Wandering Eyes

Dual Group 1 winner Vandeek (GB) will shuttle to Arrowfield Stud in Australia from Cheveley Park Stud in England later this year. Arrowfield's Chairman John Messara said, “He's a great-looking, unbeaten Champion two-year-old by a brilliant young stallion [Havana Grey (GB)]-that all makes Vandeek an attractive prospect for us, especially in light of the Australian market's enthusiasm for stallions like Too Darn (GB) Hot and Wootton Bassett (GB), with top-class European two-year-old sprint form.” Vandeek has been described by his jockey James Doyle as “a pure ball of speed”. A graduate from the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale, he was sourced by KHK Racing, for whom he went unbeaten as a juvenile with wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes. He was trained by Simon and Ed Crisford. The post Dual Group 1 Winner Vandeek Will Shuttle To Arrowfield Stud This Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cambridge Raceway is welcoming a return to Thursday racing, saying it’s “excited” about the move. Last week the Entain and Harness Racing New Zealand management teams were involved in a strategy and review meeting in Auckland, with the “Look North” strategy a key part of their discussions. The strategy was launched as part of the “Future Starts Now” last year and is focused on reinvigorating racing in the north, particularly at Cambridge and Alexandra Park. Entain’s own wagering figures show that punters across the country are supporting Look North. Nationally, wagering is up 6% and active punters are up 17%. Last week’s review agreed that a move from Tuesday to Thursday racing was the best thing for Cambridge. The first of the Thursday meetings will be on May 15. That change has been ratified by the TAB NZ Dates Committee. “All parties are looking at ways to improve and while the review showed that Tuesdays at Cambridge have been a qualified success and achieved a lot of objectives it was decided that Thursday is a better fit,” says Harness Racing New Zealand Chief Executive Brad Steele. “It is a better time slot for the club, licence-holders generally, for Entain and Trackside as well as for punters here and in Australia through Sky 2. The export turnover on Cambridge Tuesdays has been excellent and can grow further” It’s also envisaged that the Thursday coverage on Trackside will promote Friday Night Lights too. “We are confident racing at Cambridge on a Thursday won’t compromise Friday racing at Alexandra Park,” says Steele, “in fact they will complement each other.” “We’re fully supportive of the move from Tuesday to Thursday for the WBOP (Waikato – Bay of Plenty) meetings,” says Cambridge Raceway Chief Executive Dave Branch, “especially from a catering and sponsorship perspective it makes a lot of sense.” “We are genuinely excited about the shift and where things are headed. Tuesday racing has been a success, but this move will further enhance that.” The Raceway has a massive week or so ahead of it. It hosts Waikato Flying Miles night this Friday featuring the likes of Merlin and Oscar Bonavena ahead of its Night of Champions on Friday, April 4 when the best of Australasia’s pacing and trotting talent will battle it out in the $1m Race by betcha and the $600,000 TAB Trot. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Harness racing history will be made just after 5.18pm at Ashburton Raceway on Wednesday. That’s when the dual gaited veteran Take After Me will line up in his 400th start in the Matt Smith Construction Trot. He’ll be the first standardbred ever in this country to reach that mark. “When you think that he started as a three-year-old in Invercargill and he’s still going as a 14-year-old,” says Kaiapoi-based trainer Fred Scott, “he’s been a great horse to us.” He bred and races the horse with his wife Jan. Take After Me’s first race was a second at Ascot Park in March 2024. The son of Holmes Hanover has had 124 starts as pacer for four wins and 17 wins and 275 starts as a trotter, earning just over $300,000. Alexy with 347 starts and Danke with 300 are the only standardbreds in this country to have gone anywhere near Take After Me’s record. His durability and longevity have been incredible though Scott believes the end of his racing days is not far away, and potentially Wednesday could be his last race. “He’s as sound as a bell and working good but in his last two races he’s dropped the bit and not picked up like he used to.” “Age catches up with us all and maybe it is with him too.” “I’ve always said he’ll tell us when he’s had enough.” Along the way there have been many highlights and some very sad moments too. Fred took over the training of Take After Me as his son and regular trainer Glenn battled cancer. He died in 2021. A week later Take After Me won at Methven. At the time Fred and Jan described it as “so special”. As a pacer Take After Me was good enough to compete in the 4YO Emerald at the 2015 Harness Jewels and was second to Johnny Eyre in the 2016 Reefton Cup while as a trotter Fred Scott is particularly proud that his horse finished second to one of the very best in Oscar Bonavena at Ashburton in 2019. “He was not one of the top-liners but he should get a medal for consistency,” says Scott. Now in their 70s, the Scotts have already some enquiries about Take After Me’s life in retirement. “We will give him to a good home and he can go trekking and the like,” says Fred, “when that time comes we will miss him.” To see the field for Take After Me’s 400th start click here View the full article

With seven wins at an impressive strike rate of 17.5 per cent, apprentice bids to continue her affinity with all-weather track at midweek meeting.View the full article

Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill took centre stage in Sydney, while Moonee Valley’s William Reid Stakes Day also featured last Saturday. With a heavy on-speed bias witnessed at both tracks, we have focused on runners that performed well in the inferior parts of the track and will appreciate more even conditions next start. You can add these horses to a blackbook with your chosen online bookmaker and receive notifications before they run. Moonee Valley Track rating: Good 4 (down to Soft 6 after R6) Rail position: True entire circuit Race 3: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:12.16 Horse to follow: Pivot City (2nd) Since being gelded in between preparations, Pivot City has returned as a proper racehorse for the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr stable, recording a win and a runner-up finish in two starts. The son of Not A Single Doubt was one of very few horses that run on from the back of the field and down the middle of the track to figure in the finish. Even though he wasn’t able to win, Pivot City rattled off the fastest last 800m (46.52s), 600m (35.00s), 400m (23.65s), and 200m (11.93s) sections of the entire meeting. When to bet: If Pivot City maintains his form, Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr can enter him in a similar grade of race on a bigger track, and he will prove extremely hard to beat next start. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moonee-Valley-Race-3-BM78-Handicap-22032025-Elouyou-Scott-Cameron-Fred-Kersley.mp4 Rosehill Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 3: Group 3 N E Manion Cup (2400m) | Time: 2:28.64 Horse to follow: Cleveland (4th) Cleveland returned from a 24-week spell to kick off his Sydney Cup campaign, and the Kris Lees-trained gelding couldn’t have been more impressive. The son of Camelot weaved his way through the pack, and once he got into clear air, he ran through the line as strong as any of his rivals to finish fourth. After being in Australia for two years, it seems as though Cleveland has acclimatised to Aussie conditions and is ready to show his best this time in. When to bet: It is expected that Cleveland will go straight to the Group 1 Sydney Cup second-up after such a strong performance. Top horse racing bookmakers have him marked as a +5000 chance in the 3200m classic. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rosehill-2025-Group-3-N-E-Manion-Cup-22032025-Alalcance-Gai-Waterhouse-Adrian-Bott-Tim-Clark.mp4 Race 6: Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) | Time: 2:03.25 Horse to follow: Plymouth (4th) Plymouth backed up his strong performance in the Group 1 Australian Guineas with an unlucky fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas last Saturday. The Glen Thompson-trained gelding raced over 2000m for the first in the Rosehill Guineas, and after being held up behind the slowing leaders, he was very strong through the line. The son of The Autumn Sun ran straight past the top three before pulling away from them quickly 100m past the winning post, indicating that a rise in trip will suit. When to bet: Plymouth is expected to be a major player in the Australian Derby at Randwick on April 5, and at +1000 with Dabble, he looks like a great each-way bet in the 2400m contest. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rosehill-2025-Group-1-Rosehill-Guineas-22032025-Broadsiding-James-Cummings-James-McDonald.mp4 Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

Mervyn, Super Maxi and Ocean’s Fifteen. Photo: Supplied Racegoers at Grandstand Cup Day at Ascot enjoyed a special celebration of retired racehorses, with Racing WA’s Off the Track WA program taking centre stage. In collaboration with Perth Racing, the event showcased the versatility and achievements of retired racehorses, highlighting their transition into new careers beyond the track. Attendees had the opportunity to meet former racehorses, learn about their post-racing journeys and take part in a range of family-friendly activities. Racing WA Animal Welfare Operations Manager Kay Fuller said the event was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the success of retired racehorses and the impact of Racing WA’s rehoming initiatives. “Off the Track WA is dedicated to ensuring racehorses have fulfilling lives beyond racing, and it was wonderful to partner with Perth Racing to celebrate them at Grandstand Cup Day,” Kay said. “Seeing the public engage so enthusiastically with the horses was fantastic. Many people don’t often get the chance to interact with horses up close, and this event provided a unique opportunity to appreciate their adaptability and gentle nature.” Perth Racing CEO, James Oldring, said the event reinforced the club’s commitment to equine welfare and promoting life after racing. “We were proud to dedicate Grandstand Cup Day to celebrating the incredible lives of retired racehorses and the important role Off the Track WA plays in their transition to new careers,” James said. “It was great to see the wider community embrace the opportunity to learn more about equine welfare beyond the track.” The Off the Track WA team was on hand throughout the day, providing insights into their rehoming programs and connecting with attendees keen to learn more about the next chapter for these remarkable horses. Horse racing news View the full article

Group One winner Aegon has been retired. Photo: Trish Dunell Group One winner Aegon took trainer and part-owner Andrew Forsman on a whirlwind ride over the last five years, but that journey has come to an end with the announcement of his retirement on Tuesday. “It has been an awesome journey, and he has given us a lot of thrills,” Forsman said. “We felt that he got to that point that he was holding his own in good company but just lacked that dash that he used to have. “We felt that we were running out of suitable options for him, and it was nice to see him perform in his last race (third in the Group 2 Japan Trophy, 1600m) as well as he did and be able to be retired a sound and happy horse.” Bred by Waikato Stud, the son of their ill-fated stallion Sacred Falls was offered through their 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Forsman for $150,000. The Zame Partnership had tasted success with Forsman when racing Group One winner Jon Snow, and they were quick to join the Cambridge trainer in the ownership of Aegon, who carried their silks throughout his 33-race career. Aegon made the perfect start to his career when winning on debut over 1300m at Taupo as a three-year-old, which commenced a five-race winning sequence, including the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), and Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m). While he would only go on to add the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) to his record, he would add a number of high-profile placings to his name, including the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA (1600m). His talent was also recognised on the international stage, attracting an invitation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club to compete in the 2023 edition of the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin, where he finished fifth behind Hong Kong Champion Golden Sixty. “That (Hong Kong) was amazing,” Forsman said. “His form had been a little bit mixed before going over and we knew Golden Sixty was going to be in the race, but Greg Carpenter from the Hong Kong Jockey Club was strong in convincing us to take him up and have a go. “I am glad we did now because it was such a great experience, the owners had a great time, and he was able to run a very credible race at the same time. It was a brilliant experience for myself and the owners. It is awesome when a horse like that can take you on that sort of journey.” Forsman said Aegon’s golden run as a three-year-old was also a massive thrill, particularly his victory in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic. “Winning the Karaka Million was a big highlight,” he said. “We had bought him at the Karaka sales a couple of years beforehand knowing that you could go there with a strong chance of winning a $1 million race. “We had a good horse in Amarelinha to beat on the night and it was a little bit of a match race, and to see them pair off and for us to get the bob in on the line was a huge thrill. I think that was the most special moment, although there were a lot of them. “To see the way he won first-up in Sydney in the Hobartville was also a massive thrill.” Aegon will now retire to former strapper Hanna Orting’s property in Pukekohe where Forsman said he will be well taken care of. “Hanna Orting, who spent three or four years looking after him and also went to Hong Kong with him, will take care of him,” Forsman said. “She is now training in her own right and she has got a bit of land up there (in Pukekohe), so she is able to take care of him.” Aegon won six and placed in five of his 33 career starts and accrued more than $2 million in prizemoney. Horse racing news View the full article

Ken Kelso joined Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate to discuss how Alabama Lass is tracking ahead of heading across the Tasman to race at Flemington on Saturday. The exciting Alabama Lass will be at Flemington on Saturday – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm View the full article

There’s growing frustration within the thoroughbred racing industry surrounding the sport’s infrastructure, with the abandonment of Taupo’s trials on Tuesday the latest in a long series of raceday and trial cancellations. It comes just two days after the abandonment of Tauherenikau’s Sunday race meeting following a slip in the opening race of the card, adding to the growing track woes in the Central Districts, with both Hastings and Awapuni currently out of commission due to track renovations. “I think we are starting to get to a point where we have got a bit of a crisis with our infrastructure,” New Zealand Trainers’ Association President Shaun Clotworthy said. “The Central Districts have been under pressure for quite a while now, so we feel for them. In the northern area, with Ellerslie and Te Aroha coming back on board it has been a big relief to trainers up this way, but we still need to address these problems properly. “We probably need to look at a complete review of our processes and get someone in to have a different look at it from a different angle because it’s not working at the moment. “The cost is huge to the industry and especially to the owners, who are getting really sick of it, and trainers, who have to reorganise staff and pay different people and juggle things around, so it comes at a personal cost to them as well. “Owners are frustrated. It is not cheap to race horses and they aren’t looking to have any extra costs added on. “On the bright side, I think Ellerslie are going to take two trial dates next week on Tuesday and Thursday, so that is some relief, but that doesn’t alter the fact that horses have been carted to Taupo today for no result.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s chief operating officer Darin Balcombe said the latest string of abandonments is frustrating for the industry, with a number of provincial tracks feeling the pressure of extra racedays, with a number of metropolitan tracks currently out of commission while renovations are taking place. “We completely feel for the industry stakeholders that have been to these meetings that have been called off,” Balcombe said. “It is a terrible situation, and it is a big drain on the industry. “The tracks are struggling with the weight of racing on them at the moment and that is causing issues. “It is putting pressure on a number of our provincial tracks that generally are set-up to run three to four racedays a season and are being asked now to run seven or eight, and the stress is showing on those tracks. “We need to ensure that we are getting these tracks up to speed as early as possible to make sure it doesn’t carry on. “It makes it very difficult to be an owner when these things are happening, so we have got to get it right and we are working hard to get it right.” Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North is currently one of those metropolitan tracks undergoing renovations but is set to resume racing on their turf track next month. “It is very important that we get Awapuni back on speed, which is scheduled for the 25th of April, so I am looking forward to that,” Balcombe said. “We won’t be pushing Awapuni, so it will probably only run two or three meetings before we put it aside for winter and get it back because it is going to be an important venue next spring.” With Hastings racecourse also out of commission, and Trentham set to undergo renovations in the near future, Balcombe said New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing have partnered with several provincial clubs to ensure they have the means to handle additional race meetings year-round. “We are making sure every track undergoes a full renovation period,” Balcombe said. “Knowing that Hastings and Trentham were going to be out in the short-term, we did put irrigation in at Waverley and Hawera to ensure those tracks can be used because previously without the irrigation they were only available through the winter months. “We are also looking at the possibility of having an irrigation system at Woodville just to allow that track to cover off as well because we are going to have Hastings out for a little period and on the back of that a decision has got to be made on Trentham and what needs to be done there with the track and facilities.” Balcombe said meeting abandonments will always be a part of racing due to severe weather, particularly over the winter months, but acknowledged the number of abandonments of late is unacceptable. “We are always going to have weather abandonments, there is no way you can get around the extreme weather, but we need to stop these track abandonments when the weather has been like it has been. The tracks need to be in a fit state,” he said. View the full article

Group One winner Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) took trainer and part-owner Andrew Forsman on a whirlwind ride over the last five years, but that journey has come to an end with the announcement of his retirement on Tuesday. “It has been an awesome journey and he has given us a lot of thrills,” Forsman said. “We felt that he got to that point that he was holding his own in good company but just lacked that dash that he used to have. “We felt that we were running out of suitable options for him, and it was nice to see him perform in his last race (third in the Gr.2 Japan Trophy, 1600m) as well as he did and be able to be retired a sound and happy horse.” Bred by Waikato Stud, the son of their ill-fated stallion Sacred Falls was offered through their 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Forsman for $150,000. The Zame Partnership had tasted success with Forsman when racing Group One winner Jon Snow, and they were quick to join the Cambridge trainer in the ownership of Aegon, who carried their silks throughout his 33-race career. Aegon made the perfect start to his career when winning on debut over 1300m at Taupo as a three-year-old, which commenced a five-race winning sequence, including the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), and Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m). While he would only go on to add the Gr.3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) to his record, he would add a number of high-profile placings to his name, including the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) and Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA (1600m). His talent was also recognised on the international stage, attracting an invitation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club to compete in the 2023 edition of the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin, where he finished fifth behind Hong Kong Champion Golden Sixty. “That (Hong Kong) was amazing,” Forsman said. “His form had been a little bit mixed before going over and we knew Golden Sixty was going to be in the race, but Greg Carpenter from the Hong Kong Jockey Club was strong in convincing us to take him up and have a go. “I am glad we did now because it was such a great experience, the owners had a great time, and he was able to run a very credible race at the same time. It was a brilliant experience for myself and the owners. It is awesome when a horse like that can take you on that sort of journey.” Forsman said Aegon’s golden run as a three-year-old was also a massive thrill, particularly his victory in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic. “Winning the Karaka Million was a big highlight,” he said. “We had bought him at the Karaka sales a couple of years beforehand knowing that you could go there with a strong chance of winning a $1 million race. “We had a good horse in Amarelinha to beat on the night and it was a little bit of a match race, and to see them pair off and for us to get the bob in on the line was a huge thrill. I think that was the most special moment, although there were a lot of them. “To see the way he won first-up in Sydney in the Hobartville was also a massive thrill.” Aegon will now retire to former strapper Hanna Orting’s property in Pukekohe where Forsman said he will be well taken care of. “Hanna Orting, who spent three or four years looking after him and also went to Hong Kong with him, will take care of him,” Forsman said. “She is now training in her own right and she has got a bit of land up there (in Pukekohe), so she is able to take care of him.” Aegon won six and placed in five of his 33 career starts and accrued more than $2 million in prizemoney. View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Wednesday, March 26, 2025 First Race 6:45pm HKT (9:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin for back-to-back meetings, with the all-weather circuit set to host a stacked nine-part program under lights on Wednesday evening. The rail is in the true position, and with pristine conditions forecast on Monday and Tuesday, it should be a terrific night of racing for all participants. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 6:45pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Meepmeep The John Size-trained Meepmeep is winless heading into start 12 but appears to get the ideal setup for success dropping back into Class 5 company for the first time. The son of Not A Single Doubt was savaging the line last start despite being crowded for room when trying to chase down Shanghai Style on March 2. An extra 150m to pick-up his rivals should suit, and with barrier five allowing Andrea Atzeni to slot in the one-one throughout, Meepmeep won’t get a better opportunity to shirk the maiden tag. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Meepmeep (5) 5yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Andrea Atzeni (61kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Hinokami Kagura Hinokami Kagura is another well-placed galloper in Class 5 company after performing consistently in Class 4. The Deep Field gelding has had excuses in his last couple of starts; however, he appears primed to bounce back as Harry Bentley gets legged aboard from barrier two. He only needs to stay out of trouble turning for home, and Hinokami Kagura should be this classy for this lot, justifying the short price with BlondeBet. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Hinokami Kagura (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris So | J: Harry Bentley (61kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Von Baer Von Baer finally showed something last start at Happy Valley on March 12, hitting the line well behind Tactical Command on March 12. The son of No Nay Never was doing his best work late after settling towards the rear of the field, suggesting that a step-up to the 1650m should be ideal. It’s only his second attempt in Class 4 company, and although he must lug 60kg to victory in his first run on the all-weather surface, Von Baer should get his chance at a juicy each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #3 Von Baer (5) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Ben Thompson (60kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections March 26, 2025 2-3-7-9-10 1-2-3-5-6-10 4-7-10-12-13-14 1-5-10 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, March 26, 2025 First Race 2:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing will return to Sandown for another mid-week meeting on Wednesday afternoon, when the Melbourne Racing Club hosts a competitive eight-race card. Although the track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, with no rain forecast in the lead-up, a perfect Good 4 surface is expected throughout the day. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at 2:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sandown: King Zephyr King Zephyr stepped up into metropolitan company for the first time on March 5, and he handled it with ease, claiming a dominant 2.3-length victory. The Grahame Begg-trained gelding has won both starts this preparation, proving too strong for his rivals in both victories over 1200m and 1300m, respectively. If Jordan Childs can settle worse than midfield off the fence, King Zephyr should have no worries in defeating his rivals once again. Best Bet Race 8 – #5 King Zephyr (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs (61kg) Next Best at Sandown: Stage ‘N’ Screen Stage ‘N’ Screen received very little luck at Moonee Valley first-up, when the Mark Walker-trained filly was held up behind runners in the straight before flashing home to finish third. The daughter of Ace High was clearly the best horse in the race, and with more luck, she would have won. Stage ‘N’ Screen has the best form in this contest, and if Logan Bates can keep her out of trouble, she will bounce back with a deserving victory. Next Best Race 6 – #1 Stage ‘N’ Screen (5) 3yo Filly | T: Mark Walker | J: Logan Bates (a3) (61.5kg) Best Value at Sandown: Donebravo Chief Stipe Harrison and Craig Williams will combine with Donebravo for the second straight start when the two-year-old gelding returns to the Sandown 1000m. On debut, the son of Strasbourg settled outside the leader and did a lot wrong during the run before being run over late to finish in fifth place. With that experience under his belt, Donebravo can make the best use of his ace barrier and attempt to lead throughout at a massive price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 1 – #4 Donebravo (1) 2yo Gelding | T: Chief Stipe Harrison | J: Craig Williams (58kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Sandown Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, March 25, 2025 1-2-5-7 1-5-6 1-2-3-6-7-10-13-14 5-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Wednesday, March 26, 2025 First Race 1:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Randwick on Wednesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program lined up on the Kensington circuit. The rail moves out +4m the entire way around, with light rainfall forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect the surface to be no worse than a Soft 5 on race-day morning. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:45pm local time. Best Bet at Kensington: Grand Prairie Grand Prairie produced a slashing effort on debut at this course on March 13 and should appreciate the extra 100m to chase down his rivals. He finished off best of the beaten brigade on that occasion and easily could’ve won with more luck, held up for a run when trying to navigate the rails run under Tyler Schiller. The pair draw barrier six to hold a spot near the one-one this time around, and provided the breaks fall his way, Grand Prairie should be fighting out the finish at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Grand Prairie (6) 2yo Colt | T: Peter Snowden | J: Tyler Schiller (57.5kg) Next Best at Kensington: Campaldino Campaldino was always going to find the 1400m too sharp at Randwick on March 13; however, the son of Ghibellines outran market expectations to finish second behind Mawjood. Stepping out to 1800m second-up should be a massive bonus for the lightly raced four-year-old, and with Tim Clark hopping back aboard, punters can expect a positive steer from gate two. He’ll be leading them a long way out, and provided he can tick over a soft sectional in the middle stages, they’ll have a hard time reeling in Campaldino. Next Best Race 4 – #6 Campaldino (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (56.5kg) Best Value at Kensington: Althoff Althoff returns after a 21-week spell and appears to be flying heading into this first-up assignment after undergoing a gelding operation in his time away from racing. The son of Written Tycoon caught the eye in his lone barrier trial at Warwick Farm on March 3, surging through the wire under minor urging by Tommy Berry. It’s James McDonald booking the ride under race-day conditions, and with the three-year-old set to get every chance from stall two, expect Althoff to be right in this at a good price with Dabble. Best Value Race 6 – #6 Althoff (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (58kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Kensington Kensington quadrella selections March 26, 2025 2-4-6-7-8 2-4-6-8 3-5-6-7-10 1-4-6-7-8-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip (Quaddie Link from Boombet needed^) Horse racing tips View the full article

Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) There’s growing frustration within the thoroughbred racing industry surrounding the sport’s infrastructure, with the abandonment of Taupo’s trials on Tuesday the latest in a long series of raceday and trial cancellations. It comes just two days after the abandonment of Tauherenikau’s Sunday race meeting following a slip in the opening race of the card, adding to the growing track woes in the Central Districts, with both Hastings and Awapuni currently out of commission due to track renovations. “I think we are starting to get to a point where we have got a bit of a crisis with our infrastructure,” New Zealand Trainers’ Association President Shaun Clotworthy said. “The Central Districts have been under pressure for quite a while now, so we feel for them. In the northern area, with Ellerslie and Te Aroha coming back on board, it has been a big relief to trainers up this way, but we still need to address these problems properly. “We probably need to look at a complete review of our processes and get someone in to have a different look at it from a different angle because it’s not working at the moment. “The cost is huge to the industry and especially to the owners, who are getting really sick of it, and trainers, who have to reorganise staff and pay different people and juggle things around, so it comes at a personal cost to them as well. “Owners are frustrated. It is not cheap to race horses, and they aren’t looking for any extra costs added on. “On the bright side, I think Ellerslie are going to take two trial dates next week on Tuesday and Thursday, so that is some relief, but that doesn’t alter the fact that horses have been carted to Taupo today for no result.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s chief operating officer Darin Balcombe said the latest string of abandonments is frustrating for the industry, with a number of provincial tracks feeling the pressure of extra racedays, with a number of metropolitan tracks currently out of commission while renovations are taking place. “We completely feel for the industry stakeholders that have been to these meetings that have been called off,” Balcombe said. “It is a terrible situation, and it is a big drain on the industry. “The tracks are struggling with the weight of racing on them at the moment and that is causing issues. “It is putting pressure on a number of our provincial tracks that generally are set-up to run three to four racedays a season and are being asked now to run seven or eight, and the stress is showing on those tracks. “We need to ensure that we are getting these tracks up to speed as early as possible to make sure it doesn’t carry on. “It makes it very difficult to be an owner when these things are happening, so we have got to get it right and we are working hard to get it right.” Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North is currently one of those metropolitan tracks undergoing renovations but is set to resume racing on their turf track next month. “It is very important that we get Awapuni back on speed, which is scheduled for the 25th of April, so I am looking forward to that,” Balcombe said. “We won’t be pushing Awapuni, so it will probably only run two or three meetings before we put it aside for winter and get it back because it is going to be an important venue next spring.” With Hastings racecourse also out of commission, and Trentham set to undergo renovations in the near future, Balcombe said New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing have partnered with several provincial clubs to ensure they have the means to handle additional race meetings year-round. “We are making sure every track undergoes a full renovation period,” Balcombe said. “Knowing that Hastings and Trentham were going to be out in the short-term, we did put irrigation in at Waverley and Hawera to ensure those tracks can be used because previously without the irrigation they were only available through the winter months. “We are also looking at the possibility of having an irrigation system at Woodville just to allow that track to cover off as well because we are going to have Hastings out for a little period and on the back of that a decision has got to be made on Trentham and what needs to be done there with the track and facilities.” Balcombe said meeting abandonments will always be a part of racing due to severe weather, particularly over the winter months, but acknowledged the number of abandonments of late is unacceptable. “We are always going to have weather abandonments, there is no way you can get around the extreme weather, but we need to stop these track abandonments when the weather has been like it has been. The tracks need to be in a fit state,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

Group Two-winning mare Marotiri Molly. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Group Two-winning mare Marotiri Molly was in full flight at the Foxton trials on Tuesday as she readies for further black-type assignments. From the early stages of her career, Marotiri Molly gained a reputation for running her rivals off their feet at the trials, and this occasion was no different. Lining up over 850m, she jumped on even terms but swiftly broke the line to lead, continuing to extend that margin as she cruised to the line to win the heat by seven lengths with her regular rider Kate Hercock in the saddle. The trial was the Per Incanto mare’s first appearance since finishing a close-up fifth in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) in January, which rounded off a stellar campaign where she won four races. That haul included the Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), which followed a serious showing to place behind La Crique in the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). “She was pretty fresh today, and that’s the way she trials; she just likes to jump and get on with it,” her trainer Matt Dixon said. “Kate was really happy; she thought she felt tremendous, and she would benefit from today, which is why we were there. She’s looking forward to getting back on her raceday. “She had a month off after the Thorndon and had a good freshen-up; she packed in plenty of condition. I was pleased with her; it was just to bring her on for the listed race at Otaki on the 12th of April; that’s where we’ll kick off.” Marotiri Molly struck consecutive Good4 surfaces throughout her summer campaign, but Dixon isn’t concerned about the likelihood of a softer track at Otaki or later at Arawa Park, where she will likely start in the Group 3 Rotorua ITM Stakes (1400m) on May 10. “She probably prefers the sting out of the track; she has won on a really heavy track, but I won’t be running her over the winter on bottomless tracks,” he said. “After Otaki, she’ll most likely go up to Rotorua for Group Three a month later, those are our targets at this stage. We’ll reassess from there, but she’ll have a break when the tracks get really wet and go again in the spring.” Horse racing news View the full article

Vegas Queen winning the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham last Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Family runs deep and fast for Northland couple Dirk and Nicci Oberholster, who are enjoying a magical run with their small broodmare band. The Totara Park Stud principals are breeding from three closely related mares from the family of superstar Winx, with half-sisters Miss Vegas and Miss Bluebell combining at the weekend for a memorable winning double. Carlton House’s unraced daughter Miss Vega was firstly to the fore at Trentham as the dam of Vegas Queen, who produced a tenacious performance to land the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). Trained by Kenny Rae, the Proisir three-year-old made all the running under rider Wiremu Pinn and was gallant in the run home to keep her rivals at bay. Miss Bluebell’s son Gringotts chimed in later when the Ciaron Maher representative took his earnings beyond A$3.6 million with victory in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. It was a maiden top-flight victory for the son of Per Incanto, who was sold through Archer Park’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2021 Book 1 Yearling Sale to Kasa Bloodstock for $100,000. He was then reoffered through Kilmore Farm’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft later that year but failed to meet his $450,000 reserve, but was subsequently sold privately after winning a trial at Waipa for Simon and Katrina Alexander. Vegas Queen was retained and is raced with good friends Matt and Mandy Brown under their Ngapuke Racing banner and The Magpies, numbering Nicci Oberholster’s son Kurt Benney and mates. “Mandy used to train for my dad many, many years ago, and they had a great relationship,” she said. “Vegas Queen races in her colours, and they came up for the weekend, and it was fabulous. It was Mandy who suggested she run in the Guineas, it hadn’t been on anybody else’s radar, to be fair. “Kurt is my youngest son and plays for the Kamo Rugby Club, The Magpies, and they had a little betting syndicate, and he’s involved with five of his mates. “They just wanted to have a bit of fun and drink a bit of beer, they’re very good at both those things.” Vegas Queen has now won twice from nine appearances, but it hasn’t been all plain sailing. “Kenny and her strapper who rides her, Sera-Lee Knight, have done a fabulous job with her because she’s not an easy filly and quite tough,” Oberholster said. Vegas Queen is the first foal of Miss Vegas, with the second a Proisir gelding who sold for $160,000 to Riversley Park through the Highline Thoroughbreds draft at Karaka. He subsequently made $650,000 when reoffered at the Ready to Run Sale, and the dam also has a yearling colt by Proisir and is in foal to Noverre. Gringotts’ dam Miss Bluebell, an unraced daughter of Savabeel, has a colt at foot by Satono Aladdin, who is likely to be sold at Karaka. “We sent her all the way down to Per Incanto, but she came home empty,” Nicci Oberholster said. “We’d love a filly out of the mare; that’s why we sent her to Per Incanto to hopefully get a sister to Gringotts that we could keep. “We’re having discussions again, but for mine it would be hard not to send her back again.” The third member of the breeding trio is Shocking mare Vegas Strip, a four-time winning half-sister to Miss Vegas and Miss Bluebell who had a filly foal by Noverre last season. Horse racing news View the full article

Zardozi won the 2023 VRC Oaks at Flemington. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) The James Cummings-trained Zardozi will look to turn the tables on Pride Of Jenni when the pair clash again in Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington, with stable confidence high that the mare is ready to strike. Zardozi was beaten into second by Pride Of Jenni in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield last start, but Cummings’ Melbourne foreman Nacim Dilmi believes the return to Flemington—where she claimed the 2023 VRC Oaks—could be the difference. “Her third-up run at Caulfield was pleasing, taking on Pride Of Jenni we knew was going to be a task but she hit the line strongly,” Dilmi said. “Coming to Flemington, a track that she really enjoys, we are looking forward to Saturday. It’s going to be a difficult task, but we managed to do it last year with Cascadian and we believe Zardozi can do it again this time on a track she really enjoys.” Although Zardozi hasn’t won since her VRC Oaks triumph in November 2023, she’s been a model of consistency in top-level races. The daughter of Kingman has registered three Group 1 placings and a brave fourth in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup during the spring. “Since running fourth in the Melbourne Cup she’s come back in such great order, she’s not very big but she’s got such a big heart,” Dilmi said. Jamie Mott has been booked for the ride on Zardozi in the Australian Cup. Horse racing news View the full article

Schwarz won the 2025 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) The Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) will shift to Caulfield in 2026 as the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) prepares for a major redevelopment of its iconic racetrack. With just eight meetings remaining on the current surface, the MVRC has started working alongside Racing Victoria (RV) to relocate 39 race meetings over the next two seasons. Moonee Valley will go quiet for 21 months following this year’s Cox Plate Carnival, with a grand reopening of the revamped track scheduled for August 2027. “We are finalising the dates at the moment for the 25-26 season, it looks like the William Reid Stakes next March will be at Caulfield,” MVRC CEO Michael Browell told Racing.com. “Then we are looking at four meetings at Geelong and 11 spread across the Southside tracks, predominantly at Cranbourne, to accommodate the night racing product.” As for the future of the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), the MVRC is narrowing down options for a temporary home in 2026. Browell confirmed they will choose between Caulfield and Flemington to host the prestigious weight-for-age feature. Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Tuesday, March 25. 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 March 25, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo 10 AGAIN! at Ballarat | Up To $100 Bonus Cash Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Paid in bonus cash. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100 Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility. Unibet T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet 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 Top 4 Betting! Bet & win up to 4th Place Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Boost ‘Til You Boom Place a boosted racing single bet and get your racing boost back each time your boosted bet doesn’t win Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. 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 March 25, 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

New York regulators are taking the initial steps to further relax the state's pari-mutuel coupling rules as part of an effort pushed by Thoroughbred tracks and horsemen and Thoroughbred breeding groups in the state.View the full article

In an exclusive interview, Michael’s joined in studio by Minister for Racing, Winston Peters. They discuss the Minister’s love of the industry, the concerns and future of horse racing, his decision and the resistance to closing the greyhounds, and being given a horse in Mongolia. Guerin Report – Ep.30 Ft. Winston Peters View the full article

Australian punters could get their first glimpse of New Zealand’s dominant hurdler Berry The Cash (NZ) (Jakkalberry) in just over a month, with trainer and part-owner Mark Oulaghan giving serious consideration to Warrnambool’s May Racing Carnival with his gelding. The nine-year-old son of Jakkalberry posted seven consecutive victories last winter, culminating in retaining his Grand National Hurdles (4200m) crown at Riccarton, and could now get his chance to test his talent against the best hurdlers in Australia. Reinvigorated after a spell, Berry The Cash finished third in a 1400m trial at Foxton earlier this month, and will make his raceday return at Hawera on Wednesday in the Johnny Neil Builders R75 2100. While not expecting his charge to feature in the finish in his first-up assignment, Oulaghan is hoping to see enough in his first couple of starts on the flat to warrant a trip to Australia. “We were going to run him at Tauherenikau (on Sunday, which was abandoned) but they left the noms open for tomorrow, so we managed to get him in there. It will just be a conditioning run for him,” he said. “We will just see how he comes up over his next couple of starts and we could possibly take him to Warrnambool in early May. “He seems pretty bright within himself, and I think he is in pretty good order.” While a Warrnambool campaign is likely for Berry The Cash, his stablemate, reigning New Zealand Champion Jumper West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu), will remain at home. Oulaghan doesn’t believe his star jumper is suited to an Australian campaign and has elected to keep him in New Zealand where he will likely shoot for his fourth successive Grand National Steeplechase (5600m). “West Coast will stay home, I don’t think he is quite an Australian sort of horse. We will just take the one if we went,” he said. “He (West Coast) will kick off, have a couple of runs, and we will look at the Wellington Chase and the National again with him.” Meanwhile, Oulaghan is looking forward to kicking off the career of Freedom Fighter (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) at Hawera on Wednesday, with the five-year-old son of Turn Me Loose set to make his debut in the Trans Ag Maiden 1200. “He has gone pretty well at the trials,” Oulaghan said. “He is a nice, big horse, and can gallop.” View the full article

Group Two-winning mare Marotiri Molly (NZ) (Per Incanto) was in full flight at the Foxton trials on Tuesday as she readies for further black-type assignments. From the early stages of her career, Marotiri Molly gained a reputation of running her rivals off their feet at the trials and this occasion was no different. Lining up over 850m, she jumped on even terms but swiftly broke the line to lead, continuing to extend that margin as she cruised to the line to win the heat by seven lengths with her regular rider Kate Hercock in the saddle. The trial was the Per Incanto mare’s first appearance since finishing a close-up fifth in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) in January, which rounded off a stellar campaign where she won four races. That haul included the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), which followed a serious showing to place behind La Crique in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). “She was pretty fresh today and that’s the way she trials, she just likes to jump and get on with it,” her trainer Matt Dixon said. “Kate was really happy, she thought she felt tremendous, and she would benefit from today, which is why we were there. She’s looking forward to getting back on her raceday. “She had a month off after the Thorndon and had a good freshen-up, she packed on plenty of condition. I was pleased with her, it was just to bring her on for the Listed race at Otaki on the 12th of April, that’s where we’ll kick off.” Marotiri Molly struck consecutive Good4 surfaces throughout her summer campaign, but Dixon isn’t concerned about the likelihood of a softer track at Otaki or later at Arawa Park, where she will likely start in the Gr.3 Rotorua ITM Stakes (1400m) on May 10. “She probably prefers the sting out of the track, she has won on a really heavy track, but I won’t be running her over the winter on bottomless tracks,” he said. “After Otaki, she’ll most likely go up to Rotorua for the Group Three a month later, those are our targets at this stage. We’ll reassess from there, but she’ll have a break when the tracks get really wet and go again in the spring.” View the full article

Family runs deep and fast for Northland couple Dirk and Nicci Oberholster who are enjoying a magical run with their small broodmare band. The Totara Park Stud principals are breeding from three closely related mares from the family of superstar Winx, with half-sisters Miss Vegas and Miss Bluebell combining at the weekend for a memorable winning double. Carlton House’s unraced daughter Miss Vega was firstly to the fore at Trentham as the dam of Vegas Queen (NZ) (Proisir), who produced a tenacious performance to land the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). Trained by Kenny Rae, the Proisir three-year-old made all the running under rider Wiremu Pinn and was gallant in the run home to keep her rivals at bay. Miss Bluebell’s son Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) chimed in later when the Ciaron Maher representative took his earnings beyond A$3.6 million with victory in the Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. It was a maiden top-flight victory for the son of Per Incanto, who was sold through Archer Park’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2021 Book 1 Yearling Sale to Kasa Bloodstock for $100,000. He was then reoffered through Kilmore Farm’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft later that year but failed to meet his $450,000 reserve, but was subsequently sold privately after winning a trial at Waipa for Simon and Katrina Alexander. Vegas Queen was retained and is raced with good friends Matt and Mandy Brown under their Ngapuke Racing banner and The Magpies, numbering Nicci Oberholster’s son Kurt Benney and mates. “Mandy used to train for my Dad many, many years ago and they had a great relationship,” she said. “Vegas Queen races in her colours and they came up for the weekend and it was fabulous. It was Mandy who suggested she run in the Guineas, it hadn’t been on anybody else’s radar to be fair. “Kurt is my youngest son and plays for the Kamo Rugby Club, The Magpies, and they had a little betting syndicate and he’s involved with five of his mates. “They just wanted to have a bit of fun and drink a bit of beer, they’re very good at both those things.” Vegas Queen has now won twice from nine appearances, but it hasn’t been all plain sailing. “Kenny and her strapper who rides her, Sera-Lee Knight, have done a fabulous job with her because she’s not an easy filly and quite tough,” Oberholster said. Vegas Queen is the first foal of Miss Vegas with the second a Proisir gelding who sold for $160,000 to Riversley Park through the Highline Thoroughbreds draft at Karaka. He subsequently made $650,000 when reoffered at the Ready to Run Sale and the dam also has a yearling colt by Proisir and is in foal to Noverre. Gringotts’ dam Miss Bluebell, an unraced daughter of Savabeel, has a colt at foot by Satono Aladdin, who is likely to be sold at Karaka. “We sent her all the way down to Per Incanto, but she came home empty,” Nicci Oberholster said. “We’d love a filly out of the mare, that’s why we sent her to Per Incanto to hopefully get a sister to Gringotts that we could keep. “We’re having discussions again, but for mine it would be hard not to send her back again.” The third member of the breeding trio is Shocking mare Vegas Strip, a four-time winning half-sister to Miss Vegas and Miss Bluebell who had a filly foal by Noverre last season. View the full article

We've taken the plunge into the deeper end of the prep pool for the GI Kentucky Derby. Five nine-furlong stakes each awarding 100 qualifying points are scheduled over the next two Saturdays, after which this list will expand to the Top 20. 1) CITIZEN BULL (c, Into Mischief–No Joke, by Distorted Humor) O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Robert Low & Lawana Low (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $675,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: MGISW, 5-4-0-1, $1,421,000. Last start: WON Feb. 1 GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes. The Bob Baffert-trained juvenile champ will enjoy home-track advantage in the Apr. 5 GI Santa Anita Derby, which at this point is shaping up as a showdown between the Nos. 1 and 2 contenders on this list–a classic speed-versus-stalker confrontation. As the dominant early-speed horse in his division, this big, strong $675,000 KEESEP colt has a locked-in, determined way of going, and we have yet to see Citizen Bull get knocked off-kilter by in-race pace pressure or minor trip trouble. After an on-the-pace debut win sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs and a third-place try over seven-eighths in the GI Del Mar Futurity, Citizen Bull wired the GI American Pharoah Stakes and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile in succession. If you thought (like I initially did) that his Juvenile win wasn't as impressive as it might seem (because he established an unchallenged lead after the favored pacesetter stumbled out of the gate), Citizen Bull delivered a not-so-subtle reminder of his relevance in his first start at age three by uncorking a front-running pummeling in the Feb. 1 GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes, earning a 98 Beyer Speed Figure despite a bobble at the break and never at any point being roused for full run. You'll hear quite a bit of “doesn't have to win his final prep” talk about both Citizen Bull and Journalism (Curlin) leading up to the Santa Anita Derby. It's true that qualifying points aren't an issue, and neither camp wants an overextended colt one month before the Kentucky Derby. But both are going to have to deliver some semblance of the real deal, because heading to Louisville without evidence of next-level mojo can also be a big risk. 2) JOURNALISM (c, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo. O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC and Robert V. LaPenta; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy. Sales history: $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 4-3-0-1, $338,880. Last start: WON Mar. 1 GII San Felipe Stakes. Journalism closed as the 5-1 favorite in last week's Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. This $825,000 FTSAUG colt is coming off a 108-Beyer victory in the GII San Felipe Stakes that was every bit as visually impressive as that lofty speed figure. Both his way of going and pedigree (by Curlin out of an Uncle Mo mare) project he'll benefit from longer-distance races. Much like in the writeup of Citizen Bull, I needed a sophomore-debut convincer before climbing aboard the Journalism bandwagon. I hadn't been blown away by his season-ending 2-year-old win in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity. Journalism stalked outside, chased a trio while covering up another rival, then came five wide for the long Los Al drive to collar a wilted leader with no one else firing. The Beyer came back a so-so 87. Different story in the San Felipe. This Michael McCarthy trainee broke running, then conceded the lead to the 2-5 favorite, Barnes (Into Mischief). Umberto Rispoli eased back Journalism to fourth at the fence, then cued him to slice through on the inside a half-mile out. On the far turn, Journalism launched into a relentless, three-deep sweep that had Barnes well within his striking sights at the head of the lane, but Barnes was not giving in. This colt's long, purposeful stride enabled him to overcome what was still a 2 1/2-length deficit at the eighth pole, and Journalism wrested command a sixteenth out before extending assertively to a 1 3/4-length win. It's a big gamble as to what to expect, speed-figure wise, in the Santa Anita Derby considering Journalism jumped his Beyer 21 points from age 2 to 3. His overall Beyer progression is 72-82-87-108 over just four starts. Journalism's limited sophomore experience does raise a recent-history red flag–although it's worth noting that after all the prep races are run, this stat will also apply to No. 1-ranked Citizen Bull as well as the next two contenders on this list: From 2017 through 2024, horses with only two sophomore starts prior to running in the Kentucky Derby are a collective 0-for-49. 3) SOVEREIGNTY (c, Into Mischief–Crowned, by Bernardini). O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-William I. Mott; Lifetime Record: MGSW, 4-2-1-0, $388,800. Last start: WON Mar. 1 GII Fountain of Youth Stakes. The big question about this Bill Mott-trained Godolphin homebred is whether Sovereignty has stamped himself as a stone-cold closer by rallying from last in three of his four career races, or whether he's capable/comfortable enough to take on more of a stalker's role. His second career race, a Sept. 27 one-turn maiden mile at Aqueduct, in which this son of Into Mischief sat two lengths off the pace in third and bounded home with huge strides to just miss by a neck, displayed an adaptability that would be of benefit in this colt's already talented toolbox, which has produced two subsequent graded stakes wins at 1 1/16 miles. It's dangerously easy to fall in love with a deep closer for your Derby horse, but not generally profitable. Speed-centric horses who raced either on the front end or just off it crossed the finish wire first (even though two were DQ'd) in every Derby between 2014 and 2021. Rich Strike in 2022 and Mage in 2023 were off-the-pace winners. In 2024 Mystik Dan (Goldencents) won with an inside stalk. Saturday's GI Florida Derby is next for Sovereignty. He'll break from the outermost 10 post as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. Captain Cook | Sarah Andrew 4) CAPTAIN COOK (c, Practical Joke–Pow Wow Wow, by Indian Charlie). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-St. Elias Stable; B-Marylou Whitney Stables, LLC (KY); T-Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. Sales history: $410,000 2yo '24 KEENOV. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-0-0, $188,256. Last start: WON Feb. 1 Withers Stakes. Congrats if you locked in the 51-1 price on Captain Cook in the Derby Future pool that closed Mar. 16. It was difficult to discern worthwhile overlays among those 40 betting interests, but recency bias contributed to jacking the odds on this Rick Dutrow Jr. trainee. He hadn't raced in six weeks at the time of the bet, his lone stakes win was ungraded, and he's been training in New York all winter, far removed from most of the Derby attention and prep action. This 'TDN Rising Star' by Practical Joke ($410,000 KEENOV) got bumped and crowded at the break and was hung out five wide on the turn in his Churchill sprint debut Oct. 27 for owner/breeder Marylou Whitney Stables and trainer Norm Casse. The colt was then entered in the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale, and brought $410,000 from bloodstock agent Steve Young on behalf of St. Elias Stable as the second-most-expensive lot of that sale. Making his first start for new connections at 1-2 odds off a two-month break, Captain Cook detonated a 9 1/4-length, pace-pressing maiden blowout at Aqueduct over a sloppy seven furlongs Dec. 28. In the Feb. 1 Withers Stakes, Captain Cook was bet down to 7-5 favoritism and delivered a measured victory despite breaking a touch slowly and giving up three paths of real estate on both turns. Once set down for the drive, his stretch run was focused and efficient, and it included having to swat back a late challenge from a 33-1 closer who was outrunning those odds. The 2 1/4-length score translated to a 94 Beyer. Dutrow has been aiming for the Apr. 5 GII Wood Memorial Stakes because he prefers longer spacing between races for Captain Cook, who now has two wins over the Aqueduct surface, including one at the Wood's nine-furlong distance. 5) BARNES (c, Into Mischief–All American Dream, by American Pharoah). O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $3,200,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG). Lifetime record: GSW, 3-2-1-0, $249,000. Last start: 2nd Mar. 1 GII San Felipe Stakes. Barnes will still be looking for his first two-turn victory as he stretches to nine furlongs for his yet-to-be-disclosed final Kentucky Derby prep. But his runner-up try in the Mar. 1 San Felipe Stakes rates as a better performance in terms of experience when compared to some of the graded stakes victories earned by others so far this spring. In that Santa Anita stakes, this $3.2 million FTSAUG colt by Into Mischief established command at the front, drew away on the far turn after taking internal pace pressure, then held off current Derby future-wager fave Journalism as best he could until the final sixteenth. In the final stages Barnes was tiring, but not quitting. For perspective, the 105 Beyer that Barnes earned in defeat would be a higher Beyer than any other Kentucky Derby entrant except for one in the past four post-pandemic Derbies. That lone exception was 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light), who, prior to finishing 15th as last year's beaten Derby favorite, had run Beyers of 105 and 110. Of course, as discussed in Journalism's writeup, it remains to be seen whether that's a speed rating that leaves room for numerical improvement in a final Derby prep. 6) RIVER THAMES (c, Maclean's Music–Proportionality, by Discreet Cat). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-CHC, Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC; B-CTR Stables, LLC (NY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG. Lifetime record: 3-2-1-0, $164,400. Last start: 2nd, Mar. 1 GII Fountain of Youth Stakes. River Thames | Ryan Thompson 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) will get a jockey switch from John Velazquez to Irad Ortiz Jr. for the Apr. 5 GI Blue Grass Stakes. Ortiz was aboard at Palm Beach Downs last Friday when this colt worked a bullet five-eighths in 1:00.51 (1/6) for trainer Todd Pletcher. This New York-bred ($200,000 SARAUG) won his first two career starts at Gulfstream, a maiden sprint and a one-turn-mile allowance, by a combined 11 1/4 lengths. His first try around two turns was against stakes company in the Fountain of Youth, in which River Thames ran a very commendable second, beaten only a neck, by Sovereignty. Although this colt didn't exactly have a troubled trip in the Fountain of Youth, there was still quite a bit going on in that race. River Thames pressed the pace inside through the first turn, was edged off the action and switched outside for the backstretch run, then was hustled to re-engage with three furlongs left. Ridden along to pick up the tempo, River Thames seized the lead off the final turn, but once he got clear he momentarily lost focus for several strides in the stretch, which contributed to Sovereignty nailing him in the shadow of the wire. That's the type of mental lapse you'd rather see on the first Saturday of March than on the first Saturday of May. The guess here is that River Thames will be a tighter fighter for the Blue Grass, a stakes that Pletcher has won four times. 7) RODRIGUEZ (c, Authentic–Cayala, by Cherokee Run). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Kingswood Farm & David Egan (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $485,000 Ylg KEESEP '23. Lifetime record: 4-1-2-1, $122,800. Last start: 3rd Mar. 1 GII San Felipe Stakes. Rodriguez has tried to press the pace against difficult SoCal company in his last two starts with mixed results. If trainer Bob Baffert finds a final prep for this 'TDN Rising Star' by Authentic that allows him to motor to the front end and run freely, we could be looking at a very dangerous colt for the May 3 Kentucky Derby. Keep in mind that Rodriguez is a May 20 foal, which means that if he were to advance through the first two legs of the Triple Crown, he won't turn 3 until three days after the GI Preakness Stakes. His late birthdate theoretically puts him behind his sophomore contemporaries, development-wise. This $485,000 KEESEP colt's second lifetime start, a seven-length, front-end bust-out in a one-mile maiden special weight race at Santa Anita, was polished and professional and earned a 100 Beyer. In the Lewis Stakes, Rodriguez broke running, chased favored Citizen Bull, then appeared to be falling out of contention with a half-mile to race. But jockey Juan Hernandez was trading a slight loss of mid-race momentum for better positioning outside instead of between horses for the far-turn run, and Rodriguez kicked again, finishing strongly for second behind his far-more-experienced stablemate. In the San Felipe Stakes, Rodriguez flashed in-hand speed from the gate to pressure Barnes in the early stages, but once again had a rival to his outside forcing him to maintain a quick cadence to avoid losing position between rivals. He shadowed Barnes as best as he could, but looked out of his comfort zone by being relegated to “chase” mode. He ended up third behind Journalism and Barnes. 8) SANDMAN (c, Tapit–Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor). O-D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables; B-Lothenbach Stables Inc (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. Sales History: $1,200,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GSP, 7-2-1-2, $444,595. Last start: 3rd Feb. 23 GII Rebel Stakes. Sandman, a $1.2 million OBSMAR colt by Tapit, is ranked as the second favorite at 3-1 on the morning line for Saturday's GI Arkansas Derby. Trainer Mark Casse has replaced jockey Cristian Torres with Jose Ortiz. In back-to-back stakes at Oaklawn, Torres was faced with essentially the same decision aboard Sandman on the far turn. In the Jan. 25 GIII Southwest Stakes, Sandman was asked to drive through a narrow gap at the rail after experiencing earlier trip trouble then weaving deftly through the pack. He closed with authority to run a sharp second against the grain of a speed-favoring surface. In the Feb. 23 GII Rebel Stakes, Torres again cut his colt between horses while mounting a far-turn bid, but after Sandman briefly stalled three-eighths out, the colt was asked to go wide for the drive instead of taking another chance up the fence. He closed capably for third, but without the visual flourish from his previous start. Casse lamented post-Rebel that Sandman was too far back, and that would he rather see him stalking from five or six lengths off the pace instead of spotting the field 15 lengths. Ortiz on Saturday will likely be tasked with staying more in touch with the pacemakers. He's ridden Sandman twice previously at age 2 and both times finished fifth, in the colt's beaten-favorite sprint debut, and in the one-turn-mile GIII Iroquois Stakes. Final Gambit | Coady Media 9) FINAL GAMBIT (c, Not This Time–Pachinko, by Tapit). O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-2-1-1, $520,639. Last start: WON Mar. 22 GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes. Final Gambit (Not This Time) will be a true wild card heading into the Derby, and he's rated this highly simply on the basis that he could “freak out” in the best possible sense of that term. This Brad Cox-trained homebred for Juddmonte has never even raced on dirt, let alone won over it. But his going-away victory in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes–which was not a fully polished performance–was his second straight off-the-tailgate win over Tapeta, and it left the impression that there could be enough raw talent to build a plausible case for him peaking over 10 furlongs in six weeks. This gray absorbed a bump at the break that didn't really seem to faze him, and he was content to lag in last around the first turn. Edged off the inside and out to the five path for the backstretch run, jockey Luan Machado essentially built a six-furlong bid by letting this colt slowly unwind. After initially weaving between rivals while still parked at the back, Machado took Final Gambit way outside for the far-turn run, explaining after the race that, “Sometimes, when he's between horses, he doesn't try as hard as when he's in the clear.” Final Gambit came nine wide for the drive and briefly shied from rivals to his inside in both upper- and mid-stretch, but he kicked clear late to win by 3 1/2 lengths. He earned a 90 Beyer over a racing surface that played to his running style. The 13 races at Turfway Mar. 22 yielded only one wire-to-wire winner, two speed-centric winners, three stalkers, and no fewer than seven deep-closing winners. 10) TIZTASTIC (c, Tiz the Law–Keesha, by Tapit). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith; B-Capital Bloodstock (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. Sales history: $80,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $335,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: GSW, 8-3-1-2, $1,549,800. Last start: WON Mar. 22 GII Louisiana Derby. Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) picked an opportunistic time to notch his first lifetime dirt win in Saturday's GII Louisiana Derby. He had previously won two turf races in the span of 10 days late last summer at Kentucky Downs, but true to form for most of Steve Asmussen's Kentucky Derby contenders, this colt sports a good foundation of five two-turn graded stakes dirt races between October and March that will serve him well moving forward. This year's Louisiana Derby was by no means a “loaded” race, featuring no contenders previously ranked within TDN's Derby Top 12 list. Tiztastic ($80,000 KEEJAN, $335,000 KEESEP) enjoyed a nicely settled trip under Joel Rosario, parked next to last until midway down the backstretch before exhibiting forward momentum over the course of a long, steady drive with clear sailing at the rail. He sparked into a noticeably quicker cadence about 2 1/2 furlongs out, then swept widest for the drive in the five path. The long Fair Grounds stretch was most definitely Tiztastic's friend, and he came over the top with purpose after cresting the eighth pole to draw away to a 2 1/4-length tally that translated to a career-best 95 Beyer. But he was passing only spent horses in the final stages, and none of the horses in his wake were making legitimate late runs. 11) TAPPAN STREET (c, Into Mischief–Virginia Key, by Distorted Humor). O-WinStar Farm LLC, CHC, Inc. and Cold Press Racing. B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY). T-Brad H. Cox. Lifetime record: GSP, 2-1-1-0, $73,000. Last race: 2nd Feb. 1 Holy Bull Stakes. Tappan Street, a $1-million FTSAUG colt by Into Mischief, broke his maiden at first asking at Gulfstream in a seven-eighths sprint Dec. 28. That race yielded three next out winners, and Tappan Street himself came back to run a game second as the favorite in the Feb. 1 GIII Holy Bull Stakes. Approaching the quarter pole, four different horses had already taken turns on the lead in the Holy Bull, and Tappan Street looked like he had timed it just right before Burnham Square (Liam's Map) zeroed in on him at the sixteenth pole. Given the circumstances (first time against winners, first time around two turns), the effort stood out. This Brad Cox trainee drew post nine for Saturday's Florida Derby at 5-1 in the morning line. Luis Saez has the return call. 12) COAL BATTLE (c, Coal Front–Wolfblade, by Midshipman). O-Norman Stables LLC; B-Hume Wornall & Jay Adcock (KY); T-Lonnie Briley. Sales history: $70,000 Ylg '23 TTAYRL. Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-5-0-0, $1,188,875. Last start: WON Feb. 23 GII Rebel stakes. Since November, Coal Battle ($70,000 TTAYRL) has won four stakes in succession–the Jean Lafitte Stakes at Delta Downs, the Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington, plus the Smarty Jones Stakes and the GII Rebel Stakes, both at Oaklawn. A versatile overachiever, he's scored on the front end and from farther back, and he's also won twice over wet surfaces when you include his maiden tally at Evangeline Downs back in July. So he certainly isn't a one-dimensional colt who requires things his own way, pace- or surface-wise. In his 91-Beyer effort in the Rebel, this son of Coal Front broke running from the rail, settled back to lead the second flight, tipped to the outside for his far-turn bid, then hit another gear under minimal urging between the five-sixteenths and quarter poles. Accosting the pacemaker in upper stretch, this Lonnie Briley trainee raced unfocused for a few strides, then secured the lead for good under left-handed urging to win by 1 1/4 lengths. The Rebel got a boost last Saturday when Tiztastic, its fifth-place finisher, upset the Louisiana Derby field. Coal Battle is 7-2 on the morning line for Saturday's Arkansas Derby. 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