Wandering Eyes

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

Only a courageous runner-up effort behind 'TDN Rising Star' and 3-year-old male Eclipse finalist Fierceness (City of Light) in the GI Travers Stakes this past August stood between Brookdale Racing Inc, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing's 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and a perfect season in 2024. But the enormously talented dark bay filly was utterly dominant against her own sex in 2024 and became the first female since Havre de Grace (Saint Liam) in 2011 to take home the coveted Horse of the Year statuette at the conclusion of Thursday's Eclipse Awards ceremonies at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Bred by Hicks–a meritorious second in the voting for champion breeder–and trained by Ken McPeek, who narrowly missed out on an Eclipse of his own when finishing a close runner-up to Chad Brown (101 first-place votes to 88), the $40,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling easily scooped the four most important Grade I contests for the sophomore filly set and rounded out a six-for-seven season with a 2 1/2-length defeat of older female Eclipse finalist Raging Sea (Curlin) in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar Nov. 2. Thorpedo Anna, the unanimous selection as champion 3-year-old filly, is set to train on at four, with the GI Apple Blossom Handicap a potential jumping-off spot. She is the first American champion for her late sire. The sophomore colts' division was expected to come down to a battle between the aformentioned Fierceness, brilliant at his very best in races like the GI Curlin Florida Derby and the Travers, but a no-show in the GI Kentucky Derby; and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who matched Fierceness's number of top-level tallies, but was more of a work in progress over the course of the season. The latter, who topped the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale on a bid of $2.3 million, admittedly had the race run to suit in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 2 and he put it all together when it counted most, taking the Classic over an extremely game Fierceness, and with it, top 3-year-old honors by a surprisingly lopsided margin (169-34). Sierra Leone and Eclipse champion jockey Flavien Prat | Horsephotos There was also little drama in the two juvenile divisions, as the champions each proved best on Breeders' Cup Friday. Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) became the ninth champion for his all-conquering sire and garnered 204 of the possible 208 first-place votes to become the seventh Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. It was mostly a one-horse affair in the 2-year-old filly category, as Godolphin's undefeated Immersive (Nyquist) gave her successful young sire a second winner of the Juvenile Fillies to complete her own championship season. She was denied a unanimous Eclipse by 'TDN Rising Star' Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), very impressive winner of the Juvenile Fillies' Turf, who received six first-place votes. Breeders' Cup Saturday winners swept the Turf and Sprint divisions as well. Though he was making his lone American appearance in 2024, Godolphin's Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was deemed to have done enough by virtue of his victory in the Turf to edge GISW and GI Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up Johannes (Nyquist) by a count of 89 votes to 81 in what was the night's closest contest. It was a second championship in three years for the globetrotting 6-year-old after winning in 2022 and helped his owner/breeder to a fifth consecutive title as outstanding owner and fourth as champion breeder. Rebel's Romance won his second Eclipse Thursday | Horsephotos Canadian-based Moira (Ghostzapper) was given a peach of a ride by Flavien Prat to win the Filly & Mare Turf and was a clear winner of the female turf Eclipse. After years of knocking on the door, the record-setting Prat–also the rider of Sierra Leone for the bulk of the season–was a richly deserving winner of the Eclipse as outstanding jockey. Erik Asmussen, son of Hall of Fame trainer and two-time Eclipse Award winner Steve Asmussen, was the runaway winner of the Eclipse Award as apprentice jockey. Though neither amassed a particularly imposing resume in 2024, Straight No Chaser (Speightster) and Soul of an Angel (Atreides) took home the titles in the male and female sprint categories Thursday evening off their upset wins at the Breeders' Cup. Each could make their respective first starts of 2025 in Riyadh next month: Straight No Chaser in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint and Soul of an Angel in the G1 Saudi Cup. The older dirt Eclipse Awards were won by horses that were forced to miss championship weekend, but made the most of their opportunities during the season to reign supreme Thursday evening. National Treasure (Quality Road) kicked off the season in style in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and, after a gutsy effort when fourth and not beaten far in the Saudi Cup, rebounded to thrash the competition by better than a half-dozen lengths in the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap in June at Saratoga, with Prat at the controls. Though he was just touched off in the inaugural running of the GI California Crown and though a foot issue ruled him out of the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, his resume over the course of the season could not be denied. National Treasure winning the Met | Sarah Andrew Idiomatic (Curlin) played the role of the hunted in 2024, having been crowned champion dirt female of 2023, but she nevertheless managed three wins from five starts, including a romping defense of her title in the GI Spinster Stakes sponsored by her owner. She joins the likes of Bayakoa (Arg), Paseana (Arg), Azeri, Zenyatta, Royal Delta and Beholder as repeat Eclipse winners. After making the list of finalists for a remarkable fifth straight season, the Phipps-bred Snap Decision (Hard Spun) was finally recognized with the Eclipse Award for champion steeplechase horse on the strength of a victory in the American Grand National. As previously announced, this publication was proudly represented by a pair of Media Eclipse Award winners. TDN Publisher and CEO Sue Finley took home the Eclipse in the Multimedia category for her piece entitled: “After Saving Two Horses from a Kill Pen, Stewart Aims to do More to End Slaughter.” Columnist Chris McGrath won the Media Eclipse for his piece “Lunching With Legends at Lil's.” Eclipse Awards voting is conducted by members of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB), Daily Racing Form, National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) member racing officials and Equibase field personnel. Vote totals are first-place votes only. A total of 208 of a possible 240 (86.7%) ballots were returned. The post Flawless Against Females, Thorpedo Anna Named Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) put it all together when it mattered most in 2024, taking advantage of a fast pace to whistle home in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 2. His defeat of 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness and top Japanese runner Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) tilted the scales in his direction and in the end, he was named a convincing winner of the 3-year-old male Eclipse Award. Second, beaten just a nose after lugging in repeatedly down the stretch as fellow 'Rising Star' and favored Fierceness (City of Light) faded to 15th on the first Saturday in May, Sierra Leone got going a little too late and had to settle for third as the favorite while finishing in a field-best :25.40 five weeks later in the GI Belmont Stakes. He made two more starts at the Spa and was favored again in both, finishing a strong second in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes and third in a GI Travers Stakes for the ages, both won by Fierceness. He defeated that rival by 1 1/2 lengths in the Classic, good for a career-best 112 Beyer Speed Figure. Sierra Leone, a $2.3-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling sale topper and future Coolmore stallion, is campaigned in partnership by the powerhouse line-up of Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith. Sierra Leone is one of 10 Grade I winners worldwide for Gun Runner. He is the second champion for the leading young sire, who also claims the ill-fated 2021 champion 2-year-old filly Echo Zulu. He is the second foal out of GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes heroine Heavenly Love (Malibu Moon). Sierra Leone has remained in training for a 4-year-old campaign, and is being aimed at the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup Feb. 22. The post A ‘TDN Rising Star’ 1-2 In the 3YO Male Division appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With victories in 2024 in two of the most prestigious races run in this country, National Treasure (Quality Road) proved a handy winner of the Eclipse Award for champion older dirt male, easily outpointing GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile upseter Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast) and Straight No Chaser (Speightster), who caused a bit of a surprise in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. National Treasure is just the second Bob Baffert trainee to take home the statuette in this particular division (Improbable, 2020). After giving future Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) all he could handle in a thrilling renewal of the Dirt Mile in 2023, National Treasure raced first off the nearly three-month layoff in the GI Pegasus World Cup Jan. 27. Forced to take up pace-pressing duties as opposed to making the running, the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling did so willingly, was sent to the front in upper stretch and held on grimly to score by a neck over a determined Senor Buscador (Mineshaft). A hard-trying fourth to the latter in the G1 Saudi Cup a month later, National Treasure returned stateside and was prepared for the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap at Saratoga the second Saturday of June. Hounded on the front end through demanding fractions, the bay won the battle and the war, drawing away by better than a half-dozen lengths. Unable to find the front and forced to sit in the kickback on a rain-affected track in the GI Whitney Stakes, National Treasure was never a threat, but bounced back with a more characteristic performance in the inaugural running of the GI California Crown Stakes in September, fighting out the fractions before being chinned on the wire. A fourth North American champion for Quality Road, National Treasure will cover his first book of mares at Spendthrift Farm this winter at a fee of $40,000. The post Big In Big Spots, National Treasure Named Champion Older Dirt Male appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite having made just the one start on American soil in 2024, Godolphin's Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was given the nod for the second time in three years as champion turf male off his victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar. Starting his year off last February in Doha, he secured his first seasonal victory in the G3 H. H. The Amir Trophy and parlayed that effort into a fabulous victory in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. From there it was another plane trip to Sha Tin in late May for the G1 Standard Chartered HK Champions & Chater Cup, a fruitful trip as he again took home top prize, but could managed only third July 27 in the prestigious G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes as fellow frequent flier G1SW-Eng Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) dominated with eventual G1 Arc de Triumph victress 'TDN Rising Star' Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) in game pursuit of that one ahead of him. After a quick stopover in Germany to take home the G1 Mehl-Mulhens-Stiftung – 62nd Preis von Europa, he set his sights on Del Mar for a title defense in the World Championships. Never far from the early pace, he roared into the lead off the far bend and would not be denied by Japanese contenders Rousham Park (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) and Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) as they tried valiantly, but ultimately in vain, to catch him in a blanket photo finish. The handsome dark bay won the 2022 Turf at Keeneland and took home the Eclipse Award on that occasion as well. “He's 6-years-old and still campaigning at the level he is and taking us all on journeys around the world,” Appleby told DRF after the Breeders' Cup victory. “Everybody loves him, needless to say. He's also built up this global fan base. You see it all around the world.” The legendary Dubawi is now the sire of 10 champions worldwide. The post Rebel’s Romance Earns a Second Eclipse In Three Years as Champion Turf Male appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing Hall of Fame member Steve Asmussen is North America's all-time winningest trainer, and in 2024 his youngest son Erik won more races than any other apprentice rider and was honored with the Eclipse Award for outstanding apprentice jockey.View the full article

Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin becomes the first person or entity to win four consecutive dual Eclipse titles as outstanding owner and outstanding breeder.View the full article

Chad Brown was named the 2024 Eclipse Award winner for outstanding trainer Jan. 23, capping off what the trainer called his "best year since I started training."View the full article

They say patience will be rewarded, but in the case of Straight No Chaser patience was awarded Jan. 23 when the son of Speightster was honored as 2024's Eclipse Award champion male sprinter.View the full article

Citizen Bull cemented his title as the top 2-year-old male in the land with a dazzling gate-to-wire triumph in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar. View the full article

Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) became the ninth champion for his world-class stallion, taking home the Eclipse Award for champion 2-year-old male Thursday evening. The $675,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase went three-for-four in 2024, including back-to-back Grade Is in the American Pharoah Stakes and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Citizen Bull earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure in the Breeders' Cup and is reported to be targeting Santa Anita's GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes Feb. 1 for his sophomore debut. Two Juvenile winners in the Breeders' Cup's 41-year history have gone on to win the GI Kentucky Derby. While neither of those were trained by Baffert, the Derby–like the Juvenile–is a race Baffert knows how to win. Early Impressions… There's a lot of people involved in the whole selection process that help us arrive at decisions that allow us to be involved in colts like Citizen Bull… That horse jumped through every hoop. Nobody had any concern. Everybody felt he had the scope, he had the size, he had the demeanor of a good horse. He just had the perfect reaction every time he was pulled out his stall. He stood up. He had such an athletic way about him. –co-owner Tom J. Ryan The post Citizen Bull A Ninth Champion For Into Mischief appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Breeders' Cup had a tremendous impact on the evening's Sprint champions, as each caused upsets of varying degrees on championship Saturday to highlight their campaigns. Straight No Chaser (Speightster) made the most of just three trips to the races in 2024, returning from a May layoff to bolt up in the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship in late September before outfinishing his rivals in the Breeders' Cup Sprint. He easily outdistanced turf sprint sensation Cogburn (Not This Time) to lock up season-ending honors. Early Impressions…”He's just a really talented horse. I'm just really thankful to MyRacehorse for having me. They've been such great patient owners. It means a lot to me, obviously, but it's the horse. Ultimately, he's just a really talented horse.–Trainer Dan Blacker, who earned his first Breeders' Cup win with Straight No Chaser. The post Breeders’ Cup Success Gives Straight No Chaser Champion Sprinter Honors appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing Queensland has announced its Chief Executive Officer Jason Scott will conclude his term in 2025. Earlier this week, Mr Scott, who joined RQ in early 2023, confirmed he would be leaving his post later this year, ensuring a smooth handover to his eventual successor. During his time leading RQ, Mr Scott’s strong wagering background has proven highly beneficial, with the overall degradation of the Australian wagering market, recalibrating after the highs experienced during the global pandemic, impacting all jurisdictions including Queensland. Having previously enjoyed successful stints as the CEO of Ladbrokes Australia and Vice President Trading, VIP and Retail Operations for BetMGM, RQ was able to maintain its increasing market share during Mr Scott’s tenure, whilst also delivering record-breaking revenue, returns to participants and prize money. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time leading the Queensland racing industry,” Mr Scott said. “It’s been incredibly challenging, and equally rewarding, to work in an industry that is my passion, but there are other challenges that I would like to pursue. “While I am not leaving immediately, ensuring the Board can conduct a thorough process to appoint my successor, there are many things to look forward to including three highly anticipated Winter Carnivals, new stables in Townsville and lights in Redcliffe and the grand opening of the world’s best greyhound venue at The Q.” During his time leading RQ, Mr Scott has overseen the completion of the $70 million Gold Coast Turf Club redevelopment, with Aquis Park hosting its first night meeting late last year. The GCTC also hosted Australia’s richest ever night race meeting last week when the Gold Coast Magic Millions was staged under lights. RQ Chair Steve Wilson AM said he was grateful for Mr Scott’s service over the past two years. “Jason has done a stellar job in his successful tenure as CEO,” Mr Wilson said. “The economic headwinds have been challenging since he assumed the role, but he has taken that in his stride, growing our revenue, market share and stature as a racing jurisdiction. “He has also served with distinction on the Racing Australia Board and as its representative on the Asian Racing Federation Executive Council. “The Board and I are thankful for the sterling job that Jason has done and we look forward to him continuing to do so during his transition.” RQ will commence advertising for its new CEO in the near future with Mr Scott expected to remain with the organisation until early in the new financial year. Horse racing news View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, January 25, 2025 First Race 2:01pm ACST Visit Dabble It’s the annual Australia Day meeting in the Top End with 46 horses accepting for the six-event program. The feature race is the Lightning Wet Season Series Final (1200m) at 0-70 level. Heat 3 of the Summer Sprint Series has also drawn a quality field. Showers are forecast leading into the meeting, with Saturday expected to reach 33C. The rail will be in the true position, and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface. Best Bet at Darwin: Nassau County After four minor placings when beginning his career in the Top End last autumn, Nassau County failed in his next four starts. In October, the six-year-old gelding sealed victory in a 1300m maiden. Lining up over 1600m at BM76 level in November, the son of American Pharoah caught the eye when he beat the impressive Tubthumper home by 2.3 lengths. Nassau County didn’t do much wrong when finishing 4.3 lengths adrift in second place behind a red-hot Seven Secrets over 1600m in 0-70 grade on December 28. If Nassau County brings his best, he should be winning Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Nassau County (6) 6yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Darwin: Point Loma Point Loma didn’t exactly make the most auspicious start to his racing career on Fannie Bay’s dirt surface when finishing a distant fourth behind $2.10 favourite Dancer For Money in a similar race over 1100m on December 28. The three-year-old gelding started as second favourite at $3.20 that day but battled in the wet conditions. The son of Dubious, who saluted in a 1300m maiden at Armidale in September, deserves a second chance and will most likely start as favourite with horse racing boomakers. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Point Loma (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Ella Clarke | J: Adam Nicholls (59.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Darwin: Desert Mist It’s rocks or diamonds when you debut in the Top End, but at least Desert Mist boasts respectable form. Formerly trained by Matthew Dunn at Murwillumbah, the five-year-old gelding had four starts last prep in October and November and was fifth over 1350m at BM58 level at Ipswich. The son of Pride Of Dubai had three starts at Grafton for a third over 1430m, a fourth over 1400m and a second over 1610m. Even without a trail at Fannie Bay, the $10 quote with Picklebet is irresistible. Best Value Race 4 – #3 Desert Mist (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Darwin Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, January 25, 2025 1-5-7 2-3-4 1-5-6-7-8 1-2-3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Eskimo Prince Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 Location: Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, New South Wales Prize Money: $250,000 Distance: 1200m The Eskimo Prince Stakes is a Group 3 race for three-year-olds run over 1200m under set weights and penalties conditions. Conducted by the Australian Turf Club at Randwick, the race offers $250,000 in prize money in 2025. First held in 1984, The Eskimo Prince Stakes was initially a Listed race before being upgraded to Group 3 status in 2015. Named after the 1964 Golden Slipper winner, Eskimo Prince, the race has been hosted at multiple Sydney tracks, including Randwick, Rosehill, and Warwick Farm. The Eskimo Prince Stakes serves as a key lead-up event to the Guineas and other three-year-old Autumn features. Notable past winners include Quick Flick (1996), Spark Of Life (2004), Snippetson (2005), Kementari (2018), and Paulele (2022), who extended his unbeaten Randwick record with the victory. The 2024 edition of the Eskimo Prince Stakes was claimed by Caballus for trainer Bjorn Baker and jockey Joshua Parr, defeating Makarena and Encap. 2025 Eskimo Prince Stakes betting odds Betting markets for the 2025 Eskimo Prince Stakes are not available. HorseBetting will update this page when 2025 Eskimo Prince Stakes odds are released. How to bet on the Eskimo Prince Stakes All Australian online bookmakers featuring horse racing will have Randwick races available to bet on. This means the Eskimo Prince Stakes can be wagered upon as soon as acceptances are in. Like most Group 3 races, the Eskimo Prince Stakes does not have an all-in or futures market weeks out from the race. The top Eskimo Prince Stakes betting sites are accessible via several different means, including via horse racing betting apps. 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. 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Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Eskimo Prince Stakes News Caballus storms to victory in Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Joshua Parr and Bjorn Baker have combined with Caballus to claims the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Royal Randwick … Read More Randwick free racing tips & best odds | Saturday, February 10 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago A 10-race meeting is set down for decision at Randwick on Saturday, headlined by the Inglis Millennium. Check out HorseBetting’s … Read More Griff set to return in Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Griff, the promising colt trained by Ciaron Maher, is gearing up to kick off his autumn campaign in the highly … Read More Aft Cabin toys with his rivals in Eskimo Prince Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Aft Cabin has returned to racing in great form toying with his rivals in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes, … Read More Aft Cabin an exciting prospect for Godolphin and Darley Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 2 years ago A team effort across Godolphin and its Darley stallion division has been a large reason why Aft Cabin has enjoyed … Read More Randwick best bets, top odds & quaddie | Saturday, February 4 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, February 4, 2023 First Race … Read More 2025 Eskimo Prince Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Eskimo Prince Stakes final field is released. Previous Eskimo Prince Stakes Fields 2024 Eskimo Prince Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Griff Ciaron Maher Ben Melham 3 60kg 2 Tom Kitten James Cummings Adam Hyeronimus 2 60kg 3 Encap Gary Portelli Jason Collett 4 58.5kg 4 Caballus Bjorn Baker Joshua Parr 7 57kg 5 Moravia Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 6 56kg 6 Celestial Legend Les Bridge Dylan Gibbons 1 56kg 7 Flying Trapeze Gary Portelli N/A 5 56kg 8 Scully Andrew Noblet Chad Schofield 8 56kg 9 Makarena Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Tim Clark 9 54kg 2024 Eskimo Prince Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Randwick-2024-Group-3-Eskimo-Prince-Stakes-10022024-Caballus-Bjorn-Baker-Joshua-Parr.mp4 1st – Caballus (+600) 2nd – Makarena (+170) 3rd – Encap (NTD) Recent runnings of the Eskimo Prince Stakes: 2024: Caballus an arrogant winner Joshua Parr and Bjorn Baker combined as Caballus ($8.00) smashed his rivals in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick at his second start for his new trainer. The change of stables has seemingly done the trick for the son of I Am Invincible, with the Bjorn Baker barn unlocking the best of this three-year-old colt. He was forced to do it the hard way, as Caballus sat three-wide without cover for the duration of the 1200m journey, but it didn’t seem to affect his ability to sprint when asked by Joshua Parr, as the field simply couldn’t match motors with the eventual winner. All the money came for Moravia ($3.50), who was backed into favouritism with leading horse racing bookmakers. and had all the map favours according to punters pre-race, and that’s exactly how things unfolded, as he and previous Group 1 winner Griff ($5.50) strode to the front on a moderate tempo. It left Caballus stranded, while the only filly in the race, Makarena ($5.00), tracked the eventual winner every step of the way, racing into a comfortable second-place finish. 2023: Aft Cabin cruises to Group 3 success Aft Cabin returned to racing in great form toying with his rivals in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes, as James McDonald eased the star three-year-old colt down in the final 75m to record an effortless first-up victory. After jumping well, this son of Astern sat in the one-one behind the leaders, and as they turned the home corner there was no doubt about who was going to win the race. McDonald pushed the button and Aft Cabin kicked clear and put the race to bed with 200m to go. 2022: Paulele proves too hard to run down Godolphin colt Paulele maintained his perfect Randwick record by taking out the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m). The three-year-old son of Dawn Approach was an easing favourite in the Group 3 event, getting out to $3 at the time of jump, but he proved too tough for his rivals, defeating Ranch Hand and Converge. After leading from barrier five under Kerrin McEvoy, Paulele gave a good kick at the top of the straight and was able to sustain the run up the entire Randwick straight, despite being challenged on the inside from Converge and by Ranch Hand on the outside of him. The James Cummings-trained colt went into the race with an unbeaten record at Randwick from four starts, and while there were a few nervous moments in the concluding stages for favourite backers, he was able to stretch out and extend his perfect record. Previous winners of the Eskimo Prince Stakes Eskimo Prince Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Caballus Joshua Parr Bjorn Baker 2023 Aft Cabin James McDonald James Cummings 2022 Paulele Kerrin McEvoy James Cummings 2021 Peltzer Tim Clark Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou 2020 Race Not Held 2019 Gem Song Jason Collett Kris Lees 2018 Kementari Glyn Schofield James Cummings 2017 Man From Uncle Jason Collett Anthony Cummings 2016 Spill The Beans Tim Clark Gerald Ryan 2015 Scissor Kick Tye Angland Paul Messara 2014 El Roca Hugh Bowman Busuttin & Young 2013 Ichihara Hugh Bowman Allan Denham 2012 Nobby Snip Tommy Berry Gai Waterhouse 2011 Agister Josh Adams Allan Denham 2010 Chater Mikado Tye Angland Tim Martin 2009 Bhutane Dane Nash Rawiller Gai Waterhouse AO 2008 Tenant’s Tiara Tim Clark Kevin Moses 2007 Absolutelyfabulous Corey Brown Kris Lees 2006 Strada Zac Purton Gai Waterhouse 2005 Snippetson Glen Boss Guy Walter 2004 Spark Of Life Chris Munce Allan Denham 2003 Dehero Glen Boss Gregory Paul Schumaker 2002 Red Hannigan Danny Beasley Gai Waterhouse 2001 National Saint Jim Cassidy Sterling M Smith 2000 Major Shane Dye Clarry Conners Eskimo Prince Stakes winners pre-2000 Eskimo Prince Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Troon 1998 Noble Challenge 1997 Investigation 1996 Quick Flick 1995 Magic Winner 1994 Sympose 1993 Our Replica 1992 Yallah Lad 1991 Varikos 1990 Sir Laurence 1989 Ideal Score 1988 Royal Handout 1987 Cupillus 1986 All In A Name 1985 Pago’s Yarn 1984 Run Ashore Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article