Wandering Eyes

Ruling there is a question of fact whether Steve Asmussen willfully violated federal wage and hour laws in Kentucky, a federal appeals court vacated a lower court judgment and sent the matter back to the trial court for further handling.View the full article

Juddmonte's lightly raced Pleasant, third in the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Del Mar, pursues her first graded stakes win when she races against six other foes in the $100,000 Las Flores Stakes (G3) Jan. 4 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

HRNZ is pleased to announce a new safety gear package is available for some of our younger and newest participants. From January 1,2025 new licence-holders aged 30 and under will be eligible for the package, as long as they have enrolled, are actively participating in or have completed the Harness Horse Cadet Scheme. The new Licence-holder Safety Gear Packages are as follows : New Trials Drivers 30 years of age or younger will receive a Helmet and Safety Vest New Junior Drivers 30 years of age or younger will receive Driving Pants, Skivvy and Driving Boots New Trainers 30 years of age or younger will receive a full set of Quick Hitch race harness or a one-piece harness driving suit. HRNZ will be contacting anyone it believes is eligible for the package in the New Year. If you think you are eligible and have not been contacted in January please get in touch. All enquiries should go to natalie@hrnz.co.nz Participants that do qualify will receive a letter they can take to their local harness store. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton As we welcome in the New Year owner Kevin Seymour admits a hunger to chase feature race success in NZ is high on Leap To Fame’s priority list in 2025. As the champion pacer nears a racetrack return, Seymour admits Leap Too Fame’s future stallion career called for Kiwis to see him race in the flesh. “As his stallion career gets closer, there’s certainly value and importance in winning a big race in NZ so they can see with their own eyes how good he is,” he said. “There’s a chance, when he does retire, he could even stand at stud in NZ. “Obviously we really wanted him to go to the NZ Cup in November (2024), but it didn’t work out. We’ll look at the best options to get him across in the new year, once we’ve got him back up and running.” Leap To Fame could have a three-race Victorian campaign, starting on January 18. Seymour said plans would be finalised “in the next week or so.” “We’re looking at a few races in Victoria around the Hunter Cup,” he said. “It’s getting close to decision time. He may go down without a lead-up run, just a trial. “We’ll have to make the call in the next week or so with the Ballarat Cup ($100,000 on January 18). We need to get some solid racing into him before a race like the Hunter Cup.” Leap To Fame won last year’s Hunter Cup and stayed in Victoria for the $100,000 Group 2 Cranbourne Cup a week later. “We would likely do that again,” Seymour said. “It worked well and fits his build-up to the Miracle Mile as well. “It’s no secret we love taking the horse to the country (tracks) when we can. He got a great reception at Cranbourne last year.” Leap To Fame won 15 of his 16 starts in 2024, but missed the Victoria and NZ Cups as well as the NSW Inter Dominion series with a niggling lower throat infection. “We’ve got some lost time and opportunities to make up for,” Seymour said. “But, we also don’t want to plan too far ahead with the issues he’s had over the past couple of months. “We’re close to deciding how we approach Melbourne and then the Miracle Mile is the next big one. “Beyond that, we’ll just wait and see, but there are lots of options and it’s great to have the Inter Dominion back here (Brisbane) in July.” Leap To Fame turns six tomorrow (Wednesday), but Seymour said there wasn’t any set plan when to retire him to stud. “We’ve always said he’s a racehorse first and while he’s racing and winning like he has been, he’ll keep racing,” Seymour said. “We’d love him to become the richest pacer of all-time and he could do that if he has as big a year in 2025 as he did this year.” View the full article

The Travers Stakes (G1) had it all. An exciting matchup. A thrilling finish. A packed house at America's most beloved racetrack. In years to come it will be mentioned as one of the great moments in the long and storied history of Saratoga.View the full article

Though only seven furlongs, the San Vicente has sent seven winners on to victory in the Kentucky Derby (G1), and Bob Baffert has Barnes and Romanesque entered in the Jan. 4 stakes race at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

In his 30-year career, Gryder was a multiple graded stakes race winner of over 4,000 races worldwide with over $123 million in purses. In 2009, he won the $6 million Dubai World Cup (G1) on Well Armed by a record 14 lengths.View the full article

While specific comeback races have yet to be decided, owner Mike Repole has a few primary targets in mind for his two stars, who are about to turn 4 on Jan. 1.View the full article

Without a doubt, one of the great privileges of working in racing journalism is being able to get close to the equine stars and hear first hand from the people who bred, own, train, or ride them, as well as the countless people who look after retired racehorses and give them a meaningful life long after their last race is run. At TDN, we try to bring our readers a wide range of stories, from the paddocks, breeding sheds, sales rings, training grounds and racecourses around Europe and beyond. We appreciate the access we are given, and the time devoted to helping our cause by those who have made the headlines, along with plenty others who can sometimes go unacknowledged but nevertheless play a vital role in ensuring that horse racing remains the greatest sport in the world. Sure, I may be biased, and I recognise that both racing and breeding face challenges. But I also believe in which the people involved are in it primarily for their love of horses and the matchless thrill they bring us on a daily basis. Even racing professionals should be racing fans. Certainly every member of our team is a fan, already counting down the days to the next turf season while keeping a keen eye on the growing winter all-weather programme, both at home and worldwide. We thank you for your continued support of TDN and, just in case you might have missed one or two of these, we have compiled a selection of our favourite stories and features from TDN during 2024. Happy New Year to you all – and please keep reading! Farewell to a Stallion Thoroughly Deserving of Acclaim By a wide margin, this was our most-read story in TDN Europe, published in December and written not long after the death of Rathbarry Stud's influential stallion Acclamation, who was certainly deserving of a proper tribute. 'It's About The Horses': Ryan Moore, the Reluctant Superstar It is easy to imagine that spending an hour or so chatting to a journalist is not high on Ryan Moore's list of favourite fun things to do, but the great jockey did consent to an interview with five-time sports writer of the year Paul Hayward, and if you didn't catch it first time around it is well worth a few minutes of your time now. 'What Happened To Me Would Dent Anybody's Confidence – But I've Got My Bite Back' Mick Halford was very candid in conversation with Brian Sheerin about the troubles that have beset his career in the past and how he has bounced back with renewed enthusiasm. A refreshingly honest view of some of the struggles of life as a trainer. 'We're In Heaven With A Horse Like Spillane's Tower – The Whole Of Ireland Is Behind Him' While we're on the subject of Irish trainers, here's another great Brian Sheerin interview, this time with the inimitable Jimmy Mangan, who talks a whole lot of sense. Nunthorpe Hero Borderlescott and the Story of Yorkshire's Favourite Son Adam Houghton returned to his childhood days as a racing fan on his beloved Knavesmire and recounted the tale of the dual Nunthorpe winner Borderlescott, visiting the 23-year-old sprinter in retirement. The Last of the Galileos Another well-read story from back in February when we tracked down the 13 members of Galileo's final crop. Could one of them give their late sire a final Classic hurrah in 2025, just as Auguste Rodin did for Deep Impact? Only time will tell. From Football to Racing, Ferguson Retains the Winning Spirit Back in February, Sir Alex Ferguson spoke exclusively to Emma Berry about his passion for breeding, and how touched he was by the Manchester United fans cheering on him and his home-bred Spirit Dancer in Bahrain. Gay O'Callaghan: 'Dark Angel Is Like Family – He Means Everything To Us' Brian Sheerin clearly had a crystal ball at his disposal when deciding to visit Yeomanstown Stud in July to talk to Gay O'Callaghan about his beloved home-bred stallion Dark Angel. He even managed to talk Gay into a video interview. Five months later and the great grey is now the champion sire for the first time. Invincible Spirit Earns Honourable Retirement at 27 In October, the Irish National Stud announced the retirement of its stalwart Invincible Spirit. John Berry reflected on the significant impact of the son of Green Desert, who turns 28 this New Year's Day. The post Our Favourite Stories of 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Retired jockey Aaron Gryder, who currently serves as senior vice president of racing operations for 1/ST Racing, will be master of ceremonies at the upcoming Jockeys and Jeans Fundraiser to be held at Gulfstream Park Jan. 11. Tickets for the event, which benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, can be purchased at http://pdjf.org/purchase-tickets/. “It's a great cause, and I'm excited about hosting the event,” said Gryder. “We all go out and compete against each other, and we all understand what happened to those disabled former jockeys can happen to us. And when something tragic happens on the track, we all come together to help.” The fundraiser will include appearances by 17 Hall of Fame jockeys. Among the riders in attendance will be Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen, two of the five living Triple Crown-winning jockeys, as well as Sandy Hawley, Chris McCarron and Edgar Prado–three of the four riders who have won over 500 races in a single year. Also on hand for the day will be “The Soprano” series actor and noted chef Joseph Gannascoli and Anthony “Little Anthony” Gourdine of “Little Anthony and The Imperials” and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Churchill Downs, which hosted the Jockeys and Jeans event in 2022, has donated a package that includes box seating for six at both the 2025 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. The post Aaron Gryder to MC Jockeys and Jeans Fundraiser appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars YUEN LONG ELITE - R6 (3) Has been unlucky this season and looks ready to strike with Purton on board Jay Rooney BRILLIANT EXPRESS - R5 (5) Looks poised to break through after a second on return and nice trial since Jack Dawling MICKLEY - R11 (3) Classy four-year-old is set to climb the ladder en route to the Classic Series Phillip Woo BEAUTY WAVES - R4 (2) Has bold claims with a return to the trip of a Group Three win in October Shannon (Vincent Wong) SAVVY TWINKLE - R1 (5) Nice looking type who has been performing very well at the trials Racing Post Online FLYING LUCK - R7 (5) Unlucky third to Beauty Alliance last start and can go two better this time Tom Wood MY WISH - R11 (5) Promising four-year-old looks like he's got plenty left in the lockerView the full article

Banstead Manor Stud is famed around the world as the HQ of Juddmonte, not least for housing the mighty Frankel. However, its incarnation as the home of the Juddmonte sires does not represent its debut as a source of racing success. During 2025 it will celebrate its centenary as a leading stud because it was first thrust into the spotlight in 1925 when Henry Morriss bought the property specifically to stand that year's Derby winner Manna. Previously Banstead Manor had been part of the massive Cheveley Estate, which at the time stretched over approximately 7,800 acres on the south side of Newmarket, running from Cheveley up to the Stetchworth Toll roundabout by the July Course. This property had been one of the leading studs in the land under the ownership of Colonel Harry McCalmont, whose home-bred colt Isinglass had won the Triple Crown in 1893. However, the stallions had lived at what is now Cheveley Park Stud, rather than Banstead Manor, with the box in which Isinglass (who posthumously became champion broodmare sire in 1912) resided having been more recently the bedroom of Cheveley Park's stalwart Pivotal. Henry Morriss was an influential businessman in the Far East, where his interests included part-ownership of the North China Daily News as well as being the principal of the Shanghai bullion broking firm Lester, Johnson & Morriss. He was also an enthusiastic participant, as both amateur rider and owner, in the thriving racing scene there. Eventually he decided to broaden his racing horizons and in 1915 he registered his colours in Great Britain: rose, black and rose hooped cap. Morriss chose Fred Darling as his trainer and in 1921 he gave the latter an annual assignment: at the sales each autumn he should buy the yearling he rated most highly, irrespective of the price. It did not take long before the wisdom of this decision became plain. At Tattersalls' St Leger Yearling Sale in Doncaster in 1923, Darling selected a colt, bred in Ireland by James Maher, by Phalaris from the Buckwheat mare Waffles. He bought him on Morriss's behalf for 6,300 guineas and the colt turned out to be Manna. Maher was a regular producer of top-class horses, including the previous year's St Leger winner Caligula as well as St Louis, who had achieved nothing as a two-year-old in 1923 but would improve so dramatically over the winter that he won the 2,000 Guineas the following spring. In one sense, Waffles was not an obvious candidate to credit Maher's stud (at Confey Castle, near Leixlip) with further glory as she was by Buckwheat, who had stood for only 48 guineas, and she was so small (barely reaching 15 hands) that she was never broken in, instead being covered as a three-year-old in 1920 by the Gallinule stallion Great Sport (Ire). However, Maher rated her highly, not least because she was inbred 3×2 to St Simon. Waffles's mating with Great Sport produced Bunworry who was a very good two-year-old in 1923, winning four races. Bunworry's achievements helped the Phalaris yearling to catch the attention of Fred Darling (and others, hence the high price which Darling had to pay to buy him) as did the colt's appearance: he was a beautifully-made, medium-sized horse, possessing all the quality which one associated with descendants of St Simon (who appeared three times in Manna's pedigree as he was the sire of Phalaris's granddam Cheery). In time, Waffles's distinction became very clear. She bred two Classic winners, the second being the 1931 St Leger hero Sandwich, by Sansovino. Manna's full-brother Parwiz won the City And Suburban Handicap at Epsom and went to stud in Argentina. Bunworry found her way to Federico Tesio's broodmare band and became ancestress of many notable horses including as third dam of Botticelli. Waffles even gained further fame as dam of the infamous Tuppence, for whom Dorothy Paget paid a sale-topping price of 6,600 guineas at the 1931 St Leger Yearling Sale (two days after Sandwich's Classic triumph) only to find that she had a horse of very limited ability on her hands, a vastly inferior stablemate of her champion steeplechaser Golden Miller in Basil Briscoe's Beechwood House Stables in Exning. It soon become clear that Manna had plenty of ability. It also became clear that he was difficult, to the extent that he reputedly holds the distinction of being the only one of the many horses trained by Fred Darling to kick the great man. His boisterous temperament, though, did not prevent him from working extremely well, to the extent that he made his debut in what was Britain's most valuable two-year-old race, the National Breeders' Produce Stakes at Sandown (now run as the National Stakes, with very different conditions and listed status). He finished third that day and went on to win two important races in his first season: the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and the Moulton Stakes at Newmarket. Manna made further progress over the winter and began his Classic season in fine style, winning the 2,000 Guineas impressively and the Derby even more easily by eight lengths. However, he possibly had luck on his side at Epsom as fourth-placed Solario lost many lengths at the start. At Ascot two weeks later Solario suggested that he may well have been an unlucky loser in the Derby, beating Manna in the Ascot Derby (now King Edward VII Stakes, which name it was given in 1926), admittedly in receipt of 10lb from the Derby winner. Despite having won the 2,000 Guineas so well, Manna started as long as 9/1 for the Derby, the general opinion being that stamina might be a problem for a son of the sprinter Phalaris. (Nowadays we regard Phalaris as one of the most influential Classic sires of all time but that, of course, is the wisdom of hindsight. Manna came from his third crop and was one of the first horses to make it clear that Phalaris was not merely a source of speed, while another horse to do this was Phalaris's fourth-crop son Warden Of The Marches, winner of the St Leger in 1926). Whether Manna would have stayed the St Leger distance was, sadly, never established as he went amiss when attempting to complete the Triple Crown, limping across the line among the also-rans, many lengths adrift of the winner Solario. Influence Felt Across Hemispheres Manna began covering at Banstead Manor in the spring of 1926 and went on to enjoy significant success at stud, without being the champion which he had been on the racecourse. Manna's greatest achievement as a stallion was to breed Colombo. Bought inexpensively by Lord Glanely as a yearling for 510 guineas, Colombo was an outstanding two-year-old in 1933, trained in Newmarket by Lord Glanely's private trainer Thomas Hogg. Colombo raced seven times at two and won easily on each occasion. He ended the year hailed as the best two-year-old since The Tetrarch, described in the press as “one of the century's wonder horses” and “a perfect racing machine”. Colombo resumed at three by winning the Craven Stakes at Newmarket “in a canter”, giving 20lb to the runner-up, before justifying 2/7 favouritism in the 2,000 Guineas. Sadly, that proved to be his final victory. He endured a torrid passage in the Derby en route to finishing third to Windsor Lad and then was beaten at 1/5 in the St. James's Palace Stakes at Ascot. A knee injury then forced him into retirement at Lord Glanely's stud in Exning. Colombo sired two Classic winners (Lord Glanely's home-bred filly Dancing Time in the 1941 1,000 Guineas and Sir Willam Cooke's home-bred colt Happy Knight in the 1946 2,000 Guineas) but his greatest legacy was as the sire of the breed-shaping broodmare Oceana who, exported by Stanley Wootton to Australia and given repeated matings with Star Kingdom at Baramul Stud, produced the full-brothers Todman, Noholme, Shifnal and Farringdon. Colombo was not the only horse to establish Manna as a very good sire of two-year-olds. Lord Astor's Mannamead, trained by Joe Lawson at Manton, was an unbeaten juvenile in 1931 when he shared top weight in the Free Handicap with his stablemate Orwell, who went on to win the following year's 2,000 Guineas. Mannamead subsequently became champion sire in Hungary after his export there in 1937. Manitoba, bred and raced by Lord Woolavington and trained by Fred Darling, was another very good juvenile, winning the Coventry Stakes at Ascot and the Boscawen Stakes at Newmarket (beating Hyperion) in 1932. He achieved little at three and four and was exported to Australia, where he was champion sire in 1943/'44 and 1944/'45. Miracle was another classy two-year-old sired by Manna, winning both his starts in 1931, the Selsey Stakes at Goodwood and the Gimcrack Stakes at York, despite having seemed so big and backward as a yearling that Lord Rosebery had been able to buy him for only 170 guineas. At three he won the Newmarket Stakes in the spring before finishing third in the Derby and later landed the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. As a broodmare sire, Manna's greatest achievements came via his daughter Pasca. When establishing Banstead Manor Stud, Morriss had bought as a foundation mare Soubriquet, runner-up in both the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks in 1922 and a half-sister to the 1916 Derby and Oaks victrix Fifinella, for 12,500 guineas at Tattersalls' December Sale in 1925. Soubriquet's mating in 1927 with Manna produced Pasca, who became dam of the 1938 2,000 Guineas and Eclipse winner Pasch and granddam of the 1953 Derby and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Pinza. The former, who was trained by Fred Darling for Henry Morriss, held the distinction for many years of being the most recent 2,000 Guineas winner not to have raced as a juvenile, a distinction which he ceded in 2024 to Noble Speech. Pinza too had a strong connection to Banstead as he was conceived there, a son of the resident stallion Chanteur (Fr). Mrs Morriss owned his dam Pasqua (GB) (Donatello {Ity}) but sold her, carrying Pinza, for 2,000 guineas at the December Sale in 1949, where she was bought by Fred Darling who is thus officially credited as the breeder of Pinza. This situation was the reverse of that of the 1940 Derby winner Pont l'Eveque, whose dam Ponteba Morriss had bought in 1936, with Pont l'Eveque in utero. Morriss retained the young Pont l'Eveque and raced him as a two-year-old but sold him, with his Classic engagements, to Fred Darling for £500 at the end of 1939, a transaction prompted by the uncertainty resultant from the outbreak of war. Chanteur was one of many good stallions who followed in Manna's footsteps at Banstead Manor. Two of the early ones were Morriss the home-breds Artist's Proof and Tai-Ying. The former, a son of Gainsborough, was the good horse bred by Henry Morriss at Banstead and ultimately became most notable as the maternal grandsire of Petition. Tai-Yang was the result of Soubriquet's visit to Solario in 1929 and retired to Banstead after a lengthy but light racing career in which he ran only twice, both times at Newmarket, winning each time: he landed the Jockey Club Stakes as a three-year-old in 1933 and the Chippenham Stakes in 1935. The Morriss colours are still carried today by Sons And Lovers, raced by Hugo Morriss and Kirsten Rausing | Racingfotos Henry Morriss died in Shanghai in 1951. His wife Vera had overseen the stud on his behalf but when he died she handed command over to their son Nicky. When Nicky died in 1963, the stud was taken over by his eldest son Hugo, who sold it in 1987 to Juddmonte. Nicky and Hugo each bred a Derby place-getter at Banstead Manor, being responsible for Alcaeus (runner-up in 1960) and Pentland Firth (third in 1972) respectively. All told, the three generations of Morrisses stood some notable sires at Banstead including Supreme Court, Nearula, Ballymoss, Shantung, Wollow, Lombard, Ile De Bourbon and Beldale Flutter. Echoes of the Morriss era at Banstead continued to resound after the stud had been sold to Juddmonte. The Derby was won in 1988 by a horse conceived there, the Aga Khan's Ile De Bourbon colt Kahyasi. In the same year, the last good horse whom Hugo bred at Banstead Manor, Persian Heights (GB) (Persian Bold {Ire}), was first past the post in the G1 International Stakes at York in its final running before it became the Juddmonte International, which it remains to this day. Hugo boarded some mares at Lanwades Stud after selling Banstead Manor and the Morriss livery continues to be seen on British racecourses. Most notably it was carried with distinction in 2023 and '24 by Sons And Lovers, a winner at Newmarket as a two-year-old and four times stakes-placed at three. It would be lovely to think that this likeable son of Study Of Man could enjoy a good season as a four-year-old in 2025, 100 years after Hugo's grandfather bought Banstead Manor and put it very firmly on the bloodstock map. The post Manna the Classic Hero Who Launched a Century of Excellence at Banstead Manor Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two new stallions with powerful partnerships behind them will begin their stud careers at Claiborne Farm in 2025. Prince of Monaco, Speightstown's only Grade I winner at two, and Bright Future, a Grade I-winning son of Curlin, will bring the Hancock family operation's roster up to 11 members. This past October, a third newcomer joined Claiborne when Jacob West toke on the role of stallion seasons and bloodstock manager. West, who continues to manage his company West Bloodstock, has been busy ahead of his first breeding season with Claiborne. One of his initial undertakings was overseeing the installation of a walking ring inside the farm's iconic stallion complex. The new investment has seen plenty of use as breeders have dropped in to visit the latest stallion recruits over the past several months. “With the history and the tradition that is associated with Claiborne and the way they do things around here, there's no excuse for the success,” said West. “They do it the right way. They have for a very long time. I get to be a part of something that's been special for a long time.” One of West's longstanding bloodstock clients Mike Repole co-campaigned Claiborne's new addition Bright Future. Out of the stakes-winning Bellamy Road mare Sophia's Song, Bright Future was a $350,000 yearling for Repole Stables and St Elias Stables and he went on to collect just under a million in earnings. “There's a reason why he's standing here and it doesn't have anything to do with my association with the horse,” West explained. “Walker [Hancock] and Bernie Sams were believers in the horse before I even came on board. When it came time to negotiate a stallion deal, they were the first phone call that we made.” A winner on debut by nearly five lengths early in his sophomore season, Bright Future's signature win came the following year in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes, where he battled to deny Grade I victor Proxy (Tapit) by a nose at the wire. The Todd Pletcher trainee later claimed the GIII Salvator Mile Stakes. West said that Bright Future's active family was another boost to his stallion credentials. His half-sister Musical Mischief (Into Mischief) claimed this year's GII Locust Grove Stakes and his half-brother Booth (Mitole) was a 'TDN Rising Star' at Keeneland last October. “Grandview and Repole Stable just bought his yearling half-brother by Maxfield at Keeneland September for $800,000, so we're big believers in the family,” noted West. “We feel like he's a horse that fits what American breeders are looking for. He was dirt. He was two turns. He was a son of Curlin with speed and he was able to carry it over a route of ground.” Bright Future at home in the new walking ring at Claiborne | Sara Gordon Bright Future will stand for $12,500 in 2025 and owners Repole and Vincent Viola of St. Elias have retained an interest in the new sire. “He's been a popular horse amongst breeders,” said West. “We see the likes of Good Magic and other sons of Curlin that have gone on. He's got the pedigree backing and he's got the support of his owners. The best day for this horse was when the ticket was signed for him as a yearling by Vinnie and Mike because they're going to support him and they're going to give him every chance that he can get.” Another stallion with an active ownership group, Prince of Monaco was raced by the sizable partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Robert Masterson, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan and Tom Ryan. A $950,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling bred by Stonestreet, the son of Speighstown was at the head of his class in California last year as a juvenile for Bob Baffert, earning the 'Rising Star' nod when he broke his maiden on debut by eight lengths and then scoring in the GIII Best Pal Stakes and the GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity. He closed the season with a fifth-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. “Prince of Monaco came onto our radars right after the Best Pal, when he earned a 103 Beyer,” said West. “It showed how brilliant he really was and being a son of Speighstown, it kind of picked everybody's heads up around here. He stacked up against some of the best 2-year-olds in the country.” Lightly raced this year at three, Prince of Monaco put in two runner-up performances against Grade I company behind Book'em Danno (Bucchero) in the Woody Stephens Stakes and Domestic Product (Practical Joke) in the H. Allen Jerkens Stakes. Prince of Monaco will stand for $30,000 in his debut season. “He's been incredibly popular since we got him in,” West explained. “For breeders to see a son of Speighstown out of a Medaglia d'Oro mare, it's the perfect blend of speed over distance. He's an outcross for a lot of different mares that are here in Central Kentucky and around the world, quite frankly, because he's got international interest. When breeders come see him, they fall in love with him. Being a $950,000 Saratoga yearling, you think he's good looking and then when you show up here, you know he's good looking.” The post New Chapter for Claiborne Stallions in 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Two couples who have put faith in their sons received the ultimate racing reward at Alexandra Park on Tuesday night. Because when Republican Party and Muscle Mountain won their respective Group 1s their trainers were just as proud of their drivers as their horses. Republican Party captured Alexandra Park’s biggest race, the $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup after a step-trail-and-wait drive by Carter Dalgety on the little pacer trained by his parents Cran and Chrissie. It was the biggest win for the horse, Chrissie and Carter and while Cran may still be the stable boss he knows that it wasn’t him in the spotlight on this beautiful Auckland night. “Chrissie and I are both so happy for Carter,” said Dalgety. “He is a young man with a lot of options in life and this is what he has chosen to do and when your son makes that decision you want to see it work out for him,” said Dalgety. Dalgety’s latest Group 1 success comes a day after he secured his first Junior Drivers Premiership. “So to see how big a season he has had and to have it capped like this means the world to us.” Carter has found the right horse at the right time too, with Republican Party a brave little stayer with good manners, a combination that has taken him into third in the New Zealand Cup in November before the Group 1 double of the Invercargill and Auckland Cups inside two weeks. “That was a gamble, taking him to both races, but the flight between Christchurch and Auckland was the deciding factor and we have to thank IRT for their help with that.” The Dalgetys could be calling on IRT again soon as Republican Party may have won himself a trip to Victoria for the Hunter Cup on February 1. “It could be a race that really suits him because staying is his thing,” says Dalgety. “So we will have a look at the programmes and also find out where Leap To Fame is at and Swayzee will be up to and then make a decision.” Republican Party trailed Sooner The Better for most of the Cup and was headed by Merlin at the top of the straight as the favourite stormed up wide on the track after sitting near last for most of the race, having had little luck in the early shuffle up. He looked the winner at the 400m but Republican Party had saved too much ground and while beaten Merlin was very brave, just meeting a rival in career best form in a race that suited him better. Sooner The Better stuck in well for third while second favourite Don’t Stop Dreaming got back on the inside and was never a winning factor. The Dalgetys weren’t the only Canterbury couple dishing out hugs to their driver after a Group 1 on Tuesday as Greg and Nina Hope were in the same position when their son Ben reined Muscle Mountain to an effortless win in the $100,000 Peter Breckon Memorial National Trot. The race was over as a contest before it even really started when favourite Oscar Bonavena broke just before the mobile dispatched, leaving Muscle Mountain to stroll to the lead while Oscar settled 40m behind him. From there Ben Hope barely needed to ask Muscle Mountain for an effort until Oscar Bonavena swept up out wide at the 600m but you could see that challenge was going to be in vain. Hope, wearing a borrowed set of John Dickie’s colours after his bag didn’t join him on the plane from Christchurch to Auckland, stoked Muscle Mountain up and they cruised to a five and a half length win, courtesy of a 56.3 second last 800m. Even without his arch rival to push him Muscle Mountain still trotted the 2700m mobile on a windy night in a sharp 3:22.7 and looks back to something like his best after a rollercoaster year. “It means a lot to me and Mum and Dad to have him back to his best,” said Hope. “It has been a frustrating year with him but he felt great tonight and I wanted to salute at the winning post to show what a great job they [parents] have done with him.” Muscle Mountain is now likely to return home for features at Addington but is very much in contention for the TAB Trot at Cambridge on April 4 and the Rowe Cup after that. View the full article

Australian rider hopes the Kwok family’s duo can get 2025 off to a perfect start at Sha Tin.View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Wednesday, January 1, 2025 First Race 12:30pm HKT (3:30pm AEDT) Visit Dabble New Year’s Day racing heads to Sha Tin Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon, with a bumper 11-race program set down for decision. The rail moves out to the C course the entire circuit for the meeting, and with nothing but sunny skies forecast early in the week, punters can do the form expecting a genuine Good 4 surface prior to the opening event at 12:30pm HKT. Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Tip: Magic Control Magic Control has impressed in his three attempts racing down the Sha Tin straight course, with two wins and another minor placing to his name. He held off Wunderbar in his latest victory on November 9, with the pair clearing out on their respective rivals to fight out the finish in a ding-dong battle. He has since run good time in a nine-length barrier trial victory on December 17, and provided he can take the leap into Group 3 company, Magic Control must be considered one of the leading chances in the 2025 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy. Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Race 4 – #3 Magic Control (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Cody Mo | J: Matthew Chadwick (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Chinese Club Challenge Cup Tip: Patch Of Theta Patch Of Theta goes in search of back-to-back wins in the Group 3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1400m) after securing a dominant 2.3-length victory at Sha Tin on November 24. The Zoustar gelding won a tick-over barrier trial on December 20 leading into this fourth-up assignment, and although he drops back to the 1400m, the progressive five-year-old looks well-placed with 52kg on his back. He’s the horse with upside in this race, and with even luck, it would come as some shock if Patch Of Theta wasn’t fighting out the finish. Chinese Club Challenge Cup Race 8 – #6 Patch Of Theta (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Karis Teetan (52kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Bet at Sha Tin: Fun Elite Fun Elite finally steps out to the 1200m for the first time and appears perfectly placed in this Class 4 contest. The son of Brazen Beau has been consistent racing down the Sha Tin straight, hitting the line well to suggest the extra 200m should be ideal. Britney Wong takes 4.5kg off his back after the claim, and with gate five allowing Wong to land into the ideal stalking position, Fun Elite should get every opportunity to claim his second career win. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Fun Elite (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Benno Yung | J: Britney Wong (a4.5kg) (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Sha Tin: Brilliant Express Brilliant Express didn’t have much luck at a crucial stage at Sha Tin on December 8, powering home to get within a half-length of Happy Park. Punters can expect the John Size-trained galloper to take dramatic improvement heading into this second-up assignment, and with the 1400m allowing the son of Starspangledbanner to go through the gears, watch for this guy to be putting in the big strides in his quest to break his maiden status. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Brilliant Express (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Hugh Bowman (58kg) Bet with Playup Best Value at Sha Tin: Joyful Treasure Joyful Treasure represents terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers as he debuts for the Francis Lui barn. The Charm Spirit gelding caught the eye in a recent barrier trial at Conghua on December 6, sitting three-wide without cover throughout the 1200m journey. Watch for Lyle Hewitson to take luck out of the equation and lead from gate eight, and provided he can tick-over a soft sectional in the middle stages, expect Joyful Treasure to cling to victory at a good price with Dabble. Best Value Race 3 – #5 Joyful Treasure (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Lyle Hewitson (56.5kg) Bet with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections January 1, 2025 1-2-6 2-4-5-11 1-2-5-6-7-10 2-3-5-9-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

The New Zealand Thoroughbred racing industry is celebrating the exceptional achievements of two of its most dedicated figures, legendary Jockey Noel Harris and top Club administrator Terry Campbell, who have both received prestigious New Year 2025 Honours for their contributions to Thoroughbred racing and governance. Noel Harris: New Zealand Order of Merit for Lifetime Achievements in Horse Racing Legendary Jockey Noel Harris has been appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Thoroughbred racing. This prestigious award highlights a lifetime of exceptional achievements, dedication and service to the industry that has defined Harris’ life and career. Known to most as “Harry,” Noel Harris is a name synonymous with success in New Zealand’s Jockey ranks. Across a career spanning more than 40 years, Harris achieved 2167 victories, including multiple Group 1 triumphs both in New Zealand and internationally. His career stands as a testament to his incredible skills and resilience. Harris’ journey began in the 1970s when he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of New Zealand’s most sought-after Jockeys. Born into a racing family, his father Jock Harris was also a jockey. Among his most memorable victories were wins on New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame inductees Castletown and Poetic Prince. His success extended internationally, earning him respect on both sides of the Tasman. “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition and humbled by the journey that has brought me here,” said Harris. “Racing has been my life and this award is a reflection of the incredible people I’ve worked with, the Owners, Trainers, and of course the horses, that have helped shape my career. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to a sport that has given me so much.” In addition to his remarkable achievements on the track, Harris continues his dedication as the Northern Apprentice Jockey Mentor for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR). Over the past few years, he has mentored countless young apprentice Jockeys, sharing his wisdom and experience with the next generation of talented riders. “Noel Harris is a true legend of our sport and his appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit is richly deserved,” said Russell Warwick, Chairman of NZTR. “His achievements on the track are remarkable, but it’s his role as a mentor, advocate, and ambassador for New Zealand racing that continues to set him apart,” Warwick said. Terry Campbell: King’s Service Medal for Services to Horse Racing and Governance Terry Campbell of Taupō has been awarded a King’s Service Medal (KSM) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to horse racing and governance. His decade-long dedication to the Taupō Racing Club and the wider racing industry has transformed the Club into a thriving and sustainable organisation. Shortly after relocating to Taupō in 2012, Campbell immersed himself in the local racing scene, joining Taupō Racing Club and assuming the role of Club president in 2013. Under his leadership, the Club has achieved significant milestones, including financial stability through effective fundraising initiatives, sponsorships and sound management practices. Since the Taupō Racing Club’s separation from other local racing entities in 2018, membership has grown by an impressive 40%. The Club has also secured an increased number of fixtures on the New Zealand Thoroughbred racing calendar, generating greater economic activity. Following a hugely successful race meeting yesterday, Campbell was back at it this morning, pitching in at a working bee when asked for his thoughts on receiving the honour. “I am very proud on behalf of the Taupō racing community to be recognised alongside an elite group of men and women.” It’s great for our sport to be acknowledged on the national stage and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of New Zealand’s Thoroughbred racing industry,” he said. Campbell’s vision extended beyond the track after he helped establish innovative partnerships that have further strengthened the Club’s position in the community. A joint venture with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association has allowed the Club’s facilities to accommodate visitors to Taupō, boosting tourism and local engagement. Additionally, leasing portions of the grounds for cropping has provided the Club with a supplementary revenue stream. “This honour reflects Terry’s dedication to racing and his ability to inspire growth and innovation within his community,” said Darin Balcombe, NZTR’s Chief Operating Officer. “His leadership has ensured that the Taupō Racing Club remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s racing Club scene.” Noel Harris and Terry Campbell’s New Year 2025 Honours highlight the incredible impact they have had within the New Zealand industry respectively. Both have spent their lives pushing the sport forward and encouraging growth. Their achievements are a testament to the passion and hard work that keeps New Zealand racing thriving. View the full article

Tony McEvoy is again looking forward to seeing the familiar OTI Racing colours of navy blue and gold hoops aboard one of his runners when the former Kiwi filly Pick ‘N’ Mix (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) races at Geelong on Saturday. Pick ‘N’ Mix won impressively on debut at Cranbourne earlier this month to resume a link between McEvoy and OTI Racing that goes back a long way. “I haven’t trained for them for many years, but it’s great to have the colours back on a couple of our horses,” McEvoy said. “I trained for (OTI director) Terry (Henderson) back in the early 2000s and then for whatever reason we our own way. I went across to Adelaide and we lost a bit of touch, but I have a couple for Terry now and he’s a very good judge and been doing it for a very long time. “I was very happy when they found that filly and put it to us.” The Turn Me Loose filly’s maiden win was full of merit as she upset the $1.40 favourite Egerton, who had been narrowly beaten at her previous start by the progressive filly Yes Lulu. “It was a good maiden win and the favourite had proper maiden form so she has got some upside,” McEvoy said of the New Zealand-bred filly. “She probably has to learn to race a bit kinder. She can do that, but she is a busy filly. “She’s come through that race really well and I’m looking forward to seeing where she can take us.” The McEvoy stable is also chasing some black type at Geelong with the already stakes winner mare Bossy Nic, who is second-up into the 1200-metre listed Black Pearl. “She’s a big, heavy, gross girl and its hard to get her fit at home and racing really helps so she’ll improve off that first-up run,” he said. View the full article

Danny Frye was a relieved man after watching his pride and joy Our Echo (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) return to form when taking out the Kurow Cup West Coast Steeplechaser (1400m) on Monday. The eight-year-old son of Echoes of Heaven was in career best form last autumn when winning the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m) and placing in the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) at Trentham, but hit a slump on his return this season, finishing unplaced in his four starts in the lead-up to his Kurow test. Left scratching his head following the subpar performances, Frye elected to change his gelding’s training routine, and it paid dividends on Monday with a half neck victory over Epee Beel. “It was a very satisfying win. It looks as though we are getting things right with him now,” Frye said. “The ability is there and it has always been there, but we questioned ourselves after the last couple of runs. “He is another year older and we have been too kind to him and too heavy with the feed dipper, so we changed a few things around with him and put him on a Jenny Craig diet and stepped his workload up a wee bit more. “Tina (Comignaghi, jockey) was a big help too, she knows the horse and has got a fantastic record on him. “We rode him a bit quieter yesterday, which was always going to be the plan, and we got the prize, which was really nice.” A few quiet days in the paddock are now instore for Our Echo before a likely trip north to Trentham, although Frye is yet to set a plan in stone. “He didn’t get home until midnight last night, so he will have a couple of days of R and R,” Frye said. “Programming-wise we are a bit up in the air of what to do and where to go. We will see how he comes through this and hopefully there is something at Trentham for him because he likes going up there. “He is nominated for the Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m). I think on paper it is a bit rich and at this stage we are only 29th in the order of entry. It is a classy lot.” Following Monday’s win, Frye was complimentary of the Kurow Jockey Club and said the track held up well to the showers of rain throughout the day. “It was a beautiful Christmas crowd and you have to give kudos to the club in regards to the track conditions,” he said. “There have been a number of meetings that have been abandoned because of rain on the day, which they did get, and the track couldn’t have raced or ridden better.” View the full article

This week on the Guerin Report, fresh off his side beating the Black Caps in the tests, Michael chats with England coach Brendon McCullum. They reflect on the series, discuss Baz’s coaching style, his career, as well as what and who he loves in cricket and racing. Guerin Report – Ep. 18, Ft. Brendon McCullum View the full article

Ben and Ryan Foote will head to Ellerslie on New Year’s Day with a pair of in-form black-type chances whose longer-term feature race prospects are equally as strong. The father and son combination will be represented by Myakkabelle (NZ) (War Decree) in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) and Vega For Luck (NZ) (Lucky Vega) in the Gr.2 Skycity Eclipse Stakes (1200m). War Decree Filly Myakkabelle is a two-time winner who finished a sound third against older opposition two runs back and was luckless when fifth in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. She missed the jump and settled three back on the fence before diving between runners in the straight to be strong to the finish. “She was very, very good the other day and the step up to 2000m will really suit her down to the ground,” Ryan Foote said. “The wide draw (11) isn’t ideal, but she seems to have bounced out of that run on Boxing Day very well.” Foote said it wasn’t always the plan to back up Myakkabelle so soon, but her recovery rate had been excellent. “She came through the race so well and didn’t get a lot of luck in running so we thought we’d put the nomination in and have a look,” he said. Thursday’s outing will be another step for Myakkabelle toward her autumn goal of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. “The Oaks is the main one and we’ll pick the right path to it and do the right thing by the filly,” Foote said. Myakkabelle is a daughter of the imported Lawman mare Myakka Park who is a half-sister to two European stakes winners. The pedigree has also made its mark here with the Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) and the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) winner Bella Waters whose half-brother Immediacy was successful in last season’s Gr.2 Autumn Classic (1800m). Myakkabelle was purchased for $55,000 out of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft of Inglewood Stud, who also bred and sold Vega For Luck for $60,000 at Karaka. The Lucky Vega colt is guaranteed a start in next month’s $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) following the encouraging start he’s made to his career. His debut victory at Tauranga has been followed up with third placings at Ellerslie and Pukekohe, most recently in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m). “He hasn’t put a foot wrong since his last run, he’s got a good gate (one) so he should be able to stick to the rail and give them something to chase,” Foote said. “It’s a chance to give him more experience at Ellerslie and to decide if we do put a set of blinkers on to spark him up for the Karaka Millions. “He won’t have them on Boxing Day, but we’ve still got them up our sleeve.” Vega For Luck is the first foal of the winning Darci Brahma mare Badea, a half-sister to the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) winner Lilikoi. View the full article

Matamata horseman Benji King has a lifelong association with Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, and he was delighted to train his first winner for her at Taupo on Monday. The Dowager Duchess has been a long-time family friend of the King family and continues to breed from her mares at Benji’s father, Nick King’s, Brighthill Farm in the Waikato. One of those mares was the late Inertia, a half-sister to multiple Group One winner and former Cambridge Stud stallion Tavistock. Benji King was there when she foaled an Ocean Park chestnut filly three years ago, and he was immediately taken by the filly, who was subsequently named Mid Ocean (NZ) (Ocean Park) and was entrusted to his care. She won her first trial over 850m at Waipa in October before finishing runner-up in an 800m trial at Pukekohe earlier this month, giving King plenty of confidence heading into her debut in the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club (1200m) at Taupo on Monday. From her inside barrier, Mid Ocean was able to find early cover three back on the fence for jockey Courtney Barnes. Turning for home, Barnes was able to find a gap between runners, and Mid Ocean was able to power through to find the lead and hold on to record a half length victory over the fast-finishing Cypher. The Dowager Duchess was trackside for the win and was rapt with the result. “It is just wonderful,” she said. “Her mother is a half-sister to Tavistock. It is a family we have had since ‘75. “Benji loved her as a foal, so I told him he could train her. It is so great to have Benji train her, I have known him since before he could walk.” It was King’s second training victory, and he said it was a sentimental one given the family history. “I was there when she foaled and we have had her the whole way through,” King said. “She is my first three-year-old winner and my second ever winner, so it’s pretty exciting.” King was hopeful of a bold showing given the filly’s trial performances and was pleased she was able to bring that form to raceday. “We did have high hopes,” he said. “But a first starter as a three-year-old you are always a bit unsure, but that was pretty pleasing.” King is now excited for what the future holds for the regally-bred filly. “I would like to hope that she will get over a bit of a trip and then she could become quite valuable with some nice races ahead,” he said. View the full article

Riverton trainers Graham Eade and Brooke Kincaid are eyeing the lucrative Southern Cups Bonus with their stakes performer Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Road To Rock), and will kick-off his campaign towards the series at their home track on New Year’s Day. The series begins in February with the Gore Cup (2000m) before it moves onto the Invercargill Cup (2600m), Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m), Wyndham Cup (2000m) and culminates with the Riverton Cup (2147m) on April 19. Points are accrued throughout the series, with the winner of each racing earning five points, three points for second, and two points for third, with the exception of the Riverton Cup, with the winner earning 12 points, runner-up six points, and third place four points. The horse with the highest points at the conclusion of the series will be awarded a $50,000 winner takes all bonus. Eade and Kincaid are keen to chase the southern spoils on offer with Riviera Rebel, who has been freshened following his runner-up performance over 2000m in October, and his handlers have been pleased with the way he has returned. “He has had a break and he has worked up nicely, he is very well,” Eade said. Riviera Rebel will jump from barrier 10 in the Dynes Transport Tapanui Cup (1200m) on Wednesday, with the distance being the only query for Eade. “He generally flies the gates, so I don’t know whether the draw will be a problem, but the distance could be,” he said. Eade is also looking forward to lining up last start winner Intercept in the Cecil Ferguson/Kevin Burns Memorial, and he said she has progressed well since scoring her maiden victory over 1200m at Gore earlier this month. “She is flying,” he said. “That last run didn’t do her any harm at all. She has been working well and eating up. I am happy with her.” Eade is also upbeat about the chances of stablemate Orepuki Gem (NZ) (Raise The Flag), who will be tested over a mile for the first time in the Crowley Classic. “We have been trying to get him up over distance because he is bred to stay,” Eade said. “It is a question mark with him as we get up in distance, but his brother, Orepuki Lad, went pretty well, so it’s just a wait and see thing.” The stable will also be represented by Maryweka in the Pure Otago Cheeries.co.nz Handicap (1200m), The Tui Toiler in the Carriers Arms Hotel Summer Cup (2147m), Ataahua Pipedream in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifier (1600m), and Gintys Girl in the Flippn Fresh Fish/Pankhurst Sawmilling (1600m). View the full article

What Flemington Races Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Wednesday, January 1, 2025 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble The traditional New Year’s Day meeting at Flemington awaits punters on Wednesday afternoon with an eight-race meeting scheduled. The Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) and Listed Kensington Stakes (1400m) headline what is a competitive day of racing, set to be run on a Good 4 with the rail in its true position the entire circuit. Action from Flemington is set to commence at 1:10pm AEDT. Bagot Handicap Tip: Grand Pierro Grand Pierro arguably should have gotten the better of Goldman in the Pakenham Cup last time out, but when the pair meet again on Wednesday, the five-year-old looks poised to go one better. Having loomed as the winner inside the final furlong, the Jason Warren-trained stayer was simply worried out of it by his rival and was beaten a long neck on the line. He meets Goldman and race favourite Muramasa better at the weights than what he did last time out, and if Grand Pierro can replicate his efforts at Flemington, the $10 with horse racing bookmakers looks like a great way to kick off the new year. Bagot Handicap Race 6 – #5 Grand Pierro (10) 5yo Gelding | T: Jason Warren | J: Zac Spain (54kg) +900 with Picklebet Kensington Stakes Top Tip: Running By Running By was a handy winner of the Inglis Bracelet at the Flemington mile two runs back, and on the back of a hard luck run at Pakenham, she can be a Flemington winner once more. She bungled the start at Pakenham last time out and clearly used up too many carrots as he peaked on her run a touch when beaten a long neck. As long as Saffie Osborne can have the Impending mare out of the barriers cleanly, Running By should land a plumb spot from barrier four and prove too hard to hold out. Kensington Stakes Race 4 – #2 Running By (4) 5yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Saffie Osborne (55kg) +270 with Playup Best Bet at Flemington: Trapeze Warrior Trapeze Warrior has been unlucky at his last two starts when forced to travel wide without cover, but back up the Flemington straight should see him return to the winner’s stall. He was massive in defeat down the straight in the Melbourne Cup Carnival when going down a half length to the impressive Pisanello over 1100m, and as he steps back to 1200m for just the second time in his career, there is no reason why Trapeze Warrior cannot make it two wins from as many starts at the trip. Best Bet Race 3 – #3 Trapeze Warrior (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Thomas Stockdale (58.5kg) +250 with Neds Next Best at Flemington: Both Sides Now Both Sides Now has done nothing wrong at each of her last three starts, winning twice and finishing third to suggest she will take some catching on Wednesday. Having been rated perfectly out in front at Moonee Valley on December 6, the plan looks to be similar at Flemington, having drawn barrier two. Jett Stanley’s 2kg claim gets the Puissance De Lune progeny in with 56.5kg on her back, and with a relatively uncontested leaf, Both Sides Now should prove too hard to run. Next Best Race 5 – #6 Both Sides Now (2) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jett Stanley (a2) (58.5kg) +280 with BlondeBet Wednesday’s quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Wednesday, January 1, 2025 1-6-11 1-2-3-5-7 8-9-11 2-4-7-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King Street, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Wednesday, January 1, 2025 First Race 2:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Twilight racing returns to Canterbury Park Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program lined up for New Year’s Day. The rail reverts to the true position the entire circuit, and with no significant rainfall predicted in the lead-up, punters can expect the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances to hold true on race-day morning. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 2:40pm local time. Canterbury Sprint Tip: Time To Boogie Time To Boogie caught the eye returning from a 336-day spell at Randwick on December 21 and looks primed for a second-up assault. The Sooboog gelding fended off all but Iowna Merc on that occasion, only fading late due to a lack of race-day fitness. Rachel King gets the opportunity to dictate terms from barrier one, and whether she elects to lead or take a sit, Time To Boogie will prove hard to hold out in the $200,000 Canterbury Sprint. Canterbury Sprint Race 7 – #10 Time To Boogie (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Rachel King (53kg) Bet with Playup Best Bet at Canterbury: Sounds Unusual After back-to-back minor placings, the Chris Waller-trained Sounds Unusual appears set to peak third-up in campaign. The four-year-old was simply no match for stable companion Great White Shark in his latest outing at this course and distance on December 13 but showed plenty of fight to get within five lengths of another progressive type. Nash Rawiller can sit handier from barrier two this time around, and provided he can lob into the one-one, Sounds Unusual will prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Sounds Unusual (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Canterbury: Lady Extreme Lady Extreme is nearing her first win of the preparation after being narrowly defeated in back-to-back starts. The daughter of Extreme Choice ran into a smart one in the form of Zoubaby last start at Randwick on December 14, and with the third-placegetter High Blue Sea already claiming victory since, punters can follow the form-line with trust. Lady Extreme has shown tactical speed in the past, and with a lack of tempo engaged in this BM72 contest, watch for Jay Ford to make every post a winner aboard the lightly raced five-year-old. Next Best Race 4 – #4 Lady Extreme (3) 5yo Mare | T: Blake Ryan | J: Jay Ford (57kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Canterbury: Atlas John Atlas John was luckless at Canterbury on December 20 and should have finished much closer than what the 4.3-length margin may suggest. The son of Castelvecchio was held-up behind a wall of horses in the final 400m, only getting clear running when it was all over. The extra 100m to chase down his rivals should be a major positive, and provided he can get a fair crack at his rivals, Atlas John should give a sight at the each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 2 – #1 Atlas John (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Richard Litt | J: Jay Ford (56kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Canterbury Canterbury quadrella selections January 1, 2025 2-4-6-8 1-3-11-14 3-4-5-9-10 4-7-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article