Wandering Eyes

Mapperley Stud principal Simms Davison is heading towards New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales on a winning note after breeding last Saturday’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) victor Wolfgang. A son of Puccini, who stood at the Matamata nursery, Wolfgang was bred on the farm and offered for sale at Karaka in 2020. After failing to meet his $50,000 reserve, Davison was happy to race the gelding in his own right, alongside underbidder Peter McKay, who now trains in partnership with his son Shaun. Wolfgang showed plenty of early promise, narrowly missing top honours in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1000m) as a juvenile, alongside a third placing in the Gr.3 2YO Classic (1200m). After a disappointing three-year-old term, McKay kept his faith in Wolfgang, who has come into his own at six, winning twice in the spring before finishing fourth in the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) and second in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) and Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m). He shed his bridesmaid tag in style at Trentham, much to the delight of a patient Davison, who credited Wolfgang’s trainers with the success. “It was great, it’s been a long time coming so it was great to get a reward for being so patient with the horse over the last two or three years,” Davison said. “He’s one of those horses that has taken his time to mature and strengthen. “Peter has always had a plan for the horse, I’m one of those breeder-owners who just leave everything up to the trainer. He’s always thought a lot of him, which is what encouraged me to stick with him, because obviously racing a six-year-old gelding isn’t typically a stud-masters forte. “I was very happy for Peter and Shaun, just seeing them be rewarded, and the biggest thrill for me was breeding another stakes winner, in such a prestigious race like the Wellington Cup.” Wolfgang was the third foal to race out of a two-win Darci Brahma mare Navy Beach, and Davison had been a fan of the gelding from day one. “Right from the start, he was a yearling that I really liked,” Davison said. “Peter was the underbidder on him in the ring but I was pretty staunch on my price, I was happy to race him. He reminded me a lot of the old man (Puccini), he was quite a tough yearling and always enjoyed his work. “It’s taken a lot longer than we thought, when you look at his two-year-old form he got up and showed us a bit, and we thought we were in for a really exciting three-year-old season. He didn’t perform and we were pretty disappointed, luckily Peter had faith in the horse and got him where he is now, a Wellington Cup winner.” The victory was timely for Mapperley, with a 15-strong draft to present in Book 1 and a further 21 yearlings on offer in Book 2. “Leading into the sale, it was important to have another horse performing from our draft and we’ve had a pretty busy couple of months,” Davison said. “We had Beau Dazzler winning a Group Three in Australia, Lavender Haze who placed at stakes level and He’s Lucid winning the War Decree Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m). “It’s a massive thrill and what we really need leading into Karaka, to show that Mapperley can leave stakes horses. That’s what we’re here to do, breed and hopefully sell some tough, durable horses.” From the Book 1 selection, the stud will offer six yearlings by their late sire Contributer, including Lot 441, a filly out of Altachine. Meanwhile, Armory, owned by Mapperley and Windsor Park Stud, will have his first progeny on display, including Lot 546, a colt out of a Smart Missile mare Cupid’s Bow. “Filly-wise, we’ve got Lot 441, by Contributer. I’ve always had a lot of time for this family and she’s a naturally beautiful mover, she’s going to be more of a classical type of horse,” Davison said. “Contributer is running at 22 percent stakes performers to runners which would nearly be leading as far as fillies go, so it’s great to see him doing the job. “Armory has his first crop and I’m absolutely rapt with my two quality colts in Book 1. 546 is a lovely horse that I’ve liked right from the start, he’s a beautiful moving, strong, forward colt with a good pedigree. “Lot 541 is a lovely filly by St Mark’s Basilica, they sold very well on the Gold Coast and it’s good to have a bit of flavour in our draft. She is a very strong, early type, I like her as well. “The horses have left today (Monday) and it’s just a matter of getting them up there and in their routine. They’ll be busy parading over the next few days, but the hard work is done now and we’ll just present the horses in the best way that we can.” View the full article

He Who Dares was one of the most sought-after lots in last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, and nearly 12 months later, he delivered on that promise on debut at Wanganui on Monday. The regally-bred colt is a son of champion sire Snitzel, out of classy race-mare Rondinella, a Group One performer in both New Zealand and Australia. Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis went to $825,000 to secure He Who Dares out of Haunui Farm’s draft, with three trials utilised to prepare the colt for his first race-day appearance. In the hands of Craig Grylls, He Who Dares started the odds-on favourite at $1.60, with plenty of support also for Ensign Aria ($4.20), who had race experience on her side. The pair both jumped away positively and Ensign Aria took a sit, while He Who Dares motored to the lead inside of Ribella Rose. Grylls maintained a grip on the favourite down to the home turn, and when asked for an effort, He Who Dares kicked away and never looked under threat, powering away by two lengths to Savachi Boy and Our Sniper. Te Akau co-trainer Mark Walker was more than satisfied with the performance, indicating the stable had expectations that He Who Dares would be more of a three-year-old type. “It was a really good win and we love travelling colts away overnight, which is what he did going to Wanganui,” he said. “The trip away helps them mature mentally and he raced like a colt that took it all in his stride. “It was a good positive ride of Craig’s, electing to press forward when one rushed up early in the race and the colt was up to the challenge. “Obviously he has a lovely pedigree, with plenty of depth, and he’s got all the attributes he needs for a nice young colt. Given his pedigree, whatever he does as a two-year-old is a bonus because we think he’ll be better at three.” Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson, now has designs on the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) for the colt, with a long-term goal of getting to the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day (March 8). He Who Dares was bred by Frantic Bloodstock and Haunui Farm, with the latter offering his half-sister in their Book 1 draft at Karaka next week in the form of Lot 255, a filly by Savabeel. View the full article

A Proisir filly out of Donna Marie put Hallmark Stud’s name up in lights at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales last year, and in a week’s time, Mark Baker is hoping for a similar result in the Karaka auditorium with Lot 564. Baker’s thoroughbred nursery topped the 2024 sale with the full-sister to multiple Group One winner Prowess, who was sold to Peter Moody Racing for a staggering $1.6 million. Reflecting on that day, Baker still struggles to come to terms with such a phenomenal result. “It’s hard to believe it happened and you’ve still got to pinch yourself,” he said. “We dreamt of seven figures, and when she made that, it was completely off the chain. “It was amazing for the farm, the staff, the family, we got a huge buzz. We are very grateful to the heavy-hitters that were bidding on her, both the underbidders and Peter Moody who purchased her for his client. “It’s certainly a day we won’t be forgetting in a hurry.” Donna Marie, a mare by Don Eduardo, has produced another two full-sisters to Prowess and the first of those, Lot 564, will have her time to shine late in Book 1. “She’s a very good filly, she’s dark brown unlike her two sisters,” Baker said. “Prowess was a bay and last year’s filly was a chestnut. “She’s got a great brain, she’s very correct and has a very good action. Just like her sisters, she uses herself well and is beautifully balanced. “We’re delighted, and even more thrilled that Donna Marie was able to throw us another filly, now at foot. She’s been a brilliant mare to us, as has Proisir.” Hallmark Stud will be represented by a further 18 yearlings in Book 1 and five in Book 2, including Lot 521, a half-sister by Too Darn Hot to Group Two winner Shamus, and Lot 120, a full-brother by Savabeel to promising stayer Hakkinen. “We’ve got a very good Too Darn Hot filly for Jomara Bloodstock, she’s a half to a Group winner,” Baker said. “She’s a lovely style of filly, she’s very correct and uses herself well, and is by a very hot stallion. “The Savabeel colt is also a stand-out, he’s a full-brother to Hakkinen who recently ran fourth in the Salver (Listed, 2100m).” Baker also singled out Lot 75, an Almanzor colt out of Lismore Diamond, and Lot 115, a Capitalist filly out of Group Three performer Miss Foxwood, who is from the family of champion galloper Mr Brightside. “It depends what people are looking for, if they want a horse out early, we’ve got a Capitalist filly out of Miss Foxwood who I can see in the race in 12 months,” he said. “She’s from a beautiful family. “We’ve got a lovely Almanzor colt out of Lismore Diamond on behalf of the Pike family, he’s a very good colt as well. “It’s hard to single a few out, as there is something there for everyone. There are some very precocious types, a couple of St Mark’s Basilica’s, I’m very impressed with his first crop. There are others that you could definitely see over the Oaks and Derby trips as three-year-olds.” Parades at Karaka will commence on Tuesday morning, with the Book 1 sale kicking off on Sunday at 11am. “They’ve all travelled up brilliantly this morning, we’ve got a great team of staff up there and the horses are in great hands,” Baker said. “They’ll just be settling the 19 in Book 1 in, ready to parade tomorrow. Hopefully they’ll handle it well, I’m sure the right people will turn up and New Zealand Bloodstock always do a great job in sending them. “Hopefully they can show themselves off well and give themselves every chance.” View the full article

A pair of emerging fillies credited The Oaks Stud with a winning double at Pukekohe on Sunday with both homebreds promising to carry the Cambridge nursery’s colours to higher honours. Niagara’s daughter Alaskan added momentum to her Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) with victory in the NZB Karaka 2025 (2100m) at her third appearance. A race later, Cypher went one better in the Trackside.co.nz (1300m) after finishing runner-up on debut at Taupo in late December. “It was a good day with a couple of progressive fillies, one a stayer and the other more likely a miler,” The Oaks General Manager Rick Williams said. Alaskan is trained by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray and the former prepared an Oaks quinella for the stud in 2012 with Artistic touching off Zurella. “Hopefully, we can turn back the clock. It’s certainly been our long-term aim to get her to the race and I have no question she will get the trip, whether she’s got the turn of foot necessary to win an Oaks I’m not sure yet,” Williams said. Alaskan is a daughter of the Zabeel mare Snowmobeel, a sister to Zagalia who won the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2400m). All four of Snowmobeel’s foals to race have been successful including four-time winner Snow Secret who ran second in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) and fourth in a Gr.2 Wellington Cup (3200m). “It’s a family that has produced some great European staying horses and we bred the Oaks winner,” Williams said. “Snowmobeel died and we kept this filly (Alaskan) in the hope that she could get some black type to carry on the family. “She was always a very attractive, big filly that was going to need a bit of time. She’s broken her maiden now and it’s not always easy for a three-year-old filly to beat the older horses.” Cypher is prepared by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, and patience has been key with the daughter of Darci Brahma. “She went shin sore three times and had to come home so she has made her entrance onto the racing scene a little later than we would have liked, but if they’re good enough you find races for them,” Williams said. Cypher is out of the Sakhee’s Secret mare Sleek Secret, who has an unraced two-year-old Darci Brahma filly named Tajana and a yearling sister. “She’s also had a filly by Satono Aladdin and is now in foal to U S Navy Flag,” Williams said. “Sleek Secret won five and was a bit unlucky and should have been a Group Three or Listed winner, every time we got her right something went wrong. “Her two-year-old (Tajana) with Shaune Ritchie has had two trials for a second and a really good win the other day at Matamata and it will be going to the races shortly.” Meanwhile, Williams confirmed the farm’s star colt Savaglee will make his next appearance in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) on February 8. “He’ll take on the older horses at Te Rapa and then it will be three weeks into the Australian Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m),” Williams said. Trained by Pam Gerard, Savaglee has won seven of his 13 starts including the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas in the spring and successfully returned last time out to claim the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m). A rider has yet to be locked in for the Guineas at Flemington and Williams said they would be booking an Australian jockey in due course. View the full article

South African legend says there’s ‘no better person to take it over’ as Australian champion chases down all-time record.View the full article

What Newcastle Races Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling St, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Tuesday, January 21, 2025 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Newcastle Racecourse is the destination for NSW racing on Tuesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program lined up in the hunter region. The track is rated a Heavy 8 at the time of acceptances, however, with some drying conditions forecast leading into race-day, punters can expect an upgrade into the Soft range. The rail is out +3m the entire circuit, with the opening event scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm local time. Best Bet at Newcastle: Format Format needed the run returning at Newcastle on Boxing Day and should strip fitter heading into this second-up assignment. He never shirked the task first-up despite coming off a 215-day spell, clinging onto a third-place finish behind Pretty Powerful. The blinkers have been applied by the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn, and with Format likely to ping the lids from stall three, expect this guy to keep finding as he stretches out to the mile for the first time. Best Bet Race 4 – #5 Format (3) 3yo Colt | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Adam Hyeronimus (57.5kg) +400 with Neds Next Best at Newcastle: Sukida Sukida will have her first start since being transferred to the Richard & Will Freedman stable and appears ready to strike after claiming victory in a recent barrier trial at Rosehill on January 7. The daughter of Supido was ridden cold before launching in the final furlong, showing a blistering turn-of-foot to secure the trial win. Expect Kerrin McEvoy to drop back in search of cover from gate 11, and provided Sukida has even luck when asked for the ultimate effort, she will be fighting out the finish at a good price with BlondeBet. Next Best Race 2 – #5 Sukida (11) 4yo Mare | T: Richard & Will Freedman | J: Kerrin McEvoy (56.5kg) +550 with BlondeBet Best Value at Newcastle: Hoo Haa Hoo Haa was ridden upside down in her latest outing at Taree on January 7, attempting to lead throughout before fading in the concluding stages. She was much better two starts back when cuddled up behind horses, unleashing an impressive turn-of-speed to finish second behind Summer Soiree. Gate three should allow Anna Roper to take a stalking position throughout the journey, and provided she can accelerate in the testing conditions, Hoo Haa will be there at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers when the whips are cracking. Best Value Race 1 – #7 Hoo Haa (3) 4yo Mare | T: Mark Cross | J: Anna Roper (a1.5) (57kg) +1400 with Picklebet Tuesday quaddie tips for Newcastle Newcastle quadrella selections January 21, 2025 2-4-5-6-8 1-3-4-6-7 2-6-8 5-7-12-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Hamilton Racecourse. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) wishes to advise that the meeting scheduled at bet365 Hamilton on Tuesday, January 28 has been transferred to Horsham. Hamilton was inspected yesterday, with a determination made that the track would not be suitable to race in eight days’ time and would benefit from a break from racing. The track will undergo maintenance over the coming months and is expected to return to racing for its next scheduled meeting on Sunday, April 6. As such, the track will also be unavailable for their scheduled jumpouts on Wednesday, January 29. Trainers are advised to utilise the Geelong official trials or the jumpouts scheduled at Great Western on Thursday, January 30 instead. Horse racing news View the full article

Lambert spoke at Gluck Equine Research Center Jan. 19, as part of the Cauthen Seminar Series, in Lexington. He released new studies on horses who suffered hind limb and carpal fractures. View the full article

Mr Brightside. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Ben Hayes has confirmed that the Group 1 Hong Kong Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on April 27 is on the agenda for his stable star Mr Brightside. The gelding had his first public hit-out in an 800-metre trial at Werribee on Friday and will begin his preparation in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on February 8 before progressing to the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m), all races he has previously won. “So he’s got three definite runs here and then we might consider going to Sydney to run in the George Ryder, and then that would lead into Hong Kong, or we run the three runs here and go straight to Hong Kong,” Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers JD and Will, said. “I think it’s the right time. He’s done everything he can here in Australia, he’s got nothing much to prove.” Hayes confirmed Mr Brightside had already received his vaccinations for travel to Hong Kong and said the eight-time Group 1 winner had shown no adverse effects. “I prefer to do it (vaccinate) in a spell. They affect every horse in a different way. Some don’t even get affected, so at this stage, it looks like it hasn’t affected him at all,” Hayes said. “He’s won a lot of Group 1s and a lot of high-class Group 1s. “So I think it’s a great time of year to go to Hong Kong.” Horse racing news View the full article

Southport Tycoon ridden by Mark Zahra winning the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos) Dual Group 1 winner Southport Tycoon will return to the scene of his Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) victory when he contests Friday night’s Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old finished second in last year’s edition of the Group 2, and assistant trainer Jack Turnbull believes Southport Tycoon is ready to go one better. “He’s proven at The Valley fresh; he’s in good form and 1200 metres is not a problem. Fitness won’t be a problem,” he told Racing.com. Turnbull added that the ownership group, including Widden Stud, and Maher would assess Southport Tycoon’s autumn targets, weighing the options of sticking to sprint trips or targeting feature mile races, given his other Group 1 win came in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m). “He will tell us whether, as an older horse, if he’ll be a better sprinter or if he’s looking for a mile; we will be guided by his form,” he said. If they choose the 1600-metre route, Turnbull mentioned possible targets like the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) or the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) in Sydney. Horse racing news View the full article

2024 Goodwood winner Benedetta. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Benedetta will begin her preparation for the season in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 15. The five-year-old daughter of Hellbent, who has won eight of her 16 career starts, secured her first elite-level win in last year’s Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) and has more top-level goals this campaign. With less than a month until the Lightning, Benedetta will trial in the coming weeks as trainer Jason Warren intensifies her preparation. “We’re really looking forward to her. At this stage we’re looking at running her in the Lightning,” the trainer told Racing.com. “She will have a trial in a couple of weeks, she’s really building her fitness well. “She’s furnished into a lovely mare now.” Horse racing news View the full article

Knight’s Choice. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner Knight’s Choice could make his first two appearances in 2025 in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) on March 8, followed by the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 29. However, the John Symons and Shelia Laxon-trained five-year-old will need to be granted a wildcard entry into the All-Star Mile by the Racing Victoria and Victoria Racing Club racing panel to compete. “Those races, the All-Star Mile and the Australian Cup, are both suitable stepping stones and hopefully the track won’t be rain-affected and firm enough for him to be competitive. They are weight-for-age races, so they will be a good test,” Laxon told Racing.com. “After Melbourne, there’s some nice races in Sydney for him but that will be dependent on the weather.” Laxon also noted that the Queensland Winter Carnival, featuring races like the Group 2 Q22 (2200m) and the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m), where he finished second and fourth last year respectively, will again be considered depending on the conditions. Horse racing news View the full article

Cavalieri remained unbeaten in three starts when she prevailed in the La Canada Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park, Jan. 19 for owner Speedway Stables and trainer Bob Baffert. View the full article

Running on the grass of the Santa Anita Park for the second time in three starts, Toupie made it look easy in capturing the $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes (G3T) Jan. 19.View the full article

Cavalieri remained unbeaten in three starts when she prevailed in the La Canada Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita, Jan. 19 for owner Speedway Stables and trainer Bob Baffert. View the full article

Lambert spoke at Gluck Equine Research Center Jan. 19, as part of the Cauthen Seminar Series, in Lexington. He released new studies on horses who suffered hind limb and carpal fractures. View the full article

by Michael Guerin Hall of Fame driver Ricky May couldn’t work out what he was more impressed with after Sunday’s $25,000 Donegal House Marlborough Cup. Because he was mighty impressive with the untapped giant winner Wild Willow but just as full of praise for the two trainers holding him together. Wild Willow made it five wins from just 10 starts but well over two years apart in the grass track Cup, overcoming an early check to do it. That saw him settle lengths off the pace but the big son of Art Major just kept trucking to record a great staying win over the late flying Tempo Warrior. “He had to be good to win that because he got that little check at the start,” said May. “He has always had a motor and he has the attitude to go with him and if they can keep him sound he has to be a chance in a race like the Country Cups Final.” Wild Willow looked a good horse from early in his career when trained by the All Stars, beating among others Dalton Shard when he won his maiden at Kaikoura then pacing 2:55 for 2400m at Ashburton winning his next. It would be nearly 18 months before he was seen again. He broke down and was tried by other trainers before eventually ending up with Warren Stapleton and son Dean. The two have worked their magic on Wild Willow and he has won three of six with them. The pair were even savvy enough to make a shoeing and gear change after Wild Willow failed on the first day when touching a knee on the home bend. “That was a great bit of training but you have to marvel at the job they have done with him,” says May. “I know Dean does a lot of the work with him as well but Warren is there every day working on his legs and they have saved his career. “A lot of work goes into a horse like this so they deserve plenty of credit.” The day’s $20,000 Trotting Cup continued a fine summer for Mark Jones and Samantha Ottley when Helloveamoment grabbed Regal Sierra right on the line in the culmination of the Seddon Shield Districts trotting series. Raced by the Garters in their well-known red and black colours, Helloveamoment was recording his eighth win in 58 start and his next victory will take him over the $100,000 stakes mark. The other star of Sunday’s programme was junior driver Wilson House, who drove four winners including three for his father, trainer Michael House. View the full article

by Brigette Solomon New Plymouth trainer Brodie Ellis was thrilled to train his first winner today at Otaki when Cool Phelan took out the Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club Trotting Cup. “It’s been a long time coming after running a lot of placings along the way” said Ellis, “This girl has given us some good thrills already and it was pretty awesome to get my first win in a cup race, it definitely made the drive home tonight a pretty good one.” Driven by Dylan Ferguson, Cool Phelan started the 2200 metre race off the front line and stepped quickly off the mark to find the lead with The Gardner’s Pride and Quercus Rubra trailing. Ferguson set a solid pace out in front with the remaining runners and back markers not tacking on to the front runners until entering the home straight. While Cool Phelan was on tired legs over the final 100 metres, she had done enough to hold on and win by a 3.3 length margin ahead of Quercus Rubra and Highview Rockn Roll who were solid in defeat. “I was expecting a good run from her going on her recent form and we knew we’d be starting off the front line when we entered this race, so I was confident she’d be thereabouts” said Ellis “She’s been getting more confident in her standing starts too and was great today which really helped put her in a good spot.” “She’s owned mostly by family and friends and it’s really great to have them involved and get a cup win for them.” Ellis first became involved in harness racing through his uncle Keith Chittenden who was a local Taranaki trainer, and he fondly remembers spending weekends at the stables as a youngster. He later was involved in getting the Taranaki Kidz Kartz up and running despite only being able to compete for a couple of years before aging out of the pony races. After his uncle passed away in 2017, Ellis was eager to remain involved in harness racing and first took out his trainer’s licence in 2020. Prior to today’s win, he had managed thirteen placings from the handful of horses he has trained. “I can remember going with Nana to Uncle Keith’s stables every weekend so I grew up helping him out and since then I’ve always loved it” said Ellis “Now days I still help out at Kidz Kartz when I can, but between training and caring for the horses plus running my car detailing business there’s not too many hours left in the day.” “I have four unqualified horses at home, either spelling or youngsters, so it’s been really nice to have Cool Phelan to race and be competitive while we wait for a few others to get to the track.” Meanwhile, the Grant Plumbing Ltd Wellington Cup Mobile Pace was won by the Michael House trained Gotta Elect Bill who was driven by junior driver Harrison Orange. From the extreme outside of the barrier, Orange was unwilling to settle back in the field and pressed forward with Gotta Elect Bill to sit outside the leader Lord Delmar. Orange applied pressure to the leader from the 600 metre mark, and upon entering the home straight Lord Delmar was travelling the stronger of the two and drew ahead by half a length. In the battle up the straight Gotta Elect Bill dug deep to draw level with the leader who was running out slightly requiring correcting, and it was enough for the House trained runner to get ahead and win in a photo finish. The House and Orange combination were also successful earlier in the day with Tasi Ahnau scoring his maiden victory in the Railway Hotel Otaki Mobile Pace. The pair are developing a good association having combined for six winners since the start of the year. Grass track racing continues at Otaki on Tuesday. View the full article

After 19 years of dominance in the Karaka sales auditorium as the leading buyer at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis will return to the South Auckland venue later this week in a bid to make it an even 20. He whet his appetite for buying quality yearlings at Magic Millions’ Gold Coast Yearling Sale earlier this month where he was on the buyers’ sheet for 21 yearlings. “Overall, it was a really good sale,” Ellis said. He was particularly taken by lot 37, the Snitzel colt out of Group One-winning mare Toffee Tongue, who is a full-sister to multiple Group One winner and Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther, Group Three winner Gobstopper, and Group One performer Milseain. Ellis went to A$625,000 to purchase the colt out of Bhima Thoroughbreds’ draft and he believes they will have plenty of fun racing him out of their Cranbourne barn. “He is one of the nicest colts I have bought,” Ellis said. “We thought we would have to pay a lot more for him, he has been very popular. He is going to race from our Cranbourne stable and we will get him ready for a race like the Blue Diamond (Gr.1, 1200m).” Ellis didn’t let the dust settle following his Gold Coast trip, returning to New Zealand to continue his on-farm inspections of Karaka-bound yearlings, and he is looking forward to fine-tuning his short-list this week. “I have been spending the last week looking at yearlings in the Waikato and Auckland and there are some really top yearlings there and I am really looking forward to the sale,” he said. “We have got a short list that Reece Trumper, Marcus Corban and I have identified. We will get them vetted and we will finish up with a short list again, and we will go and inspect them this week at Karaka. “We will try to buy the best colts and fillies in the sale.” Prior to the yearling sale commencing, Ellis will head to Ellerslie on Saturday where Te Akau Racing trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will be out to continue their dominance at the renowned Karaka Millions meeting, with the stable having won seven of the last eight editions of the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). “We didn’t win one last year, but we finished second with Damask Rose and she is one of the favourites for the three-year-old race this year,” Ellis said. “We will have three, possibly four in the Karaka Millions 2YO race. “We have got Blake Shinn, one of the all-time great jockeys in Australia coming over to ride for us with Craig Williams.” Te Akau will also be well-represented on the undercard, with Group One-winning stablemates Move To Strike and Captured By Love set to feature in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) respectively. “We have got a really exciting team racing on Saturday night. It is one of the great nights of racing in the world,” Ellis said. “It is certainly a very exciting time for people to be investing in New Zealand racing. With the prizemoney going up to the level it has, it’s very exciting.” View the full article

Backed down to even-money favoritism with a pair of victories already under her belt, Speedway Stables' Cavalieri (Nyquist–Stiffed, by Stephen Got Even) fought off second choice Alpha Bella (Justify) to collect her first taste of black-type in the GIII La Canada at Santa Anita Sunday. Hounding Chatalas (Gun Runner) through opening fractions of :23.69 and :47.33, the Bob Baffert trainee put the screws to ger rival approaching the quarter pole, was clear in early stretch and continued to grind it out to hold off Alpha Bella by 1 1/2 lengths at the wire. Final time for the 1 1/16-mile test was1:44.15. A two-length winner first out going a mile at Del Mar in August, the half-sister to GSW Affirmative Lady (Arrogate) returned to run off to a 3 1/2-length score in a one-mile Santa Anita optional claimer Oct. 12. Sales history: $900,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record 3-3-0-0, $138,000. O-Speedway Stables LLC; B-Alaster Thoroughbreds Co LLC; T-Bob Baffert. The post Nyquist’s Cavalieri Stays Perfect in Santa Anita’s GIII La Canada appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Impressive maiden winner Patch Adams faces off with grade 1 winner and Eclipse finalist Gaming on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park Jan. 25.View the full article

Tampa Bay Downs will conduct six stakes races on the first two Saturdays in February, with track officials hopeful of attracting a number of top horses in training.View the full article

White Abarrio, who won Gulfstream Park's richest race for 3-year-olds in capturing the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) in 2022, takes aim at an even more lucrative prize there when he competes Jan. 25 in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1). View the full article

Ka Ying Rising surges to record-breaking success. Photo: HKJC David Hayes anointed Ka Ying Rising as “probably the best horse” he has trained, while Zac Purton described the speedster as a “really special horse” after the four-year-old’s incredible record-breaking win in the HK$13 million Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Clocking 1:07.20 in a phenomenal display of sustained speed, Ka Ying Rising lowered the track record for the second time this season, eclipsing the 1:07.43 he posted on November 17, to secure his 10th win from 12 starts and leaving Hayes and Purton awestruck. Pitted against seven rivals, all drawn to his inside, Purton drove Ka Ying Rising out of the barriers and crossed the face of the field inside 200m to lead Magic Control and Victor The Winner – and was never headed – clocking 23.30s for the first 400m before unleashing a devastating mid-race split of 21.54s to have the race at his mercy. Rounding the home turn, Purton flicked Ka Ying Rising into overdrive, and the gelding responded with a blistering 10.59s burst from the 400m mark before easing down the -1000 favourite with , to finish 3.25-lengths ahead of Helios Express, with Howdeepisyourlove a neck further back. “He did surprise Zac when he jumped well and then went to the lead – to lead those fast horses so easily just shows his versatility. He can take a sit, or he just leads. He’s certainly the best sprinter I’ve had anything to do with and probably the best horse,” Hayes said. “He’s quite freakish what he does. The last 100m today, Zac switched the engine off, so in the two track records he’s broken, he’s actually eased him down the last 100m or 80m. “He just doesn’t lose – and I know he lost twice when he was immature – but now he’s mature, he’s just got that ability to win. He’s got amazing cruising speed and he’ll quicken off it, which is very hard to compete against.” 2025 Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup Replay – Ka Ying Rising https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sha-Tin-2025-Group-1-Centenary-Sprint-Cup-19012025-Ka-Ying-Rising-David-Hayes-Zac-Purton.mp4 Purton, who has ridden a string of champion Hong Kong sprinters during a glittering career, said facts and figures underscored Ka Ying Rising’s extraordinary talent. Asked if the four-year-old was the best sprinter he had ever ridden, Purton said: “He’s right up there. He’s doing things that other sprinters haven’t done, winning with the ease he’s winning with, running the times, he’s running. “We’ve had a lot of champion sprinters grace our turf here and they’ve all had the chance to run the times, he’s run. So, yeah, he’s starting to become a really special horse.” Desperate to avoid a repeat of the HK$26 million Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) in December, when Ka Ying Rising triumphed by half a length in his slowest time of the season – 1:08.15 – Purton enacted a simple plan. “Jump, be positive and just work it out as we go,” he said. “They went too slow in December and it allowed the horses to be too close, so today I made sure the man was going to take care of the boys. “He can run sectionals comfortably and kick off it. It’s very unique to have a horse that can do that, but he can. But when you go too slow, it allows the other horses a bit of an opportunity. Today, we made a statement again.” The Centenary Sprint Cup is the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series. Hayes confirmed Ka Ying Rising would chase a HK$5 million bonus by winning the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on February 23 and the HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on April 27. Longer term, Hayes is contemplating a tilt at Group 1 The Everest (1200m) – worth a staggering AU$20 million (approx. HK$96.4 million) – at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia on October 18. “It’s the richest turf race in the world, it’s at his distance, so it’s getting more realistic every month we go on. We’ll really start thinking about a pathway towards it after the international race here in April and then after that, he’ll probably just be set for the big sprint,” Hayes said. Horse racing news View the full article

Voyage Bubble powers clear at Sha Tin. Photo: HKJC Underscoring his status as Hong Kong’s premier miler, Voyage Bubble claimed a second straight HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin for jockey James McDonald and trainer Ricky Yiu. Receiving a smooth passage throughout, six-year-old Voyage Bubble settled behind leaders California Spangle and Beauty Eternal after breaking from barrier four. Turning for home, Voyage Bubble quickly made ground to hit the lead with 400m left to run. “I reckon this is the best he’s felt since I’ve ridden him. He strode around to the start with a real purpose and he’s such an easy horse to read,” McDonald said. “He’s superb. He’s just bomb proof, jumps fast, puts himself in a good position and quickens.” Sent off as -125 favourite with , Sunday’s Group 1 is Voyage Bubble’s third after wins in this race last year and last month’s HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m). The uncomplicated Deep Field gelding – owned by the Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate – now boasts nine wins from 23 starts and earnings of HK$77.87 million. Among his triumphs is a +4500 success in the 2023 Hong Kong Derby (2000m). “When he’s got a real pep in his step, he’s on song and he’s a privilege to ride,” said McDonald, who also won Sunday’s HK$1.17 million Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) aboard Blazing Wind and HK$1.86 million Class 3 Mr Vitality Handicap (1400m) atop Four-Year-Old Classic Series aspirant Bundle Award. 2025 Group 1 Hong Kong Stewards’ Cup Replay – Voyage Bubble https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sha-Tin-2025-Group-1-Stewards-Cup-19012025-Voyage-Bubble-Ricky-Yiu-James-McDonald.mp4 Voyage Bubble – rated 128 – clocked 1:33.58 in winning ahead of a closing Galaxy Patch (second), Red Lion (third), Beauty Joy (fourth), Beauty Eternal (fifth), Chancheng Glory (sixth), Patch Of Theta (seventh) and California Spangle (eighth). “I’m going to watch the replay a few times, that was a good race to watch. He seems to do his job a little bit easier every time and you can see he’s improving still with every race. He’s just a really talented horse and he’s very straightforward to ride,” Yiu said. The Stewards’ Cup is the first leg of the Triple Crown which carries a HK$10 million bonus on offer to any horse who can also win the HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on February 23 and HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on May 25. “We’re going to give the Triple Crown a crack. Besides his Derby win, he was second to a very good horse (Romantic Warrior) in the Gold Cup last year. That’s a very good indication that he can go up to that distance no problem,” Yiu said. “We’ll see a lot more from the second leg to see if he’ll be able to get the 2400 (metres). Over the 2400 there could be some overseas horses as well.” Yiu scooped a double at Sha Tin, earlier winning the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Peniaphobia Handicap (1200m) with Sky Joy. River Verdon (1993/94) is the only Triple Crown winner in Hong Kong racing history. Voyage Bubble (2024 & 2025) joins Always Plentiful (1985 & 1986), Electronic Unicorn (2002 & 2003) and Good Ba Ba (2008 & 2009) as the fourth horse to claim consecutive Stewards’ Cups. Horse racing news View the full article