Wandering Eyes

Unheralded four-year-old Doctor Askar (NZ) (Derryn) has proved himself one of the finds of the summer as he completed his fifth win from just six starts since breaking maidens in December when taking out the Listed Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Trainer Joanne Moss, who bred and co-owns the son of Derryn in partnership with her mother Jill, had thought she had a handy horse on her hands when he showed plenty of ability by placing in five of his first eight starts before that maiden victory over 1400m at New Plymouth. Another placing at Trentham was followed by three successive victories, with two of them in premier day company, before Moss decided to tackle stakes racing and test a statement made by rider Joe Doyle after the horse scored easily in a rating 75 1400m at the venue last weekend. “Joe said to me last week when he got off that we need some faster horses and I was thinking I will fix you,” Moss said. “But he was right and it’s really exciting as we bred him and I race him with Mum, I’m just really proud.” Moss also revealed the background to the naming of the horse which will further endear him in the eyes of true racing fans due to the heartwarming nature of the tale. “I named him after a Doctor at Waikato Hospital, Doctor Askar, who saved my sons life,” she said. “When I talked to him about naming the horse after him he said he had had some funny requests but never one like this. “I have emailed him a couple of times and he has said he has been watching and he wants a photo, so this one might be a good one. “My son is really good and just like any other normal child now. “When I was talking to the Doctor, I didn’t have a Savabeel to name after him but a Derryn, so never mind as he has turned out good.” Doyle was quick to pay tribute to the horse and to his trainer after he sat outside leader Mr Mojo Risin’ (NZ) (Deep Field) throughout and then fended off the challenges of Cambridge visitor December (NZ) (Shamexpress) to take out his first victory at stakes level. “He has gone from strength to strength and fair play to Jo as she has done some job with him,” Doyle said. “When I first rode him when he won at New Plymouth he was very green, very awkward and just a tough ride. “Whatever she (Moss) is doing is working and this is one of those great racing stories. “When I came back in last time I said he would be better in a better race and it’s nice to be right sometimes. “He needs a bit of ringcraft still but he is improving the whole time and he can take the next step up.” Doctor Askar is out of the St. Petersburg mare Petipas Delight and comes from an extended family that includes black type performer River Queen and her stakes winning son Te Akau Prince. He has now won five of his 14 starts and just under $185,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

La Dorada winning Saturday’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A sparkling performance by La Dorada in Saturday’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) completed another Te Akau clean sweep of New Zealand’s biggest two-year-old prizes. La Dorada had previously won the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), while her unbeaten stablemate Return To Conquer strung together four black-type successes including the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Since the inception of the Karaka Millions in 2008, Te Akau Racing is the only stable to win the Karaka Millions, Sistema and Sires’ Produce Stakes in the same season. They have now achieved this remarkable feat four times – in 2018 (Avantage in the Karaka Millions and Sires’ Produce Stakes, Sword Of Osman in the Sistema), 2019 (Probabeel in the Karaka Millions, Yourdeel in the Sistema and Sires’ Produce Stakes), 2021 (On The Bubbles in the Karaka Millions and Sires’ Produce Stakes, Sword Of State in the Sistema) and 2025. La Dorada’s chance of winning all three races by herself was extinguished by a temperature spike that forced her to be scratched on the morning of the Sistema Stakes. But she secured Group One redemption in Saturday’s $550,000 feature at Trentham. She was given a perfect ride by Michael McNab, who slotted her into fourth spot and one off the rail as War Princess and Too Sweet set a breakneck speed out in front. La Dorada cruised up behind the leaders coming up to the home turn, then pounced at the 300m mark. A brilliant burst of speed carried her well clear, racing away to win by three and a half lengths. Adding to the Te Akau dominance, the winner’s lightly raced stablemate Hostility produced a strong finish to fill the runner-up spot. Landlock was third, but was subsequently relegated after a successful protest by the connections of the fourth-placed Tajana. 2025 Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes Replay – La Dorada https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trentham-2025-Group-1-Manawatu-Sires-Produce-29032025-La-Dorada-Mark-Walker-Sam-Bergerson-Michael-McNab.mp4 La Dorada became Te Akau’s ninth winner of the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, joining Maroofity (2003), Kindacross (2005), Melody Belle (2017), Avantage (2018), Yourdeel (2019), On The Bubbles (2021), Maven Belle (2022) and Move To Strike (2024). Almost all of those previous winners were purchased by David Ellis, who paid $190,000 to secure La Dorada from the Book 1 draft of her breeders Waikato Stud at Karaka 2024. La Dorada has now had five starts for four wins and a second, earning $1.06 million in stakes for the Te Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership. “She showed her class today and she’s just so tough,” said Mark Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson. “She’s been up for a while. She’s had quite a long season. But Sam and the team have done a great job keeping her going so well for that long. “She had that setback with the Sistema, but we didn’t panic. It’s great to see her get a Group One win. She’s a very tough filly and is going to make a lovely three-year-old as well. She’s not very big, but she’s all heart. “She wasn’t expensive, costing less than $200,000, and you can’t go wrong buying the Waikato Stud product. I think Super Seth is the next big thing in New Zealand.” La Dorada became second-season sire Super Seth’s third Group One winner in the month of March, following on from Feroce in the Australian Guineas (1600m) and Linebacker in the Randwick Guineas (1600m). Walker was also delighted with Hostility. The blue-blooded colt by I Am Invincible out of multiple Group One winner Shillelagh was a record-breaking $1.65 million purchase from the Ready to Run Sale in November. The Sires’ Produce Stakes was only his second start, having run second on debut earlier this month. “His run was full of merit too,” Walker said. “To have your second run in a Group One race and put in a performance like that, he’s a special horse in the making. “We’ll have some decisions to make around the three-year-old plans for La Dorada, Hostility and Return To Conquer, but we’ve got all winter to do that. It’s a big team effort with David, Karyn (Fenton-Ellis), Sam, Reece (Trumper) and Nicole (Shailer). We’ll sit down over the winter and work it all out. They’re beautiful horses.” The Sires’ Produce Stakes brought Walker and Bergerson back level with Stephen Marsh in terms of Group and Listed winners this season. The rivals went into Saturday’s meeting tied on 13 stakes wins each, and Marsh briefly moved ahead with Kiwi Skyhawk’s victory in the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m). Meanwhile, Saturday’s Group One triumph was a welcome breakthrough for McNab, who has endured a run of second placings at the elite level with La Crique in the Zabeel Classic (2000m), Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), plus Dubai Gold in last week’s New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “It’s a good feeling,” McNab said. “It’s been a bit of a frustrating, heartbreaking run. The season’s been going really well, but those Group One races and million-dollar races are the ones you really want to win. It’s nice to do that today. “This filly is an absolute star. There’s not much of her, but she has great ability, great heart and just a great will to win. “She’s not the best at cornering. She sort of pops herself out. She did that at Matamata and again today. She got lost for a little bit, but then she was brilliant down the straight. To get across the line for David and Te Akau today is very special.” Horse racing news View the full article

Waitak winning the Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Last year’s Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) winner Waitak has showcased his versatility and class this autumn with a dominant double over 1600m and 2100m. The son of Proisir was a three-length winner of the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga on March 15, and on Saturday he stepped up over even further and won the Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham with similar ease. Waitak has joined a rare club, becoming only the second horse to win both the Railway and the Awapuni Gold Cup. The first was Stretto, who won both races in 1938. This month’s feature double has been a welcome turnaround for Waitak, who went winless for more than a year after his Railway triumph but was close up in fourth in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), fifth in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), third in the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m), third in the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m), second in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), sixth in the Railway, fourth in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) and sixth in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott had no fears about stepping Waitak back up in distance this autumn. Waitak had previously proven himself over more ground as a three-year-old, finishing a close second in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) in February of 2023 and fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) that March. Scott has taken special satisfaction from seeing the five-year-old back in the winning groove this month. 2025 Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup Replay – Waitak https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trentham-2025-Group-2-Awapuni-Gold-Cup-29032025-Waitak-Lance-OSullivan-Andrew-Scott-Ryan-Elliot.mp4 “It’s been a wicked team effort,” he said. “He’s been running so well all season, including running the fastest last 600m in three Group One races in a row, but things just haven’t quite worked out for him. After a frustrating run through the spring and summer, it’s great to see him performing like this in the autumn. “The quick pace at Tauranga last start really set it up for him to boom home. He’s done it again today and it’s just really good to see him successfully stepping up over ground. It opens up so many more options for him next season, with a lot of races we can aim at around the 2000m mark. “When they learn to relax and settle, they can run out the longer trips much stronger. He’s a big horse that’s only just learning. The penny is still dropping in terms of him relaxing and quickening, and that’s what the game is all about. He’ll be a big, sound six-year-old next season and could be in for a very good year.” Ryan Elliot rode Waitak for the first time in the Japan Trophy and produced a masterful ride, guiding the gelding through along the rail to charge home from last and score a dominant win. The same partnership struck again on Saturday, this time coming from midfield with a barnstorming finish down the outside. Elliot pushed the button at the top of the straight and Waitak went into overdrive, bursting to the lead and going clear to win by two and a quarter lengths. Manifique produced a big late finish for second, with front-runner Town Cryer holding on bravely for third. “He’s a lovely horse,” Elliot said. “If you present him at the right time, he takes you a long way. “It’s a big trip down here, and stepping up over this sort of distance for the first time in a couple of years isn’t easy. But he’s done it very well today. If he can keep going like this, he could step up to some of those 2000m races at Ellerslie next season. He’s got an electric turn of foot. “They ran along at a decent tempo today and he’s done it easily.” Horse racing news View the full article

Velocious winning the Manco 1150 (1150m) at Te Aroha on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Last season’s boom two-year-old Velocious made her raceday return after a tie-back wind operation in stunning fashion when she stormed home from a clear last on the home bend to take out the Manco 1150 (1150m) at Te Aroha. The Stephen Marsh-prepared daughter of Written Tycoon had been off the scene since finishing near last in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September, where she was immediately operated on to alleviate her breathing issues. Given a long and slow build-up that saw her trial on three occasions before stepping out on Saturday, the winner of the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) had been expected to perform at a high level upon return with the caveat being whether she could recapture her best after the throat surgery. Ridden by Courtney Barnes, who had piloted five of the nine winners on the card at Wingatui twenty-four hours earlier, Velocious settled a clear last in the open contest as Miss Bo Peep set up a steady pace in front with topweight Lhasa alongside her throughout. That pair turned in front and looked set to fight out the finish as Barnes drew Velocious to the outside to make her finishing run. Just as Lhasa edged clear and looked set for victory, Velocious put in several huge bounds to hit the lead inside the 50m and draw away for a comfortable 1.5 length victory. Stable representative Rhys Mildon echoed the sentiments of many when he welcomed the filly back with a mixture of joy and relief. “It’s an amazing job that Stephen has done by bringing her very slowly with three trials after the wind op,” Mildon said. “He was confident she could return in good style and when she let down it almost brought a tear to the eye. “You can trial all you like but it’s about raceday and she gave them a start and a beating today. “It was awesome to see.” Barnes admitted that her race plans had changed dramatically once the filly was slow away from the starting gates. “Stephen told me not to panic and not to get her pulling and I definitely did that,” Barnes laughed. “She had been in the gates a little bit and was rocking around, standing awkwardly and didn’t get away the best. “She came up onto the bridle and trucked around the corner and I felt she was definitely going to let down. “It’s great to see a good horse back.” Horse racing news View the full article

Kiwi Skyhawk winning Saturday’s Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) After a series of highly creditable performances against some of the best of his age group, Kiwi Skyhawk broke through for his first feature-race success in Saturday’s Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) at Trentham. The Contributer gelding was a third placegetter on debut at Te Rapa on July 27 last year, then scored a 1400m maiden victory at the same venue a fortnight later. Kiwi Skyhawk had gone winless through the seven months since then, but ran third in the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1400m), fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), seventh in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and a last-start fifth in Willydoit’s Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). On paper, Saturday’s $150,000 Manawatu Classic appeared to be a big step down for the Stephen Marsh-trained Kiwi Skyhawk, who jumped as a $2 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. Ridden for the sixth time in his career by Matt Cartwright, Kiwi Skyhawk settled near the tail of the field as Shockabella set a strong pace and strung the field right out along Trentham’s back straight. Cartwright never panicked, even when he dropped out to a clear last and more than a dozen lengths from the lead coming down the side of the track. He allowed Kiwi Skyhawk to warm into his work while waiting for the leaders to feel the effects of the torrid early pace. The race changed rapidly coming into the home turn as the front-runners faded out of contention, and Cartwright brought Kiwi Skyhawk with big bounds down the outside. The favourite strode to the lead at the 150m mark and kicked away from a tightly bunched group of chasers, going on to win by a length. 2025 Group 3 Manawatu Classic Replay – Kiwi Skyhawk https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trentham-2025-Group-3-Manawatu-Classic-29032025-Kiwi-Skyhawk-Stephen-Marsh-Matt-Cartwright.mp4 Kiwi Skyhawk has become a real favourite for Cartwright, who celebrated his black-type breakthrough with a fist pump just after the finish line. “I actually love riding this horse,” the Australian jockey said. “He’s the kindest horse in Marshy’s stable. That’s why I was a bit excited going past the line – just because I really like this horse and it was good for him to get this win. Hopefully he can go on with it from here. “They rolled along for the first part of the race and I was a fair way off them. But I had a bit of trust in the horse Craig Grylls was riding, Way Out West, who was one of the favoured runners. I knew Craig was going to have to make a move at some stage to get into the race, so I followed him. “I really just trusted my horse as well. I have a lot of faith in him and a lot of time for him. He proved the talent that he’s got. I’m hoping he gets some good confidence out of this win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Italian jockey attacks Group Two feature with confidence after gelding’s fast-finishing fourth behind Ka Ying Rising last start.View the full article

Ciaron Maher‘s highly anticipated Pride Of Jenni failed to deliver in Saturday’s Australian Cup 2025 at Flemington, with stablemate Light Infantry Man producing a stunning upset. The $2.5 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) saw Light Infantry Man ($9) storm to a two-length victory, leaving Pride Of Jenni ($3.80) trailing as the mare crossed over […] The post Australian Cup 2025 Winner is Light Infantry Man for Maher appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, March 30, 2025 First Race 12:45pm HKT (3:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) and Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) share top billing for the meeting, while the undercard oozes quality throughout the afternoon. The rail moves into the A+3 position, and although some rainfall is predicted to hit the course proper, it shouldn’t have any effect on the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. Racing is set to commence at 12:45pm HKT. Sprint Cup Tip: Ka Ying Rising Three-time Group 1 winning sprinter Ka Ying Rising steps out in the Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) and should have no issues adding a seventh win to the tally this preparation. He was perhaps softened up in his latest effort over 1400m in the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, but a return to 1200m should allow the son of Shamexpress to return to his brilliant best. He’ll be winning again; it’s simply a matter of ‘how far’. Sprint Cup Race 7 – #1 Ka Ying Rising (6) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (58kg) Chairman’s Trophy Tip: Galaxy Patch It was ugly viewing for Galaxy Patch backers in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), where Voyage Bubble proved far too classy. The son of Wandjina had excuses, however, unable to show his devastating turn of speed in a slowly run 2000m contest. The booking of Zac Purton shows intent from the Pierre Ng barn, and although he’ll be getting back from barrier nine once again, watch for Galaxy Patch to be surging down the centre of the course to get his preparation back on track. Chairman’s Trophy Race 5 – #3 Galaxy Patch (9) 5yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Zac Purton (56kg) Best Bet at Sha Tin: Ka Ying Glory David Hayes & Zac Purton combine with Ka Ying Glory and appear to have a smart debutant stepping out in this Class 4 contest. The Turn Me Loose gelding has impressed in back-to-back barrier trial wins, with his latest piece of work catching the eye at Happy Valley on March 14 as the three-year-old made every post a winner. Expect similar tactics in his first attempt under race-day conditions, and with this Class 4 affair lacking depth, Ka Ying Glory should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 3 – #7 Ka Ying Glory (2) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (57.5kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Mission Strike After back-to-back minor placings at Happy Valley, the Mark Newnham-trained Mission Strike appears set to peak stepping out to the 2000m for the first time. The Dundeel gelding savaged the line in his latest outing over 1800m on March 5 but simply had too much work to do from the rear of the field when trying to chase down Beauty Alliance in the shadows of the post. Luke Ferraris must take advantage of barrier two and sit handy to the speed and provided Mission Strike is in striking distance at the turn, this guy should surge clear to claim his first Hong Kong win. Next Best Race 1 – #5 Mission Strike (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Luke Ferraris (59kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Little Paradise Little Paradise debuts on the back of a strong barrier trial win on the all-weather surface at Sha Tin on March 18 and warrants respect in this wide-open Class 4 contest. The son of Toronado was fast away on that occasion before fending them off under his own steam in the final furlong, suggesting the unraced gelding still had plenty left in the tank. Luke Ferraris will go searching for the lead from gate 13, and although he’s unlikely to get it all his own way, expect Little Paradise to give a bold sight at the each-way price with . Best Value Race 4 – #8 Little Paradise (13) 3yo Gelding | T: Jimmy Ting | J: Luke Ferraris (58kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections March 30, 2025 1 1-2-3-7 1-2-5-6-8 1-2-5-8-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Wellington Races Where Wellington Race Club – Bushrangers Creek Rd, Mount Arthur NSW 2820 When Sunday, March 30, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing returns to Wellington Race Club on Sunday afternoon, with a massive eight-part program lined up for their marquee day on the calendar. The $200,000 Wellington Boot Showcase (1100m) headlines the action, with a capacity field of 14 two-year-olds set to step out, while Big Dance (1600m) eligibility is up for grabs in the Wellington Cup (1700m). The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with heavy rain forecast on Friday and Saturday, punters can expect a genuine wet track for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:50pm local time. Wellington Boot Tip: Invincible Phantom Invincible Phantom couldn’t have done much more debuting on the Kensington circuit at Randwick on March 13, being pestered throughout the 1000m journey before being swallowed up in the shadows of the post. The I Am Invincible colt appears well placed back to country grade after a testing first-up effort, and with a lack of speed engaged, Dylan Gibbons should have no issues sending the two-year-old to the top in the early stages. He’ll strip fitter second-up, and with an element of class on his rivals, expect Invincible Phantom to prove too strong in the Wellington Boot. Wellington Boot Race 7 – #2 Invincible Phantom (7) 2yo Colt | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Dylan Gibbons (56kg) Wellington Cup Tip: Cliff House The Tim Donnelly-trained Cliff House came within a whisker of claiming the Listed National Sprint at Canberra on March 9 at a massive price with horse racing bookmakers despite suffering a torrid run in transit. The Starcraft gelding travelled at the back half of the field and didn’t get much cover, still whacking away to close within a nose of Zouatica. The 1700m third-up should be an ideal setup for success, and although barrier 15 means he’ll likely get back in the ruck again, Cliff House should simply prove too classy for this lot. Wellington Cup Race 6 – #2 Cliff House (15) 6yo Gelding | T: Tim Donnelly | J: Nick Heywood (61kg) Best Bet at Wellington: Jolly Good Fellow Jolly Good Fellow joins the Dean Mirfin stable after six winless efforts for Chris Waller in metro company. The son of Zousain had his chances as well, with the three-year-old gelding well supported with Dabble in his latest effort at Canterbury on November 29. He simply lacked the quality to get the job done in town, and with this country maiden the perfect kick-off point for the new stable, it should be an easy kill for Jolly Good Fellow to get his confidence back. Best Bet Race 3 – #5 Jolly Good Fellow (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Dean Mirfin | J: Braith Nock (58.5kg) Next Best at Wellington: Navy Steel Navy Steel returns after a 102-day spell and couldn’t have been more impressive claiming a recent barrier trial victory at Scone on February 28. The Merchant Navy gelding led every step of the way, putting his rivals away by 2.3 lengths and was hardly asked to extend in the concluding stages. Watch for this guy to ping the lids from barrier 11 and dictate from the jump, and provided he can give his rivals the slip at the top of the straight, the $5 with will seem a big price. Next Best Race 1 – #4 Navy Steel (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Brett Cavanough | J: Braith Nock (58.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Wellington Wellington quadrella selections March 30, 2025 1-3-5-6-7 2-3-4-5 2-5 1-3-5-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Daniel Stackhouse returns to the mounting yard on Deakin after winning the Roy Higgins at Flemington Racecourse. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Phillip Stokes will have a runner in the 2025 Melbourne Cup, thanks to Daniel Stackhouse’s perfectly timed ride aboard Deakin in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. The son of Australia was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers, and he jumped at -125, which was the shortest favourite on the program. In a race that changed speed multiple times, Smokin Romans (+1100) took up the lead early ahead of Newfoundland (+1500) before Mostly Cloudy (+600) took off to challenge for the lead at the 1400m mark. The tempo of the 2600m contest lifted, which allowed the eventual winner, Inevitable Award (+4000) and Berkshire Breeze (+500), to get going at the 600m mark and chase down the tiring frontrunners. Turning for home, Mostly Cloudy started to take smaller steps and the runs started to come from Berkshire Breeze and Deakin. Those two settled down to fight out the finish in the final 150m, but it was the favourite on the inside who continued to find late and claimed a tough victory by just under a half-length. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Phillip Stokes spoke of the importance of the win and securing a spot in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup. “It’s a very important win, just to see the progression the horse has made from when he came to us,” Stokes said. “He’s been in work a long time now, we skipped the Adelaide Cup to come here, it was a big call and he’s been four or five weeks between runs now. “He’s got very good staying ability, and Stacky rode him beautifully. “He’s probably come to the end of if it now, he’ll look very good in my paddock in front of the house in the morning, but big thanks to Terry Henderson and all the team there, they’ve backed us the whole way. “He’s got a start in the Melbourne Cup, that’s great, and we’ll just have to plot a path towards it. “Which way we go is probably through a Caulfield Cup I would have thought, but he’s a very exciting horse, and it’s a credit to train him.” Daniel Stackhouse was elated with the win post-race. “How exciting! He’s such a cool horse, this,” Stackhouse exclaimed. “I can’t thank Terry (Henderson) and all the owners and Stokesy and the team (enough), they do such a fantastic job and just to be riding him and have a fantastic association with him and getting the job it’s a big thrill. “The pace wasn’t very quick from get-go and he just got a little bit keen being a bit fresh between runs, it’s been over a month now. “He just wanted to get the job over and done with a little bit, he didn’t really settle that well but it was nice with (Mostly) Cloudy put some speed into the race and he actually relaxed really nicely. “He had to dig deep for it, and he showed a good turn of foot, and he can stay.” Deakin is rated as a +1400 chance with Picklebet in the 2025 Melbourne Cup futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article

Light Infantry Man ridden by Ethan Brown winning the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Light Infantry Man ($9.50) has stormed over the top to claim the 163rd running of the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday afternoon, with the former UK galloper securing his second Group 1 victory since arriving to the Ciaron Maher stable. The son of Fast Company was an impressive winner of the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at the end of last preparation and has seemingly gone to a new level in the autumn, with the six-year-old peaking third-up after finding the minor money behind Tom Kitten in the Group 1 All Star Mile (1600m) last time out. It was a race that panned out perfectly for star hoop Ethan Brown, lobbing into the ideal stalking position mid-field with cover as stable companion Pride Of Jenni ($3.50) rolled along at a fast tempo under the urgings of Craig Newitt. Deny Knowledge ($10 with BlondeBet) missed the start, but there was no panic by Craig Williams, allowing the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained mare to settle in the one-one throughout the journey. Zardozi ($4.80 with Dabble) and Atishu ($5.50) both settled worse than mid-field and appreciated the fast-run affair, while Middle Earth ($6) never looked likely to figure after getting back to last in the bunching field of 10. It became a real slog as the leaders turned for home, with Pride Of Jenni quick to throw in the towel after setting a strong tempo, leaving Light Infantry Man to take over in the final 300m. He had Zardozi, Atishu and Deny Knowledge breathing down his neck, but the trio simply couldn’t reel in the margin, leaving Light Infantry Man to secure his first weight-for-age Group 1 win down under. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Ciaron Maher was on course at Flemington to assess the performance post-race. “I was pretty confident actually,” said Maher. “I knew he’d enjoy that good tempo because of his races in Europe and he’s just in career-best form. “The team have done a great job with him, Browny rode him beautifully. When he ran first-up I said if he rides Flemington like he rode him at Caulfield (it would be good). He’s a strong horse and can sustain it. “I’m so rapt for the ownership group, John and Ozzie. Will Bourne just keeps finding these horses. Big thanks to him and just to the team. “He just keeps improving, he put the writing on the wall in Perth. It’s fantastic, He won quite well.” Ethan Brown was delighted with the performance and was quick to credit the Ciaron Maher stable for a wealth of opportunities. “It was sedate early but, as Jenni does, she picked it up a long way out,” said Brown. “He was always going to relish it this bloke. 2000 metres was never a worry for him, but all the cards fell our way today. “It’s a long straight that Flemington straight, but he really appreciates being ridden like that and I’m super rapt to get the job done today. “It’s unreal, it means a lot to me and I do go on about it a lot but I just continue to get good support from Ciaron and this ownership group. “They really batted for me the last 6-12 months and put me on their good horses and it’s just so rewarding to deliver them results.” Light Infantry Man has now firmed into for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 12. Horse racing news View the full article

By Michael Guerin Reminders don’t come much more timely than what Mark Purdon unleashed at Cambridge on Friday night. Here we were, a week out from the mega money slot races and with the Australian barbarians at the gate and the locals with all sort of issues and question marks. For much of the last decade when he needed a harness racing Superman to restore Kiwi pride he came in a blue cape with silver stars. But there is no hiding from the fact Mark Purdon is kinda semi retired, son and training partner Nathan is in the throes of moving north and what has been our go-to Group 1 stable for so long is in a transition. They have not been as scary as they were five years ago and definitely not as fearsome as Leap To Fame, Don Hugo or The Locomotive have been this season. Those Aussies, one of them already a champion, the other two their places in history yet to be written, may still be too big and fast in the $1million Race by Betcha and the $600,000 TAB Trot next Friday. But their trainers would be a lot happier coming to Cambridge knowing the Purdons weren’t going to be there with two huge last start winners, maybe even horses peaking at the right time. Mark (with Nathan’s help, of course) didn’t really need to remind us that he is the best we have ever produced but Chase A Dream needed to remind us he is a class pacer. Or in fact interested in being a pacer at all. After two poor runs so far this campaign, he looked a different horse in the $60,000 Garrard’s Flying Mile and he reminded us in graphic style, smashing the track record with a 1:51.4 mile beating a charging Merlin, the favourite too far back and with no easy way to get into the race. Sure, the race was set up for the swoopers when Rakero Rocket and Sooner The Bettor got busy early but Chase A Dream won like the horse we all hope and wish he might be. “Maybe he had been a bit fat inside being a stallion and tonight was crucial for him,” says Purdon, indicating another poor run and Chase A Dream could have missed next week. “But he will definitely be starting next Friday now.” Can Chase A Dream really beat the Aussies, or a fitter Merlin or even former stablemate Don’t Stop Dreaming? Well, he has a lot better shot than he did before Friday night, of that there is no doubt. Pinseeker was great in third and Rakero Rocket incredibly brave after one of the fastest first 400m in New Zealand history. Maybe they can’t win next Friday. But they showed on this Friday they belong. Then it was Oscar’s turn for a little reminder, which seems to have been the story of the last year of his life. He is stunning about 30 per cent of the time these days and Friday night fell into that right percentile. He settled third in a race turned on its head when hot favourite Bet N Win couldn’t cross Not As Promised, who lead with Bet N Win forced back to fourth, following Oscar in single file. Oscar peeled, Oscar won in 1:55.7 and Oscar reminded everybody that if things gets hectic next Friday he is still quick enough to punish the over-aggressive. His 33rd career win saw him move into $3 equal favouritism for the TAB Trot, alongside The Locomotive and while his draw may not be as crucial as early race pressure for Oscar Bonavena, he could still profit from his key rivals drawing to make each other lives difficult. So we move on to Tuesday and the barrier reveal. By then the Australians will be here, the vet checks, blood reports and penultimate workouts will be done. Numbers will be assigned, the chat will start. But one thing won’t change. That on the Friday before the Friday that matters, we all got a reminder or three. View the full article

Last year’s Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) winner Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) has showcased his versatility and class this autumn with a dominant double over 1600m and 2100m. The son of Proisir was a three-length winner of the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga on March 15, and on Saturday he stepped up over even further and won the Gr.2 City of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham with similar ease. Waitak has joined a rare club, becoming only the second horse to win both the Railway and the Awapuni Gold Cup. The first was Stretto, who won both races in 1938. This month’s feature double has been a welcome turnaround for Waitak, who went winless for more than a year after his Railway triumph but was close up in fourth in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), fifth in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), third in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m), third in the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m), second in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), sixth in the Railway, fourth in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) and sixth in the Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott had no fears about stepping Waitak back up in distance this autumn. Waitak had previously proven himself over more ground as a three-year-old, finishing a close second in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) in February of 2023 and fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) that March. Scott has taken special satisfaction from seeing the five-year-old back in the winning groove this month. “It’s been a wicked team effort,” he said. “He’s been running so well all season, including running the fastest last 600m in three Group One races in a row, but things just haven’t quite worked out for him. After a frustrating run through the spring and summer, it’s great to see him performing like this in the autumn. “The quick pace at Tauranga last start really set it up for him to boom home. He’s done it again today and it’s just really good to see him successfully stepping up over ground. It opens up so many more options for him next season, with a lot of races we can aim at around the 2000m mark. “When they learn to relax and settle, they can run out the longer trips much stronger. He’s a big horse that’s only just learning. The penny is still dropping in terms of him relaxing and quickening, and that’s what the game is all about. He’ll be a big, sound six-year-old next season and could be in for a very good year.” Ryan Elliot rode Waitak for the first time in the Japan Trophy and produced a masterful ride, guiding the gelding through along the rail to charge home from last and score a dominant win. The same partnership struck again on Saturday, this time coming from midfield with a barnstorming finish down the outside. Elliot pushed the button at the top of the straight and Waitak went into overdrive, bursting to the lead and going clear to win by two and a quarter lengths. Manifique (NZ) (Savabeel) produced a big late finish for second, with front-runner Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) holding on bravely for third. “He’s a lovely horse,” Elliot said. “If you present him at the right time, he takes you a long way. “It’s a big trip down here, and stepping up over this sort of distance for the first time in a couple of years isn’t easy. But he’s done it very well today. If he can keep going like this, he could step up to some of those 2000m races at Ellerslie next season. He’s got an electric turn of foot. “They ran along at a decent tempo today and he’s done it easily.” Bred by the late Colin Devine and raced by his widow Jill, Waitak has now had 31 starts for six wins, nine placings and $975,237 in stakes. He has been a stakes performer at the ages of two, three, four and five. View the full article

Fresh off her first stakes placed performance when running third in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) last weekend at Trentham, talented mare Electron (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) gave her open class rivals a beating when easing to a comfortable victory in the feature event at Te Aroha, the NZTBA Mile (1600m). Purchased by Cambridge trainer Sam Mynott for just $1,000 off gavelhouse.com back in November 2023, the four-year-old daughter of Windsor Park resident stallion Turn Me Loose hasn’t looked back since breaking her maiden status in October last year, registering another pair of victories at Christmas time and carrying that form through her last few starts. Despite only being collared late by Our Jumala and Pearl Of Alsace in the Cuddle Stakes, punters were prepared to overlook her winning chances on Saturday, sending her out an $8.90 fifth favourite as Mosinvader ($2.90) and Chattahoochee ($4.20) dominated betting in the nine-horse field. Rider Ashvin Goindasamy had the mare situated nicely alongside pacemaker Chattahoochee throughout and she appeared to be travelling well within herself when Goindasamy angled her into the middle of the track rounding the home bend. She quickly asserted her dominance as she sprinted clear before idling to the winning post a length to the good of Mosinvader and the late finishing Nereus. Mynott was thrilled to see the mare she also owns back up her gallant Trentham run to prove her judgement right in lining her up just seven days later. “She did a bit wrong and over-raced badly last week so I thought she would be spot on seven days later,” Mynott said. “I looked at this race today and thought it would be perfect. “She won her maiden at the start of the season and now look at what she has done after I bought her for just $1000 off gavelhouse.com. “She is doing a great job and just keeps on improving. “We will get her home and then make a plan from there as she does get through tracks with some cut in them and there are some options around for her.” Bred by Ben Kwok, Electron is out of the Shamardal mare Chemistry, a daughter of 2005 Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) placegetter Tick By. She has now earned her trainer just over $96,000 in stakes with four victories from just 13 starts. View the full article

Last season’s boom two-year-old Velocious made her raceday return after a tie-back wind operation in stunning fashion when she stormed home from a clear last on the home bend to take out the Manco 1150 (1150m) at Te Aroha. The Stephen Marsh-prepared daughter of Written Tycoon had been off the scene since finishing near last in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September where she was immediately operated on to alleviate her breathing issues. Given a long and slow build-up that saw her trial on three occasions before stepping out on Saturday, the winner of the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) had been expected to perform at a high level upon return with the caveat being whether she could recapture her best after the throat surgery. Ridden by Courtney Barnes, who had piloted five of the nine winners on the card at Wingatui twenty-four hours earlier, Velocious settled a clear last in the open contest as Miss Bo Peep (NZ) (Astern) set up a steady pace in front with topweight Lhasa alongside her throughout. That pair turned in front and looked set to fight out the finish as Barnes drew Velocious to the outside to make her finishing run. Just as Lhasa edged clear and looked set for victory, Velocious put in several huge bounds to hit the lead inside the 50m and draw away for a comfortable one and a half-length victory. Stable representative Rhys Mildon echoed the sentiments of many when he welcomed the filly back with a mixture of joy and relief. “It’s an amazing job that Stephen has done by bringing her very slowly with three trials after the wind op,” Mildon said. “He was confident she could return in good style and when she let down it almost brought a tear to the eye. “You can trial all you like but it’s about raceday and she gave them a start and a beating today. “It was awesome to see.” Barnes admitted that her race plans had changed dramatically once the filly was slow away from the starting gates. “Stephen told me not to panic and not to get her pulling and I definitely did that,” Barnes laughed. “She had been in the gates a little bit and was rocking around, standing awkwardly and didn’t get away the best. “She came up onto the bridle and trucked around the corner and I felt she was definitely going to let down. “It’s great to see a good horse back.” The win also capped off a thrilling 15 minutes for the Marsh team who had just won the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m) with Kiwi Skyhawk, the third winner on the Trentham programme for the stable. Out of the Snitzel mare Parmalove, Velocious has now earned $955,050 for the Go Racing Burrata Syndicate, after Albert Bosma purchased the filly out of Inglewood Stud’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2023 for $190,000. View the full article

After a series of highly creditable performances against some of the best of his age group, Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer)broke through for his first feature-race success in Saturday’s Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m) at Trentham. The Contributer gelding was a third placegetter on debut at Te Rapa on July 27 last year, then scored a 1400m maiden victory at the same venue a fortnight later. Kiwi Skyhawk had gone winless through the seven months since then, but ran third in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1400m), fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), seventh in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and a last-start fifth in Willydoit’s Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). On paper, Saturday’s $150,000 Manawatu Classic appeared to be a big step down for the Stephen Marsh-trained Kiwi Skyhawk, who jumped as a $2 favourite. Ridden for the sixth time in his career by Matt Cartwright, Kiwi Skyhawk settled near the tail of the field as Shockabella (NZ) (Shocking) set a strong pace and strung the field right out along Trentham’s back straight. Cartwright never panicked, even when he dropped out to a clear last and more than a dozen lengths from the lead coming down the side of the track. He allowed Kiwi Skyhawk to warm into his work while waiting for the leaders to feel the effects of the torrid early pace. The race changed rapidly coming into the home turn as the front-runners faded out of contention, and Cartwright brought Kiwi Skyhawk with big bounds down the outside. The favourite strode to the lead at the 150m mark and kicked away from a tightly bunched group of chasers, going on to win by a length. Kiwi Skyhawk has become a real favourite for Cartwright, who celebrated his black-type breakthrough with a fist pump just after the finish line. “I actually love riding this horse,” the Australian jockey said. “He’s the kindest horse in Marshy’s stable. That’s why I was a bit excited going past the line – just because I really like this horse and it was good for him to get this win. Hopefully he can go on with it from here. “They rolled along for the first part of the race and I was a fair way off them. But I had a bit of trust in the horse Craig Grylls was riding, Way Out West (NZ) (U S Navy Flag), who was one of the favoured runners. I knew Craig was going to have to make a move at some stage to get into the race, so I followed him. “I really just trusted my horse as well. I have a lot of faith in him and a lot of time for him. He proved the talent that he’s got. I’m hoping he gets some good confidence out of this win.” Kiwi Skyhawk was part of a big afternoon for Marsh. Talented three-year-old Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth) had earlier won The Oaks Stud (1200m) in his first start since October, while Takeshi (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) provided a third win on the Trentham card in the Intowin.co.nz (1600m). Last season’s champion two-year-old Velocious was also a winner at Te Aroha. Both Super Photon and Kiwi Skyhawk race in the colours of major Marsh stable clients the Bourbon Lane stable. The third individual stakes winner out of the Dubawi mare Pouter, Kiwi Skyhawk was a $240,000 purchase by Stephen Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock in Book 1 of Karaka 2024. Kiwi Skyhawk has now had 10 starts for two wins, three placings and $212,975 in stakes. “It’s a massive thrill and the horse really deserves it,” Johnson said. “With the pattern of the day today, the plan was always to get back – possibly not 14 lengths off them at the 800m, but he’s a lovely horse and it’s great to see him deliver on a big day. “We elected to go back and ride him like the best horse in the race. We know he has a sharp turn of foot. Matt gave him a lovely, patient ride and it was a good win. “His form has been brilliant. His run in the Karaka Millions was great, he was superb in the Avondale Guineas and his Derby run had a lot of merit as well. “It’s not always easy with three-year-olds who go to Christchurch for the Guineas races in the spring, but Stephen has done a brilliant job. We’ve been quite light with him through the summer, which opens up the possibility of taking him to Brisbane in the winter. Bourbon Lane are a great bunch of owners who might enjoy a trip.” Dubai’s Potiki (NZ) (Ocean Park) finished second, a head in front of Prochester (NZ) (Proisir). There was a half-head and a nose back to the fourth and fifth placegetters, Freddie Time (NZ) (Time Test) and Way Out West. View the full article

Alabama Lass ridden by Craig Williams wins the HKJC Sprint Classic at Flemington Racecourse. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Alabama Lass has shown why she is regarded as a top-line sprinter in New Zealand after making the trip over to Australia for the first time to salute in the Listed HKJC Sprint Classic down the Flemington straight. The Ken & Bev Kelso-trained filly has built a formidable record in her homeland, with five wins and three placings to her name from eight starts. Craig Williams took the ride for her first Aussie start, and after jumping as a +140 favourite with Dabble, she didn’t let her followers down. With all but one runner heading to the inside rail throughout the 1200m contest, Alabama Lass led the field ahead of Band Of Brothers (+8000) and Rich Dottie (+1200), with Bridal Waltz (+8000) running alone out wide by herself. Williams had a stranglehold on the leader and eventual winner passing the 300m mark, and once he let her go, Alabama Lass gave a strong kick. Gallant Son (+4000) and Rich Dottie threatened late to finish in second and third, but it was the Kiwi filly who led every step of the way down the Flemington straight. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Ken Kelso was on course to speak about the win post-race. “Stunning, she’s just a very fast filly. She just puts herself there and keeps going, she’s pretty special,” Kelso said. “She tries really hard and she relaxes early in her races. “She’s really fast but she just drops the bit and just lobs along so she doesn’t exert a lot of energy. “She coped with it well. “She did well in Riccarton, she had a flight on the plane, she’d been on the plane to come back from here when we bought her as a yearling, so she’s had a few trips on a plane now and she coped with it really well. “We’ll get her home and think about it. There could be some nice sprint races here in the spring, but we’ll take a breath and just get her home. “She deserves a little spell, she’s been up for a while. Onwards and upwards from there.” Craig Williams was quick to credit the trainers after the victory. “Full credit to her trainers Bev, who can’t come over today, and Ken Kelso, they do such a great job with these horses,” Williams said. “She’s really shown how good she is over there but beating their best horse, in the older horse, and she’s only a three-year-old filly and I was really fortunate and delighted to get the call up and ride her. “It was a great race to come over for and he’s obviously got a great team around him, he brought the right product and didn’t waste anyone’s time.” Horse racing news View the full article

Joyful Fortune ridden by Ethan Brown wins the Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Lindsay Park & Ethan Brown have combined with Joyful Fortune ($23) to claim the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday afternoon, giving the lightly raced eight-year-old his fifth win at start 13. The son of Nicconi boasts a formidable record when fit and firing, which hadn’t been the case of late, finishing last amongst the field of 10 in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at the same course and distance on February 15. A five-week freshen to go along with a significant drop in grade seemingly did the trick on Saturday, with the Joyful Fortune surging onto the leaders’ back from barrier two as Midwest ($7.50) led them up at a solid clip throughout the journey. The heavily backed favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Pisanello ($3.20), never travelled kindly under the urging of Jamie Melham and was one of the first horses beaten when approaching the clock tower, while Major Share () peeled to the middle of the course to get the last crack in the final furlong. Spacewalk () and Sans Doute ($11) were making some inroads late; however, they simply couldn’t reel in the margin as Joyful Fortune powered to the lead, fending off Major Share in the shadows of the post to secure a relatively dominant win. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Co-trained Will Hayes was on course to break down the win. “His straight form is impeccable,” said Hayes. “He’s a highly-talented galloper, it’s just an incredible team effort. “The team is working together. It started with the team at Euroa getting him right. John Russell and our assistant trainer Sarah Fannin have put so much work into this horse and to get him on raceday is really special. “We really didn’t want to have him so far between runs off the back of the Lightning because he did pull up really good, that’s just the way the program panned out. “We just kept him ticking along. We’ve got a routine that works for him. We did a trial away this time and just gave him the simulation of a raceday experience and that seems to have done the trick, he just ran enormous.” Ethan Brown then spoke post-race. “He’s got a lot of ability,” said Brown. “He’s got a terrific third up record too. The boys were confident they had him nice and sound and they were spot on. “He got a lovely suck run on what was a pretty genuine tempo and when I produced him I felt the winner a long way out. “When he hit the front he did wander a bit, but he soon picked up and was really strong through the line.” Horse racing news View the full article

Sydney’s racing fans and punters faced disappointment on Saturday as the highly anticipated Tancred Stakes Day 2025 at Rosehill Gardens was officially abandoned, with the Australian Turf Club (ATC) confirming the meeting’s postponement until Tuesday, April 1st. The decision, driven by relentless heavy rainfall across the Sydney region, aimed to safeguard the welfare of both […] The post Postponed 2025 Tancred Stakes Day to Run at Rosehill on Tuesday appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Recuperato ridden by Ben Melham wins the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Peter Gelagotis and Ben Melham have combined with Recuperato to take out the first Group race at Flemington, after the two-year-old filly stormed home on the outside of the field to take out the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m). After jumping fairly from a middle barrier, the +1000 chance with BlondeBet settled at the back of the field with cover and appreciated a strong speed that was set by the leaders Enchanted By (+400) and Eden Rose (+360). As the field joined the course proper, there appeared to be plenty of chances, with Befuddled (+450) and Prestige Sntizel (+550) making strong runs on up the inside running rail. However, the eventual winner was only getting out of trouble and into clear air to start her run, and once the field ran past the 100m mark, Prestige Snitzel took over from Befuddle. With Melham throwing everything at Recuperato, she quickly levelled up with the leader and ran on by to claim victory by 1.25 lengths. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Peter Gelagotis spoke about the victory post-race. “It means a lot, the people that are in this horse are very staunch and long-serving clients that jumped in on our recommendation,” Gelagotis said. “We spec’d this filly and carried the burden all the way through until we got her trialled up and for the guys to come on board, it means a lot to me, their faith in us, myself and Manny and the team. “We’re a family, tight-knit operation, we value our staff and their efforts, our riders, particularly Tiarni Chapman and Ray Vella, they do a lot of work to get these horses to where they’re at. “It was a deserved win. I thought she was over the odds as well, at that. “I’m pretty sure my ownership group have had a good lick at the odds and hopefully we can all go somewhere tonight and celebrate and have a fun night off the back of her efforts, particularly Benny Melham’s cool, calculated ride.” Ben Melham spoke glowingly about the winner after the race. “She’s a lovely little filly. I actually trialled her before she had her first start in Adelaide and I quite liked her,” Melham said. “She’s no overly big but she makes up for that in heart. “She had a good run throughout, a nice bit of cover, I just presented her late and she let down really well. “She ran pretty well the other day. I thought the best part of her race was late and through the line. “Stepping out to the 1200 with the benefit of a couple of raceday outings, it allowed her a chance just to travel and track into the race down the outside, and she was quite effective. “She’s got a lovely nature, and that takes them a long way.” Horse racing news View the full article

Australian Cup Day 2025 Race Replays. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Australian Cup Day 2025 has arrived with a bumper 10-race program locked in at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) headlines the meeting and is set to jump at 4:15pm AEDT. As the Melbourne Autumn Carnival wraps up, catch up on all the race replays, results and dividends provided by top horse racing bookmakers here. Free Flemington Race Replays & Reulsts – March 29, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Race 1 – TAB We’re On (1100m) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Flemington-29032025-Race1-A-Little-Deep-Ciaron-Maher-Jamie-Melham.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 1 A LITTLE DEEP Ciaran Maher Jamie Melham $5.00 $1.45 2nd 6 ZASZOU Phillip Stokes Craig Williams $1.85 3rd 2 BOSSY NIC Tony & Calvin McEvoy Beau Mertens $1.55 4th 5 MATERIAL DREAMS Tom Dabernig Luke Cartwright Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 1-6 $20.40 Exacta 1-6 $28.90 Duet 1-6 $6.30 Duet 1-2 $2.60 Duet 6-2 $4.30 Trifecta 1-6-2 $96.40 First Four 1-6-2-5 $710.50 Race 2 – VOBIS Gold Plate (1400m) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Flemington-29032025-Race2-Prestige-Ole-David-Briedoake-Matthew-Jenkins-Prestige-Ole.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 1 PRESTIGE OLE David Brideoake & Matthew Jenkins Ben Allen $3.40 $1.45 2nd 5 AMAZAKE Ciaran Maher John Allen $1.85 3rd 7 POLISH PLAYGIRL Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes Jye McNeil $1.55 4th 3 AYE VEE AITCH Terry & Karina O’Sullivan Randy McLeod Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 1-5 $10.00 Exacta 1-5 $17.20 Duet 1-5 $4.10 Duet 1-7 $3.00 Duet 5-7 $4.80 Trifecta 1-5-7 $58.70 First Four 1-5-7-3 $259.70 Running Double (1,2) 1-1 $13.10 Horse racing news View the full article

By Jonny Turner Plenty may have changed for The Big Lebowski but one factor remains the same ahead of his return to southern racing on Macca Lodge Kindergarten Stakes Day at Wyndham on Sunday. The well-travelled pacer is back in the province where he was bred and raised to restart his career at the Brett Gray stable. After last starting in the Group 1 Auckland Cup for Ray Green, The Big Lebowski looks well placed in Sunday’s Hunter Family Handicap (4.43pm). But only if he can make a clean beginning. “He was a bit hit or miss from a stand early on but he did get better as he went on,” Gray said. “Getting away will be the big thing for him on Sunday.” “He probably hasn’t been in a field of that size for a while, but hopefully he can get it right.” The Big Lebowski has only had one trial since his shift south and he strode out to win easily in sharp time. Gray feels it has been enough to have his stable newcomer fit and ready to run a big race fresh up. “He was meant to race last week but it took another week to get his feet right,” Gray said. “I am pretty happy with him, his work has been good and I think he is forward enough to go a good race if he can get away well.” “He’s raced good horses up north, he didn’t have too many other options up there.” “He’s come down as a rating 78 and he should be pretty competitive in these country cups races.” Gray starts a team of seven on Macca Lodge Kindergarten Stakes Day. The trainer rates Haley Jaccka and Flashpoint as two of his best winning chances behind The Big Lebowski. Haley Jaccka faces her toughest career test in the Group 3 Wyndham Champagne Stakes (5.20pm). “She’s been going great races every week so she deserves a go at this race.” “She’s drawn (barrier) 1, if she could trail or end up three-back I think she could go a cheeky race.” Flashpoint fronts up in another Southern Supremacy Stakes heat after winning the first qualifier of the series late last month. “He was pretty ordinary at the trials last week but he is better than that.” “He needed that run and his work since then has been good.” “If they go hard, it will suit him, he’s a good stayer.” Nathan Williamson will link up with Flashpoint, while Brent Barclay drives Haley Jaccka and Blair Orange reunites with The Big Lebowski. Lakelsa needing a “little luck” in Wyndham Champagne Stakes By Jonny Turner Lakelsa may have to call on all of her star qualities in her Wyndham homecoming on Sunday. The mare is back on her home patch for the newly minted Wyndham Champagne Stakes after stamping herself as one of New Zealand’s best mares with her brilliant summer form. Two factors could stand between Lakelsa and a fairytale homecoming victory in the Group 3 feature. But trainer Regan Todd is only concerned about one of them – the five-year-old’s barrier 9 draw. “She could get buried on the fence is the worry,” Todd said. “If the better mares that are drawn out wide get into the running line, they could get their momentum up and be very hard to catch.” “Our mare is very fast, but she is going to need a little bit of luck, she can’t be getting too far out of her ground.” While her fans may be concerned, Todd isn’t too worried about his mare’s last start defeat at Addington. Lakelsa was just over four lengths from a hardy type in Vessem when running fourth in what was her first outing for six weeks. “Looking back after the race, she was fresh up and she ran a pretty decent lead time and she just got tired that last bit.” “We were hoping she would take good benefit from that run and her work this week has been very good.” Win, lose or draw, it is planned that Lakelsa will have a well-deserved spell with her Wyndham owners Bruce and Al Sinclair following Sunday’s race. Todd also starts Betterthancash at Wyndham’s Macca Lodge Kindergarten Stakes Day. The trainer is hoping his pacer can get a little more luck after he ran on late in his last start fourth in the Wyndham Cup. “He began well in the Wyndham Cup but there were a heap of lead changes and he ended up out the back.” “He ran on quite well, he’s been staying down there since and the team has been happy with him.” “If he begins as good again and is handy enough to them he should go a pretty good race.” Todd also starts Aldebaran Crystal in a middle grade trot on Macca Lodge Kindergarten Stakes Day. To see the Wyndham fields click here View the full article

By Adam Hamilton There is no turning back this time. After two aborted trips to NZ last year, champion Aussie pacer Leap To Fame is definitely heading across this time for next Friday’s $1 million Race by betcha at Cambridge. “Larry” will be on a flight from Sydney to Auckland at 11am Sunday morning, along with Australia’s two other highest profile Cambridge raiders, Miracle Mile winner Don Hugo and Inter Dominion trotting winner The Locomotive. Leap To Fame returned to winning form when he smashed the 1660m track record winning at Albion Park last Saturday night. “We felt it was best to get him back home after the Miracle Mile for a couple of weeks and I’m glad we did,” Dixon said. “Even though it was a big drop back in class, he won really well the other night.” The last time Dixon was in NZ, he campaigned millionaire pacer Colt Thirty One, who struggled racing the reverse direction, with limited success in the 2019 Auckland Inter Dominion. He ran third in a heat and fourth in the consolation. “I’m excited about doing the trip. It’ll be the first time I’ve driven at Cambridge ,” he said. Leap To Fame will be stabled with the Stonewall Stud team. Dixon confirmed the Race by betcha would be a hit-and-run trip. “He won’t be staying on for any of the other races. We want to get him home and give him a break before the (Brisbane) Inter Dominion,” he said. The Race by betcha now has its field locked in with last night’s Waikato Flying Mile winner Chase A Dream being confirmed, along with former stablemate Don’t Stop Dreaming, and Ohoka Connor being announced today for Stonewall Stud. The $1m Race by betcha field is : Chase A Dream Don Hugo Don’t Stop Dreaming Duchess Megxit Leap To Fame Merlin Ohoka Connor Pinseeker Rakero Rocket Republican Party The $600,000 TAB Trot field is also complete with five Australians taking on Kiwi hopes Oscar Bonavena, after his big win last night, Bet N Win and Muscle Mountain. The field is : Arcee Phoenix Bet N Win I’m Ready Jet Muscle Mountain Not As Promised Oscar Bonavena Queen Elida The Locomotive View the full article

By Michael Guerin Reminders don’t come much more timely than what Mark Purdon unleashed at Cambridge on Friday night. Firstly it was Chase A Dream who defied his big price ($24) and poor recent form to take out the Garrards Waikato Pacers Flying Mile and then stablemate Oscar Bonavena completed the double in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Waikato Trotters Flying Mile. There is no hiding from the fact Mark Purdon is semi retired, son and training partner Nathan is in the throes of moving north and what has been our go-to Group 1 stable for so long is in a transition. They have not been as scary as they were five years ago and definitely not as fearsome as Leap To Fame, Don Hugo or The Locomotive have been this season. Those Aussies, one of them already a champion, the other two their places in history yet to be written, may still be too big and fast in the $1million Race by Betcha and the $600,000 TAB Trot next Friday. But their trainers would have been a lot happier coming to Cambridge knowing the Purdons weren’t going to be there with two huge last start winners, maybe even horses peaking at the right time. Mark (with Nathan’s help, of course) didn’t really need to remind us that he is the best we have ever produced but Chase A Dream needed to remind us he is a class pacer. Or in fact interested in being a pacer at all. After two poor runs so far this campaign, he looked a different horse in the $60,000 Garrard’s Flying Mile and he reminded us in graphic style, smashing the track record with a 1:51.4 mile beating a charging Merlin, the favourite too far back and with no easy way to get into the race. Sure, the race was set up for the swoopers when Rakero Rocket and Sooner The Bettor got busy early but Chase A Dream won like the horse we all hope and wish he might be. “Maybe he had been a bit fat inside being a stallion and tonight was crucial for him,” says Purdon, indicating another poor run and Chase A Dream could have missed next week. “But he will definitely be starting next Friday now.” Can Chase A Dream really beat the Aussies, or a fitter Merlin or even former stablemate Don’t Stop Dreaming? Well, he has a lot better shot than he did before Friday night, of that there is no doubt. Pinseeker was great in third and Rakero Rocket incredibly brave after one of the fastest first 400m in New Zealand history. Maybe they can’t win next Friday. But they showed on this Friday they belong. Then it was Oscar’s turn for a little reminder, which seems to have been the story of the last year of his life. He is stunning about 30 per cent of the time these days and Friday night fell into that right percentile. He settled third in a race turned on its head when hot favourite Bet N Win couldn’t cross Not As Promised, who lead with Bet N Win forced back to fourth, following Oscar in single file. Oscar peeled, Oscar won in 1:55.7 and Oscar reminded everybody that if things gets hectic next Friday he is still quick enough to punish the over-aggressive. His 33rd career win saw him move into $3 equal favouritism for the TAB Trot, alongside The Locomotive and while his draw may not be as crucial as early race pressure for Oscar Bonavena, he could still profit from his key rivals drawing to make each other lives difficult. So we move on to Tuesday and the barrier reveal. By then the Australians will be here, the vet checks, blood reports and penultimate workouts will be done. Numbers will be assigned, the chat will start. But one thing won’t change. That on the Friday before the Friday that matters, we all got a reminder or three. View the full article

Top bookmaker for Aussies! Neds Australia is offering a swag of promotions, plus in-depth betting markets, telephone betting and much more. Join Neds Neds.com.au is one of Australia’s top online bookmakers, and they’re rolling out a range of promotions for punters looking to get the best value on Australian Cup Day at Flemington on Saturday, March 29. Neds’ Saturday promotions aren’t limited to just the feature races, with a variety of offers available to enhance your betting experience across the entire Flemington and Ascot. One of the headline deals this weekend is Neds’ Bet Back for Races 1-4 at Flemington and Ascot. Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip, and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up to $50 back as Bonus Cash. On top of that, Neds continues to run its popular Punters Toolbox—offering more Price Boosts, more Fluc Ups, more Back Ups, and more Bet Backs—across all eligible races. Use the following Neds promotions to maximise your returns on one of Australia’s premier Group 1 race days. Saturday racing promotions at Neds.com.au Neds Australia is giving customers the following during the course of Saturday, March 29, 2025: Flemington & Ascot Races 1-4 Bonus Back for 2nd or 3rd | Up To $50 Bonus Cash Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1-4 at Flemington and Ascot this Saturday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $10 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo 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 What betting markets will Neds offer on Saturday? Neds will offer a full suite of betting markets for Australian Cup Day, including mystery bets, exotics, and all standard fixed-odds options. You can expect full quaddie coverage for both Flemington and Rosehill, including early quaddies and late quaddies. Unique bet types available at Neds this Saturday include: Same race multis MBO bets Blended bets Fluc Up Back Up Does Neds.com.au have a free bet offer for new customers? While Neds runs various promotions, Australian law prohibits free bet offers for new accounts. There are no free bet promotions available for new customers. Neds.com.au Referral Code HorseBetting.com.au readers can use our Neds.com.au Saturday Code: GETON Horse racing promotions View the full article