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Wandering Eyes

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  1. Selections for Nelson Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Nelson Trottech Form Analyst Race 1 3.10pm 1 Copenhagen Girl 2 Seaside Pond 7 Stunna 5 Racingmissgracie Race 2 3.47pm 1 Beside Me 6 Miki Skipper 2 Mandala 3 American Blaze Race 3 4.23pm 4 Call Dudley 6 Volstone 3 Rosary 5 Nellie Doyle Race 4 4.57pm 3 Captain Cool 5 Lasa 7 Itsallaboutthemoney 8 Carrera Bandido Race 5 5.22pm 2 Just Holla 8 Bondi Lustre 3 Moonlite Blood 6 Santanna Mach Race 6 5.49pm 5 Hi Hopes 9 Sophia Bromac 8 Social Distancing 3 Hope For Love Race 7 6.17pm 4 Bullit Train 13 Randel Huston P 6 The River Boy 9 Knowing Me Race 8 6.42pm 6 Clonakilty 4 Dave Duley 7 Always B You 5 Sky Rocket Race 9 7.09pm 8 Rakero Rocket 6 Built For Glory 2 Xlendi 7 Who’s Delight Race 10 7.34pm 7 Ready Set Jet 8 Regal Sierra 10 Tu Tangata 11 Helloveamoment Race 11 8.03pm 5 Melody Banner 9 Radha 2 Bryson Dechambeau 8 Follow Your Dream View the full article
  2. Sam Goyette's love for horses started in the hunting field and evolved when he entered the world of bloodstock sales. Goyette honed his skills working for Salcey Forest, Blandford Bloodstock, Juddmonte and Overbury Stud. He is also a graduate of The National Stud course and in 2024 set up Oakhurst Stud with his fiancée, Kinsey Petyt. What made you happiest in 2024? It's a bob of the head between getting engaged to my partner Kinsey or starting up Oakhurst Stud and the support we received from our friends and family. How do you start your day? My day starts with feeding the dog, the horses and then myself. Followed by a shower to take a minute and think about the day ahead. What is the best thing about your job? It would have to be first thing in the morning when the lights go on and the mares give me their own version of a good morning. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be? Can't Stop by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I've always found it to be a good motivational song when you need something to get you through the last few stables. Is there a horse you wish you had bought in 2024? A mare called Wensleydale (GB) (Frankel {GB}) who sold at Tattersalls in December. I remember her as foal at the sales when Juddmonte bought her. I then got to work with her when I worked for Juddmonte a few years later. I always had a soft spot for her. Racehorse of 2024 and why? Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) would be my racehorse of the year. Beating the boys in the G1 Phoenix Stakes was hugely impressive. Even more so that Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never) went on to win the Prix Morny on his next start beating some top-class colts. Dark horse for the year ahead? My Dark Horse for 2025 is Alluring Angel (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). She's trained by Chad Brown in America and most recently ran a solid fourth first time out for the trainer in a Grade III. She's lightly raced and had a bit of time off the track but fingers crossed she can go on this year. Value stallion for 2025? I'd say Auguste Rodin (Ire) looks like very good value at €30,000. A word for Palace Pier (GB) also. Overbury Stud had two very nice yearlings by him last year that I did a bit of prep with, and I liked a few of his foals. I wouldn't be surprised if people suddenly changed their opinions of him by the end of this year. What would make 2025 a good year for you? Keeping our horses healthy and clients happy is our main aim first and foremost. We also have some yearlings to sell this year that some of our biggest supporters are involved in. Nothing would give me more satisfaction than giving them some good results later this year. What is your motto for life? If it was easy then everyone would do it. The post In The Hot Seat: Sam Goyette appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  3. In response to news that emerged Jan. 7 regarding changes to decoupling regulations in the state of Florida, officials at the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (THA), Inc. issued a statement on Thursday opposing any such changes. The state of Florida at one point required its racetracks to conduct live racing operations in order to run a casino, but those rules have been eased, many tracks have suspended racing while continuing to operate their casinos. In its release, the THA clarifies that the horsemen's organization at Gulfstream withdrew its membership from the organization effective Jan. 1, 2023, and is therefore not affiliated with the THA. The THA statement reads: “While the THA does not have jurisdiction in Florida, we strongly oppose any legislation that would allow gaming license holders to separate their obligations to host live Thoroughbred racing from their gaming operations. Such legislation threatens the long-term viability of the racing industry and undermines the livelihoods of horsemen and other stakeholders who rely on a strong and vibrant racing ecosystem. “The THA remains committed to protecting the interests of horsemen and preserving live racing as an integral part of the industry across all jurisdictions.” The post THA Releases Statement Opposing Decoupling Legislation In Florida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  4. Veteran east coast rider Kendrick Carmouche led all jockeys for the week in wins with nine riding between Parx Racing and Aqueduct, including a win in a stakes race. The panel of racing experts voted Carmouche Jockey of the Week for Dec. 30- Jan. 5.View the full article
  5. Irish Thoroughbred Marketing boss Charles O'Neill has admitted that the build-up to this year's Stallion Trail has been made “really tough” by the icy conditions that have wreaked havoc across the country and forced Coolmore Stud, one of the main attractions for many people who were hoping to attend, to pull out from what is now a trimmed-down version of the two-day showpiece. Roughly 30 stud farms will open the doors to racing fans and enthusiasts alike on Friday and Saturday, with Kedrah House Stud, Annshoon Stud and Coolagown Stud [on Friday] joining Coolmore in being forced to sit out the Stallion Trail because of the weather. “It's been really tough,” O'Neill explained on Thursday. “The weather has caused a little bit of havoc this week, with the likes of Coolmore being forced to pull out, but Grange Stud is back in now, which is great news. “The farms are resilient and hopefully it will be a good weekend. The only farms that will not be open are Coolmore Stud, Kedrah House Stud and Castlehyde Stud. Coolagown Stud is only closing on Friday. So we are expecting over 30 farms to be open over the course of the weekend.” He added, “We had a group of 75 people arrive from Eastern Europe on Wednesday night. They started touring around some of the farms today [Thursday] and they will be at Dundalk races on Friday night as well. There are quite a few British and people from further across Europe coming over as well.” Kildangan Stud, which boasts one of the most glittering rosters anywhere in the world, with Blue Point (Ire), Ghaiyyath (Ire), Night Of Thunder (Ire) and more based at the County Kildare operation, is open to the public on Friday and Saturday. However, nominations manager Eamon Molony admits that the stud expects to see a much bigger crowd for the stallion shows on Saturday, where the weather is expected to pick up. Night Of Thunder | Darley Stallions He said, “Friday is harder to predict than Saturday because the morning temperatures on Friday are said to be quite low. But we're ready and are planning our first show for 11am. We're quite hopeful that, weather wise, Saturday will be much better. I'm guessing we won't see as many people out and about on Friday compared to other years but we're hoping for a big crowd on Saturday.” One of the main attractions of the Stallion Trail is that it provides people with the opportunity to get the first glimpse at some of the newbies at stud. At Ballyhane Stud, Group 2-winning juvenile Sakheer (Ire) is new to the roster while Ballylinch Stud has French Derby hero Look De Vega (Fr), the Irish National Stud has Shouldvebeenaring (GB), while Tally-Ho Stud welcomes Big Evs (Ire), Bucanero Fuerte (GB) and King Of Steel. Starfield Stud has landed Aesop's Fables (Ire), Yeomanstown Stud will show off Mill Stream (Ire) while Springfield House Stud has added Go Bears Go (Ire) to the roster. Meanwhile, on the National Hunt side of things, Capital Stud will provide many people with the opportunity to catch the first peak at the Martinborough (Jpn), sire of the highly-touted Willie Mullins-trained Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough (Fr). “We're getting ready to go and are hoping it doesn't freeze too hard tonight,” Capital Stud's Ger O'Neill said. “The plan is to open our doors tomorrow, and hopefully everyone will be able to have a good day out regardless of the weather. A few people have rang ahead but, to be honest, we're expecting more of a crowd on Saturday compared to Friday with the way the weather is. “A lot of people want to come and see Martinborough. He seems to be going down well and he's had a good couple of winners in France over the past week or so. It looks as if everything is going his way and the horse of Willie Mullins' [Majborough] looks very exciting as well so lots of people want to come and get a look at him.” He added, “The stallion trail is a good initiative. We've already had a lot of breeders call to see the stallions this year but, for the fella down the road who might just want to poke his head in and see what we do here, it's brilliant. That's not to say you don't do business during the stallion trail, because you do, but it's more about opening your doors and welcoming people. If that transpires to getting mares booked into any of the stallions, even better.” Meanwhile, just a few miles down the road in County Kilkenny, Michael Shefflin of Annshoon Stud, which is now the new home to Twilight Son (GB), was the latest man to be forced to pull out of the Stallion Trail because of a persistent covering of snow at his base. He said on Thursday evening, “It's disappointing, because we were really looking forward to the weekend but there's nothing we can do. While Twilight Son is not exactly new, he's new to Ireland, and we hope he can be popular. His record speaks for itself. We actually bought him on behalf of a client to go to Turkey but, because so many people expressed an interest in using him in Ireland, we said we'd give him a chance here. The weather is a bit of a sickener but our doors will be open for business when it clears and we'd invite everyone to come and see him.” Coolmore Stud has already rescheduled its open day for Saturday, January 18, from 10am to 3pm where Auguste Rodin (Ire), City Of Troy, Henry Longfellow (Ire) and more will be on show. A full list of the farms partaking in the Irish Stallion Trail on Friday and Saturday can be found here – https://www.itm.ie/Breeding/ITM-Irish-Stallion-Trail. The post “The Farms Are Resilient” – Studs To Brave Icy Weather For ITM Stallion Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  6. Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Carlos Lopez has been suspended for a combined three years and fined $25,000 after two of his trainees-Major Lloyd and Emperor's Gold-tested positive for Diisopropylamine after finishing one-two in the second race at Mahoning Valley on Feb. 13 last year. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) classifies Diisopropylamine as a vasodilator, which is a substance that dilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely through them. Diisopropylamine is also found in several everyday items like tobacco and beauty products, as well as hand sanitizer. Lopez' suspension runs from March 27, 2024, through March 26, 2027. The case was resolved without a hearing. The written resolution can be read here. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 01/07/2025 Licensee: Rafael Barraza, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Racer Rex, who won at Turf Paradise on 11/29/24. Date: 01/06/2025 Licensee: Martin Valdez-Cabral Jr., trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sapello Sweetee, who won at Albuquerque on 10/19/24. Date: 01/02/2025 Licensee: Carlos Lopez, trainer Penalty: Combined 36-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person and $25,000 fine; a period of Ineligibility for Covered Horses subject to a Negative Finding from an Out-of-Competition Test; Disqualification of Covered Horses' Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable). Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Major Lloyd, who won at Mahoning Valley on 2/13/24, as well as from Emperor's Gold, who was second at Mahoning Valley on 2/13/24. Pending ADMC Violations 01/08/2025, Scooter Davis, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from John Dutton, who won at Tampa Bay on 11/29/24. 01/07/2025, Bernadette Barrios, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a controlled substance (Class B)-in a sample taken from Impeachabull on 12/03/24. 01/07/2025, Adan Farias, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Barsabas on 11/29/24. 01/06/2025, Austin Gustafson, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a controlled substance (Class B)-in a sample taken from Sweet Karat Cake on 12/10/24. 01/06/2025, Shon Dunlap, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Ooh La Da Stoops, who won at Remington Park on 12/7/24. 01/06/2025, Juan Aguirre, trainer: Pending violation for “engaging in intentional complicity with a provisionally suspended covered person” for an event dated 9/6/24. He is also accused of “causing a covered horse to violate its provisional suspension” for an event dated 9/14/24 concerning the horses Scat Shack and Cindy's Storm. 01/03/2025, John Thomas Toscano, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Runninsonofagun, who finished second in the Fall Highweight S. at Aqueduct on 11/29/24. The post National Regulatory Rulings Jan. 3-8; Trainer Lopez Banned Three Years, Fined $25K appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  7. by Kristen Manning/Dane McLeod/Thomas Baddock/TTR AusNZ The top sales prices continued on Thursday as racing's heavyweights clashed over a cracking son of Snitzel (Aus) from Group 3-winning mare Humma Humma (Aus) (Denman {Aus}), setting a new Magic Millions Yearling Sale record of A$2.8 million. Lot 489 – Snitzel (Aus) x Humma Humma (Aus) (Denman {Aus}), colt – A$2,800,000 Just moments into Day 3 on the Gold Coast, the sale ring erupted with excitement for lot 489, the second foal of three-time stakes-winning mare Humma Humma by champion sire Snitzel. The bidding escalated to an astonishing A$2.8 million, before ultimately being knocked down to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock. Offered by Widden Stud and bred by Widden Bloodstock, Warringah Stud Farm and Frampton Racing the remarkable colt, who hails from the family of G1 Victorian Derby winner Manzoice (Aus) (Almanzor {Fr}) and speedy stakes-winning mare Tycoon Humma (Aus) (Capitalist {Aus}), comfortably became the highest priced yearling in the history of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. “He looks really early and sharp,” Maher said. “He's from a quality family with a sharp pedigree. Bred on a good farm and hopefully he can get back to a farm in good time. “The quality, you've always got to pay for. The top ones always get stronger. We thought he was one of the colts of the sale. “It was probably a bit more than expected but the competition is always strong on those big ones.” After a stellar racing career under the care of John McArdle, which saw Humma Humma claim six wins and over A$650,000 in prize-money, the Denman mare was snapped up by Widden Stud for A$1 million at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. “A really proud moment for us. It has been an amazing sale for Widden,” owner of Widden Stud Antony Thompson said. “We sold Sunlight here as a record price mare. Having sold Clean Energy, I think she was a record-priced filly, and now to have the highest-priced yearling, it is a big honour. “With nine or 10 serious players on him and a couple knuckling down over a million-and-a-half, I was always confident he'd sell well but it is hard to know how well.” Humma Humma's first foal by Zoustar (Aus), named Price Tag (Aus), was sold for A$600,000 at last year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale to Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) and has already proved himself a more than handy racehorse, placing in this season's G3 Maribyrnong S. Humma Humma had a colt by I Am Invincible (Aus) this season and has revisited Widden's champion stallion Zoustar. Ciaron Maher | Magic Millions New International Interest in Australia Continues The Magic Millions sales ring was again lit up by foreign investment as the A$2.8m record-breaking Snitzel colt was purchased by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock on behalf of English businessman Phil Cunningham. It is Cunningham's second venture into Australian racing having teamed with Maher and other stable clients to purchase, for A$825,000 a filly by I Am Invincible at last year's Magic Millions. Named Life After Love (Aus) (Cunningham enjoying naming his horses with a musical theme; this one a homage to the Cher song 'Believe'), she lined up in the Gold Coast Debut in late December, finishing fifth after showing pace. “Ciaron was trying to get her to the race on Saturday so we planned our trip around that,” Cunningham said, “but she just needs a bit more time.” Cunningham arrived at the Gold Coast on sale morning, arriving at the complex just 10 minutes before his A$2.8 million purchase from Widden Stud. He was delighted to secure the son of the G3 Proud Miss S. winner Humma Humma (Denman) who he will race with partners, having asked Maher who he thought the sale's best colt was. “We did have to go a bit higher than we thought but you have to go home with the horse you want, there is nothing worse than watching a horse win a big race who you wanted but stopped bidding on,” he said. The CEO of DCL Insurance, Cunningham has successfully raced horses in the UK since the early 1990s, doing well enough to justify purchasing his own stables; firstly, Albert House Stables and then Sefton Lodge. Racing as Rebel Racing, he has 50 horses in work at Newmarket with Richard Spencer, also racing in the United States, Ireland and France. He has always had a liking for Australian bloodlines, racing the G2 Coventry S. winner Rajasinghe (Ire); the English National Stud resident who he still owns and who is a son of Choisir (Aus). Cunningham is excited to be part of the Australian racing scene though he intends to stay small. “I am going for quality over quantity here,” he said. “I have runners nearly every day in England and I like to see them in action. It's just not practical to keep getting up in the middle of the night to watch horses race in Australia! “It makes sense to have less horses in Australia but to have the right ones.” Cunningham was introduced to Ciaron Maher by his friend Peter Trainor who races with the stable the dual Group-winning import Future History (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) who contested the 2023 G1 Melbourne Cup. During this trip to Australia, he has spent time with Maher, visiting the Bong Bong complex by which he was most impressed. Antony Thompson & Phil Cunningham | Magic Millions At A Glance The all-time Magic Millions Gold Coast record price was broken on Day 3 with lot 489, a Snitzel colt purchased by Ciaron Maher for A$2.8 million, who was one of two seven-figure lots for the day. This was down from five on Day 3 in 2024, bringing the total for the sale in 2025 to 11. The average of A$277,351 is below the 2024 average at the same point of A$289,810, and the same is true for the median at A$200,000 compared to A$220,000 at the same stage. The current gross is A$144,500,000 at the close of play on Day 3 with 521 lots sold so far. The clearance rate of 79.66% is down on last year's 85.21% at the end of Day 3. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing with Kestrel Thoroughbreds continues to lead the buying bench, having signed for 18 yearlings outright for a total gross of A$6,895,000 thus far, plus several more in partnership. Ciaron Maher Bloodstock sits in second, thanks to the sale-topper, with 12 yearlings purchased for A$5,460,000. Newgate Farm continues to lead the leading vendor standings with 35 of their 37 lots so far sold for A$13.6 million at an average of A$389,143, while in second is Segenhoe Stud who have sold 21 of their 22 lots so far for A$10.7 million at an impressive average of A$511,905. Arrowfield Stud's four-time champion sire Snitzel jumped to the top of the sire standings by gross with A$17 million for his 22 yearlings at an impressive average of A$777,045, while in second is I Am Invincible with 25 sold for an average of A$616,000 and a gross of A$15.4 million. Home Affairs (Aus) continues to be the leading first-season sire by gross with 31 yearlings sold for A$10.5 million at an average of A$340,000, which is also the leading average for a first-season sire at the end of Day 3. Stay Inside (Aus) remains in second with 21 yearlings sold for an average of A$312,619 and a gross over A$6.5 million. Lot 505 – Written Tycoon (Aus) x In Her Time (Aus) (Time Thief {Aus}), colt – A$1,800,000 Anticipation was high for lot 505, a colt by champion sire Written Tycoon (Aus) and out of the exceptional dual Group 1-winning mare In Her Time (Aus) (Time Thief {Aus}). He certainly met expectations, selling for a remarkable A$1.8 million to Coolmore's Tom Magnier, marking his third seven-figure purchase for the week. This colt, bred by Yulong Investments, is the third foal of In Her Time, who was acquired for A$2.2 million at the 2022 Inglis Chairman's Sale. The mare's first two foals, a colt by I Am Invincible and a full-brother to this colt, fetched A$800,000 and A$750,000, respectively. The latter was also purchased by Magnier and is currently in training with Chris Waller, where he is reportedly demonstrating significant potential. “We're very happy to get this horse,” Magnier said. “Obviously, we got the brother last year for the syndicate as well, again we're very lucky to have the people we have in this syndicate and everybody was very keen on the horse. “Everybody liked him and you could see again from the bidding the good judges were on this horse. I think Chris has an opinion of the brother, which probably gave us the confidence to come back this year.” Over the past several years, Yulong has sought-after and established a top-tier broodmare lineup, with over 60 individual Group 1 winners or producers now belonging to the stud. Magnier see's it as an opportunity not to be missed. “It's a very good page, Mr Zhang and their team have gone out and bought some lovely mares, as we have, and the progeny of that stock is coming through,” Magnier said. “It's a very good pedigree, he's a nice individual and Chris really liked the horse, as did all the team, so we'll know our fate this time next year but just delighted we got him.” In Her Time foaled a filly by Diatonic (Jpn) in September and also visited Pierata (Aus) this season. Tom Magnier | Magic Millions Lot 695 – Extreme Choice (Aus) x Mrs Ramona G (Kantharos), colt – A$925,000 After an intense bidding battle, China Horse Club in partnership with Newgate Bloodstock & Partners, claimed victory by acquiring lot 685, a son of their statistically freakish sire Extreme Choice (Aus), for A$925,000. Striking at just under 12% stakes winners to runners, it's no surprise to see that the progeny of Extreme Choice are averaging just over A$500,000 on the first three days at the Gold Coast. Bred by S F Bloodstock and Henry Field Bloodstock, the eye-catching grey colt is the third foal from the stakes-performed American mare Mrs Ramona G (Kantharos), who recorded four wins from 1200 metres to a mile. Michael Smith, the Australasian representative for China Horse Club, stated that this colt was an obvious selection due to his impressive physical traits. “We know how good Extreme Choice is and we thought this was an excellent physical by the stallion out of a fast American mare,” Smith said. “I think they're [US Mares] usually very tough, quick horses with great constitutions, and it just works [with Extreme Choice]. “This colt was a really lovely moving, athletic horse with plenty of strength. Probably more strength than is typical for an Extreme Choice.” After a fruitful partnership with Newgate Farm which has spanned over several years and produced some of the most prominent sires in the country, Smith is hopeful this colt is the next to rise to prominence carrying the famous red-and-yellow silks. “Horses like Russian Revolutions (Aus), Wild Ruler (Aus), In The Congo (Aus), Captivant (Aus), Artorius (Aus), Stay Inside (Aus), we've raced a lot of good colts in partnerships and hopefully this can be the next one,” Smith said. Mrs Ramona G foaled another colt by Extreme Choice this season. Lot 586 – Wootton Basset (GB) x Lady Piaf (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}), filly, A$875,000 A stunning black filly and the first foal of I Am Invincible mare Lady Piaf (Aus) continued an outstanding sale for the exciting first-season sire Wootton Bassett (GB), selling for A$875,000 to Clarry Conners' Victory Lodge. Lot 586 represented the fifth offspring of Wootton Bassett (GB) of 14 presented to date, to achieve a sale price exceeding $500,000 at the auction. “The Wootton Bassetts have been going great, and we think they are 2-year-olds so we were naturally interested,” Conners said. “My client was interested. We picked out two or three and we liked her a lot. She reminded me very much of Belle Du Jour. Light legged, light on her feet. Nice filly. Not over big, just racy.” Bred by Cobra Bloodstock Australia and offered by Coolmore Stud, the filly boasts a deep pedigree page, stemming from blue hen and G1 Blue Diamond winner Lady Jakeo (Aus) (Last Tycoon {Ire}), who produced four stakes performers as well as the dam of Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Mrs Onassis (Aus) (General Nediym {Aus}). “It is a good family and as long as we win races with her, I'll be happy,” Conners said. Lady Piaf was offered in foal to Wootton Bassett at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale but, fortunately for connections, failed to meet her reserve of A$225,000, with resulting foal being this beautiful filly. Lady Piaf had a filly by St Mark's Basilica (Fr) in September and visited the French stallion again this season. Clarry Conners | Sportpix Lot 650 – Snitzel (Aus) x Medovina (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), colt – A$850,000 James Harron partnered with Aquis Farm's Tony Fung to acquire his seventh purchase of the sale when securing a Snitzel colt from Medovina (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), a winning half-sister to Group 3 winner Brave Mead (Aus) (Brave Smash {Jpn}) and listed winner Solemn (Aus) (Bernardini), for A$850,000. Harron has a phenomenal reputation for sourcing future stallions, namely purchasing and racing Group 1-winning sires King's Legacy (Aus) and Capitalist (Aus) from the Gold Coast sale. On Thursday, Harron added a fourth colt to his purchases from Magic Millions 2025, lot 650. “He's a lovely colt,” Harron said. “From the start of the week to the end of the week I loved the way he progressed through the sale and really went about his work well. “He's a lovely shape of a horse and you have a lot of confidence buying off a farm like Vinery. They produce good horse's year-in-year-out. We were very happy to get him and we'll all came together on him. “I looked at him a few times and he didn't put a foot wrong. He looked like a real racehorse.” Bred by Hybrook Pastoral Co, the striking bay colt certainly has a stallion's pedigree, hailing from the family of G1 Australasian Oaks winner La Volta (Aus) (Laranto {Aus}) and G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss (Aus) (Not a Single Doubt {Aus}). Medovina foaled a filly by Vinery's All Too Hard (Aus) this season before she was once again covered by champion sire Snitzel. The post Snitzel Colt Smashes Magic Millions Record At A$2.8 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  8. In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. Prime Power (Medaglia d'Oro) earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure in his 2-year-old unveiling at Fair Grounds Dec. 26. And he's still a maiden. Off at odds of 7-2 for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Prime Power hit the ground running from post eight and was hounded to his outside by the Brad Cox-trained firster Gunmetal (Gun Runner) through sharp fractions of :21.88 and :44.89. The Winchell Thoroughbreds colorbearer dug down gamely in the stretch and held a narrow advantage into the final furlong, but couldn't withstand a final push from his aforementioned rival, who fought on by to win by 1 1/4 lengths. It was another 7 1/4 lengths back to third-place finisher Fanatical (Nyquist). The final time for six furlongs was 1:09.85. “I saw what everybody else did–a very fast race and all the numbers came back indicating that he's got a nice future,” Asmussen said. “Very pleased with how he came out of the race. I'm happy to have him and look forward to running him back.” Asmussen continued, “He's very impressive. He's a very nice horse to look at. Always been very nice to train. Expected a good run from him and I think he validated what we had seen in the mornings as far as showing ability. Do believe that he'll stretch out a bit. We'll try to move him out in distance off that race.” Prime Power pictured as a foal with his dam Princess Peggy | Stonestreet Prime Power, a $500,000 Keeneland September yearling graduate bred by Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, is the second foal out of the winning Scat Daddy mare Princess Peggy, a half-sister to champion female sprinter Gamine (Into Mischief). His second dam, the New York-bred Peggy Jane (Kafwain), was a $200,000 OBS April purchase by Banke's Grace Stables in 2011. Leading sire Medaglia d'Oro is responsible for 27 Grade I/Group 1 winners worldwide, including the Asmussen-trained and Stonestreet-raced Hall of Famer Rachel Alexandra. “The Stonestreet breeding program is very impressive,” Asmussen concluded. “I think that he's going to be a good horse.” The newly turned 3-year-old returned to the worktab with a four-furlong breeze in :51 (85/109) at Fair Grounds Jan. 4. The 'Second Chances' Honor Roll is headed by Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) and GISWs A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), Honor A. P. (Honor Code), Locked (Gun Runner), Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and Speaker's Corner (Street Sense). What shining debut for #10 Gunmetal @fairgroundsnola! ?? The 2-year-old colt by Gun Runner came out firing for trainer @bradcoxracing and @flothejock. Be sure to add this promising star you your TwinSpires Stable Alerts! pic.twitter.com/5hE6GnYNDG — TwinSpires Racing ?? (@TwinSpires) December 26, 2024 The post Second Chances: Prime Power – ‘All the Numbers Came Back Indicating That He’s Got a Nice Future’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  9. Spikezone (Speightster), whose 11 victories in 2024 trailed only the 13 recorded by Tennessee Moon (Ransom the Moon), has been named National Claiming Horse of the Year for 2024 by the National HBPA. “We're thrilled for him,” said Mid-Atlantic-based trainer Jamie Ness, whose Jagger Inc. stable owns Spikezone with Troy Johnson and Charles Lo. “He deserves it.” Said Lo: “I am so shocked. It just doesn't happen the way it has–maybe one time out of 100. It's crazy. I never had a horse that good.” Johnson: “It's a dream, unreal.” Spikezone, who successfully overcame a second round of knee surgery, made 14 trips to the races in 2024, beginning with an eight-length romp in a Tampa optional claimer back in January and concluding with a one-length tally in the Lets Give Thanks Stakes at Parx in late November, his first black-type victory. He became eligible for claiming horse of the year when he was offered for a $100,000 tag at Tampa in March. “Spikezone is terrific example of how horses can just get better with age, patience and horsemanship,” said Todd Mostoller, chair of the National HBPA's awards committee. “At 11-for-14, Spikezone also shows that horses can come back from multiple surgeries and still be excellent and admirable racehorses at their level.” Added National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback: “This award highlights the importance of our claiming horses to American horse racing and how much enjoyment they bring to their team. We congratulate Troy and Charles and certainly Jamie for having so much success with Spikezone after career-compromising surgeries. And, of course, the biggest applause goes to Spikezone.” The post Spikezone Named NHBPA Claiming Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  10. The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards will take place during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday, January 25. The event features two prestigious awards–The Jockey Club Horse of the Year Award and The Peter O'Sullevan Community Impact Award–along with recognition for winners of the RoR Elite Series across six equestrian disciplines (dressage, endurance, eventing, polo, showing and showjumping). Nominations for this year's awards were submitted from across the racing and equestrian communities, with an independent judging panel selecting the finalists. The winners will be announced at the RoR Awards, which will be opened by RoR patron Zara Tindall. “I am thrilled to be attending the RoR Awards 2025,” said Tindall. “The charity's tireless commitment to supporting the retraining and wellbeing of retired racehorses reflects my passion for these incredible animals. I look forward to celebrating the achievements made over the past 25 years and to helping RoR continue making a positive impact across the racing and equine communities.” Public voting to help decide the winners closes at 5pm on Friday, January 10. For information on the finalists and to vote, click here. The post Voting Open for the Annual Retraining of Racehorses Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  11. For the fourth consecutive year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's Godolphin topped the list of leading individual breeders in North America in 2024, with earnings of $23,205,149. Runners listed as bred by the operation made 1,161 starts for a record of 226 wins, 169 runner-up efforts and 186 thirds. No fewer than 10 Grade I races in North America in 2024 were taken by Godolphin-breds, led by Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won his second Breeders' Cup Turf in three years and is a finalist for the Male Turf Eclipse Award, which he also won in 2022. Immersive (Nyquist) is the champion 2-year-old filly elect, having completed an unbeaten juvenile campaign in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in November, while 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) was also a top-level scorer at two in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity. Godolphin's additional North American Grade I winners included Highland Falls (Curlin), Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Eclipse finalist Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal). Brad Kelley's Calumet Farm was second for the fourth straight season, with 371 wins from 2,778 starts for earnings of $13,923,897. Godolphin also led the breeders list that includes partners with $25,912,067 in earnings and 293 wins from 1,640 starts. Calumet was second with $14,181,110 in earnings and 380 wins out of 2,862 starts. Rounding out the top 10 individual breeders were Brereton C. Jones, $11,071,712 (235 wins / 1,519 starts); WinStar Farm LLC, $10,057,543 (170/1,149); Don Alberto Corporation, $9,034,695 (147/931); Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, $7,679,445 (137/805); Debby M. Oxley, $6,438,362 (11/69); Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds LLC, $5,854,034 (54/392); Gary & Mary West Stables Inc., $5,631,929 (118/755); and Repole Stable, Inc., $4,745,232 (42/281). Completing the list of the top 10 breeders including partnerships were WinStar, $12,206,112 (236 wins / 1,511 starts); Brereton C. Jones, $11,491,759 (251/1,637); Don Alberto Corporation, $9,277,665 (150/946); Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, $8,029,151 (142/856); Debby M. Oxley, $6,442,567 (11/74); Fred W. Hertrich III, $6,157,549 (134/1,066); Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC, $5,895,174 (55/399); and Machmer Hall, $5,727,524 (152/1,075). The post Godolphin Completes Four-Peat As Leading North American Breeder appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  12. David Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) is primed to continue his barnstorming form in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on 19 January after the star sprinter dominated a 1200m trial at Sha Tin this morning (Thursday, 9 January). Partnered by regular rider Zac Purton, the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) victor sat three-wide early before coasting to the lead and was untroubled in beating G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) winner Voyage Bubble by three quarters of length in 1m 10.43s. The pair cleared out from the rest of the nine-horse trial with Lady’s Choice third, almost eight lengths away, with Helios Express and Galaxy Patch finishing fifth and seventh, respectively. Confirming plans to chase the HK$5 million bonus on offer for the winner of the Hong Kong Speed Series – the Centenary Sprint Cup, G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April – Hayes was delighted with today’s hit-out. “We’re very happy with the trial. He was a little bit fresh before the trial, so this will just settle him down for next week and you couldn’t have asked for more, could you? It was a beautiful trial,” Hayes said. “Zac didn’t move on him and he went through the motions very well with big margins to third and fourth. It was pretty good.” Seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton was also impressed with the trial as Ka Ying Rising bids to extend an eight-race winning streak. “With the time between runs, he always gets a little bit fresh and when he’s fresh, that’s when he gets a bit agitated,” Purton said. “So, the trial’s always nice to knock the edge off him a bit and on race day, he’s settled his nerves.” John Size was satisfied with Helios Express, who will challenge Ka Ying Rising in the Centenary Sprint Cup after finishing only half a length behind the 128-rater in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint on 8 December. “He trialled the way he normally does, he just sort of goes through the motions and he’s probably not a good trialler on the dirt track, but he just does his work and that’s all we really expect from him,” said Size, who has also entered Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) winner Howdeepisyourlove in next week’s feature. Size be represented by Beauty Eternal and Red Lion in HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on 19 January, hopeful the duo can topple Voyage Bubble after finishing fourth and eighth, respectively, behind Ricky Yiu’s 128-rater in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. Beauty Eternal finished third, beaten only half a length, behind Find My Love in today’s second 1200m batch. “He looked like he did his work properly, he seems in pretty good order, he’s pretty relaxed and I think he seems to be going on with his preparation quite normally,” Size said. Purton added: “He’s moving well and trialling well. We just need him to take his trials to the races. We know he’s got the ability when he produces it, we’re just waiting for him to do it at the moment. But I do feel like he keeps heading in the right way, just that little bit every time.” Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (12 January) with the Class 5 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m, dirt) at 1pm. View the full article
  13. The new year has already started well for Spain's leading trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta. On January 4, the 13-time champion notched his 1,000th victory in the country when Liam Norris's homebred Stellaris (GB) (Recoletos {Fr}) won at Pineda. By now, Arizkorreta should have landed in Dubai where he has already made history by saddling the first Spanish-bred and -trained winner at the carnival with Plantagenet (Spa) back in 2012. The son of Trade Fair (GB) returned to Dubai to win again the following season, and this year his trainer has sent his largest team of six horses to Meydan in a bid to add to his impressive overseas record. “We try to travel as much as possible. We've been having lots of runners in France lately and we like to travel farther away as well,” says Arizkorreta, a former leading amateur rider who saw plenty of the racing world in his days competing in the Fegentri series and later working for Luca Cumani in the UK, Con Collins in Ireland and his compatriot Carlos Laffon-Parias in France. Home he went, eventually, and just in time for La Zarzuela racecourse in Madrid to reopen for racing after a near-decade-long hiatus. It is fair to say that Arizkorreta has dominated his country's racing scene since then. He wouldn't say it himself, however, for he is far too self-effacing, and he laughs at the suggestion that he is Spain's answer to Andre Fabre. “Well, I'm from the same city as Andre Fabre – he was born in San Sebastián,” is his only admission on that front. Of his immediate international plans, which include having two runners on Friday at Meydan in Sky Hawk (GB) (Advertise {GB}) and Thundering (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), he says, “My biggest client has had a couple of horses in Dubai in the past and he was keen to have more there this year. We plan to send handicappers to those races which have good prize-money – kind of 80-rated horses. We bought a few at the Horses-in-Training Sale in Newmarket and we have sent a few who have run in Spain.” The six-year-old Thundering will be making his debut for Arizkoretta and his owner Horses & Berries having won twice for Kevin Ryan before changing hands last October at Tattersalls. Sky Hawk was bought from the same sale a year earlier after making one start for Richard Fahey and the four-year-old is now a dual winner in Spain, as well as finishing runner-up in another four of his eight starts last year. “We've had horses in Dubai six or seven times now overall,” Arizkorreta says. “It's very hard to win there. We've had a few places and the horses have generally run well but it is very competitive. I was thinking about going to Bahrain but I didn't find a horse in the end, but I hope to have a runner in the International Handicap in Saudi.” Guillermo Arizkorreta at Tattersalls in Newmarket | Laura Green Along with one of his proudest days on home turf when winning the Listed Gran Premio de Madrid for the first time with Madrileno (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}) in 2016, Arizkorreta has gradually compiled a decent stakes record and, despite the dearth of black-type races in Spain, now has ten stakes wins to his credit. These include a double on arguably the biggest day of his career to date when he won consecutive group races on the same card in Baden-Baden. Kitty Marion (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) landed the G3 Goldene Peitsche and was swiftly followed into the winner'e enclosure when Rodaballo (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) won the G2 Oettingen Rennen. “We've been lucky when we've travelled and we try to go to France as often as we can as it's not too far from Madrid,” he says. “Maybe 20 to 25 per cent of our runners are in France. We find suitable races wherever we can – in Germany, Switzerland or Italy. We love travelling.” The trainer's most recent notable success in France came last October with the Listed Grand Criterium de Bordeaux winner Bulnes (Ire) (Galileo Gold {Ire}). His stable housed not just this top two-year-old colt in Spain last year but also the country's leading juvenile filly, Octans (Spa) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}). While Bulnes will remain in the Spanish capital in the countdown to the domestic 2,000 Guineas (Gran Premio Cimera) in Madrid in late April, Octans is already in Dubai where she will attempt to enhance her impressive record from last year of four wins and a second from five starts. “We're going to try to have her in the sun and run a couple of races in Dubai before she comes back and then her aim is the Spanish Guineas [Gran Premio Valderas],” says Arizkorreta, who has now been based at La Zarzuela since 2006. The stunning racecourse, which has the downtown cityscape of Madrid as a backdrop, also acts as the country's largest training centre, with just over 400 horses across the resident trainers. Another Arizkorreta winner in the circle at La Zarzuela, Madrid | Emma Berry “Madrid racecourse still has good prize-money and is still very popular with the locals but racing in Spain is not growing, that's for sure. There are around 800 horses in training overall in the country and roughly 400 races a year,” says the trainer. As this week's cover star of the Spanish racing publication A Galopar, Arizkorreta would certainly give the racing fans of his home nation plenty to cheer about if he can strike again on the international stage in the Middle East. While Alcaraz (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), a relation to Treve (Fr) whom he bought from Jean-Claude Rouget's stable last year, looks set to represent him in Riyadh, the team in Dubai includes the well-bred Shamran (GB) (Kingman {GB}), another recent purchase, this time from breeder Imad Al Sagar and trainer Harry Charlton, at Tattersalls last October. Rated 82, the four-year-old could be in action at Meydan as soon as next week. Competitive that action may be, but it would be no surprise to see the flag of Spain flying once more in Dubai, courtesy of its country's most enterprising trainer. The post History-Making Arizkorreta Flies Flag For Spain Again appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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  15. By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Five-year-old trotter Kawhi has only been with the Keasts for a few weeks, and already he’s turning into a good buy. The Andover Hall gelding secured his second win in his last four starts, at Timaru yesterday. Purchased by Darren Keast Limited from auction site Gavelhouse in November for $8501 he has already covered his purchase price, with stakes earnings of around $10,000. “He’s a lovely horse and beautifully natured,” says Ashleigh Keast, “I think we are going to have a bit of fun with him and we’ll just see what happens.” Before his move Kawhi had had a couple of wins with Tom Bagrie. “When he rocked up he was covered in dapples and looked an absolute picture.” The most immediate concern was that he was being hampered by tying up either during or after his races. “So we tinkered with his feet and his feed and did fast work with him every day,” says Keast.” It certainly seems to have done the trick. Yesterday in the South Canterbury Hydraulics/ Catering South Canty Trot at Phar Lap Raceway Kawhi and Blair Orange started safely before going into the lead with a lap to go. He then skipped away at the turn holding on to win by a length and a half from Barrytown. They had cleared out from the field with 18 lengths back to third. Keast watched the race at home. “On the two occasions I’ve been there live he’s been ordinary and the two I’ve missed he’s won!” But Keast can take some credit for securing Kawhi in the first place. Bidding on the horse exceeded their initial budget before she encouraged her husband Darren to go a little higher. Already that seems an inspired decision. “Darren used to train a trotter called Lovey Dovey Moment and we are hoping this guy might do a similar job for us.” Lovey Dovey Moment won seven races and nearly $70,000 in the end. While Darren Keast involves himself in the training and the buying and selling of bloodstock, Ashleigh’s key focus is the up-coming yearling sales. As the main preparer of the yearlings for Darren’s grandparents Paul and Pauline Renwick, Keast is currently preparing a draft of 11 for the 2025 NZB National Standardbred Yearling Sales in Christchurch on February 18. This year she is preparing two “outside” yearlings in that draft including Lot 156, an Always B Miki – Lovetodream Colt for Martin and Shirley Cummings. “Hopefully this is the one they get a good result on.” And good results is what Kawhi has already produced, and with the way he won in Timaru there could well be a few more to come. View the full article
  16. By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk On the North Canterbury property that she bankrolled former star filly Under Cover Lover turned 30 earlier this week. “She’s in terrific order,” says Graham Pearson, “there was a time 10 years ago when she didn’t winter very well but ever since then she’s looked great.” Pearson and Jeremy Tulley bred and raced the multiple Group 1 winner who raced in Australasia and the United States, with 21 wins in 70 starts in the late 1990s – early 2000s. “She always wanted to race, she was very determined,” recalls Pearson. “In the early days as a young foal we called her “Wee Racer” because she just tore up and down the place. She was a bit uncontrollable.” That would later be shortened to her stable name of “Race”. If Christian Cullen was the poster boy for superstar stallion In The Pocket at the time then Under Cover Lover was the poster girl. In 1998 as a three-year-old she won 14 from 19 starts both here and in Australia, including victories in the Nevele R 3YO Fillies Series Final, the New Zealand Oaks, the Great Northern Oaks and the NZ Sires’ Stakes Fillies Championship. “In the Great Northern Oaks she was the only one in the photo,” Pearson beams. Officially her winning margin that day was seven lengths. Other highlights, according to Pearson, included her win in the then Group 2 NZ Sires’ Stakes Fillies Championship. “Chief Stipe Gale had a good horse (Chapel Magic) that was the hot favourite and but she won easily .. that was her first Group win.” Between 1998 and 2000 she had 20 starts in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, winning six times. She also raced 12 times in the United States in 1999, with three wins and a best time of 1:51.8 and an “unlucky” third in the Breeders Crown. “We paid $45,000 US to get into the race and in those days you could buy a house in New Zealand for that.” “We were ahead a slight bit in the end, the third placing was worth 50 something (thousand).” Since returning from North America Pearson says one of her best runs was her fourth in the 2000 New Zealand Cup won by Yulestar. “We began best and handed up to Facta Non Verba which had won the Easter Cup the previous season, and it stopped on top of us. We were last at the 600, and got up for fourth.” Under Cover Lover’s last race was a triumph, a six length win in the 2000 Queen Of Hearts at Alexandra Park. She then retired to the broodmare paddock, producing 13 foals including two-race winners Exotic Lover and High Valour. “No-one was anywhere near as good as her but some of those daughters are producing some really nice winners.” Under The Odds (Bettor’s Delight – Under Cover Lover), for example, produced 2019 Western Australian Derby winner Major Trojan (6 wins), Undrthsouthrnsun who won 13 races and over $300K in the USA, pacing 1:47.8, and also the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained Artisan, the winner of nine races. Exotic Lover meanwhile left 15-race winner Abraxas (Big Abraxas NZ in Australia) and high class Australian filly Match In Heaven (24 wins), while Art Lover produced a very good mare in Classical Art, and the unraced Fortune Lover left Vampiro who had 29 wins. In 2001 Pearson purchased part of a sheep farm at Waipara in North Canterbury and then completed a Post Grad Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. “She basically paid for the vineyard, it wasn’t planted at the time, we had to do the planting but it paid for the land and the house,” says Pearson, “she basically owns the place!” The 2.2 hectare vineyard, at the entrance to Weka Pass in North Canterbury, is planted with pinot noir and a small amount of riesling. Their wine label is aptly named Mon Cheval (my horse in French). It’s not a bad place to see out your final years. “There’s no doubt 30 is a great age,” says Pearson, “and hopefully she’ll last a bit longer.” “We are like best mates.” View the full article
  17. He’s had a career full of ups and downs, but the rider is back and on track for his best season to date.View the full article
  18. Puntura (NZ) (Vespa) will get his chance to defend his crown in Saturday’s Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham, something he wasn’t assured of just a month ago. The son of Vespa had been out of form since his breakthrough elite-level victory last year, and retirement was looming for the seven-year-old, but he was given one last chance to prove himself in last month’s Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham, and he duly delivered. He pleased when finished fourth in the feature mile, and he continued his form revival when he returned to the Upper Hutt venue a fortnight later to finish sixth in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m). “He was out of form for three or four starts, and it was good to see him back,” trainer Robbie Patterson said. “When we went to the Mufhasa, that was nearly D-Day if he didn’t do something, and he went a blinder, so he got a reprieve. “He is still looking for gaps in his last race. He has only got to bring that form on Saturday to be competitive.” Puntura will be ridden by Craig Grylls, who partnered with him in last year’s running, which kicked off a memorable day for Patterson. “It was a big thrill (to win the Thorndon Mile), and we won the Wellington Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) three-quarters of an hour later, so it was a pretty fantastic day,” he said. Patterson is pleased with Puntura heading into the weekend, where he will be ridden cold from barrier five. “The horse is very well, he has done well since his last run, so fingers-crossed,” he said. “It has taken us seven years to work him out, but you have just got to ride him cold and he will be finishing it off.” Puntura will be joined in the race by his Group One-winning stablemate One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One), who will be ridden from gate three by Joe Doyle. Victorious in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Plate (1600m) at Matamata in October, the son of The Bold One was given a freshen-up following his subpar showing in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa 10 days later and returned to finish eighth in the Mufhasa Classic last month. Patterson said the extra travel in spring as a result of Hastings’ abandonment took its toll on the gelding, and he has finally got him back to his old self ahead of Saturday’s target. “He won the Arrowfield and then he sort of dropped away,” Patterson said. “He lost 10-15 kilos and could never really regain it. I think the travelling with the muck up at Hawke’s Bay just knocked him around a little bit and he jumped out of his skin that day (at Matamata) and I think it took the edge off him. “I have freshened him up a little bit and he has put the weight back on. He would probably prefer a bit more sting out of the track than we will probably get, but he is a happy horse.” Further Group One targets await One Bold Cat following the weekend, but plans are still up in the air for Puntura. “The Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) is the obvious one for One Bold Cat,” Patterson said. “Puntura, a mile is his go, so it gets a bit sticky where we go with him after that.” Meanwhile, Patterson will also be looking for another back-to-back crown on Saturday, but this time at Kumara where Regal Dice will be seeking consecutive victories in the Vernon & Vazey 0800 Truck Parts Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m). “She is there to defend her title,” Patterson said. “She had a blowout last Sunday. She was a tad disappointing and got ridden a tad handier than we would have liked. She is going to be ridden cold on Saturday and hopefully she can replicate her win from last year. “It is a unique day, and that meeting should be on the bucket list for everyone. I would have loved to have made it this year, but I have got bigger targets to fry.” View the full article
  19. A series of outstanding performances at Ellerslie last summer underpinned an award-winning three-year-old season for Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel), and trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood hope Sunday’s Auckland Co-Op Taxis (1400m) will set her up for more of the same in 2025. The top-class daughter of Savabeel scored a stunning Ellerslie treble in last year’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). She powered home from the back half of the field to win each of those features with ease, racking up a combined winning margin of more than 11 lengths. Orchestral carried on to Sydney and added the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), which James and Wellwood had also won the previous year with Prowess. Orchestral’s exceptional three-year-old season came to an end with a third placing in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m). James and Wellwood went into Orchestral’s four-year-old spring with high hopes, but she was unplaced in all of her three appearances. She resumed with an eighth over 1400m at Ellerslie in September, followed by a strong-finishing sixth in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and a very disappointing 12th in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). “For whatever reason, she didn’t show her best form in that spring campaign,” James said. “She had a hard run first-up, and then to be fair to her, she was very unlucky in that second run. But her performance in that last race was a bit of a head-scratcher. “We gave her a break after that and I’m super happy with her in the lead-up to Ellerslie this weekend. She’s looking great. “The 1400m will absolutely be short of her best distance this weekend and there’s a fair bit of improvement left in her. We don’t need her to be peaking for this race.” James is looking forward to taking Orchestral back to Ellerslie’s Karaka Millions meeting again on January 25 in search of another million-dollar prize. “She’ll go to the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) next,” he said. “After that, she’ll probably continue to race in New Zealand through until the autumn. We can race for such incredibly good money on home soil now, with the stakes and bonuses, that there’s no need to look further afield.” The TAB rates Orchestral a $3 favourite for the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic. She is also prominent in the market for the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 8, where she sits on the second line of favouritism at $6 behind dominant $1.70 favourite Snazzytavi. Orchestral is at the same $6 quote for the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), which is one of four Group One races run on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. The Aotearoa Classic, Herbie Dyke Stakes and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes are all qualifying races for the Rich Hill Champion Middle Distance Series, which will award bonuses of $300,000, $150,000 and $50,000 for the three highest point-scorers at the conclusion of the 12-race series. Orchestral’s return headlines an exciting weekend for Kingsclere Stables, who will also be represented by last-start Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final (1500m) winner Hasstobeawinner in the NZB Karaka 2025 (1500m) at Ellerslie on Sunday. The form out of that Stella Artois 1500 victory on Boxing Day has already received a notable boost, with runner-up Bourbon Empress going on to win the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) on New Year’s Day. “He won that race very well and the form has stacked up,” James said. “That looks to me to be the most competitive race of the day on Sunday, there’s a lot of form in that line-up. It’s not a given that he can win again, but we have been very happy with the horse in between times.” On Friday at Tauranga, James and Wellwood will be represented by resuming runners Arabian Songbird in the MJ @ Ray White Greerton (1400m) and December in the Social Club Greerton (1200m). “I think Arabian Songbird’s last race at Pukekohe in November was a real ‘forget’ run,” James said. “She won both of her starts before than in very good style. She’s had a little freshen up and has pleased us with her work. She can run a bold race on Friday. “December is a pretty fair sprinter and is coming up really well. He’s still on the way up, so he’ll take some good improvement out of whatever he does on Friday.” View the full article
  20. Promising juvenile Tale Of The Gypsy (NZ) (Written By) will head to Ellerslie on Sunday for the first time with an aim to return to the venue later this month for a shot at a million-dollar prize. The Written By filly entered her debut last Saturday at Te Aroha with no trials, but for a lack of experience she made up in raw talent, overcoming the outside barrier draw and a three-wide trip to score comfortably over her stablemate Miss Moet All. Tale Of The Gypsy earned $10,360 in prizemoney for the victory, placing her currently at 22 on the order of entry (18 on conditional entry) for the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), to be run at Ellerslie on January 25. A strong result in Sunday’s Trackside.co.nz (1200m) would greatly enhance her chances of contesting the race, and her trainer Stephen Marsh is hopeful she can secure her spot despite the quick back-up. “That is very much our aim, I thought she was very good on debut,” Marsh said. “They haven’t looked after us and she’s got another outside gate again being seven of seven, and she’s going to need a bit of luck being her first time at Ellerslie. “It’s a big ask backing up after eight days, but she’s got the right temperament and she’s a strong filly. “We’ll just need some luck from the draw.” Marsh will have a number of other runners at the Ellerslie meeting, but prior to that his focus will be at Tauranga on Friday, where last-start Taupo Cup (2000m) winner Doddle will take her place in the Ray White Greerton (2100m). “She was brilliant at Taupo, she enjoyed a good solid speed and she’s beaten a nice field,” he said. “The small field here will suit, she’s trained on well and gets in nicely at the weights again so she should be right in it. “I think the more she matures, she may get further. She used to go quite hard in her races, but she’s slowly getting better and better and is really learning her trade. She’s a mare that will continue to improve with time and more racing.” Talented pairing Glamour Tycoon and C’est Moi will both feature in the Social Club Greerton (1200m), with the former coming out of a sizzling Ellerslie field on Boxing Day where she finished third to Grande Gallo and Irish Legacy. “I thought her two runs this time in have been great, it’s a shame about the sticky draw, but I’ve got Michael McNab in the saddle,” Marsh said. “She’s going great guns, so any amount of luck would see her very hard to beat. “I’ve been thrilled with the way C’est Moi is coming up, 1200 will be short of her best and I certainly don’t expect her to win, but I think she’s in for a good preparation.” Skyman will step down in class after running seventh in a top-flight edition of the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) last start when taking on the Simply Law Greerton (1600m). The highly-rated nine-year-old will benefit from apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey’s two-kilogram claim, but he will still give away a minimum of six kilograms to every other horse in the race. “His run was okay (in the Zabeel Classic), he got back and never really got in the race,” Marsh said. “He may be better suited to a shorter trip these days, so bringing him back to a mile really suits. “He’s got to carry a decent weight which won’t make it easy, but he’s trained on well and he should find the class in the race more to his liking.” View the full article
  21. Puntura winning the 2024 Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Puntura will get his chance to defend his crown in Saturday’s Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham, something he wasn’t assured of just a month ago. The son of Vespa had been out of form since his breakthrough elite-level victory last year, and retirement was looming for the seven-year-old, but he was given one last chance to prove himself in last month’s Group 1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham, and he duly delivered. He pleased when finished fourth in the feature mile, and he continued his form revival when he returned to the Upper Hutt venue a fortnight later to finish sixth in the Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m). “He was out of form for three or four starts, and it was good to see him back,” trainer Robbie Patterson said. “When we went to the Mufhasa, that was nearly D-Day if he didn’t do something, and he went a blinder, so he got a reprieve. “He is still looking for gaps in his last race. He has only got to bring that form on Saturday to be competitive.” Puntura will be ridden by Craig Grylls, who partnered with him in last year’s running, which kicked off a memorable day for Patterson. “It was a big thrill (to win the Thorndon Mile), and we won the Wellington Cup (Group 3, 3200m) three-quarters of an hour later, so it was a pretty fantastic day,” he said. Patterson is pleased with Puntura heading into the weekend, where he will be ridden cold from barrier five. “The horse is very well, he has done well since his last run, so fingers-crossed,” he said. “It has taken us seven years to work him out, but you have just got to ride him cold and he will be finishing it off.” Horse racing news View the full article
  22. What Ascot races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 12:26pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Miss Andretti Stakes will headline the nine-race card at Ascot this Saturday afternoon. With perfect weather forecast in the lead-up and during the meeting, the track is expected to stay in the Good 4 rating that was posted at acceptances. The rail will move back into its true position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 12:26pm AWST. Miss Andretti Stakes tip: Twain’s Angel Twain’s Angel was very unlucky when she finished second behind Keep Attacking in a Benchmark 72+ Handicap over 1200m last start. The Sean & Jake Casey-trained mare was travelling nicely into the home straight but was strung up behind a wall of runners at the 300m mark. The daughter of Toronado had to switch back to the inside, and she flashed home to just miss in a close finish. With a better run and more luck, Twain’s Angel can go one better in the feature. Miss Andretti Stakes Race 8 – #8 Twain’s Angel (1) 4yo Mare | T: Sean & Jake Casey | J: Madi Derrick (54kg) +400 with Dabble Best Bet at Ascot: Papavero Princess Papavero Princess has been impressive in each of her three straight wins this preparation, and her last-start victory over 1400m at Pinjarra was one of her best. The Summer Dickson-prepared mare will rise in grade slightly, but that will be offset by her carrying less weight. From barrier one, Steven Parnham can settle in the box seat behind the speed, and with even luck, Papavero Princess will prove too good for this small field. Best Bet Race 1 – #4 Papavero Princess (1) 5yo Mare | T: Summer Dickson | J: Steven Parnham (55kg) +120 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Citino After struggling to run down a leader that got everything his own way in front last start, Citino will be on the quick backup this Saturday. The Michael Grantham-trained gelding settled behind the leading duo and was given a perfect ride by Steven Parnham; however, the speed was sedate, and the leader gave a big kick on the home turn. Now that he rises to 1800m at peak fitness fourth-up, expect Citino to put his run of outs behind him with a good victory. Next Best Race 7 – #3 Citino (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael Grantham | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (55.5kg) +380 with PlayUp Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 5-6-7 2-3-5-7 6-7-8 1-2-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
  23. What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 2:37pm ACST Visit Dabble There might be only 34 horses on deck, but it won’t be an easy day for punters when the Darwin Turf Club hosts its five-race program on Saturday afternoon. Heat 7 of the Wet Season Series takes place before the $40,000 Final on Australia Day, and there’s Heat 2 of the Summer Sprint Series. Over 130mm of rain has fallen in the Top End since Monday, but come Saturday the showers are tipped to ease with a top temperature of 34C. The rail will be in the true position, and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface. Best Bet at Darwin: Rhesus Rhesus, who won a 1200m maiden on his Darwin debut in June, was a late scratching last Saturday. On December 14, the four-year-old gelding was a distant third over 1300m at 0-58 level after missing the start and travelling wide throughout. In seven NT starts, the son of Lonhro has finished in the top three on six occasions. Rhesus, third in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) and sixth in the NT Derby (2050m) last July, suffered two narrow defeats in November after returning from a four-month spell. At his best, Rhesus should account for his rivals in the penultimate event. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Rhesus (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Wayne Davis (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Darwin: Queen In The North Queen In The North has struck form and will be aiming to make it three wins in succession. The five-year-old mare, who finished second on four straight occasions from December 2023-February 2024, had 12 starts in the Top End before finally tasting success. A first-up fourth over 1200m in Class 2 in November was followed by two wins over 1300m at 0-58 level in December and on January 4 with the daughter of Headwater settling midfield before producing strong finishing bursts over the final 200m. A repeat effort should see Queen In The North salute again. Next Best Race 2 – #5 Queen In The North (5) 5yo Mare | T: Tom Logan | J: Sonja Logan (57kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Darwin: Ny Kee Ny Kee has done little wrong since winning a 1200m maiden on her NT debut in September. That was followed by a second over 1200m and a fifth over 1000m at Class 2 level. The four-year-old mare was solid when second to the fast-finishing Hachiman over 1100m in October and then stormed home to win over 1000m on December 6 in 0-58 grade. Back to Class 2 on December 14 over 1100m, the daughter of Merchant Navy was slow away and last at the 400m before powering home late for third. Best Value Race 5 – #1 Ny Kee (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Wayne Davis (60kg) Bet with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Darwin Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 3-4-5 1-2-4-5-6 1-2-7 1-2-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
  24. What 2025 Magic Millions Raceday Where Gold Coast Turf Club – Racecourse Drive, Bundall QLD 4217 When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 12:30pm AEST Visit Dabble The 2025 Magic Millions Raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club will feature a 10-race card this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, and with rain forecast on each of the days leading up to the meeting, the track will remain in the Soft range. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race set to jump at 12:30pm AEST. Race 1: Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1100m) General Boom has been impressive in two barrier trial victories in readiness for his first-up start on Saturday afternoon. The Tony Gollan-trained gelding is a lightly raced five-year-old who has not finished outside the placings in both of his career starts. With the speed he showed in his trial wins over 1000m, expect Mark Zahra to push forward, settle on speed and run the race to suit General Boom. Selections: 1 GENERAL BOOM 9 KING OF DRAGONS 11 SHALAA GOLD 5 CAPITALEX Race 2: Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) In what will be his third attempt at winning the Country Cup, King Gutho will head to the Gold Coast to try and better his two third-place finishes in 2021 and 2023. The Joe Cleary-trained gelding has a booming finish, and even though he failed to beat a runner home over 1000m at Moruya last start, a rise to 1200m will suit him much better. Tommy Berry can settle closer to the speed from barrier seven, and if he gets the breaks, King Gutho can finally claim victory in the Magic Millions Country Cup. Selections: 5 KING GUTHO 7 SLIPPIN’ JIMMY 4 LOST HIS BEANS 6 QUADE Best Value Race 2 – #5 King Gutho (7) 6yo Gelding | T: Joe Cleary | J: Tommy Berry (57.5kg) +1800 with BlondeBet Race 3: Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Plate (1000m) Steel Knight looked to be the most race-ready runner in The Debut, following his dominant 3.8-length barrier trial victory at this track on December 31. The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-prepared colt showed an impressive turn of foot to sprint away from his rivals and cruise over the line. From barrier 10, Chad Schofield will push forward to settle in the first four on Steel Knight before lifting the ante on the home turn to sprint clear in the final 300m. Selections: 1 STEEL KNIGHT 9 DARN HOT LADY 2 AMOSU 10 SAYTARA Race 4: Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) Following two impressive wins over 2000m at Eagle Farm and Rosehill, Belvedere Boys appears to be one of the better bets on Magic Millions Raceday. The son of Maurice has shown a good ability to make up ground in the final 600m and run away with the victory. Matthew Dunn has engaged Blake Shinn for the ride, and if Shinn can settle this talented stayer in the middle of the pack with cover, Belvedere Boys can bring up the hat-trick. Selections: 5 BELVEDERE BOYS 4 MISS JOELENE 11 ENCODER 6 TANHAUSER Best Bet Race 4 – #5 Belvedere Boys (12) 5yo Gelding | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Blake Shinn (56kg) +320 with Neds Race 5: Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) It is hard to go past the Kris Lees-trained Bubba’s Bay in the Fillies & Mares contest after she claimed her fourth win in five starts in the Listed Nudgee Stakes. The daughter of Cable Bay has been racing in career-best form this preparation, and her tough victory in the Nudgee Stakes showed how well she is going. With only one other speed influence engaged in the race, Andrew Mallyon can settle Bubba’s Bay outside the leader, go for home at the 400m mark, and get her rivals chasing. Selections: 5 BUBBA’S BAY 1 REVOLUTOINARY MISS 6 MISS ROUMBINI 13 LEFT FIELD Race 6: Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) Ciaron Maher and Damian Lane will combine with Semana who will be returning from a 13-week spell with only one barrier trial under her belt. The daughter of Winning Rupert is a multiple Group 1 placegetter, and even though her best performances have come over 1400m or further, she has two wins and two placings from four starts at 1200m. From barrier four, Semana will receive the run of the race, and if she can sprint with the leaders, she will prove hard to hold out late. Selections: 5 SEMANA 6 HARD TO SAY 3 STEADY READY 8 HEDGED Race 7: Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) The Magic Millions 2YO Classic will feature 16 runners in 2025, and of those runners, the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans-trained Invincible Woman has opened as the $5.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. Read HorseBetting.com.au’s free betting preview and tips for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic here. Race 8: Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) The second of the feature races will be the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, and a full field of 18 runners is expected to clash in the 1400m contest. Much like the 2YO Classic, the 3YO Guineas betting market is an open one, with the Ciaron Maher-trained Snitzanova opening as the $5.50 favourite with Picklebet. Read HorseBetting.com.au’s free betting preview and tips for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas here. Race 9: Magic Millions Cup (1400m) Abounding will return to the Gold Coast for the first time since winning the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in 2024. The Robert Heathcote-trained mare was impressive when winning her first-up start over 1200m at Doomben before a torrid run in the Listed Nudgee Stakes. Although the daughter of Rich Enuff travelled three-wide for the entire trip, she still battled on gamely to finish sixth. Martin Harley will settle her worse than midfield with cover, and if she lets down like she did first-up, Abounding can bounce back. Selections: 2 ABOUNDING 6 CHARM STONE 19 REDFORD 13 ARTS OBJECT Magic Millions Cup Race 9 – #2 Abounding (14) 4yo Mare | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Martin Harley (57.5kg) +1000 with Boombet Race 10: Magic Millions QTIS Open (1300m) Rex Lipp has Cifrado firing on all cylinders this campaign, as the four-year-old gelding is yet to miss the placings from four starts, including his win in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes. The son of Encryption enjoys all surfaces, and it is expected that he will appreciate a drop back in distance from 1400m to 1300m for this contest. After drawing barrier four, Cifrado will receive a much better run than his main market rivals, which will prove pivotal to his winning chances. Selections: 2 CIFRADO 6 BOOM TORQUE 3 HIDDEN WEALTH 15 BUSTING Next Best Race 10 – #2 Cifrado (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Rex Lipp | J: Boris Thornton (58kg) +500 with Playup Gold Coast quaddie tips for the Magic Millions Day Gold Coast quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 2-6-9-10-17 1-6-13-14-18 2-5-6-19 2-3-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
  25. What Flemington Races Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 12:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Group racing returns to Flemington on Saturday afternoon, where the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) headlines a competitive 10-race meeting. A summer scorcher is forecast for Melbourne on Saturday, with a top of 33 degrees forecast, and with similar conditions in the lead up to the meeting, the Good 4 track rating will likely see an upgrade to a Good 3 at some point. The rail will be out 4m the entire circuit, with action commencing at 12:20pm AEDT. Standish Handicap Tip: It’sourtime It’sourtime finished second in the Standish Handicap three years ago, and in the 2025 edition, he looks well-placed to go one better. The seven-year-old gelding simply settled too far back in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield Heath last time out when running on strongly to be beaten a length, and considering he brings some genuine Group 1 form lines to this, he is sure to take some beating. With Joyful Fortune set to make this a genuinely run affair, the race sets up perfectly for It’sourtime to absorb the pressure at the rear of the field and be charging down the grandstand side late on. Standish Handicap Race 8 – #4 It’sourtime (10) 7yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Billy Egan (58kg) +600 with Picklebet Best Bet at Flemington: New York Lustre New York Lustre deadset smacked her rivals first-up from a five-month spell, and as she comes to Flemington for the first time, she looks like the good thing on the card. Enver Jusufovic’s mare settled outside lead at Seymour and went on to score by over five lengths and having drawn barrier nine under Jamie Kah, she looks to gain a similar run on Saturday. This field lacks a lot of depth, so if New York Lustre is anywhere near her best, the $2 quote with Neds looks about the right price. Best Bet Race 5 – #5 New York Lustre (9) 5yo Mare | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Jamie Kah (56kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Flemington: Xarpo Xarpo could not have been more impressive when winning at Cranbourne two starts ago by five-lengths and then backed it up with a win at the Flemington 1400m on January 1. The three-year-old filly was given a perfect steer when stalking the leaders throughout at her first look at the track, and from barrier seven, Ryan Houston should be able to slot into a similar position. With Houston’s 3kg claim getting her in with 56.5kg, Xarpo looks well-placed to continue her winning run. Next Best Race 1 – #3 Xarpo (7) 3yo Filly | T: Simon Zahra | J: Ryan Houston (a3) (59.5kg) +190 with BlondeBet Best Value at Flemington: Delta Sky Delta Sky is chasing a fourth straight win, and despite not winning by big margins, the five-year-old mare clearly has a strong will to win. She strung together consecutive wins at Geelong before a convincing Moonee Valley triumph. Rose Hammond will look to hold a midfield position from barrier eight, and if the pair can land in the moving line with cover, Delta Sky possess a strong finish. Rose Hammond’s 3kg claim will ensure she is fighting out the finish at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #7 Delta Sky (8) 5yo Mare | T: Lee & Shannon Hope | J: Rose Hammond (a3) (56kg) +800 with Playup Saturday’s quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 4-5-8-13-15 3-4-5 4-8-10-11 3-9-10-16-18 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
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