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Wandering Eyes

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  1. “Inside Churchill Downs,” the popular weekly horse racing radio show, returns for its 11th season Friday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN Louisville's ESPN 680/105.7. Co-hosted by Churchill Downs Racetrack's Communications Team–Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein–the one-hour program will feature insights from a rotating cast of Churchill Downs' expert racing analysts: Joe Kristufek, Kaitlin Free, Tony Calo and Kevin Kilroy. Friday's season opener will spotlight this weekend's key Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks Championship Series races. Fans outside the Louisville area can listen live at www.espnlouisville.com or catch the show on-demand via podcast on the station's website. The post ‘Inside Churchill Downs’ Returns Friday for 11th Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  2. There will be a significant increase in prize-money for Group 3 and listed races, handicaps, and juvenile maidens during the 2025 Leopardstown Flat season, the racecourse announced on Thursday. Each of the 16 Group 3 races at the course will see their value rise to a minimum of €60,000 while overall prize-money for the course's eight listed races increases to €45,000. A guaranteed minimum value has been confirmed for each of the five new handicap bands with all 2-year-old maiden races rising to ensure a minimum prize fund of €20,000 per race. Paul Dermody, CEO HRI Racecourses, said, “We are delighted to be making these significant improvements at Leopardstown to its prize money for the 2025 Flat season. This season, Leopardstown will be increasing their contribution to prize-money by in excess of €271,000 compared to 2024 levels. The total prize-money for the Flat programme at Leopardstown in 2025 is expected to exceed €5.5m before their season ends in mid-October. “In addition to the increases in the Group 3 and Listed race categories, the minimum values of 0-60 handicaps at Leopardstown will be €12,000, the 0-70s will be €15,000, the 0-80 races will be €20,000, the 0-90 are €25,000, while the 0-100 rated handicaps will come in at €30,000. In conjunction with the Irish EBF, all two-year-old maidens at Leopardstown will now have a minimum value of €20,000.” The post Leopardstown Hikes Prize-Money For 2025 Flat Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  3. Godolphin's Ancient Truth (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was ruled out of G1 2000 Guineas contention with a setback earlier this week, has succumbed to the injury, Godolphin posted on X on Thursday. The G2 Superlative Stakes hero and three-time winner last ran third in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes. He won a Newmarket novice in his debut last May good for a 'TDN Rising Star' badge, and added a similar affair in June, prior to his Superlative victory. “Promising three-year-old Ancient Truth sustained a serious injury earlier this week and, despite veterinary intervention, could not be saved,” Godolphin said in a statement. “It's very sad news for everyone at Godolphin.” The homebred was out of the G2 Prix du Calvados and G3 Prix Six Perfections heroine Beyond Reason (Ire) (Australia {GB}), herself a daughter of GIII Gallorette Handicap winner No Explaining (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}). The post One-Time Guineas Hopeful Ancient Truth Succumbs To Injury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  4. DUBAI, UAE–Owners Jim and Claire Bryce have admitted to feeling “like kids in a sweet shop” ahead of Saturday's UAE Derby where their own Heart Of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.) could help jockey Saffie Osborne create history by becoming the first female jockey to win a race on Dubai World Cup night. Trained by Jamie Osborne, who won the same race 11 years ago with Toast Of New York (Thewayyouare), Heart Of Honor is the most high-profile Flat performer for the husband-and-wife owners who admitted to having mixed emotions about being forced to bypass Aintree where their Warren Greatrex-trained Good And Clever (Ire) (Soldier Of Fortune {Ire}) lines out for a Grade 1 novice hurdle on Grand National day. But speaking at Breakfast With The Stars at a sun-kissed Meydan racecourse on Thursday morning, the owners explained how Heart Of Honor is the culmination of a plan hatched by their trainer to target and buy dirt horses at the breeze-up sales for this very meeting. And the confidence in the camp is beginning to grow. “I don't think it's unreasonable to think that we're in it to win it,” Jim said. “We think that the boy has more in him than what he has shown on the track so far. It's just whether we can extract it on Saturday or not. We're hopeful.” He added, “Saffie is already the first female jockey to have won a race out here in Dubai full stop. I know she likes to play it down and she doesn't want to think about it as she wants to focus on the race but we'd love it for her if she did achieve it. We should also mention Adrie de Vries, as he rode Heart Of Honor three times and has been very supportive throughout the horse's career. Saffie is the stable jockey but he has been very helpful to us as well.” Heart Of Honor is one of eight horses that the Bryces bought through Osborne at the breeze-up sales last year and is described by Jim as the “golden nugget” within the group. He is quite a unique horse in that he has been through three different sales houses already. He was first sold as a foal by Tweenhills Stud at Tattersalls for 35,000gns with David Redvers having sourced the dam [Ruby Love (Chi) (Scat Daddy)] the previous year at Keeneland for $90,000. Heart Of Honor was then sold for €42,000 to Hurley House Stud at the Book 1 session of the Goffs Orby Sale before being knocked down to Osborne for €160,000 after posting an eye-catching breeze for Meadowview Stables in Arqana last May. Jim said, “If you were to look at him on an individual basis, you could say that he was a great bargain. Jamie came up with a project plan and, when you do a project like this, you need to buy a few horses. This horse is the golden nugget of what we bought at the breeze-up sales. To get us to Dubai World Cup in the first year of this project is quite remarkable, really. “In essence, Jamie came to me to tell me that he had been thinking about doing this for a while. We had already started coming out to Dubai and really enjoyed that. Equally, we'd seen through Jamie's past exploits, that it has been very hard to take on the Godolphin-owned horses on the turf. So we tried to do something different. It sounded interesting and I have to say we had a lot of fun going to the breeze-ups. We bought eight in total. We still have some nice ones who just weren't quite forward enough to make this campaign.” Asked about opting to go to Dubai over Aintree, Jim added, “We love it all, really. Jetting off over the winter to get a bit of sun and going racing, it's quite nice. That said, we're just as into the jumps as we ever were before. We enjoy both sides of it. It's actually quite difficult, because we have Good And Clever (Ire) (Soldier Of Fortune {Ire}) running in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree. I think we have to say that this is more special, given it's World Cup night, but we are a little bit gutted that we had to make the choice.” There's no doubt that the journey the couple have been on with Heart Of Honor over the winter months has left a lasting impression. Claire, who is being blamed by Jim for their rapidly-expanding string, admitted to being captivated by a horse auction and revealed that plans are already being hatched to go back in search of the next Heart Of Honor at the Craven and Arqana breeze-up sales. She explained, “It's been quite a dramatic increase! We've only been in ownership for the past eight years and I suppose the interest stems from my Dad, who used to take me to our local racecourse in Uttoxeter when I was young. Dad and I used to have a couple of horses that we used to go riding together on. I just love horses. Heart Of Honor has given us some great trips already and we've really enjoyed being out here.” Claire added, “I am becoming renowned for sticking my hand up at the sales! It's difficult to describe how much we love this sport but, we've been very lucky with the sale of Jim's business that, financially, we have found ourselves in a place that we never expected to be in. We're retired now but it seems as though we're as busy now as we ever were.” It's at this point where Jim points out, “Going back to your original question, about how we got into the sport, safe to say I attribute all blame to Claire!” Some people buy a boat and others take up golf in retirement. The Bryces have gone into racing in a big way and, regardless of how Heart Of Honor performs on Saturday night, one gets the feeling that they wouldn't change it for the world. There is, however, a suggestion that the couple could cash in on what is one of the hottest young dirt prospects out there. But for now, Jim and Claire are keen to enjoy the ride. Jim said, “I suppose you could say that we are very much like kids in a sweet shop right now. As the years roll on, we might put a bit more structure to the thing. I owned a software business. It was a long slog–I was in it for over 30 years–before finally getting a good payday. We haven't decided exactly what level we're going to be operating at in the market but we're definitely going to buy a few more breezers and plan on going to the Craven and France. I don't think how Heart Of Honor performs on Saturday will determine anything but, in your head, you just really want to get a good result.” He concluded, “We know lots of people have been sniffing around but I don't think we have any interest in selling the entirety of the horse. As Jamie would put it, lowering our risk could be an option at some point, in that we would sell some of the horse. But equally, it's going to be a fantastic experience on Saturday to see him racing in our colours. We're happy to take the full ride for now.” The post ‘We’re Like Kids In A Sweet Shop’ – Meet The Owners Behind UAE Derby Contender Heart Of Honor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  5. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Better known for breeding and selling top racehorses, Carrie and Craig Brogden touched down in Dubai late Wednesday and were trackside at Meydan on Thursday morning to watch their G2 Godolphin Mile hopeful Steal Sunshine (Constitution) turn in some light work over the track. It isn't the first time that the high-class Machmer Hall operation has been represented on foreign soil. The late Tepin (Bernstein) was bred by and came through the consignment before beating the boys on three occasions, including the 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Mile and G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. But to participate in a seven-figure race at a meeting as prestigious as the Dubai World Cup? “It feels different,” said Carrie Brogden. “We have certainly cheered on a lot of horses that we bred in the Derby and Tepin and had some amazing, amazing experiences. But I don't think anything quite like this, actually. It probably hasn't hit me yet, but I do know if he were lucky enough to win, you'd probably hear me back in the United States. I'm well known for that, but I can't help myself.” And who could blame her? Steal Sunshine is a son of Warm Sunshine, a $50,000 purchase at the 2015 Fasig-Tipton October Sale who was a maiden winner from seven starts for Brogden. But anything the mare did on the racetrack was going to be a bonus, as producing daughters of her sire Unbridled's Song had already provided the Brogdens with any number of breeding successes. Among the 118 worldwide graded or group winners out of Unbridled's Song's daughters are the Machmer Hall-bred offspring of Special Me–Stonestastic (Mizzen Mast), Gift Box (Twirling Candy), Special Forces (Candy Ride {Arg}) and Gina Romantica (Into Mischief) in addition to Steal Sunshine. “Speed. He produces speed,” Brogden replied when asked exactly what makes Unbridled's Song such an important influence on the bottom side of pedigrees. “For whatever reason, he's well known for not producing the durability on top. But with the broodmare side of things, he has very good record of durability in all of our mares. Special Me, my gosh, she's the epitome of that. “So, for me, people keep asking me, who is the next Unbridled Song? Obviously there's a tremendous amount of unbelievable broodmare sires now, More Than Ready, Distorted Humor, Tapit, they're all emerging. But to me, there's nothing quite like Unbridled's Song. I haven't felt the next one where you offer speed, beauty, finesse, stretch, throws beautiful physicals, good vetting most of the time. I just think he has all the components of what we're looking for. Obviously, we love Bernardini mares and stuff, but the physicals, we're in a physical-driven market, so I think that Unbridled Song, ultimately, as a broodmare sire produced the athletes, it runs to their looks.” Warm Sunshine was among that tricky third book of mares bred to WinStar's Constitution, and when Brogden gets behind a stallion, she sticks to her convictions. “She was bred when Constitution was on his bubble year and WinStar actually gave me a bonus Constitution season as a thank you for booking so many mares to him that year,” she explained. “And this is the resulting foal. Steal Sunshine smoothly gallops by at Meydan ready for the Godolphin Mile pic.twitter.com/RHrBStVAvJ — Craig Brogden (@craigbrogden) April 3, 2025 “A.P. Indy with Unbridled Song is a well-known, very successful cross. And we were very good friends, or we still are very good friends with [Twin Creek Farm's] Randy Gullatt [who raced Constitution in partnership win WinStar]. But like I said, it was a complimentary season on a bubble year and sometimes you just get lucky. We”ve seen enough through breeding that we know there are no crystal balls and horses will make liars out of everyone and anyone.” The Brogdens wouldn't ordinarily keep a colt like Steal Sunshine, and he was ticketed for the breeze-up sales in 2021, but came up with an issue. “He got a shin as a 2-year-old, which is why I didn't go the 2-year-old sale, and the rest is history,” Brogden explained. “Torie and Jimbo Gladwell of Top Line broke him and started him for us. And she told me that he was very talented and if they breezed him for the sale, they were going to hurt him. So, we pulled the plug and just gave him time, and he hasn't missed a beat since, really.” Twice a stakes winner at three under the care of Bobby Dibona, Steal Sunshine registered a breakthrough success at the graded level when taking the 2024 GII Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes. A midpack sixth behind White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Pegasus World Cup in January, Steal Sunshine was off very slowly in defense of his title in the Mar. 1 Gulfstream Park Mile, but made an eyecatching move on the turn and was getting to the victorious 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe at the wire to round out a Constitution 1-2. Brogden suggests that at least some of the 6-year-old's consistency and durability owes to a patient approach that allows Steal Sunshine to just be a horse for a chunk of time. “Every single year we've given him a 30-day layoff in the field,” she said. “And every year I send him back to my trainer and he's like, 'Oh my God. We're never going to get him back.' And I was like, 'Bobby, imagine a bodybuilder going out and eating pancakes or whatever for a month.' And so I think that that's very important. To me, a layoff or a freshening is not tack- walking in the shedrow and spending 23 hours in the stall. It is being out on the land, enjoying grass, relaxation. “He actually is out with Vinceremos every single time he comes back and every single time, it's crazy. I put a video on Twitter of it last time because every single year they get turned out. They run to each other. They know each other immediately.” Steal Sunshine, now campaigned in partnership with Mike and Jules Iavarone, Kevin Pollard, David Menard and Ed Gorry, is drawn three in a scratched-down field of 14 for Saturday's $1-million contest. Top Japanese jockey Christophe Lemaire takes the reins. “Great draw. Really happy with the draw,” Brogden said. “I'm sorry to see two scratches in the race, but at least the speed horses are still in right now.” Having taken some time to tour the sprawling Dubai Mall in the comfort of air conditioning on Thursday, the Brogdens are prepared for a scorching day in the desert sun on Saturday before boarding an early-morning flight back to the States on Sunday. They wouldn't trade places with anyone. “To be there from the day they're born and then to come this far…he's just the epitome of soundness and durability and he's just thriving here. And he always shows up.” After his Dubai Cup race @RacingDubai Steal Sunshine is scheduled for another 30 day vacay w former Ky derby now babysitter, Vinceremos we truly believe proper turnouts during the race year lead to happiness and longevity. https://t.co/8WqHJn5zff — Carrie Brogden (@MachmerHall) April 2, 2025 The post Nothing But ‘Sunshine’ For The Brogdens in Dubai appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  6. Chief executive Engelbrecht-Bresges open to negotiations: ‘It has to be something which benefits us’.View the full article
  7. Champion Hong Kong-based jockey will have to be at his brilliant best to help Canadian import overcome difficult gate in Randwick Group One.View the full article
  8. Auguste Rodin (Ire) will be joining his fellow Coolmore stallion and Derby winner City Of Troy in shuttling to the Southern Hemisphere this coming season but he will head instead to New Zealand's Windsor Park Stud. The son of Deep Impact (Jpn) will stand for NZ$30,000 (approximately €16,000). The stud's eight-strong stallion line-up also includes Paddington (GB) and Circus Maximus (Ire), and it has previously been home to the Coolmore shuttlers Montjeu (Ire) and High Chaparral (Ire). Windsor Park Stud principal Rodney Schick said, “We are privileged to welcome a racehorse of Auguste Rodin's calibre to our stallion roster. “His race performance has a remarkable similarity to that of High Chaparral, who we stood here at Windsor Park and who enjoyed global success and international renown through his own success and that of his sons, grandsons and daughters at stud. “We extend our thanks to Coolmore for their continued strong endorsement and support of both Windsor Park and the New Zealand breeding industry, just as they did last season shuttling Paddington here.” A Group 1 winner at two, three and four, Auguste Rodin triumphed at the highest level six times, adding the Irish Derby to his Epsom success and also winning the Irish Champion Stakes and Prince of Wales's Stakes over 1m2f. Coolmore's Tom Magnier added, “Auguste Rodin is an exceptional racehorse and stallion prospect with the blend of class, speed and pedigree that only the very best possess. “He is a very special horse for us at Coolmore and I truly believe he ranks up there with the best racehorses and sires that we have stood here before him. “We're delighted he is going to shuttle to Windsor Park Stud to enhance his future legacy in the Southern Hemisphere”. The post Windsor Park Stud ‘Privileged’ to Stand Coolmore’s Auguste Rodin in NZ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  9. What Dubai World Cup Night 2025 Where Dubai Racing Club – Al Meydan Rd, Dubai – United Arab Emirates When Saturday, April 5, 2025 First Race 4:35pm DST (11:35pm AEDT) Visit Dabble The 2025 Dubai World Cup attracts the world’s best to compete on a stacked nine-part program at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday evening, with a mix of features to be run on all-weather and turf courses. The rail is in the true position throughout the entire circuit, and with pristine conditions forecast leading into the weekend, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 4:35pm local time. Check out HorseBetting.com.au’s best bets for the Dubai World Cup meeting down below. Dubai World Cup Tip: Forever Young Forever Young continues to build a formidable record, only suffering defeat twice in his 10-start career. The son of Real Steel surged past Romantic Warrior in a ding-dong battle to claim the worlds’ richest race on dirt, getting the head down where it matters most in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m) at Riyadh on February 22. He should only improve stepping out to 2000m, and with trainer Yoshito Yahagi knowing what it takes to win on the world stage, expect the Dubai World Cup to return to Japan for the second time in three years. Dubai World Cup Race 9 – #1 Forever Young (5) 4yo Colt | T: Yoshito Yahagi | J: Ryusei Sakai (57kg) Dubai Sheema Classic Tip: Calandagan Calandagan is yet to taste Group 1 success in his eight-start career but appears poised to strike in the Group 1 Sheema Classic (2400m). The son of Gleneagles closed on the heels of City Of Troy in the Group 1 Juddmonte Stakes (2056m) first-up last preparation and was subsequently luckless in the Group 1 Champion Stakes (2000m) at Ascot on October 29 before heading to the paddock. The Aga Khan gelding has been targeted for this race ever since, and with Mickael Barzalona set to get the one-one from gate two, Calandagan should get every chance to claim the 2025 Sheema Classic. Dubai Sheema Classic Race 8 – #5 Calandagan (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis-Henri Graffard | J: Mickael Barzalona (57kg) Dubai Turf Tip: Romantic Warrior Romantic Warrior and James McDonald reunite to take on the world in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m). The Hong Kong superstar lost no admirers suffering defeat in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m), where the son of Acclamation acquitted himself well racing on the dirt for the first time. He gets back to the same course and distance where he dispatched his rivals in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) on January 25, and provided he can replicate that performance, Romantic Warrior should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Dubai Turf Race 7 – #8 Romantic Warrior (9) 7yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: James McDonald (57kg) Best Bet at Meydan: Howdeepisyourlove Howdeepisyourlove makes the journey across from Hong Kong to contest the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m), and the John Size-trained gelding should take a power of beating. His form-lines behind the worlds’ best sprinter Ka Ying Rising jump off the page compared to some key rivals, with the son of Deep Field running into the minor money on back-to-back occasions. He’s been tested down a straight which is a bonus, and with James McDonald set to be legged aboard, Howdeepisyourlove is a deserving favourite with in the 2025 Al Quoz Sprint. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 Howdeepisyourlove (9) 6yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: James McDonald (59.5kg) Next Best at Meydan: Trawlerman The John & Thady Gosden-trained Trawlerman brings elite staying form-lines to the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) and must be considered a major player despite being first-up from a six-month break. The son of Golden Horn was sensational finishing third in this event last year, with only Tower Of London and race rival Al Nayyir getting the better of him in a fast-run race. Trawlerman has matched motors with Kyprios in the past, and if he brings an ounce of that form into this, the $5.50 with is good value. Next Best Race 2 – #8 Trawlerman (3) 7yo Gelding | T: John & Thady Gosden | J: William Buick (58.5kg) Horse racing tips View the full article
  10. Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have issued charges against three licenced industry participants following separate investigations relating to prohibited substances, horse welfare, and misconduct. Jim Conlan charged over Caffeine positive Mornington-based trainer Jim Conlan has been charged under Australian Rule of Racing 240(2) after a pre-race blood sample from his galloper Wealdstone tested positive to caffeine and its metabolites, Theophylline and Theobromine. The sample was taken prior to Wealdstone’s third-place finish in Race 7, the Ground Screws Victoria Handicap (2050m), at Mornington on December 6, 2024. Analysis conducted by both Racing Analytical Services Limited and the Australian Racing Forensics Laboratory confirmed the presence of the prohibited substances, which are listed under Prohibited List B as central nervous system stimulants. During their investigation, Stewards noted that Mr. Conlan had been using the product MetaboLize, manufactured by Poseidon Animal Health. RV issued an industry-wide notice on March 13, 2025, advising all trainers to cease using MetaboLize due to concerns it may contain caffeine. The charge will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal at a date yet to be determined. Grace Tregear charged over neglect of retired racehorses Registered owner Grace Tregear has been issued five charges under AR 231(1)(b)(iv) after being found to have failed to provide proper and sufficient nutrition to five retired thoroughbred racehorses in her care between February 1 and August 12, 2024. The charges relate to a breach of horse welfare obligations and will be brought before the Victorian Racing Tribunal. Heath Chalmers faces multiple charges over training incident Trainer Heath Chalmers is facing three charges following an incident on November 20, 2024, in which his horse Immortal Weapon suffered serious injuries while being trained on a jogger and was subsequently euthanised. The charges include: AR 228(b): Improper conduct in the use of a jogger which resulted in the horse’s fatal injuries. AR 231(1)(a): Possession of a lead rope with a metal clip, deemed capable of inflicting cruelty. AR 233(a): Breach of Racing Victoria’s Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare Policy by using an unbreakable tether to tie the horse to the jogger. These charges will also be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed. Horse racing news View the full article
  11. What Caulfield Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, April 5, 2025 First Race 12:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) and Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) headline a quality 10-race meeting at Caulfield Racecourse this Saturday. Showers are forecast leading into race day, but it shouldn’t be enough to deteriorate the track rating from a Good 4. The rail comes out 9m for the entire circuit, with the first event set to jump at 12:10pm AEDT. Easter Cup Tip: Torranzino Torranzino was defied by the barest of margins in the Wangaratta Cup (2000m) last time out, and he looks a great play in the 2025 Easter Cup. The son of Tarzino is already a two-time winner at the Caulfield 2000m, and based on his run when finishing 1.3 lengths off Deny Knowledge two starts ago, he shapes as a key player despite his $12 quote with horse racing bookmakers. He will need the race to be run at a genuine clip, but with a strong finishing burst, Torranzino will take some holding out if the breaks go his way. Easter Cup Race 8 – #11 Torranzino (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Paul Preusker | J: Celine Gaudray (54kg) Victoria Handicap Tip: Roll On High Roll On High could not have been any more impressive when charging home from the rear of the field over the unsuitable 1100m at Caulfield first-up. The four-year-old mare has a devastating turn of foot on her day, and with the 2025 Victoria Handicap set to be a genuinely run affair, it should suit this girl perfectly. Celine Gaudray will look for a bum to follow from barrier 12, and if Roll On High can sprint sharply, her best is too good for this lot. Next Best Race 9 – #9 Roll On High (12) 4yo Mare | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Celine Gaudray (Weight kg) Best Bet at Caulfield: Statuario Statuario has been competitive in much harder races than what he lines up in on Saturday. The son of D’argento finished 2.1 lengths off the classy Shanwah in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) last time out when having to make a sustained run from the rear of the field at Moonee Valley. With plenty of speed engaged in this, the race sets up perfectly for Statuario to build through his gears before overhauling his rivals late over 2400m. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Statuario (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Emma-Lee & David Browne | J: John Allen (57kg) Next Best at Caulfield: Kings Valley Kings Valley simply does not know how to run a poor race, with four wins and four more placings from eight runs this campaign. That includes a smart BM88 win at Randwick on March 1 when getting the better of the classy Birdman. The son of Territories stays at 2000m, and despite rising 6kg after Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim, Kings Valley looks the best horse in the race on paper. Next Best Race 6 – #2 Kings Valley (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (62.5kg) Best Value at Caulfield: Georgie Get Mad Georgie Get Mad is coming off a determined win at Geelong on March 15, getting the better of a handy BM78 field when leading throughout. The six-year-old gelding will look to adopt similar tactics under Dakotah Keane, having drawn barrier 19 as she steps back to BM70 company. The son of Australia should get a relatively uncontested lead throughout, and if his rivals let him do as he pleases out in front, Georgie Get Mad will take some catching at $23 with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Georgie Get Mad (19) 6yo Gelding | T: Denis Pagan | J: Dakotah Keane (a3) (63.5kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, April 5, 2025 1-2-3-4-5 1-6-10-11 1-2-3-6-8-9-11-12-13 1-9-15-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
  12. What WA Oaks Day 2025 Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, April 5, 2025 First Race 12:24pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 3 WA Oaks will headline the nine-race card at Ascot on Saturday afternoon, where the opening event is set to jump at 12:24pm AWST. Although there is rain forecast in the lead-up to the meeting, the track will remain a Good 4 throughout the day. The rail will be in the +7m position for the entire circuit, which will favour on-speed runners. WA Oaks tip: Machine Gun Gracie Machine Gun Gracie will go around as an odds-on commodity with BlondeBet in the WA Oaks, and the Justine Erkelens-trained filly has deserved to be so short. The daughter of Maschino was a dominant winner in the Listed Natasha Stakes, leading every step of the way en route to a 3.4-length victory. With conditions expected to favour her more on Saturday, Machine Gun Gracie will only have to maintain her form to win again. WA Oaks Race 8 – #2 Machine Gun Gracie (7) 3yo Filly | T: Justine Erkelens | J: Shaun O’Donnell (55.5kg) Melvista Stakes tip: Play Fair Neville and Chris Parnham will combine with Play Fair for the first time in the Listed Melvista Stakes. This son of Playing God appears to be a stayer in the making, and his last 200m in the J.C. Roberts Stakes was the best of the beaten brigade after he was held up turning for home. Parnham is expected to follow the horse racing bookmakers favourite, Sail Session, at the back of the field, and if he can follow him around the home turn, Play Fair can finish off strongly and turn the tables. Melvista Stakes Race 5 – #2 Play Fair (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Neville Parnham | J: Chris Parnham (54kg) Old Comrade Stakes tip: Watch Me Rock Following their clash in the Listed Grandstand Cup last start, stablemates Watch Me Rock and Fluro Neuro will meet again in the Old Comrade Stakes over 1600m. The son of Awesome Rock was made to wait for a run to appear in the home straight before bursting through late to claim a narrow victory. After drawing barrier five, Watch Me Rock can stay out of trouble, peel off the backs of the leaders, and claim another black-type victory. Old Comrade Stakes Race 3 – #2 Watch Me Rock (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (59kg) Best Bet at Ascot: West Star West Star will return from a 23-week spell to compete in a 1200m contest as he seeks to make his claim for a slot in The Quokka later this month. The Simon Miller-trained gelding was an impressive winner of the Listed Belgravia Stakes last start and has returned with a nice trial victory at Belmont over 1000m in readiness for this run. The only negative for West Star is barrier one, but if Chris Parnham can navigate a path off the fence, he will prove too good. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 West Star (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Simon Miller | J: Chris Parnham (56.5kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, April 5, 2025 3-4 1-2-4-8 2-3-6 1-3-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
  13. Honest speedster will chase his maiden Group One success in Saturday’s Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) in Dubai.View the full article
  14. Malaysia continues to emerge as a leading racing jurisdiction, and the major racing club in Selangor Turf Club (STC), has had a long-standing relationship with NZB. As a result of the partnership, STC announced a raft of bonus races for graduates of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale as well as incentives for their trainers to purchase at the leading sale of its kind. The first of that series takes place this Sunday 6 April 2025, with the staging of the RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup containing a high quality field of 12 graduates from the 2023 Sale, ranging in purchase prices from $25,000 to $100,000. Of those, top performer Duma (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) looks the one to beat, despite his last-start unplaced run. The Frank Maynard-trained gelding has won two of his five starts and run second on another two occasions. NZTE’s Suzy Fewtrell & NZB’s Mike Kneebone presenting to STC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim. Photo: supplied Duma was purchased for $45,000 by Esther Quan Hui Lim from Prima Park’s 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale draft. NZB’s Director of Business Mike Kneebone is looking forward to the feature race. “Malaysian buyers have been an integral part of the success of our Ready to Run Sale for many years. The Sale has always been a source of quality and value for them, with a big catalogue for more options.” “In turn our support of the Selangor Turf Club goes back 50 years. This race series is built on the foundations of a relationship of trust, respect and transparency.” “It’s an exciting weekend of racing for them as they continue to strengthen their racing position and expand their horse population, and we can’t wait to see them back at Karaka again in November.” The RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup is set to take place Sunday around 9:25 PM (NZT). The NZB Ready to Run 2023 Graduate Cup offers stakes of RM150,000 while the second race in the Series, the NZB Ready To Run Open Championship will be held on 2 November 2025 and will offer prize money of RM300,000. NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale will take place on 13 and 14 November at Karaka while the Breeze Ups are scheduled for 13 and 14 October at Te Rapa Racecourse. 2025 RM150,000 NZB Ready to Run Sale 2023 Graduate Cup Field: View the full article
  15. Lindsay Park galloper Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will ramp up his program towards a first international foray with a jump-out at Flemington. The Ben, Will and Jd Hayes-trained galloper is booked to have an 800m jump-out on Friday. He will then have another jump-out, possibly on Friday week, before he departs for Hong Kong to contest the Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on April 27. The Hayes brothers are looking forward to travelling Mr Brightside to Hong Kong and will have the right person in their father David Hayes to bounce any ideas off in the lead-up to the race. Mr Brightside took out the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22 and has not raced since finishing second to Tom Kitten in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8. With flights booked for Hong Kong, Ben Hayes said it was exciting to be heading overseas for the first time with Mr Brightside. “It’s something we have always wanted to do,” Hayes said. “With the prize money being so good in Australia and so many good opportunities here, with him winning nine Group 1’s and being placed in eight, the timing wasn’t right. “But I think it’s a good year to be going. “The absolute superstar Golden Sixty is not around anymore, Romantic Warrior is not going to run, and he would most likely have been in the 2000-metre race anyway.” Hayes said there were no plans to look further abroad. He said the timing of the Hong Kong meeting was perfect as it allowed plenty of time for a proper break afterwards. With a spring program still to be finalised, the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick and the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington are probable targets. “The beauty with going to Hong Kong is we’ll have time to get him back, give him a break, and then target a spring campaign,” Hayes said. “There are those great races like the King Charles and the mile race on final day at Flemington. “The Carnival lingers on, so there’s lots more racing later on, but we’ll probably look to keep him at races up to a mile now as there’s so many options. “It’s exciting.” View the full article
  16. Aidan Rodley made a trip out to Ciaron Maher’s Southern Highlands base in New South Wales where Willydoit is stabled in preparation for a shot at the ATC Derby on Saturday. View the full article
  17. Allan Sharrock has designs on another feature prize for Islington Lass (NZ) (Proisir) before her season draws to a close, with Saturday’s Wanganui meeting a key lead-in to the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) later this month. The six-year-old by Proisir continued to add to a phenomenal race-record in the early summer, winning the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) over Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini) and Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir), a pair who have gone on to win Group races in their own right. Whangaehu’s victory came in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m), where Islington Lass finished fifth before heading to the paddock. “She had three weeks off and worked around the farm for a couple of weeks,” said Allan Sharrock, who trains the mare at New Plymouth. “She’s come back and had a jump-out at Hawera where she went nicely, I think she’ll need the run on Saturday, but it’ll give us a leg up to the Travis Stakes, that is her first serious goal. “Taking four kilos off will make it easier for her on Saturday and hopefully she can go a nice race for us.” Islington Lass will be partnered by Sharrock’s apprentice Sima Mxothwa in the Wanganui-Taranaki Racehorse Owners Association Open (1600m), where she will carry a luxury of 55.5kg as a 99-rated galloper. Beyond Saturday’s contest, Sharrock will look to Te Rapa on April 26 for the fillies and mares feature, but that will likely be the top of her distance range this preparation. “The only race that would be an option over that (Manawatu Cup) distance is the Rotorua Cup (Listed), so I think we’ll stay around a mile and 2000m with her,” he said. “She won’t have many more starts before going out, and we’ll set her for some good targets in the spring again.” Earlier on the card, well-related filly Shacktime (NZ) (Tivaci) will contest in the Manawatu Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association 3YO (1350m). The daughter of Tivaci is a half-sister to Kawi, a former superstar of the Sharrock stable who won seven Group Ones in his career. While her relation holds a big reputation, Shacktime has earned admirers in the early stages of her career, winning at start two before a big run for fifth behind Archaic Smile at New Plymouth last time out. “She went awesome last time, she missed the start by seven lengths and produced at the 300 like the winner, then peaked on her run which was understandable,” Sharrock said. “She’s worked super and is a nice filly too, I’ve got a bit of time for her. “I expect her to race well, there is a bit of ability in that race but she’ll compete really well.” The impending rain at Wanganui could have a part to play in Tavi Ann’s chances, with the mare set to take her place in the final event of the day over the middle-distance trip. “I’m not convinced she’s a 2000m mare, but I am convinced that she likes Wanganui, so it depends on how much rain we get and how arduous that 2000m becomes for her,” Sharrock said. “There were no 75 miles in the CD that I could see, so we really had no option but to go 2000m. “Shacktime is in race one and Islington Lass can handle the cut out of the track, I’m just a bit worried about the last race.” Sharrock also has a pair of runners heading to Waverley on Friday, including a booming last-start maiden winner in El Jaycee. Mxothwa will retain the ride, bringing her impost down to 53kg in the Good Luck Team Wanganui At Halberg Games (1400m). “I think the application of blinkers made a big difference, she just ran them into the ground,” Sharrock said. “It’s the same for Waverley by the last race, whether it gets too ardous for her, that’s something we will assess. They will possibly not be getting the rain that we’re getting in New Plymouth, let’s hope not.” Preferment gelding Smartroad (NZ) (Preferment) is also expected to be among the better chances in the Whangaehu/Humphrey and Fiona O’Leary (2200m), with Lemmy Douglas in the saddle for the highweight contest. “He went a good race last start and going up in distance, I expect him to be an each-way play as well,” Sharrock said. View the full article
  18. Malaysia continues to emerge as a leading racing jurisdiction, and the major racing club in Selangor Turf Club (STC), has had a long-standing relationship with NZB. As a result of the partnership, STC announced a raft of bonus races for graduates of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale as well as incentives for their trainers to purchase at the leading sale of its kind. The first of that series takes place this Sunday 6 April 2025, with the staging of the RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup containing a high quality field of 12 graduates from the 2023 Sale, ranging in purchase prices from $25,000 to $100,000. Of those, top performer Duma (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) looks the one to beat, despite his last-start unplaced run. The Frank Maynard-trained gelding has won two of his five starts and run second on another two occasions. NZTE’s Suzy Fewtrell & NZB’s Mike Kneebone presenting to STC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim. Photo: supplied Duma was purchased for $45,000 by Esther Quan Hui Lim from Prima Park’s 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale draft. NZB’s Director of Business Mike Kneebone is looking forward to the feature race. “Malaysian buyers have been an integral part of the success of our Ready to Run Sale for many years. The Sale has always been a source of quality and value for them, with a big catalogue for more options.” “In turn our support of the Selangor Turf Club goes back 50 years. This race series is built on the foundations of a relationship of trust, respect and transparency.” “It’s an exciting weekend of racing for them as they continue to strengthen their racing position and expand their horse population, and we can’t wait to see them back at Karaka again in November.” The RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup is set to take place Sunday around 9:25 PM (NZT). The NZB Ready to Run 2023 Graduate Cup offers stakes of RM150,000 while the second race in the Series, the NZB Ready To Run Open Championship will be held on 2 November 2025 and will offer prize money of RM300,000. NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale will take place on 13 and 14 November at Karaka while the Breeze Ups are scheduled for 13 and 14 October at Te Rapa Racecourse. 2025 RM150,000 NZB Ready to Run Sale 2023 Graduate Cup Field: View the full article
  19. Things haven’t gone quite to plan with Mustang Morgan (NZ) (Preferment) in the Australian leg of his preparation, but trainer Andrew Forsman is hopeful of a bold showing in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick nonetheless. Following his fourth placing in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) behind Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) last month, Mustang Morgan flew to Sydney with the plan of running in the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill last Saturday, a race Forsman has had plenty of success in the past, winning two editions (Jon Snow in 2017 and Quick Thinker in 2020) when training in partnership with Murray Baker. However, those plans were unfoiled with wet weather in Sydney, which led to his withdrawal from the race and its subsequent transfer to Tuesday, which Forsman felt would have been too tight of a turnaround ahead of Saturday’s Derby. While unable to get an Australian run into his charge ahead of the Derby, Forsman has been pleased with Mustang Morgan’s work ahead of the weekend and said he has him as fit as he can ahead of the elite-level assignment. “It hasn’t gone to plan. We did really want to have that run last Saturday but couldn’t really risk running him on a Heavy track,” Forsman said. “As it happened, it would have been an even shorter back-up and still quite a testing track at Rosehill. “It’s not how we wanted it to unfold but we have put as much work into him as we can.” Mustang Morgan will jump from barrier 12 on Saturday, with Craig Williams aboard, and TAB bookmakers currently rate him a $41 winning chance in a market headed by Aeliana at $3.30, while New Zealand Derby hero Willydoit is the second elect at $3.70. “The draw is not ideal, a bit closer to the rail would have been nice, but we are hoping we can get a similar beginning to the New Zealand Derby, work across and put himself in a forward position,” Forsman said. “He (Craig Williams) is a big-race jockey, so I am sure he has got a plan in-mind.” Forsman will also head to Randwick with staying mare Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor), who will contest the Gr.2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m). The Ben Kwok-raced four-year-old has drawn barrier 15 for Saturday’s contest, continuing a frustrating run of draws across the Tasman. “She has just had no luck at all with wide draws this preparation. She was four wide with no cover last start and she has drawn pretty poorly again this weekend,” Forsman said. “But up to 2600m should suit and hopefully she gets a bit of luck in the run this time.” Positivity is out of favour with the bookies, currently sitting at $61 with the TAB, with the market dominated by the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Alalcance at $2.80. View the full article
  20. Six-time Group One winner Auguste Rodin will shuttle to Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge this spring in a coup for the New Zealand breeding industry. One of the world’s finest racehorses, Auguste Rodin enjoyed elite-level success at two, three and four. An impeccably-bred son of Deep Impact out of Galileo’s triple Group One winning daughter Rhododendron, Auguste Rodin boasts one of the most sought-after pedigrees in the world. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Auguste Rodin made an immediate impact on the track, showcasing an exceptional turn of foot and versatility over multiple distances. As a two-year-old, his ability was immediately obvious, earning TDN Rising Star status when winning his maiden at Naas over 1400m, before taking the Gr.2 Champions Juvenile (1600m) at Leopardstown and the prestigious Gr.1 Futurity Trophy (1600m) at Doncaster. His three-year-old campaign confirmed his status as a true champion. Auguste Rodin claimed a stunning victory in the Gr.1 Epsom Derby (2400m), followed by an emphatic win in the Gr.1 Irish Derby (2400m). His dominance continued with victories in the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) before crossing the pond for a memorable triumph in the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2400m) at Santa Anita. Auguste Rodin winning the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) defeating multiple Group One winner Luxembourg Photo: supplied Returning as a four-year-old, Auguste Rodin added another jewel to his crown, winning the Gr.1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes (2000m) at Royal Ascot. Auguste Rodin retired as the winner of eight races with prizemoney earnings in excess of NZ$11 million over distances from 1400m to 2400m, defeating 21 individual Group One winners, with 45 Group One wins between them. “We are privileged to welcome a racehorse of Auguste Rodin’s calibre to our stallion roster,” Windsor Park principal Rodney Schick said. “His race performance has a remarkable similarity to that of High Chaparral who we stood here at Windsor Park and who enjoyed global success and international renown through his own success and that of his sons, grandsons and daughters at stud. “We extend our thanks to Coolmore for their continued strong endorsement and support of both Windsor Park and the New Zealand breeding industry, just as they did last season shuttling Paddington here. “Like High Chaparral, Auguste Rodin has loads of quality and we are so excited to be able to offer him to breeders.” Auguste Rodin’s career mirrors that of High Chaparral. Both horses share victories in the Futurity Trophy at two, the English and Irish Derbies, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf with the key difference being Auguste Rodin’s success at Royal Ascot in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at four. “Auguste Rodin is an exceptional racehorse and stallion prospect with the blend of class, speed and pedigree that only the very best possess,” said Coolmore’s MV Magnier. “He is a very special horse for us at Coolmore and I truly believe he ranks up there with the best racehorses and sires that we have stood here before him. “We’re delighted he is going to shuttle to Windsor Park Stud to enhance his future legacy in the Southern Hemisphere”. Auguste Rodin hails from the final crop of Japanese Triple Crown winner and 11-time Champion Sire Deep Impact, a son of the legendary racehorse and sire Sunday Silence to whom Auguste Rodin bears a striking physical resemblance. Auguste Rodin boasts six multiple-champion sires in his first three generations, directly descending from three standout race mares—all Group One performers at a mile or less. He is the first foal from triple Group One winner Rhododendron, one of the premier daughters of immortal sire and broodmare sire Galileo and a sister to seven-time Group One winner Magical. Both Champion sisters are out of Pivotal’s triple Group One and 1,000 Guineas winner Halfway To Heaven while his brilliantly fast third dam Cassandra Go won the time-honoured Gr.1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot. The blend of Deep Impact with Galileo blood has given rise to an eyewatering 17% Group winners to runners. Trainer Aidan O’Brien described Auguste Rodin as a rare talent. “He was always very highly rated from the time he was a foal at Coolmore and when Ryan (Moore) first rode him as an early two-year-old he said then he was a very special horse. “He connects two of the most powerful breeding lines in the world and was a pleasure to train. “Physically he fills the eye so well as he has that extra quality and movement. He’s very well balanced and very well proportioned and blessed with a big stride which is usually the sign of a very good horse.” Auguste Rodin takes his place on Windsor Park’s 2025 stallion roster with fellow Coolmore sires Paddington and Circus Maximus and alongside resident leading stallion Shamexpress, sire of the world’s highest-rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Auguste Rodin will stand in 2025 at an introductory fee of $30,000+gst. View the full article
  21. Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Kindergarten Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 Location: Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, New South Wales Prize Money: $250,000 Distance: 1100m The Kindergarten Stakes is a Group 3 race for two-year-olds, run over 1100m at Royal Randwick under set weight conditions. First held in 1987, it was originally a lead-up to the Golden Slipper before becoming part of the Derby Day program on Day 1 of The Championships from 2012 onwards. Previously run at Warwick Farm for many years, the Kindergarten Stakes gained Group 3 status in 1998, after holding Listed status from 1989. The 2025 edition offers $250,000 in prizemoney. The 2024 Kindergarten Stakes was won by Espionage, defeating Roselyn’s Star and Hallett. Other notable Kindergarten Stakes winners include Star Watch, Show County, Slight Chance, Snowland, Niello, Wanted, Hallowed Crown, Astern, and Solar Charged. 2025 Kindergarten Stakes betting odds Espionage was a class above in the Kindergarten Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Odds for the Kindergarten Stakes as of April 1 – Courtesy of Neds North England Win $3.80 Place $1.70 King Of Pop Win $4.40 Place $1.85 Strada Varenna Win $6.00 Place $2.25 Aleppo Pine Win $7.00 Place $2.50 Beskar Win $8.00 Place $2.75 Prestige Forever Win $8.00 Place $2.75 Hidden Motive Win $10.00 Place $3.25 Alabama Magic Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Stormland Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Thalestris Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Headbanger Win $26.00 Place $7.25 Sylph Win $26.00 Place $7.25 Hay Street Win $51.00 Place $13.50 Missile Magnate Win $51.00 Place $13.50 Fortissimo Win $61.00 Place $16.00 I Am Carrot Win $61.00 Place $16.00 Mednyi Win $61.00 Place $16.00 How to bet on the Kindergarten Stakes All of our top horse racing bookmakers have markets for the Kindergarten Stakes. These Kindergarten Stakes betting sites can be access via several different means, including via mobile (including iOS and Android betting apps), computer and even via telephone betting in some cases. These Kindergarten Stakes bookmakers will offer outright fixed odds markets on the Kindergarten Stakes when the race draws closer. These Kindergarten Stakes odds will also increase in volume in the week of the race, allowing punters to place exotic bets like trifectas, first fours and many others. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. 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Kindergarten Stakes News Randwick race-by-race tips & quaddie | The Championships Day 1 Horse Racing Tips 52 minutes ago Check out HorseBetting’s free race-by-race preview for Day 1 of The Championships scheduled for Royal Randwick on Saturday, April 5, … Read More Espionage proves too classy in Kindergarten Stakes triumph Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have claimed another two-year-old winner, as Tommy Berry piloted Espionage to victory in the Group … Read More Randwick races full preview & quaddie | The Championships Day 1 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Randwick Racecourse is scheduled to host a massive 10-race card for Day 1 of The Championships. Check out HorseBetting’s race-by-race … Read More Libertad gets off the canvas in a strong Kindergarten Stakes win Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Annabel Neasham and Chad Schofield have combined with Libertad to take out the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes at Randwick on … Read More Semillion, Pike dig deep in Kindergarten Stakes Australia horse racing news 3 years ago The Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained Semillion has managed to lead throughout the Kindergarten Stakes at Randwick to salute as … Read More Distance drop the right recipe for Paulele Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Godolphin has drawn first blood on the opening day of The Championships, claiming the Kindergarten Stakes with Paulele … Read More 2025 Kindergarten Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 North England Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 5 56.5kg 2 King Of Pop Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Zac Lloyd 1 56.5kg 3 Aleppo Pine James Cummings Blake Shinn 10 56.5kg 4 Missile Magnate Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald Mark Zahra 4 56.5kg 5 Stormland Ciaron Maher Jason Collett 3 56.5kg 6 Beskar Anthony & Sam Freedman Ben Melham 9 56.5kg 7 Fortissimo Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich Aaron Bullock 8 56.5kg 8 Hay Street Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald Adam Hyeronimus 7 56.5kg 9 Strada Varenna Bjorn Baker Zac Purton 11 54.5kg 10 Alabama Magic Brett Cavanough Braith Nock 2 54.5kg 11 Sylph Michael Freedman Damian Lane 6 54.5kg 12 Thalestris Anthony & Sam Freedman Tommy Berry 12 54.5kg Previous Kindergarten Stakes Fields 2024 Kindergarten Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Espionage Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tommy Berry 3 56.5kg 2 King Of Roseau Peter & Paul Snowden Blake Shinn 9 56.5kg 3 Embassy Peter & Paul Snowden Zac Purton 1 56.5kg 4 Roselyn’s Star John O’Shea Nash Rawiller 8 56.5kg 5 Hezdarnhottoo Bjorn Baker Ms Rachel King 2 56.5kg 6 Perspiration Ciaron Maher James McDonald 6 56.5kg 7 Extreme Diva Anthony Cummings Damian Lane 4 54.5kg 8 Hallett Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 5 54.5kg 9 Trafalgar Square David Payne Dylan Gibbons 7 54.5kg 2024 Kindergarten Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Randwick-2024-Group-3-Kindergarten-Stakes-06042024-Espionage-Gai-Waterhouse-Adrian-Bott-Tommy-Berry.mp4 1st – Espionage (+130) 2nd – Roselyn’s Star (+100) 3rd – Hallett (NTD) Recent runnings of the Kindergarten Stakes: 2024: Espionage powers through Randwick slop Espionage lived up to expectations and justified his favouritism with a dominant display in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) on the opening day of The Championships at Randwick. Despite two days of uncertainty surrounding the track conditions, there was no doubt about the result once the field jumped on a Heavy 9 surface. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained colt handled the going with ease to deliver another two-year-old feature win for the stable. Positioned just off the pace, Espionage travelled comfortably before unleashing a strong sprint in the final 200 metres to put the race away. Roselyn’s Star, who was well-backed before the jump, looked a threat turning for home but couldn’t match the favourite’s acceleration, finishing three lengths adrift in second for trainer John O’Shea. 2023: Libertad rallies late Libertad made a stunning leap from maiden class to Group success, taking out the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) in the opening race of The Championships at Randwick. Just 10 days after a dominant debut win at the same track, the Russian Revolution colt backed it up in tougher company, defying concerns from his trainer and jockey about the conditions to produce another polished performance. With Introducing gradually working across to lead the field, Libertad was settled close to the rails by jockey Chad Schofield. As the field peeled off the fence in the straight, Schofield took advantage of the gap opening along the inside. Saltaire surged to the front at the 150m mark, putting half a length on his rivals, but Libertad responded bravely when asked, rallying strongly to reel in the leader and score by a narrow half-head margin. 2022: Pike lifts Semillion to victory The Championships for 2022 got underway at Royal Randwick with Semillion justifying his favouritism, holding off late challengers to win the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m). Sent out as the $3.40 favourite, the two-year-old colt by Shalaa delivered for punters with a determined performance under star jockey William Pike. Trained by the Hawkes Racing team, Semillion bounced cleanly from barrier seven, settling just off the pace after initially leading before giving the lead to Asteria. Pike made his move approaching the turn, steering Semillion to the front as the field fanned wide on the rain-affected track. Spacewalk charged up on the inside while Voldemort let down strongly out wide, but Semillion dug deep over the final 100 metres to keep both at bay. Previous winners of the Kindergarten Stakes Kindergarten Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Espionage Tommy Berry Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 2023 Libertad Chad Schofield Annabel Neasham 2022 Semillion William Pike Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes 2021 Paulele Damien Oliver James Cummings 2020 Doubtland Brenton Avdulla Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes 2019 Bivouac Blake Shinn James Cummings 2018 Paquirri Andrew Adkins Gary Moore 2017 Property Hugh Bowman Robert Smerdon 2016 El Divino / Astern Blake Shinn / James Cummings Gai Waterhouse / John O’Shea 2015 Furnaces James McDonald John O’Shea 2014 Hallowed Crown Christian Reith Bart & James Cummings 2013 Safeguard Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2012 Dances On Stars Glyn Schofield Gerald Ryan 2011 Anise Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2010 Solar Charged Hugh Bowman John O’Shea 2009 Wanted Jim Cassidy John O’Shea 2008 Mr Profumo Blake Shinn Gai Waterhouse 2007 Forensics Darren Beadman John Hawkes 2006 Plagiarize Darren Beadman John Hawkes 2005 Flying Pegasus Corey Brown David Payne 2004 Crimson Reign Chris Munce Bruce McLachlan 2003 Niello Darren Beadman John Hawkes 2002 Snowland Chris Munce Gai Waterhouse 2001 Royal Courtship Brian York Gai Waterhouse 2000 Belle Du Jour Lenny Beasley Clarry Conners Kindergarten Stakes winners pre-2000 Kindergarten Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Easy Rocking 1998 Peat Bog 1997 Guineas 1996 Armidale 1995 Furacao 1994 Dr. Zackary 1993 Bint Marscay 1992 Slight Chance 1991 Vionnet 1990 Bold Tie 1989 Show County 1988 Star Watch 1987 Christmas Tree Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article
  22. Former Victorian jockey Michael Poy. (Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Former jockey Michael Poy has been banned from racing for 13 years and six months after the Victorian Racing Tribunal found him guilty of illegal betting conduct that struck at the heart of the sport’s integrity. The hefty disqualification was handed down on Thursday, with VRT chairman Judge John Bowman describing Poy’s actions as tantamount to “race result fixing” and warning of the serious damage such conduct can inflict on public trust in racing. “You willfully engaged in behaviour that strikes at the very heart of the racing industry,” Judge Bowman said. “Conduct such as yours has the capacity to inflict great damage upon the image of racing and public confidence in its integrity.” Poy, a former apprentice jockey, faced eight serious charges stemming from a scheme between April and August 2022 in which he conspired with punter Noah Brash to lay losing bets against his own mounts – and on those of fellow jockey Lewis German – via encrypted messages. Staggeringly, all 46 of the lay bets placed against Poy’s rides during the period were successful. The tribunal accepted a psychologist’s report outlining Poy’s mental health challenges, which it said left him vulnerable to external influence. However, Judge Bowman made it clear that the severity of the offences demanded a punishment that would act as a deterrent. “You were not a puppet on a string,” he said. Poy becomes the final figure to be penalised in the betting ring scandal, which also saw German disqualified for 10 years, Brash warned off for 10 years, and another punter, Jacob Foltyowizc, also banned. Racing Victoria stewards had pushed for a 20-year disqualification, but the tribunal settled on the 13.5-year term for the most serious charge, with all lesser penalties to be served concurrently. Michael Poy Charges 13 years and 6 months disqualification for Charge 19 (integrity-related offence) 2 years disqualification each for Charges 3, 4, and 7 (jockey betting on races in which he rode) 12 months disqualification each for Charges 5 and 8 (messages to a punter about future lay bets) 6 months suspension each for Charges 1 and 2 (failing to declare betting accounts) Horse racing news View the full article
  23. What The Championships – Day 1 2025 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse When Saturday, April 5, 2025 First Race 12:25pm AEDT Visit Dabble Group 1 action returns to Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program lined up for Day 1 of The Championships. Four massive Group 1’s share top billing throughout proceedings, with the time-honoured Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600) and Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) just some of the highlights. All 10 black-type races will be run with the rail in the true position, and with no more significant rain forecast to hit the course proper, the surface should be upgraded into the Good range at some stage on race-day morning. Day 1 of The Championships is scheduled to ger underway at 12:25pm local time. Race 1: Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) The two-year-olds step out in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m), where the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Beskar returns from a 121-day spell. The Snitzel colt was a dominant maiden winner at Geelong on December 5 before being sent to the paddock, with the camp preparing to eye off bigger targets in the autumn. This is no exception based on his recent barrier trial win at this course on March 28, and with a genuine tempo engaged in this field of 11, watch for Beskar to be flashing over the top at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Selections: 6 BESKAR 1 NORTH ENGLAND 2 KING OF POP 11 SYLPH Kindergarten Stakes Race 1 – #6 Beskar (9) 2yo Colt | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Ben Melham (56.5kg) Race 2: Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (100m) The Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) is the last chance for the fillies to make an impression before next Saturday’s Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m), and although Polymnia only broke her maiden last time out, she appears poised to claim back-to-back wins. She destroyed them when justifying the short quote with at Hawkesbury on March 18, sitting back at the rear of the field before rounding them up stylishly within a couple strides under the urgings of Zac Lloyd. The Dundeel filly should relish step-up to 2000m, and with a perfect middle draw (8) to stalk her rivals throughout, watch for Polymnia to be barrelling over the top once again. Selections: 9 POLYMNIA 2 INEVITABLE TRUTH 14 EXCLUSIVE ARTIST 5 YOU WAHNG Next Best Race 2 – #9 Polymnia (8) 3yo Filly | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Zac Lloyd (54.5kg) Race 3: Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) The William Haggas-trained Desert Hero brings some impressive staying credentials to Australia as he heads into the Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) first-up. Although It’s been a lengthy 287-day absence for the son of Sea The Stars, his resume speaks for itself, finishing third in the 2023 Group 1 Doncaster St Leger Stakes (2916m). He’s gone off the boil since that effort and was unplaced in his last two starts, however, you can take on trust this guy is ready to fire, and at the $6.50 with , he shows great appeal at the each-way price for a stable that wins for fun when heading down under. Selections: 1 DESERT HERO 3 ALALCANCE 10 VALIANT KING 7 WALTHAM Best Value Race 3 – #1 Desert Hero (14) 5yo Gelding | T: William Haggas | J: Ryan Moore (59kg) Race 4: Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) The Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) shapes up as a race in two, with Swiftfalcon set to go head-to-head with Evaporate. It’s easy to make the case for the latter at the current price with as the Lindsay Park-trained gelding returns from New Zealand, flashing home in a luckless performance in the inaugural running of The Kiwi (1600m) at Ellerslie on March 8. He closed on the heels of multiple Group 1 winner Mr Brightside prior to that effort, and with Evaporate likely to have map favours over Swiftfalcon, he gets the verdict in the 2025 Carbine Club. Selections: 1 EVAPORATE 2 SWIFTFALCON 5 SHANGRI LA SPRING 8 BRIGIDINE GAL Carbine Club Stakes Race 4 – #1 Evaporate (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Race 5: Country Championships Final (1400m) Gallant Star looks to go one better in the $1 million Country Championships Final (1400m) after finishing runner-up in last year’s edition. Since that effort the son of Zoustar has barely put a hoof wrong, winning three of his four starts, including a dominant 4.2-length win at Coonamble on March 16 to get ready for this second-up assignment. Jason Collett should get the perfect run in transit from stall four, and provided he can keep Gallant Star in a rhythm turning for home, he should simply have too much class for this lot. Selections: 1 GALLANT STAR 14 INTERVARSITY 3 TRIBECA STAR 8 FUKUBANA Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Gallant Star (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Brett Robb | J: Jason Collett (59kg) Race 6: Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) The two-year-olds take centre stage in the Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m), attracting a quality field of 10. Wodeton gets the nod coming through the best traditional form-line for this event, finishing second behind Marhoona in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 22. The 1400m should hold no issues for the Wootton Bassett colt, and with Ryan Moore making the trip from the UK to take the reins for Coolmore, it shows good intent to suggest Wodeton is ready to claim Group 1 glory at start five. Selections: 2 WODETON 3 VINROCK 1 RIVELLINO 5 STATE VISIT Sires’ Produce Race 6 – #2 Wodeton (9) 2yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: Ryan Moore (56.5kg) Race 7: Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) The sprinters get set to scorch the Randwick turf in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), where Briasa gets his chance to claim a maiden Group 1 success. The Smart Missile gelding was sensational against the pattern of the day in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) on March 22, powering into a fourth-place finish and closed within two lengths of Private Harry. He draws a marble (3) to sit much closer to the speed this time around, and with a lack of tempo outside of Overpass, Briasa should find himself either outside lead, or perhaps land the one-one under Tyler Schiller. Weight-for-age will prove the ultimate test, and he looks up to the task. Selections: 5 BRIASA 1 OVERPASS 7 JOLIESTAR 6 SUNSHINE IN PARIS TJ Smith Stakes Race 7 – #5 Briasa (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | J: Tyler Schiller (58.5kg) Race 8: Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) A capacity field of 20 are set to line-up in the $4 million Doncaster Mile, with the John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained Linebacker currently holding the call at $5.50 with horse betting sites. Tom Kitten and Gringotts now share the second line of betting at $7 apiece, while the money continues to come for second emergency Swiftfalcon ($8) who still needs multiple scratchings to take his place in the final field. Who will win the 2025 Doncaster Mile? Get our thoughts on one of the greatest Australian handicaps down below. Click here for our full preview of the 2025 Doncaster Mile Race 9: Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) Aeliana will be looking to etch her name in history as the first filly since Shamrocker (2011) to take on the boys and claim the Group 1 Australian Derby. She should’ve won eased down in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 22, with the daughter of Castelvecchio held up behind a wall of horse before exploding at the furlong pole to miss by a lip. The 2400m does hold some query, however, with Damien Lane set to get an economical run in transit from gate two, Aeliana only needs the brakes to fall her way to be a major player in the 2025 Australian Derby. Selections: 18 AELIANA 5 PLYMOUTH 9 GOLDEN CENTURY 8 KING OF THUNDER Australian Derby Race 9 – #18 Aeliana (2) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: Damien Lane (54.5kg) Race 10:Group 3 P.J. Bell Stakes (1200m) The three-year-old fillies round out the program in the Group 3 P.J. Bell Stakes (1200m), and it’s hard to go past the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Clean Energy. The Zoustar filly was electrifying against the bias at Moonee Valley on March 22, rounding up her rivals in the Group 3 Don Casboult Classic (1200m), which many failed to do on the testing conditions. She returns to Sydney for the first time this preparation, and with Ryan Moore set to take the reins from stall eight, expect a change of tactics as Clean Energy makes every post a winner in the 2025 P.J. Bell Stakes. Selections: 1 CLEAN ENERGY 2 ZEITUNG 3 LILAC 4 SHE’S GOT PIZZAZZ P.J. Bell Stakes Race 10 – #1 Clean Energy (8) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Ryan Moore (56kg) The Championships Day 1 quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, April 5, 2025 1-2-5-6-7-8-11 1-2-3-8-10-19-20-22 2-3-5-8-9-18 1 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
  24. Race 4 NZB MEGA MAIDEN SERIES 1400m CROIX DE GUERRE (J Fawcett) – Co-trainer Mrs. H Fannin advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, however, CROIX DE GUERRE has now been sent for a spell. Race 8 NORWOOD R65 1600m RUFFHOUSE ROSIE (T Davies) – Trainer Mr. P Didham reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of RUFFHOUSE ROSIE, and it is his intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Egmont Racing Club @ Hawera, Wednesday 26 March 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article
  25. By Michael Guerin The Boys Get Paid group are putting their punting syndicate money behind their shared slot horse in the $1million Race by Betcha. The BGP are co-owners of the slot which Miracle Mile winner Don Hugo will race in at Cambridge tomorrow night and they also have one of their famous punters’ clubs running at the meeting. They placed their first bet on their own horse on Wednesday night when having $40,000 to win on Don Hugo at the boosted price of $3, a BGP spokesman saying they expect him to start far closer to $2 at race time. Their mega bet aside the market for the Betcha remained rock solid after opening whereas favouritism has yo-yoed for the $600,000 TAB Trot. Oscar Bonavena opened favourite before being replaced by The Locomotive before the pair levelled up at $2.90 equal favourites last night. The TAB will open a plethora of options for the two slot races including the popular early crow option on who will lead each race after 200m. Kiwis looking to launch late in $1m The Race by betcha By Michael Guerin The biggest local players in tomorrow night’s $1m Race by Betcha are hoping a bareknuckle brawl between two Aussies ends with a Kiwi being the last horse standing. The Australian pair of Don Hugo and Leap To Fame dominate the market for the 2200m mobile slot race, as they should, being winners of the last two Inter Dominions and Miracle Miles. They arrive in New Zealand, both for their debuts here, at a time of unprecedented superiority by the Australians over the locals, with Swayzee winning the last two New Zealand Cups and Bettor Eclipse the Auckland Cup last year. With Don Hugo drawn barrier 2 tomorrow night and Leap To Fame not so well placed at barrier 7 (after the emergency comes out) but still certain to roll forward, smart money would be on the Australians being leader and parked out a lap from home on the 1000m track. Then the Kiwis have to hope the Aussies, particularly Grant Dixon driving Leap To Fame, empty the tank. Don Hugo was too slick for Leap To Fame under similar circumstances in the Miracle Mile a month ago and Dixon admits he might have been better applying more mid-race pressure, especially as Leap To Fame was coming back at Don Hugo hard again at the line. If Dixon tries to take the sprint out of Don Hugo, and that is a lot of sprint, then both could be left vulnerable to a high-class rival with fresh legs and full lungs. Best placed to fill that role could be Merlin or Don’t Stop Dreaming, who quinellaed an easier version of this race last year. On that occasion Merlin worked forward from barrier 5 (he starts from 6 tomorrow), sat parked, took the one-one sit and roared past Don’t Stop Dreaming late. Co-trainer Barry Purdon suggests a similar run on Friday would be ideal, working forward early to sit on the back of Leap To Fame if and when he ends up parked. The only problem is, Merlin would then have to have run past both Don Hugo and Leap To Fame, who are better than the rivals he ran past last year. “It will be up to Zac [Butcher, driver] but I’d see that as his best chance of winning,” says Purdon, who with Scott Phelan also has Duchess Megxit in the race and drawn to trail. If the two up front really undo themselves then Merlin could defend his title and another trainer who wouldn’t mind that script being written but with a different final chapter is Hayden Cullen. He and wife Amanda have recently taken over training Don’t Stop Dreaming and last year’s runner-up was dazzling winning at Alexandra Park last start. After studying the draws and modus operandi of the main players Cullen can see his charge being on the back of Merlin or less likely Leap To Fame and waiting to swoop. “I think that is how he is best placed, following a hot speed and launching late,” says Cullen. “I am not saying it will be easy to do but it is still his best chance. “He is working well, his feet which have sometimes troubled him in the past are good, so he will race well.” The pair may not be the only local winning chances, with Republican Party (Auckland Cup) and Chase A Dream (just last week in the Flying Mile) having shown they can boom home under the right circumstances. But they both face being further back in the field with four great horses between them and the winner’s circle. View the full article
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