Wandering Eyes

Once in a while a track record is set which we believe may stand forever. It is, however, the nature of things that even the seemingly unbreakable marks are eventually lowered. The :56.16 seconds which it took Dayjur (Danzig) to run the straight five furlongs of the G1 Keeneland Nunthorpe S. at York on Aug. 12, 1990 seemed at the time to be a benchmark which might remain in the record books indefinitely. Needless to say, it has finally fallen, but what is particularly pleasing is that it has fallen to another horse racing in the royal blue, white epaulettes, striped cap of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum: the brilliant 5-year-old gelding Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who ran the same course in :55.90 seconds when taking the G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe S. on Aug. 23. Battaash was bred to sprint and at no stage in his career has he looked like being anything other than a short-distance specialist. In that he is in good company within the Shadwell fold because Sheikh Hamdan is a rarity amongst major owners of sizeable European strings in deliberately focusing on sprinters (as well, of course, as breeding and racing many high-class middle-distance and staying horses). Each year Angus Gold identifies a few likely sprinting prospects at the yearling sales to augment the homebred stock. Shadwell bought Battaash for 200,000gns at Tattersalls’s October Yearling Sale in 2015 and was back been in action at Goffs UK’s Premier Yearling Sale at Doncaster last week, including laying out £145,000 for a colt by Battaash’s sire Dark Angel out of the winning Dandy Man mare Relation Alexander (Ire), and £125,000 for a full-brother to the stakes-winning Dark Angel filly Easton Angel (Ire). With Dayjur it was slightly different because, although he had plenty of speed on both sides of his pedigree and was a ball of muscle, he was initially tried over farther, being campaigned as if a mile might be within his compass. The first start of his 3-year-old campaign in 1990 came over seven furlongs in the Free Handicap at Newmarket’s Craven Meeting, a race often used to see if prospective Guineas contenders are likely to have the stamina to step up to a mile two and a half weeks later. By finishing unplaced behind Anshan (Ire) (Persian Bold {Ire}) after travelling easily through the race, Dayjur made it plain that he needed to drop down in distance rather than to step up, but that was fine. In those pre-Commonwealth Cup days it was the norm to try very fast horses as potential Classic contenders before reverting to sprinting if and when they had shown that that would be their forte. Dayjur was not alone in that respect among top sprinters of that era, the likes of Marwell (Ire) (Habitat), Habibti (Ire) (Habitat), Chief Singer (Ire) (Ballad Rock {Ire}), Green Desert (Danzig), Ajdal (Northern Dancer), Royal Academy (Nijinsky) and Mr Brooks (GB) (Blazing Saddles {Aus}) all winning their championship sprints only after having competed over farther. In the cases of Ajdal and Mr Brooks, farther meant running in the Derby. The seven furlongs of the Free Handicap, though, was as far as Dayjur ever ran. Kept subsequently to sprints, he showed himself to be one of the greats by taking successively the G2 Temple S. over five furlongs at Sandown, the G2 King’s Stand S. over five furlongs at Royal Ascot, the G1 Nunthorpe S. over five furlongs at York, the G1 Vernons Sprint Cup over six furlongs at Haydock and the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye over 1000m at Longchamp. Only self-induced misfortune (when he jumped the shadow of part of the grandstand in the final strides, thus ceding the lead to Safely Kept {Horatius} and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory) prevented him from topping off his record with a win in the GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint over six furlongs on the dirt at Belmont Park. By the time that Dayjur was winning those races, Sheikh Hamdan had already raced one Derby winner, his homebred 1989 hero Nashwan (Blushing Groom). He would shortly breed and race another, Erhaab (Chief’s Crown) scoring at Epsom in 1994. However, it seems likely that Dayjur’s brilliance fired his owner’s enthusiasm for racing sprinters because ever since then he has generally always had a few specialist short-distance horses in among the ranks of the Classic-bred stars which are the stock in trade of any top-level racing operation. Battaash, whose pedigree points strongly towards him racing over short distances and being very good at it, is the perfect example but there have been many others in the 29 years between Dayjur’s record-breaking run up the Knavesmire and Battaash’s even more brilliant performance over the same strip of turf. Most notable among those who came in the interim was Muhaarar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who earned himself a particular place in the Shadwell heart with his four Group 1 sprinting triumphs in the summer of 2015 by virtue of the fact that he is a homebred. He now stands on the Shadwell roster at Nunnery Stud in Norfolk and it would be no surprise to see him come up with Sheikh Hamdan’s next Nunthorpe hero. Sheikh Hamdan might, of course, have to wait a while before having another horse who can follow in Battaash’s footsteps by winning the Nunthorpe for no reason other than that, as a gelding who appears to be thriving on his racing and becoming even better as he matures, Battaash could well have several more years of racing ahead of him. And, judging on the utter dominance which he displayed last week, he is going to be very hard to beat in any future runnings of that race which he contests. No doubt there is a certain feeling of wistfulness in the Shadwell ranks that Battaash will never be able to retire to join the roster at either Nunnery or Derrinstown, but the breeding side of the operation’s loss is very definitely the racing side’s gain. Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster has seen some wonderful horses carry Sheikh Hamdan’s silks over the 34 years in which he has worked for the operation. Fresh from a trip to York last Friday to cheer home not just Battaash in the Nunthorpe but also the exciting 2-year-old Molatham (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) in the British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden 40 minutes later, Lancaster reflected on the brilliant sprinters who have showcased Shadwell’s love affair with speed. “Dayjur and Battaash are very similar horses, just typical specialist sprinters,” he said. “Dayjur was a small, very muscular, typical Danzig horse. Battaash is only a bit bigger and he too is very much in the sprinter mould. “Muhaarar is slightly different in that he is more in the miler mould–maybe that’s the Linamix in him–but he just had exceptional speed. And actually when you look at him now, you see the strength and power that generates that speed, and that’s a comment which you could have made about all three of these brilliantly fast horses. “Sheikh Maktoum raced Green Desert [who is Muhaarar’s grandsire and also appears in Battaash’s pedigree via Invincible Spirit] but he stood here at Nunnery throughout his stud career. He was another very typical Danzig horse and if you ever wanted to see power, you only had to stand behind him and see where it was all generated from. We’ve been privileged to have some fabulous sprinters, and at the stud it was very fitting when Muhaarar arrived to take the place of his grandsire.” The post Dayjur To Battaash: Shadwell’s Life In The Fast Lane appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Exciting 3-year-old Spirit Of St Louis faces a stern test early in his career at Forbury Park on Sunday. The Graeme Anderson trained pacer impressed when beating a field of up and comers when debuting at Gore last weekend. His front running effort got a big tick of approval from his driver, Matthew Williamson. “It was very impressive,” the reinsman said. “His run was super and he rattled off a really nice [last 800m] and he showed good gate speed, too.” Spirit Of St Louis looked slightly vulnerable at early in the run home, before he found another gear and dashed away from his opposition to score. Williamson said it was a case of the horse bringing a very laid back attitude to the track. “He is just quite laid back is what I would say.” “That is why his trials have just looked ok and then he sharpened up on race day when he was asked for it.” “I would say with a few more starts he will sharpen up even more.” Spirit Of St Louis faces an almighty leap in race conditions in his second career start on Sunday. The inexperienced pacer will square off with rugged veterans Aveross Rustler and Four Starzz Shiraz, as well as new season performer Arden Roanake. Though he concedes a lot of experience to his rivals, Spirit Of St Louis will have a draw advantage over his main rivals when he starts from barrier 3. Williamson hopes that good draw and the 3-year-old’s class can help him beat out his more seasoned rivals. “Because he has got a bit of class he can probably still win it,” the reinsman said. “With the draw of course – which is the only thing in his favour – if he gets his own way or a couple of cheap sectionals they won’t make any ground from behind him if he rattles off a 56sec [final 800m] again.” Aveross Rustler looks the best placed of Spirit Of St Louis’ main rivals to land near the speed from barrier 7. Four Starzz Shirazz starts from the outside of the front line in barrier 8 and Arden Roanoake will start from the inside of the second row in barrier 9. The Cran Dalgety and Nathan Purdon trained Arden Roanoake will give Spirit Of St Louis plenty of competition, and driver Matt Anderson can work the 4-year-old in to clear running. The pacer is shooting for a hat-trick of wins following his brilliant last to first victory at Oamaru, last weekend. Williamson also drives With The Stars in race 3 for the Anderson stable. The reinsman rated Hannity in race 7 alongside Spirit Of St Louis in race 9 as one of his best drives at Forbury Park on Sunday. The Colin Harrison trained pacer gets in to the race well as a rating 55 horse competing against horses rated between 40 and 55. “The start will be the only thing with him, he has been a good beginner, but he missed away last start.,” Williamson said. “If he got away on terms, to be honest I would be disappointed if he got beaten in that field.” “He has dropped back a long way in grade.” Williamson also drives Huckabee, who he described as a place chance in race 4 for the Harrison stable. The Oamaru driver also combines with Cuddly Trouble in race 1, Maldito in race 2 and Solsbury Hill in race 8. Williamson rated Cuddly Trouble, who starts from a 30m handicap, the best of chance among that trio. “If she could step away and make up that 30m I definitely think she is an each-way chance,” he said. The post Draw to aid Spirit Of St Louis appeared first on BOAY Racing News. View the full article

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Article Test” _builder_version=”3.22.4″] Exciting 3-year-old Spirit Of St Louis faces a stern test early in his career at Forbury Park on Sunday. The Graeme Anderson trained pacer impressed when beating a field of up and comers when debuting at Gore last weekend. His front running effort got a big tick of approval from his driver, Matthew Williamson. “It was very impressive,” the reinsman said. “His run was super and he rattled off a really nice [last 800m] and he showed good gate speed, too.” Spirit Of St Louis looked slightly vulnerable at early in the run home, before he found another gear and dashed away from his opposition to score. Williamson said it was a case of the horse bringing a very laid back attitude to the track. “He is just quite laid back is what I would say.” “That is why his trials have just looked ok and then he sharpened up on race day when he was asked for it.” “I would say with a few more starts he will sharpen up even more.” Spirit Of St Louis faces an almighty leap in race conditions in his second career start on Sunday. The inexperienced pacer will square off with rugged veterans Aveross Rustler and Four Starzz Shiraz, as well as new season performer Arden Roanake. Though he concedes a lot of experience to his rivals, Spirit Of St Louis will have a draw advantage over his main rivals when he starts from barrier 3. Williamson hopes that good draw and the 3-year-old’s class can help him beat out his more seasoned rivals. “Because he has got a bit of class he can probably still win it,” the reinsman said. “With the draw of course – which is the only thing in his favour – if he gets his own way or a couple of cheap sectionals they won’t make any ground from behind him if he rattles off a 56sec [final 800m] again.” Aveross Rustler looks the best placed of Spirit Of St Louis’ main rivals to land near the speed from barrier 7. Four Starzz Shirazz starts from the outside of the front line in barrier 8 and Arden Roanoake will start from the inside of the second row in barrier 9. The Cran Dalgety and Nathan Purdon trained Arden Roanoake will give Spirit Of St Louis plenty of competition, and driver Matt Anderson can work the 4-year-old in to clear running. The pacer is shooting for a hat-trick of wins following his brilliant last to first victory at Oamaru, last weekend. Williamson also drives With The Stars in race 3 for the Anderson stable. The reinsman rated Hannity in race 7 alongside Spirit Of St Louis in race 9 as one of his best drives at Forbury Park on Sunday. The Colin Harrison trained pacer gets in to the race well as a rating 55 horse competing against horses rated between 40 and 55. “The start will be the only thing with him, he has been a good beginner, but he missed away last start.,” Williamson said. “If he got away on terms, to be honest I would be disappointed if he got beaten in that field.” “He has dropped back a long way in grade.” Williamson also drives Huckabee, who he described as a place chance in race 4 for the Harrison stable. The Oamaru driver also combines with Cuddly Trouble in race 1, Maldito in race 2 and Solsbury Hill in race 8. Williamson rated Cuddly Trouble, who starts from a 30m handicap, the best of chance among that trio. “If she could step away and make up that 30m I definitely think she is an each-way chance,” he said. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] View the full article

Danny Shum Chap-shing made good on a vow to the owners of Regency Legend at Sha Tin on Sunday, taking out the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) for the fourth time to get his season off to a customary flying start.Regency Legend produced a performance that left a beaming Shum dreaming of success on the biggest day in Hong Kong racing – international day on the second Sunday in December.“I made the promise half a year ago that he would win the Chief Executive’s Cup,” Shum said of… View the full article

Hong Kong’s most prolific jockey Douglas Whyte is on the board as a trainer, starring on opening day at Sha Tin on Sunday.While it was not a first-race fairy tale for Whyte, it came just 30 minutes later in the Class Five Mount Parker Handicap (1,200m) with the former Peter Ho Leung-trained Adonis.Whyte said the 20-start maiden had become a labour of love for him and he could not have been happier when he saluted under young Australian jockey Regan Bayliss.The South African amassed 1,813… View the full article

Bast broke her maiden, notched her first graded victory, scored at the top level, and put on a dazzling performance all at once in the $301,053 Del Mar Debutante (G1) Aug. 31 at Del Mar. View the full article

It didn't take long for Vasilika to resume her winning ways, but it certainly wasn't easy. View the full article

Calumet Farm homebred English Bee turned in a strong performance Aug. 31 at Colonial Downs and earned his first graded stakes score with a head victory in the $250,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby (G3T). View the full article

The $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed Division became a two-horse race in Gulfstream Park's home stretch Aug. 31, Stonehedge's Liam's Lucky Charm getting his head in front of favored Chance It. View the full article

It didn't take long for Vasilika to resume her winning ways, but it certainly wasn't easy. View the full article

Bast broke her maiden, notched her first graded victory, scored at the top level, and put on a dazzling performance all at once in the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante (G1) Aug. 31 at Del Mar. View the full article

It didn't take long for Vasilika to resume her winning ways, but it certainly wasn't easy. View the full article

Bast (2, f, Uncle Mo–Laffina, by Arch) came from off the pace to win at the highest level in Saturday’s GI Del Mar Debutante S. Runner-up behind Inspiressa (The Big Beast) in their respective debuts going 5 ½ furlongs here Aug. 11, Bast was sent off the 5-2 second choice behind the more fancied 7-5 favorite in this seven furlong test. Leucothea (Midshipman) shot to the front early and rolled through an opening quarter in :22.55 as Inspiressa promted the issue while Bast was within reach in fourth. Asked for more after a half in :44.88, Bast collared Inspiressa at the head of the lane while the early pacesetter Leucothea dropped back, forged clear in the lane and came home a much-the-best 10-length winner. Inspiressa was a clear second over longshot Comical (Into Mischief). Final time for the seven-furlong test was 1:23.73. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $192,200. O-Boama Corp. B-BlackRidge Stables LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. The post Bast Proves Best in Del Mar Debutante appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

American Theorem (2, c, American Pharoah–Mighty Renee, by Maria’s Mon) was installed the 2-1 choice off a series of sharp works, including the latest a bullet four-furlong work in :47.20 at Del Mar Aug. 26. Trapped behind a wall of horses through a crisp opening quarter in :21.82, the eager grey found daylight four wide turning for home, ground his way to the front midstretch and ran off to score by 2 ½ lengths over Hydrogen (Violence). Thunder Code (Honor Code) was third. Final time for the 5 1/2-furlong race was 1:04.32. The winner is a half to graded winner Mighty Caroline (Stormy Atlantic) and stakes scorers Renee’s Queen (After Market) and Cyclogenisis (Stormy Atlantic). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $36,600. O-Kretz Racing LLC; B-Sierra Farm (KY); T-George Papaprodromou. The post American Pharoah Firster Graduates at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Clipping heels didn't stop Bloom Racing Stable's Snapper Sinclair from rallying down the Kentucky Downs stretch and joining the millionaire's club with a victory in the $749,000 Tourist Mile Stakes Aug. 31. View the full article

Clipping heels didn't stop Bloom Racing Stable's Snapper Sinclair from rallying down the Kentucky Downs stretch and joining the millionaire's club with a victory in the $749,000 Tourist Mile Stakes Aug. 31. View the full article

Centennial Farms' Preservationist proved a formidable opponent Aug. 31, cutting a path between horses in deep stretch to take the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. View the full article

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Article Test” _builder_version=”3.22.4″] The Shark goes looking for Sunday afternoon winners in Dunedin where it’s Forbury Park Trotting Club action. Race 1 7 Justan’s Sister: Caught on the wrong foot last week when they said go and that was the end of it. Two runners prior good. Go again. 6 The Night Sweats: Boomed home late at Gore last week to finish second. Not one you can back with confidence, but still a big hope. 1 Be Bee Lass: No dice first up for the House stable, Orange sticks with the ship though. We probably should too. 13 Cuddy Trouble: Giving them a head start here, but does have more upside than most and better for the fresh up run. Selections: 7-6-1-13 Race 2 14 Standout: That was an impressive performance last time out. Still a bit to learn, but there is a motor there. Go again. 11 Pocket Watch: Have to respect the stable and the driver and this is easier than recent efforts. Should be going close. 1 Miss Behavin: First up for Kim Butt after a Gavelhouse purchase. Looks better than a maiden and comes up with a good draw. 2 The Cruise Missile: Joins the Jonny Cox team, has looked handy on occasions and change in scenery might really turn things around. Selections: 14-11-1-2 Race 3 4 Chevron Flies: Purdon and Dalgety first starter. Nice in workouts and trials and a handy draw. Yes please. 10 With The Stars: Probably should have won a maiden last campaign, but time might have been a good thing. Respect the stable. 8 Minnelli Smile: All around it at the moment and comes up with a tough draw here. Going better than most though, so respected. 2 Milliethepiper: Astute stable wouldn’t be down here for nothing. Good draw and can turn things around from debut effort. Selections: 4-10-8-2 Race 4 1 Glen Elgin Stara: Nice run on debut for third in behind a pretty handy pacer. Good draw and should be on the speed here. 3 Plutonium: First starter from the Barron barn with Blair Orange in the bike. Workouts and trials ok, big watch on debut. 15 Jive: Form behind Silk should stand up nicely, prepared to give another shot from the second line here with a bit of luck. 4 Huckabee: One who is definitely better than a maiden and gets a nice draw to work with here. Can pay a dividend. Selections: 1-3-15-4 Race 5 7 Imran Khan: Freshened after a stellar run of form late last season. Dominion Handicap beckons, needs to step up again here. 3 Neverneverland: Best is very smart, but not always on show. Small field here looks good and can certainly give some cheek. 6 Robbie Royale: Touch below his best recently, but too good to drop. Can get into this and give them plenty to think about. 4 That’s The Story: Genuine performer who is always an each way form on the board and always a chance. Selections: 7-3-6-4 Race 6 9 Ideal Asset: Chances generally rely on luck and although a tricky looking draw, it could work out sweet. Can hammer them late. 7 Frosty Reception: Escapes some strong recent company for this assignment and although draw wide can unleash on them. 12 First Son: More ability than most in this but one who does require the right kind of run. Looking for things to pan out nicely. 2 Opawa Mach: Will relish not being up the road and a genuine grinder who will keep coming at them if given the opportunity. Selections: 9-7-12-2 Race 7 8 She’s A Rebel: Tough ask last time out but classy and should be better for the experience. Good enough to round this field up. 10 Donegal Mary Francis: Fresh up from a spell and did some nice things last campaign. Right man in the bike to make things happen. 5 Hannity: Better than the form might suggest. Just needs thing to go right early and he’s a big chance of causing the upset here. 1 Wolf West: Handy run fresh up and should be better for it. Operates from a good draw here and will give a sight from the inside. Selections: 8-10-5-1 Race 8 3 Bono Hest: Jump and run sort of type who looks well suited to this kind of race. Goes well here too, ticks a few boxes at a price. 9 She Aint No Angel: Has a huge motor, but a bag of tricks too. It all hinges on the manners and whether or not they come to the party. 1 Sierra Gold: Nice maiden winner who won’t mind the step up in grade. No surprise to see a big effort in this field today. 7 Crusher Collins: No go last time out, but better than that and this is the kind of race she can get into. Leave out at your peril. Selections: 3-9-1-7 Race 9 3 Spirit Of St Louis: Wow, that’s about all you can say about the debut effort. Looks destined for better things and should win again. 9 Arden Roanoke: Top wins in two runs back from a spell, but does face a tricky draw here. Might be too far off #3 turning for home. 2 Hurricane Banner: Going to get the sweet trip it would appear and with that has to be a royal chance of getting a slice of the action. 6 Balius: Form behind Franco Santino looks good for a race like this and Tomlinson takes the reins on this one. That’s a pointer. Selections: 3-9-2-6 BEST: 4 Chevron Flies (Race 3) NEXT: 3 Spirit Of St Louis (Race 9) VALUE: 3 Bono Hest (Race 8) [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] The post The Shark – best at Forbury on Sunday 1st September 2019 appeared first on BOAY Racing News. View the full article

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Article Test” _builder_version=”3.22.4″] The Shark goes looking for Sunday afternoon winners in Dunedin where it’s Forbury Park Trotting Club action. Race 1 7 Justan’s Sister: Caught on the wrong foot last week when they said go and that was the end of it. Two runners prior good. Go again. 6 The Night Sweats: Boomed home late at Gore last week to finish second. Not one you can back with confidence, but still a big hope. 1 Be Bee Lass: No dice first up for the House stable, Orange sticks with the ship though. We probably should too. 13 Cuddy Trouble: Giving them a head start here, but does have more upside than most and better for the fresh up run. Selections: 7-6-1-13 Race 2 14 Standout: That was an impressive performance last time out. Still a bit to learn, but there is a motor there. Go again. 11 Pocket Watch: Have to respect the stable and the driver and this is easier than recent efforts. Should be going close. 1 Miss Behavin: First up for Kim Butt after a Gavelhouse purchase. Looks better than a maiden and comes up with a good draw. 2 The Cruise Missile: Joins the Jonny Cox team, has looked handy on occasions and change in scenery might really turn things around. Selections: 14-11-1-2 Race 3 4 Chevron Flies: Purdon and Dalgety first starter. Nice in workouts and trials and a handy draw. Yes please. 10 With The Stars: Probably should have won a maiden last campaign, but time might have been a good thing. Respect the stable. 8 Minnelli Smile: All around it at the moment and comes up with a tough draw here. Going better than most though, so respected. 2 Milliethepiper: Astute stable wouldn’t be down here for nothing. Good draw and can turn things around from debut effort. Selections: 4-10-8-2 Race 4 1 Glen Elgin Stara: Nice run on debut for third in behind a pretty handy pacer. Good draw and should be on the speed here. 3 Plutonium: First starter from the Barron barn with Blair Orange in the bike. Workouts and trials ok, big watch on debut. 15 Jive: Form behind Silk should stand up nicely, prepared to give another shot from the second line here with a bit of luck. 4 Huckabee: One who is definitely better than a maiden and gets a nice draw to work with here. Can pay a dividend. Selections: 1-3-15-4 Race 5 7 Imran Khan: Freshened after a stellar run of form late last season. Dominion Handicap beckons, needs to step up again here. 3 Neverneverland: Best is very smart, but not always on show. Small field here looks good and can certainly give some cheek. 6 Robbie Royale: Touch below his best recently, but too good to drop. Can get into this and give them plenty to think about. 4 That’s The Story: Genuine performer who is always an each way form on the board and always a chance. Selections: 7-3-6-4 Race 6 9 Ideal Asset: Chances generally rely on luck and although a tricky looking draw, it could work out sweet. Can hammer them late. 7 Frosty Reception: Escapes some strong recent company for this assignment and although draw wide can unleash on them. 12 First Son: More ability than most in this but one who does require the right kind of run. Looking for things to pan out nicely. 2 Opawa Mach: Will relish not being up the road and a genuine grinder who will keep coming at them if given the opportunity. Selections: 9-7-12-2 Race 7 8 She’s A Rebel: Tough ask last time out but classy and should be better for the experience. Good enough to round this field up. 10 Donegal Mary Francis: Fresh up from a spell and did some nice things last campaign. Right man in the bike to make things happen. 5 Hannity: Better than the form might suggest. Just needs thing to go right early and he’s a big chance of causing the upset here. 1 Wolf West: Handy run fresh up and should be better for it. Operates from a good draw here and will give a sight from the inside. Selections: 8-10-5-1 Race 8 3 Bono Hest: Jump and run sort of type who looks well suited to this kind of race. Goes well here too, ticks a few boxes at a price. 9 She Aint No Angel: Has a huge motor, but a bag of tricks too. It all hinges on the manners and whether or not they come to the party. 1 Sierra Gold: Nice maiden winner who won’t mind the step up in grade. No surprise to see a big effort in this field today. 7 Crusher Collins: No go last time out, but better than that and this is the kind of race she can get into. Leave out at your peril. Selections: 3-9-1-7 Race 9 3 Spirit Of St Louis: Wow, that’s about all you can say about the debut effort. Looks destined for better things and should win again. 9 Arden Roanoke: Top wins in two runs back from a spell, but does face a tricky draw here. Might be too far off #3 turning for home. 2 Hurricane Banner: Going to get the sweet trip it would appear and with that has to be a royal chance of getting a slice of the action. 6 Balius: Form behind Franco Santino looks good for a race like this and Tomlinson takes the reins on this one. That’s a pointer. Selections: 3-9-2-6 BEST: 4 Chevron Flies (Race 3) NEXT: 3 Spirit Of St Louis (Race 9) VALUE: 3 Bono Hest (Race 8) [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] View the full article

After retiring as the greatest jockey in Hong Kong racing history, Douglas Whyte begins the next chapter of his legendary career when his red army marches to Sha Tin for the first time on Sunday.Whyte will forever be remembered for his 1,813 winners and 13-straight championships in the saddle but that is in the rear-view mirror as he officially joins the training ranks.Since hanging up his riding boots in February, the 47-year-old has travelled the world to learn from the best in the business… View the full article

Age of Chivalry delivered a brave front running performance at Caulfield on Saturday notching up two wins from as many starts on the Melbourne track. View the full article

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption for Image” _builder_version=”3.16.1″ text_font=”||on||||||” text_font_size=”10px” custom_margin=”-10px|||”]Write photo caption here by replacing this text. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Article Test” _builder_version=”3.22.4″] Nine years after combining to win the Gr.3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) with Lion Tamer, jockey Hugh Bowman and master Kiwi trainer Murray Baker were at it again with Quick Thinker, who has surprised the stable to win his Australian debut. Andrew Forsman, who now trains in partnership with Baker, said he expected Saturday’s heavy Rosehill track to be against the three-year-old who was a betting ring drifter from $7.50 to $11. But the son of So You Think showed his quality, digging deep to round up Curraghmore’s New Zealand Bloodstock graduate Aspect Ratio and scoot away to score by two lengths. “Hughie won this race for us on Lion Tamer a few years ago and he went on to do good things so hopefully this guy can do the same,” Forsman said. “We had no idea how he’d handle that (track). He’d had three trials leading into today at home on very similar conditions and hadn’t really gone that well “He looked in a bit of trouble at the top of the straight, he still had a lot to do but he won with authority and that’s the sign of a good horse.” Owned by OTI Racing, Quick Thinker’s short-term goal is the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on October 12, possibly via the Dulcify Quality (1500m) at Rosehill on September 14 and the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at the same track two weeks later. Bowman came away from his first race ride on the three-year-old impressed but stopped short of predicting he could reach similar heights to Lion Tamer, who went on to claim the 2010 Victoria Derby and Gr.1 Underwood Stakes the following year. “I couldn’t say no, but he’s got a long way to go to be Lion Tamer,” Bowman said. “It was a really decent win by him. I don’t think the stable was all that confident in the conditions but it’s nice to have them proven wrong and he’s a progressive horse.” Riding for the first time since a heavy race fall at Randwick in April, Andrew Adkins was rapt with the performance of Aspect Ratio and said the John Sargent filly had a bright future. Sargent has a knack for producing smart staying fillies and Adkins reckons Aspect Ratio could be his next. “She didn’t feel like she handled the track at all but she kept surging,” Adkins said. “It’s good to be back and hopefully I can stick with her, she might be an Oaks horse in the future.” -AAP [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] View the full article

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption for Image” _builder_version=”3.22.4″ text_font=”||on||||||” text_font_size=”10px” custom_margin=”-10px|||”] Michael McNab signals his delight as Melody Belle captures the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy at Hastings. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Article Test” _builder_version=”3.22.4″] New Zealand’s best mare, Melody Belle, provided racegoers with another display of her undoubted class when she defended her Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) crown with an amazing performance to win on Saturday. The five-year-old Commands mare, who kicked off a stunning haul of five Group One victories in the 2018/19 racing season with her win in the race twelve months ago, showed she would be just as competitive at the highest level again this year with another sparkling effort. An indifferent run first up in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa to open her campaign, combined with an outside barrier draw, saw punters tread warily with the Jamie Richards-trained mare, installing her as a loose second favourite behind her Te Rapa conqueror Endless Drama. Expected to race in a handy position, that plan went out the window when she dwelt slightly at the start. Rider Michael McNab was forced to bide his time near last in a strung-out field as rank outsider Deerfield set up a hectic speed out in front. McNab didn’t panic as he eased his charge to the outside to track up Endless Drama and Wyndspelle around the home bend before angling for clear running at the 350m. Melody Belle let down with a devastating sprint to collar Wyndspelle and Helena Baby with 50m to run as McNab rose high in the irons to celebrate the victory. “This is just unreal,” McNab said. “With the work that has been put in by the whole Te Akau team, I had a good feeling. “We stepped slow and I thought that was Plan A definitely gone as I was going to go forward. “So, I went back and got in and across the top I saw Endless Drama out posted and I thought he would take me far enough (into the race). “We chased him and then sucked up and sucked up and when she got out, she let rip – just an amazing horse. “She’s a no-frills type of horse and just a real warhorse.” Richards praised the effort by McNab, who Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis had taken under his wing after the jockey returned from an unhappy stint of riding in Australia. “It was a no panic ride,” Richards said. “She stepped half a stride slow, but they went really good tempo which probably worked in our favour. “A big thank you to Dave (Ellis) for taking Michael under his wing and getting his weight right, helping him with his attitude and keeping positive and I think you can see that in the way he rode today.” Richards admitted he had been second guessing himself after Melody Belle had been beaten first up at Te Rapa. “I just kicked myself first-up as we needed to do a little more in her trial at Te Rapa,” he said. “She was beaten fair and square (in the Foxbridge) but I knew the 1400m was really going to suit her and she has done a terrific job. “She’s always been a poor eater but, as she has gotten older, she can handle a bit more racing. She came through that last race well, ate well and did everything right. “She’s just a champion.” Richards confirmed the mare would return to Hastings for the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) in three weeks before tackling the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on October 5. Bred by Marie Leicester, Melody Belle was a $57,500 purchase by Ellis from the Haunui Farm draft at the 2016 Premier session at the National Yearling Sale. Raced by the Fortuna Bloodstock Melody Belle Syndicate, the mare is the hot favourite to be crowned New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Horse of the Year at the annual award ceremony that will be held at Ellerslie racecourse on September 8. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] View the full article

Making his career debut in Saturday’s Rosie S. at Colonial Downs, Four Wheel Drive (American Pharoah–Funfair, by More Than Ready) made short work of his rivals en route to a facile three-length score. In close pursuit of Newstome (Goldencents) who showed the way in the early going, Four wheel Drive overtook that fading leader turning for home, was clear down the lane and crossed the wire an easy winner over So Street (Street Magician).Torres Del Paine (Karakontie {Jpn}) rounded out the trifecta. A $525,000 Fasig-Tipton Select sale purchase Four Wheel Drive is out of TDN Rising Star Funfair (More Than Ready), the winner of her first two starts, including the Colleen S. Lifetime Results: 1-1-0-0, $60,000. O-Breeze Easy LLC; B-Glenvale Stud (KY); T-Wesley Ward. The post American Pharoah Colt an Easy Winner in Colonial Stakes Bow appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption for Image” _builder_version=”3.22.4″ text_font=”||on||||||” text_font_size=”10px” custom_margin=”-10px|||”] My Pendant will chase black type following her Caulfield win on Saturday. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Article Test” _builder_version=”3.22.4″] Danny O’Brien will test My Pendant at stakes level after the mare staged a last-to-first victory at Caulfield. Under a cool ride by Damien Oliver, My Pendant was last on the home turn before overpowering her rivals to win Saturday’s Clanbrooke Racing Handicap (1400m). Sent off the $2.30 favourite, My Pendant scored by a length victory from $101 shot Camelle. Punters had a good lead into the prospects of My Pendant with Oliver wasting to ride the mare at 54kg. “Ollie was keen to ride her,” O’Brien said. “Craig Williams rides this mare as well, but Ollie rode her very well last time and it was hard to take him off. “Going forward to the spring, I’m sure Craig will get back on her at some stage.” O’Brien said My Pendant was a galloper that doesn’t like to be bustled early and Oliver had her travelling comfortably. “That’s five wins and three seconds from nine starts and she’s ready to step into stakes grade now, the Let’s Elope at Flemington in two weeks time,” O’Brien said. “But she’s got to step to another grade after being on the minimum today. “You look at the mares in the Cockram today, some of those will be going to the Let’s Elope, so we’ll get a better guide when she gets to Flemington.” My Pendant races in the silks of co-breeder Waikato Stud who retained a share after selling the daughter of Pins through their 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier draft. -AAP [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] View the full article