Wandering Eyes

Gulfstream Park's GI Curlin Florida Derby tips off one hour ahead of Oaklawn's GI Arkansas Derby on Saturday and, with 100 points on the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' on offer in each spot, both races offer what amounts to a 'win and you're in' spot in the gate on the first Saturday in May. Between them, the two tracks host eight of the day's 10 graded stakes. Godolphin homebred Sovereignty (Into Mischief), one of two runners in the Florida Derby along with Madaket Road (Quality Road) facing a jockey change this week after the untimely and unfortunate injuries to both Junior Alvarado and Tyler Gaffalione, had just enough to deny 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) by a head in the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes March 1 to take his second straight graded stakes. “I think plans changed when he won the Fountain of Youth,” said Sovereignty's regular rider Alvarado. “Ideally if he would have finished second or third, he probably would have gotten the extra week and shoot for the Wood Memorial or the Blue Grass to make sure he was good going into those races to pick up the points. But now that we picked up the points, I think running here makes more sense because then you have one extra week going into the Derby. Mr. Mott is in the Hall of Fame for a reason.” The only 'Rising Star' in Saturday's field, $1.15m KEESEP grad Disruptor (Gun Runner) romped by nearly double digits at second asking on the Fountain of Youth undercard but now gets a serious talent ask. Brad Cox brings back GIII Holy Bull runner up Tappan Street (Into Mischief), a million-dollar FTSAUG yearling who has been working lights out at Payson Park in the lead up to the Florida Derby. Florida-bred Neoequos (Neolithic), third at long odds to Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth after setting the pace early, also gets the stretch-out Saturday for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. Jimmy's Dailys (Vekoma), another runner with strong Florida ties as a homebred for Donald Dizney, is one of three runners in the field to have contested the 1 1/8-mile distance, albeit not in stakes company when second last out (just ahead of Indecisiveness {Decisive Moment} and Smoken Boy {Catholic Boy}) at Gulfstream facing optional claimers Feb. 27. “After his first start at Churchill, he had an unusual injury that we had to give him time for,” said trainer Brian Lynch of Jimmy's Dailys. “He's owned by the Dizneys, so we sent him down here to their farm in Florida. He probably wasn't in the form that we'd have liked but we wanted to try to get him on the Derby program. So, he probably wasn't as ready for his first start as he could have been but he's really come on from that. I thought he ran very gritty his first start around two turn. You have to think second time around two turns he's going to get better.” Cornucopian | Coady Media Weather threatens to dampen racegoers in Arkansas Saturday but will do little to limit expectations for impressive first-out winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Cornucopian (Into Mischief) who will stretch out from six furlongs to 1 1/8 miles for Bob Baffert in the Arkansas Derby. He'll face a host of far more experienced rivals including the GII Rebel Stakes winner Coal Battle (Coal Front) who rides a four-race win streak for trainer Lonnie Briley. Rebel third (and beaten favorite) Sandman (Tapit) will be looking to capitalize on early pace to make a late run and is well-versed over the track, having also finished runner up in the GIII Southwest Stakes Jan. 25. “He's feeling good and everything,” Briley said of Coal Battle. “I kind of need a race in him. It would be 10 weeks before the [Kentucky] Derby if I wouldn't have done it. It was either the Arkansas Derby or the Blue Grass. The Blue Grass, to me, would have been a little close. And this one's kind of in the middle.” Of Sandman, trainer Mark Casse said: “He worked good [on March 19]. I guess there was a fairly significant headwind [in the stretch], which makes it a little more difficult for the rider to know exactly how fast they're going. But Cristian [Torres] said he worked well. He said he actually thought he was going faster than what he was, but he finished nice and galloped out strong.” The longshot Southwest winner Speed King (Volatile) will need a rebound effort after coming up empty in the Rebel for Ronald Moquett. Publisher (American Pharoah), fourth in the Rebel after a troubled beginning, is still looking for his first win but finished an encouraging second over the local course at 1 1/16 miles (and on a muddy track to boot) behind Virginia Derby winner American Promise (Justify). He adds blinkers Saturday and retains the services of Flavien Prat for Steve Asmussen. Not to be outdone, the 'Road to the Kentucky Oaks' also offers a pair of 100-point races Saturday. GIII Honeybee Stakes winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) tackles the undefeated Simply Joking (Practical Joke) who last took the listed Silverbulletday Stakes at Fair Grounds Jan. 18. The field of 10 also features Martha Washington Stakes winner Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) who will reset for Ken McPeek after a bad trip in the Honeybee. The Coach brings in maiden winner Princess Aliyah (Into Mischief), a $1.2m KEESEP half-sister to GISW Eskimo Kisses (To Honor and Serve). Florida's GII Gulfstream Park Oaks features GII Davona Dale Stakes winner The Queens M G (Thousand Words), one of three entries for Saffie Joseph, Jr. alongside Virginia Oaks runner up Early On (Union Rags) and rail-drawn Paradise City (McKinzie). Gatsas Stable homebred Five G (Vekoma) took the Cash Run Stakes and was second to Quietside in the aforementioned Honeybee for George Weaver. And maiden winner Cassiar (City of Light) will stretch out past her 6 1/2-furlong debut for Claude McGaughey after winning at Tampa Feb. 8. White Abarrio | Coglianese Gulfstream's Saturday feature for the older horses on the dirt, the GIII Ghostzapper Stakes, sees the return of GI Pegasus World Cup hero White Abarrio (Race Day) who has been two-for-three since returning to the barn of Saffie Joseph, Jr. He'll face Tuscan Sky (Vino Rosso) for Todd Pletcher and a talented filly in Power Squeeze (Union Rags) who, though a winner of the GI Alabama Stakes last year, was never a factor in the Pegasus World Cup. Both 1 1/2-mile events on the turf, the GIII Pan American Stakes and the GIII Orchid Stakes close out the graded action in Florida. Cash Equity (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}) and 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel) line up opposite another 'Rising Star' in Capture the Flag (Quality Road) in the Pan American while La Mehana (Fr) (Al Wukair {Ire}) draws inside of Queen Regent (GB) (Roaring Lion) and Beach Bomb (Saf) (Lancaster Bomber) in the Orchid. The GIII Oaklawn Mile drew a field of eight including outside-drawn Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), the stakes return of Just Steel (Justify), The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso) in his second start off the layoff and GIII Razorback Handicap second Banishing (Ghostzapper). Two races for older horses at Santa Anita, the GIII San Carlos on the dirt and the GIII Wilshire on the grass, swing the action out west. Baffert brings two of five entries into the San Carlos with Pilot Commander (Justify) and Fort Bragg (Tapit) drawn side by side with John Sadler's For All Mankind (Into Mischief) outside of that pair. The one-mile Wilshire drew Tirupati (Mitole) on the rail tackled by Don Alberto Stable homebred Alpha Bella (Justify) and Phillip D'Amato's Uncorked (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}). The post Gulfstream And Oaklawn Split The Spotlight On Stakes-Laden Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas told the Oaklawn media team Friday morning that Caldera (Liam's Map) and American Promise (Justify) will make their next starts in Kentucky Derby prep races at Keeneland over the coming weeks. A $500,000 OBS March purchase by MyRacehorse, Caldera earned 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby when finishing the narrow runner-up in the Sunland Park Derby Feb. 16, but he effectively lost all chance at the break of the Mar. 22 GII Louisiana Derby, stumbling and checking early before finishing a distant eighth. The gray colt looks likely to wheel back on two weeks' rest in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes on Apr. 5. “That was the whole idea,” Lukas said of the quick backup. “I tell you what, he didn't get a chance to run at all. When they fall like that out of the gate, they don't pick it up. It'd be a miracle for him to win.” American Promise has already earned his spot in the Derby field by virtue of his upset in the $500,000 Virginia Derby on Mar. 15. He will represent the stable in the GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes on Apr. 12, a race used as a springboard to Derby success by former Lukas trainee Charismatic (Summer Squall). American Promise breezed five furlongs in Hot Springs Mar. 25, covering the distance in :59.80 (2/5). “I don't want a seven-week break, trying to win the Kentucky Derby,” Lukas said. “The whole idea is trying to win the Derby and I think in order to win the Derby, I would feel better if I had another out in him.” The post Lukas Sophs Pointing For April Derby Preps appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gone is the mud, the horses' coats are on the turn, and the blossom is abundant. What's more, there's good racing on the telly – and lots of it. If you're reading this in a European time zone, here's hoping that your Saturday morning begins good and early in order to be conscious, if not out of bed, in time for Australia's G1 Tancred Stakes at 5.35 (or a more leisurely 6.35 for those on the continent). You'll find lots of familiar names among the 14 runners, not least Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}), winner of two Group 1s in Australia this time two years ago, who has subsequently proved that the 1m4f of the Tancred is within his scope by winning last year's G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The old boy is seven now but William Haggas and his travelling team headed by Issy Paul have long proved that they are capable of keeping these older horses sweet while clocking up the airmiles and plundering big pots. Dubai Honour faces fellow seven-year-old Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {Fr}), fresh from his last-time-out win in the G3 Sky High Stakes and looking to add a Flat G1 to his three over hurdles. In that latest win at Rosehill a fortnight ago, he had behind him Arapaho (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Circle Of Fire (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}), Kinesiology (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}) and Land Legend (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}), all of whom are declared to do battle once more on Saturday. In a not entirely new theme, you'll have noticed that all of these horses were bred and started their careers in Europe. In fact, of the 14 runners in the A$1.5m (€876,000) contest, not one was bred in Australia. Three hail from New Zealand, five from Ireland, three from France and three from Britain. This should be as worrying for the Australian industry as it is for those trying to stem the flow of decent middle-distance horses from this part of the world. Over at Flemington, in the G1 Australian Cup, which is set to go off 20 minutes before the Tancred, the story is a little cheerier for the locals. But the 1m2f test is not without its European starters, with four of the ten being either British- or Irish-bred. These include Middle Earth (GB), which means that the late Roaring Lion is represented by a Group 1 runner in both this and the Tancred, in which the former Ger Lyons-trained and Juddmonte-bred Waltham (GB) appears. It's an important weekend for Pride Of Dubai, who may have drifted from memories over here but is flying high in the general sires' table in Australia, just behind Zoustar (Aus). Not only does Dubai Honour represent a major chance for him to boost his progeny earnings further, but the stallion also has the mighty treble Group 1 winner Pride Of Jenni (Aus) running for him in the Australian Cup along with Deny Knowledge (Ire), who landed the G1 Might And Power Stakes back in October for Yulong. Hello Donny! All this Antipodean action is merely an hors d'oeuvre for Saturday's main excitement, which is of course the return of turf racing in Britain. Adam Houghton has provided an accompanying horse-by-horse guide to the Brocklesby, and good luck with finding the winner of the fiendishly difficult Lincoln. Thunder Run (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) heads the market and he, like his Karl Burke stable-mate and fellow challenger Native Warrior (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), is another to have been sold by Clipper Logistics in the last year. The favourite makes his first start in the colours of The JC Organization. This correspondent rather likes the look of the Gosdens' Orne (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) at double-figure odds under the useful 5lb claimer Luke Catton, but let's not give up the day job to start a tipping line. A Group Double for Bateel? France is well ahead of the rest of us with its group races this season and Saint-Cloud opens its doors once more on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how Tajlina (GB) (Kingman {GB}) fares in the G3 Prix Penelope as her year-older half-brother Map Of Stars (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has already got the turf season off to a great start for trainer Francis Graffard by winning the G3 Prix Exbury on his seasonal debut for Wathnan Racing. Their dam Bateel (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was a star performer for breeder Al Asayl, with her eight wins including the G1 Prix Vermeille. Also of interest in the Penelope is Cortella (Fr), one of only two winners from a handful of runners to date for second-season sire Telecaster (GB). Remember him? The thrilling winner of the G2 Dante Stakes six years ago, beating Too Darn Hot (GB), went on to win two further group races in France and earned himself a spot at the Devins' Haras du Mesnil. Typically, the Devin family support their home stallions with gusto and, just as they have made such a success of the career of Doctor Dino (Fr) in recent years, it would be no surprise to see Telecaster supply some decent dual-purpose horses in the years to come. The grey Cortella, bred and part-owned by Antonia Devin and trained by her son Henri-Francois, is out of a mare by another notable former Mesnil resident, Kaldounevees (Fr), and has won two of her three starts in the provinces to date. Sofa Surfing You might need an extra strong cuppa, or perhaps even an early G&T, by the time the runners go to post for the Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes at the Curragh at 4pm. Aidan O'Brien pitches in two smartly-bred three-year-olds (does he have any other type of three-year-olds?) against their elders with the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) making an unorthodox seasonal debut. If you've been up in time for the Australian Cup you'll need a few tactical naps on the sofa through the day in order still to be awake until just before midnight for the Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby, both regularly informative lead-ins to the Kentucky Derby. We won't even try to extend our unofficial tipping line to predict the outcome of American races except to say that, in the current political climate, Disruptor (Gun Runner) may be the omen bet in the big one at Gulfstream Park. The post Weekend Watch: What Not To Miss This Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British Flat season will officially get underway on Saturday with the sight of 17 unraced juveniles barrelling down the Doncaster straight for the traditional curtain-raiser that is the Brocklesby–the starting point for subsequent Group winners such as Hearts Of Fire (GB), The Last Lion (Ire) and Persian Force (Ire) since the turn of the century. Here, we've provided everything you need to know about this year's contenders, from trainer quotes to a pedigree nugget or two. AHEAD OF FASHION (GB) Dream Ahead–Fashion (GB), by Lope De Vega (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This gelding was a 1,500gns purchase at Book 4 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Bred by Denford Stud, he is the second foal out of the four-race maiden Fashion who, in turn, is out of a winning half-sister to Michelangelo (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Private Secretary (GB) (Kingman {GB}), both winners of the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes. This is also the family of the Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero and sire Aussie Rules and the dual Group 1 winner Coronet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Dominic Ffrench Davis: “He goes nicely and we've liked him from the word go. We gelded him quite soon after we got him because he was a little bit above himself and I thought he was a bit heavy. He's a good model of a horse now and his work has been good. If he breaks on terms, I think he'll run a big race. Judging by the pedigree, the softer the ground the better.” ALKUWARRIOR (IRE) Alkumait (GB)–Elegant Peace (Ire), by Intense Focus Sales/pedigree info: Bought for €11,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale, this colt then failed to find a buyer at 1,000gns when offered at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale. He was bred by John Malone out of the two-time winner Elegant Peace, a half-sister to the G3 Sprint Stakes scorer Hoh Mike (Ire) (Intikhab). Elegant Peace is the dam of three winners from six runners thus far, while Alkuwarrior will be the first runner for Capital Stud's freshman sire Alkumait. Des Donovan: “He goes nicely at home, but the ground is going to be the problem there, I'd say. You'd like it to be good ground for two-year-olds having their first run. There's 17 runners and it's going to be tough–we'll need a lot of luck. He's the sire's first runner and I have a few foals by him. He seems to throw nice ones and I just hope they can run now.” ARCHIBALD IVES (IRE) Arizona (Ire)–Divine Truth (Ire), by Mastercraftsman (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This gelding fetched 13,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, before being bought back for 3,000gns when returning to Park Paddocks for the Somerville Yearling Sale. He was bred by Athnid Stud out of an unraced half-sister to the Listed Stanerra Stakes winner Arya Tara (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}), who is also the dam of the G2 Debutante Stakes heroine Agartha (Ire) (Caravaggio). His second dam is a half-sister to the G1 Prix Ganay winner and sire Astarabad, as well as the Listed Trigo Stakes scorer Asmara (Lear Fan), the dam of the multiple Group 1-winning sire Azamour (Ire). Darryll Holland: “He's well forward–as forward as our previous runners in there. Primrose Ridge was second [in 2022] and Paddy's Courage was three lengths clear with half a furlong to run last year when she capitulated because of the heavy ground. Otherwise, she probably would have won. He's a rocket out of the gates and he knows his job, that's for sure. He's bulletproof.” EXCLAMATION (IRE) Acclamation (GB)–Amanda (Fr), by Kendargent (Fr) Sales/pedigree info: This colt was picked up for 27,000gns at the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by A V Bloodstock, he is out of a winning half-sister to the GIII Hendrie Stakes runner-up Clitheroe, while the winning second dam is a half-sister to the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner Muarrab (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), as well as the prolific sire Bungle Inthejungle (GB), who was successful in the G3 Molecomb Stakes and G3 Cornwallis Stakes at two. Grace Harris: “We'd have hardly any two-year-olds in, but we think he's a nice horse. He's done everything right and he's been a very quick learner. Hopefully, he can run a nice race and we can go forward with him.” HAROME STAR (IRE) River Boyne (Ire)–Maramba, by Hussonet Pedigree info: Bred by Derek Iceton, this gelding is out of the Listed Radley Stakes third Maramba, a half-sister to the Listed Prix du Cercle scorer Coco City (Fr) (Elusive City). Maramba is already the dam of five winners from eight winners, including the G3 Premio Chiusura runner-up Dream Mover (Ire) (Dream Ahead). Roger Fell: “He's only a small horse, but he goes well at home. We'll have to see how he goes, but I think he's got a bad draw–you couldn't fancy him from stall 1.” HARSWELL CALLING (IRE) Coulsty (Ire)–Libiamo (Ire), by Alhebayeb Pedigree info: Another bred at Iceton's Tara Stud, this gelding is a half-brother to the stable's dual winner Call Me Harswell (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}). Libiamo, who failed to beat a rival in her two starts, is a half-sister to the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes hero and Tara Stud resident River Boyne (Ire). Roger Fell: “He came to us from Tara Stud and he's bred nicely–his half-sister [Call Me Harswell] won twice for us.” KAMAKAMELEON (GB) Kameko–Moravia (GB), by Siyouni (Fr) Sales/pedigree info: This colt fetched £30,000 at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale. Bred by the Moravia Partnership, he is the second foal out of the G3 Silver Flash Stakes runner-up Moravia, a half-sister to the G3 Prix Miesque heroine Moon Ray (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) and Swedish Dream (Fr) (Helmet {Aus}). Swedish Dream and this colt's second dam, Demeanour (Giant's Causeway), were both Listed winners in Sweden. Dylan Cunha: “He's very nice–he's as nice as our winner last year [Zminiature], put it that way. I like him a lot. Five furlongs will be his absolute minimum trip, but I expect a massive run. He'll be one of the horses to beat, for sure. I'm just hoping the ground stays nice like it is now because nobody wants a bog.” KANISHKA (IRE) Coulsty (Ire)–Blushing Rose (GB), by Dalakhani (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This colt sold at Book 2 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale for €20,000. He was bred by Aguiar Bloodstock and Padraig Williams out of Blushing Rose, a three-time winner for Sir Michael Stoute, whose first foal, Red Rambler (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), won his sole career start at Doncaster. Blushing Rose herself is out of the G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes runner-up Russelliana (GB) (Medicean {GB}). Brian Ellison: “He's doing everything right at the moment. It's early stages, but he's a nice colt and he's done plenty.” MIGHTY VEGA (IRE) Lucky Vega (Ire)–Own Gift (GB), by Rahy Sales/pedigree info: This colt was a 19,000gns purchase at the Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by Golden Vale Stud, he is a half-brother to five winners, including the G3 Acomb Stakes third Broxi (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}). His second dam is the G1 Nassau Stakes winner and Oaks third Zahrat Dubai (GB) (Unfuwain), whose other progeny include the Listed Severals Stakes scorer and G2 Prix de Royallieu third Modeyra (GB) (Shamardal). Mighty Vega will be the first runner in Britain for the Irish National Stud's Lucky Vega. Lemos de Souza: “I'm pleased with him. He's very straightforward and works well enough. Whether it's good enough for him to win this race, I don't know, but I wouldn't swap him for anything, anyway. I have two by Lucky Vega, him and another one. I like them both. This one is well put together–a typical early type.” MONTY MAGOO (IRE) Kessaar (Ire)–Charlize Angel (Ire), by Dark Angel (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This gelding was picked up for £4,500 at the Premier Yearling Sale. Bred by Rossenarra Bloodstock, he is out of an unraced full-sister to the G3 Hackwood Stakes winner and sire Heeraat (Ire). Charlize Angel, who is also a half to the multiple Listed scorer Ambiance (Ire) (Camacho {GB}), is herself out of an unraced half-sister to the G1 Golden Jubilee Stakes hero and sire Malhub. Roger Fell: “He's done everything asked of him and he's going well. I don't know [why he's the shortest price of the stable's four runners], to be honest. They're all much of a muchness. It's very hard to say until you get there and it all happens.” NORMAN'S CAY (IRE) Sioux Nation–Dear Miriam (Ire), by Acclamation (GB) Sales/pedigree info: This colt was bought for 60,000gns at the Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by Louise McLoughlin and Jack Maher, he is the second foal out of Dear Miriam after Bright Smiles (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), a two-year-old winner in Germany last year. Dear Miriam herself is one of six winners out of the unraced Phillippa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a three-parts sister to the Listed Zetland Stakes runner-up Ayam Zaman (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), with the others including the G3 Bahrain Trophy runner-up Naseem Alyasmeen (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}). Richard Hannon: “He's a straightforward horse and he's shown a bit at home. He's quite forward in his coat. It might happen a bit quick for him, but he's mentally ready for a race, so let's have a go. I wouldn't think he's a Persian Force [the stable's 2022 winner], but I'd like to think he'll run well.” SON OF SARABI (GB) Cable Bay (Ire)–Sarabi Mshairi (GB), by Poet's Voice (GB) Sales/pedigree info: This colt was offered at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale but failed to find a buyer at 5,000gns. He was bred by Charlock Stud and is the second foal out of his unraced dam, after his full-sister Sarafina Mshairi (GB), a recent handicap winner over five furlongs at Wolverhampton. His second dam is the G3 Prix du Calvados runner-up Sara Lucille (GB) (Dansili {GB} who, in turn, is out of the G3 Prix Miesque winner and G1 Prix Morny runner-up Magic America (High Yield). Jonathan Portman: “He's a lovely horse. He came to hand very swiftly and he's never put a foot wrong. It's not a race that I've ever really targeted, but he's just one of those horses who has been so straightforward that I haven't been able to find a reason not to run him. I'm not saying for a minute that he'll win–I just don't think he's a horse who will let me down.” THE BOREHAM BULLET (IRE) Kessaar (Ire)–Ola Bonita (Ire), by Zebedee (GB) Sales/pedigree info: A €3,000 foal purchase at the Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Sale, this colt then sold at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale for 1,000gns. Bred by Eileen Flanagan Bourke, he is the first foal out of his winning dam who, in turn, is out of a sibling to multiple black-type performers, including the G3 Stockholm Cup International winner Dorcia (GB) (Henrythenavigator). His third dam is the G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes heroine Spinola (Fr) (Spinning World). JUSTICE TWICE (IRE) Inns Of Court (Ire)–Second Life (Ire), by Dubawi (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This filly was led out unsold at 16,000gns when offered at the Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by A Al-Mulla, she is the first foal out of her winning dam, while her third dam is the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes scorer and G1 Prix Saint-Alary runner-up Hi Dubai (GB) (Rahy), a full-sister to the multiple Group 1-winning sire Fantastic Light. Hilal Kobeissi: “She's very nice, very straightforward with a great mind. Mentally, she's very forward going and she's always done everything we've asked of her. I think she's got every right to be there.” LADY OF HONOUR (GB) Bungle Inthejungle (GB)–Society Guest (Ire), by Society Rock (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: After being bought for 1,000gns at the December Foal Sale, this filly then sold for 3,000gns at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale. She was bred by John Guest Racing and is the third foal out of her winning dam, a half-sister to the Listed-placed Lexington Grace (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}). Society Guest, in turn, is out of a half-sister to the multiple Group 3 winner and 1,000 Guineas runner-up Arch Swing (Arch). Seb Spencer: “She has a lot of speed but the hardest part is trying to get her to channel her energy in the right way. She can be a bit of a handful at home–she's not completely straightforward. This will be a stepping stone to see where we are and I wouldn't be expecting big things of her.” LOPE HARSWELL (GB) Lope Y Fernandez (Ire)–Livella Fella (Ire), by Strategic Prince (GB) Sales/pedigree info: A 5,750gns purchase at the December Foal Sale, this filly then went unsold at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale. Bred by W H R John And Partners, she is out of the three-time winner Livella Fella, a half-sister to a pair of black-type performers. Livella Fella has already produced two winners from three runners thus far, while this filly will be the first runner for the National Stud's freshman sire Lope Y Fernandez. Roger Fell: “She's a nice little horse and she goes well.” SUCKING DIESEL (IRE) Aclaim (Ire)–Sonko (Ire), by Red Clubs (Ire) Pedigree info: This filly was bred by Hyde Park Stud out of the six-time winner Sonko, a half-sister to the Listed Bosra Sham Fillies' Stakes scorer and G3 Sceptre Stakes third Terror (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). This is also the family of the G2 Mill Reef Stakes hero and sire Indian Rocket (GB). Alice Haynes: “She's a nice, straightforward filly and very precocious. She knows her job very well. I'm not saying she's a world-beater, but she should give a good account of herself. She'd be better than [last year's fourth] Atherstone Warrior, anyway.” The post A Horse-By-Horse Guide to the Brocklesby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fairy Godmother (Ire), who has been off the track since winning the G3 Albany Stakes for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners last June, has been retired from racing following a training setback. The news was first reported by the Irish Field. With entries in the 1,000 Guineas in Britain and Ireland, she had been as short as 6/1 for the Newmarket Classic on May 4. Bred by Paul and Marie McCartan's Ballyphilip Stud, the daughter of Night Of Thunder (Ire) fetched 425,000gns when sold to MV Magnier at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Second on debut in a Naas maiden last April, she went on to win the G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies' Sprint Stakes before her Royal Ascot triumph. A minor injury ruled her out of the remainder of her juvenile season and a recurrence of that issue has now forced her premature retirement. Fairy Godmother, who is out of the winning Siyouni (Fr) mare Scintillating (GB), will now be covered this spring by Wootton Bassett (GB). The post Classic Hope Fairy Godmother Retired; Will Visit Wootton Bassett appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) announced today the release of its 2024 Annual Report. The full report is available here. The Annual Report details HIWU's organization-wide activities as the independent enforcement agency of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. Among the highlights are statistics on testing, results management, the adjudication of cases, investigations, and educational efforts. The 2024 Annual Report introduces expanded testing statistics by state and racetrack, including the number of samples collected for each test type. Additionally, it reveals shorter turnaround times for results reporting compared to 2023, showcases the impact of HIWU's investigative efforts, and reports a consistently low rate of Adverse Analytical Findings for Controlled Medications, demonstrating that the vast majority of Covered Persons are complying with the ADMC Program Rules. “HIWU's successes in 2024 reflect the dedication of our team and the entire Thoroughbred industry,” said Ben Mosier, executive director for HIWU. “The collaboration between HIWU and industry stakeholders enabled us to build on the ADMC Program's strong foundation that was established in 2023. HISA's reported record-low fatality numbers last year indicate that we are fulfilling our mandates to enhance equine safety and welfare and promote the integrity of racing.” All Annual Reports and Quarterly Statistics are archived in the About Us section of the HIWU website at hiwu.org for viewing anytime. The post HIWU Issues 2024 Annual Report appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sprinting is the order of the day at Chukyo on Sunday, as the 1200-metre G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen drew a full field of 18. The first two home last year, Dark Angel (Ire)'s Mad Cool (Ire) and Namura Clair (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn}), lock horns again after being separated by just a neck in the 2024 edition. The former was unplaced in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Cup in April and in the G1 Sprinters Stakes behind Lugal (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) in September. He found Namura Clair too good in the G2 Hanshin Cup upped to 1400 metres at Kyoto on Dec. 21 and makes his 6-year-old bow here from the rail with Ryusei Sakai aboard. “He's looking almost too good,” said trainer Manabu Ikezoe of his horse, who will be attempting to be the second horse to win the race in consecutive years after Kinshasa No Kiseki (Aus) in 2010/11. “I think his rotation this year is better than last year's. I'm able to give him one more fast workout and he's working well.” One of his chief rivals, the 6-year-old mare has fared better since running second to the grey last March and is currently favoured in the ante-post markets. Fifth to subsequent G1 Hong Kong Sprint third Satono Reve (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in the G3 Keeneland Cup in August, she was third–with Mama Cocha (Jpn) (Kurofune) fifth–in the aforementioned Sprinters Stakes later that year prior to her Hanshin Cup tally. Sunday is her third attempt at the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, and she leaves from gate 14 under Christophe Lemaire. Trainer Kodai Hasegawa has yet to win at the Group 1 level but delivered a positive bulletin on his charge and said, “I have no worries this time. At six years' old, she seems to have finally come into her own. It's rare to meet a horse like this and I am so very much hoping she can land a big title.” Fellow mare Mama Cocha is looking for her second Group 1 win in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen. A winner of the G1 Sprinters Stakes–beating Mad Cool no less–back in 2023, the 6-year-old has encountered mixed fortunes since. Fourth to Lugal in the 2024 Sprinters Stakes, she dropped a spot in the Hanshin Cup but enters this contest with a stalking half-length win of the G3 Ocean Stakes at Nakayama on Mar. 1. Yuga Kawada is at the controls and the duo will leave from gate 15. The post Cool And Clair Clash Again In Takamatsunomiya Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

You would want to go easy with that lot in the trailer. “Weekend had the box stall in the back by herself,” Callan Strouss recalls. “She was the queen back there, and the boys were riding on the ground level.” This was back in 1984 and, for Lane's End, a radical departure. Because when its longest-serving employee was first hired by William S. Farish III–longest, at any rate, since his old buddy Mike Cline retired as manager in 2020–there had been no sense that the farm might become what this precious cargo would help to make it. “That first small section he bought, that was as big as it was ever going to be,” Strouss says. “The house was there, and it was beautiful but needed work. But where you come in today, from the guard shack, none of that was Lane's End. We had a yearling barn and two mare barns, and that was going to be it.” Strouss was working with the mares, still his favorite aspect of the job; and they all helped with the yearlings. But now here he was supervising a game-changing transfusion. “So that day I rode back with the first three stallions,” he says. “And Weekend Surprise. We picked her up from Belmont, Del Carroll's barn. Young Del. And we got Fit to Fight and Hero's Honor from Mack Miller. And Dixieland Band at Bayard Sharp's farm. All on the one trailer.” Two of Weekend Surprise's first three foals, Summer Squall and A.P. Indy, would themselves return to Lane's End as stallions. Farish and partner W.S. Kilroy had bred her by sending Gay Missile's daughter Lassie Dear to Secretariat (half-brother to Gay Missile's sire Sir Gaylord). Nowadays, this dynasty comprises some of the modern breed's deepest roots, but back then it remained merely green shoots. No matter how successful a program may become, after all, the uncertainty always abides. “A.P. Indy was a sale-topper, of course,” Strouss says. “He was always special, always looked the part. When he scratched the morning of the Derby, we were all on the floor. But you can look at a yearling and it's the most perfect individual, great walk, great everything. And it does nothing. And then maybe a lesser type, one of those you weren't so sure about, goes on and becomes a great runner. What did they pay for Seattle Slew, $17,500? “It's the same with mares. They can surprise you, whether for good or bad. But that's what keeps it all going, the fact that nobody can ever have it all figured out.” His entry into this unpredictable walk of life had been suitably adventitious. Strouss had no background on the Turf, his father having sold musical instruments and run a center for their instruction, but the family loved riding and polo. And a single summer with a law firm in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, had been enough for Strouss. “I just couldn't be inside,” he says wryly. “My mom had wanted me to go to law school, but as soon as I graduated from college, I packed my Volkswagen Rabbit and drove straight down to Kentucky. I had a sister here, who'd gone to UK, and I lived with her right on the Kentucky River, a house that eventually got flooded.” Strouss had no plan other than to drive up Midway Road, calling at farm to farm, asking if they happened to need help. “But no one was hiring,” he recalls. “And by the time I got down to Waterford Farm, it was late afternoon. So again I asked did they need any help, and Dr. West just grabbed my wrist, taking my pulse. It was like, if I was alive, I would be hired. 'When can you start?' And I said, 'Right now.' But it was already after four, so he said, 'Just come in the morning.'” Smiser West and his son Bob proved to be valuable mentors in what was his first real engagement with Thoroughbreds. “I got there as the breeding season was ending; we might have bred a few mares late May,” he remembers. “But for four years after that, prepping yearlings as well, I learned an awful lot from them both.” A.P. Indy at Lane's End | Horsephotos A relentlessly modest man, Strouss is hardly going to acknowledge what everyone in the Bluegrass community could tell you: that he doubtless reciprocated with priceless service of his own. According to marveling peers, his appetite for work has always been (and remains) prodigious. Nor did the Wests stand in his way when Strouss befriended Cline, who was helping Farish establish his farm, and was urged to come aboard. Strouss talked it over with Dr. West and they agreed that he should undertake the next chapter of his equine education at Lane's End. That next chapter, however, has also proved to be his last. Forty-four years later, he's still there. At first the farm remained so embryonic that Strouss was living at Lane's End but working with mares still at Big Sink. For the last three decades, however, Strouss has presided over the farm's Oak Tree division, base for the farm's partnership with the Niarchos family. As a result, he has been on intimate terms with paragons of the modern breed, above all the great Miesque. “She had a strong temperament,” Strouss confesses. “She was a little fiery to work with. But actually I quite like some temperament in a mare. You want some strength in their character. But it's like everything; there have certainly been quiet, gentle ones that have been just as successful. “It's not like she was dangerous, just really didn't want you petting her neck. She must have had the strongest heart. She beat the boys her whole career, right from when she was two, and then threw Kingmambo, East of the Moon, so many good racehorses. She did everything.” There's no mistaking the trust that has developed, over the years, between Strouss and the Niarchos operation. “Alan Cooper has been there that whole length of time, as well,” he notes. “It's just been a great team to be part of: looking at the horses, figuring out who to sell, who to race. I never really worked with Mr. [Stavros] Niarchos, I didn't have much involvement back when they were buying the earlier mares, like Northern Trick. But Maria will come down and look at all the horses several times a year.” Miesque | ScoopDyga Somehow it has become a hallmark of this program that it produces horses with extra flamboyance. Paradoxically, however, that is seemingly founded in plain, yeoman virtues: patience, for instance, and just getting the basics right. “We do try to keep them outside,” Strouss says. “We don't hothouse them, don't overdo things. We try to let a horse mature, let them grow up. We don't use tons of supplements, just a real good feed program with good, solid hay. But they've got that land, so it's a case of getting all they can from that, and slowly putting it into their physical development. “You have your top nutrition, veterinary care, staff. But as much as anything it's trying not to mess them up: stay out of their way, and let them be all they can be.” That said, the families have always been seeded by the classiest sires. That way, if managed well, the blood will keep refining just by cycling through genetic quality. “Those with good family are the ones you'll give chances to,” reasons Strouss. “You certainly see genetic traits and dispositions carried through from some of the Lane's End mares–the old, old ones we had, like The Garden Club and [her daughter] Up the Flagpole. Bold Bikini was not quite as rangy and long. She had a champion in Europe, Law Society. He was a tough, temperamental horse, I think Alleged threw that to him.” Names carved in tablets of stone, for the rest of us, but flesh and blood to Strouss. (And indeed bones: Gay Missile is among those buried at Oak Tree.) And that sense of heritage extends from remarkable horses to remarkable horse people, right up to Queen Elizabeth II, who would come and visit mares like Highclere. “Oh, she knew her horses, she really did,” Strouss says. “Whenever she visited, she wouldn't have seen them in a long time but could always pick them out. I think she became more comfortable each visit. The first time, it was just me and one other guy showed her all the horses. The next time more people did, then the third time she literally just went around the farm. I even had a couple at Oak Tree, later on. “But also meeting Presidents, Vice-Presidents. Just the experience, the good fortune we've had, working for these people. They've always treated me like family. It's just been very lucky, to be involved with groups like that.” The relaxed team spirit that has suffused the farm during his long service is captured in one humorous vignette from the early days. Strouss was already playing polo with Farish before moving across, but nearly made his new employer repent of hiring him when hitting a ball so violently that Farish was knocked clean out of the saddle. The boss was fine, so the farm trainer at the time, Hector Garcia, rushed up and demanded: “Who hit Mr. Farish?!” Strouss held his hand up sheepishly. Garcia chuckled and congratulated him: “Great shot!” But while Strouss enthuses about the loyalty and insight of these two families, whose branding is instantly recognizable in a Niarchos page, a Farish page, that cuts both ways. For anyone to hold such a position of responsibility, for so long, also speaks to his own diligence, skill and integrity. “I think it's from being around a good environment,” Strouss reflects. “All the people I've worked with have had the same kind of attitudes. Once you find people like that, you want to keep them. It's just nice to go to work every day.” To be fair, that was something inculcated long before he came to Lane's End. “I think my parents instilled a good work ethic in me, and that's just carried through,” Strouss says. “My mother was a fiery individual. She wanted things done exactly how you were told. And I guess I come to work every day and want to do a good job and see some results.” First and foremost, however, that ethic is sustained by an undiminished passion for the horses themselves, above all in the foaling and breeding seasons. That Youngstown law office feels blessedly distant then. “I don't go to every single foaling anymore, but I do a lot with the vet,” Strouss says. “And yes, I still find it challenging. And it changes. Things you think are just the same routine, but then some variation comes along that you want to keep up with. Some of the newer vets bring in different theories and ideas, and you want to see whether they'll work. But yes, just to see those foals get up and nurse, and then watch them develop, it's surreal.” And that magic abides throughout, in all his daily dealings with the animal. “Why do they let us do what we do?” he asks. “If they didn't want us on their backs, I don't think you're going to get up there. So you always want to find ways to get along with them. And sometimes you figure, 'Okay, we won't push this.' So you try to work together, whatever you need to accomplish: whether it's palpation, or showing at the sales. You have to be ready to adapt, be flexible, make it mutual. It's a mystery, really, and all a challenge–but that's what makes it so fulfilling.” The post The Acorn That Made Oak Tree Mighty appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Road, presented by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article

Queen Azteca takes on males in the UAE Derby (G2) April 5 at Meydan Racecourse. She will be the lone Scandinavian on the card, and a first ride on the big night for Carlos Lopez.View the full article

So much has happened in the real world since American Pharoah swept the 2015 Triple Crown and capped his 3-year-old season with a historic "Grand Slam" win in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland. View the full article

Paul and Sally Flatt's Childwickbury Stud has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Newbury Racecourse, supporting the Listed Fillies' Trial Stakes on the Lockinge card on May 17. A 10-furlong contest for three-year-old fillies, the race carries prize-money of £75,000 and has an impressive roll of former winners, including subsequent Group 1 stars Nashwa (GB), Eshaada (GB) Warm Heart (Ire), Sea of Class (Ire), and Izzi Top (GB). Childwickbury Stud, set on 300 acres in Hertfordshire, has recently played a significant role in the raising of stakes performers such as the dual Group 1 winner and young Cheveley Park Stud stallion Vandeek (GB), French Classic winner The Tin Horse (GB), and Group 2 winners Threat (GB) and Indie Angel (Ire). A joint-statement released by Paul and Sally Flatt read, “We are thrilled to support the Fillies' Trial at Newbury, as it represents a stepping stone towards the Classics for fillies. This aligns perfectly with our goals for the stud, and we believe it plays a crucial role in nurturing talent within the sport. “It's our ambition to see our own home-bred fillies competing in this race one day. We're committed to fostering the next generation of champions and look forward to the possibilities ahead.” Childwickbury Stud manager Christian Williams added, “We're proud and excited to partner with Newbury in supporting such an important race, a contest which has a significant part to play in the European Pattern and thus aligns perfectly with Childwickbury's reputation as 'the home of Classic winners'. “It's an exciting time at Childwickbury. Mr and Mrs Flatt have committed significant investment in regenerating the stud [and] its bloodstock and are committed to supporting British racing on the quest to breeding their own Classic winners.” The post Childwickbury Stud to Sponsor Newbury Fillies’ Trial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here is one horse of interest for this Sunday running at Hanshin Racecourse: Sunday, March 30, 2025 6th-HSN, ¥15,200,000 ($101k), Allowance, 3yo, 1200m SEEK THE DREAM (c, 3, Liam's Map–Surf Siren, by Bernardini) is the lone winner from two to race out of his unraced dam, a half-sister to Taareef (Kitten's Joy), three times a winner at group level in France and runner-up in the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in 2017. Most recently sold for $200,000 at last year's OBS June Sale, Seek the Dream was a debut second going the one-turn mile at Tokyo Feb. 2 before cutting back to this distance to graduate narrowly when last seen at Kyoto on Feb. 22. The Grade III-winning third dam Marianna's Girl (Dewan) produced 13 winners, including the graded scorers Marastani (Shahrastani) and Christine's Outlaw (Wild Again). Seek the Dream was also a $110,000 KEEJAN yearling, $195,000 KEESEP purchase and RNAd for $190,000 when offered at the 2024 OBS April Sale. O-North Hills Co Ltd; B-Dixiana Farms LLC (KY); T-Kazuya Nakatake The post Liam’s Map Colt Looks To Put Them Back-To-Back at Hanshin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The silent auction for the Stable Recovery Gala, to be held April 19 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, Kentucky, is now open and accepting bids. Among the dozens of items up for grabs are: Halters worn by Not This Time and Cogburn A day at the races at Saratoga, valued at $2,000 A football helmet signed by University of Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops and tickets for the first game of the 2025 season A basketball signed by former UK basketball star Reed Sheppard, now the point guard for the Houston Rockets, and third-row seats to the UK basketball game of your choice A Citizen Bull saddle towel signed by Bob Baffert Additional seating has been added to accommodate the sellout crowd for the event. Stable Recovery, a Taylor Made initiative which has now gained widespread support across the racing industry, provides a safe and stable environment for men in early recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs, and finds them meaningful employment in Thoroughbred racing or other industries. Click here to learn more about the gala, buy tickets, or register to bid on the silent auction items. The post Stable Recovery Gala Silent Auction Now Open appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are 12 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, March 29. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Flemington, Rosehill, Doomben, Ascot & Alice Springs. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 29, 2025 Flemington Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Doomben Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 29, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Northern-based hoop Courtney Barnes returned to her hometown of Wingatui on Friday where she recorded the biggest highlight of her career when riding home five winners on the 10-race card. All five runners are trained by her former employers Brian and Shane Anderton, which further added to the occasion for Barnes. “I have only won three before (in a meeting), so to get five today was great,” Barnes said. “It means even more doing it for BJ and Shane, they were massive supporters of mine when I was starting out, and I am forever grateful to them. “I lived in Mosgiel (when growing up) so I worked for them before school and then I signed up to Shane (for my jockey apprenticeship).” Brian Anderton was just as thrilled for Barnes and has been only too pleased to support her. “It was great,” he said. “She was apprenticed to us, and she was bred to be a jockey, her mother was a Didham.” Barnes was confident she had a good book of rides on Friday, but didn’t expect to achieve the level of success she did. “I knew I had a really nice book of rides, and I thought I could get a couple, but I didn’t really expect to get five,” she said. “Their (Andertons) horses are really hard to beat on their home track. “It is pretty cool being able to come home and do that after being away for a few years now.” The Andertons also celebrated a great day at their local track, with the father-and-son training partnership winning six races, including Exchange in the Property Brokers – Ray Kean Open (1400m) and Afire, a full-sister to Group One winner Smokin’ Romans, taking out the Nellies Restaurant & Bar Maiden (1400m). “Exchange is a horse that lost a bit of form, and he got to a point where he didn’t like racing much, so we gave him a long spell and he has come back alright,” Brian Anderton said. “Afire is a sister to Smokin’ Romans, so I was pretty happy with that (win).” The Andertons came close to getting seven wins, with stable runner Our Approval beaten a mere head in the TAB Southern Alps Challenge Golden Ticket (1600m). The silver lining of the defeat was that the four-year-old gelding has already qualified for the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m), having placed in the ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m), and his vanquisher, The Cluster, gave his sire Ghibellines five wins on the card. Ghibellines stands at Brian Anderton’s White Robe Lodge, and he was duly rapt with the day’s result. “We got beaten in the last, but a Ghibellines beat us, so that gave him five for the day too,” Anderton said. “He does a good job.” Fresh off her memorable day, there will be no rest for Barnes, who will fly back to the Waikato tonight (Friday) in order to ride at Te Aroha’s Saturday meeting. Barnes is excited about her prospects on the eight-race card, which includes Group One winner and last year’s New Zealand Champion Two-Year-Old Velocious, who will be making her raceday return in the Manco 1150. “I am back home tonight and I am really looking forward to my book tomorrow, with a highlight being Velocious, with some other nice rides amongst my book,” she said. “Stephen (Marsh, trainer) has been very good to me since I have moved up, so it would be nice to get a win for him tomorrow.” View the full article

When Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) took out the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m), giving him his first elite-level win as a trainer, Dom Sutton was nonetheless more than happy to share the limelight in terms of publicity with Collingwood coach Craig McRae, who has a share in the horse. And he is hoping it will be a case of same again after the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday with the three-year-old gelding. Sutton wasn’t surprised that McRae’s part-ownership in Feroce stole the headlines because, since arriving in Australia, the Englishman has become well aware of the pulling power of the AFL and the Magpies, due in no small part to his relationship with Collingwood supporter John Kanga. It was the Melbourne Racing Club chairman who formed the AFL Premiers syndicate, which includes his friends McRae and Collingwood assistant coach Jason Leppitsch, who both have a share in Feroce. With McRae being on-course to cheer Feroce home, it was no shock to Sutton that newspapers and television news services focused on the premiership-winning coach. McRae said in the days following the race that winning the Group One was a memorable experience and one that may have gotten the better of him. “I lost my way a bit when he hit the front at the clock tower,” McRae said after the win. “That’s an experience I haven’t had and I’m lucky enough to be involved with. It was amazing and quite different to others in my life, but it’s something I’ll never forget.” Sutton meanwhile said it was good publicity for his stable. “It’s about having good people involved and Craig is a great bloke and he has a lovely wife Gabriella. It’s nice to have them part of the team,” Sutton said. Sutton had been in contact with McRae before the Australian Guineas via text messages and, while he has left him alone recently because the AFL season is now in full swing, with Collingwood having a bye this week, he hopes the coach may attend again. So too does Feroce’s jockey Billy Egan, who is a Magpies supporter and thought it was a great experience meeting McRae after the win. “It just topped off an unreal day. I couldn’t believe it,” Egan said. Egan attended Collingwood’s 2023 Grand Final win with his father Brendan and his mate and fellow jockey Daniel Stackhouse. “Winning my second Group One and my first at Flemington on Feroce is the highlight of my career but being at the Grand Final in 2023 wasn’t far off as I’m a one-eyed Collingwood supporter,” Egan said. Sutton’s good luck charm is his father Nick, who will fly in from England to attend the Australian Cup, like he did when Feroce won the Guineas, and the rising star of the training ranks is looking forward to his galloper tackling 2000m for the first time in his career. “2000m is in his wheelhouse. He looks and gallops like a 2000-metre horse, but you never know until you are there,” Sutton said. “It’s going to be a very strong pace and there will be no place to hide. If Deny Knowledge takes on (Pride Of) Jenni, then hopefully that’s the undoing of those two and we can be somewhere just off them and in striking distance.” Feroce is $10 with Sportsbet to win the Australian Cup. View the full article

Danny O’Brien can find enough reasons to assess his hardy galloper Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock) as ‘a blowout chance’ in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington. “He’s got enough good runs at the track and distance at Group One level to say he’s in the mix,” O’Brien said of his $61 chance with Sportsbet, who will be ridden by Daniel Stackhouse. He also finished third in the 2023 Champions Stakes, with the only time he didn’t fire coming in last year’s Australian Cup, when he finished seventh but pulled up sore. “He’s a blowout chance as he loves the course and distance and a firm track. He’s going to present there ready to fire. I’m very happy with him,” he said. History is also on O’Brien’s side as in the past seven runnings, the Australian Cup has been won by outsiders on three occasions, with Harlem prevailing at $61 in 2018 and again in 2019 at $31 while Homesman was a $26 winner in 2021. O’Brien said also in Young Werther’s favour will be the likelihood of the speed being on from the outset, which will suit him, while he believes form assessors should be forgiving of his last-start seventh placing in the Australian Cup Prelude (2000m) at Flemington on March 8. “Damian Lane was happy with him. He said they really steadied up in the mid stages, which didn’t suit him, and then he got outsprinted. It will be a completely different race shape on Saturday and the pace will suit him,” he said. “He’s ran some great races there and he’s done enough to be in the mix.” Heading to Flemington for the last time will be Young Werther’s illustrious stablemate Vow And Declare. Last year the pair both ran in the Australian Cup, with Vow And Declare finishing fourth, which was his final start at Flemington. The Victoria Racing Club has invited the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner to visit on Saturday in order to farewell racing fans. With a golden ticket available for the winner of the Listed Roy Higgins, the VRC thought it was appropriate for Vow And Declare to lead that field out onto the track and give his fans a chance to farewell him. O’Brien said Vow And Declare was enjoying his relaxation in his yard but he was always hanging by the gate looking at the barn. “He wants to come in and get into his box but he’s well and truly retired. He’s enjoying some equestrian work with our young rider Molly Lyons,” O’Brien said. View the full article

Go Racing’s Group One darling Atishu will be offered for sale at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast in May. The daughter of Savabeel was set to go through the auction ring last year, however, her ownership group voted to extend her racing career, which paid dividends last spring where she went on to win the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and place in the Gr.1 Might and Power (2000m) and Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m). Initially purchased by Go Racing out of Waikato Stud’s 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $260,000, Atishu has gone on to record 11 victories, including three at elite-level, and accrued more than A$5.6 million in earnings. “She’s taken us on a fantastic ride, she’s a very special horse,” Go Racing’s Albert Bosma said. “From day one she showed she was going to have an exciting future. She was able to run amazing sectionals in New Zealand from the outset. “At home she won four straight before heading to Australia and winning first time out in Sydney. Two starts later she won a Group Three Bill Ritchie (Stakes). “She’s one of those mares that has kept getting better and better and she continues to race so well at the highest level. “Atishu was a lovely yearling. Her full sister the year before sold for $875,000 and Atishu was very similar looking. She has developed into a lovely looking mare, with great conformation and a tremendous will to win.” Atishu’s sale will be an emotional one for her connections, who have experienced the ride of a lifetime with their mare. “She has provided us with so many thrills,” Bosma said. “It will be sad to see her leave the team, but we are also excited about what the future will hold for her and being able to see what she can produce.” Atishu will attempt to add to her already envious record when she heads to Flemington on Saturday to tackle the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m), a race she placed in last year. “She has worked very well,” trainer Chris Waller said. “This has been her target all along, so she is ready to go.” Atishu will be joined in the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale by fellow Go Racing star Diss is Dramatic, a triple Group winner in New Zealand, including the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m). View the full article

Ka Ying Rising with Zac Purton in the saddle win the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint. Photo: HKJC. Returning from injury, Zac Purton is excited to reunite with Ka Ying Rising when the world’s highest-rated sprinter contests the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, bidding to extend his winning streak to 11 races. Currently ranked joint third with Co-Tack and Beauty Generation (10 consecutive wins each) behind Silent Witness (17 wins) and Golden Sixty (16) for the most wins in a row in Hong Kong, Ka Ying Rising bids for his seventh straight victory this season. Purton, who suffered a foot injury on February 9, takes nine rides this weekend and the seven-time Hong Kong champion is looking forward to partnering triple Group 1 winner Ka Ying Rising on Sunday. “He hasn’t put a foot wrong the whole time he’s been in Hong Kong, he’s pleased us in everything he’s done – every trial, every race, every piece of work – he’s been a pleasure to have anything to do with,” Purton said. “He’s got a lovely nature, he eats everything, he’s kind in nature, good on race day. He’s a proper little racehorse – it would be great if they were all like him. “It will be good to be back, I’ve been out for quite a while now and I’ve missed quite a bit – it’s been disappointing in that sense. “I obviously have to build the quality of my books back up. It will be good to get back out there again and it’s good that I’ve got Ka Ying Rising at the weekend and another couple of horses there that look like they can run well.” Purton has ridden Ka Ying Rising in both the gelding’s Group 1 victories – the Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) and Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), the latter marking the second time this season the four-year-old has lowered Sha Tin’s 1200m course record with a searing gallop of 1m 07.20s. With Purton sidelined, Karis Teetan combined with Ka Ying Rising to land the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on February 23. Ka Ying Rising’s trainer David Hayes is confident his star can continue his winning streak this weekend. “He’s in really good shape. His trial last week was probably as good as he has trialled all season and I think the way his coat looks, it’s as good as it’s been so I would expect another good run,” Hayes said. To carry 128lb on Sunday, Ka Ying Rising will concede 5lb to six rivals – California Spangle, Helios Express, Lucky With You, Magic Control, Copartner Prance and Gorgeous Win. “I know he’s got to a carry some extra weight but he probably deserves it,” Hayes said before identifying Helios Express – who has already finished second four times this season to Ka Ying Rising – as the main danger. “You have got to respect Helios Express, especially with five pounds (lighter). He (Ka Ying Rising) has had the measure of him at set weights, but it’s now slightly different conditions but I would expect us to be a pretty firm favourite.” Hayes and Purton will also combine with Ka Ying Rising’s half-brother Ka Ying Glory, a recent Happy Valley trial winner, who debuts in the first section of the Class 4 Plantation Handicap (1200m). Tony Cruz is optimistic veteran California Spangle can recapture top form after five successive finishes outside of the top three. “California Spangle is in the best shape he’s ever been in. Ka Ying Rising, he’ll be the one – if I ran second to him, I’ll be happy,” said Cruz, who will also saddle Beauty Joy and La City Blanche in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m). “Beauty Joy, I’m very happy with his condition. We’ve waited a long time for this race. He had an elbow problem before but he’s in top shape now and I’m very happy with him,” Cruz said. Beauty Joy (Brenton Avdulla) and La City Blanche (Matthew Chadwick) will face Beauty Eternal, Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Ensued, Happy Together, Red Lion, Straight Arron, Moments In Time, Nimble Nimbus and Sunlight Power. Sunday’s 10-race Sha Tin card starts with the Class 4 Severn Handicap (2000m) at 12.45pm HKT. Horse racing news View the full article

In his first appearance since finishing runner-up to Giavellotto at Sha Tin in December, the globetrotting stayer is the one to beat in the Tancred Stakes.View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The highly successful team of GP and Mrs N M Hope is officially disbanding. From next Tuesday (April 1), Greg will remain the “frontman” but wife Nina, the country’s most successful female trainer, will be stepping away. In a changing of the guard Ben Hope’s got himself a promotion and will go into partnership with his father. “Mum will be off the papers but she’s been a huge part of what we do and will continue to be,” says Ben, “we couldn’t do it without her.” Earlier this month Nina Hope set a new record for wins by a female trainer when she had her 899th winner, eclipsing the old mark set by Natalie Rasmussen, in partnership with Mark Purdon. She then became the first to 900 as well – her current total stands at 901. At the time she described her 899th win as “a pretty cool moment”. “It’s very much a team thing – I haven’t done this on my own.” So why the change? “It was a case of ‘when and not if’ and now the time is right,” says 25-year-old Ben. “Dad got to 1000 training wins not that long ago and Mum went past 900 and I think to be honest they were waiting for those milestones before they switched it to me and Dad.” Greg Hope has 1079 wins in total. Greg and Nina’s best season was in 2017 when they had 84 wins with a team spearheaded by the likes of Enghien and AG’s White Socks. Ben in contrast is a novice with just 15 training successes on his own account to go with the 259 he’s had as a driver. “I love driving and I’ll carry on driving but the training will come first.” So how will the new partnership work? “My small team of horses will go into the partnership, we are just joining up.” “Dad’s been doing this a long time and a lot longer than me – he’ll still be the frontman!” The new father-son arrangement will debut at Timaru next Wednesday and then all eyes will be on the Night of Champions at Cambridge where their stable star Muscle Mountain will take on Australasia’s best including Bet N Win, Oscar Bonavena and The Locomotive in the $600,000 TAB Trot. View the full article

Prominent racing figure Vin Cox has resigned from his role as general manager of Yulong Investments, just four months after joining the global breeding and racing powerhouse. Cox, who stepped into the position in November 2023, cited “differences in opinion on strategic direction and values” as the reason for his sudden departure. “I want to thank the exceptional team and clients I have had the privilege to work with. I do not want to make any further comment,” Cox said in a brief statement. His exit marks a significant shift for the Yuesheng Zhang-owned operation, which has rapidly grown into a dominant force in Australian and international bloodstock. While his stint at Yulong was short-lived, Cox played a key role in overseeing some major racing success stories, most notably the rise of Via Sistina, who delivered a stunning performance to win the 2024 Cox Plate, and Devil Night’s recent Group 1 victory in the Blue Diamond Stakes. Cox brought considerable experience to the role, having previously led Magic Millions and served as the managing director of Godolphin Australia. His reputation as a polished operator and deep understanding of the racing and breeding landscape made his appointment at Yulong a headline move late last year. Yulong has not yet commented publicly on the resignation, and there is no word yet on who will step into the general manager role moving forward. The departure adds a layer of intrigue to the future direction of one of Australian racing’s most powerful and ambitious stables. Horse racing news View the full article

Tavistock colt Ceolwulf scores in impressive fashion at Warwick Farm. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Trainer Joe Pride will back up Ceolwulf in Saturday’s Group 3 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, using the race as a lead-in to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1, 2000m) at Randwick on April 12. Pride had considered the Doncaster Mile as an alternate path but opted for a more measured approach into the Queen Elizabeth. “This just looked like the obvious race,” Pride said. “The Doncaster was also on the cards, but the only trouble with that is it would mean him backing up into the Queen Elizabeth. The decision I had to make was: what race do we think we’re the best chance of winning? And I’ve come up with the Queen Elizabeth. To do that, giving him two weeks into it is the smart play.” Ceolwulf’s autumn preparation was briefly interrupted when a leg abrasion forced a change of plans, prompting a step back in distance for the Canterbury Stakes (Group 1, 1300m), where he finished fifth. He then bounced back with a strong third in the George Ryder Stakes (Group 1, 1600m) last weekend behind Gringotts and Fangirl. “Because we missed a run, I was left back-tracking a little bit and had to give him a [Canterbury Stakes] run that didn’t really matter, but that he had to have,” Pride said. “After last Saturday, I think the horse is very much back on track.” Ceolwulf will jump from barrier ten in the Sellwood with Chad Schofield to ride. Horse racing news View the full article

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