Wandering Eyes

British handler is eager to test progressive galloper against the likes of Wunderbar in Sunday’s Tai Tong Handicap at Sha Tin.View the full article

New Zealand-bred gelding Hemlock Stone defied $81 odds to score a stunning come-from-behind victory in the A$1 million Gr.2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on New Year’s Day. The Dalghar gelding is trained by Grant and Alana Williams for syndicator Belhus Racing, and he was bought for just A$11,000 from Book 2 of the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale. His 21-race career has now produced seven wins, four placings and A$765,990 in stakes. Hemlock Stone was a late starter, beginning his career as a spring four-year-old with a fourth placing over 1300m at Northam in August of 2023. He was a maiden winner at the second time of asking later that month, then added another two wins through the remainder of that campaign. He showed promise as the Williams team increased his distances this season, winning over 1600m at Belmont in August and adding a pair of 2200m victories at Belmont and Ascot in September and November. But his form tapered off with an 11th in a 2100m Rating 66+, fourth in the Listed GA Towton Cup (2200m) and a last-start seventh in the Listed ATA Stakes (2200m) on December 18. Hemlock Stone headed into Wednesday’s time-honoured Ascot feature well under the radar, but none of that mattered when top Perth jockey Patrick Carbery was legged aboard. After settling in second-last among a 15-horse field, Carbery angled Hemlock Stone to the outside and let him rip down the straight. He charged home out wide on the track, bounding to the front in tandem with Diamond Scene at the 100m mark. That pair had the finish all to themselves, with Hemlock Stone overpowering his rival in the last few strides and pulling ahead to win by half a length. “He may have been 80 to one, but he doesn’t know what price he is,” Carbery said. “When I decided to take this ride, I thought that if anyone could get a horse primed for going the long trip on Cup Day, Grant and Alana were the ones to do it. “The horse settled really well for me, which he hasn’t always done in his previous races. I gave him a couple of digs around the 1400m and I knew we were a chance of running right into it. “They came out under him and gave him a couple of bumps coming around the corner, but to his credit, the further he went, the better he went. He hit the line hard and was all grit.” Hemlock Stone delivered a career highlight for Belhus Racing owner Peter Morley. “This is 30 years in the making,” he said. “I’ve lost my voice, so I can’t say too much, but I really can’t tell you how this feels. It’s just the best. “I remember being interviewed when this horse won at Belmont during the winter, and I said that day that we were going to dare to dream of winning the Perth Cup. Here we are today, so how about that? “All of these lovely owners are involved in this horse. They’re a very special crew, and some of these people have been with me for 25 years.” Grant Williams admitted that Hemlock Stone’s heroics took him by surprise. “I actually wanted to put this bloke out, but decided to run him after having a really good chat with Pete,” he said. “Even in my pre-race comments to the owners today, I just told them to be excited that they had a runner in the Perth Cup. I wished them good luck and was just hoping more than anything. “I thought our other horse (Casino Seventeen) was running into the race well, but then I looked and saw Hemlock go straight past him. I went, ‘Wowee!’ “I wasn’t sure if he’d be up to this race today, but in the straight he looked the way he did when he was coming up through the grades. He had a full head of steam. “It’s actually blown me away, but how good is this? It’s an amazing result for Belhus Racing and Pete, who have done so much for Perth racing. It’s so good to see all the people he brings into racing, and there’s a lot of first-time owners in this group.” Hemlock Stone was bred by Neven Botica’s Botsky Pty Ltd and became the fifth stakes winner for his sire Dalghar, who stands for a service fee of just $2,000 at Brighthill Farm. His other stakes winners – Scott Base, Buoyant, Astara and Amusez Moi – all recorded their black-type successes over distances ranging from 1200m to 1600m. The dam of Hemlock Stone is the unraced Savabeel mare Spiritual, who is the dam of two winners from three foals to race. Hemlock Stone’s four-year-old half-sister Ishkur (by Bull Point) is also based in Western Australia and has so far recorded two wins and a placing from a seven-start career. Spiritual produced the once-raced Spiritart (by Flying Artie) in 2021, followed by colts by Time To Reign and Barbaric born in 2022 and 2024 respectively. View the full article

Grey mare Puketiro (NZ) (Savabeel) returned to winning form at Tauranga on Thursday when taking out the Stonewood Homes 1200 in front of a holiday crowd. The five-year-old daughter of Savabeel was tackling the opening event on the eight-race card in a fresh state, having finished unplaced in her resuming run in the Levin Stakes (1200m) at Otaki in November. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson were confident of an improved performance second-up, and Puketiro didn’t disappoint, running down I’m All In to win by a short head, with stablemates Baronet and Not Straight Laced rounding out the top four. “There was good speed and I was happy to sit off them. Once she got clear she let down and won really well,” jockey Craig Grylls said. “Quite often they gain confidence out of winning and hopefully that’s a case with her.” It was Puketiro’s first win since March last year, having undertaken an unsuccessful three run campaign in Melbourne, and her trainers were thrilled to see her return to the winner’s stall for her connections, which include breeders Christopher and Susanna Grace. “It was great to see her return to winning form today,” Walker said. “She does go well on the fresh side and had worked well since her first-up run at Otaki. “It’s always great to train winners for Christopher and Susanna Grace, and their green and gold colours have been carried by some very good horses throughout Australasia. “We’ll keep her on the fresh side and find another suitable race.” It was the sixth win for Puketiro from just 13 career starts, with the mare having now amassed stakes earnings of more than $108,000. View the full article

Progressive three-year-old filly Kitty Flash (NZ) (Ace High) led all the way in the hands of Masa Hashizume to down a talented field of open class gallopers in a special 1100m trial conducted before racing kicked off at Tauranga on Thursday. The daughter of Ace High, who was fresh up after finishing seventh in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November, headed up a three-strong team of runners for Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman, who all pleased their mentor with their runs. Three-year-old staying prospect Hinekaha (NZ) (Savabeel) chased her stablemate hard in the run home to finish second while open class star Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) never left second gear as he made up good ground from last to finish on the tail of Group One placegetter Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) who took third. Forsman indicated that he is likely to tackle the Gr.2 Top Kat Roofing Levin Classic (1400m) at Trentham on 11 January fresh-up with Kitty Flash, a race where she could be joined by Hinekaha in a dual assault on the feature. “I’m not quite sure where we will go until I’ve had a talk to Masa, but the Levin Classic is still on the cards as 1400m in a fresh state will suit,” Forsman said. “Hinekaha is a nice filly on the rise and we will be working towards staying races with her. “She has to resume somewhere in the next few weeks and whether that is in the Levin Classic or the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) at Trentham a week later is a decision that we have to make.” Forsman has the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on the same day as the Levin Classic booked for Aegon, who looked in fine fettle after a short spell following his runner-up finish in the Gr.3 Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie in November. “He (Aegon) is going really well and is on target for the Thorndon Mile on Saturday week,” he said.” Aegon currently sits as a $10 chance in the TAB Fixed Odds market for the Thorndon Mile which is headed up by joint favourites Snazzytavi and La Crique who are both at $6, while Kitty Flash is the $8 second favourite behind Savaglee ($2.80) for the Levin Classic, with Hinekaha sitting at a $12 quote. View the full article

Frostfair (NZ) (Written Tycoon) will be given her first tilt at stakes level later this month after she recorded her third successive win at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day in the Barfoot & Thompson 1400. The four-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon was given a plum trip in the one-one by jockey Warren Kennedy, who presented his charge at the turn, and she was able to run down pacemaker You Say D’Orsay, and evade any incident with the riderless Dame Lilibic, to win by three-quarters of a length. “It is always unfortunate when you get a loose horse in a race, you don’t quite know where to go and they can cross over,” trainer Lance Noble said. “There were a few nervous moments, but she is a very genuine mare and always gives her best. “Warren rode her in track work this week and he was pretty confident.” Bred and raced by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Frostfair has now won four and placed in three of her eights starts and earned more than $170,000 in prizemoney. Noble has taken a patient approach with the large-framed mare, and he has been pleased with her progression. “She is going from strength-to-strength,” he said. “She is just maturing with a bit of age, she is a very big girl. Putting three together is not easy to do, we are very happy.” The Karaka-based horseman believes she will take improvement from the run and is now eyeing the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie on January 25 as her next target. “She had a bit of a break between her last start, so there is a little bit of improvement in her and hopefully she will head to the Westbury Classic on Karaka Millions night,” he said. Frostfair is the second foal out of Commands mare Thames Court, who won the Gr.3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) and placed in the Gr.2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m), Gr.2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic (1600m), Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m), and Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m). View the full article

The emergence of Bourbon Empress (NZ) (Proisir) has gone a long way toward confirming a future plan for Highline Thoroughbreds. The Stephen Marsh-trained daughter of Proisir was bred by Cam and Eva Heron’s Cambridge operation and her victory in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mie (1600m) has all but decided the way forward for the mare’s dam Amiga Mia. “She’s got an Ardrossan colt at foot and we’ve left her empty this year and thought we’d wait and see what happens with Sulabella (NZ) (Proisir), who has won five, and her sister Bourbon Empress,” Cam Heron said. “We thought if either one of those could get black type, which Bourbon Empress has now, then the mare would go back on an early cover next year to Proisir.” Bourbon Empress was purchased by Marsh out of Highline’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $80,000 and she’s now won four of her 10 starts. “Stephen and his team have done a great job with her over the last couple of years,” Heron said. “They have been patient with her and are reaping the rewards now.” Bourbon Empress’ dam Amiga Mia is a daughter of Conatus and the Encosta De Lago mare Amistosa, a half-sister to the Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) winner Saint Minerva. “We bought her at Karaka at the old May Sale, she was an ex-Westbury mare and we got her for $500, it was a good buy and you win some occasionally,” Heron said. “She was in foal to Cecconi and then we left her empty for a couple of years. At that stage, Proisir had arrived in New Zealand, so we sent her to him and the result was Pimlico. “He was a good horse, he was third in a Group Two at Te Rapa (Waikato Guineas, 2000m) and got sold to Hong Kong.” Highline is hoping its breeding success can be followed up in the auction ring with a strong draft headed to the upcoming National Yearling Sale at Karaka. “We’re on the Proisir train and we’ve got a colt out of Tuppence (Lot 373) and a couple of big shot fillies,” Heron said. The son of the champion stallion is from the family of the late, great O’Reilly and the multiple Group One winner and another successful sire in Ocean Park. The first of Highline’s Proisir fillies through the ring will be Lot 113, a half-sister to the Gr.3 The Gong (1600m) and Listed Big Dance (1600m) winner Gringotts, while Lot 440 is a sister to the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) winner Dark Destroyer. “We’ve got a good variety of other stallions with a really nice Too Darn Hot filly (Lot 88) and a Prague filly (Lot 213),” Heron said. We’ve also got top colts by Anders (Lot 303) and Tassort (Lot 1), they are both nice, strong types so we’re really happy with the draft we’ll be taking.” View the full article

What Ascot races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, January 4, 2025 First Race 11:25am AWST Visit Dabble Racing will return to Ascot once again this Saturday afternoon, where a massive 11-race program is scheduled to take place. The track is expected to remain in the Good range with perfect summer weather forecast in the lead-up to the meeting after the surface was rated as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in the +8m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 11:25am AWST. Best Bet at Ascot: Fast Flicker Fast Flicker produced a very good front-running performance at Pinjarra last start, when the Tony Triscari-trained mare was run over by The Boss Lady in the final strides over 1300m. The daughter of A Lot led the small field from the jump until the final 50m, and even though she was beaten, this girl defeated the rest of the field by some margin. With another strong performance in a similar field, Fast Flicker can beat those rivals once again and go one better. Best Bet Race 10 – #4 Fast Flicker (5) 5yo Mare | T: Tony Triscari | J: Steven Parnham (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Citino In a race that Profit Pocket dominated from the front, Citino was one of the only runners that took significant ground off the tearaway winner over 1600m at this track. Michael Grantham and Steven Parnham will combine with his five-year-old gelding, who will be third-up and ready to strike at peak fitness. From barrier one, Parnham can settle this guy closer to the speed on the rail, and if Citino gets into clear air with 300m to go, he can bring up his first victory of the campaign. Next Best Race 3 – #4 Citino (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael Grantham | J: Steven Parnham (55kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Ascot: History Won’t Care History Won’t Care should have won first-up at Pinjarra when he competed in a Class 3 Handicap over 1200m; however, he was held up for most of the home straight before squeezing through a gap late to finish a narrow second. The son of Universal Ruler settled worse than midifled and took runs along the inside rail, but once he tried to get into clear running, he was blocked multiple times. Jason Miller has found a winnable race for History Won’t Care, and with even luck, he can go one better and claim victory second-up. Best Value Race 8 – #6 History Won’t Care (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Jason Miller | J: Lucy Fiore (57.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, January 4, 2025 2-6-7 3-4-5-9 2-4-6 1-5-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Hayasugi ridden by Jamie Kah winning the Blue Diamond Preview (F) at Caulfield. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) It is with profound sadness that Clinton McDonald Racing announced the passing of Hayasugi, the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes winner, after a valiant battle with complications following surgery. The decision to euthanize the three-year-old filly was made on January 2, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable journey for one of Australian racing’s brightest stars. Hayasugi’s career was defined by her extraordinary talent and resilience. Her stunning campaign began with a dominant victory in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview, where she effortlessly outpaced her rivals and stamped herself as a filly to watch. She followed this up with an equally impressive win in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude, defeating a strong field that included South Australian contender Kuroyanagi and the fast-finishing Matisse. Guided by jockey Jamie Kah, Hayasugi’s determination and class were on full display as she fought off every challenge to secure her place as a leading contender for the Blue Diamond Stakes. 2024 Blue Diamond Prelude Replay – Hayasugi https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Caulfield-2024-Group-2-Blue-Diamond-Prelude-10022024-Hayasugi-Clinton-McDonald-Jamie-Kah.mp4 Her crowning achievement came on February 24, 2024, when she etched her name into history with a sensational victory in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. Hayasugi, who started as a $15 outsider with the top online bookmakers, dominated the middle of the track in the final strides to secure the $2 million feature. Her win was both a triumph of skill and heart, making her the first filly since Midnight Fever in 1987 to sweep the Blue Diamond series. Trainer Clinton McDonald, overwhelmed with pride, described her as “determined” and “tough,” qualities that had defined her throughout her campaign. 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes Replay – Hayasugi https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Caulfield-2024-Group-1-Blue-Diamond-Stakes-24022024-Hayasugi-Clinton-McDonald-Jamie-Kah.mp4 Off the track, Hayasugi was as adored as she was on it. Her calm demeanour and love for her work endeared her to everyone in her circle, from the stable staff who cared for her daily to the ownership group who cherished her spirit. She was described as “adorable” and “a joy to work with,” embodying everything that makes a champion not only exceptional but unforgettable. Hayasugi’s career statistics reflected her brilliance, with eight starts producing three wins and two second-place finishes. Her victories in the Blue Diamond Preview, Prelude, and Stakes will remain a testament to her incredible ability and her resilience in the face of fierce competition. She earned over $1.7 million in prizemoney, further underscoring her standing as one of the most talented juveniles of her era. The ownership group expressed their deep gratitude to those who supported Hayasugi throughout her journey. They thanked the veterinary team led by Dr. Massimo Deli-Rocchili for their tireless efforts, bloodstock agent Shane McGrath for recognising her potential, and jockey Jamie Kah for her outstanding rides. They also acknowledged the racing fans who celebrated Hayasugi’s success, noting that her legacy will forever be cherished by the racing community. Clinton McDonald reflected on her career with pride, saying, “She had no favours, but her tenacity and love for racing were second to none.” Hayasugi’s passing is a profound loss, but her achievements and fighting spirit will endure as an inspiration to all. Horse racing news View the full article

What 2025 Magic Millions Gold Twilight Meeting Where Aquis Park Gold Coast – Racecourse Dr, Bundall QLD 4217 When Saturday, January 4, 2025 First Race 2:05pm AEST Visit Dabble The first weekend of the Magic Millions Carnival will take place at the Gold Coast on Saturday evening, with the inaugural running of the $3 million Sunlight 3YO Plate (1100m) set to headline the 10-race card. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances and with more rain forecast on Friday and Saturday, the surface is expected to remain in the Soft throughout the meeting. The rail will be in its true position and the first race will jump at 2:05pm AEST. Race 1: Gold Nugget QTIS 2YO C&G (1100m) Torque To Be Sure never settled at the back of the field on debut at this track over 1000m; however, when asked for the ultimate effort, he unleashed a strong turn of foot to finish second behind Vein Girl. The Matthew Dunn-trained colt ran through the line the strongest of any of his rivals, indicating that a rise to 1100m second-up will suit him perfectly. Nash Rawiller can settle Torque To Be Sure behind the leaders and get into clear air turning for home to finish off strongly. Selections: 2 TORQUE TO BE SURE 4 MIDNIGHT SPIRIT 1 COOL ARCHIE 6 QUIETLY ARROGANT Race 2: Gold Pearl QTIS 2YO Fillies (1100m) With little exposed form to work with Zouclaire goes on top in the opening event for the fillies, following her brave second-place finish behind the smart Invincible Woman on debut. The Leon & Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained filly ran home nicely from worse than midfield over 1100m at Caulfield on the Heath track, although she was beaten by 2.8 lengths. Blake Shinn will have his work cut out for him from barrier eight, but if he can find a back to follow around the home corner, Zouclaire appears to have the ability to take this out. Selections: 2 ZOUCLAIRE 1 LA BELLA BOOM 3 DON’TDOUBTHELADY 6 ROYAL CHIC Race 3: Magic Million Maiden Plate (1400m) Winchman was no match for the winner in his debut start at this track over 1200m, but the Paul Shailer-trained gelding stuck to the task well in the final 400m to shorten the margin to 1.5 lengths on the line. The son of Hellbent swung into the home straight as the second widest runner and due to the fact that he continued to find in the concluding stages, he will appreciate an extra 200m on Saturday. If Michael Rodd can find cover from barrier 18 and produce another strong burst of acceleration late, the $10 on offer for Winchman with top horse racing bookmakers looks overs. Selections: 4 WINCHMAN 9 ICONIFY 8 HELL TO PAY 12 STAY SILENT Best Value Race 3 – #4 Winchman (18) 4yo Gelding | T: Paul Shailer | J: Michael Rodd (58.5kg) +900 with BlondeBet Race 4: Magic Millions Rising Stars 3YO & 4YO (F&M) Class 4 Plate (1300m) It is easy to argue that Wooloowin should have finished much closer last start, when the Nathan Doyle-trained mare was ridden for luck closer to the inside rail and ran into dead ends in the final 200m. The daughter of Capitalist has built a strong record from six career starts, posting three wins and two placings with her fifth-place finish in her previous run being the first time she has missed the top three. With a lot of speed expected in this contest, Wooloowin can find her feet worse than midfield and let down with her blistering turn of foot to blouse her rivals late. Selections: 2 WOOLOOWIN 6 INFATUATION 3 INSTAGOOD 9 GOSPEL GIRL Race 5: Magic Millions Rising Stars 3YO & 4YO (C,G & E) Class 4 Plate (1300m) Michael Freedman and Blake Shinn will combine with one of the better bets on the program, when Moravia steps out in the fifth race of the afternoon. The son of Snitzel ran well when finishing fourth in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap, and since then the second and third horse have come out and run well again in Listed grade, franking the form of this gelding. From barrier two, Shinn will be able to settle Moravia in the one-one position behind the leaders before taking over in the final 200m to run away with victory. Selections: 9 MORAVIA 4 REDFORD 5 TALTARNI FIELDS 6 TUFF TU MUS Best Bet Race 5 – #9 Moravia (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) +100 with Neds Race 6: Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m) Addriel was very good when winning by 1.5 lengths at Eagle Farm over 1200m last start and he appears to be enjoying life under new trainer, Jay Bellamy. The son of Harry Angel settled midfield on a good speed and made his run from the home turn before taking over in the final 150m to pull away with an impressive victory. Bailey Wheeler has retained the ride and with a similar run expected from barrier six, Addriel can win again here. Selections: 10 ADDRIEL 2 EZEKEIL 9 STANDING ORDER 11 BEWS Race 7: Magic Millions The Wave (1800m) Rapt dropped back from Listed grade to compete in a Benchmark 72 Handicap at Randwick last start, and that move allowed the Jason Dreamer-trained mare to bounce back to winning ways over 1600m. The daughter of More Than Ready settled at the back of the field and quickly rounded up his rivals in the home straight before kicking clear to record a dominant 1.3-length win. A rise in trip to 1800m is expected to suit and with Tim Clark sticking, Rapt gets every chance to win again at a nice price with Bet365. Selections: 11 RAPT 4 GOLD BULLION 10 MISS JOLENE 5 TANNHAUSER The Wave Race 7 – #11 Rapt (11) 4yo Mare | T: Jason Dreamer | J: Tim Clark (56.5kg) +550 with Bet365 Race 8: Magic Millions The Syndicate (1100m) Bezique returned from a 22-week spell at Eagle Farm on December 21 with a very impressive 1.6-length victory over 1000m in a Class 6 Handicap. The Tony Gollan-trained mare settled behind the speed before peeling out wide on the home turn to run over the top of her rivals, and run away with the prize. Craig Williams will be legged aboard for his third ride on Bezique, and if he can settle her in a forward position from barrier nine, another win could be on the cards with a strong finish. Selections: 11 BEZIQUE 2 GOLDEN BOOM 1 PRINCE OF BOOM 5 DERRY GROVE The Syndicate Race 8 – #11 Bezique (9) 5yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Craig Williams (56.5kg) +500 with Picklebet Race 9: Magic Millions Sunlight 3YO Plate (1100m) The inaugural edition of the Sunlight 3YO Plate has one clear standout runner and that is the 2024 Golden Slipper winner, Lady Of Camelot. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly competed at Group 1 level in three of her four starts during her spring campaign, finishing in the top four in each of those races. From barrier one, Blake Shinn can push forward and settle Lady of Cameolt in the box seat, receive the run of the race and prove too classy for her rivals late. Selections: 6 LADY OF CAMELOT 11 VESTAS 2 STOLI BOLLI 7 ARABIAN SUMMER Sunlight 3YO Plate Race 9 – #6 Lady Of Camelot (1) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Blake Shinn (55kg) +180 with Boombet Race 10: Sunlight Consolation 3YO (1100m) After finishing second behind Arabian Summer and beating the rest of his rivals well over 1000m at this track on December 20, Cosmic Fire appears hardest to beat in the Sunlight Consolation 3YO. The Billy Healey-prepared gelding settled near last and rattled home strongly down the middle of the track to finish as the runner-up. If he can produce something similar in a race that sets up exactly the same, Cosmic Fire will bring up his second victory in three starts this time in. Selections: 3 COSMIC FIRE 7 MISHANI LILY 1 HEZDARNHOTTOO 8 OVERFULL Next Best Race 10 – #3 Cosmic Fire (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Billy Healey | J: Andrew Mallyon (57kg) +270 with Playup Saturday quaddie tips for the Gold Coast Gold Coast quadrella selections Saturday, January 4, 2025 1-4-5-10-11 1-2-5-11 6-7-11 3-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, January 4, 2025 First Race 12:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble Royal Randwick Racecourse gets set to host the first Saturday metro meeting of 2025, with a bumper 10-race program scheduled to get underway at 12:35pm local time. The rail moves out +3m the entire circuit, and although light rainfall is predicted to hit the course proper on Thursday and Friday, the sunny skies forecast throughout Saturday afternoon should have participants racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. Best Bet at Randwick: Associate The Danielle Seib-trained Associate had no luck in his latest outing at Wagga on December 24, closing powerfully into a runner-up placing despite the torrid run in transit. The Star Witness gelding was unable to get clear running when asked for the ultimate effort, only going through the gears in the final furlong when Baledon was already off and gone with the prize. Zac Wadick gets legged aboard from barrier six in this Highway contest, and with even luck this time around, punters can be confident Associate can get the job done at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Associate (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Danielle Seib | J: Zac Wadick (a2kg) (61.5kg) +400 with Neds Next Best at Randwick: Amazing Eagle Amazing Eagle returns to Syndey after a bold display in the Magic Millions Pierata Plate (1200m) at Doomben on November 30. The son of Capitalist caught the eye after missing the start, closing impressively to get within a half-length of Street Chase. The three-year-old is already a Listed winner this preparation, and with the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou-trained colt yet to miss the frame in five starts, punters can expect that trend to continue as Amazing Eagle drops back into this BM88 contest. Next Best Race 7 – #9 Amazing Eagle (2) 3yo Colt | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Reece Jones (53kg) +260 with BlondeBet Best Value at Randwick: Super Bright Super Bright got a pass mark returning at Canterbury on December 20, hitting the line well behind stable companion Salisano. The Nathan Doyle-trained galloper was crowded for room at a crucial stage, and although she never appeared likely to figure when getting off the rail, the Super One mare should take plenty of improvement heading into this second-up assignment. William Stanley gets the opportunity to take closer order from gate two, and provided Super Bright can get within striking distance turning for home, watch for this girl to be hitting the line well at an each-way price with Picklebet. Best Value Race 2 – #2 Super Bright (2) 6yo Mare | T: Nathan Doyle | J: William Stanley (a3kg) (60.5kg) +750 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections January 4, 2025 4-6-9 2-6-7-10-12-14-17 1-10-12 1-2-7-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, January 4, 2025 First Race 2:27pm ACST Visit Dabble The Darwin Turf Club hosts its first meeting of 2025 on Saturday afternoon with 37 horses accepting for the five races. Heat 6 of the Wet Season Series and Heat 1 of the Summer Sprint Series will take place. Over 90mm of rain has fallen since they last raced at Fannie Bay on December 28 with showers expected to continue until Saturday, where the mercury will reach 33C. The rail will be in the true position, and it will be a good dirt surface. Best Bet at Darwin: Forms Of Fear Forms Of Fear looked like saluting three weeks ago until Brazen Bon swooped late over 1100m in the Class 2 ranks. The five-year-old gelding drew a wide gate and chewed up plenty of petrol before settling in front. The son of Written Tycoon was labouring at the 200m before Brazen Bon, a starter on Saturday, pounced. Drawing a good gate should help Forms Of Fear, who returned on December 6 after eight months off and ran third over 1100m at 0-64 level when Wild Beau broke the track record. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Forms Of Fear (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Tayarn Halter | J: Raymond Vigar (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Darwin: Motivated Miss Motivated Miss looked set to make it four wins from 11 Darwin starts over 1200m against BM54 opposition on December 14 before getting pipped at the finish by the fast-finishing World Affairs. The daughter of The Mission shared the early lead that day, and all appeared promising once kicking clear in the home straight. After a four-month spell, Motivated Miss was a first-up fourth over 1200m in 0-64 grade on November 29. At her best, the five-year-old mare is capable of overcoming a difficult gate. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Motivated Miss (8) 5yo Mare | T: Jason Manning | J: Vanessa Arnott (59.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Darwin: Rhesus Rhesus, the $2.15 favourite in 0-58 grade over 1300m three weeks ago, finished 6.8 lengths behind Queen In The North and Starspangledancer in third place. The four-year-old gelding was never a serious factor after missing the start and travelling wide throughout. Third in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) and sixth in the NT Derby (2050m) last July, the son of Lonhro faces Queen In the North and Starspangledancer once again, and with a decent Darwin record, the early $7.50 quote with horse racing bookmakers is appealing. Best Value Race 1 – #1 Rhesus (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Wayne Davis (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Darwin Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, January 4, 2025 1-2-4 1-2-73 1-2-3-5 1-2-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Poetic Champion (inside) winning at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A Group One target is in the offing for exciting three-year-old Poetic Champion following his victory at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. After enjoying the trail behind Shoes, the son of Super Seth improved to be outside the pacemaker when turning for home and captured the lead with 300m to go and was able to hold out the late challenge of race favourite Sweynesday to win by a head. Poetic Champion was first-up after a soft spring, where he won the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) and ran fourth in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). He returned with an 800m trial victory at Pukekohe last month and trainer Tony Pike was keen to give him a look around Ellerslie prior to the Karaka Millions meeting on January 25. “He is a really electric horse fresh, he is unbeaten now fresh-up,” Pike said. “We really wanted to keep his races spaced towards Karaka Millions night, hence we took on the older horses. It was a good effort from a three-year-old against the older horses at this time of year especially. “It was a good win, and he got chased down by a pretty good horse in second as well.” Jockey Matt Cartwright has a soft spot for Poetic Champion and was pleased with his performance in open grade on Wednesday. “I love this horse, he has been going so well this prep,” Cartwright said. “He had to step up against the older horses, but he did so and he acquitted himself well. “He will take confidence out of it and he is going well.” Bred by Australian Jonathan Munz under his GSA Bloodstock banner, Poetic Champion was initially offered as a yearling at Karaka but failed to meet his $80,000 reserve and was subsequently entrusted to the care of Pike. He has now won three of his nine starts for the Cambridge horseman, including the Sir Colin Meads Trophy, and he has also placed in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), and Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). Group targets now await Poetic Champion on Karaka Millions night, with his connections now weighing up between the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) and Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m). “There are two nice options available to us,” Pike said. “The Railway looks like it is going to come up a pretty strong field. I will have a talk with Jonathan and the team at GSA and we will decide what we want to do in the next week or so. “He (Munz) hasn’t raced a horse in New Zealand for a fair while. This bloke couldn’t be sold at the sales, he got passed in, so lucky he left him here and he has done Super Seth proud. “It is really good that Jonathan has supported the New Zealand industry and hopefully he keeps a few more here.” Horse racing news View the full article

New Zealand-bred gelding Sounds Unusual showcased his staying potential with an impressive maiden victory at Canterbury. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au New Zealand-bred gelding Sounds Unusual hinted at a bright future over staying distances with a maiden victory at Canterbury on New Year’s Day. The four-year-old began his career only a month ago, finishing strongly from last to run second over 1500m at Newcastle on December 1. He produced another late run for third over 1900m at Canterbury on December 13, earning $1.45 favouritism with Neds for his third career start on Wednesday. Sounds Unusual was ridden patiently by Nash Rawiller, who took up a midfield position before angling his mount into a gap two off the fence at the top of the home straight. Sounds Unusual gradually built up his momentum and surged past the leaders, stretching out well to win by just under a length. “The barrier (gate two) probably helped him today and he had the right run,” Rawiller said. “He’s still learning his craft. He’s a bit of a big, gangly kid and a bit of a dope. He did a good job to win here today on a small track. “He’s got good scope and will keep improving. I reckon he’s still six months away. He’s been given the time to mature, and a bit more of that mental and physical maturity will take him a long way.” The Chris Waller-trained Sounds Unusual has now had three starts for a win, two placings and $60,950 in stakes. Sounds Unusual was bred by Letham Stud’s Nigel and Adaire Auret, who put him through his early paces in the Marton stable of their son Fraser. He was a 1000m trial winner at Foxton in October before being privately sold across the Tasman to one of Waller’s major clients, the Muollo family. Waller’s wife Stephanie also shares in the ownership. “It was a patient ride from Nash, but you’ve got to have the horsepower to show that patience, and he had that today,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “This is great for Tony Muollo, who’s a pretty passionate owner. He’s on course today, so it’s very pleasing to get a win for him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Zambezi Khan hits winning form at Flemington on New Year’s Day. Photo Credit – Colin Bull A return to stakes company is looming on the horizon for proven black-type performer Zambezi Khan, who struck winning form early in her four-year-old preparation at Flemington on New Year’s Day. It was the fourth win of a 17-start career for the New Zealand-bred mare, who has placed on another five occasions including last season’s Group 3 SA Fillies’ Classic (2500m) at Morphettville. Trainers Patrick and Michelle Payne kicked off Zambezi Khan’s season with a fifth over 1350m at Donald on November 17, followed by a second over 1500m at Moonee Valley on December 6. The Mongolian Khan mare was ideally suited to the step up to 1700m for the third start of her campaign on Wednesday, and after settling in fourth among an eight-horse field, the field bunched up before the home turn and she loomed just behind the leaders. Zambezi Khan warmed into her work in the straight and finished over the top of gallant topweight Miss Tarzy to score a narrow but impressive win. “The race unfolded perfectly,” apprentice jockey Tom Prebble said. “She was a bit too keen last start, but switched off really well today, so the Paynes have done a good job with her. “There was a nice tempo on today, which helped her. I presented her in the straight and she ran them down nicely. I think the longer straight here at Flemington allowed her to work through her gears.” Zambezi Khan has now earned $153,392, having been purchased for just $5,000 by part-owner Mark Evans on Gavelhouse.com in August of 2021. Zambezi Khan began her career in the Hastings stable of Guy Lowry, for whom she won on debut as a two-year-old at Tauherenikau in January of 2023. She finished fifth in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) in her only other appearance as a juvenile, then resumed the following spring with a close fifth at Taupo behind subsequent Group One winner Quintessa. Those performances gave Lowry the confidence to take Zambezi Khan across the Tasman, where she won at Mornington, finished second at Kyneton and ran eighth in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. Zambezi Khan’s owners left her in Victoria after that campaign and put her in the Paynes’ stable. She won in her third start for them at Mildura last April, then finished third at Caulfield before running second behind Positivity in the SA Fillies’ Classic. Michelle Payne saw promising signs in Wednesday’s win. “It was an absolutely beautiful ride by Tom,” she said. “The speed was good enough for him to slot in and get the cover that he needed. “To the horse’s credit, she kept picking up down the straight and scored a wonderful win. A couple of her owners are here today from New Zealand, so that makes it all the sweeter. “She’s a lovely mare. She showed that in her three-year-old days, and she’s come back well in this prep. Some more black type a bit further down the track would be great, possibly in Tasmania.” Horse racing news View the full article

Patch Of Theta (outside) surges away for Group 3 glory at Sha Tin. Photo: HKJC Francis Lui will consider a tilt at the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) with Patch Of Theta (115lb) after the talented gelding’s emphatic HK$4.2 million Group 3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) triumph at Sha Tin on Wednesday. Purchased for HK$8.6 million at the 2023 Hong Kong International Sale, Patch Of Theta took his career earnings to HK$11.1 million with his sixth win from only 14 starts after settling sixth before Teetan issued a late challenge to easily defeat Drombeg Banner (115lb) and Green N White (115lb) in 1m 20.91s. The impressive nature of the win under Karis Teetan prompted Lui to consider entering Patch Of Theta in the Stewards’ Cup – a race he won twice with Golden Sixty. “He showed he’s a really honest horse and he keeps improving every time. After the race, he (Teetan) told me the horse was very good and he’s got a third gear, not a second gear,” Lui said. “Of course, we’ll think about trophy races. Now he can run between 1400m and 1600m, next time we will think about the Stewards’ Cup (on January 19).” Teetan said: “I still think this horse once he knows how to race properly, he’s going to be even better. But with that weight on his back, he went through them and when I got into the straight, he changed gears pretty quickly.” Howdeepisyourlove (135lb) provided master trainer John Size with his fifth HK$4.2 million Group 3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) win when the 2022/23 Hong Kong Champion Griffin edged out favourite Magic Control (125lb) by a short head in 56.16s. Beauty Waves (131lb) was third. Jumping from barrier one, Howdeepisyourlove tracked Magic Control throughout before Purton angled along the outside fence to narrowly clinch his third win in the race after Little Bridge (2012) and Not Listenin’tome (2016). Previously successful in the race with Grand Delight (2003), Amazing Kids (2017), Premiere (2018) and Sight Success (2023), Size was impressed with Howdeepisyourlove’s application in running down one of Hong Kong’s fastest sprinters. “He did the job well, it was a pretty impressive effort, actually, to get the leader (Magic Control) down, he’s a hard horse to get past and he did the job very well. I couldn’t expect any more from him,” Size said. With six wins and 10 minor placings from 25 starts, the Deep Field gelding has forged a reputation for consistency, often performing well at elite level without winning. “He’s made small improvement along the way, his pattern changed a little bit and his tracks have changed – he’s come to Sha Tin and run well – and as he’s gone up in class, he hasn’t looked anything flash but he’s always been there to do the job. Today, he got one of the rewards he’s entitled to,” Size said. The Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) run over the straight course at Meydan in Dubai in April is a possible target for Howdeepisyourlove. “I’ll see how he is after the race at home and see what our options are and how he pulls up but that’s (the Bauhinia Sprint Trophy) a straight race so that opens up a possibility for him,” Size said. Purton, who slotted a treble to move to 1,803 Hong Kong wins, 10 shy of Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813, said: “The outside fence looked the place to be in the small field and the gate (one) allowed me to get out there because the speed in the race was great, it just opened everything up. “We just followed the favourite and sneaked through. He is a consistent horse, he’s just a step below our top ones so he needs to take his opportunity when he can get it and today was that.” Purton also scored on Frankie Lor’s Legend St Paul’s and Jamie Richards-trained Storming Dragon. Vincent Ho marked his return from injury with a double on Chris So-trained pair The Boom Box and Devas Twelve. “It’s been really tough the past few weeks, but I’m grateful to be riding him today,” Ho said before praising The Boom Box, who is unbeaten after two starts. “We wanted him to relax early to teach him the right way for the future when we might step him up and he’s got a great turn of foot and showed bravery between horses, so he’s on the right path.” Britney Wong and Benno Yung combined with Fun Elite to win the first race of the New Year as Wong posted her seventh victory of the season, while Yung slotted his fifth win from the past six meetings. Ricky Yiu-trained Chilli Baba won his first race in exactly two years. The Capitalist gelding’s previous victory came on January 1, 2023. Yiu completed a double with Solid Win under Hugh Bowman. Caspar Fownes teamed with Ellis Wong to win with Dancing Code before Harry Bentley’s clinical ride enabled Huge Wave to snare the Class 3 Chuk Yuen Handicap (1600m) for Jimmy Ting. Horse racing news View the full article

What Wagga Races Where Murrumbidgee Turf Club – Travers St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 When Friday, January 3, 2025 First Race 1:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble Wagga is the destination for country racing on Friday afternoon, with the Murrumbidgee Turf Club set to host a competitive eight-race program. The rail moves out 1.5m between the 800m to 400m markers, while the remainder stays in the true position. Sunny skies should leave participants racing on a genuine Good 4 surface, with the opening event scheduled to get underway at 1:35pm local time. Best Bet at Wagga: Holy Hell The Danielle Seib-trained Holy Hell appears set to peak third-up in the campaign and looks well placed back to country maiden company. The Hellbent filly gave a good account of herself at Randwick on Boxing Day, finishing within two lengths of Altair I Am. This appears to be a much weaker contest on paper, and provided Pierre Boudvillain can gain cover throughout from barrier 10, Holy Hell should have no issue justifying the short quote with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Holy Hell (10) 3yo Filly | T: Danielle Seib | J: Pierre Boudvillain (57.5kg) -125 with Neds Next Best at Wagga: Bide Your Time Bide Your Time couldn’t have been more impressive dismantling his rivals at Wagga on December 24, kicking clear to score by 3.6 lengths. Pierre Boudvillain went straight to the front aboard the son of Impending, making every post a winner to claim a dominant debut victory. Expect similar tactics as he steps up to the 1300m, and provided he can show a similar turn-of-speed, Bide Your Time must be considered the one to beat. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Bide Your Time (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Danielle Seib | J: Pierre Boudvillain (58kg) +150 with BlondeBet Best Value at Wagga: I Am Mamwaazel I Am Mamwaazel represents good each-way value with Picklebet as he returns after a 146-day spell. The John Rolfe-trained gelding brings strong provincial form into this BM66 contest, finishing within 1.2 lengths of Extreme Freedom at Kembla Grange on August 10 before heading to the paddock. I Am Mamwaazel hasn’t had an official trial heading into this first-up assignment; however, with class on his side, expect this guy to give a bold sight when turning for home. Best Value Race 6 – #1 I Am Mamwaazel (8) 7yo Gelding | T: John Rolfe | J: Glenn Cahill (a3kg) (64.5kg) +850 with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Wagga Wagga quadrella selections January 3, 2025 1 1-5 1-3-6-7 4-5-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Equine fatalities rose for the second consecutive year at California racetracks and training centers in 2024, with disease and accidents contributing to the increase. View the full article

Races like the Jerome Stakes are considered preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1). But they are actually more of a test to see if a newly turned 3-year-old has what it takes to be a successful runner in longer and richer races in the new year. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Canterbury trainer James McDonald’s confidence in his horse was well placed when Echappe won at Rangiora yesterday. The Always B Miki four-year-old raced parked for much of the Keith Woolley Fencing Mobile Pace only to run down the pace-making Newbiemains Arden, winning by just over a length. “She is usually better coming off a horse’s back with one run at them but we thought we would take luck out of play,” says the Ladbroooks-based MacDonald. Driven by Gerard O’Reilly, it was the mare’s first win in five race day starts though she has been hinting that a win was not far away. Last Sunday at Motukarara she was second, just half a head behind Bad Habits and on December 15 she loomed up like a winner at Rangiora before breaking at a crucial stage. “She has a lot of ability but the thing about her is that she tries really hard,” says McDonald. The mare was named Echappe by two of McDonald’s daughters. “They are right into their dancing and they named her,” says McDonald, “they might to get to name a few more now!” Echappe (pronounced “ay-sha-PAY”) is a move in ballet where both feet go from a closed to an open position. She is the first foal out of unraced Bettor’s Delight mare Hamsa. “She had some ability too but had a sore fetlock,” says McDonald. Echappe was bred and is raced by James’ wife Imogen and high profile breeders Paul and Pauline Renwick. He has a long association with the Renwicks and is the stable foreman at their grandson Darren Keast’s stables at Weedons. “I train and break in a lot of horses for the Renwicks,” says McDonald, “and help Ash (Ashleigh Keast) with the yearling prep. Echappe’s full sister Real Velocity (Always B Miki- Hamsa) has had two race day starts but is yet to place while her third foal is a Captain Crunch colt called Ake Ake. View the full article

A Group One target is in the offing for exciting three-year-old Poetic Champion (NZ) (Super Seth) following his victory in the TAB 1200 at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. After enjoying the trail behind Shoes, the son of Super Seth improved to be outside the pacemaker when turning for home and captured the lead with 300m to go and was able to hold out the late challenge of race favourite Sweynesday to win by a head. Poetic Champion was first-up after a soft spring, where he won the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) and ran fourth in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). He returned with an 800m trial victory at Pukekohe last month and trainer Tony Pike was keen to give him a look around Ellerslie prior to the Karaka Millions meeting on January 25. “He is a really electric horse fresh, he is unbeaten now fresh-up,” Pike said. “We really wanted to keep his races spaced towards Karaka Millions night, hence we took on the older horses. It was a good effort from a three-year-old against the older horses at this time of year especially. “It was a good win, and he got chased down by a pretty good horse in second as well.” Jockey Matt Cartwright has a soft spot for Poetic Champion and was pleased with his performance in open grade on Wednesday. “I love this horse, he has been going so well this prep,” Cartwright said. “He had to step up against the older horses, but he did so and he acquitted himself well. “He will take confidence out of it and he is going well.” Bred by Australian Jonathan Munz under his GSA Bloodstock banner, Poetic Champion was initially offered as a yearling at Karaka but failed to meet his $80,000 reserve and was subsequently entrusted to the care of Pike. He has now won three of his nine starts for the Cambridge horseman, including the Sir Colin Meads Trophy, and he has also placed in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), and Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). Group targets now await Poetic Champion on Karaka Millions night, with his connections now weighing up between the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) and Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m). “There are two nice options available to us,” Pike said. “The Railway looks like it is going to come up a pretty strong field. I will have a talk with Jonathan and the team at GSA and we will decide what we want to do in the next week or so. “He (Munz) hasn’t raced a horse in New Zealand for a fair while. This bloke couldn’t be sold at the sales, he got passed in, so lucky he left him here and he has done Super Seth proud. “It is really good that Jonathan has supported the New Zealand industry and hopefully he keeps a few more here.” View the full article

Every passing year seems to present California with a fresh set of challenges. The latest new leaf brings with it an entirely new racing framework with operations consolidated in the South. This comes on the back of the California Association of Racing Fairs' (CARF) decision last month not to pursue a race meet at Pleasanton during the start of 2025. On New Year's morning, the TDN sat down with Bill Nader, executive director of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). In part one of this interview, Nader discusses, among other things, impacts from the current stabling agreement with Alameda County Fair which ends Mar. 25, and projected revenues from the simulcasting monies redirected from North to South. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity. TDN: What are the particulars of the agreement between the stabling and vanning committee and Alameda County Fair and CARF? BN: The template that we use for the agreement would mirror what we have for Los Alamitos and for San Luis Rey Downs–a very simple two-page agreement that gets into the fee that we pay per day. It's for seven days of stabling, and six days of training. The dark day for training would be Monday. They specify in the agreement that they may want to swap out that dark day for, in some cases, a Saturday or Sunday when they have big events. To protect everybody in that agreement, we did say that has to come with the consent of the CTT [California Thoroughbred Trainers]. The big thing was that in our proposal, the term of the agreement was from Dec. 26 into early June. And right after the CHRB meeting concluded on Dec. 19, CARF asked to sit down with me at Cal Expo–literally 15 minutes after the meeting ended–to talk about the stable agreement. The key point, they wanted to shorten it to Mar. 25. I was surprised to hear that. Again, it wasn't mentioned during the CHRB meeting. And again, the agreement was to begin or commence on Dec. 26, so we were working on a pretty tight timeline. The way it reads now is that [the agreement] ends on Mar. 25, and they–they being Alameda County Fair and CARF–have the exclusive right to elect to renew the agreement or extend the agreement past Mar. 25, provided there are 500 or more horses stabled at Pleasanton. So, be it their sole discretion whether they want to continue. If it's less than that [500 horses], then I think all parties would have to come together to assess at that time. We did insert language that notice of their option to renew or extend be no later than Feb. 25, so we would be able to give everybody proper notice if they're not going to continue as an auxiliary stabling facility. TDN: What's the cost per day and how is this being funded? BN: Half by the tracks in Southern California–Santa Anita and Del Mar. What their split is, I'm not entirely sure at this point. But together they pay half and purses pay half. I don't know if I can give you the cost. It might be proprietary. It's higher than for Los Alamitos and nearly double San Luis Rey. TDN: Is there any financial assistance on the table to help make up the roughly $800,000 in purse overpayments for the Golden State Racing meet just concluded? BN: Initially, we had talked about providing a 10% increase to CARF's summer purses, which effectively would have been about $600,000. They asked that, in lieu of that, could that payment or contribution be sent now to help with their current financial crisis. There's a separate agreement, different to the stabling and vanning agreement, that allows for that to happen in the first quarter of 2025. That would go to Alameda County Fair. TDN: Aside from the purse overpayment, are there other operational debts that Pleasanton has accrued? BN: I don't know. I only see the purse overpayment. I don't know about their operational costs. TDN: If for some reason that agreement isn't continued after the Mar. 25 expiration date, what will that mean for the fairs this summer, realistically speaking? BN: I think it would put the fairs in a very compromised position. The whole idea initially for us when we came forward with the agreement going through early June was to keep the population intact leading into the fairs. So, a stoppage Mar. 25 would be a problem for the fairs to have that continuity. But again, they have the exclusive right to make that decision as to what they want to do with their property. Whether they choose to continue or not. TDN: Are you expecting the Pleasanton horse inventory to maintain above that 500-horse threshold? BN: It'll obviously be lower than what it is at the starting point, which is somewhere between 750 horses and 800. On how far it falls, I don't know. It's something we'll have to monitor and look at closely. TDN: What are the projected revenues from the simulcasting monies redirected South? And how will that be divided up in terms of purses and track commissions? BN: If the fairs are able to continue based on the 2023 calendar–which allows 13 weeks of racing for the fairs, and 39 weeks of redirect–based on that, it would be about $20 million coming down. That would be split about equally between the purses and track commissions. You're looking at about $10 million for each side. From that ballpark figure, about 60% of that would go to Santa Anita, 29% to Del Mar, and 11% Los Alamitos. Both track commissions and purses. TDN: What happens if the fairs don't go ahead this year? BN: If that happens, then the redirect becomes bigger, and we would then have to further consider how to cater to that population over a longer period of time. Right now, the races that are being made available in the South are only for the weeks in which there is no racing in the North. Once the fairs are in play, those races would not be available at any of the daytime tracks in the South. When we say races in the South, we're talking daytime tracks where the incentives kick in, such as the round-trip horse transport, the travel stipends and the increased purses. If that were to happen, we would have to come together and rethink what if anything we can do to try to keep those horses, provide opportunities for those horses in California. TDN: Let's go with the scenario that the fairs do go ahead this summer and that $20 million heads South, what can the horsemen and women expect in impact to purses? BN: The first part at Santa Anita, we have to recognize or acknowledge the deficit that we have in the purse over-payment and try to repay that. TDN: How big is the deficit now? BN: Six million. It's a substantial amount. We've got to be fiscally responsible and get back to where we need to be. But with that, if we can structure a repayment plan over a period of time, we can sit down with Santa Anita and work out a schedule that allows some upside to purses. That would be our preferred view. With Del Mar, that's a lot easier because their purse overpayment there is just over $1 million. The $20-million figure, we've got to make sure that number is real. We'll see that over the first quarter of 2025, see if the actuals actually match up to the forecast. And then I think we can strategically come together with the racetracks, work out something where the purses start to see some upside. I think Del Mar is going to be in a pretty good position. Hopefully we get to where we can share some of that benefit with owners, trainers, all of our stakeholders at some point relatively early in 2025. TDN: It's early days, but the one race carded over the weekend restricted to the Northern California horses appeared to handle noticeably less than the other open races. Did you expect that? BN: Yes, because it was noon, second race. It handled something like $471,000. TDN: Was that comparable to what that specific race would have handled at Golden Gate Fields? BN: At Pleasanton, at Golden State Racing, that would have handled $60,000 at that time, meaning noon. And it was much more than it would have been at Golden Gate. At Golden Gate, in that timeslot, it might have been less than $200,000. So, it was more than double what it would have been at Golden Gate. The post Bill Nader Q&A Part One: ‘It Would be About $20 Million Coming Down’ 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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Eight grade 1 winners received invitations to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 25, including 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan and 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio.View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's 2024 leading first crop sire Vekoma rang in the new year with his newest stakes winner when Five G soared home by nine lengths in the Jan. 1 Cash Run Stakes at Gulfstream Park.View the full article