Wandering Eyes

While the riders opposing Hog Creek Hustle in the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes Presented by Runhappy (G1) likely won't be able to physically keep an eye on the late runner, they'll try to brace for his stretch surge. View the full article

Two grade 1-winning fillies approaching the million-dollar milestone are set to battle in the $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina Stakes (G1) Aug. 24 at Saratoga Race Course. And a spot in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mares Sprint awaits the winner. View the full article

Despite having his seven-race win streak snapped, Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt's Mitole again will be the one to beat in the $600,000 Forego Stakes Presented by Encore Boston Harbor (G1) Aug. 24 at Saratoga Race Course. View the full article

Nimble expected to be quick again back to sprint View the full article

Merlion Trophy has Distinctive appeal to Walker's Polytracker View the full article

Polytrack, shades, War Affair still game for new tests View the full article

Early scratching August 23 View the full article

As far as racing rivalries go in an era of rest, rest, and more rest, Midnight Bisou vs. Elate rates as one of 2019's best examples of the phenomenon. View the full article

While grade 1 winners Channel Maker and Sadler's Joy have been regulars in top-level turf races in New York and beyond, a pair of talented 4-year-olds looking for their own North American grade 1 success await in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T). View the full article

While grade 1 winners Channel Maker and Sadler's Joy have been regulars in top-level turf races in New York and beyond, a pair of talented 4-year-olds looking for their own North American grade 1 success await in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T). View the full article

The Shark goes looking for winners at the Addington meeting tonight. Race 1 5 Kruizr: Too be fair, there’s been a whole lot of luck lately and most of it’s been bad. That should change up here. Will roll forward and look to bully them into submission. 2 Koromiko Eyre: Drops into amateur grade after tackling some strong assignments recently. Picks up a good draw and gets a hand hoop in the sulky which gives him a live chance of success. 10 Russian Express: String of seconds in the form line indicate confidence levels are well up. Trickier from the draw, but won’t die wondering here. Great place bet. 3 Barkley: Another coming into this grade off the back of strong efforts recently. Handy draw to work from after some tricky marbles so can certainly play a role in tonight’s assignment. Selections: 5-2-10-3 Race 2 9 Ascalabus: Put them to the sword inside the final 800m last week and went down fighting by narrow margins. Fitter and won’t leave anything to chance here, just needs a clean beginning. 3 Prodigal Guinness: Handy family lines and a solid trial effort recently lead everything to pointing towards a strong run here on debut. Can give it a decent shake on debut. 13 Emmersyn Lee: Strong trial win recently and stable doesn’t usually step them out unless they can win. Tricky wee race to debut in but looks a strong each way chance. 6 Lennox Bromac: Caught the eye a bit with most recent trial. As long as the occasion doesn’t get to him, he’s a good hope of causing a bit of an upset in this line up. Selections: 9-3-13-6 Race 3 9 Rocknroll King: Had the sweet moves rolling out a long way from home on Sunday and most importantly kept the feet going smoothly. Dangerous when doing things right and nothing here to scare him. 8 Dark Rage: Handy type stepping back out for the new season here from a strike-rate stable. Not a super strong race to kick off in so needs plenty of respect. 12 Let’s Hustle: Kept coming at them late last week after getting back with no clear air. Won’t set the world on fire, but usual honest type of effort tonight should be expected. 4 All Nuts N Bolts: In good nick is the old boy, last run was very good. Will likely punch forward here and give them all a bit of cheek with the right man in the bike. Selections: 9-8-12-4 Race 4 7 Palisade: Warmed up beautifully at Rangiora to finish second from well back fresh up. Should be stronger, fitter and more confident for tonight’s assignment. Looks a big winning chance. 9 The Player: Now in the Dunn stable and domiciled in the South. Good form around him throughout his career and a strong recent Rangiora trial has him primed for a big run here. 6 Eye Of The Tiger: Manners a big issue on debut, but there’s no hiding from what’s under the bonnet, its impressive. Needs to trot but can certainly give this a shake. 1 Maranatha Atlas: No superstar but good form on the board and manners seem solid too. Shouldn’t be too far away from them action and won’t do any extra work from the markers. Can place. Selections: 7-9-6-1 Race 5 8 Fabrizio: They climbed out of the Cathedral ruins to back this one last week but it came unstuck with a mid-race gallop. Allow a shot at redemption here. 11 Marianna Bromac: Smart type back from a spell and strong in a recent trial. Will be ready to rock and roll here tonight and can push the favourite close. 3 Skreemr: Hasn’t has much luck in two starts to date and finally gets a decent marble. Should make the most of the opportunity and get right into the thick of it. 13 Manly Olsen: Has got better with each appearance at the races in the career to date. Tricky here from the draw. But will get the best chance to be competitive again. . Selection: 8-11-3-13 Race 6 7 Madeleine Stowe: Given a bit of a freshen up after taking on some smart types last time out. Can bounce back here against a small even looking line up. 3 In Sequence: Orange chooses this one over #7 and the second effort behind a classy open class trotter last week at the trials suggest a big return to the races is on the cards tonight. 5 Trick Star: Genuine performer who will do everything right and if in the right spot turning for home can give them all a big fright. 6 Zeddie Marit: Two runs for two nothings so far this time in. Manners are always the key, with them here. It’s game on. But that’s a big if. Selections: 7-3-5-6 Race 7 2 Glenthorne: In a really rich vein of form at the moment, as is his driver. Loves to be on the speed and drawn to be there tonight. Will take some running down. 1 Uptown Lady: Big run last time out and drawn to get the most sweet of trips here. Will follow the speed and look to reel them in late. Capable of doing it too. 8 Melton Reactor: Very impressive win first up for a new barn last time out. Low-flying in workouts prior to that. Can go on with it and take the step up here. 9 Mucho Macho Man: In these selections for nothing else other than he’s a first up runner for the Michael House stable, with Blair Orange in the bike. That strike-rate demands inclusion alone. Selections: 2-1-8-9 Race 8 10 Copperhead Rose: Big win fresh up in junior grade last time out. Tough as old boots and won’t leave anything to chance in this line up and can run them into the dirt. 5 Only In America: Delivered in fine style two very strong performances to win last two starts. Manners seem good and will be looking to make them chase once again. 7 Rollova: Good in a fresh state last week and will be better for that run. Should be up to giving this a really good shake tonight with natural improvement. 9 Secret Bet: Not bad last week after doing a bit of work. In good nick and a swift beginning here makes the chances look even better. Selections: 10-5-7-9 Race 9 8 Diana Harbour: Stand start put an end to the strong run of form last time out. Mobile conditions here change things considerably. Can get things back on track tonight. 6 Quaestor: Mobile racing is the key to this one at the moment, thrives on it. Good second last time out at Rangiora and will be right in the mix here again. 3 Crusher Collins: Will appreciate the barrier draw and the mobile and look to get handy and give them all something to chase here tonight. Can give a bit of cheek too. 9 Sugar Cane: Humbled down south last time out, but form here prior was good enough to be a player in this. Likely to look to get across them early and get onto the speed. Selections: 8-6-3-9 Race 10 2 Invisible Girl: In great form at the moment and again a little unlucky last week. Nice draw and an even looking field make this race the perfect opportunity to get another win on the board. 1 Motoring Major: Has come back from the freshen up in fine fettle. Drawn to get the sweet trip and can make the most of it up the lane late in proceedings. 4 Matthew Eyre: Stepped up fresh up and delivered a strong performance to win then a little unlucky last time out. Will be right in the middle of things again tonight. 5 Good On Ya Kiwi: Better than the form lines probably suggest. Even field and a potentially positive drive will make things very interesting. Selections: 2-1-4-5 BEST: 10 Copperhead Rose (Race 8) NEXT: 8 Fabrizio (Race 5) VALUE: 2 Invisible Girl (Race 10) View the full article

MIND OUT (f, 2, Tapit–Kid Majic, by Lemon Drop Kid) took some time to figure things out Wednesday, but when she did she uncorked a serious turn rally and flew home to get up and garner the ‘TDN Rising Star’ distinction. Breaking outwardly from her wide draw to sit in a far-back last early, the 8-5 favorite moved inside of a bearing-out foe heading for home before shifting out into the center of the track for the stretch run. She responded willingly when hot-handed Flavien Prat asked her in earnest in midstretch, and collared pacesetter Nu Pi Lambda (City Zip) to score by a deceptive neck. According to Trakus data, the winner covered her final quarter in :22.48. The $850,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga buy is a half-sister to Miss Mischief (Into Mischief), Ch. Female Sprinter & Older Mare-Can, GSW, $522,980 and to the dam of last year’s MGISP Rowayton (Into Mischief), who will contest Saturday’s GI H. Allen Jerkens S. Presented by Runahppy at Saratoga. Her dam, a half herself to Grade I-winning juvenile J P’s Gusto (Successful Appeal), produced a full-sister to Mind Out in 2019 and a full-sister to Miss Mischief this Apr. 30. She was bred back to Triple Crown winner Justify. This is also the female family of champion Proud Spell (Proud Citizen). Sales history: $850,000 yrl ’18 FTSAUG. O-Gainesway Stable, LNJ Foxwoods & Andrew Rosen. B-H. Allen Poindexter & Tapit Syndicate. T-Simon Callaghan. The post Tapit Filly Flies Home to Rising Stardom at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Morrison. Recently crowned junior drivers’ premiership winner John Morrison has the chance to kick start his title defence this week. Morrison heads to Addington on Thursday night to seek his first win of the new season and to reunite with promising pacer Only In America. The 5yr-old has impressed by winning two of his three career starts for trainer Mike de Fillipi. “He has done everything we have asked of him so far – only three starts and he has done a really good job,” Morrison said. “He has got a great gait and great manners – he is typical of one of Mike DeFilippi’s – he is very well mannered and great to drive.” “He is a very good judge, so it good to be pulling his colours on.” Only In America has shown versatility in his two starts by winning from the trail two starts ago and by leading all of the way in his last win. Despite the horse showing a professional attitude, Morrison is weary of the pacer stepping in up in grade to race seasoned horses in race 8. The only other thing Morrison is concerned about ahead of Thursday night’s 2600m handicap is that Only In America has not raced for over a month. “He hasn’t raced for a month, so he might need the run a wee bit.” “So far he has done everything right and there is no reason he couldn’t [step up in grade]. “He will just get better with racing, I would say.” Rollova heads Only In America’s more seasoned opposition in Thursday night’s rating 50-72 special handicap. Though the David and Catherine Butt trained 4yr-old is a relative newcomer to racing himself, with only seven starts behind him. Rollova impressed in the first run of his campaign, with hitting the line strongly for third behind Flying Mister Ideal at Addington last week. Rollova shares the 10m mark with Only In America and other leading contenders Santanna Mach and Secret Bet. Morrison has two other chances to notch his first win of the new term at Addington. He will reunite with consistent trotter Crusher Collins in race 9. The Lyndon Bond trained 6yr-old has won once and placed six times from behind the mobile. “Crusher Collins has been going really good, she went good at Oamaru on Sunday,” Morrison said. “I got to drive her in the junior championship and she went really good then.” Morrison also drives Tiger Moth, who seeks a maiden win from race 2. The Graham Bond trained 5yr-old ran last in his last start at Ashburton, but he deserved a better fate. “I was really happy with Tiger Moth until he got knocked over at about the 600m – he was going really good.” “His trial form was really good and it wasn’t his fault – I got knocked off my feet. I though he would have been in the money.” Tiger Moth has his first standing start from the unruly in race 2 on Thursday night. If he can not crack a win at Addington, he should be able to be rewarded at short notice, Morrison said. “He would win in the race in the near future, I would think.” Morrison has a strong book of drives at Gore on Sunday. It includes three good chances for trainer Paul Court in Mongolian Marshal, Storm Prince and Stick Man. View the full article

TAB News Pick6 this week – $30K Pick6 Thursday Night at Addington and $40K Pick6 Friday night at Alexandra Park. August and September – Harness First4 $6,000 Bonus First4 on a Race 4 Every Friday Night in Aug/Sept and on Race 4 at Addington on Thu 19 Sept. Addington Raceway and Events Centre – Thursday 22 August Hello Everyone, Only 83 days til Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day! Let’s get excited! Friendly reminder – Nominations close next week for; Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup, Airpark Canterbury Dominion Trot, and Graphite Developments Ltd Glenys & Philip Kennard Show Day Futurity. Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup – $750,000 – Group 1 – 12 November 2019 Initial Nomination Fee (incl GST) – $431.25 Due – Wednesday 28 August 2019 3pm (NZ time) Airpark Canterbury Dominion Trot – $300,000 – Group 1 – 15 November 2019 Initial Nomination Fee (incl GST) – $172.50 Due – Wednesday 28 August 2019 3pm (NZ time) Graphite Developments Ltd Glenys & Philip Kennard Show Day Futurity Series This series is for 4YO and older pacers assessed at MR (Non-Winner) as at 1 July 2019. A horse must start at two NZMTC meetings from 2 August to 25 October 2019 to be eligible to start in the series race on Show Day. Nomination Fee (incl GST) – $115.00 Due – Wednesday 28 August 2019 3pm (NZ time) For information on when all the fees are due and the full terms and conditions on these racing initiatives please visit addington.co.nz/racing/promotions-incentives/. Alternatively, please call Addington’s Racing Department on 03 338 9094 Remember to book your spot for Cup Week. Our fabulous hospitality packages are on sale for Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day and Show Day Races. Be sure to book soon and #bepartofthemagic, as three areas are already sold out for Tuesday and limited availability on Show Day. For further details, please visit; http://www.addington.co.nz/cup-week/hospitality/. Alternatively, if you have any questions, or wish to book, please contact Joanne McMaster on joanne.mcmaster@addington.co.nz, or 021 0298 5972. We look forward to hosting you all! Have a great week everyone and we look forward to welcoming you to the races tomorrow night! From the Addington Team. Alexandra Park – Friday 23 August TENDER: Auckland Trotting Club in Conjection with Alabar have a Service Fee for Tender to Ultimate Machete. All tenders to be received by 8.00pm on Friday 20 September. For more information or to lodge your tender, contact Karen Blanchard at karen.blanchard@alexandrapark.nz or call 027 808 3150 MEZZE: A Night of Sharing | Friday 13 September from 5.30pm Inspired by the Mediterranean. Join us in Alexandra Park’s premier restaurant, Top of the Park for a night of sharing and harness racing action. Begin the night with a drink on arrival and an antipasto platter to your table followed by a grazing buffet filled with goodies and scrumptious desserts to finish the night. We have group discounts available with packages starting from $65pp. Please note; groups of less than 8 may be required to share a table. Embrace the family traditions of the Mediterranean and book today! Save time, book online www.alexandrapark.co.nz/whats-on/mezze-a-night-of-sharing/ [WIN!] Journey to Thailand with Thai Airways | Friday 27 September from 5.30pm Revel in the beauty of Southeast Asia, a tropical wonderland known for its’ rich culture, diverse communities and flavoursome food. Our ever popular Thai-inspired night at the races will take place in the Tasman Room located on level one with direct access trackside. Those who book and attend have the chance to go in the draw to WIN Flights for Two to Bangkok, Thailand thanks to our friends at Thai Airways. This is a night you do not want to miss so we recommended booking sooner rather than later! Save time, book online www.alexandrapark.co.nz/whats-on/journey-to-thailand Cambridge – Waikato Bay of Plenty Thursday 15 August INTRODUCING OUR LATEST INNOVATIVE RACE NIGHT EXPERIENCE AT CAMBRIDGE RACEWAY START YOUR WEEKEND RIGHT… UNDER THE LIGHTS Friday Nights Under The Lights is a fusion of harness racing action, social interaction, exciting light displays, inspired music and culinary adventure. Held at Cambridge Raceway over seven Fridays, Friday Nights Under The Lights is the perfect event to take after work drinks to the next level or commit to a regular night out with your besties. Feel the rush of the harness racing action, reach out and network, indulge in the food truck-style cuisine, witness the bright lights, catch up with your mates, make new friends, listen to the music, dance the night away and repeat. It’s light therapy for your senses! For more info, head along to: https://www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz/page/friday-nights-under-the-lights/ Forbury Park News – Overnight stabling charge Forbury Park Trotting Club would like to advise that we are happy for trainers & their teams to stop over at Forbury Park on your way to other race meetings, however there will be a small charge @ $7.50 + gst per horse, per night – This is to cover our staff & use of facilities. There is a form to complete prior to a visit which is available from the Forbury Office. Phone number: 03 455 2154, or email: lisa@forburypark.co.nz. We would appreciate a couple of days’ notice ahead of an intended visit so that we can have the facilities ready for your stay, and to arrange access at a suitable time for us. Otago Harness Racing Awards – September 14 A star studded line up of New Zealand’s best pacers and broodmares will vie for titles at next month’s Otago Harness Racing Awards in Dunedin. Classy youngsters Princess Tiffany and Ultimate Sniper will take on home town favourites Eamon Maguire and Majestic Man and northerners Speeding Spur and Havtime in the Best Otago Owned Horse category. Bethany, the dam of Lazarus, One Over Kenny, the dam of Ultimate Stride, and Foreal, the dam of Field Marshal with square off with 100-win producer, Fleet’s Pocket, in the Broodmare Excellence category. Each of those broodmare’s owners, Gavin Chin, Lex and Heather Williams and Syd and Shona Brown are finalists for Otago Breeder Of The Year alongside Archie Affleck. Winners of the breeding awards and the Otago Horse Of The Year will be announced at a gala evening at Forbury Park on September 14. A massive total of 23 titles will be awarded in age group trotting and pacing and training and driving categories. Winners of the age group trotting and pacing awards will be eligible to be crowned Otago’s horse of the year. Big race performers Cracker Hill, Ultimate Stride, Majestic Man and Jess Jaccka look to be some of the strongest contenders for the overall title. More than one significant contribution award will industry members at the Otago awards. Former champion thoroughbred trainer Dave O’Sullivan will be the guest speaker at the awards. Tickets are available by contacting Lisa Butler at the Forbury Park Trotting Club on lisa@forburypark.co.nz or 03 455 2154. Southland Owners Day – 21 September Harness Racing New Zealand, in conjunction with the Invercargill Harness Racing Club, are pleased to announce that on Saturday 21 September an Owners Day will be held at Ascot Park. The event is a trial and part of the HRNZ ownership initiatives and will be held on race day. It is free for all owners, not just those with horses competing at the race meeting. Guests are also encouraged to bring along friends and acquaintances who are interested in finding out more about becoming an owner themselves. Owners Day will run throughout the race meeting and will include competitions and draws, the chance for prospective owners to win phantom shares in a racehorse competing on the day and much more. An MC will interview various owners, trainers and drivers throughout the event and promote the various aspects of the sport and experiences of the winning connections. Potential owners can also meet with trainers and syndicators to learn about how they can become part of the action. There is also the opportunity for businesses to showcase their products to owners on the day, with a small expo operating in the room. This event is part of a trial following on from previous functions at Alexandra Park and Addington that will explore multiple aspects which will be used to present ideas to clubs for future events they may hold themselves. In the attempt to encourage owners to attend their race days, with options for all clubs covered. It is important that we canvas as many owners as possible to be able to provide accurate feedback so clubs can provide owners rewards in future. These events could be an annual event for clubs to thank those who have supported them by racing their horse with them, or they could be held on a more regular basis. Further information on the event will follow soon. If you are interested in attending, or if you are a trainer, syndicator or business who is keen to be present to promote yourself, please contact Jess Smith at Harness Racing New Zealand to register your interest. Space is limited so an RSVP is advised – jess@hrnz.co.nz 2019 Woodlands Stud Canterbury Harness Awards Dinner – Saturday 21 September Silks Lounge – Addington Raceway, Addington 6.30pm for a 7.15pm start Tickets $60.00 incl. GST Drinks extra at individual’s cost. Watch our for our stallion tender for Downbytheseaside and Pegasus Spur services which close on 02 September 2019. All enquiries to 021 969 969 or cantyawardsdinner@gmail.com View the full article

More Wonder winning his trial heat at Taupo on Wednesday. Team Rogerson look to have a strong hand in next week’s Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings with a potential trio of runners in the first Group One race of the season. This past weekend’s Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) placegetter Comeback is assured of a start in the race, while trainers Graeme, Debbie and Bailey Rogerson will wait until Monday before deciding whether Aalaalune and More Wonder will contest the first leg of the Hawke’s Bay triple crown. “Comeback will definitely go to the Tarzino,” Debbie Rogerson said. “He is hard fit and went a fantastic race on Saturday.” More Wonder didn’t hurt his chances of starting next Saturday with his 1100m trial win at Taupo on Tuesday. The four-year-old son of Mossman finished fourth in two Group One races last season and Rogerson is pleased with how he has returned after a lengthy spell. “I was really impressed with the horse,” she said. “He is a lot more forward than I thought. I was very happy with the barrier trial today.” “He just had a couple of little issues towards the end of last prep. We have sorted that all out and he has had a good spell. “He has had a good long build up and the proof was in the pudding at the trials.” While he contested right up to the 2400m distance of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby last season, Rogerson believes he is better suited to shorter distances. “I think he is just a sprinter-miler, 1400m to a mile,” she said. “He is probably a lot better right-handed than left-handed. “We won’t make a decision (on the Tarzino Trophy) until Monday.” Rogerson said recent stable addition Aalaalune has settled in well to her new environment at Team Rogerson’s Hamilton barn and a Tarzino Trophy tilt remains on the cards for the Group One performer. “She has fitted in really well and we will have a good discussion with the owner (Lou Te Keeti) on Monday and we won’t make up our mind until then,” she said. “It is all up to the owner, he owns the horse 100 percent, so it’s his call whatever direction he wants to go.” Meanwhile, dual Group winner Contessa Vanessa will likely bypass the Tarzino Trophy in favour of the ITM Thermakraft Open (1300m) at New Plymouth on Saturday. View the full article

Talented four-year-old Lincoln Falls has pleased trainer Lisa Latta as he readies for a new campaign. The son of Dundeel was strong through the line at the end of a 1000m trial at Foxton on Tuesday, finishing fourth behind Not Santa after coming from the tail of the field. A winner of two of his eight starts, Lincoln Falls finished fifth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m), and the gelding will resume at Hastings on Saturday week in a rating 72 over 1300m. View the full article

Wellfield Stud stallion Vespa’s first crop of juveniles are starting to hit the track and are showing promising signs, with two trials winners on Tuesday. A Stephen Autridge-trained filly, out of two win mare Langara, won her 650m heat at Te Rapa by half a length, while the Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained Piaggio looked impressive when taking out his 600m heat at Foxton by five lengths. “He’s a neat tidy horse with a fair bit of ability,” Benner said. “He looks like his sire and wouldn’t it be nice if he turned out to be as good as him.” Vespa was himself New Zealand’s Champion two-year-old of his year, winning the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Million (1200m) for Benner. He stands for a fee of $5,000+GST at Wellfield Stud with a second mare under the same ownership being free. View the full article

Dual Group One winner Madison County will spearhead a trio of runners in Melbourne this spring for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman. Cambridge trainer Murray Baker knows what it takes to plunder marquee races in Australia and the astute horseman, who trains in partnership with Andrew Forsman, is once again honing-in on lucrative spring targets across the Tasman. A select team of horses will target features in Sydney and Melbourne as Baker looks to add to his Australian Group One haul, which stands at an impressive 21, with Baker rating his squad on par with previous years. “I think they’re on target. Naturally, when they get over there they should improve,” he said. “We’ve got two three-year-olds going to Sydney this weekend in Quick Thinker and Rhaegar and they have got to prove they are up to the class, but we have got to give them their chance. “We think they are both staying horses and when they get out to a mile and beyond, they should be at their best. “I think the New Zealand horses have proven over the decades they can stay and if they measure up, they’re a chance to get some of it.” Both Quick Thinker and Rhaegar were Listed winners at two and the pair enjoyed a hit-out at the Te Rapa trials on Tuesday to further their preparations. “They might run on Saturday week in the Ming Dynasty (Gr.3, 1400m) at Rosehill,” Baker said. “If they’re up to the class they will step through the three-year-old colts races which culminates in the Gloaming (Gr.3, 1800m) and the Spring Champion Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m).” Dual Group One winner Madison County will spearhead a team of three bound for Melbourne, and looks to have returned in good order ahead of his four-year-old assignments after trialling well at Taupo on Wednesday. The China Horse Club-owned son of Pins finished fourth in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m), and second in both the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) despite an interrupted campaign. “He didn’t quite get the rub of the green in a couple of races in the autumn and he was a late scratching in the Rosehill Guineas (Gr.1, 2000m) when he bumped his hip on the float going to the races. It just put him a race behind but he still ran well in Sydney,” Baker said. “He will probably be back racing towards the end of September. We will trial him in Melbourne and see where he goes from there. “He has got some class and I think he should go well over there. He is more a mile or 2000m horse, so there are plenty of options for him. He is not a big horse, but I’d like to think he will measure up at weight-for-age.” Fellow four-year-old The Chosen One also stretched his legs when finishing third in a trial at Taupo and the Savabeel entire is set to join Madison County in Melbourne. “He’s a horse that I think has got a lot of potential,” Baker said of the multiple Group Three winner. “His two runs in Sydney in autumn were outstanding. He drew barrier 17 in the Australian Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) and had to go back to last. To get home for fourth was a terrific effort. “He franked that by winning the Frank Packer Plate (Gr.3, 2000m), again coming from last, and that family usually gets going when they’re four years old. They seem to go better with time. “He might just take a race or two, as he is a four-year-old stallion, but we’re happy with him. We’d like to think that he ends up a good horse. We think he will stay and he could be a good Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m) type of horse.” Baker is still mulling over plans for three-year-old colt Long Jack, who he said could be set on a path towards the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m). “We are still making up our mind about Long Jack and he is bred to stay. We will just play that one by ear. “He is still a maiden and was narrowly beaten both times, but I would hope he could win his maiden and then get his career underway.” Baker is looking forward to the jovial banter of the Flemington trainers’ tower as the Melbourne Spring Carnival hits top gear in the coming months. “There is nothing better than being in Melbourne in the spring. The atmosphere is terrific, the racing is great and it is just a buzz to step onto the racecourse.” Meanwhile, Baker and Forsman have plenty to look forward to on the home front, with quality three-year-old filly Aretha winning a strong trial at Taupo on Wednesday and is likely to be aimed at the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November. The winner of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) as a juvenile, Aretha was narrowly beaten when placed in the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce (1400m), while she also placed in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m). “She has shown very good form. Her four starts at two were all in Group races,” Baker said. “We couldn’t have asked for much more of her as a two-year-old and she looks to have come up well. She is tough and she can take a position, which is always a positive.” View the full article

Countofmontecristo. It is not unusual to see around half-a-dozen jockeys teaming up with a horse in the course of its racing career, but for Countofmontecristo, the record reads 11 in 22 starts thus far – and as many as nine different riders at his last 14 outings. The fact that Countofmontecristo has not greeted the judge for close to two years could be a strong hint why so many jockeys got to warm the saddle for only a fleeting time. The last of Michael Clements-trained and Joe Singh-owned galloper’s seven wins came in the Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) on September 10, 2017. English jockey Alan Munro replaced regular partner Glen Boss who had to attend a wedding in Australia, and duly got the job done. Boss – who partnered the son of Echoes Of Heaven to five (Mohd Zaki was aboard at his winning debut) of his previous six wins – got his job back at his next start, but finished second to Infantry in the Panasonic Kranji Mile. It was only the second time that Countofmontecristo had tasted defeat in nine starts. Thus began the musical chairs of jockeys, many of whom figure among the A-listers. Manoel Nunes, Michael Rodd, Alysha Collett, Ryan Curatolo, Troy See, Vlad Duric, and even two overseas hit-and-run hires, Perth’s champion jockey William Pike and Korean-based Irish-Brazilian jockey Franco Da Silva, have all come and gone, but that eighth win had been elusive in 14 fruitless attempts. Reunited with Boss at his last four starts, Countofmontecristo came up with three seconds which gave connections renewed hopes, and made them realise that old firm was after all a winning formula which should not have been changed. But a fifth place in the Kranji Mile on May 25 dashed those hopes, finally driving home the message a break was the best thing left to do. Now six, Singh’s banner horse resumes in a race he ran second to Distinctive Darci last year when ridden by Rodd, the S$400,000 Merlion Trophy (1200m) alongside a new stablemate in Clements’ recent boom transfer Bold Thruster, and what do you know, a new partner, Daniel Moor. The question whether the Australian jockey will be the hero who can snap Countofmontecristo’s long run of outs is almost akin to the fable of those nobles who came from far and wide to try and pull King Arthur’s sword from the stone. But Moor is unfazed by the increasingly heavier weight of expectation. If anything, he is spurred on by the challenge. “It would be nice if I could win. It will help me keep the ride going forward,” he said matter-of-factly. “He’s always been seen as the heir apparent to Debt Collector. They’ve been sparring partners for such a long time. “Nothing would please me more than to get Count back on the scoreboard for Joe Singh. I’d like to thank Joe for the opportunity to ride his horse and it sure would be nice to stick with him right through.” Moor is aware that more serious assignments await Countofmontecristo – the same Singapore Triple Crown series he contested in, minus the last Leg, the Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) considered too far for him. The 2018 results fell way below expectations, even if many felt Da Silva’s hasty ride robbed him of his chances in the Raffles Cup. This year’s series kicks off with the Raffles Cup (1600m) on September 22, followed by the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) on October 20 and the Singapore Gold Cup on November 10. “I trialled him the other day (third to Bold Thruster on August 15) in an all-star trial and he felt in good order. He had a good break when he was in quarantine during the time he was meant to go to Australia,” said Moor. “He acquitted himself very well. He will definitely take improvement out of this Sunday’s race, but he’s certainly been well prepared. “He’s a super honest horse who’s always tried his best. We’ll just have to hatch a plan for Sunday and see what he comes up with.” -STC View the full article

Dawn Patrol shortly before his trial at Te Rapa on Tuesday. Promising galloper Dawn Patrol made a pleasing start to the new season for trainer Frank Ritchie, deadheating his 880m trial with Magnum at Te Rapa on Tuesday. “I was happy with that,” Ritchie said. “He is a bit burly and the track was hard work, he had a real blow afterwards too. I am pleased with him, he will improve a lot obviously.” Dawn Patrol won two of his six starts last season and placed in three stakes races, including a runner-up performance in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton. However, the son of Dawn Approach rounded-out his season on a sour note after finishing eighth over 1400m at Te Aroha, his only unplaced run of the season. “He didn’t pull up well after that run,” he said. “We couldn’t get him to recover enough, so we just gave him a long spell, and he came out of that alright. Hopefully we can turn the page.” Ritchie is also hoping that early signs of mental maturity will transfer to the track on race day. “One of his other problems is that he is a bit aggressive,” Ritchie said. “Sometimes he wants to overdo it, even with a race with pace, he can get on the bit. “He’s a bit older this time and even in his track work he seems to be a little more mellow. That will have a huge impact on his ability to perform better if he just waits for the call to go rather than go at will.” Dawn Patrol (inside) dead-heating his trial heat with Magnum at Te Rapa on Tuesday. Trish Dunell Ritchie is looking forward to his first-up run next month, but said he will wait to find out his ideal distance before making any stakes plans. “He will be starting at Auckland on the 7th (of September) in the (rating) 82 1200m. We will plan from there. “Because he didn’t finish his season off I didn’t get a chance to see what his most appropriate distance was. “It would be nice if he could get a mile. He ran second in the 2000 Guineas, but that would probably be his maximum trip anyway.” Ritchie also lined-up Group Three winner Fiscal Fantasy who also dead-heated her 1100m heat with the Richard Collett-trained Sweet Clementine. “She trialled terrific,” he said. “She is a little sweetheart, she does everything right. It was a lovely trial. She will also run at Auckland on the 7th over 1600m. “She will get a lot of weight, she is only a little girl, so I’ll put an apprentice on her. That will be her first up run.” A Group One tilt could be next for the daughter of Skilled, however, Ritchie said there would need to be a significant attrition rate for Fiscal Fantasy to head to Hastings for the Livamol Classic (2040m). “She is in the Livamol, but there would probably need to be some misfortune for a couple of the hot shots,” he said. “If it weakened a bit, we would be inclined to have a try, other than that we will target other races. 2000m seems to be her premier trip once she is conditioned. “There are races suitable for her throughout the summer.” View the full article

Team Rogerson look to have a strong hand in next week’s Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings with a potential trio of runners in the first Group One race of the season. This past weekend’s Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) placegetter Comeback is assured of a start in the race, while trainers Graeme, Debbie and Bailey Rogerson will wait until Monday before deciding whether Aalaalune and More Wonder will contest the first leg of the Hawke’s Bay triple crown. “Comeback will definitely go to the T. View the full article

Highland Sky tracked the early speed and had plenty in reserve entering the stretch, taking command from the outside and cruising to his first win in 14 months and first stakes win in three years in the $93,000 John's Call Stakes. View the full article

New York-breds are set to take over Saratoga Race Course Aug. 23, with six stakes worth $1.15 million highlighting New York Breeders' Showcase Day. View the full article

William S. Farish has a strong pair of contenders for the Aug. 24 Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) in Code of Honor and Highest Honors, and a rooting interest in 30-1 longshot Chess Chief. View the full article

Shannon Bishop Arvin, Gary Barber, Terry Finley, Pope McLean Jr., Jaime Roth, and Chuck Winner have been newly elected to The Jockey Club, the organization announced Wednesday. Arvin is a member of Stoll Keenon Ogden law firm in Lexington and represents many Thoroughbred organizations, including Keeneland Association, Breeders’ Cup Limited, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. She also represents a number of prominent Thoroughbred farms. Gary Barber, a native of South Africa, is the chairman and chief executive officer of Spyglass Media Group and a longtime Thoroughbred owner. Terry Finley is the president and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds. Pope McLean Jr. is a co-owner of his family’s 1,000-acre Crestwood Farm, which will enter its 50th year in 2020 and has bred and/or raised more than 270 stakes horses. Jaime Roth races horses under her family’s LNJ Foxwoods Stable, which was founded in 2012. Named OwnerView’s New Owner of the Year in 2016, LNJ Foxwoods has campaigned graded stakes winners including Covfefe, Nickname, Constellation, Dreamologist, and Fancy Dress Party. Chuck Winner has served on the California Horse Racing Board since 2012 and as its chairman since 2013. He is also on the advisory board of the California Retirement Management Account. The post The Jockey Club Elects Six New Members appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article