Wandering Eyes

West Of Africa after winning the 2025 Magic Millions Cup. Photo: Darren Winningham Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald have taken out the Magic Millions Cup with West Of Africa ($15), who flashed home down the middle of the track to claim victory in the 1400m contest. Weigall Tiger ($9.50) led the field up with Moravia ($8) and went at a solid clip, while Flying Trapeze ($19) received the run of the race behind the leaders. Tyler Schiller settled the son of Not A Single Doubt at the rear of the field after jumping from barrier 18 of 18, and they gave their rivals a massive start. Turning for home, the race favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Charm Stone ($4.80), idled up to the leaders before taking over; however, the winner was letting down with big bounds in the heart of the track. By the time they went past the 100m mark, the winner went straight past Charm Stone, leaving the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare to settle for second place ahead of the fast-finishing Chrysaor ($21). Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025 Annabel Neasham spoke about West Of Africa’s victory post-race. “He drew the car park, but Tyler, he’s the most positive jockey there is,” Neasham said. “He came out and said, ‘I love the draw for the horse.’ “He flopped out the back and I was a little bit worried that he was detached compared to his first-up run when he was a bit further back than perhaps he has been, but he’s got a fantastic turn of foot, and it was a nice, cool ride by Tyler. “I thought he might try and sneak up the rail, but we’d spoken before that he’s better coming around horses, and it never really looked in doubt when he straightened. “We’ve had this horse for a long time, and big credit to OTI when they put their trust in me when he was online, and I said ‘let’s buy him, I want to keep him in the stable.’ “He’s a big, powerful horse and this was about the most relaxed when he was saddling up. “He was so relaxed behind the barrier, and I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing. Fortunately, it was a good thing.” Following his second win at the Gold Coast, Tyler Schiller was very happy with the win post-race. “He’s done a great job, the horse. I love the team and Annabel and Rob’s and they’ve always supported me well,” Schiller said. “He was very good, especially down in the light weights for a horse going down from top weights to bottom weights, it makes a difference. “He defied the pattern coming from last, coming down the middle. “I was out the back, and I knew that they were going quick enough. “I said to Annabel if we’re midfield, three-deep with cover, they’re probably not going all that quick. “But we were out the back and I was in a nice, off-the-bridle rhythm and when he started picking up off the 600, I let him take me there around the outside and he just did the rest. “He’s got a lovely big extended stride and a great turn of foot on him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Zarastro winning the Magic Millions Snippets. Photo: Darren Winningham Tony Gollan & Angela Jones have combined with Zarastro ($10.00) to claim the $1 million Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Friday evening, edging clear to make every post a winner in stylish fashion. The son of I Am Invincible never looked in any danger throughout the 1200m journey, with Jones sending the six-year-old straight to the front on the first bend, ticking over some modest sectionals in the middle stages. When asked for the ultimate effort, Zarastro put two lengths on The Novelist ($11.00) who chased it in vain, while the well-supported favourite with Neds, Semana ($3.60), could only manage to find a third-place finish after cutting the corner in the final furlong. It was a barnstorming victory for the Tony Gollan-trained gelding, securing a dominant 2.5-length win and claiming his ninth career victory at start 26. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025. Tony Gollan was delighted with the performance and spoke post-race. “We’ve had a good bit of luck in the race and thank God it keeps going,” said Gollan. “He’s a fantastic horse since he joined the stable. I had real sense that he was starting to peak up in his prep. It was a flat run second-up on the turnaround which I didn’t really want to do but tonight he got a track that was favourable and he’s obviously a high quality sprinter. “I was never worried that they were going to run him down. As the weeks built up, he wouldn’t have been here last Saturday – he can’t handle the wet but as the tracks dry up, the improvement in this horse during the week had us all confidence. “We were brimming with confidence. “We came here last year for the Cup and it was a longer prep. I picked this race out a year ago and we’ve filled the gaps in between. The owners bought him online for bugger all and they’re great supporters of the stable.” Angela Jones spoke post-race and was confident Zarastro would cling to victory. “It is so great to be having luck here and to do it on this horse is so great,” said Jones. “He quickened up in the straight and I was so confident. I wasn’t that confident in the run as he normally tugs a little bit more when he’s on but when we straightened up I felt how much he had left and I was so confident.” Horse racing news View the full article

O’ Ole winning the 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m). Photo: Darren Winningham Bjorn Baker’s incredible run of form has continued at the Magic Millions meeting on the Gold Coast, with O’ Ole ($12) running away with the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. The daughter of Ole Kirk was given a peach of a ride by Tommy Berry, who settled her behind the speed, took over at the 250m mark, and careered away with the win. After jumping from barrier three, Berry settled the winner in the one-one position behind the leaders, Vein Girl ($34) and The Playwright ($14), just needing a gap to appear turning for home. Once the run appeared for O’ Ole, Berry pushed her into the clear, and she idled up to the leaders before going straight on by. Memo ($5), who was the race favourite with Picklebet, attempted to follow the winner but couldn’t go with her, similarly to the third placegetter, Gallo Nero ($6). However, all honours went to the winner, as O’ Ole claimed a dominant 1.5-length win. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025. Due to Bjorn Baker’s flight being delayed, Jim Clarke represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “She drew the exact same gate as Unencumbered and got back the exact same way,” Clarke said in reference to the stables last winner in the same race. “It was all over at the 200 (metre mark) and it was an amazing result. “Bjorn has always had an opinion of her and this was always the long term plan. To get her here and to deliver is an amazing result. “She was probably the filly at the sales last year that the whole team zeroed in on. “I probably didn’t expect to get there and fall in love with an Ole Kirk out of a Sepoy mare and pay that sort of money but she had a phenomenal physique and every time we saw her parade perfectly. “Fortunately she has done the same in her racing career so far. “Bjorn’s flight was delayed about four hours so he’s only just landed. That’s why she’s in the club colours. “Luckily he landed in time to watch the race.” Tommy Berry was emotional after the victory, as it was 10 years since his late brother Nathan won the race for the same stable. “Since that day they named the trophy after Nathan and it has been the Nathan Berry trophy every year,” Berry said. “I’m sick of handing it out and I wanted to win it again. “I ride a bit for Bjorn Baker who Nathan was pretty much the stable rider when he passed and ten years ago it might have been the same barrier. The stars aligned today. “It is an amazing sport and I am blessed to be a part of it. “She wins the start every time by a length and she did that again today. “I kept looking over and using her just as much as I had to to get her into that one-one spot and she did the rest from there. “She’s a beautiful filly – an Ole Kirk who I had a lot to do with – and I’m sure they sold really well at the sales and this was another good one.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tyler Schiller aboard Encoder after winning the 2025 Magic Millions Subzero. Photo: Darren Winningham Encoder ($5.50) has put the head down where it matters most to claim the Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) on the Sunshine Coast on January 4, going one better this time around, courtesy of a perfectly timed ride by Tyler Schiller. Encoder benefited from a hectic tempo throughout the middle stages, with rank outsider with horse racing bookmakers, Coney Island Bay ($151.00), sent forward to dictate under Cejay Graham, while there was no reprieve as Wapiti ($51.00) sat to his outside. There were mid-race moves aplenty as well, with Tannhauser ($11.00) and Sky Lab ($13.00) both forced forward after being unable to find cover throughout the 2200m journey. It turned into a genuine staying affair in the concluding stages, with Encoder, Miss Jolene, and the luckless Belvedere Boys ($3.00) all going to the line in a head-bobbing finish, as Encoder got the verdict by the barest of margins to secure the $1 million prize. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025 Lee Freedman was on course to break down the victory, crediting the firming conditions for his geldings’ success. “If you get really wet tracks he’s no good and off times he gets way out of his ground,” said Freedman. “The prizemoney is great and we’ve always had a good opinion of the horse. I think he’ll stay even further. He’s only had one run at a mile-and-a-half on a big in the Derby and he ran unbelievable. “When you know the horses as well as we all do, we knew the elements in his training and in the race that didn’t really suit him. Today suited him and he had everything in his favour.” Tyler Schiller was quick to thank the Freedman team for the success as he spoke post-race. “Fantastic training performance from Lee and the team at home,” said Schiller. “I only got on the horse because of the light weight and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. “He did a great job putting himself in a lovely spot in the run. When I cut the corner I thought he was home but a couple joined me. Miss Joelene on the outside, and I thought he had to dig in for the fight and he had to dig in late.” Horse racing news View the full article

Abounding surges to victory in the 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. Photo: Darren Winningham The rescheduled Magic Millions meeting is set to be run on the Gold Coast on Friday evening, with millions on offer for connections. For fans who want to relive the excitement or catch up on the action they missed, we’ve got you covered with replays of all the key races. Whether it’s the electrifying victory of an up-and-coming star or needing to relive a breathtaking victory, our free replays of Magic Millions 2025 brings you front-row access to all the highlights from the Gold Coast. Free Gold Coast Race Replays & Results 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Race 1 – Magic Millions Subzero (2200 METRES) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gold-Coast-2025-Magic-Millions-Subzero-17012025-Encoder-Lee-Freedman-Tyler-Schiller.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 11 Encoder Lee Freedman Tyler Schiller $5.50 $1.95 2nd 5 Belvedere Boys Matthew Dunn Blake Shinn $1.50 3rd 4 Miss Joelene Kelly Schweida James Orman $2.00 4th 6 Tannhauser Chris Waller Tommy Berry Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 11-5 $10.10 Exacta 11-5 $23.90 Duet 11-5 $3.50 Duet 11-4 $5.40 Duet 5-4 $3.60 Trifecta 11-5-4 $74.50 First Four 11-5-4-6 $581.10 Horse racing news View the full article

Blake Spriggs (right) was involved in a fall at Moruya on Friday. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Jockeys Beany Panya and Blake Spriggs have been airlifted to hospital following a heavy fall at Moruya on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around the 400m mark as the field turned for home, with both riders hitting the turf. Spriggs’ mount, Blesstas, appeared to clip heels on the leader and fell, causing Panya’s horse, The Boomerang, who was racing on the outside, to become unbalanced and also come down. “Beany has been in and out of consciousness and will be airlifted to hospital,” a Racing NSW statement confirmed. “Blake is conscious but in a lot of pain, and he’s still being attended to on track by ambulance officers. “Blake has head, chest and abdominal injuries and will also be airlifted to hospital.” Spriggs had posted on social media earlier on Friday morning about his return from suspension. “I’m back from an enforced holiday tomorrow with 7 rides at Moruya,” the post read. “There looks to be a few chances amongst them & it has been a happy hunting ground the past few meetings” The remainder of the meeting was abandoned, with two races still left on the program. In some positive news, Sky Racing’s Kayla Nisbet reported on Thoroughbred Central that both horses escaped injury. “Both horses we can report did come back to scale amazingly unscathed,” Nisbet said. Horse racing news View the full article

Zac Purton is confident Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) sheer talent and versatility will enable the crack sprinter to overcome another challenging barrier in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (19 January) as history beckons for the seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey. Needing only three more wins to equal Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813, Purton has seven rides across the 11-race card, headed by Ka Ying Rising and Beauty Eternal (Starspangledbanner) in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m). Purton, 42, will bid to land the Centenary Sprint Cup for the third time after victories on Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins) (2016) and Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) (2023) as Ka Ying Rising chases a ninth consecutive win from the outside barrier in the eight-horse field. The 128-rater has drawn barriers nine, 10 and 11 at his past three outings, winning on each occasion, but Purton sounded a note of caution ahead of Sunday’s contest. “Obviously he (Ka Ying Rising) has got good gate speed, so that’s an asset. There’s a little bit of speed inside him. Being drawn outside in a small field is always tricky because the runners to the inside generally try to hold a more prominent position than they might normally in a bigger field,” Purton said. “So, I would expect a few horses to do that and it might not be easy to get across, so I’ll need a little bit of luck. “He’s got a really good brain, so that certainly helps. I just hope there’s a spot for me to get in behind Victor The Winner (barrier one) or Magic Control (barrier four) and I can get the one off. We’ll see how we go early.” Purton believes Ka Ying Rising’s effort to contest the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month was a feat in itself – much less comfortably defeating a world-class field. “I think people forget that he’s only a young four-year-old and that’s he’s come a long way in only a short period of time,” Purton said. “It was not only a year to the day that he had his first start, and first win, to then lining up in an international sprint, so he did a really good job just to get there – he did an even better job to win, drawing out (barrier 11) that day as well. “He’s the only horse in history to come from barrier 11 to win the (LONGINES Hong Kong) Sprint, so he had that against him. He was a little bit slow to step and he was taken on by Victor The Winner, sitting outside him, eye-balling him in front so he never got a chance to relax and he still gave a good kick and won. “There was a lot of merit to the win and I think he will continue to get better as well.” Ka Ying Rising will be challenged this weekend by Victor The Winner, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You, Beauty Waves and Magic Control. The Centenary Sprint Cup marks the start of the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series, which carries a HK$5 million bonus for any horse which wins all three races. The HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the HK$22 million Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April complete the series. Purton has also drawn barrier eight in the Stewards’ Cup on Beauty Eternal, who is bidding to return to winning form against Voyage Bubble, California Spangle, Beauty Joy, Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta. “He (Beauty Eternal) beat Golden Sixty last season and he’s come back this season and been really disappointing. He’s been his own worst enemy, pulling himself into the ground and he wouldn’t relax at all,” the Australian said. “Last time, he had the ear plugs and the Norton bit on and he relaxed much better and gave himself a chance but didn’t perform. He continues to trial well, but he’s just not producing it on race day. “He won’t be able to lead this race because California Spangle is in (barrier) two, so I’ll probably have to sit outside him. Voyage Bubble looks like he’s going to be in the right spot and he’s going to have the race at his mercy. “He (Voyage Bubble) is not over the line because there are some handy horses in it and Galaxy Patch is obviously one of those. Galaxy Patch could jump out of the ground on his day, but Voyage Bubble is going to be in the right spot.” The Stewards’ Cup is the first leg of the Triple Crown series with a HK$10 million bonus on offer to any horse who can also win the HK$13 million Gr.1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February and HK$13 million Gr.1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 25 May. Sunday’s (19 January) Sha Tin card starts with the Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) at 12.30pm. View the full article

Caroline Searcy previews the 2025 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale to be held at New Zealand Bloodstock’s sale complex from January 26th to 30th. View the full article

Race 6 CAVALLO FARMS CHRIS RUTTEN BLOODSTOCK HANDICAP 2100m VESPACIAN (L Allpress) – Trainer Mr. N Quinn advised Stewards, that on Thursday 9 January, VESPACIAN, underwent a veterinary examination with no abnormalities being detected. N Quinn further advised he will continue on with the mare’s current preparation. Race 8 ENTAIN/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES 1400m STONE THE CROWS (L Douglas) – Trainer Ms. J Rayner advised Stewards, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of STONE THE CROWS and it is her intention to carry on with the filly’s current preparation. The post Otaki-Maori Racing Club @ Otaki, Monday 6 January 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 7 TAB TELEGRAPH (G1) 1200m WAITAK (M Hashizume) – Co-trainer Mr. A Scott reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding. A Scott further advised WAITAK was given a short break to freshen, and it is the stables intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation, where they may look to nominate WAITAK for the Auckland TR meeting on Saturday 25 January. Race 8 HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY SALVE BARNAO 1600m KEEPING TIME (A Riddell) – Trainer Ms. L Latta advised Stewards, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, KEEPING TIME has now been sent for a spell. The post Wellington Racing Club @ Trentham, Saturday 4 January 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

PUNTERS PREFER BLONDES Family run bookmaker, competing with big names in odds and promotions. Join BlondeBet The Gold Coast Magic Millions, impacted by rain, will now host its last seven races on Friday, January 17, and BlondeBet is offering customers an excellent chance to boost their winning potential during the 2025 Magic Millions races. BlondeBet’s standout Magic Millions promotion provides $50 back in bonus cash if your selection finishes second or third. This offer is available for one use on any race of your choice, giving punters a valuable safety net on race day. Below are all the promotions to help assist for a massive Friday night of racing: Blonde Returns Horse Racing Bet Return – 100% Bonus Cash Back 2nd or 3rd, up to $50 SGM Bet Return – 4+ leg SGM, 100% Bonus Cash Back if 1 leg fails, up to $100 Blonde Boosts Horse Racing Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) Greyhound Racing Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) SRM Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) Multi Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) In addition, with Magic Millions betting being so competitive, it’s worth adding BlondeBet to your rotation on Saturday, as they often offer attractive odds, particularly on rougher chances. BlondeBet is also focusing on the Moruya racecourse, offering Bonus Cash back for second-place finishes in races 4 through 7, up to $100. While BlondeBet might not yet be a household name in Australian betting, they are an Australian family-run business led by the Pendlebury family. Having built their reputation through years of trackside betting, long before many larger operators entered the scene, BlondeBet brings a personalised touch to the market. With features like Blonde Boosts and Bet Returns, they’re well-prepared for both the Gold Coast Magic Millions night and Friday’s racing on January 17. Magic Millions promotions at BlondeBet BlondeBet Gold Coast Magic Millions promotions include: Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Moruya Races 4-7 | Bonus Cash Back BONUS CASH BACK FOR 2ND & 3RD- Up To $100- Moruay Races 4 to 7 BlondeBet T&C’s Apply, Only for eligible customers. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo What betting markets will BlondeBet offer on Magic Millions day BlondeBet is not a household name in Australian racing, but this bookmaker does have some cool points of different, including very competitive odds. BlondeBet’s bet types available on the Magic Millions include: Win/Place Same race multis Trifecta Quinella exacta First four Quaddie Early quaddie Daily Double Does BlondeBet have a free bet offer for new customers? BlondeBet does not offer a new account incentive, because these are outlawed under Australian laws. This means BlondeBet’s Magic Millions free bet is non-existent. BlondeBet.com.au Magic Millions Referral code BlondeBet.com.au readers can use our exclusive BlondeBet.com.au Magic Millions Code: GETON More horse racing promotions View the full article

NEXT GEN RACING BETTING Picklebet Australia is offering a stack of promotions, plus very competitive betting markets. Top Four Betting. Extra Place. Every Race Picklebet.com.au is a popular Australian horse racing betting platform, and like many bookmakers, they are set to shine during the Magic Millions under the stars on Friday, January 17. Picklebet often provides unique Magic Millions betting promotions, including enhanced odds on select runners and cashback deals in previous years. For 2025, Picklebet’s Magic Millions promotions include Double Your Winnings on all races at the Gold Coast on January 17. While this bonus comes with some restrictions—such as applying to the first bet only and a maximum bonus of $100—it offers an excellent opportunity to maximize your returns on Magic Millions day. Additionally, Picklebet will feature their popular Top Four betting option, available on every race at any time. This allows punters to bet on a horse finishing fourth instead of third, which could be especially profitable given the forecasted wet weather for Magic Millions race day. Magic Millions promotions at Picklebet.com.au Picklebet is giving customers the following during the course of Magic Millions night on January 17: Double Winnings! – Gold Coast Get DOUBLE WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH for your first bet on each race at the Gold Coast. Fixed Win Only. Max bonus $100. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo What betting markets will Picklebet offer on Magic Millions Pciklebet has a stack of betting markets available, like their fourth-place betting available at every horse racing meeting. They also offer some very competitive betting odds, which are available through their site. Picklebet bet types available on Magic Millions in 2025 include: Top Four Betting Same race multis Win/Place Quinella Exacta Trifecta First Four Quaddie Early quaddie Picklebet’s Magic Millions coverage will also include a bevy of stats on the various runners throughout the day, including betting fluctuations, speed glance and speed maps, Does Picklebet.com.au have a free bet offer for new customers? Picklebet will not offer a free bet offer for new customers on the 2025 Magic Millions, with these types of new account incentives banned. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Magic Millions night will be held on the Gold Coast on January 17. Photo: Darren Winningham The Magic Millions race night at the Gold Coast, scheduled for Friday, January 17, is poised to be one of the standout betting events on the Australian horse racing calendar. The excitement is heightened as bookmaker promotions ramp up during this time of year. Although Magic Millions promotions may not carry the same weight as in previous years, many Australian betting sites continue to offer referral codes and deals tied to this prestigious Gold Coast event. Gold Coast Magic Millions Bookmaer Promotions & Betting Offers The top Magic Millions promotions for 2025 are: Punters Toolbox! Supersized Saturday helps you Bet it Out with neds! Get MORE Price Boosts, MORE Bet Backs, MORE Fluc Ups, MORE Back Ups & MORE Extra Nudge tools! Available to use on ANY races of your choice. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Double Winnings! – Gold Coast Get DOUBLE WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH for your first bet on each race at the Gold Coast. Fixed Win Only. Max bonus $100. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Gold Coast Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Gold Coast R1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Gold Coast on Friday and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Gold Coast Race 1 – Copy Any Bet AND If Your Horse Runs 2nd OR 3rd – Real Cash Back Up To $25 Max refund of $25 for your first copied bet only. Eligible customers only. Max refund of $25 if your first bet runs 2nd, 3rd of 4th on the above races on November 5. Available for the first copied win bet or the win portion of a win/place bet on the selected race. Eligible customers only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses copy bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any runner. Any odds. Get a bonus back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Best Tote and Starting Price Guarantees a dividend equal to the highest of the official win dividend paid by the three Australian TAB pools or the official starting price. Maximum stake: $2,000. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its Magic Millions racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for Magic Millions on January 17, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Login to view all Unibet offers! New customers only. 18+. Located in UK. Min bet 2/5 or more. Each leg of multi must be over 2/5 for bet to qualify. 3x wagering requirement before withdrawing.Full terms View offers! Unibet is offering some outstanding Magic Millions promotions in the lead-up to the 2025 running of the Gold Coast feature set for January 17. Unibet’s main Magic Millions promotion is a cash back deal, where you get your stake back as a bonus bet, if your wager finishes second or third on all races. Unibet is also offering Daily Mutli Insurance on all races on Magic Millions night, with this meaning you will get paid the best tote price in Australia for all bets, including quaddies, quinellas, trifectas, exactas and first fours. Unibet Magic Millions promotions 2025 Unibet.com.au Magic Millions promotions for 2025 include the following: Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any runner. Any odds. Get a bonus back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Gold Coast Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo What betting markets will Unibet offer on Magic Millions night? Unibet does not have as many bet types as other Magic Millions bookies such as Neds, however they are definitely one of the better options. On this year’s Magic Millions Unibet is offering a huge selection of different odds types, with these including both exotic and standard bet types. Unibet does have some unique bet types, with these including Head to Head markets, where two horses in the Magic Millions field are pitted against each other and priced accordingly. Unibet, which recently added same race multis to their selection, also offer bundle bets and quaddies. Unibet bet types available on the Magic Millions include: Win/Place Same race multis Trifecta Quinella exacta First four Quaddie H2H Bundle Bet Does Unibet have a free bet offer for new customers? Unibet will not offer a free bet to new customers for the running of the Magic Millions, with this because of local laws, which outlaw new account incentives. You can learn more about free bets in Australia in our excellent guide. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Login to PlayUp to view latest Melbourne Cup promotions! View promos! PlayUp.com.au is a popular Australian horse racing betting option, and like most bookies they will excel around Magic Millions night so for Friday, January 17. PlayUp generally offers some unique Magic Millions betting promotions, with these including enhanced odds on select runners and cash back deals in previous years. Magic Millions promotions at PlayUp in 2025 include up to $25 cash back on races 1-3 at Gold Coast on January 17. While there are some restrictions surrounding this PlayUp Magic Millions bonus, including not being able to use it conjunction with other offers, it is a great way to make your dollar stretch longer on Gold Coast Magic Millions night. The Horsebetting.com.au team bets regularly at PlayUp and this year’s Magic Millions looms as a good opportunity, with their odds seemingly better than much of their opposition. Magic Millions promotions at Playup.com.au PlayUp is giving customers the following during the course of Magic Millions night: Gold Coast R1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Gold Coast on Friday and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo What betting markets will PlayUp offer on Magic Millions night PlayUp does not have as many betting markets on major horse racing meetings as your big guns Neds, however, they are definitely not the worst, and often their odds can shine. PlayUp bet types available on the Magic Millions in 2025 include: Same race multis Win/Place Quinella Exacta Trifecta First Four Quaddie Early quaddie PlayUp’s Magic Millions coverage will also include a bevy of stats on the various runners throughout the day, including betting fluctuations, speed glance and speed maps, Does PlayUp.com.au have a free bet offer for new customers? PlayUp will not offer a free bet offer for new customers on the 2025 Magic Millions, with these types of new account incentives banned. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Dabble.com.au is Australia’s social betting app, and like all good bookmakers, they offer customers various Magic Millions promotions and offers. With Magic Millions betting wide open after a si-day delay due to the races being abandoned due to the rain. Getting the best odds and shopping around when placing your Gold Coast Magic Millions bets is crucial. This year, Dabble’s Magic Millions promotions include copy any bet and if your horse runs 2nd or 3rd in Gold Coast race 1, receive cash back up to $25. The other leading promotion they are currently offering is COPYCASH, which is getting paid $.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy any of your bets placed on their app. Dabble, which is only accessible via mobile, is an Australian-owned bookmaker, which has quickly made a mark among punters. Dabble Magic Millions promotions 2025 Dabble.com.au is giving customers the following during the course of Magic Millions day: Gold Coast Race 1 – Copy Any Bet AND If Your Horse Runs 2nd OR 3rd – Real Cash Back Up To $25 Max refund of $25 for your first copied bet only. Eligible customers only. Max refund of $25 if your first bet runs 2nd, 3rd of 4th on the above races on November 5. Available for the first copied win bet or the win portion of a win/place bet on the selected race. Eligible customers only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses copy bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo What betting markets will Dabble offer on Magic Millions day Dabble offers a strong selection of betting markets on major meetings and the Magic Millions at Gold Coast is no different. Dabble bet types available on the Magic Millions include: Same race multis Win/Place Trifecta Quinella exacta First four Does Dabble have a free bet offer for new customers? Dabble does have some Magic Millions promotions, however they are unable to offer free bet offers to Australians, because of local laws, which ban new account incentives. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Champion jockey says outside gate in Centenary Sprint Cup field of eight could threaten star sprinter’s winning streak.View the full article

The Kentucky-based private-equity firm founder and manager John Stewart, whose aggressive spending and outspoken attitude have made a big splash in the global bloodstock and racing worlds since he entered the Thoroughbred business from scratch a little more than a year ago, is being sued in a New York court by an investment firm that provided initial funding for Stewart's MiddleGround Capital. That plaintiff, Archean Capital Partners, is now alleging that Stewart and other MiddleGround defendants are acting in “bad faith” for purportedly falling behind and refusing to pay $22 million in contractually due revenue shares. The lawsuit, which was filed Dec. 23, 2024 in New York Supreme Court but had been under seal until a judge ordered it made public Jan. 9, 2025, alleged that the MiddleGround defendants have been “diverting funds that should have been paid to Archean as its share of Defendants' revenue to satisfy Defendants' other obligations or business pursuits.” The suit stated that Archean was “surprised” during an October 2024 meeting when Stewart, via written report, “revealed that one of the ways MiddleGround Management had used the cash it received through the MiddleGround Funds was to satisfy numerous other personal financial obligations, including taxes, various unapproved capital expenditures, and his required funding obligations” as the general partner in a subsequent MiddleGround fund. Although the civil complaint did not make a specific claim that the allegedly diverted money went to fund Stewart's horse racing ventures at Resolute Racing, the lawsuit did state that Stewart's immersion into the sport has detracted from the time and attention Archean expected him to spend running MiddleGround. The lawsuit stated that, “Stewart has also pursued other outside ventures in a manner that runs afoul” of an Apr. 2, 2018, agreement between Archean and MiddleGround in which Archean provided an initial $75 million capital commitment in exchange for a certain agreed-upon share of the revenue received by MiddleGround. That agreement, according to the lawsuit, also stipulated that Stewart and other MiddleGround principals were supposed to “devote the substantial majority” of their working time to managing the funds. Archean's suit stated that Steward instead focused on his Thoroughbred endeavors. “Without Archean's approval, Stewart directed his time and attention away from management of the MiddleGround Funds to support his outside ventures,” the lawsuit stated. “By way of example, Stewart began to heavily invest in '[horse] racing and bloodstock,' including spending over $25 million at a public auction in 2023 and eventually acquiring Shadayid Stud from Shadwell Farm, [now] renamed Resolute Farm. “Stewart's newfound interest in buying, selling, and raising Thoroughbred horses has diverted his attention from growing and managing the MiddleGround Funds and, on information and belief, has caused him to spend less than the 'substantial' amount of time he is required to devote to the management of the Funds,” the lawsuit stated. “Stewart was contractually required to obtain Archean's written approval before making this type of investment (i.e., purchasing 'all or a substantial portion' of the 'assets or business…of any third party') and to provide notice when devoting less than the required 'substantial majority' of time to working on the MiddleGround Fund, but he failed to obtain such approval or provide such notice,” the lawsuit stated. Reached Thursday evening by TDN, Stewart issued the following statement when asked for his side of the story: “We can't comment on ongoing litigation. Unfortunately in private equity this happens from time to time. This is the first time MiddleGround has ever been involved in any litigation and we are confident that our position is justified. We trust the legal process and we look forward to our opportunity to tell our side of the story. ” About an hour later on Jan. 16, Stewart posted a longer statement to his social media account on X. It read, in part: “With my recent rise in the racing community, my name has attracted considerable media attention. “The private equity industry is fiercely competitive, and disputes can occasionally emerge. I take great pride in my professional reputation, and I have successfully avoided litigation throughout my 30 years in business-until now. “Unfortunately, that record has been compromised. Late last year, we faced a disagreement with an organization we believed was attempting to leverage litigation to pressure us into an unfair agreement. “I am not easily intimidated, and I firmly believe in confronting bullies… “I recognize that the racing industry can be filled with speculation, and my critics will seize this opportunity to undermine my integrity. This is regrettable, and in times like these, we discover who our true friends are.” Archean described itself in the suit as “a private market investment platform” that often serves as a lead investor by providing funding ahead of other investors. As part of its return for taking that initial risk, Archean receives a share of the revenue generated by private equity fund managers. “Archean's initial infusion of capital in private equity funds provides these burgeoning funds with the critical early capital that these private equity funds need to make initial investments and raise additional capital from third-party investors,” is how the lawsuit described a typical arrangement, like the one it purportedly entered into with MiddleGround. In serving as the “anchor investor,” Archean “has no input on, and no advance transparency into, how the MiddleGround Principals invest the capital they received from Archean [and] that is by design,” the lawsuit stated. “Archean sought to provide Defendants with the autonomy necessary to carry out their business while providing the initial capital investment to allow the initial MiddleGround Fund (and hence subsequent MiddleGround Funds) to raise additional investor capital, execute its investment program, and flourish.” The suit continued: “Archean expected Defendants to exercise that autonomy in accordance with their fiduciary responsibilities. However [the defendants] improperly exercised that autonomy and breached the duties that Archean entrusted to them. “Pursuant to the revenue sharing provision in the Letter Agreement, Defendants owed Archean a percentage of certain fees they earned from the MiddleGround Funds. Though Defendants have made sporadic payments over time since the inception of the initial MiddleGround Fund in 2018, the outstanding amount of revenue sharing that Defendants owe Archean has dramatically grown over time, with the amount due currently sitting at more than $22 million (and growing).” “Until very recently, Defendants did not dispute that they owed Archean this amount,” the suit stated. “Defendants confirmed the current amount of revenue sharing fees owed to Archean as recently as Oct. 31, 2024, and had, during the prior year, provided Archean with accounting information that contained the same amount of fees…” The suit stated that, “Stewart, in particular, was adamant that these amounts would be paid. In October 2024, Stewart emailed employees of Archean promising to 'bring [their] obligations to [Archean] current' and assured Archean of his 'commitment to honoring [his] financial obligations,' including 'liquidat[ing] personal assets if necessary to ensure [Archean] [is] compensated.'” The lawsuit alleged that on Dec. 4, 2024, “after Archean raised the specter of legal action if Defendants did not make substantial progress in paying Archean the October 2024 Outstanding Amount, Stewart did an about face, claiming for the first time that the Revenue Share had been miscalculated and, contrary to the parties' years-long agreement of the meaning of the contract, took the position that Archean was not owed the October 2024 Outstanding Amount after all, and that it was Archean that owed MiddleGround Management money.” The suit concluded by asking for the court to award Archean the “October 2024 Outstanding Amount and any additional amounts that are accrued and unpaid” as of the date of judgment; declaring that any future revenue share payments are due immediately, and declaring that Defendants will “fully and completely indemnify Archean as contemplated by the contracts between the parties.” The post Resolute Racing’s Stewart And His Private Equity Firm Sued for Alleged `Bad Faith’ Refusal to Pay $22 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leica Lucy will contest the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) The last time Leica Lucy tackled a three-year-old fillies mile at Trentham, her rivals were no match, and she is looking to replicate that performance on Saturday when she contests the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). A filly by Derryn, Leica Lucy was a debut winner and then only narrowly beaten by Wingman at her following start, but once she stepped up to 1600m, she put over two lengths on the field in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m). Like the course and distance, her jockey Craig Grylls will remain the same, and her trainer Robbie Patterson couldn’t be happier with his charge heading into Saturday’s feature contest. “She had a quiet week after the Eulogy and has just been ticking over, she’s pretty straightforward,” Patterson said. “She’s had some good gallops lately and I’m very happy with her. “She’s probably done fractionally well since her race, she’s put on some weight and is going into it a very happy horse.” Leica Lucy is currently the odds-on favourite at $1.85 with BlondeBet, and while Patterson is hopeful she can get the job done, he has plenty more in store for the filly, including the $1 million Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and potential trip across the Tasman. “Going off her last run, I think she’s improved, so I’d hope that she’s winning on Saturday,” he said. “From there, it gets a bit tricky, either I’ve got to start two weeks later in the Oaks Prelude (Listed, 1800m), and then a month to the Lowland (Group 2, 2100m), and three weeks to the Oaks. “But I don’t want to overtax her, she could end up in Aussie in the autumn as well. We’ll just get through Saturday and go from there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Wexford Stables has announced Checkmate as their $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) representative. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Wexford Stables have an enviable cohort of three-year-olds in their care this season, which made selecting a $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) representative a challenging task for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott. But with the interests of the remainder of the group in mind, Wexford have announced that their hugely-promising galloper Checkmate will fill their slot in the inaugural running of the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race. Checkmate has made just five appearances to the races and in that time has made a big impression with three victories, including the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m) and an open three-year-old 1500m last Sunday at Ellerslie. The O’Sullivan and Scott partnership already have Sought After in the feature under Waikato Stud’s slot, and the former is hoping others in the stable will get their opportunity with the son of Mongolian Khan locked in. “We have some nice horses there and we felt it was best to state who we were going to take in case anyone else had any interest in the others,” O’Sullivan said. “That was one of the reasons why we went early, but in saying that, Checkmate is a horse that gets around Ellerslie, which is important. He’s won at the trip and just ticked a lot of boxes. “He should acquit himself well, we’re happy with him and his condition, although he’ll have another run before then. We’re still undecided where (he will race next), we have a couple of options to work through, but the horse will tell us what he needs. “He’s a nice horse for the race and one of many chances.” A former champion jockey and multiple Group One-winning trainer, O’Sullivan is looking forward to seeing what the race does for an industry he has spent most of his life immersed in, and more importantly, having the Wexford brand play a major role. “It’s exciting to have the biggest prizemoney in the southern hemisphere for three-year-olds, who would’ve thought that would happen,” he said. “It’s great for the industry, it’s new and creates a lot of interest. “It’s important for Wexford, we wanted to be a part of the big dance and to have two horses in the race, it’s fantastic. It’s nice to be able to produce horses that warrant running in the big event. “We’ve had a long time for everyone to put forward their horse and make decisions in which way they’re going to go. It’s like jockeying for positions really. “It’s going to be a very exciting day.” Owned and bred by Okaharau Station, Checkmate currently holds equal favouritism for the NZB Kiwi at $8 with horse racing bookmakers, alongside the TAB slot-holder Evaporate and star colt Savaglee. The race will be run on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. Horse racing news View the full article

What Alice Springs Races Where Pioneer Park Racecourse – Stuart Highway, Connellan, NT, 0870 When Saturday, January 18, 2025 First Race 10:34am ACST Visit Dabble Numbers are healthy for what shapes as yet another competitive meeting in the Red Centre with 48 horses accepting for the six-event program on Saturday afternoon. With the mercury climbing to 44C twice this week, the meeting has been brought forward with 39C the forecast. Pioneer Park will be a dry dirt surface, and the rail will be in the true position. Best Bet at Alice Springs: Delago Lad Delago Lad has impressed since returning from a spell on December 7. Sitting three deep when sharing the lead first up over 1200m at 0-58 level, the seven-year-old gelding kept battling away before succumbing to Illusive Star by half a length. The son of Delago Deluxe then posted two wins after leading throughout over 1200m in 0-64 grade by 4.5 lengths from gate six on December 21 and by 1.5 lengths from gate one on January 5. Delago Lad steps up in grade, but the 2kg claim will help. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Delago Lad (3) 7yo Gelding | T: Greg Connor | J: Lek Maloney (a2) (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Alice Springs: Hell Fire Miss Hell Fire Miss is racing well. The four-year-old mare shared the early lead over 1200m in the 0-58 ranks on December 7 and never saw the rails before finishing third. Two weeks later, the daughter of Hellbent held the fence after sharing the lead and looked gone in the home straight before posting a narrow win in a 1200m maiden. Three deep in third place a fortnight ago over 1100m in 0-58 grade, Hell Fire Miss settled on the paint before finishing strongly for second behind runaway leader Hellivit. With a better run in transit, Hell Fire Miss can go one better. Next Best Race 3 – #2 Hell Fire Miss (4) 4yo Mare | T: Lisa Whittle | J: Sonja Logan (56.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Alice Springs: Duty Fourth over 1400m at BM66 level in November, Duty hasn’t missed a place in his past three starts. Gave the leader a huge start over 1600m in BM54 grade on December 7 before rattling home to win by 1.5 lengths. Far from disgraced when third over 1600m in 0-70 grade before once again finishing strongly from the back of the field when second by half a length lumping 62kg over 1400m at BM54 level. The eight-year-old gelding by Fastnet Rock was an early $4.80 quote with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 6 – #3 Duty (7) 8yo Gelding | T: Ray Viney | J: Brendon Newport (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Alice Springs Alice Springs quadrella selections Saturday, January 18, 2025 1-2-3 2-3-4 1-2-3 1-3-5-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The winner of GIII Vosburgh Stakes during the Belmont At The Big A meet last fall and recent victor in the GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke) was reportedly sold privately for an undisclosed amount by Carlos Saavedra and Stud Vendaval, Inc. to Dubai-based RRR Racing, according to a tweet on X by Agentes305. The post goes on to say the 6-year-old will travel to the Middle East after completing quarantine in the U.S., which was confirmed by current trainer Ignacio Correas. Mufasa began his racing career as a 3-year-old in Chile before coming to the U.S. where he made his stateside debut at Churchill Downs facing optional claiming company in late June. After running sixth, the dark bay cleared the condition at Colonial Downs in mid-August. Conquering the Vosburgh, Mufasa's 50% ownership interest RNA'd for $950,000 during the Keeneland Championship Sale at Del Mar. The Correas trainee was then well-beaten in the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile that weekend, but won the Dec. 28 running of the Mr. Prospector Stakes in Hallandale where he defeated heavy favorite White Abarrio (Race Day), who is slated to be among the favorites in next weekend's GI Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream. MUFASA (11 wins – 3xG3W) winner last time out of the G3 Mr. Prospector Stakes, has been sold privately to RRR RACING in Dubai and will travel to the Middle East in the next days, after completing his quarantine time in USA, as his trainer @IgnacioCorreas has confirmed today…. pic.twitter.com/BlhV09CstN — Agentes305 (@agentes305) January 16, 2025 The post MGSW Mufasa Sold Privately To RRR Racing In Dubai appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday’s Elsdon Park (1400m) at Pukekohe could be a stepping stone towards much bigger and better things for unbeaten three-year-old Dealt With. The Ace High gelding turned heads with a dominant debut victory at Te Aroha on January 4, and that performance did not go unnoticed in terms of fixed-odds markets for upcoming three-year-old features. The TAB currently rates him a $16 chance for next Saturday’s $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie, with a $21 quote available for the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot race at the same venue on March 8. “There’s a couple of big three-year-old races coming up that we’d love to see him running in, and the first of those is the Karaka Millions,” said Robert Wellwood, who trains in partnership with Roger James. “That’s only six days after this race at Pukekohe on Sunday, so it’s a bit ‘pie in the sky’ at this stage. We’re keeping the option open, but absolutely everything would have to go 100 percent right for us to carry on along that path. “The other option is to give him another run in between times and then hope to secure him a slot for the Kiwi in March.” James and Wellwood paid $90,000 to buy Dealt With from the Book 2 draft of Hallmark Stud at Karaka 2023. His highly impressive first-up performance came as no surprise to the Cambridge trainers, who had previously given him two trials including a five-length romp over 800m at Ellerslie back in September. “We always knew that he was a horse with very good speed and ability,” Wellwood said. “We just had to be a bit patient with him early on, but it was very pleasing to get him to the races at Te Aroha this month and see him produce such an impressive performance on debut. “His work has been good since then. He’s still got plenty to learn, but we believe he’s taken some good improvement from that first run. It’s going to be interesting to see how he goes in better company on Sunday.” Dealt With will again be ridden by George Rooke, who guided him to his win at Te Aroha earlier in the month. The pair will meet a talented line-up of three-year-olds on Sunday, including last-start winners Cognoscenti and This Time Girl, Cambridge Stud filly First Dance and last month’s Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) fourth placegetter Hard Roca, but Dealt With heads the TAB’s market at $3.80. “We had the option of either the three-year-old race or the Rating 65 at this meeting on Sunday,” Wellwood said. “We were able to accept for both, see how he drew and use that as the decider, and that’s definitely pushed us towards the three-year-old race.” Dealt With will be one of two runners at Pukekohe on Sunday for James and Wellwood. They will also saddle Aladdin Sane in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis (2200m) – something of a Plan B after missing out on a $350,000 opportunity at Trentham. “We entered him for the Remutaka Classic (2100m) on Saturday as well, but unfortunately he’s fourth on the ballot there and very unlikely to get a run,” Wellwood said. “It would have been nice to see him race for $325,000 more, but that’s the way it goes.” Aladdin Sane began his four-year-old season in good form with two seconds and then a win at Pukekohe, beating subsequent Trentham winner and Remutaka Classic contender Sinhaman. He pulled up slightly sore after losing a plate during a 2100m Rating 75 at Tauranga in December, where he was a beaten favourite and finished seventh, but showed more promising signs with a strong finish for sixth in the Thames Cup (1600m) on January 4. “I thought that was a very good run,” Wellwood said. “It was the run of a horse that needs to get back up over ground. He gets that opportunity on Sunday and we’re expecting a good run.” View the full article

An exciting period for stakes racing in the South Island is looming and trainer John Blackadder hopes Saturday’s Wingatui meeting can be a springboard to some feature contests for a pair of his talented gallopers. The Rangiora horseman will travel south with his stable star Ears Back, a seven-win mare who added her most recent success in the Timaru Cup (1600m) last-start. With a view on targeting the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) on March 1, the mare will step back in distance in a competitive Brent Lucas Builders (1400m). “She’s come through the Timaru Cup really well, I was so pleased to get a nice win with her after she got knocked over in the TAB Mile,” Blackadder said. “She likes being on the pace now, she just sits on speed and fights, she really grinds it out. “Her favourite distance is a mile, so we’re aiming for the White Robe Lodge, but you’ve got to keep them ticking over,” he said. “She’s won at Ascot over 1400, so I don’t think the distance will be too much of an issue.” An up-and-comer in his care is Show Pony, a three-year-old by Vespa who showed his raw ability finishing fourth in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) back in October, at just his second start. The gelding continued on to New Zealand Cup Week, where he finished in the same position behind Lil Zena in open age-group company. The trio of Guineas races in the region (Gore, Southland and Dunedin) are on Blackadder’s radar, with the Property Brokers (1200m) presenting as the ideal starting point. “He’s had a good break and we’re getting him ready for the Guineas races coming up,” Blackadder said. “He’s been working nicely, I was hoping for another three-year-old lead-up race so we decided to take him down to Wingatui. He’s more of a 1400-1600 horse, but it’s a good race to kick off with. “His work doesn’t justify what he does at the races to be honest, he’s a bit of a lazy horse on the beach, similar to Ears Back, but that’s okay because they put their best out on race-day.” Both to be ridden by apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper, Ears Back and Show Pony currently sit third-favourite in their respective races in even TAB markets. View the full article

Admirers of Rich Hill Stud’s leading stallions Proisir and Satono Aladdin will be spoiled for choice at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale later this month. The pair will have their strongest ever representation at Karaka, a reflection of the growing success of the duo’s progeny on the racetracks and in auction rings. Champion sire Proisir will have 50 yearlings in Book 1 and 10 in Book 2 while Deep Impact’s son will have 40 and 16 respectively, making them the dominant pairing numbers wise in the catalogue. “It’s a result not only of the success of our stallions, but also the significant investment we have made in broodmares and we’re starting to see that,” Rich Hill Stud’s John Thompson said. A feature offering in the Rich Hill draft will be Lot 351, a half-sister by Proisir to dual Group Three winner and Group One placegetter Aeliana with their dam the Star Witness mare Temolie. “We bought the mare in foal to a commercial stallion (Castlevecchio) in Australia and that particular horse is one of their most promising fillies in Aeliana,” Thompson said. “It’s a dream result, but if you’re going to invest in quality that’s what can happen. “It’s a fantastic family with the dam a half-sister to (Group One winner) Invincibella and the Proisir filly is all quality. The mother has had another Proisir filly, which allows us to sell this one.” Another youngster by the sire is Lot 635, a brother to the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and three-time Group One placegetter Riodini while Lot 287 is a half-sister to Lupo Solitario, who also triumphed in the Bonecrusher. A Rich Hill-offered daughter of Satono Aladdin sold for $900,000 12 months ago and he will have a number of quality offerings to go under the hammer later this month. “Lot 439 is a sister to (champion juvenile) Tokyo Tycoon and again the mare has foaled another full sister to it enables us to put this filly thought the ring,” Thompson said. “This one is a quality individual and we’ve also got a brother (Lot 299) to Raf Attack (winner of Gr.3 Gloaming Stakes, 1800m) and a brother (Lot 149) to Lantern Way who won the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m).” “For both stallions, this is their best-bred crops to date and were conceived off Proisir’s fee of $17,500 and Satono was at $12,500 so it augurs well for breeders.” Proisir stood last season at $80,000 + GST while Satono Aladdin commanded $65,000 + GST. Associate stallions Shocking and Ace High will also be well represented at Karaka. “We’ve got a really nice line of Shocking colts this year, and he continues to do the job and has been a bit of a revelation in the last few seasons with the likes of (dual Group One winner) I’m Thunderstruck,” Thompson said. “Ace High is viewed as one of the country’s up and coming stallions in the country and there are some lovely horses by them to choose from.” Adding to the attraction of Rich Hill’s consignment is a variety of youngsters by other leading domestic and Australian-based sires. “We’ve got a really good selection of yearlings by Savabeel, Toronado, Street Boss, St Mark’s Basilica, Sword Of State and Palace Pier to further boost the quality of the draft,” Thompson said. View the full article