Wandering Eyes

Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) made it back-to-back triumphs for trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill in the $1 million G2 Godolphin Mile sponsored by Emaar, producing an explosive performance from the front under Frankie Dettori to follow up his GI Malibu Stakes success at Santa Anita on Boxing Day. Closely attended by Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke) for much of the contest, Raging Torrent was soon in control once that rival cried enough inside the final two furlongs, powering clear thereafter to win by three and a half lengths in a time of 1:36.69. French raider King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), the conqueror of Laurel River (Into Mischief) in January's G3 Firebreak Stakes, stayed on well from off the pace to fill the runner-up spot, with another half a length back to Japan's Kazu Petrin (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) in third. Mufasa, the winner of December's GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes at Gulfstream Park, weakened out of the frame to finish sixth on his stable bow for Bhupat Seemar. For Raging Torrent it was a sixth career success, with the others including last year's GII Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar, before he went on finish seventh behind Straight No Chaser (Speighster) in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at the same venue. Meanwhile, this victory was a third in the Godolphin Mile for O'Neill, who most recently struck with Two Rivers Over (Tamarkuz) last year, while Dettori was winning this Group 2 contest for a record-extending eighth time. “Eight Godolphin Miles, that's a hell of a record,” said the successful jockey. “I think it's fair to say I grew up here. It's great satisfaction coming back and winning–and hopefully I can win the World Cup again. “He [Raging Torrent] is such a lovely horse and he did the rest. You need the horse to lead like he did. He was quick away and I was able to do my own fractions. In fairness, he's always been a sprinter in America. So, I was thinking of that and I didn't want to kick too early.” O'Neill added, “I was confident, but that's why you run these races, you never know. He had a good, clean break, got the lead, got a little breather mid-race. Speed was always going to be his strength. I'm on cloud nine and I've got to thank everyone here.” Welcome back, @FrankieDettori The maestro dictates the @godolphin Mile, sponsored by @emaardubai, aboard #DWC25 | @emirates pic.twitter.com/o85KkfAKxY — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) April 5, 2025 Pedigree Notes The first top-level winner for the Spendthrift-based Maximus Mischief when successful in the Malibu, Raging Torrent is the lone starter from his dam, Violent Wave (Violence)–a half-sister to the GIII Shakertown Stakes winner The Nth Degree (Distorted Humor)–who was offered with the colt in utero at the 2021 Keeneland January Sale but was led out unsold on a bid of $27,000. Raging Torrent was himself bought back for the same price by his breeders, Rodney Winkler and Alfoso Mazzetti, at Keeneland September in 2022, while it was Mark Davis's name on the ticket when the colt fetched $75,000 at the 2023 OBS April Sale. He sported the silks of Zhang Yuesheng for the first time at Meydan, with the Yulong founder now owning the colt in partnership with Great Friends Stables. Violent Wave is also the dam of the three-year-old colt Contra Mundum (Honor A.P.), a $55,000 RNA at KEESEP in 2023, and the two-year-old filly Layan (Collected), who was exported to Saudi Arabia after being bought for $47,000 at KEENOV the same year. After failing to find a new home at $145,000 at Keeneland November in 2023, Violent Wave was entered for last year's KEENOV, subsequent to Raging Torrent's victory in the Pat O'Brien, but she was bought back on a bid of $575,000 in foal to Up to the Mark. Saturday, Meydan, Dubai GODOLPHIN MILE (SPONSORED BY EMAAR)-G2, $1,000,000, Meydan, 4-5, NH4yo/up & SH3yo, 1600m, 1:36.69, ft. 1–RAGING TORRENT, 126, c, 4, by Maximus Mischief 1st Dam: Violent Wave, by Violence 2nd Dam: Coastal Wave, by Dixieland Band 3rd Dam: Orange Wave, by Coastal ($27,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $75,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Yuesheng Zhang & Great Friends Stables; B-Rodney J Winkler & Alfonso Mazzetti (KY); T-Chief Stipe O'Neill; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $580,000. Lifetime Record: GISW-US, 13-6-1-2, $1,247,400. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–King Gold (Fr), 126, h, 8, Anodin (Ire)–Miss Gandelia (Fr), by Kingsalsa. (180,000gns RNA '24 TATDEC). O-Mme Christian Wingtans & Nicolas Caullery; B-Mme Christian Wingtans (FR); T-Nicolas Caullery. $200,000. 3–Kazu Petrin (Jpn), 126, h, 5, Rulership (Jpn)–Les Etoile (Jpn), by Fasliyev. O-Kazumi Yoshida; B-Niikappu Hashimoto Bokujo (JPN); T-Manabu Ikezoe. $100,000. Margins: 3HF, HF, 1HF. Also Ran: Steal Sunshine, Mendelssohn Bay, Mufasa (Chi), Qareeb, Fort Payne (Fr), Sadaaty, No Lunch (Ire), Peptide Nile (Jpn), Oasis Boy (Arg), Little Vic, Sword Point (Aus). Scratched: Cagliostro, Meshtri. Click for the ERA chart & video. The post Raging Torrent and Dettori Much the Best in the Godolphin Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars SKY JEWELLERY - R10 (9) Smart young galloper can continue his impressive start Jay Rooney FLASH CURRENT - R5 (2) Big run off a slow speed last start and should get a more suitable tempo today Trackwork Spy SKY JEWELLERY - R10 (9) Narrowly missed last start but can return to winning ways here Phillip Woo HELENE FEELING - R7 (1) Holding his form very well and deserves another win this term Shannon (Vincent Wong) MOUNT EVEREST - R3 (2) Talented youngster won well on his debut and can score again Racing Post Online LIFELINE EXPRESS - R6 (1) Scored well over this C&D last start and can repeat the dose Tom Wood VOYAGE SAMURAI - R7 (5) Is holding his form well and should get a soft lead and be tough to peg backView the full article

Multiple Group 1-winning jockey Hayley Turner announced in a statement on Saturday that she is retiring from the saddle with immediate effect as she prepares to welcome her first baby in October. “I have decided to retire from being a jockey following my winner at Southwell last week especially as I had my first ride at the racecourse on 27 March, 2000,” said Turner. “I am very excited to also announce that I am having a baby in October, all being well, which I have been planning for the last two years. My family and I are all very excited. “I would like to thank everyone that has supported me over the years especially Michael Bell, David Simcock, Andrew Balding and Harry Eustace. I would also like to thank my riding agent, Guy Jewell, who has been my agent for the majority of my career. “I am looking forward to my next life chapter but will be focusing on the baby in the short term.” Turner briefly retired from race-riding in 2015 and turned her attention to broadcasting. After reappearing in August 2016 to captain the winning all-female team in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, she returned to the saddle full time in 2018. In 2023, she became the first woman in Europe to ride 1,000 winners, a tally which featured three triumphs at the top level. After making the breakthrough aboard Dream Ahead in the 2011 July Cup, she then teamed up with Margot Did (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) to win the Nunthorpe Stakes later that year, before partnering I'm A Dreamer (Ire) (Noverre) to victory in the 2012 Beverly D. Stakes. Another notable milestone in Turner's career had come in 2008 when she became the first woman in Europe to ride 100 winners on the Flat in a calendar year. Her final full season in the saddle in 2024 yielded 31 winners, whilst her final success aboard Spirit Of Jura (GB) (Masar {Ire}) at Southwell on Wednesday was her tenth of the current campaign. Bell, who enjoyed a successful association with Turner, most notably with the aforementioned Margot Did, was among those to pass on his well wishes to the rider as he said, “It makes me very happy to hear her great news. She's such a lovely, kind, loving person and I'm delighted for her that she's going to be a mummy. “We've had some great days together, Margot Did winning the Nunthorpe being one of them. But I just remember her riding as a 7lb apprentice when she had barely had a winner and going up against senior jockeys and big names in a finish, and I can't remember if she won or not, but I always remember thinking 'my god, you can ride'.” He added, “She was always on time and always smart and just a very good role model for anyone, regardless of sex, who wanted to get on well as a jockey. A lot of thanks go to my owners who backed my decision to support her and she held the job down very well. Obviously, she got derailed by a few nasty tumbles, but it doesn't take away the six, seven, eight great years we had together.” Simcock, who oversaw the careers of both Dream Ahead and I'm A Dreamer, described Turner as “a proper professional” as he paid his own tribute. “Working with Hayley has been a great pleasure,” said the Newmarket trainer. “She's a proper professional and she's a great rider who is good at her job and never let me down, but most importantly she's just a really nice person. I'm delighted for her and she retires with nothing to prove. She's done everything she can do and now it's on to the next step of having a family. “We were lucky enough to have some brilliant days, Dream Ahead being one and I'm A Dreamer the other, but just working with her day-in, day-out and enjoying those other winners together that are just as important has been great as well.” The post Hayley Turner Brings Curtain Down on Groundbreaking Career in the Saddle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Emma-Lee and David Browne planned to use Saturday’s A$130,000 Robert Taranto Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield as a lead-up to a country cup for Rhinoceros (NZ) (Vadamos), but the New Zealand-bred gelding had other ideas and rattled home for a $31 upset win. The six-year-old headed into Saturday’s race with a strong run of form away from the bright lights of metropolitan racing. He had won the Dunkeld Cup (1800m) in November and the Colac Cup (2000m) in February, followed by a fourth in the Echuca Cup (1400m) and a last-start second in the Bairnsdale Cup (1600m). The Brownes had the A$50,000 Warracknabeal Cup (1600m) on April 19 circled in their diary, but Rhinoceros caught them by surprise with a city win that will likely weight him out of that country feature. “I love this horse so much,” Emma-Lee Browne said. “I might have to get a rhino tattoo now. He’s a gem. He just keeps giving. He’s been up for a long time and I keep wondering when he’s going to want to go out, but he’s just loving his life and is an absolute marvel. “This was originally meant to just be a run along the way to the Warracknabeal Cup. We might have stuffed that up now. “This is my oldest daughter Chloe’s favourite horse. She’s hired a boat tonight for her 19th birthday, so I think the boat might be going off tonight.” Rhinoceros was ridden by Dean Yendall, who tucked him into fourth along the rail as Red Phantom (Estidhkaar) led the field up to the home turn. A gap opened between the two leaders around the home turn and Yendall drove Rhinoceros through it, drawing up alongside Red Phantom. That runner fought back, but Rhinoceros wore him down to win by a length. “You’d probably need a wheelbarrow to put all the weight in the saddle for the Warracknabeal Cup now,” Yendall said. “He even carried a bit of weight today with 59kg. He began cleanly and had no issues getting across. He settled beautifully behind the leaders. “I got dragged into the race nicely. He flowed into it and came through the middle. When I asked for a real good effort, he obliged and attacked the line really strongly.” Rhinoceros has now had 45 starts for 10 wins, seven placings and A$522,252 in stakes for his breeder Andrew Fowler, who shares ownership with Sparta Racing. Rhinoceros is by Vadamos out of the Lonhro mare Hot In Pink (NZ), who herself won two races over 1000m and 1200m. All of Hot In Pink’s three foals to race have been winners, including the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) placegetter Crickets Chirping (NZ) (Belardo). Hot In Pink is a half-sister to the multiple Group Three winner and Group One-placed Melt (NZ) (Iffraaj), along with Elephant (NZ) (Shocking), a six-time winner for the Brownes including the Gr.3 Sandown Stakes (1500m). View the full article

New Zealand-bred filly Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) secured a special place in the 164-year history of the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) with a stunning five-length blitz in the A$2 million classic at Randwick on Saturday. Aeliana became only the 10th filly to win the Australian Derby, and one of just two in the last 35 years. The other filly to win the race during that period was fellow New Zealand-bred Shamrocker (NZ) (O’Reilly) in 2011. The Chris Waller-trained Aeliana burst on the scene in the spring with back-to-back wins in the Gr.3 Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick and by three and a half lengths in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. She concluded her breakthrough spring campaign with a flying finish into second in the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield. Strong-finishing efforts for third in the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), fourth in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and a desperately close second in the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (1600m) suggested Aeliana was crying out for the 2400m of the Australian Derby. She received a torrent of support through Saturday afternoon, tightening all the way into $2.25 as the best-backed runner in any of the 10 races on the opening day of The Championships. She was backed as if virtually unbeatable, and so it proved. Jockey Damian Lane put Aeliana well within striking distance, settling close up in fourth and one off the rail as Plymouth (The Autumn Sun) and Mustang Morgan (NZ) (Preferment) set the pace. That pair began to feel the pinch coming up to the home turn, but Aeliana was travelling with effortless ease as she cruised up beside them under a tight hold. Lane let her go inside the final 300m and the response was explosive. Aeliana charged clear in a Derby demolition job, opening up a five-length margin over Firm Agreement (Yes Yes Yes). Shanwah (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) finished third, with Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) fourth after a tough wide run. “She was extraordinary,” Lane said. “She left the barriers well, just travelled great from the outset and felt a winner a long way out. She’s a super filly.” From 10 starts, Aeliana has now recorded four wins and three placings and has earned A$2.27 million for a Star Thoroughbreds ownership syndicate. Star Thoroughbreds bought her for $180,000 from Rich Hill Stud’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2023. Aeliana became the second Derby winner for both Lane and Waller. Lane previously won it aboard Jon Snow in 2017, while Waller won the Derby last year with Riff Rocket. “She’s a great filly and she deserved this,” Waller said on Saturday. “She was beaten a nose in the Thousand Guineas, beaten a nose by Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot) in the Rosehill Guineas – near-misses in two career-making races. So she really deserved a Group One win and she’s done it in style. “That was a dominant win. I don’t get as emotional these days as I used to, but that was really special. I was waiting for something to come with us at the 300m, and you could see there was some horses doing their best, but the way she opened up was really special.” Waller suggested that Aeliana is unlikely to back up into the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) against her own sex next Saturday. “My job is to look after her,” he said. “It would be unlikely that she would back up. But, wow, I can’t wait for the next chapter, because she’s a rising star.” Aeliana was bred by Nearco Stud and Rich Hill Thoroughbreds and is by Arrowfield Stud stallion Castelvecchio out of the Star Witness mare Temolie. Aeliana is the first foal to race out of Temolie, who was herself a placegetter on the racetrack and is a half-sister to Star Thoroughbreds’ Group One winner Invincibella (I am Invincible), as well as the Group Three winner Secret Blaze (Sizzling) and Listed winner Extreme Flight (Extreme Choice). Rich Hill Stud bought Temolie for A$200,000 from the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast, when she was carrying Aeliana. Temolie has been served by Rich Hill’s resident superstar sire Proisir every spring since then, producing filly foals in 2022 and 2023. The first of those Proisir fillies was bought by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and TFI for $250,000 at Karaka 2024, while Aeliana’s owners Star Thoroughbreds paid $300,000 to buy the filly offered by Rich Hill during Book 1 of Karaka 2025 in January. View the full article

For the second year in a row, Horsham trainer Paul Preusker has won the A$200,000 Gr.3 Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield with a New Zealand-bred. Preusker won the race with Savabeel gelding Captain Envious (NZ) (Savabeel) last year, and on Saturday he secured a repeat result with Tarzino five-year-old Torranzino (NZ) (Tarzino). The Easter Cup was Torranzino’s third start in his current preparation, having run a bold first-up fourth behind Deny Knowledge in the Listed Victoria Gold Cup (2000m) in late February before a close last-start second in the Wangaratta Cup (2000m). He went to a new level on Saturday and recorded the first black-type win of his career. Torranzino settled well back in the field as Future History set a genuine tempo up to the home turn. The field fanned across the track in an energy-sapping battle to the finish line, and it was Torranzino whose stamina and toughness carried him to a nose victory over Foujita San (Maurice). The time was a quick 2:01.16. “I was actually very confident, I knew he had a very good chance in this race,” jockey Celine Gaudray said. “The Wangaratta Cup wasn’t run to suit him at all – they went really slow, he ran quite aggressively and it became a sit and sprint. “It was set up a lot better for him today and I was fortunate to get off the rail at the right time and follow the right horses. I was briefly worried his wheels might spin when they put the pressure on, but everything unfolded really well. Once I put my whip into the right hand, he went to the line really nicely.” Torranzino has now had 27 starts for five wins, seven placings and A$670,090. Preusker was represented at Caulfield on Saturday by his partner Holly McKechnie. “We thought he went super in the Wangaratta Cup and he loves Caulfield, he’s got a terrific record here,” she said. “It turned into a real tough, staying 2000m race today, and that’s his forte. He needs the right tempo.” The sixth individual stakes winner for Westbury Stud stallion Tarzino, Torranzino was bred by Payne Family Racing Pty Ltd. He is the first foal to race out of the Helmet mare Goldilicious (NZ), who is a half-sister to the Group Three winner Showbeel (NZ) (Showbeel), who in turn is out of champion stayer Showella (NZ) (Lord Ballina). Torranzino was offered by Janine Dunlop’s Phoenix Park as a yearling in Book 1 of Karaka 2021, where Preusker bought him for $75,000. View the full article

A week after landing the biggest success of his career aboard Straight Arron, the jockey partners Dragon Joy for the veteran trainer.View the full article

She’s Got Pizzazz arrived in time to claim the Group 3 P J Bell Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman were made to wait until the final race on day one of The Championships, but it was worth the wait as Blake Shinn piloted She’s Got Pizzazz to victory in the Group 3 P J Bell Stakes. The daughter of Zoustar went around as a +550 third favourite, with only Lilac and Clean Energy starting shorter with horse racing bookmakers in the final event. Craig Williams got Lilac to jump smartly from the barriers to find the lead ahead of Miss Busslinger (+8000), while Husk (+6000) and Love Poem (+550) settled behind them, keeping Clean Energy (+160) three-wide without cover. After controlling the race from the front, Williams lifted the tempo aboard Lilac, and she gave a strong kick entering the home straight. The swoopers swung out to make their runs by the 300m mark, and Clean Energy was quickly on the scene; however, the eventual winner was coming with big strides. With Shinn throwing everything at She’s Got Pizzazz, she put in a big dive on the line to claim victory over the fast-finishing Flying For Fun (+1000) and Lilac. Click here for all Randwick replays. Peter Moody was on course to speak about the win. “Yeah, she’s got a wonderful family,” Moody said. “Bred and retained by Rob Crabtree and it’s a family that he’s developed for a lot of years. “This was a little target race for us. We thought she was unlucky at Caulfield the other day so it was well-deserved, I think. “Yeah, I love seeing them hungry at the end of the day when they haven’t had a lot of success. “I reckon the last time I was at Randwick at 5.50pm was about 15 years ago with a mare the same colour (Black Caviar) and she won a TJ. “You might see her back here in a couple of weeks in the JB Carr. Crabby (Rob Crabtree) has got a big goal to win that. “I’d love to see her in Brisbane for a Stradbroke. So if she’s here in two weeks you’ll know the owner has won the battle. “If you don’t see her in two weeks you know she’ll probably run in something like the Fred Best on the way to a Stradbroke in about seven weeks.” Blake Shinn picked up his second winner of the day in the final race. “There wasn’t (a lot of speed on), and they really quickened into the turn,” Shinn said. “We were just marking time there from, say, the 400m to the furlong. But the leaders sort of fell in a hole which set it up for the closers.” “And she was super strong. She’s probably more effective over a bit further but she’s prepped up really nice. “I’ve had a lot of luck in these colours and it’s just great to get another win on the board.” Horse racing news View the full article

Chris Waller‘s exceptional filly, Aeliana, etched her name in the annals of Australian racing history on The Championships Day 1, delivering a dominant performance to triumph over the colts and geldings in the 2025 Australian Derby. The punters’ faith in the talented three-year-old was rewarded as she stormed to victory as the clear-cut favourite. “It […] The post Australian Derby 2025 Results: Waller’s Filly Aeliana Wins by Five Lengths appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Star Brazilian partners Stellenbosch in the Group One Osaka Hai (2,000m) a week after saluting aboard Satono Reve.View the full article

A remarkable upset unfolded in the 160th running of the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships, with Bjorn Baker‘s mare Stefi Magnetica defying her double-figure odds to claim the coveted title. The four-year-old daughter of All Too Hard proved to be the surprise package, delivering […] The post Stefi Magnetica Wins 2025 Doncaster Mile appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Team Hawkes‘ incredibly consistent four-year-old, Briasa, returned to his winning ways with a hard-fought Group 1 victory in the 2025 TJ Smith Stakes on Day 1 of The Championships in Sydney. The Smart Missile gelding, who won the Group 2 The Hunter in Newcastle last spring, showed significant improvement from his fourth-place finish first-up in […] The post 2025 TJ Smith Stakes Winner is Briasa appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, April 6, 2025 First Race 12:45pm HKT (2:45pm AEST) Visit Dabble Sha Tin Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The rail is in the B+2 position for the meeting, and although some rainfall is forecast in the lead-up, it should have little to no effect on the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Sky Jewellery The argument can be made Sky Jewellery should be undefeated heading into start five, with The Autumn Sun gelding having clear excuses in his two defeats. That includes his latest effort at this course and distance on March 15, with the three-year-old laying in on Hong Lok Golf as the pair spaced their rivals by 2.5 lengths. He’s the horse with upside in the Sha Tin finale, and provided the breaks fall his way from gate nine, Sky Jewellery should put them away with relative ease. Best Bet Race 10 – #9 Sky Jewellery (9) 3yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Hugh Bowman (56.5kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: The Boom Box It was ugly viewing for The Boom Box backers in his latest outing at Sha Tin on March 9, with the Spirit Of Boom gelding suffering his first defeat at start four as he sat wide throughout the journey. He was gallant considering the circumstances, holding his position to finish alongside Armour War Eagle and Magnificent Nine. Zac Purton gets legged aboard, so punters will be forced to take a short price with horse racing bookmakers; however, with The Boom Box set to get the run of the race from gate two, this guy should repay the faith. Next Best Race 9 – #1 The Boom Box (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris So | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Winning Ovation Winning Ovation produced a slashing maiden victory at Salisbury on August 14 before arriving in Hong Kong, and the son of Cotai Glory seems to have settled in well to the Tony Cruz barn. His latest barrier trial at Conghua particularly caught the eye, with the three-year-old building the revs nicely in the concluding stages to suggest he’s on song for this first-up assignment. He should land in a stalking position mid-field with cover, and although the likes of Lifeline Express and Geneva will prove hard to hold out, Winning Ovation warrants respect at the each-way price with . Best Value Race 6 – #2 Winning Ovation (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Tony Cruz | J: Angus Chung (1.5kg) (58kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections April 6, 2025 1-5 5-7-9-11-12 1-2 9 Horse racing tips View the full article

Aeliana spaced her rivals in the Group 1 Australian Derby. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The lone filly Aeliana ($2.25) has cruised to victory in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, taking on the boys to claim her maiden Group 1 success. The daughter of Castelvecchio hasn’t had much luck in her quest for Group 1 glory in the past, chasing home the colt & geldings in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 22 last time out, hitting the line well to suggest the 2400m would be no issues on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained filly mapped to get the run of the race under Damien Lane from barrier two, and that’s exactly what eventuated, with the pair surging into the one-one after jumping evenly. Plymouth ($9.50) was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers and was quick to take up the running from barrier three under Mark Zahra, while Mustang Morgan () was able sit to his outside despite crossing from stall 10. It allowed Lane to get the one-out one-back, while Zac Lloyd and King Of Thunder () utilised the inside draw (1) to hold the rails at the first turn. The second elect, Willydoit (), didn’t have much luck in the middle stages, forced to sit wide without cover as Michael Dee continued to slowly build into the race approaching the home turn. Lane oozed confidence as he allowed Aeliana to stride to the top in the final 400m, and as she hit the front, her rivals were simply left playing for second as she was off-and-gone for the prize. Firm Agreement ($23) and Shanwah ($9.50) finished off well to claim the minor prizes; however, it was all about Aeliana as she stormed clear by the better part of five lengths in the 2025 Australian Derby. Click here for all Randwick replays. Chris Waller was emotional as he spoke post-race. “It was a great performance and all credit to her,” said Waller. “She’s had a couple of near misses in Group Ones but she’s got her own, and she’s got it in good style. “We’ve got some good fillies in the fillies’ races, so it just seemed logical. But when she was brave in the Randwick Guineas, the Rosehill Guineas she got beaten a whisker by Broadsiding who is a very, very good three-year-old colt, and she’s done it herself today. “She’s a great filly, she deserved it. She was beaten a nose in the Thousand Guineas, beaten a nose by Broadsiding in the Rosehill Guineas, just two career-making wins. It wasn’t becoming frustrating but she deserved it. “My job is to look after her. It would be unlikely that she would back up. But, wow, I can’t wait for what’s the next chapter because she’s a rising star.” Damien Lane was ultra-impressed with the performance as he spoke post-race. “She was extraordinary,” said Lane. “She left the barriers well, just travelled great from the outset and felt a winner a long way out. “I’m not riding in the best form of my life, I’ve ridden well for a long time. You just slowly build up to these opportunities. The cattle, doesn’t matter how good you ride, if you don’t have the horse underneath you, you can’t produce. “It’s just been a really good progression the last five, six years of my career. I’ve been able to ride for bigger stables, get on better horses and get some really good opportunities. “This year has probably been as good a season as I’ve had. So really rewarding for hard work and just riding well consistently.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Sunday, April 6, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble Mornington Racecourse is scheduled to host a competitive eight-race program on Sunday afternoon. Clear skies are forecast for April 6, meaning the Good 4 track rating is likely to hold true throughout the day, with the rail out 8m for the entire circuit. The action from Mornington is set to commence at 12:50pm AEST. Best Bet at Mornington: Albertville Jamie Melham made the trip to Kyneton on February 18 for one ride aboard Albertville first-up, and the Clinton McDonald-trained gelding proved too good for his rivals as a well-backed favourite with horse racing bookmakers. The son of Ilovethiscity settled outside the leader and took over at the 200m mark before sprinting clear to record an impressive one-length win. From barrier eight, Melham can push forward, lead the field up to the home turn, and give a strong kick to run away with another victory. Best Bet Race 7 – #5 Albertville (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Jamie Melham (58.5kg) +180 with Neds Next Best at Mornington: Give Faith Give Faith put in an eye-catching fresh run to finish second at Cranbourne on March 21. The three-year-old filly hit the line strongly but was hardly a winning threat; however, from barrier one here, Jamie Mott will have the option of stalking the speed. The Alabama Express progeny will need a touch of luck, but with a similar finish, Give Faith will prove too hard to hold out this time around. Next Best Race 6 – #8 Give Faith (1) 3yo Filly | T: John McArdle | J: Jamie Mott (58kg) +340 with BlondeBet Best Value at Mornington: Smarticon Smarticon was unlucky not to win at Geelong on March 23 in his first start back from an 18-week spell. The three-year-old gelding was held up for a run until the final 200m, but once clear, he hit the line strongly and only went down by a long neck. He draws barrier two for this assignment, so Celine Gaudray will need to find clear air a touch earlier, but with even luck and a strong turn of foot, Smarticon should break his maiden at start five. Best Value Race 2 – #3 Smarticon (2) 3yo Gelding | T: David & Coral Feek | J: Celine Gaudray (59kg) +600 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Sunday, April 6, 2025 1-2-4-5 7-8-9 3-5 1-3-5-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Luke Currie returns to the mounting yard on Nicolini Vito after winning the Sportsbet Victoria Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse on April 05, 2025 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Veteran sprinter Nicolini Vito stormed down the middle of the Caulfield straight to snatch victory in Saturday’s Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m), delivering a thrilling late finish under a perfectly timed Luke Currie ride. Trained by the Hayes team of Ben, Will and JD, the seven-year-old was spotting the leaders a big margin on the turn but weaved his way through the field before launching down the outside to overhaul Miss Aria in the final stride at $11 odds with the top online bookmakers. Roll On High also charged late into third, with just half a length separating the top trio at the line. Group 3 Victoria Handicap – Nicolini Vito https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Caulfield-2025-Group-3-Victoria-Handicap-05042025-Nicolini-Vito-Ben-Will-JD-Hayes-Luke-Currie.mp4 “It was a terrific ride by Luke,” Will Hayes said post-race. “He kept him in rhythm, didn’t panic, and when the gap came, Nicolini really savaged the line.” Currie admitted the win wasn’t part of the original plan, with the gelding settling further back than expected. “Back on the fence wasn’t ideal, but he relaxed beautifully, and when the runs came, he had that turn of foot to finish over the top,” he said. Nicolini Vito ($11) stopped the clock at 1:22.18 for the 1400m on a Good 3 track, registering his ninth career win and pushing his prizemoney earnings beyond $925,000. The son of Nicconi is clearly racing as well as ever, and his powerful finish suggests he could stretch out further this campaign. Horse racing news View the full article

Stefi Magnetica (#8) winning the Group 1 Doncaster Mile. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Stefi Magnetica has risen to the occasion once again in a Group 1 contest, this time at Randwick on the opening day of The Championships, to claim the Group 1 Doncaster Mile for Bjorn Baker and Jason Collett. The daughter of All Too Hard hadn’t won since her victory in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap last winter, which saw her go around as a +1800 roughie with horse racing bookmakers. Rise At Dawn (+2500) mustered early to find the front ahead of Pericles (+6000), Gringotts (+650) and Just Folk (+8000), while the eventual winner gained cover and travelled sweetly behind the leaders in fifth position. After being trapped three-wide during the early stages of the race, Royal Patronage (+1300) pushed forward to join the leading duo, and Another Wil (+750) got onto his back to gain some cover. Royal Patronage gained a narrow lead in passing the 250m mark, going past Pericles and Rise At Dawn, which allowed Stefi Magnetica to peel off their backs to make her run. Collett pushed the mare through a gap between the tiring Another Wil and Royal Patronage to let down with her finish. Encap (+5000) took a run in between horses back on the inside, but it was Stefi Magnetica who put in a big lunge in the final stride to nab Royal Patronage on the post, ahead of the fast-finishing Encap. Click here for all Randwick replays. Bjorn Baker was very emotional following the win. “I must say it’s a massive, massive thrill,” Baker said. “I’ve got my biggest clients in this horse. I’ve got a great team. From vets, everyone, Cressfield, who we bought her off, Jason Collett, I think he’s ridden more winners for me in Australia than anyone. “It’s very, very special. “I needed to win a big race at The Championships and my team did. We’re mindful of that. We’ve had a great year, great two to three years, we’ve been zero here but we’re back. “It’s one of the iconic races and so special to be here with such a great bunch of owners. Jason Collett, he’s a bit like me, we needed a big one during The Championships. “It’s very special. I’ve got a great team. “I’m the luckiest man in the world. Unfortunately (wife) Andrea, she was here earlier, but she had to go and look after our team at home. Just so special today.” Jason Collett was just as emotional in his post-race interview. “I’m kind of shocked, to be honest. I was in front at the line and was like, ‘holy hell, sh** I’ve just won,” Collett said. “I don’t know, I was just trying to get her comfortable. Most of that race they went a very slow tempo, but I was in the right spot, and her turn of foot was electric. “She looks awful in the yard, we’ve got to be frank here. “She did come on a lot from that last start performance and I liked her gallop better on the Tuesday. “I didn’t bolt as quick, it was a bit more of a sustained bolt, but she’s unbelievable. “It is. Bjorn just said, ‘get to the fence, but not like you did in the Slipper’. Sorry, I’m just a bit taken aback.” Horse racing news View the full article

Celine Gaudray returns to the mounting yard aboard Torranzino (NZ) after winning the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Easter Cup at Caulfield Racecourse on April 05, 2025 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) For the second year in a row, Horsham trainer Paul Preusker has won the A$200,000 Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield with a New Zealand-bred. Preusker won the race with Savabeel gelding Captain Envious last year, and on Saturday he secured a repeat result with Tarzino five-year-old Torranzino. The Easter Cup was Torranzino’s third start in his current preparation, having run a bold first-up fourth behind Deny Knowledge in the Listed Victoria Gold Cup (2000m) in late February before a close last-start second in the Wangaratta Cup (2000m). He went to a new level on Saturday and recorded the first black-type win of his career, winning at $12 odds with the top horse racing bookmakers. Torranzino settled well back in the field as Future History set a genuine tempo up to the home turn. The field fanned across the track in an energy-sapping battle to the finish line, and it was Torranzino whose stamina and toughness carried him to a nose victory over Foujita San. The time was a quick 2:01.16. Group 3 Easter Cup – Celine Gaudray https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Caulfield-2025-Group-3-Easter-Cup-05042025-Torranzino-Paul-Presuker-Celine-Gaudray.mp4 “I was actually very confident, I knew he had a very good chance in this race,” jockey Celine Gaudray said. “The Wangaratta Cup wasn’t run to suit him at all – they went really slow, he ran quite aggressively and it became a sit and sprint. “It was set up a lot better for him today and I was fortunate to get off the rail at the right time and follow the right horses. I was briefly worried his wheels might spin when they put the pressure on, but everything unfolded really well. Once I put my whip into the right hand, he went to the line really nicely.” Torranzino has now had 27 starts for five wins, seven placings and A$670,090. Preusker was represented at Caulfield on Saturday by his partner Holly McKechnie. “We thought he went super in the Wangaratta Cup and he loves Caulfield, he’s got a terrific record here,” she said. “It turned into a real tough, staying 2000m race today, and that’s his forte. He needs the right tempo.” The sixth individual stakes winner for Westbury Stud stallion Tarzino, Torranzino was bred by Payne Family Racing Pty Ltd. He is the first foal to race out of the Helmet mare Goldilicious, who is a half-sister to the Group Three winner Showbeel, who in turn is out of champion stayer Showella. Torranzino was offered by Janine Dunlop’s Phoenix Park as a yearling in Book 1 of Karaka 2021, where Preusker bought him for $75,000. Horse racing news View the full article

After taking on elite opposition all season, Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) stepped down in class and scored a deserved victory in the Elsdon Park (1300m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The $65,000 open handicap was the first time Sacred Satono has raced below Group or Listed level in his five-year-old preparation. His seven previous starts produced a seventh in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), third in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), second in the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m), fourth in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), second in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m), ninth in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) and third in the Gr.3 King’s Plate (1200m). Saturday’s easier assignment brought an increase in weight to a hefty 62kg, but apprentice jockey Triston Moodley provided some relief with his 2kg claim. Sacred Satono settled just behind midfield and a couple off the fence through the early stages of the race, and he had only three behind him coming up to the 600m mark. Moodley angled Sacred Satono wider approaching the home turn and pounced at the top of the straight, striding up purposefully on the outside of Merchant Queen (Merchant Navy), Bak Da Angel (NZ) (Ace High), Pericles (NZ) (Rubick) and You Say D’Orsay (Under The Louvre). Moodley drove Sacred Satono to the front, but he was matched stride for stride by a gallant You Say D’Orsay, who had also endured a wide run after jumping from gate 10. That pair drew away to fight out a tight finish, with Sacred Satono lunging at the line and winning by a head. You Say D’Orsay finished a length and three-quarters ahead of the third-placed Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo). “I was very impressed with his performance today,” said Grant Cooksley, who trains Sacred Satono in partnership with Bruce Wallace. “He drew one of the outside gates and was caught wide for quite a lot of the race and had to cover plenty of ground. For him to still finish it off the way he did, fight hard and get the win was a good effort. “It was nice to step down in class and put a win on the board today, but I don’t think it was a case of him needing a confidence boost or anything like that. He’s always had plenty of confidence and competitiveness and tries his best every time he goes out on the track.” From 30 starts, Sacred Satono has now recorded seven wins and 10 placings including Group Three successes in the Counties Bowl (1100m) and Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m). He has earned $655,578 in stakes. Wallace and Cooksley will now consider a shot at the $150,000 Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie on April 19. “Depending on how he comes through this, we could have a look at the Easter,” Cooksley said. “There’s not a lot else around for a horse like him at this time of year, so if we don’t go there, he’ll probably go out for a break and we’ll save him for next season.” Sacred Satono was bred by Archer Equine Investments and is by Rich Hill Stud stallion Satono Aladdin out of the Mellifont mare Belle Joie. Herself a six-time winner over 1200m and 1300m, Belle Joie is the dam of four winners, with Sacred Satono backed by the Group Three-placed Simbaah. Belle Joie is a half-sister to 10-time Group One winner Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire) and to the dam of triple Group One winner Bostonian (NZ) (Jimmy Choux). Sacred Satono was offered by Rich Hill Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, where Wallace Thoroughbreds bought him for $34,000. View the full article

The form out of New Zealand’s newest and richest race stood tall on one of Australia’s biggest stages when Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) won the Gr.3 HKJC World Pool Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) on the opening day of The Championships at Randwick on Saturday. Evaporate’s last start was in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8, where he was a gallant runner-up behind Te Akau Racing filly Damask Rose. The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Evaporate had previously been a top-flight performer in Melbourne. He began his three-year-old season with four straight wins including the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1600m), then finished third in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), third in the Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) and fourth behind elite weight-for-age opposition in February’s Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m). Saturday’s Carbine Club Stakes was billed as a two-horse race between Evaporate and the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Rosehill Guineas (2000m) placegetter Swiftfalcon (Exceedance) but Evaporate came out convincingly on top. Evaporate was ridden on Saturday by Blake Shinn, who had been his NZB Kiwi conqueror with a masterful ground-saving ride on Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel). Shinn slotted Evaporate into second in the Carbine Club Stakes, sitting four lengths adrift of the free-going leader Shangri La Spring (Castelvecchio) coming down the side of the track. Evaporate began to eat into that margin approaching the home turn, and then the Per Incanto gelding cruised past Shangri La Spring with 250m to run. A quality turn of foot carried Evaporate well clear, putting an insurmountable margin between himself and the favourite Swiftfalcon. That runner warmed into his work and gained ground late in the piece, but Evaporate was still two lengths in front of him at the finish line. “He felt amazing,” Shinn said. “This is a really good horse. He’s proven that he’s on the cusp of Group One level. I think he is a Group One horse in the making. “He ran great in the Kiwi. I said to the guys that I owe them one after that race, and he came here today in really good order. Everything worked in his favour and he showed his true class. “He’s mixed it with the best horses in our land and been competitive. It was probably a step back in class a little bit today, and it was just great to get the ride and win in these colours. They’re probably some of my favourite people, Francis and Christine Cook, and it’s just an honour to win for them.” Evaporate has now had 14 starts for five wins, five placings and A$1.46 million in stakes. “He’s a horse that we’ve always had a high opinion of,” Ben Hayes said. “He ran third in a Caulfield Guineas, and this prep he hadn’t had much luck. His first three runs he had excuses. He got caught three-wide in the weight-for-age Group One. Over in the Kiwi, we were a little bit unlucky and got shuffled back. “Today, in a smaller field, Blake was able to get him into a great rhythm. He just gave Swiftfalcon too much to do and he was strong to the line. But he was carrying the two extra kilos and he won quite convincingly, so we’re thrilled. I’m thrilled for the whole team. Will and JD, they’ll be very happy in Melbourne. “He’s going into his four-year-old year next season and there’s a really nice race in Sydney called the Golden Eagle (1500m). We haven’t mapped out a path or anything, I haven’t spoken to my brothers, but that would be a Grand Final kind of race to get to, and he’s done a great job this prep. He’s travelled to New Zealand, travelled back, and he’s just thrived. He looks to have pulled up fantastic.” Evaporate was bred by Little Avondale Stud, home to Per Incanto, a son of Street Cry who has sired nine Group One winners and 33 stakes winners to date including recent Group One heroics by Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto)in Melbourne and Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) in Sydney. The dam of Evaporate is the unraced Animal Kingdom mare Savanna, whose two foals to race have both been winners. Savanna’s half-sister Belluci Babe (NZ) ( Per Incanto) carried the Little Avondale colours to Group Three success in Australia for trainer Bjorn Baker, and Little Avondale will offer her colt foal by Zoustar as Lot 297 in this week’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Evaporate was bought by Lindsay Park Racing for A$330,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2023. Little Avondale’s Sam and Catriona Williams retained a share in the ownership of Evaporate, and they were on course for his Carbine Club Stakes success at Randwick on Saturday. “This is what it’s all about,” Sam Williams said. “We’re on the international stage. We’re at The Championships. We’re on the cusp of the Easter Sale, where we’re offering a close relative to Evaporate and a number of Per Incanto yearlings. So it’s just fantastic and I’m so proud of the horse. “The New Zealand form has held up with this result, and our horses really do outperform themselves in Australia compared to their numbers. It’s fantastic for the industry, fantastic for the stud, fantastic for the stallion, and go the Kiwis for the rest of the carnival.” View the full article

Cambridge mare Val Di Zoldo (NZ) (War Decree) bounced backed to winning form after a lengthy hiatus away from the top step of the podium as she took out the Gr.3 Intowin.co.nz Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m) in a desperate finish at Wanganui. The Tony Pike-prepared daughter of War Decree had looked a filly of real quality during her two and three-year-old campaigns that saw her take out the Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) amongst a number of fine performances. However, it had been over two years since she saluted the judge in the Lowland Stakes and she broke that drought in fine fashion on Saturday with a display of real grit for rider Lily Sutherland. Race favourite Our Jumala (NZ) (Zed) was allowed to set a farcically slow pace in front of her six rivals for the majority of the contest before things began to get serious with 600m to run. Sutherland had Val Di Zoldo sitting nicely in fourth and headed to the outskirts of the track turning for home where she joined Our Jumala, Royal Flower (NZ) (Proisir) and Khanshe (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) as that quartet set down to a torrid struggle. Calling on all her reserves Val Di Zoldo rallied to thrust her head in front at just the right time to hold out a desperate finish from Nigella Lane (NZ) (Niagara), who dived through a narrow gap to snatch second from Royal Flower and Our Jumala who were almost in line for third. Pike stable representative Miranda Duthie cut a relieved figure as she welcomed the five-year-old mare back to the winners’ enclosure. “She has always had ability, but she has been unlucky and is probably the unluckiest mare in New Zealand,” Duthie said. “She was unlucky in the Cuddle Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) last time and in the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m) when Bill’s (Pinn) stirrup leather broke. “I’m just so rapt for her owner and the sable as she is just one of the easiest horses to work with and she is one of my favourites.” Bred by the late Kevin Hickman, Val Di Zoldo is raced by Robert and Kim De Courcy under their Kinsale Bloodstock banner after she was purchased for $285,000 by Bruce Sherwin out of the Valachi Downs Unreserved Young & Racing Stock Dispersal sale. Her dam is the Thorn Park mare Civetta and amongst her extended family is the star performer Fun On The Run (NZ) (Racing is fun) who won 18 races with five at stakes level including the 1989 running of the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes. Val Di Zoldo has now won three of her 30 starts and just under $240,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh was expected to dominate proceedings in Saturday’s Barfoot & Thompson 1500 (1500m) at Ellerslie and did just that by filling the trifecta in the event, however the win by progressive galloper Penman (NZ) (Contributer) was not without incident after he was promoted ahead of stablemate Erin Go Bragh (NZ) (Vadamos), who had crossed the line ahead of him. Punters had expected topweight Penman, who had contested the rich $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at his most recent start, to be the hardest to beat as he started a warm $2.10 favourite ahead of stablemates Bourbon Proof (NZ) (Justify) ($4.40) and Dramatic Miss (NZ) (El Roca) ($6.10) in the nine-horse field. However, Erin Go Bragh ($11.80) certainly wasn’t aware he was supposed to finish behind his comrades as he jumped beautifully for rider Tegan Newman, who took the bull by the horns and set up a steady pace at the head of affairs. Erin Go Bragh shot clear heading for home and still held a handy two length buffer on his hard chasing rivals, headed by Penman, Altari (NZ) (Savabeel) and Dramatic Miss, at the 200m however he started to drift away from the rail at that point and badly hampered both Altari and Penman within sight of the winning post. The Judicial committee open an inquiry into the interference caused by the winner at the 100m and with plenty of evidence from the head on vision showing the dramatic movement by Erin Go Bragh, they changed the placings to elevate Penman from second to first with Dramatic Miss finishing close up in third ahead of Toruk Makto (NZ) (Eminent) and the desperately unlucky Altari. Marsh watched the race from Sydney where he was putting the final raceday polish on talented three-year-old filly Love Poem (Snitzel) who tackled the Australian fillies in the Gr.3 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m) on the first day of the Championships at Randwick. “He is a bloody good horse this guy and he is going through the grades,” Marsh said. “He is handling things so well and he freshened up nicely after the NZB Kiwi, so were confident he could go well today. “Erin Go Bragh is also a nice horse in the making but he still is quite green and has a lot to learn. He is coming along well and that run will help bring him on even further.” Marsh will wait to see how Penman recovers from the effort before deciding on any future plans, however he does have a possible Queensland Winter Carnival campaign in mind. “He will go home and take it easy for a few days, but if he comes through it like I hope he will then Brisbane in the winter is a real possibility,” he said. “He just keeps getting better and I think he could be very competitive if we do end up sending him over there.” Penman carries the familiar colours of Albert Bosma and the Go Racing Penman Syndicate who share in his ownership with Toro Bloodstock after they purchased the son of Contributor out of the Book 1 Sale at Karaka in 2023 for $60,000. He is out of the O’Reilly mare Update, a sister to talented mare Irlanda who won three times at stakes level, while also included in his extended family are multiple Australian Group One winner Mo’unga (Savabeel) and Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Chenille (NZ) (Pentire). He has now won four of his seven starts and more than $214,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Group One winner He’s A Doozy (NZ) (Zacinto) snapped a sequence of disappointing performances with a three-length runaway in the Wanganui-Taranaki Racehorse Owners Association Open (1600m) at Wanganui on Saturday. The Zacinto gelding was one of the standouts of the central districts as a five-year-old two seasons ago, winning the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham along with a successful southern raid on the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton. He’s A Doozy added an open handicap victory over 1600m at Trentham in March of last year, followed by a second in the Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m), but was unplaced in all of his seven other starts in that campaign. That trend continued into his seven-year-old season, finishing no closer than fourth in his first 10 appearances of 2024-25. But that all changed on Saturday. Trainer Lisa Latta came into the $50,000 feature with cautious optimism that He’s A Doozy might be back on his game, and his performance proved her absolutely right. Jockey Kelly Myers pushed He’s A Doozy forward out of the gates and took up a position in second behind the front-running favourite Khafre (American Pharoah). He’s A Doozy cruised up alongside Khafre and appeared to be travelling better than that runner coming up to the home turn, and then he pounced at the top of the straight. Myers asked He’s A Doozy for full effort and he kicked away, opening up a three-length margin over Khafre and the late-finishing Chase. “We definitely haven’t seen anything like that from him all season,” Latta said. “But he looked fantastic in the parade ring today, bright in the eye and in the coat. “I said to Kelly that I wanted us to go forward and be right there turning in. Being a bit older, the bit of moisture in the ground has probably helped him today and he’s won really well.” Saturday’s performance was a sharp turnaround from He’s A Doozy’s last-start run at Riccarton on March 22, where he finished at the back of a 10-horse field and more than 16 lengths from the winner. “I had the vet go over him down south, and she thought he might have been having an allergic reaction,” Latta said. “We gave him a bit of treatment. I thought we had him pretty spot-on coming into today.” He’s A Doozy has been a superb performer for Latta, who bought him for $70,000 from Phoenix Park’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2019. He has now had 44 starts for 10 wins, five placings and $655,575 in stakes. Now that He’s A Doozy is back in the winning groove, Latta is keen to chase a Listed prize at Awapuni on April 25. “We’ll probably go to the Anzac Mile (1600m) next, and then we’ll just see what the weather’s doing before making any other plans,” she said. View the full article

A lucrative winter could be in store for talented New Zealand-bred mare Grey Ice (NZ) (Reliable man), who made a winning return to racing in the A$130,000 Stow Storage Bill Collins Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Grey Ice rose through the grades last autumn and winter with victories over 1600m at Pakenham, 1400m at the Sunshine Coast and 2200m at the Sunshine Coast. She then went on to contest the Gr.3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June, where she was unplaced behind Bases Loaded (Deep field). Saturday’s Benchmark 78 handicap was the first start since November for Grey Ice, who was overlooked as a $31 outsider among a competitive 12-horse field. But the four-year-old produced an impressive come-from-behind performance in the hands of jockey Craig Newitt. Grey Ice settled well in eighth among a strung-out field, then switched to the outside at the home turn and warmed into her work. She finished over the top of the front-running Just Glamourous (Justify) and went on to win by three-quarters of a length. “I was happy with where we were in the run,” Newitt said. “She jumped a bit better and took up a closer position than she normally does, and she travelled really kindly. She was relaxed and composed. “Her work on Tuesday morning suggested she was going to run a big race first-up. Her racing pattern just means that she relies on a bit of luck, but she was way too good for them today.” The Bevan Laming-trained Grey Ice has now had 15 starts for four wins, two placings and A$165,350 in stakes. “I was confident coming into today, but her draw (gate two) was a concern,” Laming’s son Richard said. “She takes a while to get into her stride. She ended up back on the rail, as I thought she would. “But Craig gave her a good ride and came off the fence at the right time. She had some bad luck in her last preparation, so a change of fortune first-up today is good for the owners and good for the horse. “Her work was very good during the week. She just needed the right run, got that and put them away very well. “She will get further than this – 2000m or maybe even up to 2400m. She’s bred to get up over ground, and she’s in work at the right time of year.” Grey Ice was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and is by Reliable Man out of Haliburton. That unraced mare is by Encosta De Lago out of the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Tartan Tights. Offered by Westbury Stud at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, Grey Ice was a $130,000 purchase by John White Bloodstock. View the full article

Promising stayer Embezzler (NZ) (Contributer) set himself up for a major autumn target when he scored a hard-fought victory in the feature distance event at Ellerslie on Saturday, the Horizon by Skycity Handicap (2200m). The Ross McCarroll-bred, trained and part owned five-year-old hadn’t been seen since finishing beyond mid-field in a rating 75 2000m contest at Matamata back in February. McCarroll was prepared to forgive the son of Contributor for his performance that day as he worked towards a start in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) in March, but an incident on a truck after a track gallop put the kibosh on those plans. Although he felt his charge would take enormous benefit from his first race back, an opinion he relayed to both rider Ace Lawson-Carroll and the other connections of the horse, McCarroll was hoping to see an encouraging return to the track as he sets him on a path towards the Listed Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup (2200m) on 10 May. Embezzler did more than that as he found an extra gear in the final 200m to dash between runners to put his head in front when it counted, taking the victory from Fly My Wey (NZ) (Sweynesse), Giacomo (NZ) (Puccini), Outback Opal (NZ) (El Roca) and Khan Hunter (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) in a blanket finish that saw a length between the first five home. “He was actually supposed to run in the Auckland Cup but he got injured on the Tuesday before the race when he got his leg over a rail in the truck,” McCarroll said. “I had to give him a week off so I told the owners not to back him (today) as he was a run short but he showed what he was capable of. “The main aim is the Rotorua Cup so after today I will probably give him one more run then aim for that.” Lawson-Carroll had also been expecting Embezzler to be caught short in the final stages after listening to McCarroll’s comments prior to the race. “He (McCarroll) came up to me as I was jumping on and said we would need the run today and although we were definitely in need of the winning post the last 100m, he found the line well,” he said. “There was a nice tempo up front and when Fly My Wey got rolling I knew it was time to follow him. He took me in to it and my guy came on really good as he is a nice horse. “I hope with a performance like that today Ross will keep me on.” Embezzler is out of McCarroll’s handy mare Stole who won three races in a limited career on the track before being retired to the broodmare paddock. His extended family includes multiple stakes winners Decorated Hero and Whilly. View the full article