Wandering Eyes

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, January 18, 2025 First Race 12:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with the Listed January Cup (2000m) headlining a bumper 10-race program. The rail moves out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with significant rainfall forecast leading into the weekend, punters can expect a worsening Soft 7 circuit for race-day. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm local time. January Cup Tip: Osipenko Osipenko appeared the winner last time out in the Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m) at Randwick on Boxing Day, only to be denied in a head-bobbing finish alongside Tavi Time. It was the best run of the preparation by the son of Pierro, suited by the drop in grade and stepping out to the 2000m for the first time in the campaign. He needs to peak again heading into this Listed contest, and although he needs to lug the top weight of 59kg to victory, Osipenko should have the class to put away this lot. January Cup Race 7 – #1 Osipenko (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (59kg) +180 with Neds Best Bet at Rosehill: Wodeton We could have a new Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) favourite with horse racing bookmakers after the opening event, with the Chris Waller-trained Wodeton set to make his debut. The Wootton Bassett colt has oozed class in his two official barrier trials, with his latest piece of work at Warwick Farm on January 3 particularly catching the eye as James McDonald had the two-year-old under a stranglehold throughout. Watch for McDonald to slot in somewhere mid-field with cover, and provided Wodeton can replicate his trial form on race-day, this guy should justify the short price with BlondeBet. Best Bet Race 1 – #6 Wodeton (7) 2yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) -111.11 with BlondeBet Next Best at Rosehill: Cigar Flick Cigar Flick looks supremely placed in this BM88 contest after back-to-back luckless performances in Queensland. The daughter of Churchill has figured consistently in much tougher assignments, including a runner-up placing behind Danny’s St Darci in the Listed Just Now Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm two starts back. James McDonald should get the perfect run from barrier four, and although Cigar Flick has been a costly commodity for punters this time in, this talented mare should finally repay the faith. Next Best Race 8 – #5 Cigar Flick (4) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) +320 with Picklebet Best Value at Rosehill: Lethal Thoughts Lethal Thoughts impressed returning from a 105-day spell at Geelong on January 4 and should strip fitter heading into this second-up assignment. The five-year-old was slow away first-up, with Saffie Osborne forced to drift back towards the rear of the field, leaving the son of So You Think too much work to do in the concluding stages. Anna Roper gets the chance to hold a position from stall one this time around, and provided he can handle the testing conditions, Lethal Thoughts must be considered a major player at the each-way price with Dabble. Best Value Race 9 – #4 Lethal Thoughts (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Anna Roper (a3kg) (59.5kg) +800 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Rosehill Rosehill quadrella selections January 18, 2025 1-5-6 2-3-4-5-6-11 1-3-4-7-12 2-5-7-9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Mr Brightside and Craig Williams return to scale after winning the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga has announced plans to have Caulfield ready for CF Orr Stakes Day on February 8, following last Tuesday’s fire in the Norman Robinson Stand. “At the moment, we are still under emergency orders from the local council, so we haven’t been able to get access to the building other than for restoration works,” Kanga told Racing.com. “As soon as that is handed over—and we anticipate that should take about seven days—it wasn’t a difficult decision to move the two meetings.” The January meetings, including the Blue Diamond Previews and three other black-type races on January 25, have been transferred to Sandown. Kanga also provided updates on the longer-term plans for the venue. “The two bars will definitely be out until spring at this stage from what we can tell, and that’s the safest way to do it to allow us to rebuild them to get them as good as they were, if not better,” he explained. In the interim, the club will create new experiences for members. “We will improvise and have some beautiful marquees out the front and temporary installations for our Medallion Bar. “What that will mean is getting our members closer to the track, as we anticipate having marquees right up to the fence.” The club’s main focus will be restoring key facilities. “Our priority is to get the Norman Robinson Stand up and away and to refurbish the Rupert Clarke Stand,” Kanga said. “What we are going to do is still bring the mounting yard back for the Blue Diamond, and the bigger works we anticipate undertaking post-Spring Carnival.” Horse racing news View the full article

Isthmus. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Isthmus, the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained mare, is being prepared for a potential trip to the UK for the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting. The four-year-old I Am Invincible mare last raced on November 2, claiming victory in the Group 3 Furphy Sprint (1100m). Before heading overseas, she is set to contest the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) and the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) this autumn to secure her spot. “She did really well in her break and she strengthened right up and seemed to move well this morning,” co-trainer Sam Freedman told Racing.com after Isthmus won an 800-metre jump-out at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. Freedman emphasised the importance of Isthmus’s upcoming performances. “It’s form-based, so she needs to measure up at the top level over the course of this carnival, and if she does, (part-owner) Jonathan Munz is very keen to get her over there (to Royal Ascot).” “We had a chat with (part-owners) Arrowfield in Queensland as well, and they are on the same page that if her form warrants it, that certainly she could get a trip over.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Southside Racing Pakenham – 420 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3810 When Friday, January 17, 2025 First Race 5:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pakenham Racecourse is the destination for Friday night racing in Victoria for another week, with an eight-race meeting set down for decision once again. The track has come up a Good 4 at the time of acceptances, while the rail will be out 9m the entire circuit like it was last Friday night. The first event is set to jump at 5:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Pakenham: Chicago King Chicago King has been knocking down the door to break his maiden and may not get a better chance than what he does on Friday night. The Street Boss gelding made a mess of the start at Cranbourne, and despite finishing second beaten under a length, the three-year-old gelding was always going to find it tough to win. If Shane Foley can get him out of the gates cleanly, Chicago King should have no issue in finding a nice spot midfield throughout. Armed with a nice turn of foot, the 1600m looks ideal for Chicago King third-up. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Chicago King (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Shane Foley (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Malletier The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Malletier justified his short price with horse racing bookmakers when breaking maiden ranks at Wangaratta. The three-year-old gelding was able to dictate terms throughout and won by close to two-lengths with a fair bit left in reserve. The son of Nicconi looks to have a bit of class about him and if Billy Egan can find the rail from barrier eight, or at worst, sit outside lead, Malletier should prove too hard to run down once again. Next Best Race 3 – #10 Malletier (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Billy Egan (57.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Next Best Again at Pakenham: Pacific Cross Pacific Cross received no luck last time out at Mornington and comes back to Pakenham looking to right those wrongs in the finale. The four-year-old mare was shuffled towards the back of the field on the home turn, and despite working home strongly when finishing second, beaten 1.5 lengths was never a winning hope from that point. From barrier eight, Billy Egan will look to have her in the moving line throughout, and when asked for an ultimate effort, Pacific Cross should be able to build through the gears and blouse her rivals. Next Best Again Race 8 – #6 Pacific Cross (8) 4yo Mare | T: Mike Moroney & Glen Thompson | J: Billy Egan (58.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections January 17, 2025 3-12 8-9-11-12 1-2-3-8-9-11 6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Jordan Childs returns to the mounting yard aboard Samangu after winning at Pakenham. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Samangu, a four-year-old mare trained by Grahame Begg, will aim for her fourth consecutive win this campaign when she lines up in an 1100-metre race at Flemington on Saturday. The Written By mare’s latest success came at Pakenham in December, following a maiden victory at Ballarat and a front-running triumph at Caulfield Heath. Begg is confident in her chances, particularly with her draw in barrier five. “It’s the perfect draw,” the trainer remarked. “She’s free-running, naturally fast, but it’s not easy leading all the way, especially at Pakenham. “I think it was pretty well displayed that day how hard it was to lead and win, and it doesn’t matter what distance you’re running over. “The horses which were up there with her, they dropped off, so she put up a good performance, and the form has been franked also.” Samangu has been given a light preparation since her last race, which Begg believes will stand her in good stead. “She’s freshened up nicely and had a week down on the water treadmill and a bit of R & R, and we’re very happy with her,” he said. “We don’t have to throw her in the deep end just yet, so we’ll try to keep on building her record up.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Stronach Group (TSG) has told Florida industry stakeholders they can guarantee racing at Gulfstream Park only through 2028 if a proposed bill to decouple Thoroughbred horseracing from casino licenses passes the state legislature. In a closed-door meeting with the Florida horsemen and women Wednesday morning—a recording of which was obtained by TDN—Keith Brackpool, a former TSG executive now reportedly working in an advisory capacity for the company, also warned that “if there's no decoupling, then there's no guarantee of when we will continue to race,” according to the recording. The stance has caused trepidation throughout the industry that Gulfstream's days are numbered. “We can close down whenever we want to,” Brackpool also warned at a different point in the recording. Several times throughout the recording, Brackpool discussed how the legislation was needed to help attract investors for redevelopment opportunities at the property, like a new casino and hotel. Brackpool also repeatedly emphasized the real estate value of the Gulfstream Park property, which is believed to be in the region of 245 acres (about 140 acres of which is reportedly used for horse racing purposes). “There are no racetracks in highly coveted developed urban areas,” Brackpool said at one point on the recording, discussing the long-term future for the racetrack. “You're looking at land here worth several million dollars an acre. And the reality is, nobody can continue to race on land that is worth several million dollars an acre without appropriate redevelopment, at the very least, surrounding the horseracing property,” said Brackpool. Earlier this month, 1/ST Racing and Gaming—which sits under TSG corporate umbrella—issued a statement saying it had the support of the state's horsemen's group for the “decoupling” legislation. The law as it stands right now requires Gulfstream Park to run live racing to operate its casino. In this current deal, the horsemen and women are guaranteed a slice of casino revenues for purses. At one point during the meeting, one of the attendees asks the crowd (made up of trainers, owners and breeders) how many of them support House Bill 105. According to the recording, there was no show of support for the decoupling legislation. According to the recording, Brackpool said that he sat down with the horsemen's organization in August and “guaranteed in writing” the following details if the decoupling legislation passes: That TSG would continue to pay the current share of revenues from the casino into the purse account. That TSG would pick up “a large part” of the state horsemen and women's workers' comp premiums. “And we agreed to donate a significant amount of handle to the aftercare program,” said Brackpool. The annual slice of casino revenues to purses is reportedly around $6.2 million. The additional monies that TSG offered (including workers comp and aftercare support) would increase the amount to $7.5 annually. Brackpool did not specify for how long those written guarantees were for, according to the recording, though he did repeatedly mention how any successful passage of the decoupling legislation would only guarantee racing at the facility through 2028. According to the recording, when pressed about the future of the facility after 2028 (even if the legislation passed), Brackpool posited that for horseracing in the state to survive, racing operations might have to switch from Gulfstream Park to a different venue. “Should the track move to another urban location? Should we move to a more remote location near a breeding facility? Those are the things we need to consider at this stage,” said Brackpool, according to the recording. At times, Brackpool's responses appeared to lead to some confusion. While the decoupling legislation has been framed as a means to entice investors for a new casino, Brackpool also downplayed the potential revenues from such a new casino. “What I am saying to you is that the 140, 150 acres that is used by racing in this vein, is worth so much more than any income from the casino,” Brackpool said, according to recording. “If we did not decouple, then we would look at development opportunities that did not include a casino,” Brackpool said. “The casino is no easy money,” Brackpool added, warning of the possible advent of iGaming. He also raised the possibility of residential redevelopment. A little later in the recording, Brackpool was pressed about some of the company's ventures in other states like Maryland, which has seen, among other things, ownership of Pimlico Race Course transferred from TSG to the state and the establishment of a year-round training facility for Maryland's horsemen and women operated by an industry run non-profit. In response, Brackpool mused about Gulfstream Park, “this may well be a case where private ownership of a horseracing facility doesn't make any sense,” he says on the recording. Since TSG issued its statement on Jan. 7 saying that it had the support of the state's horsemen's organization for the bill, the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association came out against the legislation. And those present at Wednesday's meeting also appeared opposed to such a move. “Let me just tell you right now, if you all focus on the casino as being the issue that's going to force this family to continue to race, that will be one of the mistakes that in 20 years from now everybody will be talking about,” said Brackpool when pressed about the proposed casino, according to the recording. Trainer Dale Romans replied: “In three years they'll be talking about it, it sounds like to me.” The post Brackpool to Florida Stakeholders: `There Are No Racetracks in Highly Coveted Developed Urban Areas’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen's 5-year-old millionaire Newgrange has been elevated to the main field on the final invitation list for the $3.015 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Stefanie Grimm Lexington, Ky – The Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale concluded its three-day run Wednesday in Lexington with figures largely in line with its four-day 2024 edition. Through three days, 685 head grossed $33,444,900 for an average of $48,825 and a median of $22,000. The average increased 6% and the median rose 47% from last year's four-day sale when 831 horses grossed $38,330,300 for an average of $46,126 and a median of $15,000. The buy-back rate was 26.34% this year compared to 22.84% a year ago. “I think it was a good sale,” said Keeneland's Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach. “I think we have to look at it in the context of the different format. So if you look at the through-the-ring numbers from last year's four days to this year's three days, we had a much higher median. It was just $22,000 from $15,000, but significant, showing the lower end of the market had some substance to it. The RNA rate was a tick up. The average was up a tick. We offered about 14% fewer horses and we are down 14% on gross. So really things were in step with last year.” Post-sale transactions saw 38 horses sell for an additional gross of $1,681,000, bringing the total auction gross to $35,125,900 for an average of $48,584. In 2024, 33 post-sale transactions sold for $2,289,000 for a total gross of $40,619,300 and an average of $47,013. That steadiness of the market is a positive for the industry, according to Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “What is encouraging is that there is nothing overheating or depressed,” Lacy said “It's very steady and consistent. The sellers, for the most part, have been very happy with the way the market has been. It's fair. It's very fair. And you can't ask for more than that. Consistency is the key. Increases are great, but consistency is very important.” Hip 1301, Lil Drummer Girl | Keeneland Lil Drummer Girl (Street Sense), a 3-year-old unraced broodmare or racing prospect (hip 1301), brought the top price of Wednesday's session when selling for $200,000 to Iapetus Racing. Consigned by Denali Stud on behalf of River Bend Farm, the filly is out of Beat the Drums (Smart Strike) and is a half-sister to graded winner Dynamic One (Union Rags). “[The market] was solid for the catalogue that was here,” said Mark Taylor of Taylor Made Sales Agency. “Quality maiden mares are very difficult to buy. We had a lot of clients that were shopping for those. There was a mare that just brought $200,000 and we followed her up. We thought maybe she was going to bring half of that. Then we thought maybe she was going to be 75% of that. And then she ended up bringing $200,000.” Taylor continued, “As far as the mares are, you see the shrinking foal crop. And one of the reasons you're seeing the shrinking foal crop is the carrying costs and the upkeep of these mares that are under $75,000, it's not making sense [financially] for a lot of people. So there's this flight to quality. And even in our own customer base, we're having customers that used to buy those kind of mares. Now, instead of buying a mare for $100,000, they'd rather partner with some people and buy a leg of a mare for $100,000 and buy a $400,000 mare. I think the carrying costs are really what's keeping the market a little depressed at those lower levels.” Hip 951 in the ring | Keeneland Short yearlings by Tiz the Law topped the third session of the January sale, with a colt by the Coolmore stallion (hip 912) consigned by Hunter Valley Farm bringing a final bid of $160,000 from Najd Stud and a filly by the GI Belmont Stakes winner (hip 951) consigned by Mulholland Springs selling for $110,000 to Dixiana Farm. Najd Stud, the breeding and racing operation of Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz, purchased 17 head at the three-day sale for a gross of $696,000 and an average of $40,941. The Saudi operation, fourth leading buyer at the auction, led a deep bench of international buyers who worked through snow, ice and frigid temperatures to participate in the sale. “There were a lot of international buyers,” Lacy said. “More so from Europe than we've seen or expected, and great participation from the Middle East, and Australia. There was activity from Japan. There was great, broad-based support, which is great. The weather didn't stop anybody. It obviously adds a little extra challenge, but it didn't stop anyone from being here. I want to thank our crew and consignors and agents who went out there and worked the sale because it was a little challenging leading up to it just to get the place ready. We are just really proud of the crew that got the grounds ready and the consignors and agents that got here.” Through three days, 360 short yearlings sold at this year's January sale for an average of $44,055 and a median of $25,000. A colt by Tapit was the auction's top-priced yearling when selling for $400,000. During the 2024 January sale, 382 short yearlings sold through the ring for an average of $38,866 and a median of $12,000. An additional 22 were post-sale transactions, bringing the average to $37,774. Three yearlings sold for $400,000. There were 48 six-figure yearlings in this year's sale, compared to 42 in 2024. Keeneland's Cormac Breathnach and Tony Lacy Wednesday | Keeneland “I think the single biggest positive was the yearling market was really tough to buy in,” Breathnach said. “There are a lot of reasons to feel good about the yearling market for next year based on what we saw here. That plays into the international participation because we hear from people from other countries who are interested in diversifying into pinhooking and different opportunities in the U.S. because the market has been solid and the racing product and purses are good. It all feels like it has positive momentum. And there are always ways to find value in the market. It's a very large market here and they like that.” Both consignors and buyers continued to remark on familiar themes in the January market. “It's the same trend as usual,” said Gabriel Duignan of Paramount Sales. “The ones they are on are selling good, but the bottom end is sticky. It's a January sale and it's probably what I expected. It's not easy to buy and it's not easy to sell. If you follow one up that you really like, there is a lot of competition. If you are trying to sell one that isn't hitting, it's tough going and you better be realistic. I think that's where we are.” Asked for his impression of the market at Keeneland this week, bloodstock agent David Ingordo said, “We weren't shopping that hard, but we always look. I thought anything that was perceived to be quality brought a good price, so I don't think it's a lack of interest. Short yearlings were tough to buy. There was a lot of interest in those. The mares, it wasn't the deepest catalogue we've ever had in January, so what was good brought prime plus and broodmare prospects that you could breed to what you wanted, or if she was in foal to a nice horse, it brought good money. I just think this was a good sale to move some horses along.” The post ‘Consistency Is Key:’ Keeneland January Sale Produces Steady Results appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Vlad Duric. (Photo by Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Vlad Duric is set to have his first ride in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on Friday, partnering with the Donna Stanbridge-trained Secret Sort in the prestigious $3 million event. The Victorian-born jockey, who spent nearly 15 years in Singapore, returned to Brisbane last year. After dealing with a persistent knee injury, he has recently resumed riding. “I took three months off with my knee problems,” Duric explained. “It took a little while to get up to fitness again, to be honest, being that little bit older, and I don’t really want to be having that long off again. “But in the last couple of weeks, I’ve really tightened up and I’m starting to feel really bouncing and good, which is great.” Secret Sort broke his maiden at his second start in November, followed by a third-place finish in the Listed Phelan Ready Plate (1110m) and a fourth in the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) on December 21, where Duric was in the saddle. Reflecting on the latter performance, Duric said, “He’s very fast out of the machine. He showed a lot of speed at his first few starts, but they wanted me to ride him from behind the other day. “He got into that position nicely but then got stuck back on the inside and didn’t get a lot of room in the straight.” Describing the young colt, Duric added, “He’s a very well-educated, bombproof two-year-old, but he’s just a little on the small side, so that’s the only thing with him. “But he’s going to make his own luck and be there, and you know he could definitely pick up a fat end of the cheque.” Horse racing news View the full article

Stud TNT's dominating maiden winner Running Away tackles black-type company for the first time in the $125,000 Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

One of Tampa Bay Downs' most popular promotions, the "Live It Up Challenge" online handicapping contest, begins Jan. 18 and runs through March 8, the date of the 45th running of the $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G3).View the full article

With two seconds and a third in the Kentucky Derby (G1) since 2018, trainer Chad Brown has high standards for his top 3-year-olds.View the full article

A step back up in trip on his home track on Saturday will be ideal for talented stayer Mayor Of Norwood. The Brian and Shane Anderton-trained son of Ghibellines has an excellent record at Wingatui and will bid to add another victory to his CV when he runs in the WAE Waikouaiti Cup (2200m). Three-times successful on the course and once over the distance, Mayor Of Norwood was unplaced in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) two starts ago and returned to finish a handy sixth over 1600m on Boxing Day. “The 2200m will suit him, over the mile the other day he was just chasing from a bit far out,” Shane Anderton said. “We freshened him up, but it was too short for him so he’s back up in trip now.” Mayor Of Norwood, who will jump from the inside gate, and be partnered by Corey Campbell who has a good record on the six-year-old with a brace of wins and five minor placings from previous outings. Stablemate Exchange also looms as a strong hope in the other open handicap on the program, the Brent Lucas Builders (1400m), despite it not being the trainers preferred race. Another son of Ghibellines, the eight-year-old returned from a lengthy break over 1400m at Riverton on New Year’s Day to finish an encouraging fourth. “He will improve a bit with his first-up run and he can be competitive,” Anderton said. “We were going to run him in the Southern Mile but couldn’t get a suitable claiming apprentice for him, but he is in this with a good weight (54.5kg).” The six-race winner will be ridden for the first time on Saturday by Krishna Mudhoo. Despite his absence, the stable will still be well-represented in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifier (1600m) with Bowler, Lined Satin and Helldancer in contention. The former pressed his claims with a last-start victory over the course and distance while both Lined Satin and Helldancer didn’t have the best of luck at their most recent appearances. Other chances include Eye Spy (Hope & Sons Mac Chaplin Memorial, 1200m)) and Flow Along (Cargill Contracting, 1200m) who won their most recent starts while the stable will also present a couple of in-form maiden prospects. Imperative runs in the Rural Merchants Palmerston (1600m) off the back of a resuming second and Wary has a first-up third to back his claims in the Waihemo Lodge Hotel (1300m). View the full article

Lib Petagna’s Elsdon Park will offer its third draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka later this month, and the Matamata nursery has upped the ante, with their consignment nearly doubling their previous offerings. “We are taking up 29 (yearlings) and it’s a big job, especially stepping up from the number we had last year (15),” Elsdon Park General Manager Kerrie Cox said. “This is our third yearling draft for Karaka. We are expanding and it’s exciting to be a part of. “The calibre of horses that we have got as types and on pedigree is high, and there are some really exciting young sires in there as well. “We have got some really nice types, they look like racehorses to me, they have been really well educated and raised on beautiful, hilly country. “We have got such experienced people looking after these horses and they look fantastic, they have done a great job.” Elsdon Park will be looking to build on last year’s success where they were crowned leading vendor by average after selling 14 of their 15 yearlings for an average of $271,429, highlighted by their top lot, the Zoustar colt out of Group One performer Evalina, who was purchased by Jamie Richards and Andrew Williams for $725,000. “The fact that we were leading vendor by average across the sale was exciting because it showed people valued the stock that we brought to the market,” Cox said. Elsdon Park’s main theme in this year’s draft is Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan, with Elsdon set to offer 10 of his progeny in Book 1. “I think there are 15 Ardrossans in Book 1 and we have 10 of them. We 100 percent believe in the stallion and we think he is going to end up being a good stallion,” Cox said. “What he is doing at the moment is off very limited numbers and probably not the top-end mares as well, whereas the last couple of books that he has bred he has bred well over 100 mares. “We sent some really nice mares to him. They are pedigrees that can match it in Book 1, and he produces such a good type, and that is why we have got the numbers we have in there. “You are really proud when you pull one of those horses out in front of people because they look like athletes.” Elsdon Park will offer full brothers to stakes winner Beau Dazzler and Karaka Millions 2YO contender Toretto (lot 228), and stakes performer Yaldi (lot 90), and Cox said they both should garner plenty of attention from prospective buyers. “Yaldi is a really big horse, he is tall. This boy is probably not going to be as monstrous as Yaldi, but he is still a big colt,” Cox said. “He has got a gorgeous head, just like his Dad. A big jowl and is a strong, good-looking horse with plenty of length. He is a really nice horse and he should sell well. “The Pwerfect colt (lot 228) is medium-sized, really well-balanced and put together, and is the spitting image of Beau Dazzler and Toretto. Toretto is in the Karaka Millions so hopefully he can run really well and be another highlight for the mare.” Another Ardrossan yearling Cox is particularly excited to see go through the ring is lot 468, who is out of Baby Shacks, a sister to Group One performer Vigor and Group Two winner Joey Massino. “She is quite a cool horse,” Cox said. “The staff have ownership of her so they will be excited when she goes through the ring. “She is a great type with amazing movement and has been very well handled. She probably gets more food and handling than anything else.” Sofia Rosa recorded plenty of highlights for Lib Petagna in her racing career, including winning the 2016 edition of the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) for trainer Stephen Marsh, and Cox is looking forward to seeing her Almanzor colt (lot 308) go through the ring. “He is lovely,” Cox said. “She was a very good racehorse and one of Lib’s pride and joys. Almanzor leaves such beautiful stock, and he is her best progeny to date. He is really nice and he should find a good home.” Cox also has a high opinion of the farm’s other Almanzor offering, lot 266, the filly out of Group Three performer Santa Catarina. “I haven’t heard anyone say a bad word about her, she is a very nice filly. I am looking forward to her going through the ring,” she said. Eldson Park have three yearlings in their draft by Champion New Zealand sire Savabeel, including lot 602, who is the first foal out of Zoustar mare Fall on a Star. “He is a first foal and he is just gorgeous,” Cox said. “He has got such a good brain on him that I think you can keep him a colt, he is such a cruisy horse. “I think he is a star on looks and he has got a tidy pedigree page behind him as well.” Cox is looking forward to building on Elsdon Park’s success at Karaka, with the sale kicking off on Sunday, January 26. “Lib has got a really gorgeous foundation of broodmares and every year we are building on that,” Cox said. “We produce really good types, which is our goal. You have got to have a horse that looks like they are going to be an athlete. They have got to look like they are going to run, they have got to be sound and have a really good start at life, and I think we do that really well.” View the full article

Zac Purton celebrates victory after Class 2 victory on Bottomuptogether. Zac Purton has edged closer to the precipice of Hong Kong racing history after drawing to within three wins of matching Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813 victories with a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey slotted a double on Bottomuptogether and Kasa Papa to take his career haul in Hong Kong to 1,810, leaving Purton poised to overtake 13-time Hong Kong champion Whyte’s tally on Sunday at Sha Tin when the Australian partners Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m). Starting the meeting with 1,808 Hong Kong wins, Purton proceeded to a double, while also posting a second, two thirds and a fifth from seven rides after his mount in the third race – Happy Daily – was a late scratching at the barriers. “It’s okay, I’ve still got work to do,” Purton said after his mount Aurora Lady was beaten by a short head in the Class 3 Connaught Handicap (1200m) by Whyte-trained Wings Of War, whose victory in the evening finale gave Hugh Bowman a treble. Purton claimed the meeting’s feature – the Class 2 Jackson Handicap (1000m) – with Frankie Lor’s Bottomuptogether. Settling third on the fence behind Youthful Spirits, the Shamus Award gelding clocked 56.43s in fending off Stellar Express to earn a PPG Bonus of HK$1 million. “He’s nice horse, he always gives his best. It was a good win, first time at Happy Valley. There was plenty of pressure early, so he had to deal with a lot and he got it done,” Purton said. Lor said: “Zac rides this horse perfectly. He is the champion, so he’s always busy. He is the first choice always. “I have thought he looks like a Group horse, but he’s still not strong enough. He’s only 1,050 pounds. If he can build to maybe 1,100 (lb), he should be better. Anyway, he’s got gate speed and at this moment, 1000m and 1200m should be suitable for him.” Purton opened his winning account on Tony Cruz-trained Kasa Papa. Group 3-placed in Australia as High Supremacy for Richard & Michael Freedman, the seven-year-old had posted five minor placings until tonight’s breakthrough. Second in the jockeys’ championship with 33 wins – 37 behind Purton – Bowman has ridden five winners from his past 14 mounts at Happy Valley following the victories of Wings Of War, Sky Jewellery and Charity Gain. “We’ve had a successful evening this evening and we’re looking forward to Sha Tin and two big Group 1s on the weekend,” Bowman said. 12-time Hong Kong champion trainer John Size continued a searing mid-season surge with a double to vault into fifth place with 22 wins to trail only Danny Shum (27), Pierre Ng (27), David Hayes (24) and Mark Newnham (24). Size struck with Take Action, who was superbly ridden by Brenton Avdulla, in the Class 4 Murray Handicap (1650m) and first-starter Sky Jewellery in the second section of the Class 4 Club Handicap (1200m) for Bowman. A three-year-old by The Autumn Sun, Sky Jewellery scored in soft fashion to become one of Size’s rare debut victors at Happy Valley. “It’s rare to see a horse deliver a performance like that on their debut, particularly at Happy Valley,” Bowman said. “But he did everything really well. For a horse with his inexperience, I thought he coped very well so he’s going to be one to keep an eye on.” David Eustace, Size and Cruz all recorded doubles. After saddling Kasa Papa, Cruz combined with Angus Chung and Parents’ Love with an all-the-way triumph in the Class 4 Hong Kong Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1000m), while Eustace scored with Charity Gain to victory in the Class 4 Lambeth Handicap (1800m) and Definitive in the Class 3 Chater Handicap (1650m) for Karis Teetan. A former New Zealander, Definitive pipped Soleil Fighter in a gripping finish to earn a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million after while Ng struck with Motoman in the first section of the Class 4 Club Handicap (1200m) under Andrea Atzeni. Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, January 16. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for January 16, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet 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 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 BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for January 16, 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. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Skippers Canyon will contest Saturday’s $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Australian syndicator OTI Racing have made a timely acquisition of Skippers Canyon, with the promising three-year-old set to potentially recoup a portion of their outlay in Saturday’s $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. Bred by Ardsley Stud, the Belardo gelding has shown plenty of promise for trainer Jim Wallace, placing on four occasions before breaking through for his maiden victory over 2100m at Otaki earlier this month. Terry Henderson’s OTI Racing came calling over the weekend, and a deal was struck this week, with Skippers Canyon to remain in Wallace’s care at Opaki, and he will race for the first time in OTI Racing’s familiar silks this weekend. “I have always had a decent opinion of him,” Jim Wallace said. “It has taken a long time for the pennies to drop in the right slots in his head, but he got it all together pretty well last time. “He runs for my barn on Saturday and then it will depend what he does as to what happens after that. There is a chance he will stay with me, but that is a decision OTI will make after Saturday. “I am absolutely rapt to be taking him down on Saturday because it is a race I have set him for for quite a while and everything has fallen into place so far. “It is a good deal for us and hopefully it is a good deal for them (OTI).” Skippers Canyon is nominated for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day in March, for which he is at a winning quote of $18 with Neds, and Wallace is hopeful of a bold showing this weekend to aid his chances of continuing towards the $1 million classic. “I couldn’t be happier with him. His work yesterday (Tuesday), which was his main piece of work, was very good. He is pretty much right on track,” Wallace said. “The draw (17) isn’t going to make too much difference to him because he gets back anyway.” Horse racing news View the full article

Godolphin's Kentucky homebred Poster, last-out winner of the Dec. 7 Remsen Stakes (G2), will look to double up on stakes wins in New York when he returns for the 1 1/8-mile, $250,000 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack Feb. 1.View the full article

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced the dates of their annual Off to the Races online benefit auction featuring VIP racing experience packages with all proceeds going to support accredited aftercare.View the full article

Rockingham Ranch, David Bernsen and Little Red Feather Racing's 5-year-old millionaire Newgrange has been elevated to the main field on the final invitation list for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Eoin Harty's world is chock full right now. For starters, his home is situated in the midst of one of the worst wildfires in California history, but somehow it has survived the nightmarish ordeal. Then, there is his role as the president of the California Thoroughbred Trainers, a position he has held since 2019. What that means is he is at the forefront of trying to turn around the declining fortunes of racing in the state, which he admits is no easy task. The good news is that he has two serious candidates for the GI Kentucky Derby in GII Kentucky Club Stakes winner First Resort (Uncle Mo) and GII Remsen Stakes winner Poster (Munnings). The former was given top billing in T.D. Thornton's first edition of his Derby Top Ten rankings. Harty was this week's guest on the TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. Concerning the wildfires, Harty knows that he has been very fortunate. Several homes in his neighborhood have been destroyed, while his has so far been left unscathed. “I was one of the lucky ones,” he said. “My house survived. A lot of my neighbors didn't. It's been a very traumatic time. I don't want to feel selfish. It's been hard on me and my family. When you think about the people, the thousands of families that have been just completely upended, I know they have it so much worse.” Looters have also been a problem in neighborhoods ravaged by the fires. Taking matters into his own hands, Harty has stood outside his house brandishing a baseball bat. “I was there every night and patrolling the neighborhood with my little baseball bat,” he said. Like so many others, he is concerned about the future of racing in California. Unlike most tracks, Santa Anita, Del Mar and Los Alamitos do not receive any revenue from slot machines or other casino games. That has meant that their purses have fallen way behind those in Kentucky, New York and Arkansas. The situation has made it difficult to keep California-based owners from seeking greener pastures, and it's very hard to attract new owners to the sport. “Well, I think I'd be a fool and a liar if I said I wasn't very, very concerned about the future of California racing,” he said. “I think everybody involved in racing globally should be concerned about what's going to happen in California. I'm not sure what the outcome is going to be. Obviously, we need to increase purse money in order to attract more horses. Because of the purses they offer in Kentucky and in New York, in California we're seeing a drain on an already draining gene pool. I hope there are people a lot smarter than me working on these issues here in California. But it's something that needs to be addressed and it needs to be addressed very, very promptly.” As for Harty's two legitimate Derby candidates, both are owned by the mighty Godolphin stable. Poster and First Resort have been based in Kentucky, where winter weather has made training difficult and it has been tough for the conditioner to map a schedule for the pair. Plans for Poster could include a start in the Listed Withers Stakes at Aqueduct Feb. 1, which offers 20-10-6-4-2 Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers. Still, it is early and Harty has plenty of time to get them ready for early May. For now, he reports that First Resort is his best prospect. “Poster, he's a really, really beautiful, big, strong colt,” Harty said. “He's got the ability to go with that. But he never struck me as talented as First Resort. But in every race, he's improved and he's impressed me. He's going to have distance limitations. He's a bit busier in the mind than First Resort, but it doesn't seem to affect him. He's very manageable that way.” In our weekly breeding spotlight section, we zero in on one of the latest editions to WinStar stallion roster in Cogburn, who is entering his first year at stud. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/ST Racing, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, and XBTV.com, the team of Zoe Cadman, Bill Finley and Randy Moss discussed the alarming trainer trend where so many are getting out of the business. Also up for discussion was the story out of Florida concerning the potential decouple of racing and gaming at Gulfstream Park. Moss gave an in-depth analysis that explained the situation. He said he did not think it would spell the end of racing at the South Florida track. Finally, are you ready to bet the Derby this soon? The team went over the Las Vegas winterbook odds and agreed that recent maiden winner Rodriguez (Authentic), who was named a 'TDN Rising Star' for his effort, might be the play at 25-1. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here. The post Eoin Harty Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With five runners from four different countries, the Jan. 17 Cape Verdi Stakes (G2T), the feature on the nine-race Dubai Racing Carnival card, is a truly international affair.View the full article

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will hold their annual 'Off to the Races' online benefit auction featuring VIP racing experience packages beginning Thursday Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. ET and closing Friday, Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. ET, the aftercare organization said in a Wednesday press release. With the proceeds going directly to accredited aftercare, the online event provides a chance for the public to bid on 19 VIP racing experience packages. The auction items grant access to major race days at tracks across North America in 2025 and 2026. Each package features an exclusive itinerary of horse racing-related activities. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our 2025 VIP Auction, where fans can bid on exclusive experiences at some of the most iconic racetracks in North America,” said TAA's Director of Funding & Events Emily Dresen. “Not only does this provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the sport of horse racing, but every dollar raised goes directly to supporting the aftercare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses.” Click here to view the auction packages. The post TAA’s ‘Off To The Races’ Online Benefit Auction Opens Jan. 23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a highly successful Central Otago circuit, southern harness racing returns to Ascot Park today for Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup Day. Racing journalist Jonny Turner has zeroed in on five horses who look well placed on the feature race day. RUSH – Race 9 A hard and fit Rush could set up a challenging chase for the backmarkers in Northern Southland’s trotting feature. It’s well known chasing from handicaps can be a big ask around the tight-turning Ascot Park track. While others in the Southern Lights Trot have more impressive resumes, Rush comes right into calculations with her front-line advantage. Plenty of recent racing means she heads south fit and ready and, combined with her manners, she should prove to be a potent force. CAPTAIN AMORE – Race 4 The saying goes that gate speed is a beautiful thing. It’s a phrase I believe that was coined by former Canterbury caller Mark McNamara, though I am open to being corrected on that one. Gate speed was the key ingredient in Captain Amore’s good last-start second at Cromwell, chasing home the in-form Dallas Dale. With some early toe, Captain Amore looks well placed in an even maiden lineup. The pacer has all of his key rivals drawn behind him on the second row, setting up the possibility that they could have to give him a decent head-start in the running. If race 4 pans out that way, Captain Amore could take plenty of catching. MIXED FAITH – Race 5 An old favourite of this column looks a strong option yet again. Mixed Faith has been brilliantly consistent recently. Though her last-start fourth at Roxburgh had merit, she is capable of better tomorrow. The key to her chances looks to be her 10m head start on many of her key rivals, who must face the 20m tapes. Mixed Faith takes on three serious hopes in Hidden Talent, Majestic Love and Missile, but they all must give away a 10m advantage to beat her. If Mixed Faith can maintain her early advantage over her three main rivals, she should give plenty of cheek in race 5. Trainer Brad Williamson jumping back in the sulky looks another positive for the mare. MAJESTIC ME – Race 3 Another from the Brad Williamson stable, Majestic Me looks to land in a very suitable race. While many debut winners face a steep rise in grade in their second start, Williamson has avoided that situation with his 3-year-old. Majestic Me jogged to an easy first-up win at Winton and his trainer has been patient with him since, holding off starting on the recent Central Otago circuit. That has already paid off with Majestic Me landing in a very winnable one-win event in race 3. BOWLEM OVER – Race 6 The timing looks right for Bowlem Over as he approaches his Ascot Park assignment. The pacer made up plenty of ground in his last-start second placing at Roxburgh, putting a run of patchy form and luck largely behind him. Though much of the horse’s success has come on the pace, he lands in a grade and a field in which he should be highly competitive, despite drawing on the second row. Any pace in the race would be a big help to the rugged pacer, but if there is not expect driver Matthew Williamson to put Bowlem Over right in the race. All in all, he looks a strong each-way threat. View the full article

By Jonny Turner One Change will be out to break more than one drought when he starts in the Group 3 Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup today. The Amber Hoffman-trained pacer gets an ideal opportunity to break through at group level for the first time since 2019 in the Ascot Park feature. Some harness racing fans may think One Change has been around forever, and for much of the past decade, he has. The former All Stars 8-year-old’s last group race win came in the 2019 group 1 Sires Stakes Final for 3-year-olds in which he beat future New Zealand Cup winner Copy That. Niggling injuries are the main reason One Change’s career did not follow the same trajectory as his runner-up six years ago. While there have been many lost opportunities for One Change since then, tomorrow’s feature has come along at the perfect time. “He came to us because he had a cyst on his fetlock joint,” trainer Amber Hoffman said. “The All Stars thought he might benefit from being trained on the beach.” “He has had a lot of soundness issues right the way through. He has had bad feet as well.” “But right now he is as sound as he has ever been and he seems like a really happy horse.” One Change heads south following his excellent second to Mo’unga in the group 3 Central Otago Cup earlier this month. That effort is a good reflection of the kind of space One Change is in at the moment. “We were really happy with that run. He ran second to a future star, I reckon,” Hoffman said. “He has come through that run really well, too.” Hoffman has only one concern before her pacer’s Northern Southland Cup tilt and it is her horse’s standing-start record at Ascot Park. One Change has galloped away in four of his six stands at the southern track, though some of those his breaks have only been brief. Regardless, the trainer is hopeful driver Blair Orange can get her veteran away safely on Thursday. “It always seems to be at Ascot Park for some reason. He hasn’t managed to step away cleanly very often,” Hoffman said. “He gets a bit hot around at the start and he wants to get on with it.” “Lucky we have Mr Cool, Calm and Collected in the cart. Hopefully, he can work his magic.” Among the times One Change has stepped cleanly at Ascot Park was his fourth in the 2023 Northern Southland Cup. While One Change’s last group race victory was in 2019, his last win of any kind came in March of 2023. Niggling issues have certainly halted the horse’s progress at times, but he has still racked up more than $700,000 in earnings during his seven seasons of racing. One Change was initially raced by the All Stars Stable, Trevor Casey and Mike Woodlock, but Woodlock now races the pacer on his own. “He is Mike’s absolute pride and joy. He loves him,” Hoffman said. One Change was rated the $2 win favourite for the Northern Southland Cup when fixed-odds markets opened earlier this week. View the full article