jan. 23 at The Breakers Palm Beach.View the full article

Trainers Robert Wellwood and Roger James will be out to continue their stranglehold on the Karaka Millions 3YO at Ellerslie on Saturday. The partners have trained the past two winners of the race, with Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) saluting in 2023 and Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) blowing rivals away in the 2024 edition. This year, they saddle up undefeated gelding Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High) in the rich feature. The son of Ace High has made an immediate impression, winning the first two starts of his career, but faces his biggest test to date in Saturday’s NZ$1.5 million race. Dealt With heads into the race on the back of a six-day turnaround and whether he handles it is the major cloud over his head, Wellwood said. “We are pretty proud to have won the race the last two years with horses we have purchased. We only have 45 in work, we only buy small numbers here,” Wellwood said. “To be able to try and retain our crown (is a thrill). We’ve had to be patient with him for one reason or another. He’s unbeaten, he’s had two runs, he shows a lot of ability. “He is backing up six days after his last run which, obviously, ideally you’d have a little bit longer.” While Dealt With has the same star quality as Prowess and Orchestral, Wellwood believes he’s a slightly different profile to them. “They had a little bit more experience under their belt. They were probably horses we thought would get 2000m post that,” he said. “He’s more a sprinter/miler type rather than carrying on to a 2000-metre race, a Derby. Hopefully if we can tick off this one, we will go to The Kiwi and win the two richest races in New Zealand.” Meanwhile, Orchestral will also contest the 1600-metre Aotearoa Classic, where she is a $2.45 favourite. The dual Group 1 winner was most recently seen on Australian shores during the spring, where she finished sixth in the Toorak Handicap and last in the Empire Rose Stakes. “The key to her is being up to a mile and back to set weights,” Wellwood said. “She’s had a good break, come back in lovely order. Her work on Tuesday morning was very good. “We see no reason why she can’t find her form of old.” View the full article

Stephen Marsh is no stranger to Karaka Millions success, and the Cambridge trainer believes his team for the 2025 edition at Ellerslie on Saturday could be his best yet. Marsh is a two-time winner of the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) with Ruud Awakening (2013) and Velocious (2024). He has no runners in the juvenile showpiece this year, but will instead saddle nine runners across the other five feature races. “In terms of numbers and depth, this has to be the best team we’ve taken into Karaka Millions night,” Marsh said. “I’m really happy with our runners. “These are the days that you want to be well represented. It’s just going to be a brilliant night’s racing. I can’t wait and I think we’ve got some very nice chances through the card.” According to the TAB markets, the best of those is Bourbon Empress (NZ) (Proisir), who holds $4.40 second favouritism behind Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) ($2.50) for the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). Bourbon Empress began the season as a one-win horse and with a rating of 63. Her seven starts as a four-year-old have produced three wins, three placings and more than $270,000 in stakes, culminating in a last-start victory in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. “She’s come a hell of a long way in this preparation and just hasn’t put a foot wrong all the way through,” Marsh said. “Her last win was great and she’s trialled really nicely since. “She’s got a bit of a sticky gate (12), and there’s an absolutely outstanding horse among her opposition tomorrow in Orchestral. But she really has come of age as a four-year-old and we think she can run well.” Marsh’s second Aotearoa Classic runner is Imperial Empress (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), who was a winner at Ellerslie in October and hasn’t had all favours in four subsequent appearances. “She hasn’t had a lot go her way, and she’s also been a bit green and new and done things wrong,” Marsh said. “The blinkers go on tomorrow and she’s drawn well (gate two). I’ve always thought she had above average ability. She just needs to put it all together. If she does that tomorrow, it wouldn’t surprise me to see her pick up some of the money.” Marsh has three runners in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), headed by the $4.80 second favourite Bourbon Proof. The son of Justify was a $130,000 purchase by Stephen Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock from Book 1 of Karaka 2023. He picked up two second placings in November, including behind the highly talented Checkmate in the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m) at Ellerslie. Bourbon Proof stepped down to maiden company on December 20 at Matamata and romped to victory by almost three lengths. Runner-up Bella Montagna went on to place in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m), while the third-placed Mustang Morgan won the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) in his next start. “Bourbon Proof is going super,” Marsh said. “His last win was very good, and his previous runs had a huge amount of merit too. He’s trialled nicely leading into this. “He’s the sharpest of our trio, while Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer) and Balsan (NZ) (Ocean Park) are more your Derby style of horses. But they’re both going really well too and warrant their place in the field. When you have horses with their level of ability, you’d be silly not to run them in a $1.5 million race.” Group One winner Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) tackles an elite sprinting line-up in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m). “His run two starts ago was great,” Marsh said. “He then went down to try to defend his title in the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m), and I thought he performed decently there. He just stumbled at the start and got back and wide, so it didn’t really go right for him. It was a race to forget, really. “This is the best sprint field I’ve seen in a long time, so he’s probably going to need to be at the absolute top of his game and then some.” The remainder of Marsh’s team will line up in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m). Last-start Ellerslie placegetter Ardalio (NZ) (Ardrossan) has the strongest support at $10, with She’s Untouchable at $18 and I’m All In (NZ) (Zoustar) at $20. “We had four entered originally, but Fillygizalook won’t run,” Marsh said. “The other three are all going well. They’re nice horses and in good form. “They’re coming up against a brilliant field of three-year-old sprinters, but I don’t think they’re out of their depth.” View the full article

Standout middle-distance mare Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) is set to shoot for a Group One treble after pleasing her connections at Thursday’s Pukekohe trials. Racing in the colours of Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the daughter of Tavistock has won four of her five starts this season including top-flight triumphs in the Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa in October and the Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. She also won the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) in early December. Snazzytavi’s next assignment is the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 8, for which the TAB rates her a red-hot favourite at $1.70. She is unbeaten in five starts at the Hamilton course. Trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall kept the five-year-old up to the mark with a hitout over 1300m at Pukekohe on Thursday, in which she finished second behind Short Shorts. “I was delighted with that trial,” Richardson said. “We just wanted to give her a nice, quiet trial. I was very happy with the way she went, and even happier with how she pulled up. We’re right on target for the Herbie Dyke, which can’t come soon enough.” In the meantime, Richardson and Norvall will saddle two runners during the star-studded Karaka Millions twilight meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday. Group One-winning mare Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) will contest the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m), attempting to go one better than a luckless second when the northern sprint feature was run at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day last year. Bonny Lass was a last-start sixth in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham, with Richardson rating her performance much better than it might look on paper. “I thought that was a top run,” he said. “She was in the worst part of the track but stuck on really well, while others in the same part of the track faded out of it. We were very proud of her. She’s come through it in great order and we couldn’t be happier with her.” Richardson and Norvall’s other Ellerslie runner is Romilly in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). The daughter of So You Think produced an enormous finish from last to run third in the Listed O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui on November 30, finishing only a length behind next-start Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) winner Hitabell. But in the Eight Carat itself, Romilly raced three wide without cover and faded to finish ninth. “Her run at Wanganui was absolutely huge,” Richardson said. “She had no luck on Boxing Day and we’re trying to forget she even went around. “We’ve been happy with the horse since then. It’s a very even field on Saturday. She’s got a tricky draw again (gate nine), so we’ll just have to hope for some better luck in the running.” View the full article

Andrew Forsman has a key hope to add another $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) trophy to his cabinet at Ellerslie on Saturday. In 2021, Forsman and his former training partner Murray Baker won the race with formidable three-year-old Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls), downing another class galloper in Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel). On Saturday, Forsman will chase the title with a pair of runners, the first of those being Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) winner Yaldi (NZ) (Ardrossan). The son of Ardrossan is a stakes performer in Australia and a key contender in the lucrative contest, currently sitting fourth favourite at $6.50. “He’s very well, he’s improving all the time and mentally I think he gets better every time he turns up to the races,” Forsman said. “I think he is (a big player), it’s just going to be dependent on tempo as much as anything. Up to the mile is the question mark, but if it’s strongly run and he’s got horses to chase, he’ll run well. “The mile for Yaldi is a question mark, but on ability, he’s well up to winning.” Forsman’s other representative is up-and-comer Retrostar (NZ) (Vespa), who is dropping back from an eighth placed finish in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) a fortnight ago. “He worked very hard early at Ellerslie in that first 600m,” Forsman said. “I think back in trip, if it’s truly run, he can just take a position in behind the speed. He’s certainly capable, he’s a two-win horse and if he runs up to his best form and things go for him, he’s a top five or six chance.” Group Two performing-mare Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) will chase a big prize of her own in the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). The daughter of Almanzor was luckless in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) last start at Ellerslie, a contest won by race-rival Bourbon Empress (NZ) (Proisir). “She didn’t have much luck at all (in the Rich Hill), but she’s come through it great and we’ve kept her ticking over,” Forsman said. “Once she’s up and racing, she’s not a hard horse to keep fit and we hope again, it’s a truly run race and she gets her chance. “She’s performed at a high level before, obviously if Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) is at her best she’ll be hard to beat, but outside of that, I think it’s very open.” Forsman’s evening will kick off earlier with Kitty Flash (NZ) (Ace High) taking on the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m). The talented filly is dropping back from a second placing in the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m), with a factor in play being the NZB Kiwi Bonus eligibility of the race, worth an additional $600,000 to the winner of both the $3.5 million feature and the Almanzor Trophy. “We’re looking forward to what’s going to suit her best,” he said. “Ultimately, she’s probably a 1400m horse, but looking ahead to what races there were, we thought that if she was competitive in this or was able to win, she is Kiwi bonus eligible, which was something to consider. “I think there is another run for her before the Kiwi if she was to go down that path, but I think she is probably a 1400m horse, maybe a miler on a good track. “She hasn’t done much at all, she’s just had a quiet gallop by herself on Tuesday morning and that’ll be about it. “I’d like to see her settle off them a bit and hopefully she chases them hard, she’s run well at the track.” View the full article

Goldie’s Chance (NZ) (Iffraaji) was luckless at her latest appearance and a return to her home track on Saturday will present her with the ideal stage to turn her fortunes around. The daughter of Iffraaj will head a two-pronged attack on the Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1200m) for trainer Anna Furlong with former northerner Tanzanite Rose (NZ) (Burgundy) also in contention. Goldie’s Chance was runner-up on the course three runs back in an open handicap and then finished a sound third in the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) before she headed to Wingatui on Boxing Day. The patiently handled five-year-old jumped awkwardly before striking further trouble in the running and regathered herself to work home for fourth. “It was a sticky watch, but she wound up nicely and hit the line well,” Furlong said. “Hopefully we get a bit more in her favour this time and she’s in great order.” Goldie’s Chance has drawn the inside gate and will be reunited with Tina Comignaghi, who has previously won on the mare. They get the nod from Furlong as her best hope in the event, although Tanzanite Rose can be a player if things go her way from barrier four. “She is best ridden back, even when she gets a good draw you can’t really use it with her and she has to be ridden cold,” she said. “She is a lovely mare, it’s just her style and it would have been ideal to draw out and then run home.” Formerly trained by Robbie Patterson, Tanzanite Rose got home strongly for third last time out after twice being held up for a run. “She was unlucky at Kurow and had been huge the start before for fourth in the Breeders’ Stakes,” Furlong said. Diego Montes de Oca will partner the daughter of Burgundy, whose is a five-time winner. Furlong will also have the in-form pair of Tommy Shelby (NZ) (Tivaci) and Quintabelle (NZ) (Embellish) in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifier Rating 75 (1600m). The former has been untested to win his last two starts while Quintabelle also bolted in at her most recent appearance. “Tommy Shelby has really cottoned on to it and a couple of good draws have helped him to not get so far back,” Furlong said. “He was pretty explosive last start and is on the back-up to try and get some more points for the ODT Final. “Quintabelle has always showed plenty and was pretty phenomenal coming from so far back last time, it’s the same with her to get some more points for that final.” The stable’s representation is completed by the genuine Iffididit (NZ) (Iffraaj) in the Woodbourne Tavern & Motels Bottle-O Renwick Marlborough Cup (2000m) and Second Chance (NZ) (Ghibellines) in the Inglewood Stud at Karaka 2025 (1400m). “Iffididit is against a nice line-up stepping into the big company, but he tries really hard and he’ll appreciate coming back from 2200 to 2000m,” Furlong said. Second Chance was a debut winner at Ashburton last month before her manners let her down when unplaced at Riccarton. “She panicked and over-raced badly so hopefully she can get one off and get a nicer run with the ear covers on to help her relax, she’s inexperienced and needs to learn her craft,” Furlong said. View the full article

Hollie Wynyard knows what it takes to win a $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), and on Saturday at Ellerslie she’ll be vying for her first crown as a solo trainer with Toretto (NZ) (Ardrossan) and Sierra Leone (NZ) (Sun City). Back in 2014, Wynyard played an instrumental role in the triumph of Vespa, who was trained by Johno Benner. The pair subsequently trained in partnership for a number of years, and in that period, won the inaugural running of the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) with Scott Base. As of August last year, Benner announced he was taking a hiatus from training, entrusting Cambridge-based Wynyard with their talented contingent, which included the two promising juveniles, who will run for the million-dollar prize on Saturday night. The first of her duo is Toretto, who finished second to race-rivals To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel) and La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) in his early efforts. The son of Ardrossan put himself firmly into the conversation when downing In Haste at Ellerslie in late November, with his final lead-in a creditable run for fourth in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m). “He’s flying, he’s improved all the way through his prep and he’s going the right way,” Wynyard said. “Drawing barrier one, you can’t get much better than that.” His stablemate Sierra Leone also had luck at the barrier draw, the Sun City filly set to jump from gate four. She has made a good impression in her three career starts, finishing second to boom colt Return To Conquer in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) and motoring home into third behind Remala on Boxing Day. “She’s a very natural two-year-old and finds it all very easy,” Wynyard said. “Hopefully she can jump away and be a little bit handier, sitting just in behind them. “It was almost surreal (the barrier draws), you always expect the worst and when it comes up like that, it’s a little bit out the gate. It was a bit of a relief off the shoulders and hopefully everything can go right on Saturday.” Each of Wynyard’s contenders were selected out of the 2024 Karaka Yearling Sales by Benner, who outlaid $130,000 for Sierra Leone and $165,000 for Toretto, each purchased with the intention of making the feature 12 months later. “It’s great, there is a lot of work that goes into these young horses to get them ready for these days, which is what they were bought for,” Wynyard said. “It’s a pretty big achievement to get them here. “I’m so happy for the owners and Johno who bought them, it’s a massive team effort.” Ryan Elliot and George Rooke will retain the rides aboard Toretto and Sierra Leone respectively. Wynyard’s stable will also be represented in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) by newcomer and proven filly Archaic Smile. The daughter of Saxon Warrior won the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) and was runner-up in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) during her juvenile term, while in the care of Tony Pike. She hasn’t been seen on race-day since late October, where she finished back in the field in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m). “She had an exhibition gallop at Ellerslie a couple of weeks ago, she’s come up super,” Wynyard said. “She came to me in lovely order from Tony Pike, so we’ve just carried on with what Tony’s done. “She’s drawn a bit of an ugly gate (13), so she’ll probably get back in the running, I’m just hoping to see her running home strong and hopefully improve to 1400 after this.” View the full article

Te Akau boss David Ellis predicts an influx of Australian jockeys making hit-and-run missions to New Zealand in coming years. Speaking at the barrier draw for Saturday’s Karaka Millions meeting, the leviathan owner said the rise in NZ’s prizemoney and the retirement of legendary hoop Opie Bosson mean making a trans-Tasman trip is more appealing than it may have been in previous years. Blake Shinn and Craig Williams will ride at Saturday’s feature meeting, while superstar hoops Mark Zahra and James McDonald rode there in 2024. “I think with our stake money going up so much, they (the top Australian jockeys) want to come across and be involved,” Ellis said. “But we’ve got a lot of good jockeys riding work for us in the team. With our horses, we don’t have any trouble getting good jockeys.” Ellis will again have a strong team in the 2YO race on Saturday, headlined by favourite To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel) and La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth). To Bravery Born will be ridden by Shinn, while Williams takes the sit on La Dorada. “It’s a thrill to have four in the field. We are lucky that most of them have drawn well and we have some really top jockeys riding them,” Ellis said. “They worked well (Wednesday morning). So, fingers crossed (they run well). “The Snitzel colt (To Bravery Born) is the favourite and I think they (the bookies) have got that about right.” Ellis, whose Te Akau Racing now has stables at Cranbourne, said he has been thrilled with the performance of his Australian operation. “It’s going exceptionally well,” he said. “The stable is almost full now and I think in the autumn you will see some really good horses come out and race.” View the full article

Dual Group One winner Snazzytavi pleased in her trial at Pukekohe on Thursday ahead of next month’s Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Standout middle-distance mare Snazzytavi is set to shoot for a Group One treble after pleasing her connections at Thursday’s Pukekohe trials. Racing in the colours of Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the daughter of Tavistock has won four of her five starts this season including top-flight triumphs in the Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa in October and the Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. She also won the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) in early December. Snazzytavi’s next assignment is the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 8, for which the TAB rates her a red-hot favourite at $1.70. She is unbeaten in five starts at the Hamilton course. Trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall kept the five-year-old up to the mark with a hitout over 1300m at Pukekohe on Thursday, in which she finished second behind Short Shorts. “I was delighted with that trial,” Richardson said. “We just wanted to give her a nice, quiet trial. I was very happy with the way she went, and even happier with how she pulled up. We’re right on target for the Herbie Dyke, which can’t come soon enough.” In the meantime, Richardson and Norvall will saddle two runners during the star-studded Karaka Millions twilight meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday. Click here for HorseBetting’s Karaka Millions meeting preview.Ellerslie full racing preview & tips | Karaka Millions 2025 Group One-winning mare Bonny Lass will contest the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m), attempting to go one better than a luckless second when the northern sprint feature was run at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day last year. Bonny Lass was a last-start sixth in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham, with Richardson rating her performance much better than it might look on paper. “I thought that was a top run,” he said. “She was in the worst part of the track but stuck on really well, while others in the same part of the track faded out of it. We were very proud of her. She’s come through it in great order and we couldn’t be happier with her.” Richardson and Norvall’s other Ellerslie runner is Romilly in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). The daughter of So You Think produced an enormous finish from last to run third in the Listed O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui on November 30, finishing only a length behind next-start Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) winner Hitabell. But in the Eight Carat itself, Romilly raced three wide without cover and faded to finish ninth. “Her run at Wanganui was absolutely huge,” Richardson said. “She had no luck on Boxing Day and we’re trying to forget she even went around. “We’ve been happy with the horse since then. It’s a very even field on Saturday. She’s got a tricky draw again (gate nine), so we’ll just have to hope for some better luck in the running.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Karaka Millions 2025 Where Ellerslie Racecourse – 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland 1051, New Zealand When Saturday, January 25, 2025 First Race 4:38pm NZDT (2:38pm AEDT) Visit Dabble The Karaka Millions awaits punters on Saturday afternoon, with a stacked six-race meeting scheduled for one of New Zealand’s richest days of racing. The lucrative Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) headline proceedings, while the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) — worth more than NZ$4 million — will cap the meeting. With intermittent showers forecast, it is unlikely the track will receive an upgrade from the early Soft 5 rating. The rail will be in its true position, with action commencing at 4:38pm NZDT (2:38pm AEDT). Race 1: Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) Move To Strike is set to resume from a five-month spell, and if he brings anything close to his best, he looks hard to beat. The three-year-old colt is already a Group 1 winner and is blessed with a strong turn of foot. He does need to give his rivals weight, having to lug 60kg, but from barrier six, Blake Shinn should gain a perfect tow into the event approaching the home turn. A winner when first-up in the past, Move To Strike at $5.50 with Neds seems a great play in the opener. Selections: 1 MOVE TO STRIKE 2 POETIC CHAMPION 10 ARDALIO 3 I’M ALL IN Almanzor Trophy Race 1 – #1 Move To Strike (6) 3yo Colt | T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | J: Blake Shinn (60kg) +450 with Neds Race 2: Aoetearoa Classic (1600m) Orchestral is one of the best New Zealand has to offer at the moment, but even a two-time Group 1 winner could not overcome the 60kg weight impost and a slowly run race in a field of four first-up from a spell. The four-year-old mare will no doubt appreciate stepping back up to the mile on Saturday, and considering she has three wins from five starts at Ellerslie, she clearly does her best work at the track. Craig Grylls will need a touch of luck coming from the back half of the field, but with the right run, Orchestral should win. Selections: 10 ORCHESTRAL 11 BOURBON EMPRESS 13 FROSTFAIR 1 WITZ END Aoetearoa Classic Race 2 – #10 Orchestral (3) 4yo Mare | T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood | J: Craig Grylls (55.5kg) +160 with BlondeBet Race 3: Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) Skew Wiff may have not won in over a year, but the five-year-old mare looks perfectly placed to register a win second-up. The Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson-trained mare found her rivals a touch too sharp in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) on January 4, but a step back up to the 1400m on Saturday can have her fighting out the finish. From barrier two, Blake Shinn will have his mount stalking the speed throughout, and when asked for the ultimate effort, Skew Wiff should be breaking that long winless drought. Selections: 2 SKEW WIFF 1 BELCLARE 3 TOWN CRYER 4 KONASANA Westbury Classic Race 3 – #2 Skew Wiff (2) 5yo Mare | T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | J: Blake Shinn (58kg) +400 with Playup Race 4: Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) Too Sweet was a dominant winner of the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) on January 1 at this track and trip, and there is no reason she cannot build on that effort. Odds of $5 are available with horse racing betting sites, mainly because she is drawn out in barrier 15, but with plenty of early toe out of the barriers, Michael McNab should have no issue in negating the tricky draw. If the Satono Aladdin progeny doesn’t get caught wide throughout, she is the one to beat in the juvenile feature. Selections: 9 TOO SWEET 3 TO BRAVERY BORN 10 LA DORADA 5 HELLO ROMEO Karaka Millions 2YO Race 4 – #9 Too Sweet (15) 2yo Filly | T: Roydon Bergerson | J: Michael McNab (55kg) +400 with Dabble Race 5: Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) Dealt With is undefeated through two career starts, and on the quick back up after winning at Pukekohe last Sunday, he looks poised to build on that record in the Karaka Millions 3YO. The son of Ace High has controlled proceedings at both of his starts, and from barrier six, George Rooke should not have to work to hard to take up the running once more. He is the only natural front-runner, so if Dealt With gets away with a cheap sectional or two, he will take some running down. Selections: 4 DEALT WITH 3 TUXEDO 1 YALDI 10 DAMASK ROSE Karaka Millions 3YO Race 5 – #4 Dealt With (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood | J: George Rooke (57kg) +600 with Bet365 Race 6: Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) Karaka Millions Day ends with a bang with the Group 1 Sistema Railway, and with a breakneck speed expected, the race sets up perfectly for three-year-old filly Captured By Love. The Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson-trained prospect has yet to finish outside of the top three in 10 starts, boasting five wins to her name in that time. Barrier 11 is offset by the fact she gets back in her races, but with an electric turn of foot, Captured By Love should be capturing her second Group 1 triumph. Selections: 11 CAPTURED BY LOVE 3 CROCETTI 12 ALABAMA LASS 1 WAITAK Sistema Railway Race 6 – #11 Captured By Love (11) 3yo Filly | T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | J: Craig Williams (52.5kg) +550 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Ellerslie Ellerslie quadrella selections Saturday, January 25, 2025 1-2-3-4 3-5-9-10 1-3-4-6-10 3-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

During an evening celebrating excellence in North American Thoroughbred racing, a star filly, as expected, was the culminating focus of attention at the 54th annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards ceremony Jan. 23 at The Breakers Palm Beach.View the full article

In many respects, especially on the racetrack, it was a good year for the sport of horse racing. Controversies weren't the thorny issue they normally are and on the racetrack there were dozens of races that were memorable, some of the best we've seen in some time. That was the theme Thursday night at the 54th Eclipse Awards ceremony. The winners, the losers, and those who were there just to take in the show, made sure this would be a feel-good night about people who loved the sport and their horses. But perhaps no one captured that theme better than an emotional Erik Asmussen, who was named the 2024 Eclipse Award winning apprentice. Asmussen is from one of the most successful racing families in the history of the sport and his career was given a huge boost by his father, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. But he obviously wasn't taking his Eclipse Award for granted. “I want to thank God and thank all the owners and all the trainers, the grooms, the hotwalkers, the custodians, everybody who helped me with my dream,” he said, unable to fight back the tears. “I get emotional talking about it. This game means everything to me. Thank you to my family. I have the best group around me. Most importantly, thank you to the horses. They are special to me. This is an honor. Thank you.” Hosts Britney Eurton and Lindsay Czarniak kept their promise, fast-tracking the ceremony so that it was over by 9:30 p.m. ET when Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) was named Horse of the Year. Along with Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro), Thorpedo Anna became only the second 3-year-old filly to be named Horse of the Year. “It's been a fantastic ride and she's just getting started,” said her trainer, Kenny McPeek. In one of the closest Eclipse races, the one for champion trainer, Chad Brown beat McPeek by the margin of 101-88. Brown had a sensational year with 212 wins, $30.9 million in earnings and 47 graded stakes winners. But 88 voters seemed to think that McPeek deserved the award because he won the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Kentucky Derby on back-to-back days and guided Thorpedo Anna to the Horse-of-the-Year title and nearly won the GI Travers Stakes. In his acceptance speech, Brown admitted that beating out McPeek for the award was no small task. It was his fifth Eclipse Award in the trainer category. “It was far from certain that I'd be up here tonight,” he said. “That can only mean one thing: I finally beat Ken McPeek in a photo. If you want to trade photos, I will. You give me the Derby and I'll give you this. This is the most prestigious team award in all of horse racing and I am here tonight to accept it on behalf of my team.” One of only a handful of winners who were permitted to speak for more than one minute, Frank Taylor was also emotional and gracious when it came to accepting his Special Eclipse Award. He was nominated by the TDN's Publisher and CEO Sue Finley. Taylor, along with Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler, is the driving force behind Stable Recovery and the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, two programs that work in tandem to take recovering addicts, give them the ongoing support they need, and find them meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Taylor got the idea several years ago after learning of a Central Kentucky restaurant that only employed people in recovery. He launched the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, a 90-day program that helps men to learn the essential tools needed for working on a Thoroughbred farm. Stable Recovery is a program that provides a safe and stable living environment along with a 12-step program for men in early recovery to regain control of their lives. In 3 1/2 years, the programs have assisted more than 100 individuals. “I am accepting this award on behalf of the men and women at Stable Recovery, who have shown the courage to change their lives and to work so hard to become sober and successful,” he said. “Foremost, I want to thank God for His guidance, blessings and miracles he has bestowed on this program. I send a thank you to my parents for instilling faith in my siblings and I, showing us an example of how to give back and make this a better world.” When accepting the trophy for 2-year-old male champion Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), co-owner Barbara Banke said the statue was being given to Bob Liewald and Lucy Lawrence, who own a piece of Citizen Bull through the Starlight Partnership. The couple lost their home in the fires that have devastated Southern California. “We hope that this trophy can go in their new residence and give them something to look forward to,” Banke said. The post On a Night Where the Best of Racing Was Celebrated, an Emotional Erik Asmussen Captured the Moment appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After winning the 2024 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) for a second time after his initial success in 2022, Rebel's Romance is an Eclipse Award winner, announced as North America's champion older turf male at a ceremony Jan. 23.View the full article

National Treasure may have won only two races in 2024, but he surely rose to the occasion at the right time.View the full article

After losing the Kentucky Derby (G1) by a nose, it figured that Sierra Leone's drive for the 3-year-old male championship would come down to the final furlong of America's richest dirt race.View the full article

Back in January 2024, trainer Kenny McPeek discussed an up-and-coming 3-year-old filly that had him so impressed he preemptively dubbed her class champion. Little did he know he could have included Horse of the Year when anointing Thorpedo Anna.View the full article

Gerardo Corrales, who guided Nobals (Noble Mission {GB}) to a win in the 2023 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, got the 1,000th win of his riding career Thursday night at Turfway Park aboard Michael Dubb's Unraptured (Uncaptured) in Race 7. The Panamanian native has won six leading rider titles at Turfway, while his mounts have earned more than $5.5 million overall. Agent Cliff Collier represents Corrales, who began riding in the U.S. in 2015. The post Jockey Gerardo Corrales Wins Milestone 1K Career Race appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Junior driver Crystal Hackett has three drives tonight at Cambridge for Palmerston North trainer Stephen Doody including promising three year old Doo You Want Me who starts in the $35,000 TAB Provincial Pacers Final Mobile Pace. “He’s a nice horse and I’m just lucky to be able to drive him” says Hackett “It’s not often as a junior driver that we get to stick with nice horses as they progress, so I’m stoked to be driving him.” The Captain Crunch gelding has won his past four races on end, beating a similar field here last start with a dominant victory. In that race Doo You Want Me started from barrier nine and settled three back on the fence behind race leader Wicked Wanda who led and Blazing Louie in the trail. Driver Crystal Hackett bided her time electing to await the passing lane and when it came Doo You Want Me was full of running, dashing up the lane for a brilliant win by 0.75 lengths ahead of Two Eye See and Joes Rock. Tonight, he faces a tougher challenge with having to overcome a tricky barrier draw of eleven. “He’s still a chance but it’s a tough draw and he’s just newly turned three and not yet hardened to racing in the tougher grades” says Hackett “It will really depend on what the horses in the front row do as to how he’s driven tonight, he’s got plenty of speed so it isn’t a worry if he ends up getting back in the field, but we’ll just see what happens.” Hackett also drives Blue Chip Lou in the Garrards Horse And Hound Mobile Pace. The four year old Sweet Lou mare was unplaced last week after being freshened and Hackett thinks the mare isn’t without a chance in tonight’s five horse field. “Given the right run she could feature tonight, but being a five horse field it will be a bit of a tactical race so it will really depend on the way the race is run” says Hackett. The feature trot of the night is the TAB Provincial Trotters Final Handicap Trot over 2200 and features a field of horses racing in solid form including Romeo Foxtrot, Patrick Mahomes and Dragonstone. Also in the field is the Derek Balle trained Dreams Pat who isn’t yet a model of consistency but has plenty of talent and starts the event off a 20 metre handicap. Race one at Cambridge Raceway kicks off at 5:48pm. View the full article