Wandering Eyes

By Michael Guerin Don’t be surprised to see the real All You Need Is Me back in the winner’s circle at Addington tonight. The highly talented mare returns in the $60,000 Garrards Premier Mares Championship, a race robbed of one of its favourites with the scratching of Princess Meritaten. That leaves All You Need Is Me versus Treacherous Baby off the front line of the 1980m mobile, with neither having raced since finishing third and sixth respectively in the NZ Oaks on November 29. Even more remarkably All You Want Is Me hasn’t won since taking the Northern Oaks last March at Alexandra Park when she looked maybe the best of her crop and something very special. Co-trainer Cran Dalhety says that run of outs is not her fault. “She is a mare who has suffered very badly from seasonal issues,” explains Dalgety. “They really affected her in the spring but she is well and truly over those now and I think we will see something a lot more like her best this week.” That would take All You Need Is Me close but she still faces the issue of starting outside Treacherous Baby, who was one of our two best fillies alongside Duchess Megxit in the second half of 2024. Which one of the Group 1 winners is more ready for tonight and how the early tactics pan out could decide the race, the first leg of the mares Group race double, with the Group 1 Breeders Stakes in two weeks. They aren’t the only Group 1-winning three-year-olds from last season returning tonight as NZ Derby winner We Walk By Faith in back in Race 9. He takes on stablemate Wish Me Luck and the talented Bazooka in a 1980m mobile but We Walk By Faith looked forward when finishing second off a 40m handicap at the Rangiora trials last week. ** Meanwhile, Dalgety says Republican Party is thriving in Victoria ahead of starting his Hunter Cup campaign in the Casey Classic at Melton on Saturday night. “We are up against Leap To Fame and he has the good barrier and we don’t,” said Dalgety. “So I don’t think we will be winning this week but he has worked super since he got here and I think he will be spot on for the big one next week.” View the full article

In advance of the 2025 Pegasus World Cup, 1/ST and the Ed Brown Society have extended their initial three-year partnership to provide opportunities for young people of color to gain industry exposure through internships and scholarships, the owners of Gulfstream Park said in a Thursday release. This year 1/ST will provide $50,000 in funding to cover all costs associated with the paid internship program enabling the Ed Brown Society to identify, recruit and place qualified students. On Saturday at the Pegasus World Cup, the third race will be dedicated to the Ed Brown Society and will include a ceremonial moment in the winner's circle to celebrate the renewed partnership. Since 2022, 1/ST has contributed $150,000 in funding to support the placement of three cohorts of Ed Brown Scholars and Fellows across diverse operational and administrative functions in California, Florida and Maryland. “Our partnership with 1/ST is very special to us because 1/ST was literally the first organization to buy in to our vision for broadening participation in the Thoroughbred industry!” said Ed Brown Society President L. Clark Williams. In 2022, Charles Churchill and Deja Robinson were selected as the first Ed Brown Scholars. Their experiences at 1/ST have led them to careers within the industry. Churchill is now Project Manager at 1/ST having just completed his MBA, while Robinson is a nursing staff technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and is on her way to becoming a veterinarian. The post Ed Brown Society And 1/ST Provide Industry Experience For Young People Of Color appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a fever forced him out of a start in the 2024 Hong Kong Sprint (G1), Nobals will take his first steps toward a possible return to the Breeders' Cup when he launches his 6-year-old season in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint Stakes Jan. 25.View the full article

Early nominations for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to become eligible for the 2025 Triple Crown close Jan. 27 with a $600 payment.View the full article

The Jockeys and Jeans Great American Stallion season auction with all proceeds going to help former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic, career-ending injuries, opens bidding on Thoroughbred seasons on Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. ET and ends Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. ET, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) said in a Thursday press release. “Stallion donor contributions of a season has had a significant impact, helping to provide crucial support to injured riders,” said PDJF President Nancy LaSala. “The auction is an opportunity to showcase our sports stallions and make a lasting impact on those in need. We deeply value and appreciate those donors of stallion seasons who support these auctions.” Click here to learn more about the PDJF. Click here to register and bid on stallion season auctions. The post The Jockeys And Jeans Great American Stallion Season Auction Returns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hallandale, FL–The Gulfstream Park backstretch on Thursday morning was not for the faint of heart. After a healthy dose of rain in addition to a transient cold snap, the going was less-than-welcoming to both horse and human alike. However, one wasn't likely to hear anybody complain about it. With temperatures falling dreadfully low in the Northeast (think single digits) and snow crippling much of the South causing countless travel delays, temps in the 50s and some rain didn't really seem like a big deal in the bigger scheme of things. Kenny McPeek, who will saddle reigning GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup, was conspicuously absent from the Gulfstream backstretch Thursday morning after being waylaid in New Orleans and forced to make the drive from the Fair Grounds to Gulfstream after a historic snowstorm pummeled the region. On the opposite end of the wheel of fortune, however, Phil D'Amato appears to be riding a wave of luck. And not simply because he got the jump on the problematic weather either. Represented by Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in Gulfstream's feature race for older horses, the California-based trainer counts himself among the fortunate California residents that were not directly affected by the wildfires raging through his home state. “We have been very lucky,” D'Amato told TDN Thursday morning. “The fires came down to my fence line. But with the help of the great firefighters, they were able to stop it and save my whole block. There are definitely people there that are not as fortunate. A lot of people lost houses and they really didn't have time to get their belongings. It's heartbreaking and hopefully they can build back better and stronger.” Trying to win one for the beleaguered home team, last year's GI Santa Anita Derby and GIII Sunland Derby winner hasn't visited the winner's circle since those efforts, but has been knocking on the door. Off the board in seventh in the Kentucky Derby, the bay was runner up in the GIII Indiana Derby in July before finishing 3 1/2 lengths behind winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate) in the GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx in September. “When I look at him, I see a very consistent horse,” said D'Amato.” Other than the Derby, he hasn't been worse than second in his races and he always tries. In Pennsylvania, he was parked seven wide the whole way when he didn't want to be on that track and I thought he ran a really game race. We brought him back to California thinking maybe we would run him in the Breeders' Cup [in early November], but it was his third ship last year and he needed a little extra time to bounce back.” Cutting back to seven-eighths for his most recent start, he was second behind sprint specialist Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in the Dec. 26 GI Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita. “I think that [the time off] helped him out going into the Malibu,” explained D'Amato. “I thought he ran a really good second, career-high speed figure, and he came out of the race like it was a workout. We weren't really planning on coming here but he bounced out of [the Malibu] so well that I thought it might be an opportune time to take a shot at a $3-million purse.” Despite not being part of the initial plan to run in the Pegasus, D'Amato explained that the Kentucky-bred colt has overcome every obstacle thrown at him with aplomb, instilling the trainer with a cool confidence heading into Saturday's lucrative race. “It was a long ship, they had to go to Memphis and there was a 4-hour layover there. Luckily, he handled it very well and I haven't missed a beat with him, training wise,” he confirmed. The colt put in a no-frills maintenance gallop just after 8 a.m. Thursday, and according to D'Amato, is expected to do the same Friday. “He trained every day since he's been [at Gulfstream] and we got some nice gallops in so we're right on schedule with him.” A winner from a mile to nine furlongs, D'Amato believes the nine-furlong Pegasus distance should suit Stronghold just fine. “He won the Santa Anita Derby at a mile and an eighth before so I don't think the distance will be a problem. That's probably as far as he wants to go, but we drew a really good post [6],” he said. “He is always really good out of the gate, so he should get a real tactical position and it looks like there is some pace in there. I am thinking we will see a stalk-and-pounce scenario.” And while everything seems to be lining up just right for the California shipper, D'Amato notes that all the rain that has plagued South Florida this week remains a concern, albeit minor, come Saturday. “A heavy, deep track is really not to his liking,” he admitted. “I think he prefers it faster, because he's more of a top-of-the-ground mover. But it's been sealed off and on, and the big days tend to have a track that is nice and fast, so I am hoping he gets that Saturday.” The post California ‘Strong’ In Pegasus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Early nominations for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to become eligible for the 2025 Triple Crown close Monday, Jan. 27 with a $600 payment, a press release from Churchill Downs said on Thursday. Nominations and payments to the 2025 Triple Crown series can be made through the portal by clicking here. Horses can also be nominated during the late phase with a $6,000 payment due Monday, Apr. 7. The final opportunity for eligibility is through a supplemental nomination fee due at entry time for each Triple Crown race: GI Kentucky Derby ($200,000), GI Preakness Stakes ($150,000), and GI Belmont Stakes ($50,000). In 2024, early Triple Crown nominations included 345 horses, with an additional nine late nominees. For more information, contact representatives at the Triple Crown host tracks: Churchill Downs: Ben Huffman–Vice President of Racing/Racing Secretary: (502) 638-3820, Huffman@KyDerby.com, Dan Bork–Assistant Racing Secretary and Stakes Coordinator: (502) 638-3806, Dan.Bork@KyDerby.com, Kelly Danner–Racing Operations Manager: (502) 638-3825, Kelly.Danner@KyDerby.com; Pimlico Race Course: Jillian Sofarelli–Racing Secretary: (800) 638-1859, Jtullock@marylandracing.com; Belmont Park: Andrew Byrnes–Stakes Coordinator: (718) 641-4700, abyrnes@nyrainc.com. The post Early Nominations For 2025 Triple Crown Due Monday. Jan. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lot 87, a son of Vercingetorix (SAf) and Chestnuts N Pearls (SAf) (Horse Chestnut {SAf}) already named Chestnut Verse (SAf), was the headline horse on Thursday's Cape Racing Sales Summer Sale. Sold to Laurence Wernars's Triple 8 Clothing for R2.2 million (£96,383/€114,271/$119,098), the colt was offered by Drakenstein Stud. His dam won the G1 Golden Slipper at Greyville, and is a half-sister to Golden Dawn (SAf) (Goldmark {SAf}), who won at listed level. A Vercingetorix filly, Proud Mary (SAf) (lot 66), also went to Triple 8 Clothing, who paid a flat R2 million. Avontuur Estate consigned the daughter of Grade 2 winner Varikate (SAf) (Var). The bay is a half-sister to South African Champion Sprinter Thunderstruck (SAf) (Rafeef {Aus}), a two-time Grade 1 hero. She is bound for the revitalised yard of father-son team Mike and Mathew de Kock. Wernars's organisation ended up signing for a dozen yearlings for an aggregate of R11,050,000 (£484,084/€573,945/$598,198). Rounding out the top three was Final Say (SAf) (Trippi) (lot 55) at R1.8 million. Part of the Drakenstein Stud draft, the filly caught the eye of Jonathan Snaith. Her granddam is Captain's Lover (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}), the South African Champion 3-Year-Old Miler in 2007/2008. The de Kock duo were in action for R1.5 million buy World Attraction (SAf) (One World {SAf}) (lot 29), which they bought in partnership with Form Bloodstock. Offered by Winterbach Stud, agent, the bay colt is out of G3 Champagne Stakes heroine Major Attraction (SAf) (Vercingetorix {SAf}). This is the same clan as South African Horse of the Year, Champion Older Male and Middle Distance Horse Futura (SAf) (Dynasty {SAf}). Overall, 74 lots sold of 86 offered (86%) for a gross of R46,355,000 (£2,030,745/€2,407,715/$2,509,639). The average was R626,419 (£27,440/€32,533/$33,912) and the median was R500,000 (£21,902/€25,967/$27,068). The post Revitalised De Kock Team One Of The Beneficiaries Of Triple 8 Clothing Largesse At CRS Summer Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DUBLIN, Ireland–In an explosive turn of events surrounding the ongoing saga involving the ownership of promising young stallion Sands Of Mali, the High Court heard on Thursday of how leading owner Steve Parkin allegedly made death threats to Ballyhane Stud boss Joe Foley, his business partner and advisor of over 20 years. Parkin, who once described Foley as being “like a brother” and, up until last January was happy to have him in charge of his Clipper Logistics ownership vehicle, is seeking an injunction to have Sands Of Mali moved from the County Carlow stud farm. Representing the Jersey-based Parkin, Robert Beatty SC told Mr Justice Brian Cregan that to leave Sands Of Mali at Ballyhane Stud would be “unjust” and “a gross violation of property rights.” The plaintiff's legal team are seeking to move the horse to Micheál Orlandi's Starfield Stud, where the Parkin-owned Space Traveller and Asymmetric relocated after a 20-year relationship between the pair broke down beyond repair last year. The latter has since been moved to India. However, representing Foley, Remy Farrell SC said that his client maintains that he owns 50 per cent of Sands Of Mali. Richard Fahey and Federico Barbareni, both of whom have enjoyed fruitful relationships in their role as trainer and bloodstock agent respectively for Parkin, are understood to have provided written affidavits confirming the 50-50 ownership split. On top of that, the Court heard how Foley credited €120,000 in April 2021 to Parkin, which happens to be roughly half of what Sands Of Mali is said to have cost. The Court also heard that when Space Traveller and Asymmetric were moved from Ballyhane to Starfield last year, Parkin suggested to Foley via text message that the pair could “do a deal on SOM [Sands Of Mali].” Foley's legal team contested that Parkin would not entertain doing any deal on an asset, in this case a stallion, that he owned in its entirety. In their written submissions to the Court, Parkin's legal team acknowledged that the relationship between their client and Foley has completely broken down. They also pointed to the records showing that Parkin is the sole owner of Sands Of Mali, that the defendants [Ballyhane Stud] have made non-payments to what they say are due payments of covering fees received, highlighted a poor record of book keeping pertaining to their client's business needs and that the Foleys [Joe and his wife Jane] also failed to maintain industry standard contracts. They also say that there has been an underperformance by Ballyhane in terms of managing the stud careers of the stallions and even called into question the welfare of some of the horses. Sands Of Mali was purchased for £225,000 plus vat upon completion of his racing career. However, he is now said to be valued at £3 million by Parkin's legal team, who also shared that their client took out a mortgage for the latter amount with JP Morgan for the horse. Mr Justice Brian Cregan became visibly confused by earlier affidavits that saw Sands Of Mali valued “between two and two-and-a-half million.” The mortgage is said to have Parkin down to own 100 per cent of Sands Of Mali, despite the dispute over the breakdown of ownership. When the Court asked what the basis of Foley and Parkin's relationship breakdown can be traced back to, the defendant's legal team suggested the house of cards began to crumble when Parkin became under considerable pressure for money last year. It was around this time, in March 2024, where two separate death threats were made towards Foley. Once over the phone and the second to a third party in the Montaz restaurant in Newmarket, England. The Gardai were also involved. Foley's legal team questioned Parkin's fire sale of assets within the past 12 months. Not only have Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Fallen Angel and quality broodmares like Romantic Proposal and Dramatised been cashed in on, but Parkin's famous Rathbride Stud remains on the market. In the past few days alone, Dullingham Park–where Soldier's Call, who spent his first four seasons at Ballyhane, now stands–is being heavily linked to a potential purchase by Amo Racing boss Kia Joorabchian. The significance of such an observation by Foley's legal team is that it was back in November when Parkin told the Court that it was his intention to move Sands Of Mali to Dullingham Park which, fast-forward two months, is increasingly likely to be sold. Parkin's legal team denied a fire sale of assets and insisted their client has a net worth of £200 million. However, Beatty acknowledged that if he could turn back time, he would have disclosed that Sands Of Mali had been mortgaged with JP Morgan to the tune of £3 million in the written affidavit to the court. A decision on where Sands Of Mali is set to stand for the upcoming breeding season is set to be delivered by Mr Justice Brian Cregan within the next fortnight. The post Court Hears Of Alleged Death Threats Made By Owner Steve Parkin To Joe Foley As Sands Of Mali Saga Rolls On appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tommy Sheridan, a former stallion man at Dalham Hall Stud, has died at the age of 77, the Racing Post reported on Thursday. The dual Group 1 winner Machiavellian was among the stallions Sheridan cared for in his time at Darley's Dalham Hall, having previously had spells working for trainer Noel Murless and at the National Stud. Sheridan remained at Dalham Hall until 2007 when he transferred to Limes Farm in Woodditton, the base for Sheikh Mohammed's endurance horses. “We're all deeply saddened here at Dalham Hall, and indeed at Kildangan Stud in Ireland, as Tommy's name is mentioned so warmly,” Liam O'Rourke, Darley's director of studs, stallions and breeding, told David Milnes of the Racing Post. “He was a true team player, exemplary worker, and a fine horseman. His invariably cheerful demeanour endeared him to his many work colleagues and friends alike. His work ethic was extraordinary and he was in full employment [at Limes Farm] right up to his illness. “He was happiest in the workplace and was amazingly versatile, while always maintaining an admirably high standard of work. His early years, served as an apprentice to Sir Noel Murless, had a meaningful impact on his work life as his ability to handle and turn his stallions out to the highest standard was quite unique. He had obviously learned much from the old schoolmasters attached to that great yard.” O'Rourke added, “Tommy was also an avid footballer, playing with aplomb on our stud team well into his fifties. He could always be counted upon, was always dependable, always eager, always a true gentleman. “I feel I'm barely scratching the surface here as there are so many happy memories of our work life with Tommy. Rarely have we had such a respected and thoroughly loved, long-serving stalwart of our stud staff.” The post Death Announced of Former Dalham Hall Stallion Man Tommy Sheridan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

8th-SA, 60K, Msw, 3yo, f, 6 1/2f, 7:07 p.m. A pair of Bob Baffert-trained stablemates drew side by side in their Santa Anita debuts. BRILLIANTLY (Uncle Mo), the outside runner of the two, cost the partnership of Pegram, Watson and Weitman $500,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in 2023. She is the second foal out of a stakes-placed Bernardini first dam from the family of Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Leigh Court (Grand Slam). Inside of her, Maysam (Game Winner), from an American Pharoah first dam, put in a quick furlong breeze to bring the same $500,000 price tag at OBS March last spring for Michael Lund Petersen. TJCIS PPS 8th-TAM, 53K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1m 40yds, 3:50 p.m. Also drawn beside one another, Holding Company (Curlin), a $400,000 FTSAUG buy for Klaravich Stables will take on second-time starter Flight of Fancy (Into Mischief), the half-sister to Horse of the Year Flightline. Holding Company is out of a half-sister to MGISW Exaggerator (Curlin) while Flight of Fancy was second in her six-furlong debut at Tampa Dec. 7 and stretches out Friday with Lasix. TJCIS PPS The post Friday Insights: Baffert Stablemates Set To Duel At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fifty days since his last mount, when he was suspended by HISA for striking a horse in a malicious manner following a race at Parx, Paco Lopez will return Saturday at Laurel, where he will have three rides. They include the mount on Hawkstone (Catalina Cruiser) in the Spectacular Bid Stakes. “I'm feeling good and I've been working very hard to be ready for my comeback,” he said. Lopez was aboard National Law (Constitution) in a maiden special weight race at Parx for trainer Jorge Duarte Jr. The horse bore out so severely that he was just a few feet from the outer rail as he crossed the wire first. But that was not when Lopez hit the horse. He did so after he had pulled up and everything appeared to be under control. He took his whip and slashed the horse across the neck and face, and his actions were caught on camera. Lopez was then given an indefinite suspension, which came with some conditions. He was ordered to participate in therapy sessions and make sizeable donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement. He said that even though the suspension has been lifted he will remain in therapy. Lopez said one of the hardest parts of his suspension was that he was not permitted to work or gallop horses, even if they were at a training center or at a farm. “I wasn't allowed to gallop horses,” he said. “They told me I couldn't touch one horse. I've been doing a lot of running in my house so I should be fit enough.” As has been the case since the incident, Lopez has said all the right things and again expressed remorse for his actions. “I have learned something,” he said. “I know now you can't do that and that I made a mistake. I've tried to do the right things since. I have taken my days, apologized to everyone and am still in therapy. I have tried to learn and move on.” He said he was not surprised by the length of the suspension. This was far from the first time that Lopez was involved in a controversy. In one example, he was giving a 30-day suspension by the stewards at Parx for failing to ride out Ridin With Biden (Constitution) in the 2023 GIII Greenwood Cup Stakes. Ridin With Biden was third. After Laurel, he will head to Parx on Monday and Tuesday, where he often rides on days when Monmouth and/or Gulfstream is dark. So far, he has not accepted any mounts at the Florida track, but said he will do so soon. He said he wanted to be 100% fit when ready to ride again at Gulfstream, which has one of the toughest jockey colonies in the U.S. The post Paco Lopez Returns At Laurel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Great British Racing (GBR)'s National Racehorse Week has been confirmed to return for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, with different dates set to be trialled in an attempt to give the event a new focus. This year National Racehorse Week is scheduled for August 23-31, which means it will fall squarely in the school and university holiday period and will include the August Bank Holiday weekend. The decision to move the dates was reached after statistics showed that just under a fifth of open day attendees last year were under the age of 18, with events across the two weekends booking up well in advance. It is hoped that shifting the entire event to August, from its traditional slot during the second week in September, will open up all nine days of National Racehorse Week to families and a younger age demographic. Gabi Whitfield, head of welfare communications at GBR, said, “For the past four years racing has provided an incredible opportunity for people to get close to, and be inspired by, the Thoroughbred at the heart of the sport. And we see first-hand the positive impact this has on people's opinion of welfare in racing. No other top-tier sport throws open its doors to the public for free the way we do. “But it's time to evolve the concept and to see how we can use National Racehorse Week to attract more families and younger people to take their first steps into our world. We've had great feedback from across the sport around the opportunities this move of date will create.” Originally the brainchild of trainer Richard Phillips, National Racehorse Week has seen 120 training yards, studs and retraining centres take part every year. Since its inception in 2021, it has created over 50,000 free places for people to experience the lives of racehorses, get closer to the Thoroughbred, and meet the people who dedicate their lives to their care and welfare. The post New Dates for National Racehorse Week in 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued an additional 28 entries, which includes GISW Unbridled Mo (Uncle Mo), to its upcoming Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale, to be held on Monday, Feb. 3 in Lexington, Kentucky, according to an auction company press release on Thursday. These newest entries to the sale are catalogued as hips 376-403. Unbridled Mo (Hip 401), winner of the GI Apple Blossom Handicap and a multiple graded stakes winning millionaire on the racetrack, is a half-sister to GSW Unbridled Essence (Essence of Dubai). She is offered as part of the dispersal of Red Oak Stable, a group of five entries that are being consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, agent. Other entries associated with the Red Oak dispersal include Unbridled Mo's yearling colt by Curlin (Hip 395); a yearling filly by Munnings (Hip 396) that's out of a half-sister to MGISW Mind Control; and mares in foal to Authentic and City of Light. Also to be offered in this latest group of supplemental entries are mares in foal to Shancelot, Street Sense, and Forte; as well as yearlings by Charlatan, Cyberknife, Game Winner, Greatest Honour, Highly Motivated, Olympiad, Vekoma, and Yaupon. The entries may now be viewed online and in the Equineline sales catalogue app. Print copies will be available on the sales grounds. The post GISW Unbridled Mo Headlines Latest Supplemental Entries To Fasig-Tipton’s Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Heather Anderson & Alan Carasso Something of an unknown commodity when he arrived from Kazakhstan into the Dubai yard of Chief Stipe Watson a little over a year ago, Kabirkhan (California Chrome) announced his arrival on the world racing scene with a barnstorming victory in the 2024 G1 Al Maktoum Challenge (1900m) at Meydan. The flashy chestnut, who bears a striking resemblance to his G1 Dubai World Cup-winning sire, returns for the first time since disappointing in last year's $12-million feature and squares off against an internationally flavoured group. Sent to America for a possible summer/fall campaign with Brad Cox, Kabirkhan never made it to the races and goes fresh-up back in Watson's hands on Friday. “The team at WinStar Farm did a really good job with him over the summer,” the conditioner told the Dubai Racing Club. “He seems a bit stronger this year, coming into his 5-year-old year. We're looking forward to him.” The chestnut faces a strong international challenge headed up by Team Valor International and Gary Barber's reigning G1 Dubai Turf hero Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}), who tries the dirt for the first time in his career for trainer Jerome Reynier en route to a possible appearance in Riyadh next month. “The plan was to send him to Dubai for the winter and try him on dirt before the big race [Saudi Cup],” Reynier said. “He's training really well on the surface, but it will be a very different scenario with the rhythm and the kickback and everything. If he copes with conditions, he will go for the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, but if he's not in the first three he'll go for the Singspiel Stakes on Super Saturday and then the Dubai Turf.” Dolkong (Afleet Alex) struck at the 2019 Carnival for Korea with a listed win and Group 1 placing, and 2024 Horse of the Year and champion older horse Global Hit (Kor) (To Honor and Serve) flies the flag for the nation on Friday, having most recently won the valuable Grand Prix at home over 2300 metres on Dec. 1. Head and shoulders above his turf contemporaries on Friday's card on paper is the 125-rated Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), who is using the G1 Jebel Hatta presented by Longines as a springboard to the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup. Yes, he'll have to handle a different surface in that King Abdulaziz Racetrack affair next month, but he's well proven on turf in one of the toughest jurisdictions on the planet. Riding a seven-race winning streak all at either Group 1 or Group 2 level, the world's richest racehorse–with $22.82 million in the bank–landed the Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Dec. 8 for an unprecedented third straight time last out. “I believe he's at 80-90% of his best condition,” trainer Danny Shum said. “He doesn't need to be in top form right now, because our main goals are the following two races. For his next race on Friday, we don't need to push him too hard.” Opposing the Peter Lau Pak Fai-owned Hong Kong wunderkind does not appear an easy task, with Godolphin's 2024 victor Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) the closest on ratings at 118 and carrying a course record-setting win in the G2 Al Rashidiya on Festive Friday, Dec. 20 into this test. Appleby, who has won this race four times, said, “We are following the same route we took with Measured Time last year and he was an impressive winner of the Al Rashidiya on his comeback run. He goes into this in great order.” The Supporting Cast Last year's G1 Dubai World Cup hero and the joint Longines World's Best Race Horse at 128, Laurel River (Into Mischief) holds pride of place in Friday's G3 Firebreak Stakes over 1600 metres. Bound for the G1 Saudi Cup in February and one of two in the race for Juddmonte alongside stakes winner and G2 Al Maktoum Mile third and 'TDN Rising Star' Artorius (Arrogate), he leaves from stall four in the 10-horse field. Wathan Racing's newly acquired listed winner and multiple graded-placed Cagliostro (Upstart) will start from stall nine. “Our goal is the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, so this is just a prep,” said Laurel River's trainer Bhupat Seemar. “He's ready for it, he's doing very, very well. He's as fit as he can be without having had a race.” RRR Racing homebred Rafid (Into Mischief), a homebred son of 2018 G3 UAE Oaks heroine Rayya (Tiz Wonderful) placed three times from four starts in the states for Antonio Sano and takes in Friday's G3 UAE 2000 Guineas against the likes of Golden Vekoma (Vekoma), who defeated Russian raider Nimble Boy (Upstart) by 2 1/4 lengths in the Guineas Trial over 1400 metres Jan. 3. Bhupat Seemar has always worked wonders with older sprinters, and the outstanding Tuz (Oxbow) is no exception. The 8-year-old, imperious in taking out last year's G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, looks impossible to oppose in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint. The ride of champion jockey Tadhg O'Shea, Tuz enters off easy victories in the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint and G3 Dubawi Stakes, where he had stablemate Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) well behind in second on both occasions. Godolphin's Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) looks to make it back-to-back wins in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort (1400m) against 2023 G1 Al Quoz Sprint upsetter Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), third in this longer test last term. Multiple group winner Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) aims for redemption in the G2 Blue Point Sprint presented by Longines after a runner-up performance in 2024. Meydan's Friday card is completed by the G3 Al Khail Trophy presented by Longines with Godolphin's two-time listed winner King Of Conquest (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) clear on ratings. The post Kabirkhan Faces Eclectic Group In Defence Of Al Maktoum Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GISW Finnegans Wake (Powerscout {GB}) will shift from stud duty in Northern California to stand the 2025 breeding season at Wolfpaw Stables in Bear River, Wyoming, according to a press release from the farm on Thursday. The move to Wyoming comes at a time when racing in the northern part of California has undergone drastic changes over the past year. Finnegans Wake heads to a state where historical horse racing as a funding source for the sport is on the rise. A stallion with currently four crops to his credit, last year the sire's owners Eddie Rich and Hunter Stallion Station offered complimentary seasons in an effort to assist distressed California breeders. “My decision is to move my stallion Finnegans Wake from Northern California to Wolfpaw Stables in the state of Wyoming is due to the recent developments and the end of racing in the region,” owner Eddie Rich said via an email. “While this decision was not made lightly, it reflects the changing landscape in our industry. That being said, I remain confident in Finnegans Wake as a stallion and believe he'll be a very positive addition for the Wyoming Thoroughbred breeding program.” Campaigned by Donegal Racing and Rockingham Ranch, Finnegans Wake's racing career included scores in the GI Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the GII Hollywood Turf Cup and the GIII Arlington Handicap. With earnings in excess of $1.5 million, he is a half-brother to Puca, the dam of classic winning full-brothers Mage and Dornoch. “We are thrilled to welcome a stallion of Finnegans Wake's caliber to Wolfpaw Stables”, said Samantha Scheffler, Wolfpaw owner. “His blend of elite racing ability, proven bloodlines and direct connections to recent Triple Crown race winners makes him an exciting addition for serious breeders looking to produce top-tier runners.” According to Wolfpaw, Finnegans Wake will be available for inspection by appointment starting Jan. 31. His stud fee terms are under private agreement. The post GISW Finnegans Wake To Stand At Wolfpaw Stables In Wyoming appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Chukyo and Nakayama Racecourses: Saturday, January 25, 2025 3rd-CKO, ¥11,850,000 ($76k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1400m BLUE AROMA (f, 3, American Pharoah–Comical, by Into Mischief) is the first foal from her dam, winner of the 2019 GIII Schuylerville Stakes, second in the GI Chandelier Stakes and third in the GI Del Mar Debutante Stakes. A daughter of the stakes-placed Kayce Ace (Tiznow), herself a full-sister to MGISW Colonel John, Comical fetched $925,000 from JS Company at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. Foaled on Jan, 29, 2022, Blue Aroma was offered at that year's JRHA Select Sale, hammering for approximately $226,000. The now 2-year-old half-brother by top sire Kitasan Black (Jpn) made $354,000 at the same auction in 2023. O-Toshio Terada; B-Shimoyahiki Bokujo; T-Ryo Takahashi 4th-CKO, ¥11,850,000 ($76k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1800m INDIGO (JPN) (f, 3, Tiz the Law–Some Kind of Blue, by Union Rags), a $290,000 in-utero purchase at Keeneland November in 2021, is out of an unraced daughter of Silver Colors (Mr. Greeley), whose daughter Eskimo Kisses (To Honor and Serve) upset the 2018 GI Alabama Stakes and also resides in Japan, having fetched $2.3 million from Shadai Farm at KEENOV in 2019. Eskimo Kisses is the dam of two winners from three to race. The filly's third dam is champion and GI Kentucky Derby heroine Winning Colors (Caro {Ire}), whose immediate descendants have also performed well in Japan. O/B-Kanayama Holdings Co Ltd; T-Kenji Nonaka. Sunday, January 26, 2025 4th-NKY, ¥11,850,000 ($76k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1200m REVE DE ANGE (f, 3, Maximum Security–Tiz Midnight, by Midnight Lute), a half-sister to MGSW & GISP Midnight Memories (Mastery), is out of a track record-setting GSW & GISP daughter of Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow), winner of the GI Ruffian Handicap and GI Lady's Secret Stakes. Also from the family of MGSW and recent GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes hero Rocket Can (Into Mischief), Reve de Ange cost this owner $60,000 at last year's OBS June Sale. Tiz Midnight fetched $57,000 in foal to Game Winner at KEENOV last year, while Midnight Memories was sold to Katsumi Yoshida in foal to Curlin for $1.45 million at the same event. O-North Hills Co Ltd; B-Michael E Pegram, Paul Weitman & Karl Watson (KY); T-Hiroko Kawashima The post Coolmore Stallions Feature Prominently In Japanese Newcomers’ Events appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

MGSW Blueskiesnrainbows (English Channel) at the age of 16-year-old passed away due to complications from colic last week, Marcinda Mitchell, DVM from Sunlight Farm and Bad Boy Racing said in a Thursday press release. Blueskiesnrainbows was campaigned by Bad Boy Racing (Kelly Mitchell) and Whizway Farms (Stan Whisenant). During his racing career he was conditioned by Hall of Famers Bob Baffert and Jerry Hollendorfer. According to Equibase, Blueskiesnrainbows made 28 starts, got his picture snapped seven times and took home $672,552 in earnings. His wins on dirt at Southern California tracks included the GII Swaps Stakes, the GII San Pasqual Stakes and the GIII Native Diver Stakes. He was the runner-up to London Bridge (Arch) in the GII Breeder's Cup Marathon Stakes. At stud the Virginia-bred began his career in Indiana and then moved in 2019 to Sunlight Farm in Oklahoma. Over the course of seven crops the stallion was responsible for 51 foals. The post MGSW Blueskiesnrainbows Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year's G1 Deutsches Derby winner Palladium (Ger) (Gleneagles {Ire}) made a successful first appearance over hurdles at Huntingdon on Thursday in the colours of Lady Bamford. Bought last October for €1.4 million at the Arqana Arc Sale, the four-year-old was switched from the stable of Henk Grewe to Nicky Henderson and was sent off as odds-on favourite under Nico de Boinville for his first run for 123 days. Henderson, who also trains the hurdler First Street (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) for Classic-winning owner-breeder Lady Bamford, said that he plans to return the colt to the Flat later in the year. He told Racing TV after the race, “There's obviously a certain amount of relief but you couldn't find a nicer colt in the world. He's got such a good temperament. When we started there it was obvious that he's got a great attitude to life, and that makes a big difference. “He's basically going to go Flat racing but his attitude to this was so good. He enjoyed his jumping. He's just really likeable.” Henderson continued, “He's the only colt I have on the place and one is conscious that they want quite a bit more work than an ordinary gelding. We gave him a nice break when he came back and Nico said that there's a lot of improvement to come out of that. “I think he wants to get his toe in to a certain degree, you wouldn't want it very quick. We'll have to think when the summer comes round as to where he'll go Flat racing.” Palladium delivers in workmanlike fashion German Derby winner €1.4 million purchase Successful start over flights @NdeBoinville | @sevenbarrows | @Huntingdon_Race pic.twitter.com/TxMNtdB4gV — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 23, 2025 Palladium is quoted at around 16/1 for the G1 Triumph Hurdle, which is sponsored by Lord Bamford's company JCB. Despite the longer-term aim of a Flat campaign, an appearance at the Cheltenham Festival has not been ruled out. “Having got this far we might as well look at it,” said Henderson. “Our first take of that, Nico and I, is that another run would do him good, in which case it almost certainly means that the Adonis [Juvenile Hurdle] at Kempton is the place to go. “We've done very little galloping with him and I was a little bit nervous, thinking 'Have we done enough?' I got Nico to sit on him on Monday just to see where we were. We've done lots of schooling but very little galloping and he had a good blow. We both think there's a lot more to come, his jumping was slick and he will have learned a lot all the way round today.” The post Classic Winner Palladium Makes Successful Hurdles Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The best of his time and the likes of which we will never see again are just two of the many accolades being showered on Octagonal in the week announcing the champion galloper’s induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Octagonal raced during an era of great horses, living up to his blue-blooded pedigree and magnificent conformation with 10 Group One wins from two to four years. A member of the first crop of Zabeel from iconic broodmare Eight Carat, he was the champion Australian two-year-old of 1994-95 and rose to even greater heights in his second season. In the spring he was a rare three-year-old winner of the W S Cox Plate and in the autumn he completed the Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby treble, as well as beating the older horses for a second time at weight-for-age in the Mercedes (Tancred) Classic. He again took Australian age-group honours as well as the supreme Australian Horse of the Year title. Octagonal’s sole win in the first half of his four-year-old season was the Underwood Stakes, but he returned in the autumn with wins in the Chipping Norton Stakes, Australian Cup and another Mercedes Classic. In his final raceday appearance he had to settle for second in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. A race record of 14 wins and seven seconds from 28 starts for stakes of A$5.8 million provides some measure of Octagonal’s ability, however reflecting on his career with those most closely associated with him brings to bear the champion qualities that set apart the horse known affectionately by racing fans as Occy or The Big O. “In a way he was destined to be a great horse,” says John Hawkes, the Australian Hall of Fame trainer who prepared Octagonal for Bob and Jack Ingham, Australia’s pre-eminent owners at the time. “He was a cracking yearling when we saw him in the Cambridge Stud draft ahead of the Karaka sales and we were always going to buy him. He wasn’t cheap at $210,000, which was a lot for a yearling by a first-season sire, but he had a lot going for him as a son of Eight Carat, and to be fair we would have gone higher if we had had to.” Octagonal, who was to become the fourth of an incredible five Group One winners produced by Hall of Fame broodmare Eight Carat, showed ability from the start, winning on debut as a December two-year-old and beginning his autumn campaign with victory in the Gr. 2 Todman Stakes. He had to settle for second, bursting from the pack but just failing to overhaul Flying Spur, in the Golden Slipper, but after winning the second leg of the Sydney juvenile triple crown, the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes, and finishing second in the Champagne Stakes, he claimed age-group honours. Kiwi jockey Grant Cooksley was Octagonal’s jockey at that point of his career and into the spring with two lead-up wins confirming a trip to Melbourne, but with that a change of jockey to Darren Gauci for the Caulfield Guineas. Enter another Kiwi making big waves in Australian jockey ranks, Shane Dye, who was well aware of Octagonal’s ability but had never had the chance to ride him. “During the autumn I used to say to Johnny Hawkes that he could win the Cox Plate with the colt, he was that good,” Dye recalls. “He was one of those horses that was older than what he was.” After finishing third in the Caulfield Guineas to New Zealand three-year-old Our Maizcay, Octagonal was confirmed for the Cox Plate and as one of the few leading jockeys able to ride at 48.5 kilos under the race’s weight-for-age scale, Dye got his chance. “That was the first of many times he proved to me just how tough he was. It was a big field full of top horses, I rode him back and when I brought him around to challenge on the turn he wasn’t going to get beat. It took a very good horse in Mahogany to push him all the way, but he had his measure and won like the champion he was. “He knew where the winning post was, he never won by much but more times than not he came out on top. He just loved a scrap and the more pressure you put on him the more he gave you.” Dye didn’t get to ride Octagonal again until the final four starts of his career as an autumn four-year-old, winning the Chipping Norton Stakes, Australian Cup and Mercedes Classic, but being denied a perfect five from five on him when beaten by Intergaze in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. “I’d have to say that if he was racing now, with the whip rules now in force he wouldn’t have won the races he did. I rode a lot of very good horses, and Octagonal was one of the very best.” Another revelation around Octagonal’s career came this week from Hawkes, dating back to the lead-up to the Australian Cup. “All week leading up to the race we were battling a foot abscess with him. We couldn’t get on top of it properly and on the day he still wasn’t 100 per cent, but he went out there and he still won. “The sort of horse he was, they don’t make them like that any more. I’ve been lucky to train a lot of good horses – All Too Hard, Chautauqua, Octagonal’s own son Lonhro and others – but he’s my favourite and always will be.” Bob and Jack Ingham have since passed, but one member of the Ingham family able to pay tribute to Octagonal is Bob’s daughter Debbie Kepitis, best known as the part-owner of the great mare Winx but well versed in horses from another era. “Octagonal was Dad and Bob’s all-time favourite, he gave them so many thrills, the races he won and how he won them, he was definitely special to them. “It would be fair to say the Cox Plate was the pinnacle – they hadn’t won that race until then and they didn’t win another one either. They would have loved to have won the Slipper with him too, but it all came a bit soon and he was running on raw ability. “He went on to prove what a champion he was and it’s such an honour that he’s going to be inducted into your Hall of Fame. He’s already in the Australian Hall of Fame and it takes a very special horse to be in both – that proves just how good Octagonal was.” *The 2025 NZ Racing Hall of Fame Induction Dinner is scheduled for Sunday May 11 at SkyCity, Hamilton. For further information and tickets go to www.racinghalloffame.co.nz View the full article

A wink could turn into the lion’s share of $1 million for trainer Gavin Sharrock on Saturday when he contests the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) with Daylight Robbery (NZ) (Super Seth). The two-year-old son of Super Seth is aptly named, with Sharrock paying just $10,500 for the colt out of Waikato Stud’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus last year, after he was passed in at Karaka after failing to reach his $70,000 reserve. Sharrock was taken by the colt when watching his video online, with the last frame sealing the New Plymouth horseman’s decision to buy him. “I looked at his video 100 times and in the last frame of his video he winked at me every time,” Sharrock said after selecting gate nine at the barrier draw on Wednesday. “Nobody bid on the horse, he was passed in for $70,000 when he came here (Karaka) and I rang Cliff, my other owner, and I said I am going to have a go at this horse, so I put a $12,000 autobid on and we got him for $10,500. “I am still pinching myself. I can never afford a yearling with that breeding under normal circumstances. Daylight Robbery is out of Group Two-winning mare Villifye, a half-sister to Group One winner Miss Keepsake, and she is the dam of Group Three performer Traduce. Daylight Robbery has already repaid his purchase price, accumulating $22,000 in prizemoney in his three starts to date, with a victory bookended by two runner-up results, including behind Karaka Millions favourite To Bravery Born at Ellerslie last start. “I think he is peaking at the right time, he has got the right attitude, can withstand a bit of pressure and I hope he is right there,” Sharrock said. “100m out it looked like he was only going to run fourth (last start) and he really dug it in and held second. He blew hard afterwards, and I think there is a bit of improvement in him. “He went home to Taranaki, it is not a bad trip. He travels well and he never left an oat. He was back out in the paddock the next day and has just worked quietly on the plough, so there’s no pressure on his joints. Hopefully all goes well on Saturday.” Daylight Robbery is currently a $21 winning chance with TAB bookmakers, with the market headed by To Bravery Born at $3.30 and Too Sweet at $4.60. View the full article

After two consecutive weekends on the road viewing stallions, everywhere from Tally-Ho Stud to Haras de Bonneval, I now find myself chasing my tail in an attempt to catch up with the key all-weather action I've missed since the last edition of Winter Watch went to print over a fortnight ago. It would be hopeless trying to do justice to every three-year-old who has won a maiden or novice in that time, nor has that ever been the brief for this column. The main idea has always been to focus on the most interesting sorts among them, those with the potential to make an impact at a higher level as we head deeper into 2025. With that in mind, this week I've narrowed it down to a top five, specifically those performances from the last couple of weeks which I've deemed the most noteworthy, for one reason for another. In true Top of the Pops style, I'll go through them in reverse order, starting with a son of Study Of Man who had the decency to wait until my travels were behind me before making his eye-catching debut… 5. Chess Dad Study Of Man (Ire)–Mosuo (Ire), by Oasis Dream (GB) The one-mile novice at Newcastle on Tuesday seemed to revolve around the Karl Burke-trained Inspired (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the first foal out of the G2 Dahlia Stakes winner Worth Waiting (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), who was sent off the 4-7 favourite to make a successful debut. Everything appeared to be going to plan when he moved up to challenge with two furlongs to run, still seemingly full of running, but his response when asked for his effort ultimately fell short of what was required, certainly against a willing rival like Chess Dad (GB) who found plenty in the closing stages to pull away for a length-and-a-quarter victory on debut. Bred by the Niarchos family, Chess Dad has a useful pedigree of his own as he became the third winner from as many runners out of his unraced dam, with the others including the Royal Hunt Cup scorer Dark Shift (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Mosuo, in turn, is out of the Oaks heroine Light Shift (Kingmambo), making her a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and sire Ulysses (Ire). Of course, the Niarchos family, also bred and raced the sire, Study Of Man, their Prix du Jockey Club winner who has made such a promising start with his first two crops. Both that pedigree and the way he finished the race at Gosforth Park suggest Chess Dad will be suited by 10 furlongs, at the very least, and he looks well capable of defying a penalty in a similar event should his connections decide to go down that route. Trained by Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole for owners Commercium, he already looks potentially well bought at the €75,000 it cost to secure him at Book 1 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale. Smart debut winner! Chess Dad – a half-brother to Royal Hunt Cup winner Dark Shift – strikes first time of asking for @HollieDoyle1 and @UrloxheyStables at @NewcastleRaces… pic.twitter.com/mtbSo5SY7y — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 21, 2025 4. Treasure Fleet Kingman (GB)–Pure Excellence (GB), by Exceed And Excel (Aus) For a horse still a couple of months shy of his third birthday, Treasure Fleet (GB) has already managed to fit in more than many horses do in a lifetime. Three times he's been offered at public auction, while he'd also been gelded prior to the next chapter in his life at Wolverhampton on January 7, when he kicked off his racing career with a cosy success in the novice run over an extended mile. Admittedly, it's difficult to get excited about the bare form of that race, with just a length and a half covering the first four at the line. The runner-up had also failed to trouble the judge in three previous runs, while the third has since trailed home last of five in the race won by Chess Man at Newcastle. However, it would be a big surprise if this proves the ceiling of Treasure Fleet's ability and there was plenty to like about the way he got the job done, coming from further back in the field than the other horses who finished in the frame. He was arguably never stronger than at the line, looking value for more than the three-quarters-of-a-length he won by, having picked up really well once switched off the rail in the straight. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Treasure Fleet has perhaps taken a bit longer to come to hand than might have been expected when connections went to 800,000gns to secure him at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale. That was a significant pinhooking result for the team at Lynn Lodge Stud, who bought him for 230,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale. It was also a reward for their persistence, having taken him home after he went unsold at 140,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. This gelding is the third winner from four runners out of his Listed-winning dam, with the others including his full-sister, Parent's Prayer (Ire), who gained her biggest victory in the G3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes. That filly didn't peak until her four-year-old season and, similarly, Treasure Fleet appeals as one who should leave the form of his Wolverhampton win well behind in time. Debut victory! The well-bred Treasure Fleet grabs victory from the jaws of defeat at @WolvesRaces, finding a key change of gear when it matters in the @godolphin blue under @CallumSheppy… pic.twitter.com/kTx2wAi1Lk — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 7, 2025 3. Humam Kodiac (GB)–Her Honour (Ire), by Shamardal Andrew Balding's Humam (Ire) was sent off the even-money favourite for the seven-furlong novice at Lingfield on Saturday, with good reason, too, when you consider how well the form of his first two starts has worked out. The Newmarket novice in which he finished third on his debut in October continues to look a red-hot contest, with the fifth- and seventh-place finishers also having won on the all-weather this winter. It appeals as such strong form that I make no apologies for repeating that I believe the winner of that heat, Treble Tee (Ire) (Persian King {Ire}), to be one of the more exciting three-year-old prospects for the season ahead, certainly outside of those already proven in Pattern company. Humam followed his Newmarket effort with a runner-up finish in a Doncaster maiden a couple of weeks later, chasing home So Darn Hot (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who doubled his career tally when winning a handicap at Newcastle on Friday from a BHA mark of 82. Humam was beaten just half a length by that rival on Town Moor, despite leaving the impression the drop back to six furlongs was against him. Back up in trip at Lingfield, the son of Kodiac was ultimately much the best under a confident Jason Watson, coming from last to first to win by a length and a half, without his jockey having to resort to the whip. Admittedly, it probably wasn't the strongest race of its type, but he still impressed with the turn of foot he showed to seal matters, completing the final two furlongs around 0.6 seconds faster than the winner of the handicap run over the same course and distance earlier on the card. Purchased by Al Shaqab Racing for 260,000gns at Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale, having initially sold for €230,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale, Humam is the fifth winner from as many runners out of his dam, who fetched €725,000 herself when offered at last year's Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale. The standout performer out of Her Honour to date is Vadream (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), the winner of the G3 Bengough Stakes and G3 Palace House Stakes for the Charlie Fellowes stable. Crucially, all but one of Humam's siblings to make it to the track have earned black type, so don't be surprised if he's competing in similar company before the year is out. Seriously confident ride from @_JasonWatson as Humam, a half-brother to Vadream, comes from last to first at @LingfieldPark for @AndrewBalding2… pic.twitter.com/lzz7z5qoyK — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 18, 2025 2. City Of God Kodiac (GB)–Rare (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) Another one in the top five for Tally-Ho Stud stalwart Kodiac and another success for our 'Winners In Waiting', with City Of God (Ire) having appeared in our New Year's Day edition of Winter Watch after his promising debut in the fog at Wolverhampton a few days earlier. Beaten only two and a quarter lengths on that occasion, despite looking desperately in need of the experience, City Of God duly took a nice step forward when opening his account in the one-mile maiden at Southwell on Friday, justifying favouritism with an authoritative, pillar-to-post victory. He still looked a bit green in the closing stages but was always doing enough to hold off the challenge of the runner-up, ultimately winning by three-quarters-of-a-length. Owned by footballer Ryan Kent, City Of God was picked up for 135,000gns at Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale. He was bred by the eponymously-named Rare Partnership out of their unraced mare, a half-sister to the 1,000 Guineas, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks winner Blue Bunting (Dynaformer). A few weeks before City Of God first stepped foot on a racecourse, Rare was sold for €48,000 at the November Breeding Stock Sale. As for City Of God's second dam, the unraced Linamix (Fr) mare Miarixa (Fr), it's fair to say that she's left quite the legacy. Her other daughters by Galileo (Ire) include Stars At Night (Ire), the dam of the G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein and G2 Zabeel Mile winner Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), and Monday Monday (Ire), the dam of the G2 German 1,000 Guineas and G2 May Hill Stakes scorer Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Like Darnation, City Of God is trained by Karl Burke, who has assembled a formidable team with less than 10 weeks to go until the start of the British Flat season on turf. Only time will tell where this colt fits in, but he's certainly made an encouraging start to his career and there should be plenty more to come from him as he gains in experience. Pillar to post! An across the card double for the @Karl_Burke team as City Of God gets off the mark under @SamJock22! pic.twitter.com/wWIlDgKs1q — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 17, 2025 1. Purple Rainbow Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Daphne (GB), by Duke Of Marmalade (Ire) Tom Marquand wasted no time getting back among the winners after returning from a stint riding in Japan, with his first full book of rides at Kempton on January 15 yielding a brace for the man who could well have champion jockey aspirations in 2025. Marquand had to be at his strongest to get Coul Angel (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}) home by a head in the six-furlong novice, but his win aboard Purple Rainbow (GB) in the first division of the one-mile fillies' maiden was achieved in altogether more straightforward fashion as she proved herself in a totally different league to her eight rivals. Her jockey kept things simple from the front, but it was by no means just an example of his filly enjoying the run of the race and quickening off slow fractions. Instead, she set an honest gallop throughout and gradually ground her rivals into submission as she lengthened in the straight, ultimately winning by three and three-quarter lengths with plenty in hand. It wasn't a performance characterised by an electric turn of foot, but the overall time was still around 1.8 seconds faster than the second division won by another Night Of Thunder filly in Sorbus (GB). Runner-up on her debut over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton, Purple Rainbow seemed to relish the extra distance at Kempton, which was to be expected of one with her stamina-laden pedigree. She is the second winner from three runners out of her strong-staying dam, who was a Listed winner over a mile and a five furlongs at Lingfield. Daphne's first foal, Perfect Alibi (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}), also won at Listed level, in her case over a mile and six furlongs at Yarmouth. Trained by William Haggas for The King and The Queen, Purple Rainbow was bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who painstakingly nurtured this family over many generations. It began with the purchase of this filly's sixth dam, the Nell Gwyn Stakes and Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Amicable (Doutelle {GB}), as a yearling. At stud Amicable produced, among others, Expansive (GB) (Exbury {Fr}), the winner of the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes for her owner-breeder. In turn, Expansive features as the dam of Trying For Gold (Northern Baby), who was just an ordinary racehorse herself but continued the legacy by coming up with another Ribblesdale winner in Phantom Gold (GB) (Machiavellian). Phantom Gold later produced Daphne's dam, the winning Daylami (Ire) mare Daring Aim (GB), as well as the Oaks runner-up Flight Of Fancy (GB) and multiple Listed winner Golden Stream (Ire), both by Sadler's Wells. In 2022, Golden Stream's son, Reach For The Moon (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), looked a serious Classic contender for his owner-breeder, having shown himself to be a smart juvenile when winning the G3 Solario Stakes by four lengths. Alas, it wasn't to be, but here's hoping Purple Rainbow can give the reigning monarchs something to shout about in the months ahead, with a step up to a mile and a half, and beyond, promising to suit. Hope you were on your Majesty Nice effort from the front by Purple Rainbow @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/hTsK0X8W8f — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 15, 2025 Winners In Waiting Dancing Teapot (Ire), runner-up at Dundalk (November 22) since publication Padua (Ire), seventh at Kempton (December 4) since publication Marhaba Ghaiyyath (Ire), winner at Lingfield (December 3) since publication Safe Idea (GB), third at Wolverhampton (December 21) since publication Indian Springs (Ire) Spanish Voice (GB) Noble Horizon (GB) Dixieland Blues (GB) City Of God (Ire), winner at Southwell (January 17) since publication War And Love (GB), runner-up at Chelmsford (January 11) since publication The post Winter Watch: Rainbow Tribute to the Late Queen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Saturday, January 25, 2025 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Sandown Racecourse is back in action on Saturday afternoon, where a bumper 10-race card awaits punters on the Lakeside circuit. The Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) headlines proceedings, whilst the Blue Diamond Series gets underway with the juveniles split into two divisions, the boys and the girls for the Blue Diamond Preview’s. The track will be a Good 4 throughout the day, while the rail is set to remain in its true position. The first race is set to jump at 12:15pm AEDT. Race 1: BM70 Handicap (1400m) Porter has seemingly put it all together this campaign, winning two of his last three starts, including a dominant on-pace triumph at Sale on January 9. The four-year-old gelding seemingly does his best work when racing up on speed and having his rivals off the bit a long way out. From barrier 10, Damian Lane will look to cross the field and settle outside the lead, and when asked to quicken, Porter should have no issue fending off his rivals once more. Selections: 8 PORTER 3 EUGENIUS 2 EMPRESSIVE ENUFF 1 HE’S BESET Race 2: BM70 Handicap (1600m) The Liam Howley-trained Steal The Sun has not received the best of luck at her last two starts, but if she finds clear air at the right stage on Saturday, she is worth siding with. The five-year-old mare missed the kick last time out and was held up for a run at a crucial point before hitting the line strongly over 1700m at Flemington. If Ethan Brown can get her out of the gates a bit cleaner, Steal The Sun has an impressive turn of foot and will be fighting out the finish. Selections: 11 STEAL THE SUN 7 REVELARE 1 SIR ATLAS 3 REAL SENSATION Race 3: Listed Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) (1000m) Shining Smile is the only juvenile colt or gelding in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview and it looks set to pay dividends if he brings what he produced in his initial campaign. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained colt has already been twice-placed in Stakes company and before heading to the paddock, was a smart maiden winner on the Caulfield Heath circuit. Daniel Stackhouse will ensure the son of Spirit Of Boom gains the run of the race from barrier two, and barring any bad luck, Shining Smile should be winning. Selections: 1 SHINING SMILE 3 MENSHEVIK 5 REDDERS 4 OLATUNDE Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) Race 3 – #1 Shining Smile (2) 2yo Colt | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (56kg) +120 with Dabble Race 4: Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (F) (1000m) Debut wins as a two-year-old do not come anymore impressive than what Miss Celine prouduced in the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) during the spring. The Magnus filly was last on the Caulfield home turn and still had four lengths to make up on her rivals with 200m to go before producing a stunning finish to win by a length. She has to give most of her rivals 2kg on return from a spell, but with a genuinely run affair, Miss Celine has shown enough already that says she will be able to run down her rivals in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (F). Selections: 1 MISS CELINE 2 PALM ANGEL 5 PRICE TAG 4 WILTSHIRE SQUARE Blue Diamond Preview (F) Race 4 – #1 Miss Celine (3) 2yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Mark Zahra (58kg) +750 with Bet365 Race 5: Listed W.J. Adams Stakes (1000m) Fickle has four wins and two seconds to her name through six runs this campaign, and if the Tom Dabernig-trained mare holds her form, she should be winning once again. The four-year-old mare looks to run her rivals off their feet, and from barrier two under Jamie Melham, she should get the lead with relative ease upon settling. As long as she is not pressured relentlessly throughout, Fickle should prove too slick and justify her favouritism with horse racing betting sites. Selections: 6 FICKLE 4 PONDALOWIE 2 MRS CHRISSIE 3 PHILOSOPHER Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Fickle (2) 4yo Mare | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Jamie Melham (54kg) +150 with Neds Race 6: BM78 Handicap (2100m) Inevitable Award was a gritty Flemington winner on January 1 and looks poised to go on with the job on Saturday. The four-year-old gelding was forced to travel three wide with no cover on that day, and despite covering plenty of ground, had the audacity to hit the line strongly over 1800m. Based on that last run, as long as Daniel Moor can find cover from barrier 10, the 2100m should prove to be no issue, as Inevitable Award looks to ground down his rivals. Selections: 10 INEVITABLE AWARD 1 SAMUEL LANGHORNE 11 THEDOCTOROFLOVE 3 MISS TARZY Race 7: BM84 Handicap (1600m) There is little doubt that Le Zebra should have won first-up at Flemington on January 11, but gets his chance to right those wrongs in the quaddie opener. The four-year-old gelding was badly held up for a run for the majority of the home straight, and once the gap arrived inside, the final furlong stormed home to be beaten a half-length, while the quinella had all of the momentum down the outside. From barrier 10, Jamie Melham should have no issue finding clear air at the right time, and once Le Zebra quickens, it should be enough to put his rivals away. Selections: 5 LE ZEBRA 6 FARHH FLUNG 4 SMOKIN’ PRINCESS 9 ASPEN COLORADO Next Best Race 7 – #5 Le Zebra (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Emma-Lee & David Browne | J: Jamie Melham (56.5kg) +190 with BlondeBet Race 8: Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) Aztec Ruler was not given much hope in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m), but the way the son of Universal Ruler hit the line suggests he is a force to reckon with on Saturday. Having run It’sourtime to within a head down the straight, the run was even better considering it was his first look at the “Flemington Six”. Back around a corner and up to 1400m – a trip he has won five of 11 starts at – should see Aztec Ruler go one better in the Listed John Dillon Stakes. Selections: 2 AZTEC RULER 4 CHORLTON LANE 1 JUST FOLK 5 BUFFALO RIVER John Dillon Stakes Race 8 – #2 Aztec Ruler (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Stefan Vahala | J: Jye McNeil (56kg) +190 with Picklebet Race 9: Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) Saturday’s feature, the Manfred Stakes, has attracted an even bunch of three-year-olds, but if Ndola brings his best first-up from a four-month spell, he is worth a flutter at $6 with Boombet. Lindsay Park Racing had Group 1 aspirations with the son of Justify during the spring, so he clearly has plenty of class, which was evident in his win before heading for a spell. On the Hillside track at Sandown, the colt produced a strong turn of foot to win in impressive style and a repeat effort should be enough to see Ndola secure Group 3 success. Selections: 5 NDOLA 2 ODINSON 7 ROYAL INSIGNIA 6 WONDER BOY Manfred Stakes Race 9 – #5 Ndola (3) 3yo Colt | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Currie (57kg) +500 with Boombet Race 10: BM74 Handicap (1200m) New York Lustre is a mare going places and is looking to add a fourth win in successions and a third win from as many starts this campaign. The Enver Jusufovic-trained mare is a natural front-runner and has shown a tendency to settle outside the lead and kick clear when asked to. From barrier 12, the plans should be simply for Jamie Melham once again, and as long as the Manhattan Rain mare does not get caught wide, New York Lustre should send favourite punters home happy. Selections: 13 NEW YORK LUSTRE 8 SUNSHINEINMYPOCKET 3 CARBONADOS 1 HOLY RACKET Saturday quaddie tips for Sandown Sandown quadrella selections January 25, 2025 4-5-6 2-4 1-2-5-6-7 1-3-8-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article