Wandering Eyes

After extensive efforts to prepare the surface for competition following severe winter weather across the region, Turfway Park canceled live racing Jan. 11-12.View the full article

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After extensive efforts to prepare the surface for competition following severe winter weather across the region, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming has canceled the weekend's live racing, according to a press release from the track on Saturday morning. While the crew worked to accommodate the Saturday and Sunday schedule, conditions were not ideal for racing to proceed. Live racing is now scheduled to resume Wednesday with a 10-race program beginning at 5:55 p.m. ET. The $180,036 Late Pick 5 carryover will now move to Wednesday's sequence, covering Races 6-10. To help make up for the changes in the schedule, Turfway Park will expand its programs to include 10 races starting Wednesday. Track officials said they remain committed to providing a safe and competitive environment for all participants and are grateful for the patience and understanding of racing connections and fans. Turfway will provide the latest updates to the Turfway Park racing schedule as needed on their website and on their social media channels. The post Turfway Forced To Cancel Weekend Racing As Schedule Shifts To Wednesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

According to a post on the 1/ST Racing feed on X, racing at Santa Anita Park has been canceled for both Saturday and Sunday. After some internal discussions on Friday, it was decided that live racing–including Saturday's California Cup stakes and Sunday's GIII Las Cienegas Stakes–would go on as planned. The post from 1/ST Racing references 'the overnight changes on the west side of LA.' According to a story from the Los Angeles Times, the Palisades fire can now be seen from the San Fernando Valley and a flare-up of the fire–estimated at better than 21,500 acres–caused the expansion of the blaze into areas north and east, burning through large portions of the Santa Monica Mountains. Mass evacuations were ordered overnight in the Brentwood and Encino areas. The post from 1/ST indicated that air-quality readings remained well within the limits established by the California Horse Racing Board and HISA and with that in mind, Saturday morning training was allowed to proceed at Santa Anita. A release from the track indicated that Santa Anita Park's expansive property is currently being used to support several relief efforts. The large charity drop-off that was set up at the Rose Bowl just to the west in Pasadena was relocated to Santa Anita Park's south parking lot Friday afternoon, with thousands driving in to give what they can or pick up what they need. Southern California Edison is using the entire north parking lot as their basecamp to restore power to those in the affected areas and Santa Anita Park is working with additional response organizations requesting space. Morning training will continue as scheduled both days and Santa Anita will remain open for simulcast wagering. Santa Anita Park has its own security staff and unlike many other venues, does not use local first responders for normal events. Details for rescheduling the California Cup, with races dedicated to horses bred in the state, were set to be released after discussions with stakeholders later Saturday morning. This story will be updated as details merit The post Santa Anita Cancels Weekend Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stallion parades are scheduled for Dalham Hall Stud on Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16, at noon and 2 p.m., Darley announced. Among the stallions featured are returning shuttle stallions Harry Angel (Ire), second-crop sire Pinatubo (Ire) whose eldest foals are now 3-year-olds, and the popular Triple Time (Ire), who covered over 150 mares in 2024. Other stallions available to view are Palace Pier (GB), Too Darn Hot (GB), Cracksman (GB), Perfect Power (Ire) and Modern Games (Ire). If you are unable to attend the stallion parades, please reach out to a member of the nominations team to schedule a private showing. The post Stallion Parades Scheduled For Dalham Hall Stud Next Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars MASTEROFMYUNIVERSE - R8 (6) Brilliant winner last time out and looks set to repeat the dose up in grade Jay Rooney RUBYLOT - R7 (6) Cracking run last start and can turn the tables on Packing Hermod Jack Dawling SKY HEART - R9 (11) Promising trial win suggests he's ready to go after a lengthy break Phillip Woo INVINCIBLE LUCKY - R4 (8) Looks ready to erase his maiden starts after two eye-catching runs this term Shannon (Vincent Wong) EXCELLENT DADDY - R1 (7) Scored well over this C&D last start and looks the one to beat again Racing Post Online TRIUMPHANT WARRIOR - R4 (11) Knocking on the door at previous start and can win Tom Wood MICKLEY - R9 (1) Terribly unlucky last start, can atone for that performanceView the full article

There are seven horse racing meetings set for Australia on Sunday, January 12. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Warrnambool & Sha Tin (HK). Sunday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – January 12, 2025 Warrnambool Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) 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 January 12, 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. 3 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. Recommended! 4 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. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 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. 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

Talented galloper Name Dropper notched his third victory from seven career starts when leading throughout to land the Stud and Stable Staff Awards (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday. The late-blooming son of Tavistock was perfectly rated by Blaike McDougall and comfortably held placegetters My Brothers Keeper and Impending Link. The Richard Laming-trained gelding was fourth emergency but was supported into $15, with Name Dropper unusually carrying the number 20 saddlecloth to victory at headquarters. Name Dropper was a well-backed Eagle Farm winner on debut in August 2023 and was sent for a lengthy spell before reappearing as a Sandown winner last winter and was around the mark through his last campaign but failed to stay when stretched in distance. “He is obviously a pretty nice horse,” McDougall said. “He proved that last preparation. “I thought we would be outside the leader or one-one, but when we found our way to the front, it was game over. “I was able to dictate and being first-up I had a good few cheap sectionals. It was pretty much a four and two in the end (working gallop over four furlongs and gallop home two furlongs). “Richard was confident today and autumn is around the corner and I am sure he has got a plan for him. He feels like a pretty progressive horse. “I don’t know if he is going to be a stayer. I saw that he got out to a trip (2040m) at the end of last preparation. “He feels more like a 1400m horse or a miler. He is going to have a fitness edge on a lot of these horses come the autumn. So if they plan right, they might be able to get a little bit of black-type with him.” Bred by Gene Tsoi’s Standard 2080 Ltd, Name Dropper is by the late Tavistock out of the O’Reilly mare Mandy O’Reilly, whose three winners from four foals to race include the Group Three-placed Miss Mandito. Mandy O’Reilly is a half-sister to the stakes performers and black-type producers Dating and Miracle Miss. View the full article

It wasn’t pretty but talented four-year-old Bullets High scored a narrow victory in the De Bortoli Wines Benchmark 88 Handicap (2100m) at Wyong on Saturday as he repaid the faith of his many supporters. Having placed in four of his previous five starts, the Joe Pride-trained gelding was sent out the $3.20 favourite for Saturday’s contest. Jockey Alysha Collett elected to use petrol early and push forward on the son of Ace High after beginning well and despite looking under pressure entering the home straight, fought on gamely to defeat Unlimited by a nose. “He has been a very consistent horse and I don’t think there has been any lack of effort from him but maybe a bit of a lack of race-craft,” Pride said. “He is pretty dumb but he is getting it together. He loves Warwick Farm and it has been the plan all preparation to get him to the Australia Day Cup (Listed, 2400m) there and that is where we will head next. “He was tenacious. He paraded really well today and there wasn’t a drop of sweat on him, he’s rock hard and fit, and Alysha did the rest.” Winning rider Alysha Collett had done her pre-race homework and got the best out of Bullets High. “I kept going through his replays and all I could think is he just keeps running,” Collett said. “So when I got caught wide I did have to use him, but when I was able to get there he switched off completely and that is a massive asset to him. “We started going through our gears at the 600m and it was actually tough. I liked the way they kept getting to him and he kept giving me a little bit more and it took me half an hour to pull him up. “I think he is going to get further and he is going to keep improving.” Bullets High is a son of promising Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High out of the three-win Iffraaj mare Sororia. The winner of four of his 15 starts with a further six placings, Bullets High advanced his career earnings to A$320,910. He was purchased by Avo Damirdjian’s Tried And True Bloodstock for $60,000 from the Book 2 session of the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from the draft of Haunui Farm. View the full article

Talented Kiwi-bred galloper Grand Impact was back in the winner’s circle after an all-the-way victory in the Domeland Benchmark 100 Handicap (1350m) at the Wyong standalone meeting on Saturday. Ridden by Winona Costin, Grand Impact had a relatively soft lead and kicked well off the bend to deny Coastwatch by three-quarters of a length, with Strait Acer third. Prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, connections of Grand Impact were rewarded for their patience with the now five-year-old, having last saluted in the Gr.3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) in October 2022. Grand Impact looked to be one of Melbourne’s better three-year-olds after he won his first three starts, including the Blue Sapphire prior to finishing 12th in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) behind In Secret. Preparing for a return the following autumn, Grand Impact was continually plagued by soreness and eventually an OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) in a shoulder was identified as the issue, where a lesion of cartilage flakes off. That resulted in Grand Impact having 16 months away from racing before a sub-par preparation last Autumn. The decision was made to geld Grand Impact and solid performances have ensued before Saturday’s all-the-way win. “It was never in doubt,” stable representative Tim Suttie said. “She jumped cleanly, stacked them up and kicked on the bend. “Michael Kent said he was in great order so sent him up well. He’s flying.” Grand Impact was given the perfect run by Costin and carried the luxury weight of 52kgs. “He gave such a great kick,” Costin said. “I didn’t get stuck right into him. It was quite soft. “It was great to get a ride for Mick and Michael and a win, it was very important for me.” Price and Kent Jnr have recently opened a Rosehill to have a greater Sydney presence. Bred by Ross and Corrine Kearney’s Okaharau Station, Grand Impact is by outstanding young Rich Hill Stud stallion Satono Aladdin out of the Swiss Ace mare Serena Slam. Grand Impact was initially trained in New Zealand by Stephanie Tierney for whom he had two trials, winning over 800m at Ellerslie before his sale to Australia. Satono Aladdin is well represented at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales with 57 yearlings across Book 1 (Jan 26-28) and Book 2 (Jan 29-30). View the full article

Promising apprentice Donovan Cooper made good use of his 2kg claim as he guided the Christchurch-trained Treybon to a clear cut victory in Saturday’s Vernon & Vazey 0800 Truck Parts Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m). Cooper who made the move south last year when transferring his apprenticeship to Treybon’s trainer Ross Beckett, has been in white hot form in recent weeks and produced a brave effort on the seven-year-old son of Sweynesse as he took the initiative at the 600m to improve quickly on the outer to be up challenging for the lead rounding the home bend. Treybon quickly assumed control and despite being challenged hard over the final 200m by the late closing Sprocket Rocket he held that runner out by half a length with Smooth Operator fighting resolutely on the inner to cling to third. Owners the Can West 7 syndicate were roaring the house down as Cooper made his way back to the winners’ enclosure, with the twenty five-year-old sporting a beaming smile as he acknowledged them enthusiastically. “It means an absolute ton as it took a lot of courage for Ross to bring him here, although I felt after his last run in open class he was definitely up to it,” Cooper said. “Ross knows he has the ability as it is just about sorting out his niggles and I thought we had him spot on today. “He beat a real classy field and it is onwards and upwards from here. “I did get stuck wide but luckily he was a good trooper and didn’t pull like he normally does. He settled and when I asked him the question he delivered nicely. “It’s been a lot of hard work to get him to settle in his races and to see it pay off like that is just fantastic.” Cooper also paid tribute to New Zealand training legend Peter Williams who has been mentoring him and helping him to develop his talents in the saddle. “I’d say I’m going good but I’m still not where I want to be,” he said. “Mr Williams and I both want me to be inch perfect as I’d like to go on a similar career path like James (McDonald) but right now I’m happy with my progress.” Beckett purchased Treybon as a two-year-old for $20,000 out of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale in 2019 and he has now had five wins and eight placings from his 31 starts. His dam is the well related Macchiato who won four of her nine career starts before heading to the matrons paddock. Included in his extended family are 2004 Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) runner-up Filante Etoile and multiple Group One winner Star Dancer. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Margo Nyhan has been training winners for more than 20 years but yesterday’s victory with Knowing Me at Nelson was a stand out. It came just less than a fortnight after her mother Denise died “unexpectedly” at age 87. She suffered a stroke just before Christmas and died in Christchurch Hospital on December 29. “We tried really hard to get a win over on the Coast over Christmas time before Mum passed and we missed out but to get one yesterday was pretty special for sure.” To make it even more poignant Knowing Me was bred by her parents, the late Denis and Denise Nyhan. “And to race in their colours was really great.” The Nyhans are one of the great harness racing families with Denise born into the sport. Her father Bill Doyle was a legend in his own right and that has carried on with her and her sisters Helen Pope and Lynn Smith. After marrying, Denis and Denise Nyhan had two children, Margo and Kim. “Mum was very hard working, very loyal, and a very good horsewoman,” says Margo, “up until her 70s she still drove fast work.” “Even just before Christmas she was talking about breeding another horse!” She was also someone who did things her own way. “She was eight months pregnant with Kim and she’d ride Johnny Globe around the roads to keep him fit for stud season.” She is also credited with making a decision that would change the trajectory of their greatest horse. “It was Mum who took the hobbles off Robalan.” As a free legged pacer Robalan was a cult hero. Trained and driven by Denis, he won 39 races between 1969 and 76, with his New Zealand Cup win in 1974 his fourth attempt in the biggest race of them all. In the past week or so the Nyhans have been humbled by the support they’ve had from within the racing community. “People have been amazing with a lot of lovely messages and flowers.” In yesterday’s race Knowing Me, driven by Margo’s partner Peter Davis, started safely and then pressed on to the lead in the Tyre General Trot. Briefly in the run home she was headed by Bullit Train but rallied to win by a length. Fittingly, Knowing Me is out of With Intent, a Sundon mare bred and owned by Denis and Denise Nyhan, who won 13 races from 97 starts (2007-14). She is also a full sister to It’s So Easy (7 wins). Coincidentally Margo had recently come across a photo showing her mother at the Nelson races in 1965. “So that’s 60 years since she was there and when we had our winner.” And the celebration didn’t end there. Nellie Doyle, a trotter named after Denise Nyhan’s mother, won Race 3 at Nelson yesterday for trainer Tim Trathen. “I recorded the races on My Sky before we left for the races and when we get home we will go to the (family) farm and have a bubbles and watch the races like we used to with Mum every time we won a race.” View the full article

To Cap It All winning Saturday’s Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) To Cap It All was clearly headed in the straight in Saturday’s Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m), but the highly rated first-starter fought back fiercely to kick off her career on a stakes-winning note at Trentham. The Capitalist filly had always been held in high regard by the Stephen Marsh stable and scored a two-length win in her only trial at Pukekohe on December 17. Saturday’s $100,000 Wellesley Stakes was a daunting debut assignment, coming up against a talented 10-horse field that included last-start Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) winner Intention along with several other promising rivals. But the buzz around To Cap It All saw her drop from $5 all the way into $2.60 favouritism by the time the starting gates opened. To Cap It All jumped only fairly from gate five, and jockey Sam Spratt had to use up some petrol and urge her forward to take up a leading position alongside the second favourite Carsolio. To Cap It All sprinted again and pulled ahead of Carsolio early in the home straight, but then she faced another big challenge from Abbakiss and Intention. Abbakiss quickly drew up alongside the favourite and thrust her head in front in what looked like a winning move less than 200m from the finish. However, To Cap It All summoned another almighty effort and clawed her way back into the contest. By the time they reached the finish line, To Cap It All had regained the ascendancy and won the Wellesley by a short head. Intention was another neck away in third. “That was a huge run,” Spratt said. “She’d had only the one trial, and that was a quiet trial, so it’s a big effort. “She was pretty green and having a good look around, but I was very impressed by the way she knuckled down. I thought she was 100 percent beaten, so for her to fight back the way she did was brilliant. “She’ll improve lengths on that performance. I don’t think she let down as much as she can do. She’ll only be better with time, including as a three-year-old next season, but she’s pretty good as a two-year-old already.” To Cap It All was the second impressive debut two-year-old winner within the space of a week for the Marsh stable, who sent out Tale Of The Gypsy for a stylish victory at Te Aroha last Saturday. That filly will attempt to book herself a spot in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) field when she lines up again at Ellerslie on Sunday. Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock bought To Cap It All from the 2024 Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, where they secured her from the Ridgmont draft for A$280,000. To Cap It All is out of the winning Snitzel mare Oh My Mimi, whose dam Mimi Lebrock won the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) and placed in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) and Emirates Stakes (1600m). “We loved this filly right from the moment we first saw her,” Johnson said. “You have to pay a bit of money to buy nice fillies like her, but we’re lucky to have an amazing group of owners that put their support behind us to do that. “She’s a big, strong filly who moved beautifully at the sales. She looked great in the parade today and acquitted herself very well on debut. “We were confident coming into today. Stephen has had a big opinion of her all the way through, and she’s a filly with a lovely attitude. “It’s never easy for a first-starter in a race like this, going up against proven stakes horses. It was a massive effort to travel this far and win on debut.” To Cap It All is ineligible for the Karaka Millions 2YO, but she is likely to be set for other black-type targets later in the summer. “She’s a stakes-winning filly with a big pedigree and has done a great job already,” Johnson said. “If we could push forward now to a race like the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Group 2, 1200m) in February, that would be an ideal target.” Marsh and Johnson have put their faith in the progeny of Capitalist, securing another filly for A$180,000 during the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on Friday. “We love the Capitalist and Written Tycoon sire line, the stable has had a lot of success with it in the past,” Johnson said. “We’re always keen to go back and try to find gold where it’s been found before.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, January 12, 2025 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing resumes at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with a mixture of turf and all-weather races lined up for a bumper 10-race program. The rail is in the C+3 position for all races on the course proper, and with nothing but sunny skies forecast across the weekend, punters are ensured a genuine Good 4 surface. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Masterofmyuniverse Masterofmyuniverse steps into Class 3 company for the first time after a dominant win at this course and distance on December 29. The son of Havana Gold was far too classy for his rivals on that occasion, bounding clear to score by 2.3 lengths as the untapped four-year-old prevailed relatively untested. Zac Purton should have no issues slotting in for cover from stall eight, and provided he can unleash his devasting turn-of-foot when asked the ultimate question, Masterofmyuniverse appears well placed to secure back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 8 – #6 Masterofmyuniverse (8) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (56kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Rubylot Rubylot was sensational in defeat at this track and trip on December 8 and came within a whisker of claiming Packing Hermod. The Rubick gelding simply had a worse run in transit, with the four-year-old forced to circle the entire field in the concluding stages. He gets a 2.5kg swing in the weights on his key rival this time around, and with Brenton Avdulla likely to sit closer from gate two, watch for Rubylot to turn the tables at a good price with BlondeBet. Next Best Race 7 – #6 Rubylot (2) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Brenton Avdulla (56kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sha Tin: Positive Smile The David Hayes-trained Positive Smile drops back into Class 4 company after being unplaced in his four starts. The son of Per Incanto has been a big improver in his last two performances, however, with the Australian import closing impressively down the Sha Tin straight course on December 29. He maps to get a soft run throughout the 1200m journey, and provided he can flash home once again, expect Positive Smile to be a major player at the each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 2 – #1 Positive Smile (2) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Keith Yeung (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections January 12, 2025 1-4-6-12 5-6-9 2-3-5-6-7 2-4-6-8-9-11-14 Horse racing tips View the full article

Hakkinen will contest Sunday’s Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The $1 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) is less than two months away and Te Akau Racing is hoping to unveil a couple of key prospects in Sunday’s Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie. The first of their three-year-olds will be the lightly-tried Hakkinen, who comfortably put away a Rating 60 field as a maidener in his second raceday appearance last month. Sam Bergerson, who trains the gelding in partnership with Mark Walker, indicated a staying future has always beckoned for the son of Savabeel. “Running a maidener in a 60 is always a throw at the stumps, but it was a nice race for him on his home track,” he said. “He’s a really progressive horse, a natural, clean-winded stayer who has trained on well since winning there. His work on Tuesday was very good. “It gives him a look around Ellerslie with a view on getting to the Derby, we think it’s a soft enough race on paper and he certainly gets his chance. We think a lot of him.” Joining him will be stablemate Class, who has finished in the first three in each of his four career starts, most recently a third-placed effort at Ellerslie to Willydoit and Group Three winner Tuxedo. “We’re testing the distance a bit for him, we would love to get him to a Derby potentially if he was able to take the step-up to black-type company,” Bergerson said. “I thought his run in the three-year-old mile there was really good, he stuck on gamely against a couple of handy ones. We think the step-up to 2100 will suit, he’s another horse that is very consistent and hasn’t missed the top three yet. “We’re sure he’ll run well, and they are two really nice chances.” While a Derby has alluded Te Akau in recent times, they have not been short of $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winners, and they are hoping to boost this year’s contenders in the Trackside.co.nz 1200. To Bravery Born won the first juvenile race of the season back in August, but since then, missed an important target in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), which was won by impressive stablemate Return To Conquer. “He was obviously very good on debut in the first two-year-old race of the year, then we had him all set to run at Pukekohe, but he twinged a shoulder muscle a day out so that was a little bit disappointing,” Bergerson said. “We thought his Karaka Million hopes were over, but he bounced back quicker than we thought and we wanted to give him the chance. He looks like a very natural two-year-old, we would’ve loved to give him a trial, but the schedule didn’t work out that way, but he’s had a trip away from the stable and a gallop. “We think we’ve got him fit enough to run a race there, we’d love to see him run well and put his hand up for the Karaka Millions.” The son of Snitzel is currently 19th on the order of entry for the million-dollar feature, while Dare To Proisir will need a big performance in Sunday’s contest to get his opportunity on January 25. “He had the debut run at Tauranga, he did a little bit wrong so we gave him a freshen-up and his trial at Pukekohe was very good,” Bergerson said. “Following that trial, he certainly deserves his chance at the Karaka Millions as well, and we thought the race to do it would come here, getting a look at Ellerslie. “It’s a bit of a throw at the stumps with him, but I thought off his trial, he certainly deserved it in an even-enough field.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Warrnambool Races Where Warrnambool Racing Club – 2/64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280 When Sunday, January 12, 2025 First Race 1:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing heads to the Warrnambool Racing Club on Sunday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting is set down for decision. Clear skies are forecast for the ‘Bool on Sunday and despite the track being rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, the track should be a Good 4 come the opening race. The rail will be out 6m the entire circuit, with action getting underway at 1:20pm AEDT. Best Bet at Warrnambool: Active Duty If Active Duty brings his best to the Warrnambool finale, the even money on offer at Neds will look like a late Christmas present. The four-year-old gelding unleashed a strong finish when beaten by the barest of margins at the Warrnambool 1700m, and as he returns to the track and trip, the son of National Defense looks poised to go one better. Jarrod Fry will need a touch of luck from barrier one, but if the breaks go his way, Active Duty should be saluting. Best Bet Race 8 – #1 Active Duty (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Lindsey Smith | J: Jarrod Fry (58.5kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Warrnambool: Precious Charm Precious Charm returned from a spell with a dominant victory at the Warrnambool 1200m and as she steps up to 1400m, she looks just as hard to beat on the weekend. Despite the margin being just a length, the Per Incanto mare came with a withering burst down the heart of the track and seemingly had plenty left in the tank to suggest the extra 200m will be no issue. In a race that is no harder, if Precious Charm gains a similar run in transit on Sunday, she will prove too hard to hold out once more. Next Best Race 6 – #5 Precious Charm (7) 5yo Mare | T: Symon Wilde | J: John Allen (57kg) +200 with BlondeBet Best Value at Warrnambool: Aqueduct Aqueduct looks to be screaming out for the 1200m from what he has produced through his first three starts. The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained son of Dubious was hitting the line strongly on debut at Mornington before seemingly not handling Heavy going at start two. He then had excuses when racing up on speed at Murray Bridge when beaten four lengths in what is shaping as a strong form race. With plenty of speed drawn underneath, John Allen will likely have Aqueduct settled midfield, and with a strong finish, he can salute at the each-way price on offer with Picklebet. Best Value Race 4 – #4 Aqueduct (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: John Allen (58kg) +750 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Warrnambool Warrnambool quadrella selections Sunday, January 12, 2025 1-2-5-7-12 5-7 2-3-4-7-11 4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Waterford and Alysha Collett returning to the mounting yard after claiming The Lakes at Wyong. Photo: Bradleyphotos The Chris Waller-trained Waterford ($9.00) has come with a withering burst to claim the inaugural running of The Lakes (1600m) at Wyong on Saturday afternoon, securing the $500,000 on offer in celebration of 150 years of racing in the region. It comes after a luckless string of outs this preparation for the son of Awtaad, with the six-year-old only having placed once across his five starts heading into Saturday’s feature. Alysha Collett produced an astute ride from stall 11 this time around after getting too far back at Randwick on Boxing Day in the Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m), electing to go forward and find a handy position forward of mid-field. The well-supported favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Robusto ($2.80), was forced to take up the running as the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Redbreast ($4.80) elected to hand up in the early stages of the contest. Adam Hyeronimus managed the task nicely with the top-weight for favourite backers, seemingly ticking over some soft sectionals in the middle stages before pressing the button at the 300m pole. Robusto appeared off-and-gone, but with one final lunge, it was the former UK galloper getting the head down as Waterford claimed his six-career win at start 26. Wyong The Lakes 2025 Replay – Waterford https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Wyong-The-Lakes-Waterford-Chris-Waller-Alysha-Collett.mp4 Stable representative Chris Harward was on course to break down the victory and suggested a lack of luck from poor barriers had been costly. “This horse has been pretty luckless,” Harward said. “I mean, barriers win races, and he didn’t get a great barrier today, but he got a bit of luck and a great ride. “Alysha went out there to win a race, and I think she won the race in the first furlong or two by putting him right there. He let down like a good horse today. “Like I said, he’s been pretty luckless this prep. He’s run some nice races, but he’s had bad barriers. When he did get good barriers, he was blocked for a run. “Today, he got the luck, got a great ride, and we pulled off a big one.” Alysha Collett brought up a race-to-race double after securing victory aboard Bullets High in the previous race and couldn’t have been happier with the result. “Good to see him show a little bit of fire out of the gates today,” Collett said. “He had a little freshen-up from his 2,000-meter run the other day, and with a sticky barrier, we tried to ride with a bit of luck. We gave him a really good trot run before the barriers, and he was alert. He knew what was going on today. “I just didn’t want to let go of his head because sometimes when you do that, you can lose momentum. “But I loved the way he went to the line today. He put in, and it was great for the whole team. Thank you to the owners too. It was a fantastic ride.” Horse racing news View the full article

Provence winning the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A coming-of-age performance by Provence in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) capped a feature treble at Trentham on Saturday for leading jockey Sam Spratt. The 40-year-old had previously won the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) on To Cap It All and the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m) with standout three-year-old Savaglee. Spratt, who also recorded another black-type treble on the first day of the New Zealand Cup Carnival at Riccarton in November, has now ridden 12 stakes winners this season. No other jockey has more than six. “It’s been a huge day,” the popular jockey said. “Coming into today, I knew I had three decent rides in those big races. It’s great that it all panned out. “It’s extra special because I was born just a couple of kilometres down the road from here. I think I even went for a bolt around this track on a pony when I was a kid.” Spratt was carried to Thorndon Mile glory by Provence, who was a maiden winner at Taupo just 12 and a half months earlier on December 30, 2023. The Savabeel mare went on to test the black-type waters with a second in the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) at Trentham, a sixth in the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m), a close 10th in the Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) and an unlucky last-start fourth in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) on New Year’s Day. On Saturday, the five-year-old announced her arrival on the big stage. After jumping from the inside gate, Provence and Spratt took up a handy position in fifth behind Town Cryer, Marotiri Molly, Qali Al Farrasha and Kelly Coe. The 15-horse field had been billed as one of the most even Thorndon line-ups in recent years, and that was how it played out on the track as horses fanned out right across the home straight to stake their claim. Provence burst into contention 200m from the finish, striding up alongside Qali Al Farrasha, Town Cryer, Marotiri Molly and Kelly Coe in a powerful move. Qali Al Farrasha fought back superbly along the rail, locking horns with Provence in a desperate battle to the line. Spratt got the very best out of Provence, who just edged out Qali Al Farrasha by a half-head. Town Cryer was another neck way in third, with a long head to Aegon and a nose to dead-heaters Malt Time and Marotiri Molly. “That was brilliant,” Spratt said. “I was happy with the position we ended up in, and then we got dragged into it beautifully at the right time. I thought she’d win easily when she ranged up alongside them, but had to really fight at the end. She did it really well.” The Thorndon Mile capped a busy holiday period for Provence, who won the $90,000 Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day and backed up for her fourth placing in the Rich Hill Mile six days later. “Three runs in three weeks, for a mare to do that shows just how tough she is,” Spratt said. Provence is trained by Stephen Marsh, whose Cambridge stable also produced the Wellesley winner To Cap It All. “These Group One wins are why you do it,” Marsh’s stable representative and bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson said. “She’s a quality mare. I remember Stephen saying to me after a gallop in the early stages of this preparation, ‘She’ll win a Group One this season.’ She’s proved him right. She’s all class. “She’s continued to come through the grades. She was unlucky in the Rich Hill. She’s just kept progressing and is such a tough, genuine racehorse. “She’s part-owned by Tony Rider, who also bred her. He puts so much into the industry with Milan Park, and she’s going to make a great addition to his broodmare band in time. And there’s a massive group of owners in the Social Racing group as well. We’re thrilled to get this win for all of those connections.” Horse racing news View the full article

Veteran handler fancies his three-time 1,000m winner to rise to the occasion on his first try at a mile.View the full article

The 2025 Magic Millions Race Day at the Gold Coast was unfortunately abandoned due to heavy rainfall and deteriorating track conditions after the third race. Key Points: Safety First: The decision to abandon the meeting was made with the safety of horses, jockeys, and all personnel at the track as the top priority. Rescheduled for […] The post Wild Weather Sees 2025 Magic Millions Race Day at the Gold Coast Called Off, Rescheduled Racing on Friday Night appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Class three-year-old Savaglee stepped out for the first time since his devastating victory in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November and absolutely destroyed a small but handy field in Saturday’s Gr.2 Top Kat Roofing Levin Classic (1400m) at Trentham. Confidently expected to win despite the eight week absence from race day action, the punters elect at $1.60 never looked in danger of defeat once regular pilot Sam Spratt had him away nicely from a wide barrier and trucking along in the trail behind stablemate Suit Yourself. Spratt had an absolute stranglehold on the son of Savabeel at the 300m and when she released the brakes the showy bay colt eased away to win untouched by two lengths from fellow Waikato visitors Kitty Flash and Tardelli who chased valiantly in the closing stages. Trainer Pam Gerard had cut a nervous figure before the race as she felt the pressure of public expectations for a victory from her stable star. “I’m relieved now as that was absolutely amazing,” Gerard said. “You sort of know what you’ve got and it makes your job harder, but you hope you have done everything you can as he was coming back from a bit of a let-up. “It’s really cool and I‘m super happy for the Oaks Stud (owner) and for the horse.” Gerard has a huge autumn campaign planned for the horse and gained reassurance before the race from Spratt who was unconcerned about the challenge they were facing first up. “Sam said to me Pam don’t worry as he could be last or anywhere and he will still win, as she has that much confidence in him,” she said. “Obviously it is the feel he gives her although I did tell her to stop talking right away! “He is a top horse who has his confidence up and that is great. “We need to get him home now and work out how we progress as colts can get a bit hot and while he is in the zone we will decide where we need to go next.” Gerard had spoken during the week about the next possible options for the Karaka Yearling Sale graduate which include the lucrative $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) on January 25, and later in March, the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), However as a future stallion prospect, Gerard has indicated Savaglee would be more likely to chase valuable black-type, with the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 8 on the radar. Spratt oozed confidence as she guided the horse to the start and afterwards was full of praise for him. “I got a perfect run but I wasn’t worried as I had said to Pam even if we are last he will be able to smoke past them,” she said. “I was pretty much winging it and he is just getting better and better with every start and is a mean racehorse now. “As a stallion prospect Group One status is what is best for him and right now he is right up there on how I rate them.” Savaglee, who was a $400,000 yearling purchase at Karaka for owners The Oaks Stud from the draft of breeders Waikato Stud, has now had 13 starts for seven wins, two placings and $974,975 in stakes. View the full article

Whangaehu upon winning the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A remarkable run for owner-breeders Humphrey and Fiona O’Leary kept on rolling at Trentham on Saturday with a last-to-first performance by Whangaehu in the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m). It was the second black-type success in the last three starts for Whangaehu, who won the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) on November 30 and then finished third in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) on December 21. The red and white colours of the O’Learys have also been carried to victory in last month’s Group 1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) by Ladies Man and Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) by Kelly Coe. Up-and-comer The Big Picture backed up those black-type headliners with an impressive undercard victory at Trentham last Saturday. Despite his solid recent black-type form, Whangaehu was sent out as only a $12 chance in a Trentham Stakes market that was dominated by last-start Manawatu Cup winner Islington Lass. The Proisir gelding soon looked like even more of a longshot than that, being last to leave the starting gates and reluctant to hit out in the early stages of the race. Opawa Jack and Drop Of Something sat in first and second throughout the race and were able to control the tempo, running slow sectionals and conserving plenty of energy for the home straight. The first five horses in the running were prominent all the way around the Trentham circuit and ended up finishing second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth. The only horse to make an impression from behind them was Whangaehu. Rider Craig Grylls angled Whangaehu to the outside at the top of the straight and pushed the button. The six-year-old soon loomed on the outside of the leaders, but they showed no sign of slowing down. It developed into an exciting head-bobbing battle to the finish between Whangaehu, Opawa Jack and Drop Of Something, and Whangaehu found that little bit more to snatch victory by a head. Opawa Jack edged out Drop Of Something by a nose for second, with another half a length back to the fourth-placed Times Ticking. “The instructions were to try to be in the first three, but the horse was just so lethargic coming out of the gates,” Grylls said. “I gave him a slap on the shoulder and he didn’t respond. So that was just the hand that I was dealt. “They didn’t go overly fast in front, so it was a really good effort to win from where he did. Once he changed legs in the home straight, his acceleration was phenomenal. “The leaders put the hammer down and really got away on us coming up to the turn, so I wasn’t sure if we’d get them, but it was a top performance. He’s a horse that’s come through the grades and really shown his worth.” Whangaehu has now had 32 starts for eight wins, eight placings and $368,835 in stakes. The gelding began his career with a maiden win for trainer Bill Thurlow in early 2022, then relocated to Sydney and won twice from 18 starts for Chris Waller. Whangaehu returned to Thurlow’s in-form stable in the spring of 2023 and has added another five wins to his record since then. “I was a bit worried at the start today,” Thurlow’s stable representative Sam O’Malley admitted. “We wanted to try to ride him the first three or four, but he was slow away and reluctant to hit out early. But he got the job done in the end. “The leaders weren’t going that fast, but he got rolling into the race at the right time and I was confident once he loomed up alongside them. “We’ll probably look to go to the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Group 1, 2000m) next and have a crack at that.” The Herbie Dyke Stakes will be run at Te Rapa on February 8. Whangaehu is now a $14 chance in fixed-odds markets that is headed by Snazzytavi ($1.70), La Crique ($6), Orchestral ($6), and fellow O’Leary runner Ladies Man ($8). Horse racing news View the full article

Amosu and Nikita Beriman returning to the mounting yard following their win in the Magic Millions Debut. Photo: Darren Winningham Liam Birchley and Nikita Beriman have combined with Amosu to take out the $500,000 Magic Millions Debut after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with a lunge at Darn Hot Lady on the winning post. After opening at $11 with top horse racing bookmakers, the daughter of Invader was heavily backed before the third race and jumped as an equal second favourite at $4.80. Darn Hot Lady bounced the best from the barriers and had enough speed to lead Amosu in the first 200m, while the race favourite, Steel Knight, missed the start and was made to travel wide at the back of the field. With a good speed being set by Craig Williams and his mount, they turned for home with at least a length margin over the eventual winner and looked to have enough of a gap passing the 200m mark. However, with Beriman getting everything out of her filly, Amosu continued to eat into the margin and put in one final lunge on the finish line to snatch victory by a nose. Darn Hot Lady was very brave in defeat, and In Limbo held her spot to finish third, two lengths off the first and second horses. 2025 Magic Millions The Debut replay – Amosu https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Gold-Coast-Magic-Millions-The-Debut-Amosu-Liam-Birchley-Nikita-Breiman.mp4 View the full article

Damian Lane and Payline after winning the 2025 Magic Millions The Syndicate. Photo: Darren Winningham The Magic Millions Carnival, one of Australia’s premier racing events, has officially been rescheduled to Friday night at the Gold Coast after ongoing storms and extreme weather conditions forced a delay earlier in the week. Organisers made the announcement following a thorough assessment of the Gold Coast track, which had been rendered unsuitable for racing due to persistent rain and surface water. The decision to postpone the event was made to prioritise the safety of horses, jockeys, and attendees. Concerns initially arose from the new turf, which had been recently laid after a section of the track was poisoned. Magic Millions weather during the storm. Photo supplied by x. The extreme weather added further complications, leading to an indefinite delay after Race 3, the Magic Millions The Debut, where Amosu secured the $500,000 prize for trainer Liam Birchley. Chief steward Josh Adams provided insight into the earlier postponement, explaining: “There is surface water throughout the track, but if that weather band does pass, we may have time for that water to run off. We’ll reassess, speak to the riding group, and give them our feedback on what we’ve seen.” After further monitoring of weather conditions and the track, Adams confirmed the rescheduling: “With the forecast looking clear for Friday night, we’re confident the surface will be ready for racing. We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely, but we’re optimistic about proceeding with the revised schedule.” The delay impacted several key events, including the $3 million 2YO Classic and $3 million 3YO Guineas, which will now take place under the Gold Coast’s lights on Friday night. Racing enthusiasts, connections, and fans eagerly anticipate the resumption of this premier event. All final field bets will be refunded with all the top horse racing bookmakers; however, the futures bet will stand. Horsebetting will provide further updates as preparations continue for Friday’s showcase. Horse racing news View the full article

Tim Clark and Slippin’ Jimmy combine to with the Magic Millions Country Cup. Photo: Darren Winningham David Vandyke & Tim Clark combined with Slippin’ Jimmy ($3.40) to claim victory in the Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon, making every post a winner to secure the $500,000 prize. The son of Pariah brought a formidable record of nine starts for fives wins and two more minor placings into this first-up assignment and never looked in any danger despite his 162-day absence, pinging the lids to lead from stall one under Tim Clark. The well-supported favourite with horse racing bookmakers was never truly hassled up on speed, with rank outsider with Neds, Hodgson ($81.00), the only other horse to press forward in the early stages. King Gutho ($23.00) was able to lob onto the back of the leader from stall four and was given every chance to chase down the leading pair turning for home, while Flying Bird ($9.00) and Bencoolen ($21.00) were stalking from mid-field. Slippin’ Jimmy gave a strong kick with 400m left to travel, and while King Gutho was making strong inroads late, it was to no avail as Slippin’ Jimmy was already off and gone with the prize. Magic Millions Country Cup Replay – Slippin’ Jimmy https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Gold-Coast-Magic-Millions-Country-Cup-Slippin-Jimmy-David-Vandyke-Tim-Clark.mp4 David Vandyke was on course to breakdown the victory and suggested this was the target a long way out. “He loves to run and he was set for this race,” Vandyke said. “From last year we wanted to having him in this race, and to win it is a dream. “Wonderful group of owners, they love their racing. “We were trying to meet the qualifications for the race and we were heading around trying to find the right races. “I have to say that Mark Cook was a big help there and he was saying ‘go to Coffs, go to Grafton’, and I did, and he won. “When we got here we were a bit worried about the rain, but he loved it and was straight to the front. Beautiful.” Tim Clark was impressed with the win as well, crediting the stable for the first-up romp. “David prepared him brilliantly,” Clark said. “He trialled up nicely against a good three-year-old he is building a great record. “Six wins from ten, he makes his own luck and I just wanted to hold onto him as deep as I could be for the first 1200 (metres). He kicked strongly and it was a good, touch effort.” Horse racing news View the full article