Wandering Eyes

With heavy rain descending on Hot Springs, Oaklawn Park was forced to cancel its Saturday card, but not before jockey Francisco Arrieta recorded his 1,000th career win aboard Eternally Grateful (American Freedom), the track reported in a pair of Saturday press releases. After a significant delay in the start of the first race, Arrieta guided the 4-year-old gelding across the wire for the milestone victory in what was a starter allowance. According to Equibase the veteran rider earned his first win at the Meadowlands in 2015. Arrieta finished second in the Oaklawn jockey standings last season. Despite the celebration, the weather was too much of a risk factor and the track made the decision to shelve the remaining nine races on the card. Francisco Arrieta records his 1000th victory | Coady Media Oaklawn said via its X account that, “Due to continuing inclement weather and out of the abundance of caution of our equine athletes and human athletes Oaklawn has decided to cancel today's racing card.” The Sunday post in Hot Springs is set for 1:30 p.m. ET. Important announcement. Due to continuing inclement weather and out of the abundance of caution of our equine athletes and human athletes Oaklawn has decided to cancel today's racing card. — Oaklawn Hot Springs (@OaklawnRacing) December 28, 2024 The post Oaklawn Cancels Rest Of Card Due To Inclement Weather As Arrieta Records 1000th Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first race at Gulfstream Park Dec. 28, a one-mile allowance optional claiming turf event for fillies and mares, was declared a 'No Contest' by the track stewards after 3-year-old filly Roscoe Village stumbled and dropped jockey Jorge Ruiz.View the full article

Yes Ma'am, a half sister to Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan, is scheduled to make her career debut Dec. 29 in the seventh race at Oaklawn Park, a six-furlong maiden special weight event.View the full article

“He's been everything to us,” was the sign-off from Gay O'Callaghan in this must-read TDN feature from Emma Berry, who had a golden opportunity during the Tattersalls December Sale to sit down with the Yeomanstown Stud patriarch, as well as his sons David, Guy and Robert, to discuss the remarkable story of their homegrown hero, Dark Angel (Ire). If you're one of the few who haven't read the piece already, then I urge you to correct that misdemeanour before we see in the new year, but first stick with me as we zone in on the most recent chapter in the tale of the 19-year-old Dark Angel, the champion sire of Britain and Ireland for 2024. The first title for the son of Acclamation (GB) and those who have masterminded his career at Yeomanstown, few would argue that it's not thoroughly deserved. After all, he's now finished on the podium in three of the last five years, having previously finished third behind Galileo (Ire) in 2020, before faring best of the rest when Frankel (GB) ran away with the spoils in 2023. Whilst this maiden championship for Dark Angel wasn't sealed in quite such clear-cut fashion, his healthy advantage today over his closest pursuer is still in stark contrast to the promise of a hard-fought title race we faced back in early October when the top three–Dubawi (Ire), Galileo and Dark Angel in that order–were covered by around £125,000. Today, the top three remains the same but in a totally different order as Dark Angel sits proudly at the top of the standings, with the earnings of his progeny in Britain and Ireland amounting to over £4.9 million, nearly £500,000 more than Dubawi who, in turn, is another £220,000 clear of Galileo. Whilst there's still a handful of all-weather meetings to be held on these shores, Dark Angel's work for the year is done, allowing him to bask in the glory of a campaign which yielded eight stakes winners in Britain and Ireland. The undoubted star among them was Charyn (Ire), who turned the tide firmly in his sire's favour when gaining his third Group 1 victory of the campaign in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot. That race was worth £655,709 to the winner and supplemented the £425,325 he'd already pocketed when making the breakthrough at the top level in the Queen Anne Stakes. A third Group 1 for Charyn! He is back to winning ways as he takes the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes for @SilvDSousa and @varianstable at @Ascot… pic.twitter.com/hEjzUtybAx — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 19, 2024 Fellow Royal Ascot scorer Khaadem (Ire), who won the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for the second consecutive year, featured among Dark Angel's other notable performers, along with the G2 York Stakes hero Alflaila (GB) and G3 Summer Stakes winner Flora Of Bermuda (Ire), who later finished third in the G1 Champions Sprint Stakes. On the international stage, Dark Angel was also represented by the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen winner Mad Cool (Ire), while he ended the year ranked fourth on the European sires' table, with Charyn's French exploits, including an emphatic victory in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois, giving him another lift in those standings. Incidentally, Charyn has since retired to Sumbe's Haras de Montfort et Preaux and is perhaps Dark Angel's best chance yet of emulating the late Acclamation by making his mark as a sire of sires. Of his other stallion sons, the dual Group 1-winning sprinter Harry Angel (Ire) has made a promising start to his stud career, having found a place among the top 30 in Britain and Ireland for the first time this year, before his fourth crop of juveniles appear on racecourses in 2025. Harry Angel stands at Darley's Dalham Hall Stud alongside the champion sire of 2022, Dubawi, who had more stakes winners in Britain and Ireland this year than any other stallion with 16, two more than Kingman (GB) and three more than Frankel. They were headed by a pair of British Classic winners in Notable Speech (GB), who won twice at the top level in the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes, and Oaks heroine Ezeliya (Fr). The Group 1-placed two-year-olds Ancient Truth (Ire) and Delacroix (Ire) also offered plenty of promise for the future as the veteran shows no signs of slowing down, despite being about to turn 23 on January 1. It's now been nearly three and a half years since we lost the 12-time champion Galileo and his final crop, reported to be 13 in number, has so far produced just one winner from those who made it to the track this year. It was a Flat season in which the former Coolmore colossus still reminded us of what we'll be missing, though, with Kyprios (Ire) starring among his 12 stakes winners in Britain and Ireland as he returned to the top of the staying tree in no uncertain terms. He was ably supported by the Yorkshire Oaks heroine Content (Ire) and Jan Brueghel (Ire), who led home a one-two for the stallion in the St Leger, taking him to the unprecedented tally of 101 individual Group/Grade 1 winners worldwide. Juddmonte's Frankel looked the natural successor to his sire as the one likely to dominate the domestic stallion scene after he was crowned champion for the second time in three years in 2023, with over £7 million in progeny earnings. By contrast, the £3.9 million and change his progeny amassed this year was only good enough for fifth spot, his lowest finishing position since he was 12th in 2020. The bright spot in his season was the emergence of the unbeaten two-year-old Lake Victoria (Ire), who was arguably the most exciting juvenile of either sex after she completed a hat-trick of wins at the top level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, Cheveley Park Stakes and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. If there is a horse with the potential to propel Frankel back to the top of the rankings in 2025, then this filly looks as likely as any. She is special! Lake Victoria wins the @BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies Turf! #BC24 pic.twitter.com/ONV2HIugm2 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 1, 2024 Of course, when Frankel won his first championship in 2021, he ended 31 years of dominance for Coolmore, home to the champion sire in Britain and Ireland every year between 1990 and 2020, before the Newmarket neighbours Frankel and Dubawi combined to ensure that the crown stayed in Britain between 2021 and 2023. It will be no consolation to the team at Coolmore that the title is returning to Ireland this year, and you can be sure that they won't rest until the prize is back in their possession as the search continues apace for the next Galileo, if there could possibly be such a thing. Without an all-conquering force like that in their ranks, the strength in depth at their Tipperary base was the key to their continued success on the racecourse this year, with seven of the top 20 stallions featuring on the Coolmore roster. They included Ashford Stud resident Justify, the sire of Derby hero City Of Troy, who finished 11th despite having considerably fewer runners than every other stallion around him. Wootton Bassett (GB) is without doubt the coming force at Coolmore's Fethard operation, having produced four individual Group 1 winners from his first crop of Irish-bred juveniles in 2024. It's easy to see him ranking much higher than this year's 14th in 2025 and beyond, as the increased support given to him since his arrival in Ireland starts to deliver more quantity to go with the undoubted quality of his runners. He will also be joined by two of his sons at stud in Ireland in 2025 when Bucanero Fuerte (GB) and King Of Steel kick off their new careers at Tally-Ho Stud. Of the more long-standing residents at Coolmore, the multiple Classic winners Camelot (GB) and Gleneagles (Ire) both enjoyed banners years in finishing ninth and 14th, respectively. The G1 July Cup hero Mill Stream (Ire), Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly (Ire) and G2 King Edward VII Stakes winner Calandagan starred among six stakes winners for Gleneagles, who also celebrated a Classic winner in Germany when Palladium (Ger) won the G1 Deutsches Derby. As for Camelot, he too had a Classic winner in Los Angeles (Ire), who was third behind City Of Troy and Ambiente Friendly in the Derby at Epsom, before going two places better in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh. He was also third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe won by the poster girl for their sire in 2024, Bluestocking (GB), who gained her third top-level victory of the year with a dominant performance at Longchamp. With nearly €9m in progeny earnings to his name, Camelot topped the European sires' table ahead of Ballylinch Stud's Lope De Vega (Ire) and Gilltown Stud resident Sea The Stars (Ire). Supplementing success! Bluestocking stamps her mark on the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for @RalphBeckett and @Rossaryan15 at @paris_longchamp… pic.twitter.com/ihd4xeP2Mr — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 6, 2024 Lope De Vega, who will be joined at Ballylinch in 2025 by his Prix du Jockey Club-winning son Look De Vega (Fr), finished fourth in Britain and Ireland where he was responsible for 11 stakes winners, including the dual Group 1-winning juvenile Shadow Of Light (GB). Sea The Stars matched his domestic tally of 11 stakes winners and took sixth spot, with his unbeaten two-year-old The Lion Of Winter (Ire)–a late absentee from the Dewhurst Stakes when due to clash with Shadow Of Light–looking a particularly exciting prospect for 2025. Tally-Ho stalwart Kodiac (GB) topped the British and Irish sires' table by number of individual winners in 2024, but the record which was once his for the most two-year-old winners in a calendar year was lost to his stud-mate, Mehmas (Ire). Mehmas, who counted the top-level scorers Magnum Force (Ire), Scorthy Champ (Ire) and Vertical Blue (Ire) among his record-breaking tally of 70, also had bragging rights over Kodiac when it came to the final standings for progeny earnings, with the pair finishing 12th and 13th, respectively. Meanwhile, Juddmonte's Kingman, the sire of two new Classic winners in Elmalka (GB) (1,000 Guineas) and Sparkling Plenty (Fr) (Prix de Diane), finished seventh for the fourth consecutive year, while the team at Darley's Kildangan Stud were responsible for two new entries to the top 10 in Night Of Thunder (Ire) (eighth) and Blue Point (Ire) (10th). The G1 Irish Champion Stakes winner Economics (GB) was the flagbearer for Night Of Thunder, who also came up with a top-class two-year-old filly in the unbeaten Group 1 scorer Desert Flower (Ire), while second-season sire Blue Point picked up where he left off after a sensational start with his first two-year-olds in 2023. The star of that first crop, Rosallion (Ire), took his Group 1 tally to three with wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes, while the sprinters Big Evs (Ire) and Kind Of Blue (GB) looked cut from the same cloth as their sire when winning the G2 King George Stakes and G1 Champions Sprint Stakes, respectively. The post Dark Angel Delivers First Sires’ Championship for Yeomanstown Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Croix du Nord delivered on his promise with a two-length victory in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) Dec. 28 at Nakayama Racecourse. View the full article

In the early stages of the Saturday opener at Gulfstream Park, Roscoe Village (Kantharos) unseated her jockey Jorge Ruiz, the siren was prompted which caused several riders to pull up their mounts and the race was declared a no contest according to a press release by the track. All money wagered, including multi-race bets, was refunded. Scheduled as an optional claimer to go a mile on the turf, the filly in question broke from the 11 hole and appeared to be caught between runners at the rear of the field in the first furlong. Roscoe Village went down, which unseated Ruiz, but she quickly stood up and began to race once again. Outriders were able to secure her and she walked off the course. A FanDuel post on X said that the jockey's location on the grass caused the track's siren to sound and several riders simply stopped. The stewards ruled the race out even though Steel Lute (Midnight Lute) went on to win the optional claimer. No purse money was awarded. Ruiz, who had use of his extremities before entering the ambulance, but reported having soreness and neck pain, was taken to nearby Aventura Hospital for an evalution and was declared off his mounts for the afternoon. “The safety of our jockeys and horses is always the priority at Gulfstream and all 1/ST Racing venues,” said Bill Badgett, executive director of Florida Racing Operations for 1/ST Racing. “We're very happy that Roscoe Village was uninjured, and Jorge Ruiz was not seriously injured thanks to our stewards, jockeys and outriders.” The first race at Gulfstream Park was declared a No Contest – @FanduelAnthony and @larrycollmus explain the incident as well as an update on jockey @jorgeruizjockey and his mount. All wagers will be refunded. pic.twitter.com/DRxhvagN2l — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 28, 2024 The post First Race At Gulfstream Declared No Contest After Rider Unseated And Siren Sounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Croix Du Nord (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) maintained his unbeaten record with a two-length victory in the G1 Hopeful Stakes at Nakayama on Saturday. The heavy 4-5 favourite defeated Giovanni (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), who was 1 1/4 lengths to the good of 302-1 longshot Faust Rasen (Jpn) (Mozu Ascot). Fairly keen through the first turn, the dark bay settled in seventh behind Jun Asahi Sora (Jpn) (Isla Bonita {Jpn}) and Jet Magnum (Jpn) (Henry Barows {Jpn}), who battled through fractions of :23.70, :48.70, and 1:13.40. Swooping up into third entering the lane, he took over inside the final 200 metres and stormed clear. Giovanni, who was near the eventual winner for most of the contest, gave determined but futile chase. “I can't say that the race went exactly as planned, but I had complete faith in him and knew that he would make it through whatever situation he would be in during the race,” said jockey Yuichi Kitamura. “It was his first time going right-handed and against a full gate of 18 runners, but I totally believed he would handle that too. His physical condition since his last start had improved and his movement was sharp. I wanted him to finish the last of his 2-year-old starts at a good note so that we would be able to focus on his 3-year-old campaign which now will carry much expectation. I am so grateful for everyone who had supported me which is why I am standing here today as a Group 1 winner and I hope to give my best again next season.” A winner on debut among newcomers in June, the colt added the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes, also over 1800 metres, at Tokyo on Nov. 16. Croix Du Nord is now the leading candidate to become the JRA Champion 2-Year-Old Colt. Pedigree Notes Shadai stallion Kitasan Black is best known as the sire of globetrotting superstar Equinox (Jpn), as well as G1 Satsuki Sho hero Sol Oriens (Jpn). Croix Du Nord is his third Group 1 winner. The late Cape Cross (Ire) is the broodmare sire of 99 stakes winners and 54 graded/group winners. Saturday's Hopeful Stakes hero is the 21 top-level winner for the son of Green Desert in that sphere. One of 11 foals, 10 runners and seven winners for G2 Park Hill Stakes heroine and dual Oaks-placed Rising Cross (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), the winner is also a full-sibling to a yearling colt, and a half-sibling to a filly foal by Satono Diamond (Jpn). His elder half-sister Earthrise (Jpn) (Manhattan Café {Jpn}) was placed in a trio of Japanese Group 3s–the Flower Cup, the Aichi Hai, and the Mermaid Stakes. The extended family features the Derby winners Morston (Fr) (Ragusa {GB}) and Blakeney (GB) (Hethersett {GB}). Saturday, Nakayama, Japan HOPEFUL STAKES-G1, ¥135,820,000, Nakayama, 12-28, 2yo, 2000mT, 2:00.50, gd to fm. 1–CROIX DU NORD (JPN), 123, c, 2, Kitasan Black (Jpn) 1st Dam: Rising Cross (GB) (G1SP-Ire, GSW & G1SP-Eng, GSP-US, $501,841), by Cape Cross (Ire) 2nd Dam: Woodrising (GB), by Nomination (GB) 3rd Dam: Bodham (GB), by Bustino (GB) 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Sunday Racing Co., Ltd. B-Northern Racing (Jpn). T-Takashi Saito. J-Yuichi Kitamura. ¥70,000,000. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, ¥116,789,000. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Giovanni (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Epiphaneia (Jpn)–Barefoot Lady (Ire), by Footstepsinthesand (GB). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-KR Japan. B-Taihei Stud Farm, Co., Ltd. (Jpn). ¥28,000,000. 3–Faust Rasen (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Mozu Ascot–Peisha Felice (Jpn), by Special Week (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (¥28,600,000 Ylg '23 JBBAAUG). O-Toshiya Miyazaki. B-Tomoda Bokujo (Jpn). ¥18,000,000. Margins: 2, 1 1/4, 1. Odds: 0.80, 18.10, 302.30. Also Ran: Tjuta (Jpn), Claudia (Jpn), Ask Stein (Jpn), Jet Magnum (Jpn), Reve De l'Opera (Jpn), Del Avar, Shonan Macbeth (Jpn), Masquerade Ball (Jpn), Jun Asahi Sora (Jpn), Piko Chan Black (Jpn), Yamanin Bouclier (Jpn), Realize Aurum (Jpn), Magic Sands (Jpn), Amakihi (Jpn), Arion Smile (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post Kitasan Black Colt Finds His True North In Hopeful Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Captain Cook (c, 2, Practical Joke–Pow Wow Wow, by Indian Charlie), an eventful sixth on debut for owner/breeder Marylou Whitney Stables and trainer Norm Casse at Churchill Downs Oct. 27, brought $410,000 from bloodstock agent Steve Young on behalf of St Elias Stable at the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale (second-most expensive lot of the sale) and ran to the money as the 1-2 favorite for his new connections with a 'TDN Rising Star' performance in the slop at the Big A Saturday. Captain Cook chased the early leader from second through fractions of :22.43 and :45.30, hit the front at the top of the stretch and drew off to graduate by 9 1/4 lengths. Longshot Griffin's Wharf (Constitution) was up for second. The final time for seven furlongs was 1:24.22. Captain Cook becomes the fourth 'Rising Star' for Practical Joke. Captain Cook is out of the graded-placed Pow Wow Wow (Indian Charlie). His third dam is Whitney's 2003 GI Kentucky Oaks heroine and champion 3-year-old filly Bird Town. He hails from the extended female family of GI Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone. Captain Cook was consigned to KEENOV by Gainesway, agent for the Estate of John Hendrickson. John Hendrickson, a philanthropist who was the husband of the late Marylou Whitney, died suddenly over the summer in Saratoga. Sales history: $410,000 2yo '24 KEENOV. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0. O-St. Elias Stable B-Marylou Whitney Stables (KY) T-Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. #3 CAPTAIN COOK ($3.00) by Practical Joke (@coolmoreamerica) was loving the slop today at Aqueduct in the opener. Manuel Franco was in the irons for Richard Dutrow, Jr. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/QX86hCLfug — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 28, 2024 The post Practical Joke’s Captain Cook Romps for ‘Rising Star’ Honors at the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

The 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes (G1) was an unforgettable, first-of-its-kind experience.View the full article

Sam Agars NEWBORN MIRACLE - R5 (3) Promising galloper is working towards a win and can deliver it here Jay Rooney MARKWIN - R10 (7) Smart type on the rise who can make it three in a row here Jack Dawling BEAUTY VIVA - R10 (10) Showed glimpses of promise on Hong Kong debut and this trip will suit Phillip Woo BRAVEHEARTS - R3 (9) In a rich vein of form this season and can win again off a light weight Shannon (Vincent Wong) NEWBORN MIRACLE - R5 (3) Excellent run last start and can be victorious from an inside alley Racing Post Online ENDEARED - R4 (2) Ran wide throughout last start and has top rider Zac Purton aboard Tom Wood MASTER PHOENIX - R4 (4) While his last run was disappointing, he could be worth sticking with hereView the full article

Talented miler Lingjun Xiongfeng will start his six-year-old season in Monday’s Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (1400m) at Taupo, which trainer Pam Gerard hopes will provide a rating boost in the lead-up to feature summer targets. Lingjun Xiongfeng made a big impression around this time last year with barnstorming last-to-first performances at Pukekohe on December 9 and Te Rapa two weeks later. In the latter, the grey romped home by five and a half lengths against an open-class field that included Group One winner Asterix. Gerard stepped Lingjun Xiongfeng up in class from there, finishing 10th in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m), sixth in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), third in an open sprint at Ellerslie, fourth in the inaugural $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m), ninth in the Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) and 13th in the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m). Lingjun Xiongfeng has been off the raceday scene since the Easter in April, but trialled at Taupo on November 26. “I’ve been very happy with the way he’s come up in this preparation,” Gerard said. “He had that trial at Taupo last month, just for a quiet day out. “We were hoping to get him into the J Swap Sprint (Gr.3, 1400m) first-up, but he didn’t end up making the field. It’s been a bit of a challenge finding a suitable race for him, but we’ll kick him off at Taupo and then take it from there. “He’s very forward. Taupo might be a bit of a tricky track for him, because he’s quite a long-striding horse who’s not ideally suited to those tight corners. But I couldn’t be happier with his condition.” Lingjun Xiongfeng holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 11, and Gerard is keen to make that trip if his first-up performance justifies it. “If he happened to be impressive at Taupo, you might see him head to Wellington,” she said. “This campaign is going to be all about targeting some of those nicer miles, and potentially a bit further than that later on as well. “It’s just difficult with his rating at the moment. He’s right down at the bottom of the open handicaps and often ends up on the ballot, while he gets too much weight in Rating 75 grade. So it’s not easy, but hopefully he can put some good performances on the board this time in and get that rating up a bit higher.” Lingjun Xiongfeng will be the only runner at Taupo for Gerard, but the Matamata trainer is looking forward to a talented two-pronged team at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Last-start winner Romanoff will test his TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) credentials when he takes on a quality field of juveniles in the Gr.2 Skycity Eclipse Stakes (1200m). “Romanoff is a pretty talented individual,” Gerard said. “He’s got a mind of his own, as we saw when he ran out at Otaki last time, but he still got the win. “I’ve been happy with his work since then. He seems to have settled down, and that trip to Otaki might have given him a bit more confidence. “He’s drawn nicely in gate two for the Eclipse. We’ll cross our fingers that he runs a bit straighter this time, and I’m sure he’ll be a good chance if he does. “It’s an opportunity to give him a look around Ellerslie and see how he stacks up ahead of the Karaka Millions.” Talented sprinter Shoes will line up in the TAB (1200m). The speedy daughter of Derryn won three races in a row at Ruakaka, Te Rapa and Tauranga, then was beaten by 2.9 lengths by Luberon when seventh in a star-studded edition of the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m). “It was a super run in that strong race at Counties last start,” Gerard said. “She’s a very talented mare who will get her black type in time. “Her ideal distance is probably 1100m, so stretching out over 1200m with that uphill run around Ellerslie might test her a little bit. But she’s drawn well and we’ll take a bit of weight off with Joe Nishizuka’s claim”. View the full article

Former stakes-winning New Zealand two-year-old Saltcoats has hit his groove in Australia, completing a winning double with a stylish performance in Saturday’s A$160,000 TAB Handicap (2000m) at Randwick. The son of Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan began his career in the Cambridge stable of Samantha Logan, where his three New Zealand starts produced a win in the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) and a placing in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1200m). He was subsequently sold to a syndicate headed by prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir, with breeder Lib Petagna retaining a share of the ownership. Saltcoats went winless in his first six starts in Australia, but placed in three of them including a third in the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill in March. The four-year-old broke through with a minor upset in a 1400m Benchmark 88 at Randwick on December 14, and he was sent out as a $2.60 favourite on Saturday to deliver a repeat result over 2000m. Saltcoats duly delivered and became the fourth winner on the Randwick card for jockey Nash Rawiller, who produced a confident ride on the gelding from an inside gate. He settled in seventh and moved away from the fence well before the home turn, presenting his mount out wide on the track at the top of the straight. Saltcoats moved through his gears and accelerated, bursting into contention at the 200m mark and asserting his superiority in the closing stages to win by just over a length. “He’s a nice horse,” Rawiller said. “If he keeps going around in these races for a while longer and getting his rating up a bit more, I think there’ll be a Group race in him a bit further down the track. Even a race like the Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m) could be something they could aim at with him next spring. I think he’s got a lot of upside.” Now trained by Chris Waller, Saltcoats has had 11 starts for three wins, five placings and A$292,790 in stakes. “I think he’s a horse that’s turned a corner,” Waller said. “He got some confidence from his good win last start. “Nash rode him perfectly today – as confident as you’ll ever see a jockey riding. He popped out at the 1000m to take risk out of the equation, and the horse was too strong.” Saltcoats is out of the lightly raced Savabeel mare Savanite, a half-sister to the Gr.2 Waikato Gold Cup (2400m) winner Singing Star, who in turn is the dam of Group Three winner Miss Selby. Saltcoats has continued an outstanding week for Ardrossan, who stands for a service fee of $20,000 at Waikato Stud. His promising three-year-old son Yaldi captured the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, followed by a notable Australian double for the stallion on Saturday afternoon. A few hours before Saltcoats’ success in Sydney, potential Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) contender Beau Dazzler scored an emphatic win in the A$160,000 Eagle Way (2100m) at Eagle Farm. He has now won three of his 12 starts, including black-type successes in last season’s Listed Phelan Ready (1000m) as well as the Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) earlier this month. View the full article

Neither a wide draw nor a talented field of rivals at Phar Lap Raceway on Saturday could stand in the way of Ears Back (NZ) (Jakkalberry), who took her career earnings past $200,000 with a tenacious performance in the Craigmore Sustainable Holdings Timaru Cup (1600m). The time-honoured $80,000 feature was the seventh win of a 31-race career for the Jakkalberry mare, who has placed on another five occasions and has banked $221,660. She has shown a particular affinity for the metric mile, where her 22 starts have produced six wins and five placings. Ears Back arrived at Phar Lap Raceway on Saturday on a nine-race winless streak dating back to the Southland Stakes (1400m) at Ascot Park in February, but she had shown promising signs earlier this season with a pair of second placings at Ashburton in October and November. The six-year-old was checked in the straight when 10th, only 2.7 lengths from the winner Kopua, in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on November 13, then struggled to see out the distance when a last-start sixth in Ascot Park’s Southland Crystals (2200m) on December 14. The step back down to 1600m brought her back to the peak of her powers on Saturday, despite jumping from gate 12 in a 13-horse field. Jockey Tina Comignaghi drove Ears Back forward from that wide barrier, sliding up into second spot within the first 100m of the race. She cruised around the track in the slipstream of the front-running The Radiant One before pouncing at the home turn and taking command. Ears Back kicked away and stole a big break on the field with 200m remaining, and despite beginning to tire in the final few strides, she held all of her chasers at bay. Ears Back still had a length and a half up her sleeve at the line, with Jimmy Five, Tumuch and Richard Stomper filling the minor placings with two noses between them. The 1600m were run in a quick 1:34.80 on a Good4 track. Ears Back is trained at Rangiora by John Blackadder, who also shares in the ownership. “She’s really well named, Ears Back,” he said. “That’s her style and she’s a bit of a handful at times, but it’s all worth it, isn’t it? “She was a bit of a disappointment up over ground last start, but we freshened her up after that and knew she was pretty well right. Today was the plan. “She’s won six races over a mile now, so she loves that distance. It’s a really good result, thanks to a great ride by Tina. I have to thank all of the staff as well. I’m a bit overwhelmed, actually.” The Timaru Cup was Comignaghi’s first raceday ride on Ears Back. “I know that she’s always shown that sort of ability,” she said. “It was a strong field today, so it was a good effort to beat them the way she did. “She kicked at the turn and I was hoping they wouldn’t be able to catch me before the line. She kept trying so hard and held on well. “John Blackadder does a good job with his horses, and he’s got a very nice mare on his hands here.” One of the only things missing from Ears Back’s CV is black type, with the Timaru Cup having lost its Listed status last season. Ears Back finished a close fourth in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) at Wingatui in February, beaten by less than two lengths by Perfect Scenario, Dazzling Miss and Times Ticking, and that Otago showpiece again holds appeal as a potential target later in the season. View the full article

A return to winning form by Bankers Choice in Saturday’s A$150,000 Big Max Buggies Handicap (2040m) at Moonee Valley put the cherry on top of a special few weeks for his breeders and part-owners, Ross and Corrine Kearney. Under their Okaharau Station banner, the Kearneys also bred and race Bankers Choice’s full-brother Checkmate. That promising three-year-old has had four starts for two wins and two placings, including a dominant victory in the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m) on November 30 and a strong-finishing third in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) on Boxing Day. But despite the exciting emergence of Checkmate and a placing in last year’s Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) by half-sister Jodelin Gal, Bankers Choice remains the headline act of the family. The Mongolian Khan gelding has been a black-type winner in both New Zealand and Australia, capturing the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham for the Kearneys before a majority ownership share was sold to clients of trans-Tasman trainer Mike Moroney. Bankers Choice then relocated to Australia, where he has won the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and placed in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m), Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m), Gr.2 Zipping Classic (2400m) and Gr.3 JRA Plate (2000m). Bankers Choice had gone winless in 20 starts dating back to his Ballarat Cup win in November of 2022, but 19 of those appearances had been at Group or Listed level. The seven-year-old took a big step down in class on Saturday, albeit with an increase in weight to 58.5kg, and he turned his form around with an outstanding front-running performance. Drawn in gate eight among a 13-horse field, Bankers Choice and jockey Daniel Stackhouse found himself caught four wide going into the first turn. Stackhouse took the initiative and allowed his mount to stride forward, taking the lead with more than 1400m remaining. Bankers Choice never surrendered that advantage, kicking away at the corner and coming into the straight with a two-length lead up his sleeve. The challengers tried to reel him in, but Bankers Choice kept finding and held on by just under half a length. From 40 starts, Bankers Choice has now recorded seven wins and seven placings. He has earned more than A$1.1 million in stakes for the Kearneys, who now share ownership alongside a syndicate headed by Ballymore Stables and Rupert Legh. The accomplished gelding’s resurgent performance on Saturday was a welcome sight for Moroney and his training partner Glen Thompson, who were represented at Moonee Valley by racing manager Anthony Feroce. “He looks terrific and has been working the house down, but he’s been racing poorly,” he said. “He dropped right down in class today. He’s been racing in Group One company, so this is the weakest field he’s met for almost two years. “He’s had a few little excuses and bits of bad luck in this campaign. Today our instructions to Daniel were to ride him where he was happy, and Daniel told us not to be surprised if he tried something different. He pushed forward after getting caught wide, and it was probably the winning move. “Today was probably D-Day after a very frustrating run with the horse. We wanted to see something from him today, or else we might have had to make some hard calls. We saw the real Bankers Choice today, which was good.” View the full article

Progressive galloper Insatiable (NZ) (All To Hard) kept his winning record intact at the Phar Lap Raceway in Timaru with a strong home straight burst that carried him to victory in the Leg Up Oilseed Goodness (1200m) on Saturday. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared five-year-old was returning to the venue where he had recorded a win at his only start back in 2023 and made it two from two in the hands of Diego Montes de Oca. Settled at the rear of the field as pacemakers Amberecho and South Of Houston carved out some solid sectionals at the head of affairs, Insatiable looked to be travelling nicely approaching the home turn but needing room to mount his finishing run. Montes de Oca angled him into the clear with 300m to run and once he found clear air the son of All Too Hard stretched out nicely in the concluding stages to cruise past his rivals, defeating Candycane by a long neck with Jaffa running on nicely to claim third. Walker was pleased to see his charge do everything right after he didn’t have a lot of luck when finishing close up in fifth at Trentham earlier in the month. “He is starting to put up a nice record now and he definitely appreciates the quieter environment that we have at our Riccarton base,” Walker said. “Hunter Durrant, who heads our team there, has done a lot of work with him as he is a horse that is a big strong individual that just needed to learn what racing is all about. “He was very stiff at Trentham last time and he probably should have won so it was good to see him put it all together today and get that touch of luck. “He is a horse you need to let find his feet early on and get into a nice rhythm. If you can do that, he has a very good finish on him, but when you ride them cold like that you do need some luck on your side. “The way he is progressing, we think he could be a serious open class galloper in the future. “At the moment we are content to keep him in the south where he can race for some seriously good money that is available thanks to the investment that Entain has made into the industry there and as a whole.” Purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for $190,000 from the Windsor Park Book 1 draft at Karaka in 2021, Insatiable is owned by the Te Akau All Too Much Racing Partnership which includes All Black Anton Lienert-Brown amongst its members. Out of the More Than Ready mare All Day Baby his granddam is useful Australian mare Translate, a winner at Group Three level in Australia and runner-up in the 2012 Gr. 1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington. Insatiable has now won four of his 18 starts and just under $112,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

After six wins from the past three meetings, the jockey is hopeful of continuing his momentum at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

Matthew Dunn and Belvedere Boys win the Magic Millions Shoot Out in race 9 at Eagle Farm for trainer Damien Thornton. Photo: Darren Winningham The Matthew Dunn-trained Belvedere Boys ($6.50) has stayed off all challengers to claim the Magic Millions Shoot Out (2100m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, securing the majority of the $125,000 prize. The son of Maurice was a dominant winner last start in the Country Classic (2000m) at Rosehill on November 30, with the progressive five-year-old storming to victory to claim back-to-back wins over the staying journey. Damien Thornton got the perfect stalking position from barrier four, lobbing into a mid-field position with cover throughout the trip. Ron Stewart and Regal Lion ($26.00) hit the front at a massive price with horse racing bookmakers and gave a strong kick in the final 400m before being swallowed up by the eventual winner. Meanwhile, Queen Air ($5.50) and Nikau Spur ($11.00) put in the big strides to add some value to exotics. Magic Millions Shoot Out Replay – Belvedere Boys https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Magic-Millions-Shoot-Out-Race-9-28122024-Belvedere-Boys-Matthew-Dunn-Damien-Thornton.mp4 It was all about Belvedere Boys in the end, however, bounding clear to book his ticket into the Magic Millions Subzero on January 11. Matthew Dunn was on course to break down the win. “He proved last start he stays very well,” said Dunn. “He’s got a free ticket into Magic Millions Day, and that’s a great thing for a great bunch of owners. Very proud and very pleased to be training winners for foundation owners. “He’s the fresh horse on the scene. He proved he can quicken at the end of long races today, and it was time to dig deep the last 200m, and he proved the ultimate best stayer in the race. “Who knows where this horse could end up, he’s got loads of talent.” Horse racing news View the full article

Transatlantic and Ryan Maloney secure the Magic Millions Buffering race at Eagle Farm in race 8 of December 28 for trainer Tony Gollan. Photo: Darren Winningham Transatlantic continued his impressive form with a powerful win in the $300,000 Magic Millions Buffering Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, December 28. Trained by Tony Gollan and ridden confidently by Ryan Maloney, the four-year-old gelding stamped himself as a serious winter carnival contender, edging out Robusto and Sofrado in a commanding display. Jumping cleanly from barrier nine, Transatlantic settled midfield, tracking the early pace set by Rothfire. As the field turned for home, Maloney made his move, steering the Snitzel gelding wide to challenge the leaders. Transatlantic surged past Robusto and held off a late run from Sofrado to secure victory in a slick 1:21.09 on a Good 3 track, with the top online bookmakers paying $3.60. Magic Millions Buffering Replay – Transatlantic https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Magic-Millions-Buffering-Race-8-28122024-Transatlantic-Tony-Gollan-Ryan-Maloney.mp4 Gollan was thrilled with the performance, noting Transatlantic’s progression since being gelded. “He’s a really good horse,” Gollan said. “As a young colt, he probably would’ve been better off having the cut earlier, but he’s always shown me good ability. He’s matured into a lovely looking animal, and he’s proving it on the track now. I felt he was going just as well, if not better, than horses I’ve had here before, and I’m super happy with him.” The win marked back-to-back victories for Transatlantic after his success at Eagle Farm the previous Saturday. Gollan is now focused on boosting the gelding’s rating for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap during the winter carnival. “That’s my sole purpose now, to get him in that race,” Gollan said. “He’s out of an Oaks winner, Gust of Wind, so he’s got a great pedigree, and he’s just a good quality horse. I’ve always thought he was a Stradbroke type.” Jockey Ryan Maloney praised Transatlantic’s professionalism and adaptability. “He was fit and ready, so I decided to get him going earlier than usual,” Maloney said. “He’s always possessed good ability, and now, as a gelding, he’s putting it all together. Today’s win just enhances his credentials going forward. Hopefully, he’s Stradbroke-bound one day.” Robusto, a proven performer, fought on gamely to secure second place, with Sofrado producing a strong inside run to take third. Rothfire, who had set a controlled tempo early, faded late to finish fourth. With six wins from 14 starts and career earnings of $579,800, Transatlantic is building a strong record. His recent performances have solidified his status as a leading contender for Queensland’s premier winter carnival races, with Gollan and his team brimming with confidence. “He’s carnival-bound for sure,” Gollan said. “Patience is a virtue, and this horse is proving that in spades. He’s got everything going for him.” As Transatlantic gears up for his next assignments, his connections can look forward to an exciting winter campaign, with the Stradbroke Handicap firmly in sight, with Neds offering $21 for him to secure his first Group 1 win. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, December 29, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The rail is out in the B+2 position the entire circuit, and with nothing but sunny skies forecast across the weekend, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Masterofmyuniverse Back-to-back minor placings should have Masterofmyuniverse ready to peak third-up in the campaign. The son of Havana Gold hasn’t had much luck getting clear in his two starts at Happy Valley, and the John Size-trained gelding should appreciate getting to the wide-open Sha Tin circuit for the first time. Zac Purton will need to manoeuvre into cover from barrier 11, but if breaks go his way, Masterofmyuniverse should prove too good for this lot as he wins his way out of Class 4 company. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Masterofmyuniverse (11) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Shamus Storm Shamus Storm appears poised to strike on debut after an eye-catching barrier trial on the Sha Tin all-weather circuit on December 10. The Shamus Award gelding bowled to the front under minimal riding, suggesting the unraced three-year-old had plenty left in the tank as he careered away to score by 2.5 lengths. Andrea Atzeni will have no choice but to drag back from barrier 13; however, if he can produce a similar turn of foot on race-day as he’s done at the trials, Shamus Storm should figure at a good price with BlondeBet. Next Best Race 4 – #5 Shamus Storm (13) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Andrea Atzeni (57.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sha Tin: Senor Toba Senor Toba hasn’t claimed victory since February of 2023 and finally gets conditions to bounce back to his best. The Caspar Fownes-trained galloper appreciated the drop into Class 2 company in his latest outing at Happy Valley on December 4, hitting the line well over the 1800m. Getting out to the 2000m should be ideal, and with the booking of Hugh Bowman showing good intent third-up in the campaign, punters can expect Senor Toba to put in the big strides late at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #1 Senor Toba (5) 7yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections December 29, 2024 1-4-7-11 1-2-6-11-13 2-3-4-5-11 2-7-12-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

Luke Dempsey and Give Me Space claim the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate at Eagle Farm for trainer Barry Lockwood. Photo: Darren Winningham The Barry Lockwood-trained Give Me Space ($17.00) has bloused his rivals to claim victory in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon. The son of Cosmic Force put the writing on the wall in his latest runner-up effort at Eagle Farm on December 7, going one better courtesy of a perfectly timed steer by Irish hoop Luke Dempsey, who secured his first Group win. Vo Rogue Plate Replay – Give Me Space https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Group-3-VO-Rogue-Plate-28122024-Give-Me-Space-Barry-Lockwood-Luke-Dempsey.mp4 The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Catoggio ($8.00) pressed forward to maintain a moderate tempo throughout the 1300m journey, allowing some of the key back makers to come into play. Street Chase ($26.00) and Hella Fast ($31.00) made strong inroads at a big price with horse racing bookmakers to put value in the exotics; however, they were no match for Give Me Space, powering over the top of his rivals to claim victory by a half-length on the wire. Give Me Space is now a $11.00 chance with Neds for the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1400m) worth $3 million on January 11. Horse racing news View the full article

What Seymour Races Where Seymour Racing Club – 55 Kobyboyn Rd, Seymour VIC 3660 When Sunday, December 29, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble A competitive eight-race meeting awaits punters out of the Seymour Racing Club on Sunday afternoon. A perfect day for racing is forecast in Victoria’s north, with a top of 28 degrees forecast, meaning the Good 4 track should remain throughout the day. The rail will be out 3m the entire circuit, with action set to get underway at 1:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Seymour: Lunar Module Lunar Module has been a model of consistency this campaign, winning twice from four starts and finishing second in both of her other runs. The five-year-old mare was a determined Ballarat maiden winner three runs back and added a second career win in dominant fashion at Moe on December 17. From barrier eight, Beau Mertens will likely have Lunar Module settled outside the lead throughout, and when asked to quicken, Lunar Module could be her rivals away in a couple of strides. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Lunar Module (8) 5yo Mare | T: Gavin Bedggood | J: Beau Mertens (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Seymour: New Sovereign New Sovereign was a classy winner first-up from a six-month spell at Geelong on December 5 and looks poised to go on with the job on Sunday. Having been given the run of the race by Blake Shinn from barrier 12, the son of Sea The Moon produced a strong sprint to win by just under a length. Drawn out in barrier 14, Blake Shinn will need a touch to land such a valuable spot in running, but if the pair finds cover close to the speed, New Sovereign looks hard to beat. Next Best Race 7 – #5 New Sovereign (14) 5yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (60.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Seymour: Milo Punters will get an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers about Milo, despite such a visually impressive victory at Mornington last time out on December 11. The four-year-old gelding Had the sit on a relatively genuine pace and sprinted sharply over 1200m to salute in a field of four. This is obviously harder, but if Thomas Stockdale can have Milo settled midfield with a touch of cover, his turn of foot will have him fighting out the finish in the second leg of the quaddie. Best Value Race 6 – #5 Milo (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Thomas Stockdale (60.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Seymour Seymour quadrella selections Sunday, December 29, 2024 2-6 5-6-7-12-15 5 Field | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Port Macquarie Races Where Port Macquarie Race Club – 283 Oxley Hwy, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 When Sunday, December 29, 2024 First Race 1:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Port Macquarie on Sunday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-race program lined up on the mid-north coast of NSW. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with pristine summer conditions predicted across the weekend, punters can anticipate a Good 4 surface. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 1:40pm local time. Best Bet at Port Macquarie: Rockbarton Flash Rockbarton Flash only found one better in the form of Tasoraay at Newcastle on December 19. The son of Sooboog took forever to wind-up on that occasion, putting in the big strides when it was all over at the end of 1350m. Stepping up to the 1500m should be ideal, and with barrier three allowing William Stanley to land in the one-one throughout, Rockbarton Flash will prove hard to hold out as he vindicates favouritism with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 2 – #9 Rockbarton Flash (3) 3yo Gelding | T: David Atkins | J: William Stanley (a3kg) (57.5kg) +140 with Neds Next Best at Port Macquarie: Formal The Nathan Doyle-trained Formal returns after a 143-day spell and appears primed for a first-up assault. The Exceed And Excel gelding caught the eye saluting in a recent barrier trial at Newcastle on December 4, making every post a winner to bolt clear by a half-length. Punters can expect similar tactics on resumption, and provided Benjamin Osmond can tick-over a soft sectional in the middle stages, watch for Formal to give a bold kick when they turn for home. Next Best Race 1 – #3 Formal (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Nathan Doyle | J: Benjamin Osmond (a2kg) (57kg) +250 with BlondeBet Best Value at Port Macquarie: Jack Duggan Although Jack Duggan was beaten as a well-supported favourite with Picklebet at Newcastle on December 19, the Jason Deamer-trained gelding gets a terrific opportunity to make amends. The son of Jack Milton was held-up at a crucial stage when the whips were cracking, with the six-year-old only managing to get clear in the final furlong. Ashley Morgan gets a chance to take closer order from stall four, and with even luck this time around, expect Jack Duggan to figure at the each-way price. Best Value Race 4 – #6 Jack Duggan (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Jason Deamer | J: Ashley Morgan (57.5kg) +700 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Port Macquarie Port Macquarie quadrella selections December 29, 2024 2-5-6-7 1-2-5-7 1-2-5-9-14 1-3-4-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

South African jockey hoping to be among the winners when he heads to the races with nine rides this weekend.View the full article

Jockey Andrew Mallyon and Bubba’s Boy wins the Listed Nudgee Stakes for trainer Kris Lees. Photo: Darren Winningham Bubba’s Bay displayed her trademark grit and tactical speed to capture the $200,000 Magic Millions Nudgee Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, December 28, earning her place in the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) in a fortnight. Trained by Kris Lees and ridden by Andrew Mallyon, the five-year-old mare held off late challengers to claim a determined victory at $11 odds with Neds bookmaker. Jumping from a wide draw, Bubba’s Bay positioned herself just outside the early leader, Black on Beauty, demonstrating her usual tactical brilliance. Turning into the straight, Mallyon urged her forward, and despite the strong finishes from Midnight in Tokyo and Shalaa’s Moment, Bubba’s Bay dug deep to secure her 11th career victory. 2024 Listed Nudgee Stakes Replay – Bubba’s Bay https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Listed-Nudgee-Stakes-28122024-Bubbas-Bay-Kris-Lees-Andrew-Mallyon.mp4 “She’s just incredibly tough,” Mallyon said post-race. “I had a plan to sort of sit outside the leader. A couple more kicked up underneath, but the speed sort of settled down really quickly. So I was able to have a really good break, and nothing came to me on the corner, so I was even able to nurse her right into the straight. She’s bulletproof.” Stable representative Mandy spoke glowingly of the mare’s adaptability and love for Queensland racing. “She’s a winner through and through,” Mandy said. “She’s got tactical speed, toughness, and she can do it the tough way. She can lead, she can take the trail, and most importantly, she’s always in for the fight. She’s just a legend.” Reflecting on Bubba’s Bay’s routine, Mandy added, “She loves it at home, and sometimes we take her to the beach. We haven’t been recently, but we’ll be taking her now. She’ll love it.” The ownership group, typically absent on race day, is expected to make the trip for the Magic Millions. “The owners are based down south, but they’ve been up here before, and I’m sure they’ll come for Magic Millions,” Mandy said. With her 12th victory from 26 starts, including five wins at the Gold Coast, Bubba’s Bay has firmly cemented herself as one of Queensland’s most reliable racehorses. Her adaptability and resilience were on full display at Eagle Farm, and she now looks forward to taking on the best in the Fillies & Mares race in January. Currently, none of the leading horse racing bookmakers have odds available for the race.. “She’ll be looking for it,” Mandy said of the Magic Millions. “She’s unbelievable, and we’ll look after her. She’s done a great job.” Midnight in Tokyo and Shalaa’s Moment both delivered strong performances to fill the minor placings, but it was Bubba’s Bay’s tactical brilliance and fighting spirit that made her the standout. Horse racing news View the full article