Wandering Eyes

The Gold Coast is set to shimmer this Saturday as the richest race of the Australian summer, the 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic, takes center stage. A field of 16 promising juveniles will vie for a share of the $3 million prize money over the 1200m distance. Invincible Woman, trained by the duo of Lloyd […] The post Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2025 Betting & Field: Invincible Woman Leads the Charge appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Sale Races Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Thursday, January 9, 2025 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Horse racing in Victoria heads to the Sale Turf Club on Thursday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting is set down for decision. With clear skies on the forecast, the track is expected to remain a Good 4 throughout the day, with the rail sticking in its true position the entire circuit. The first race at Sale is set to jump at 1:30pm local time. Best Bet at Sale: Porter Porter always seems like he is about to take the step to the next level but fails to do so, but he gets his chance to begin that climb once again. The son of So You Think was overhauled late at Werribee last time out, but his dominant all-the-way triumph at Seymour the start prior was quite impressive. He does his best work on Good ground, so he will appreciate the firmer going on Thursday, and it looks like he will be able to take up the running over 1400m. With a cheap sectional or two out in front, Porter will be saluting. Best Bet Race 7 – #1 Porter (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Blake Shinn (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sale: The Viking The Viking could not have been any more impressive on debut over 1100m at this track, and stepping up to the 1200m looks ideal for the son of Written Tycoon. Having settled just off the speed, the Lindsay Park-trained sprinter justified his $1.60 favouritism with BlondeBet to score by 1.3 lengths when running away from his rivals. Blake Shinn should have The Viking in a stalking position throughout, and if this bloke can replicate what he produced on debut, he will not be for catching. Next Best Race 8 – #6 The Viking (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (58kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sale: Peace Baby Despite hardly firing a shot first-up from a spell, the Robbie Griffiths-trained Peace Baby presents great each-way value with horse racing bookmakers stepping up to the 1100m. The three-year-old gelding was easily headed over 1000m when settling up on speed but kept offering something under a ride to suggest he would be worth following. Jamie Mott will go forward on the son of Exceedance from barrier 14, and as long as the pair do not get caught wide throughout, Peace Baby can give this a shake at a nice price. Best Value Race 2 – #6 Peace Baby (14) 3yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths | J: Jamie Mott (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Thursday quaddie tips for Sale Sale quadrella selections Thursday, January 9, 2025 1-2-4 2-3-4-6 1-3 2-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Pearl Of Alsace will contest the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Well-performed mare Pride Of Alsace will have conditions to suit on Saturday in her quest to add a major title to her CV before the curtain comes down on her career. The daughter of Tavistock will return to her favourite course to contest the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham where previous visits have been rewarded with three wins, including success in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). “She has been served by Proisir and we’re waiting to see if she is in foal,” said Shaune Ritchie, who trains the six-year-old with Colm Murray for breeder-owner Sir Peter Vela. “If she is, she’ll only have a couple more runs and she is Group One placed and a Group winner so there’s only one mountain left to climb. “If she can nail a Group One then that would be fantastic. We’re starting to run out of opportunities, and this is without doubt the best she’s had.” Pearl Of Alsace has also pleased both of her trainers and raceday rider Michael McNab in her build-up. “Her trial at Tauranga before the first race the other day was as good as you’re going to get from her,” Ritchie said. “She was hard held in third and McNab got off and said that’s the best she’s trialled, so we seem to have her in the right order for the right conditions. “She doesn’t seem to let down quite the same on the firmer tracks in summer so with it being a Slow 7 there’ll certainly be some give in the ground. “She has a great record both at the mile and at Trentham and dropping down to 53kg is going to be advantageous as well. She comes into the race really nicely.” Pride Of Alsace’s only miss on the track came at her most recent appearance when sixth in the Group 1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m). “She got within range and then lugged in, she hung in a little bit when she would normally quicken and just felt the ground,” Ritchie said. “There were no muscle problems post that, but she’s just not the same when the tracks are hard.” Horse racing news View the full article

Training milestones, a Kiwi-bred creating a big impression across the Tasman, and a $2m earner all feature in this week’s News Briefs. First solo training win for Kelly After having five training wins in partnership with his father Paul, Gore trainer Shayne Kelly had his first win on his own account when Angus Finn won the Combined Sponsors Mobile Pace at Roxburgh last Saturday. Driven by Nathan Williamson, the four-year-old gelding was having his ninth race day start. For Kelly, an area manager for Fonterra and sheep farmer, it was his first solo win in 36 starts since 2017. He has also had 30 wins as a driver, his most recent being Marilyn Monroe at Gore in 2002. Stuart hits 300 Andrew Stuart’s first winner for 2025 saw him bring up his 300th training success. Driven by Robbie Close ,Timbimboo brought up the milestone with a one length win in the Alexandra Four Square/ Harness Racing Unhinged Mobile Pace at Omakau on January 2. The Loburn-based trainer’s first win was with Free Shaver at Addington in 1998. His best season wins-wise was the 20 he had in the 2019 season. Miki Pins going for five straight As dual New Zealand Cup hero Swayzee prepares to go bush for his next race, trainer Jason Grimson has his sights set on another country feature. Exciting new stable addition, Kiwi-bred gelding Miki Pins, will step into open class for the first time in Saturday night’s $50,000 Group 3 Shepparton Gold Cup at 10.37pm NZT. Bred by Gore’s Terry and Dawn McPherson, the five-year-old son of Always B Miki has created a huge impression winning all four starts since joining Grimson’s Menangle barn. As well as having to overcome a back row draw (gate 11) Miki Pins will be against proven classy performers in Tact McLeod (three), Rock N Roll Doo (nine) and Cantfindabettorman (13). “I’m sure he’ll be very competitive. The back row isn’t ideal, but he’s the sort of horse I can make a move on and put into the race, so that helps,” driver Jack Callaghan says. Unraced in this country, Miki Pins has won eight of 18 starts in Australia. Back to Swayzee, and Grimson will go straight to the third leg of the NSW Carnival of Cups at Tamworth on Friday week as his connections chase a five-win $1m bonus. $2m in earnings How’s this for success and longevity? In North America 13-year-old gelding JL Cruze became a $2m earner with a third at Bally’s Dover in Delaware on New Year’s Eve. A one-time performer on the Grand Circuit JL Cruze was the 2015 Dan Patch award winner for best older male trotter. He has now had 248 starts and 78 wins. A ceremony was held in the winner’s circle after the race to recognise him becoming a harness racing double millionaire. Change to parade at Karaka A minor change has been confirmed for the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales. Around 340 yearlings will go under the hammer at Karaka on Saturday, February 15 and at Christchurch on Tuesday, February 18. Selling at the Auckland session will start from 1pm with the official parade at Karaka now taking place place at the earlier time of 10am on Friday, February 14 at the request of major vendors. Inspections at Christchurch take place on Sunday, February 16 and Monday, February 17 February at Canterbury Agricultural Park while selling begins on Tuesday 18 February from 11am. For more information click here Monte Trot at Cambridge The Haras des Trotteurs Monte Trot will be held at Cambridge Raceway on January 17. The race will be a 1700 metre stand and be held later in the program to allow horses to both race and take part in the non-tote Monte. Monte is a form of trot racing where horses are ridden rather than driven and is very popular in Europe. Riders must be licensed with HRNZ or NZTR to compete. For more information contact Jo Ferguson – 021 1443709 or trackchatnz@gmail.com View the full article

Savaglee (inside) winning a star-studded trial at Matamata last month. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Glamour colt Savaglee will commence an exciting summer programme at Trentham on Saturday, taking his place in the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m). The Oaks Stud galloper was undoubtedly the nation’s top three-year-old through the spring, winning the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and his crowning success, the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Savaglee made his first public appearance since his Riccarton success in a stacked Group and Listed trial at Matamata last month, where after powering from the gates, he travelled comfortably and won under little pressure for regular hoop Sam Spratt. The impressive display further instilled horse racing bookmakers‘ confidence in Savaglee, installing him an odds-on favourite at $1.70 for Saturday’s age-group feature, a race his trainer Pam Gerard is hoping will be a springboard to bigger targets. “We’ve just kept him ticking over nicely, building up fitness and trying to have him in the best condition that we can,” she said. “It’s not our final race for the season so he’s pretty well, he’s carrying a little bit of excess condition but we’re pretty happy with where he’s at. “At the 1400, there just wasn’t anything else available, and it was going to be this race or the Telegraph (Group 1, 1200m). We didn’t really want to take on the older horses at 1200m, then he’d carry a lot of weight in races like the Almanzor (Group 3, 1200m). “It was pretty plain sailing really, it had to be this one.” The colt is a Karaka Yearling Sales purchase and a Kiwi-bred, meaning there are many options at his disposal including the lucrative $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) on January 25, and later in March, the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). As a future stallion prospect, Gerard has indicated Savaglee would be more likely to chase valuable black-type, with the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 8 on the radar. “We’ll know more after this Saturday in how he’s tracking, but at this stage, it’ll be this into the BCD Sprint. After that, hopefully we’ll be on to Australia,” she said. “If not, we’ll see how he looks after Saturday, there’s still the Karaka Millions and the slot race. It’s one race at a time, we don’t have to rush to Australia if we don’t think he’s come back as well as he was. It’s been a big season so far with a lot of cancelations in getting him to Christchurch, so it’s going to catch up with him at some stage.” Horse racing news View the full article

What 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Where Gold Coast Turf Club – Gold Coast, Queensland When Saturday, January 11, 2025 Prizemoney $3,000,000 Distance 1200m Conditions Restricted Listed 2024 winner Storm Boy (9) | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Adam Hyeronimus (57kg) Visit Dabble The Magic Millions 2YO Classic will headline the 10-race card at the Gold Coast Turf Club this Saturday afternoon, with a full field of 16 expected to contest the $3 million feature. There is substantial rain forecast on each of the days leading up to Saturday’s meeting, which will keep the track in the Soft range after being rated as a Soft 5 on Wednesday. Due to the ongoing turf renovations at the Gold Coast, Eagle Farm has been placed on standby to hold the massive Magic Millions meeting should the new turf not be suitable for racing. 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic odds Horse racing bookmakers have opened their Magic Millions 2YO Classic market with only six runners marked under $10. The Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans-trained Invincible Woman leads the betting at $5, slightly ahead of Gallo Nero ($6), who sits on the second line of betting. First emergency, Space Rider, shares the third line of betting with Memo at $7, while Icarian Dream ($8) and La Bella Boom ($8) round out the horses in single figures. 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic speed map The speed for the 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic will be very fast, with the likes of Invincible Woman, The Playwright, Space Rider, and Hi Barbie expected to fight for the lead. Vein Girl, Gallo Nero, Don’tdoubthelady and O’Ole will push forward from inside to middle barriers and settle behind the speed. Meanwhile, Quietly Arrogant, Memo, and Icarian Dream are likely to settle worse than midfield and enjoy the hot tempo. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2025 preview & form With so many speed influences engaged in this year’s edition of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, Icarian Dream will go on top in the 1200m contest. The Ciaron Maher-trained filly was way too good for her rivals in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm last start, as she sailed down the middle of the track and recorded a 1.5-length win. The daughter of Blue Point has been to the races four times so far, with each of her performances showing that she is only getting better with the experience. If Jason Collett can settle Icarian Dream in a good position from barrier 21, she will prove very hard to hold out late. Gallo Nero was very good when taking out a 2YO Handicap at Rosehill last start, and the Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained colt will get the run of the race from barrier five. Invincible Woman and Space Rider have been impressive in their debut victories and must be given a chance if they can finish off after racing on speed. Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 6 ICARIAN DREAM 2 GALLO NERO 10 INVINCIBLE WOMAN 17 SPACE RIDER $100 betting strategy $50 win Icarian Dream (#6) @ +700 with BlondeBet $50 win Gallo Nero (#2) @ +500 with Playup 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Quietly Arrogant Peter Snowden Joshua Parr 16 57kg 2 Gallo Nero Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes Tyler Schiller 5 57kg 3 Secret Sort Donna Stanbridge Vld Duric 2 57kg 4 Luva Flutta Stuart Kendrick James Orman 7 57kg 5 Cool Archie Chris & Corey Munce Martin Harley 20 57kg 6 Icarian Dream Ciaron Maher Jason Collett 21 55kg 7 O’ Ole Bjorn Baker Tommy Berry 3 55kg 8 Vein Girl Chris & Corey Munce Cejay Graham 6 55kg 9 La Bella Boom Tony Gollan Craig Williams 10 55kg 10 Invincible Woman Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Damian Lane 9 55kg 11 Hi Barbie Tony Gollan Tim Clark 14 55kg 12 The Playwright Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 8 55kg 13 Memo Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 1 55kg 14 Formula Rossa Tony Gollan Angela Jones 18 55kg 15 Don’tdoubthelady Clinton Taylor Justin Stanley 17 55kg 16 Forgotten Spirit Scott Morrisey Linda Meech 11 55kg 17 Space Rider (1E) Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Chad Schofield 4 57kg 18 Blitzburg (2E) Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou TBC 19 57kg 19 Earn To Burn (3E) Jack Bruce TBC 12 57kg 20 Lovebug (4E) Wendy Bannerot TBC 13 55kg 21 Insain Lady (5E) Adam & Dallas Simpson TBC 15 55kg Horse racing tips View the full article

Photo provided by X. Travis Bird, 51, has been charged with arson and trespass after allegedly setting fire to Melbourne’s iconic Caulfield Racecourse, causing significant damage to the Norman Robinson Stand. Speaking in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, Mr. Bird, wearing a grey shirt, did not speak but nodded to confirm he understood his remand into custody. Police allege Mr. Bird ignited four fires across Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs on Tuesday morning, beginning with the blaze at Caulfield Racecourse at 6:20 am. The fire tore through the historic stand, severely damaging its wooden structure and the adjacent 1876 bar. Fire Rescue Victoria commander Dennis Smith noted that while the fire caused extensive damage, it was swiftly contained. “This had a lot of potential to extend and be a much more significant fire and really impact the racecourse,” he said. Mr. Bird’s lawyer confirmed he would not seek bail, citing his schizophrenia diagnosis and overdue medication. “His depot injection is overdue,” she told the court. “I ask his mental health be monitored while he is in custody.” The alleged arson spree continued later in the day with small fires reported in Arnott Street, Caulfield, and grassfires near Attenborough Park and the Nepean Highway in Mordialloc around 12:30 pm. Police arrested Mr. Bird at Mordialloc railway station shortly after 1:45 p.m. following a report from a member of the public. Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga expressed dismay at the damage but assured the public of the club’s resilience. “We will rebuild the Norman Robinson Stand,” he said. As a result of the incident, Wednesday evening’s twilight races were relocated to Mornington Racecourse. Detective Sergeant Stuart Hough told reporters there was no indication Mr. Bird had any connection to the racing industry. Mr. Bird faces nine charges, including four counts of arson, two counts of trespass, and single counts of burglary, criminal damage, and theft. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on April 1. Horse racing news View the full article

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is excited to announce a transformative partnership with 1/ST, the premier North American Thoroughbred racing, gaming and entertainment company. Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST is a leader in modernizing horse racing by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality and lifestyle experiences. As leaders of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment events, 1/ST is also committed to advancing racing’s global profile through cutting-edge technology and international collaboration. This partnership brings a unique opportunity to connect three prestigious racedays: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day (March 8), alongside 1/ST’s Pegasus World Cup (January 25) and California Crown (September 27). This collaboration will introduce “Golden Ticket” pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races including: From the Pegasus World Cup (25 January 2025) to Champions Day (8 March 2025): The US$500,000 Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner earns entry to the NZ$600,000 Group 1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). The US$1,000,000 Group 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner gains entry to the NZ$1,000,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). From Champions Day (8 March 2025) to California Crown (27 September 2025): The NZ$500,000 Rich Hill Stud Champion Middle Distance Series winner earns entry to the US$750,000 Group 1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m). The NZ$500,000 Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series winner earns entry to the US$750,000 Group 2 California Crown US$750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m). To further enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries. “This partnership marks an exciting milestone in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage,” commented Chief Operating Officer of NZTR, Darin Balcombe. “The Golden Ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.” Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: “This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our commitment to elevating Thoroughbred racing globally. By linking these iconic racedays and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.” Lachlan Fitt, Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operators of the NZ TAB, also welcomed the announcement: “Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this exciting outcome. The partnership will continue the opportunity for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing participants to consider. And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brands, we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.” This partnership paves the way for significant growth in Thoroughbred racing across both regions, with both NZTR and 1/ST excited to build on this promising foundation moving forward. For more information about the partnership and Golden Ticket races, contact NZTR’s Head Handicapper Bruce Sherwin by emailing Bruce.Sherwin@nztr.co.nz. About The Stronach Group and 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment and real estate development company with Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The Stronach Group’s 1/ST business (pronounced “First”) is North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company and includes the 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY and 1/ST EXPERIENCE businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); Laurel Park, The Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing on and off the track. The Stronach Group’s TSG Properties is responsible for the development of the company’s live, play and work communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). For more information, visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. View the full article

Glamour colt Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) will commence an exciting summer programme at Trentham on Saturday, taking his place in the Gr.2 Top Kat Roofing Levin Classic (1400m). The Oaks Stud galloper was undoubtedly the nation’s top three-year-old through the spring, winning the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and his crowning success, the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Savaglee made his first public appearance since his Riccarton success in a stacked Group and Listed trial at Matamata last month, where after powering from the gates, he travelled comfortably and won under little pressure for regular hoop Sam Spratt. The impressive display further instilled the TAB bookmakers’ confidence in Savaglee, installing him an odds-on favourite at $1.70 for Saturday’s age-group feature, a race his trainer Pam Gerard is hoping will be a springboard to bigger targets. “We’ve just kept him ticking over nicely, building up fitness and trying to have him in the best condition that we can,” she said. “It’s not our final race for the season so he’s pretty well, he’s carrying a little bit of excess condition but we’re pretty happy with where he’s at. “At the 1400, there just wasn’t anything else available, and it was going to be this race or the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m). We didn’t really want to take on the older horses at 1200m, then he’d carry a lot of weight in races like the Almanzor (Gr.3, 1200m). “It was pretty plain sailing really, it had to be this one.” The colt is a Karaka Yearling Sales purchase and a Kiwi-bred, meaning there are many options at his disposal including the lucrative $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) on January 25, and later in March, the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). 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. “We’ll know more after this Saturday in how he’s tracking, but at this stage, it’ll be this into the BCD Sprint. After that, hopefully we’ll be on to Australia,” she said. “If not, we’ll see how he looks after Saturday, there’s still the Karaka Millions and the slot race. It’s one race at a time, we don’t have to rush to Australia if we don’t think he’s come back as well as he was. It’s been a big season so far with a lot of cancelations in getting him to Christchurch, so it’s going to catch up with him at some stage.” The son of Savabeel will be joined in the Levin Classic by his talented stablemate Suit Yourself, who has a different path going forward into the autumn. A colt by Savile Row, Suit Yourself made his presence felt early in the spring with two victories on the bounce, and after a short spell, he returned on Boxing Day at Ellerslie to finish a creditable fourth in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m). “He’s taking a Derby path and we wanted to give him a good look around Ellerslie,” Gerard said. “1400 is probably a bit shorter than what he needs, but it was good to get him out there and I thought he ran really well. “He was probably a bit handier than we are used to having him, but it was just the way the race was run. “We’re just getting the miles in his legs on the way to the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) really.” View the full article

Progressive stayer Myla (NZ) (Swiss Ace) has hit a purple patch of form this summer, putting together a winning streak that trainers Moira and Kieran Murdoch hope she can extend in Friday’s Ray White Greerton (2100m) at Tauranga. The daughter of Swiss Ace doubled her winning tally this term when going back-to-back at Rotorua and Te Rapa, the latter a dominant performance defeating subsequent Taupo Cup (2000m) winner Doddle and Thames Cup (1600m) runner-up Maldini. “It was an excellent run at Te Rapa, she really made it an easy watch because she went to the line so well, and backing up her win from before that,” Kieran Murdoch said. “We were really thrilled.” Doddle is among the mare’s seven rivals in the open contest, where she will continue her association with jockey Jasmine Fawcett. “She deserves to be there on Friday, I think she’s nicely placed in the field,” Murdoch said. “She’s always shown a good turn of foot even at the lesser distances, she’s never disappointed and has always been a handy racehorse. Age has been on her side too, she’s going really well.” The Murdochs have put in an early nomination for Myla in the Gr.2 Barfoot and Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m), to be run on Champions Day at Ellerslie (March 8). Later in the week, the Pukekohe trainers will head up to Ellerslie with a pair of runners, including Group Two winner Shamus, who will benefit from the presence of another highly-rated galloper in Orchestral in the Open 1400m contest. “He’s going well, he’s quite hard to place because he gets so punished in the weights,” Murdoch said. “He struck a couple of wet tracks which hasn’t been in his favour at all, so we thought we’d go here for the 1400 and hopefully open up some options for him later in the season. “He’s really well and we’re very happy with him.” Debutant Reikova will also step out at the races for the first time at the meeting, after recording a placing and a fourth in two trial appearances. “She’s a really nice filly kicking off at this point,” Murdoch said. “We do think a lot of her, so hopefully she enjoys her day out and has a nice first experience.” View the full article

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association both believe decoupling is detrimental to Florida's racing and breeding industries. View the full article

A colt born at Ramiro Salazar's Phoenix Farm and Racing near Georgetown, Kentucky is the first reported foal for Horse of the Year and Darley stallion Cody's Wish (Curlin–Dance Card, by Tapit). Bred by Frederick & May Construction, the colt made his way into the world Monday, Jan. 6. He is out of three-time graded winner Hotshot Anna (Trappe Shot), a seven-time black-type winner who earned just over $975,000. Frederick & May Construction purchased the mare for $400,000 at the 2022 Keeneland November sale. Cody's Wish, winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile in both 2022 and 2023, also captured the GI Met Mile, GI Forego Stakes, and GI Churchill Downs Stakes among his 11 career victories. He was named both Horse of the Year and champion older dirt male in 2023. Cody's Wish is slated to stand the 2025 season for $65,000 at Darley near Lexington. The post First Foal for Cody’s Wish is a Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kieffers Company's Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) was named the 2024 Japanese Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced on Tuesday. The formal 2024 JRA Awards Ceremony will be held in a hotel in Tokyo at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27. The Yasuo Tomomichi trainee was poised for a big 2024 and duly delivered victories in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and the G1 Japan Cup in October and November, respectfully. He received 236 of the 256 possible votes for Horse of the Year, and all 256 for Champion Older Male. A Group 1 winner at two, three, four and five, he was the recipient of the Japanese 2-Year-Old Male award in 2021, and also won the 2022 G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). In one of the most contested categories, Danox Company's Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) eked out the Champion 3-Year-Old Male title with 144 votes to Forever Young's 103. Shogo Yasuda trained the chestnut to win the coveted Tokyo Yushun last year, as well as the G3 Keisei Hai earlier in his campaign. Bred by Shadai Farm, he was an honourable third in the G1 Arima Kinen in December. Globetrotter and dirt Group 1 winner Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), although not formally recognised with a championship, received a special award from the JRA. Unbeaten through his first five starts at two and three, the son of Forever Darling (Congrats) won the G3 Saudi Derby and the G2 UAE Derby during that streak last spring. Denied by just two noses when third in the GI Kentucky Derby, the Northern Racing-bred colt bounced back with a score in the Listed Japan Dirt Classic in October, before a third in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. He finally attained that rarefied Group 1 crown with a 1 3/4-length tally in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten in the colours of Susumu Fujita for trainer Yoshita Yahagi. Forever Young accrued 19 Horse of the Year votes, and was also runner-up in the voting in two more categories: Champion 3-Year-Old Male and Champion Dirt Horse. Northern Racing-bred and racing in the silks of Sunday Racing Company, the undefeated Croix Du Nord (Jpn) was crowned Champion 2-Year-Old Male. A winner at Tokyo in June, he added the G2 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes in November, prior to running out a two-length winner of the G1 Hopeful Stakes at Nakayama. Like many in this bunch, Cervinia (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) hails from one of the Yoshida family's breeding arms in Northern Farm, and the Champion 3-Year-Old Filly accolade went her way after a two-for-four season. Unplaced in the G1 Japanese 1000 Guineas, the Sunday Racing colourbearer bounced back with tallies in the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and G1 Shuka Sho. She was a good fourth to Do Deuce in the Japan Cup in November. Teruo Ono's Arma Veloce (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) was named the Champion 2-Year-Old Filly after a two-for-three campaign. A maiden winner in August for trainer Hiroyuki Uemura, the Northern Farm-bred dark bay was a nose second in the G3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes, and waltzed home a 1 1/4-length winner of the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies to gain year-end honours. Incidentally, Harbinger is also the sire of the 2024 Japanese Champion Steeplechaser Nishino Daisy (Jpn). Stunning Rose (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), who races for Sunday Racing, won once in five starts, but her victory in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup was good enough to be named the Champion Older Female. Another bred by Northern Farm, the daughter of Rosa Blanca (Jpn) (Kurofune) was trained by Tomokazu Takano. Tatsue Ishikawa's Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) is the 2024 Champion Miler. Never out of the first three in five starts last term, the Shimokobe Farm-bred did take the G1 Mile Championship, and he was runner-up in the G1 Hong Kong Mile in November and December, respectively. Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) was runner-up in this voting category. The former received 182 votes to Romantic Warrior's 66. Among the speedballs, Lugal (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) got the nod for Champion Sprinter on the back of victories in the G3 Silk Road Stakes last January, and in the G1 Sprinters Stakes in September. Bred by Mishima Bokujo, the dark bay represents Yoshimasa Ema. Already Japanese Champion Dirt Horse in 2023, Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) earned that accolade again in 2024 for Godolphin and trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka. Unplaced in the G1 Saudi Cup in February, the then-6-year-old won a pair of listed races back on home soil, before doubling up in the G1 Champions Cup, a race he won in 2023. Bred by Olly and Amber Tait, he earned one vote for Horse of the Year. The post Do Deuce Leads Japanese Champions With Horse Of The Year, Older Male Titles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Jan. 1-Jan. 5View the full article

7th-GP, $94K, Msw, 3yo, f, 5 1/2f (AWT), 3:32 p.m. ET MISCHIEF IN MOTION (Into Mischief) will make her debut for Live Oak Plantation and trainer Mike Trombetta after bringing $525,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. The 9-5 morning-line favorite is drawn widest of all in post seven and will be ridden by Javier Castellano. The bay hails from the female family of champion Covfefe (Into Mischief) and GISWs Acoma (Empire Maker) and Arch (Kris S.). TJCIS PPS The post Wednesday’s Racing Insights: $525k Into Mischief Filly Debuts Over All-Weather at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Bettor Be Sharp will be gunning for a hat-trick of wins at Timaru today. Ashburton trainer and driver Gerard O’Reilly has just the one runner engaged at the Phar Lap Raceway, with the six-year-old Bettors Delight gelding in great form after successes at Addington and Banks Peninsula. Drawn the only runner on the second line over 2600m in Race 6, the Night’N Day Park Timaru Mobile for junior drivers Bettor Be Sharp will be driven by in-form driver Gemma Thornley. “He’s come through his last run very nicely,” said O’Reilly. “He’s been working along good too. ” In what looks to be a speedy front line, Bettor Be Sharp may be biding his time over the longer distance which he has won once from 11 attempts. “He races so consistently.” “We’re just hoping for more of the same he does every start. He will need a bit of luck from the second row.” Bettor Be Sharp is currently paying $9.00FF while the favoured runners are Tokyo Rose $2.60FF, Gatecrasher $5.00FF and the Bruce Negus pair Quinn $5.00FF and Katherine $6.50FF. Though O’Reilly does not drive his runner Bettor Be Sharp, he is engaged to drive six runners on the card including two for trainer Michael Heenan that look solid each way chances. In Race 1, the Brosnan Transport LTD Trot Monaro Meg ($6.50FF) will be looking to break her maidens at start number 26 third up this campaign. While Heenan’s other runner Troubleshooter ($5.50FF) in Race 3, the Fire & Safety Training (Fast) pace over 2600m looks a strong chance after a big performance for second at Banks Peninsula on December 29. O’Reilly’s other drives come in Race 4 Itz All Fired Up (Simon Adlam), Race 7 Ultimate Counsel (Nigel Perkins), Race 8 Emma Swan (Tracey Healy) and Race 10 Hilda Maud (Angela Washington). Gemma Thornley has just one other drive on the programme, last start winner Lotus Franco in Race 9 for trainer Steven McRae. Racing commences at 3.29pm. View the full article

There are six horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, January 8. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Mornington, Warwick Farm and Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – January 8, 2025 Mornington Racing Tips Warwick Farm Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top horse racing bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 8, 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

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Five stakes worth a combined $775,000 spotlight California-bred racing Jan. 11 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Clipper Logistics' Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a winner of the Listed Golden Rose Stakes last out, has, for now at least, been ruled out of a trip to Dubai, according to trainer Karl Burke. Both the G2 Duke Of York and the G2 Temple Stakes in May are local options for the 4-year-old. A winner of his first two trips to the post last year, Night Raider was tried in the G1 2000 Guineas, but ran unplaced, and the result was the same in the G3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. Given a break, the dark bay resumed with a fifth in a Newmarket listed race last summer, and has won his two latest starts, a conditions stakes at Kempton in October, and the aforementioned listed race at Newcastle in November. Burke said, “He was a horse that could have gone out to Dubai, but the owners have decided against it. There's pros and cons for going out there obviously, but he's never run on fast ground on turf so he would have had a chance to do that and there were listed and group races for him. “If he didn't go out there there's nothing for him on the all-weather because the Finals Day races are nearly all handicaps now and we're not going to do that as he's rated 111 and we're hoping to make him into a stallion.” There is still a chance for a foreign foray, with Dubai World Cup night in April given as an option for the sprinter. “We'll probably have to wait for either the Duke of York or the Temple Stakes, unless I can persuade Steve [Parkin] to go out to Dubai for World Cup night or something, we'll see,” added Burke. The post Trip To Dubai Unlikely For Night Raider appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In support of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, the Continuing Stallion Auction kicks off Friday, Jan. 10 before concluding Jan. 15. The online auction offers seasons to 30 Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses, all CHRHF inductees or have Hall of Fame horses in their pedigrees. Among the stallions represented, Ami's Flatter, Bond Street, Connect, Medallist, Mystic Guide, Reload, Shirl's Speight and Tapiture. For the complete roster of stallions, click here. The post Connect, Mystic Guide Among Sires Represented in CHRHF Stallion Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A man was arrested in relation to a fire at Caulfield on Tuesday that caused extensive damage to the Australian racecourse's facilities. View the full article

Hardwicke Stakes (G2) hero and Bahrain Triple Crown winner Isle Of Jura is firmly on the road to recovery and will be aimed at a return to Royal Ascot in June.View the full article

1/ST Racing's Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (FHBA) have reached an agreement to support changes to Chapter 550 of the existing State Legislation–decoupling regulations–that will enable Gulfstream Park's live racing schedule to become independent of the venue's parimutuel license, it was announced by 1/ST Racing Monday. The basis for the agreement, “unique and designed to address the needs of Florida and consistent with similar gaming entities in the region,” said 1/ST, “allows 1/ST to pursue necessary opportunities for development at Gulfstream Park. The agreement ensures purse revenues are unaffected and provides for additional contributions by Gulfstream Park to horsemen's workers' compensation premiums and meaningful increases to Thoroughbred aftercare efforts in Florida.” House Bill 105 was filed Monday January 6. If passed, tracks could still operate slot machines and card games while they are not running live racing. “As a supporter of the Thoroughbred Horse racing industry, I'm proud to sponsor House Bill 105,” said Representative Adam Anderson. “Gulfstream Park and the horse racing industry are integral to our state's economy and cultural heritage. Gulfstream Park is not just a premier destination for racing; it's a vital part of its local community, agriculture business and state's economy, providing jobs and driving tourism. Florida's horse racing industry is a symbol of excellence and tradition, and I will continue to advocate for policies that ensure its growth and success, securing its future in Florida for generations to come.” “We look forward to the upcoming legislative consideration process and to working in collaboration with Florida (horsemen) and other stakeholders to advocate for the passage of the statutory amendments to Chapter 550 that will provide the necessary foundation to support an economically sensible plan to protect year-round racing at Gulfstream Park,” said Stephen Screnci, President, Racing, 1/ST. “The Florida (horsemen) and 1/ST share an understanding of the issues critical to and facing year-round Thoroughbred racing at Gulfstream Park, and are committed to the same outcome,” said Herb Oster, Executive Director, of the Gulfstream horsemen's group. “By supporting the statutory amendments to Chapter 550 to enable Gulfstream Park's live racing schedule to become independent of the venue's parimutuel license, we are securing a sustainable future for horsemen in Florida that sensibily addresses the challenging economic realities facing the industry.” The post Gulfstream Park And Gulfstream Horsemen’s Group Align To Support Changes To Decoupling Regs In Florida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A man was arrested in relation to a fire at Caulfield on Tuesday that caused extensive damage to racecourse facilities. View the full article