Wandering Eyes

In terms of pure speed, there was no better race in 2024 than the Jaipur Strakes. View the full article

The most hopeful of Japan's 2-year-old crop tackle the Dec. 28 Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Nakayama Racecourse; the nation's top dirt runners face off the next day in the Tokyo Daishoten (NAR-G1).View the full article

Sunday's ¥170 million (US$1.08 million) Toyko Daishoten is the lone Group 1 race on the calendar staged on the tracks of the National Association of Racing, but the 2000-metre event has lured the top five or six dirt horses in Japan and given the depth of the field, the horse that proves victorious should be able to make a case for challenging the recently retired G1 Champions Cup repeated Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) for champion dirt horse of 2024. The globetrotting Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) makes just his second start in Japan this term, having won the G3 Saudi Derby and G2 UAE Derby ahead of his bang-up third in the GI Kentucky Derby. The son of Grade II Santa Ynez Stakes winner Forever Darling (Congrats) returned to easily defeat his peers in the Listed Japan Dirt Classic over Sunday's track and distance Oct. 2 and gave a good account of himself last time in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, sitting fairly close to the sharp pace before sticking on gamely for third. About all that is missing from his CV is an elite-level score, and he should go favoured to right that wrong this weekend. “He's getting better all the time,” trainer Yoshito Yahagi told Netkeiba. “His mind continues to improve, he's gotten stronger and taller and gained weight. The opposition is strong and we can't afford to lose in Japan.” 【悲報】フォーエバーヤング(牡3)さん 能力が桁違いすぎて併せ馬にならない 最初単走かと思ったらすぐ並んで終われるとちぎり捨てる その勢いのまま前で単走してた馬も抜いて 抜いた瞬間耳を立てる(流す) シンエンペラーはよ併せてやってくれ#追切#東京大賞典 #エバヤン pic.twitter.com/j7bKjUpMOn — ぺっぷ (@peppu0525) December 26, 2024 Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) was fifth in the 2023 Classic before successfully defending his title in this event, but it feels a different story this time around. Despite adding over $6 million to his bankroll this season, the 7-year-old has yet to find the winner's circle in four tries. Second in the G1 Saudi Cup and G1 Dubai World Cup, he was runner-up in his Classic prep, but failed to land a blow at Del Mar, finishing nearly 15 lengths behind Forever Young's relative Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in 10th. So spotty is his form that Yuga Kawada, aboard for Ushba Tesoro's biggest moments, has deserted for the commonly owned stablemate Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}). The 2023 Champions Cup runner-up was fourth at Meydan as the lesser-fancied of the 'Tesoros' and was second to the re-opposing Crown Pride (Jpn) (Reach the Crown {Jpn}) in the G3 OBS Korea Cup in September. He most recently went within a whisker of beating Lemon Pop in the Champions Cup four weeks back. Ramjet (Jpn) (Majestic Warrior) won the Listed Hyacinth Stakes on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby and G3 Unicorn Stakes earlier this year, but was soundly defeated into fourth when last seen in the Japan Dirt Classic. The post Clash Of Japanese Dirt Titans In Tokyo Daishoten appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For this second instalment of our value sires series we are looking at stallions standing in the €20,000 to €49,999 fee range. Another year has gone by in which Nathaniel (Ire) has provided us with one of the stars of the season. This time it was the Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), who later played a starring role of a different kind when topping the Tattersalls December Mares Sale at 4.8 million gns. She'll be in the Amo Racing silks next year and surely already has trainer Ralph Beckett dreaming of back-to-back wins in the Arc. Her victory at the Curragh meant that Nathaniel got up the hat-trick of European 'Oaks' winners, his standout daughter Enable (GB) having won at Epsom while Channel (Ire) landed the Prix de Diane. He is of course also the sire of the ill-fated Derby winner Desert Crown (GB), and this year notched a second Group 1 victory as broodmare sire when Tribalist (GB) (Farrh {GB}) got the better of Charyn (Ire) in the Prix de Moulin. So, sorry if you've heard this one before, but we repeat: Nathaniel remains exceptional value even with his fee having gone back up to what was his opening mark of £20,000. He stood at £17,500 in 2024 and £15,000 for the three years prior to that. We'll stay in England for now with the stallion who has been very much a talking point this year: Study Of Man (Ire). When one hears that a stallion's fee has doubled that can sound rather punchy but it is easy to imagine that even if Study Of Man's fee had been trebled for 2025 there would still have been a clamour to use him. Indeed, there is a waiting list at £25,000 after the season finished with a timely Group 1 victory for Juddmonte's Kalpana (GB) – another potential contender for next year's Arc. The Andrew Balding-trained filly impressed all season, from her debut win at a chilly Wolverhampton in January, through a scintillating 10-length handicap debut at Newmarket's Craven meeting, and on to consecutive black-type wins at Hamilton, Kempton and Ascot's Champions Day. She was far from alone in advertising her sire's merits. Study Of Man had just 55 foals in his first crop and 66 in his second, which makes his five stakes winners and 11 stakes performers overall an admirable tally and puts him above the obvious stars of this crop of stallions, Too Darn Hot (GB) and Blue Point (Ire). At the time of writing, his percentage of black-type winners to runners is 5.33%. He has only 58 two-year-olds to run for him next year, and 51 from the crop about to become yearlings (almost half of which were bred by Kirsten Rausing), but he covered 123 mares this year, and that number will surely rise again in 2025. There will be plenty of attention on St Mark's Basilica (Fr) this year as the first runners of the former champion galloper make it to the racecourse. His half-brother Magna Grecia (Ire) did not set the world alight in his early seasons at stud and he has now been relocated to stand at March Hare Stud in England. The siblings are both Classic winners, but St Mark's Basilica, by Siyouni (Fr), was rated 7lbs higher than Magna Grecia after a career which saw him win the Dewhurst and go on to be unbeaten at three, claiming the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, Prix du Jockey Club, Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes. He's down to €40,000 for 2025, from an opening fee of €65,000 and €50,000 last season. If all goes well for his first runners that could look a very fair price, especially considering his yearling average of £177,250 (median £99,750). Two other names on the Coolmore roster catch the eye in this fee bracket. Auguste Rodin (Ire) looks exceptional value at €30,000. He became a bit of a 'Marmite' horse following some lapses on the track but I'm prepared to stick to the fact that when he was good he was brilliant. It takes a proper horse to compile a CV which includes the Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes, Breeders' Cup Turf, Prince of Wales's Stakes and Futurity Trophy. And that's what he is: a proper horse with a top-drawer pedigree. There is a decent array of sons of Deep Impact (Jpn) at stud. Some will succeed and some won't, but we've seen recently what Study Of Man can do, and Auguste Rodin, whose first two dams are both Group 1 winners, has a similarly enticing pedigree. His third dam is the influential Cassandra Go (Ire), who, if she were racing now, would also be a Group 1 winner as she landed the King's Stand Stakes when it was still a Group 2 (and still known as the King's Stand). Another of Coolmore's sons of Siyouni is Paddington (GB), who is standing for less than half of his initial fee in just his second year, and is now €25,000. The horse who started his three-year-old season by winning the Madrid Handicap was, two starts later, a Classic winner in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and soon galloped his way to three more consecutive Group 1 wins in the St James's Palace, Eclipse and Sussex Stakes. He covered 145 mares in his first book, with some fertility issues early on, though he has shuttled to New Zealand and that situation is reportedly improving, as has been seen in other young stallions. Over in the Darley corner is Ghaiyyath (Ire), who picked up momentum with his first two-year-old runners towards the back end of this season as one might reasonably have expected him to do. He has now had 11 winners from his 42 runners, including the Group 3 runner-up Stanhope Gardens (Ire), who looks another nice prospect for Marc Chan (in partnership with Chelsea Thoroughbreds). Ghaiyyath now stands at €20,000, two-thirds of his opening fee and it is worth remembering that he really came into his own as a five-year-old. Expect to see more from his runners as they too mature. The Darley roster is not short of sons of Dubawi (Ire) and one of the most admirable among a strong bunch is Modern Games (GB), who covered a first book of 141 mares. He remains at his 2024 starting fee of £30,000 which is entirely reasonable considering his significant achievements, which include five Group/Grade 1 wins at a mile in Britain, France, America and Canada and two Breeders' Cup victories. His blend of precocity and speed should appeal to the commercial breeder and he is a half-brother to the 1,000 Guineas winner Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). At €35,000, Charyn (Ire) is the most expensive new stallion in France this season but, as a champion miler with three seasons and 19 starts under his belt, he has demonstrated both his early prowess, as winner of the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte, and his durability. He is also a substantial and good-looking individual who will surely be well supported, both by Sumbe and outside breeders. We can't leave without mentioning Kodiac (GB), who has only recently surrendered to his stud-mate Mehmas (Ire) as the most dependable source of two-year-old winners. (He also combined well with the champion sire Dark Angel (Ire) as the broodmare sire of Charyn.) This year, as on many occasions in the past, he has sired more winners in Britain and Ireland than any other stallion (114 at the last count). He will be 24 on New Year's Day and his reduced fee of €25,000 (from a 2019-2022 high of €65,000) reflects that fact, but if you want to get a young mare off to a flying start Kodiac remains an enticing option. Value Podium Gold: Study Of Man, Lanwades, £25,000 One of the best-bred stallions in Europe, this grandson of Miesque is still very well positioned at his new high fee. Silver: Auguste Rodin, Coolmore, €30,000 Packs a whole lot of punch at this introductory price. Bronze: Nathaniel, Newsells Park Stud, £20,000 A proven Classic sire at a bargain price. The post Value Sires Part II: The Middle Ground appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Continuing our series, Heather Anderson will be paying particular attention to the form of the 2024 Moyglare Stud Stakes as the new turf season opens in the spring. Two of her selections were first and second in that Group 1 contest. Horse of the Year: Lake Victoria The great ones find a way to win. They make their own luck. The surface doesn't matter, the venue doesn't either. An even rarer accolade: unbeaten. Not an adjective that just any horse can claim, and with Cartier Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Lake Victoria (Ire), she has, so far at least, emulated her sire, Frankel (GB), who retired without tasting defeat after 14 starts. As a juvenile, Lake Victoria, just like her sire, was named a 'TDN Rising Star', albeit in Ireland. She also has a win in the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes at HQ, having changed courses (and countries) in all five of her starts. Lake Victoria has already bettered her sire's record at two–with three individual Group 1 wins to his Dewhurst Stakes strike back in 2010. These came in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh, the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket defeating G1 Phoenix Stakes heroine Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) among others, and overcoming a difficult trip to victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in the US. The daughter of dual six-furlong Group 1 winner Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), has a way to go to emulate Frankel's 10 Group 1 wins, but she is a tantalising prospect to dream about over the winter. Could a Classic laurel be within her reach as well? One to Watch: Simmering That brings me to my horse to watch for 2025: the Too Darn Hot (GB) filly Simmering (GB), who was second to Lake Victoria in the Moyglare. Her rise towards stardom has been a more gradual climb than Lake Victoria's imperious ascent, but she still exits 2024 a multiple group winner. Not just any horse warrants a chance at Royal Ascot while still a maiden, but Simmering was a close second in the G3 Albany Stakes for Lucy Sangster, Justin Casse and Dr Jeffrey Berk at second asking. The bay was sold to Al Shaqab Racing after Royal Ascot. That investment paid immediate dividends with a win in the G3 Princess Margaret Stakes. A three-length winner of Deauville's G2 Prix du Calvados later that summer, the Ollie Sangster trainee was not disgraced behind Lake Victoria in the Moyglare and when fourth in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac over boggy ground. I have every reason to believe there is a Group 1 ring waiting for her next year, or possibly in the next few years. It is still early regarding Too Darn Hot's prowess as a sire of older horses as his eldest crop is rising four, but Simmering is out of a Fastnet Rock (Aus) mare. One could imagine she might prove half as effective as current Australian top-liner Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), a six-time Group 1 winner, who didn't win her first elite-tier race until she was five. Hopefully time will bring Simmering forward to a boiling boil. Stallion to Follow: Dream Ahead Frankel overshadowed every horse he ever came across, and it is easy to forget that current Bearstone Stud stallion Dream Ahead was rated his equal at two. That eventual five-time Group 1 winner did his best work at six and seven furlongs, but that hasn't prevented him from siring a Group 1 winner at a mile in Prix Jacques le Marois hero Al Wukair (Ire), although the majority of his progeny favour sprint distances. After stints in Ireland (Ballylinch Stud), France (Haras de Grandcamp) and some shuttle trips to Australia (Aquis Farm), the 16-year-old son of Diktat (GB) has spent the past three seasons at Bearstone Stud in Britain. Dream Ahead has accrued 35 stakes winners worldwide including his best known progeny–GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint heroine Glass Slippers (GB), who is now a broodmare at Bearstone. Intriguingly, Dream Ahead, the former Cartier Champion Sprinter, covered 82 mares in his initial season in Britain which has resulted in plenty of recruits to go to war with in 2025. This racehorse sire (77% runners from foals and 59% winners from runners) is available for the reasonable fee of £6,500 next term. The post Horse Of The Year; One For Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are 14 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, December 28. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Eagle Farm, Moonee Valley, Randwick & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 28, 2024 Eagle Farm Racing Tips Moonee Valley Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 28, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Young British trainer reveals patient plan for latest stable recruit, who is recovering from fetlock surgery.View the full article

By Michael Guerin One of the big guns of New Zealand pacing could be left sweating on a scratching to boost his chances in the last Group 1 of the year on Tuesday night. Don’t Stop Dreaming can cap a rollercoaster year in the $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park, returned to its former New Year’s Eve date. As has been the case all season Don’t Stop Dreaming and arch rival Merlin will dominate betting on the Cup, with Republican Party and Better Eclipse their greatest dangers, the latter trying to win the Auckland Cup for the second time this year. But as the TAB market indicates it is advantage Merlin as he has drawn seven on the front line whereas Don’t Stop Dreaming may have to start from one on the second line. He has drawn barrier 9 but only eight horses start on the front line. Don’t Stop Dreaming will move forward to the front line if there was a scratching on the front line before scratchings time on Tuesday morning. That looks unlikely though and while standing starts can be funny things if he has to start on the second line he would appear to be disadvantaged as it would seem to give Merlin a chance to get in in front of him and try to stay there. That was enough for the TAB bookies to put Merlin up as the $2.50 favourite with Don’t Stop Dreaming at $3.50 and Republican Party at $5.50 and Better Eclipse at $7.50. Impressive Golden Gait open winner Jolimont is on the next line of betting at $9. The other Group 1 of the night is the $100,000 Peter Breckon Memorial National Trot looks a two-horse race between Oscar Bonavena (barrier 3) and Muscle Mountain (4) with the pair likely to settle lead trail and Oscar having had the better of their recent battles. To see the Auckland fields click here View the full article

Taking Trigon Lad to New Plymouth on Friday was something of an afterthought for Pukekohe trainer Michael Rogers, but that back-up plan produced a welcome return to the winners’ circle in the Landmark City of New Plymouth Cup (1600m). Trigon Lad has been an accomplished performer for his breeders Duncan Equine Partnership, who share ownership of the nine-year-old with Rogers. Now in his sixth season of racing, the Towkay gelding has had 74 starts for five wins, nine seconds, five thirds and $186,054 in stakes. There have been numerous highlights along the way, including victory in a $65,000 Rating 65 at Te Rapa on New Year’s Day in 2023. He also ran second in a $50,000 Rating 65 on Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie in March of 2021, beaten by a long head by subsequent black-type performer Rapid Falls, and was runner-up behind Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Asterix in a 1600m open handicap at Tauranga in January of last year. It has been slimmer pickings in more recent times, with Trigon Lad heading into the City of New Plymouth Cup on a 24-race winless streak that would have ticked over to two years on New Year’s Day. But his connections never lost faith, and on Friday they were rewarded with a relentless front-running performance. Trigon Lad was the $12 outsider among a seven-horse field for the City of New Plymouth Cup, but got in nicely at the weights with Jim Chung’s 2kg claim dropping him down to 56kg. He went straight to the lead and dictated terms, setting only a steady tempo throughout the $30,000 race. Knights Realm drew up alongside him coming up to the home turn and seemingly had him covered, clearly hitting the lead at the top of the straight. But Trigon Lad lifted again, clawing his way back level with Knights Realm and getting back in front to win by a long neck. “That was a really good, tough win,” Rogers said. “He may not have won a race for a couple of years, but he’s never been far away. He’s always thereabouts and just needed a bit of luck to go his way, which finally happened today. “My plan was originally to take him to Taupo on Monday, but he didn’t look like making the field for the Taupo Cup (2000m). So we switched to New Plymouth as a back-up plan. Coming away with a win today is a big thrill. “We’ll get him home now and then have a bit of a look around to see what other suitable races might be around for him.” View the full article

Opie Bosson, one of the greatest jockeys New Zealand has produced, has today announced his retirement from riding. Bosson, 44, leaves behind an incredible legacy in the sport, winning 99 Group One races in a glittering career which saw him inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2023 and immortalised in the memorable “There’s only one Opie Bosson” Boys Get Paid chant at the annual Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie. He was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his contribution to the thoroughbred industry in the 2023 King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours. Among Bosson’s biggest wins were the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) aboard Mongolian Khan in 2015 and nine Group One wins on champion mare Imperatriz. “My association with Imperatriz was the highlight of my career. Horses like that don’t come along every day and to be involved in her big wins in Melbourne is something I’ll never forget,” Bosson said. “Once she retired, it became a lot harder for me to keep going. She probably kept me going really. It’s just the right time to hang up my boots now. I feel I’ve given all I had to give.” Bosson was first apprenticed to Te Akau when his godfather Stephen Autridge was the head trainer, having joined the stable as a 14-year-old. He enjoyed a long and successful association with the David Ellis-led stable. “I’ve done 30 years and it’s time for me to start working for a future after racing, something I can be happy in,” Bosson said. “I’ve had some great times in racing, enjoyed a lot of success and made plenty of lifelong friends. I just want to thank all the owners and trainers who have supported me, and for all the comradery from the jockeys I’ve ridden with, and all the support I’ve got from the racing public all over New Zealand.” Bosson brought up his 2000th New Zealand win aboard Move To Strike at Te Rapa in December 2023 and finishes with a career tally of 2146 wins, 2059 of those coming in New Zealand. He won 51 races in Australia, 16 of those at Group One level, as well as 31 in Singapore, including two Singapore Group One races that didn’t count towards his international Group One tally: the 2007 Singapore Cup on Recast and the 2010 Singapore Derby on Dream Ahead. Bosson also rode in Japan, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, where he was successful on five occasions. Among those to pay tribute to Bosson was his long-time mentor and friend David Ellis CNZM. “Opie established himself as world-class, especially the way he rode Imperatriz. He’s been a massive part of our stable,” Ellis said. “He’s had to battle weight problems throughout his career and for him to keep going as long as he did and with the success is a real credit to him. He’s been a great friend and we’ll never forget the success we’ve had together. “You think about the Karaka Millions winners we’ve had, Melody Belle, Avantage, Cool Aza Beel, Probabeel, Dynastic and before them King’s Chapel right through to all the Guineas winners we’ve had together. He’s been prolific, winning more than 50 Group One races for us. He’s been a tremendously successful rider.” Hall of Fame trainer Murray Baker rated Bosson up with the best riders he worked with. “He was the complete package,” Baker said. “He had a great temperament on a horse, was unfazed on a horse and just had great hands, a prodigious talent. He won three Derbies for us and a Caulfield Cup, among a lot of big-race wins. We had great success together and he’ll be sorely missed in the riders’ ranks.” View the full article

The Craigmore Sustainable Holdings Timaru Cup (1600m) has been an outstanding race for Brian and Shane Anderton in recent years, and the Wingatui trainers will attempt to continue that tradition with a pair of well-credentialled runners at Phar Lap Raceway on Saturday. The Andertons have collected three wins in the last nine years in the Timaru Cup, which was run at Listed level until 2022. The White Robe Lodge team saddled Tommy Tucker for back-to-back victories in 2015 and 2016, then struck again with Gallant Boy in 2020. All of those three wins were supreme weight-carrying performances under either 59kg or 60kg. The Anderton contingent for this year’s race is headed by another topweight, Capo Dell Impero, whose 62kg impost has been reduced to 59kg by Ruvanesh Muniandy’s claim. Capo Dell Impero has won eight times in his 32-start career, including an emphatic last-start victory in the Cromwell Cup (2030m) on December 1. Saturday’s race marks a step down in distance for the seven-year-old son of Ghibellines, but he has previously been a three-time winner from 10 starts over 1600m. “He was great at Cromwell last start and we’ve been very happy with the horse since then,” Shane Anderton said. “He’s taking a bit of a step down in trip for the Timaru Cup on Saturday, which might not be ideal for him, but he’s run some good races over the mile in the past and he couldn’t be going any better. “He always has to carry a lot of weight these days, which makes him quite hard to place down here. But we’re hoping that the claim will help him on Saturday.” Capo Dell Impero will be joined in the field for the $80,000 feature by his stablemate Burgie, whose four-win career is headed by victories in the Gr.3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and the Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m). The Ghibellines mare has been below her best form so far in her six-year-old season, finishing outside the placings in all of her five starts. She has been served by White Robe Lodge stallion Ancient Spirit this spring. “She’s a very capable mare and has a pretty good record over the mile,” Anderton said. “There’s not a lot of suitable races around for her. She’s in foal now, so we’ll just give her a few more runs while we continue to be happy with her, and then we’ll be looking at retiring her.” View the full article

Hasstobeawinner has often played the bridesmaid role in his career, but on Boxing Day at Ellerslie, he chose the right time to live up to his name, storming home to take out the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final. In 17 starts prior to Thursday’s contest, Hasstobeawinner had only won one race, but had finished in the first three on 10 occasions, including a narrow second to Wallen in the $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m). His consistency continued this term as a five-year-old, recording two placings before tackling the $110,000 special conditions contest, which in recent years, has been a launchpad for subsequent Group winners Bankers Choice, Habana and this year’s Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m) winner Snazzytavi. In an even betting contest, Bourbon Empress closed favourite at $4.50 ahead of Subtle Power ($6.50), with Hasstobeawinner among the fancied runners at $10. The gelding jumped positively from barrier 10, with jockey George Rooke making use of his early speed and eventually found a tidy position one-off the fence in fifth. Sinhaman was the pacemaker throughout and was tackled by Subtle Power at the top of the straight, before Hasstobeawinner came charging down the centre of the track, taking over at the 200m and holding off Bourbon Empress and Francee to take the feature by three-quarters of a length. The son of Vadamos is trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, and the latter had plenty of praise for both horse and jockey after the victory “He’s been a very honest horse, he’s been knocking on the door and has run a lot of placings,” Wellwood said. “Everything worked out for him yesterday, he was very strong through the line. “I thought it was a super ride by George, there was nice pace in the race and he was able to relax. He presented him at a good time, last time he perhaps got to the front a bit early but he’s worked out the horse and it was perfect. “He comes and rides work for us at least once a week and putting in the hard yards, he’s riding very well. “There are plenty of options for the horse now, we’ll see how he comes through it and make a bit of a plan for the rest of the summer period.” Bred by Colin and Irene Thompson, Hasstobeawinner was purchased out of the draft of Rich Hill Stud at the 2021 Karaka Yearling Sales by bloodstock agent Robt Dawe for just $45,000. He is raced by the Hassall Family Trust, of whom he has now earned just shy of $190,000 for. His dam Keepereel was a winner of seven races, and as a broodmare, she also has produced He’s Got Power, who won 10 races and placed at Group Three level. Wellwood was also more than pleased with the performance of stablemate Irish Legacy, who went down in a tight finish to Grande Gallo in the SkyCity Fireworks 1200. “She put in another great run, she probably just needed to be clear 50m earlier and the result may have been different, but the run was still very good,” he said. “It was just the bob of a head deciding the result, but she’s absolutely flying and I think as we go further to 1400 and a mile, we’re going to see even more.” View the full article

Second-season handler aims to continue successful season with in-form four-year-old at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

An announced on-track crowd of 41,562 welcomed the return of live racing to Santa Anita Thursday afternoon, the largest non-weekend or holiday crowd on opening day since 1990 and biggest opening-day crowd in eight years, track officials said late Thursday. Total all-sources handle of more than $21.4 million was the third-highest in track history for an opening-day program and marked a 17.4% increase over 2023. It was the fourth time in the last seven years that handle exceeded $20 million. “Our Racing Office offered an exceptional program, the owners and trainers supported it, and the horseplayers and fans strongly responded to kick off our 90th year,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita's SVP & General Manager. “We are thankful to everyone who worked hard to make it a success, especially those who joined us to not only witness terrific racing but enjoy the events on track. The Southern California weather could not have been more cooperative, and this was a terrific way to start the celebration at The Great RIP.” The afternoon featured not only three Grade I races for 3-year-olds and a record-breaking performance from jockey Flavien Prat, but also included the inaugural running of the GII Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes, with the hall of famer on hand to make the trophy presentation. Pincay, Jr. turns 78 this coming weekend. The post Opening-Day Attendance, All-Sources Handle Up at Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion jockey Opie Bosson has announced his retirement. Photo: Nicole Troost Opie Bosson, one of the greatest jockeys New Zealand has produced, has today announced his retirement from riding. Bosson, 44, leaves behind an incredible legacy in the sport, winning 99 Group One races in a glittering career which saw him inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2023 and immortalised in the memorable “There’s only one Opie Bosson” Boys Get Paid chant at the annual Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie. He was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his contribution to the thoroughbred industry in the 2023 King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours. Among Bosson’s biggest wins were the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) and Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) aboard Mongolian Khan in 2015 and nine Group One wins on champion mare Imperatriz. “My association with Imperatriz was the highlight of my career. Horses like that don’t come along every day and to be involved in her big wins in Melbourne is something I’ll never forget,” Bosson said. “Once she retired, it became a lot harder for me to keep going. She probably kept me going really. It’s just the right time to hang up my boots now. I feel I’ve given all I had to give.” Bosson was first apprenticed to Te Akau when his godfather Stephen Autridge was the head trainer, having joined the stable as a 14-year-old. He enjoyed a long and successful association with the David Ellis-led stable. “I’ve done 30 years and it’s time for me to start working for a future after racing, something I can be happy in,” Bosson said. “I’ve had some great times in racing, enjoyed a lot of success and made plenty of lifelong friends. I just want to thank all the owners and trainers who have supported me, and for all the comradery from the jockeys I’ve ridden with, and all the support I’ve got from the racing public all over New Zealand.” Bosson brought up his 2000th New Zealand win aboard Move To Strike at Te Rapa in December 2023 and finishes with a career tally of 2146 wins, 2059 of those coming in New Zealand. He won 51 races in Australia, 16 of those at Group One level, as well as 31 in Singapore, including two Singapore Group One races that didn’t count towards his international Group One tally: the 2007 Singapore Cup on Recast and the 2010 Singapore Derby on Dream Ahead. Bosson also rode in Japan, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, where he was successful on five occasions. Among those to pay tribute to Bosson was his long-time mentor and friend David Ellis CNZM. “Opie established himself as world-class, especially the way he rode Imperatriz. He’s been a massive part of our stable,” Ellis said. “He’s had to battle weight problems throughout his career and for him to keep going as long as he did and with the success is a real credit to him. He’s been a great friend and we’ll never forget the success we’ve had together. “You think about the Karaka Millions winners we’ve had, Melody Belle, Avantage, Cool Aza Beel, Probabeel, Dynastic and before them King’s Chapel right through to all the Guineas winners we’ve had together. He’s been prolific, winning more than 50 Group One races for us. He’s been a tremendously successful rider.” Hall of Fame trainer Murray Baker rated Bosson up with the best riders he worked with. “He was the complete package,” Baker said. “He had a great temperament on a horse, was unfazed on a horse and just had great hands, a prodigious talent. He won three Derbies for us and a Caulfield Cup, among a lot of big-race wins. We had great success together and he’ll be sorely missed in the riders’ ranks.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tavi Time winning the Summer Cup. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Talented five-year-old Tavi Time edged out Osipenko in a thrilling finish to the Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m) at Randwick on Boxing Day. The Kris Lees-trained son of Tavistock was ridden by Jay Ford and carried a somewhat luxury weight of 53kgs after lumping big weights in handicaps at his past two outings, having previously run well when fourth in the $3 million Big Dance (1600m). Coming from midfield, Tavi Time had to wait to clear rivals heels and wore down fellow Kiwi bred Osipenko, who cruised up behind the leader Townsend upon straightening after making the most of an inside draw. The pair cleared out with the deciding stride going Tavi Time’s way to win by a nose from Osipenko, with three lengths back to Townsend in third. 2024 Group 3 Summer Cup Replay – Tavi Time https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Randwick-2024-Group-3-Summer-Cup-26122024-Tavi-Time-Kris-Lees-Jay-Ford.mp4 Tavi Time has proved a good money spinner for connections, winning on eight occasions from 18 starts, but this was his first victory over 2000m as he added another string to his bow. “Full credit to the horse, it’s his first time out to 2000m and what better way to try it than with a luxury weight of 53kgs,” stable representative Danny Greer said. “He is a horse that is racing really consistently and it was the right time to try stepping him out to 2000m. We were confident leading into the race. “Also credit to Jay Ford. It was a nice ride. He kept his cool at the top of the straight when things didn’t go to plan and he was really strong late. “We will see how he pulls up, but its onwards and upwards.” Horse racing news View the full article

Contrary to statements given to the Gulfstream Park press office by trainer Ignacio Correas IV, Merriebelle Stable and Resolute Racing's Grade I winner Didia (Arg) (Orpen–Delambre {Brz}, by Rainbow Corner) has not been retired from racing and is currently resting at Resolute Farm, part-owner John Stewart said on X late Thursday. Stewart did indicate that the mare would be forced to miss a defense of her title in the GIII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf. “It has been a rough couple of days for @resracingky,” Stewart posted. “There was a press release issued today about DIDIA being retired. We have NOT retired DIDIA. DIDIA will not be competing in the Pegasus due to a procedure she had a couple of days ago. She is currently resting on our farm.” A two-time Group 1 winner and champion 3-year-old filly in her native Argentina, Didia won the first four starts of her U.S. campaign, culminating with a win in the GIII Modesty Stakes at Churchill Downs in May 2023. She was runner-up in the GI New York Stakes that June before returning to the winner's circle in the GII Rodeo Drive Stakes in October. Didia opened 2024 with a win in the Pegasus World Cup F/M Turf and added John Stewart's Resolute Racing to her ownership line after that effort. The 6-year-old mare returned to be third for the new partnership in the Apr. 12 GI Jenny Wiley Stakes and won the New York Stakes at Saratoga in June. She was mostly third in the Nov. 2 GI Breeders' Cup F/M Turf. On the board in 15 of 20 starts, Didia has won 11 times and amassed earnings of $1,754,511. Looking for his next star for Resolute Racing, Correas will saddle Tutta La Vita (The Autumn Sun {Aus}) in her North American debut in Saturday's opener at Gulfstream, an optional claiming allowance for filles and mares, three and up, scheduled for one mile on the turf. “It's very exciting. She's training very well. It's her first time in America and we hope she runs a good race,” Correas said. “She's done well since she's been here; if not, we would have waited longer. We're looking forward to her running.” Stewart purchased Tutta La Vita, a three-time Group 1-placed mare in Australia, for $2,105,447 from the Inglis Chairman Sale in the spring. The post Stewart: ‘Didia Not Retired’ But Will Miss Defense of Pegasus F/M Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Merriebelle Stable and Resolute Racing's grade/group 1-winning turf mare Didia, who was being pointed to a title defense in the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T) next month, will not make that event.View the full article

The largest opening-day crowd in eight years ushered in Santa Anita Park's 90th year Dec. 26, joining horseplayers around the world in betting on the races with a total all-sources mutuel handle of more than $21.4 million. View the full article

Snazzytavi (outside) narrowly defeated La Crique to take out the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) This year’s phenomenal rise of Snazzytavi was fittingly capped off in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day, but another star mare didn’t let her away with an easy victory in the Ellerslie feature. Snazzytavi, owned by race sponsors Brendan and Jo Lindsay, has been carefully handled by trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, having just her 15th start on Thursday. The mare’s eight victories to date included the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m), Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) and Group 2 Cal Izuzu Stakes (1600m), the latter a performance that deemed her near-unbeatable in the eyes of the punters, who backed her into $2 favouritism with horse betting sites for the Zabeel Classic. The main danger was always perceived as La Crique, a multiple Group One-winning miler who finished second to Ladies Man in the Group 1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) earlier this month, the pair closing second and third-favourite respectively. Snazzytavi and La Crique jumped alongside each other in unison and La Crique settled off the fence in fifth, with the favourite hot on her heels in the trail under Warren Kennedy. El Vencedor took up his favourite role as pacemaker and after stealing a few cheap sectionals, showed plenty of kick early in the straight and set a task for the two mares. Snazzytavi got off the back of La Crique and put a half-length on her at the 100m, but as they caught El Vencedor, La Crique showed her class, kicking back and making it desperately close on the line. 2024 Group 1 Zabeel Classic Replay – Snazzytavi https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ellerslie-2024-Group-1-Zabeel-Classic-26122024-Snazzytavi-Graham-RIchardson-Rogan-Norvall-Warren-Kennedy.mp4 By the narrowest of margins, Snazzytavi was eventually announced the winner, with Kennedy quietly confident the result would go his way. “On the line I thought I had it, but I must give credit to La Crique as she was super brave and came back at me,” he said. “This mare (Snazzytavi) showed a lot of bravery and stuck her neck out. “We were worried about the pace and they did end up crawling, I got on the back of La Crique where I wanted to be as I thought Nabba (Michael McNab) would give me a good pull into it. “It was a fantastic win, you don’t want to go down on a $1.80 favourite and you don’t want it to be that close, but we’re all here for the spectacle and it was a great fight. I’m very proud of her that she got on top. “It’s taken a bit of time, we always thought she had ability, but for her to bring it to the fore like this is just fantastic. For Brendan and Jo, obviously they have been huge supporters of me, so to win the race they sponsor is really special. The victory was Richardson and Norvall’s third success in the $500,000 contest in four years, after victories with Tiptronic (2021) and Defibrillate (2022). Unlike their previous winners, Richardson hadn’t been certain on the line, but was elated with the result. “I thought she’d been rolled then, we were sure we’d run second, but gosh, she’s a good horse isn’t she?” he said. “It was a strong field and she’s just beaten a very good horse, they are two of the better mares in the country so I’m over the moon. She’s come a long way, I think that’s her 15th start and I don’t know what she’s earned for that, but that’s incredible. “What a thrill, I said to them (Brendan and Jo Lindsay) that we would set her for this race for you guys, so it’s unbelievable.” Horse racing news View the full article

Eventual winner Yaldi (outside) and Midnight Edition fight out the Group 2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) In a blockbuster edition of the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m), outsider Midnight Edition and favoured runner Yaldi went to the line as one, with the latter securing the Boxing Day feature in a protest. Yaldi had been an impressive juvenile, winning on debut before placing at stakes level in Australia. The imposing galloper had done little racing in his three-year-old season, making his first appearance since August when finishing a narrow second to Risque Ruler at Te Rapa earlier this month. Promising Te Akau filly Damask Rose started a short-priced favourite with BlondeBet for the Guineas, closing at a $1.90 ahead of Checkmate ($3.70) and Yaldi at $6.50. The filly was conservatively ridden from her wide gate while Yaldi bounced swiftly from the inside, settling in the box-seat third under Michael McNab, while Midnight Edition crossed to take the lead. Midnight Edition’s jockey Matt Cartwright steadied the tempo and the gelding showed a decent kick at the top of the straight, hanging on to the lead until the final bounds, where Yaldi, with blinkers applied for the first time, powered up and they found the line in unison. The judge was unable to separate the pair and the race was announced a dead-heat, but Yaldi’s trainer Andrew Forsman soon launched a protest, which later revealed interference with Midnight Edition shifting out slightly in the closing stages. Stewards deemed that enough to reward Yaldi with the outright victory, denying the Bruce Wallbank-trained galloper a $77 boilover. 2024 Group 2 Auckland Guineas Replay – Yaldi https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ellerslie-2024-Group-2-Auckland-Guineas-261202024-Yaldi-Andrew-Forsman-Michael-McNab.mp4 Forsman admitted the race hadn’t been an easy watch through the mid-stages, but that made the win all the more pleasing for the Cambridge horseman. “I was a bit worried mid-race as it wasn’t unfolding as we’d hoped, they were only going steadily and he was quite keen with the blinkers on for the first time, he said. “I was really happy to see him knuckle down off the slow speed like he did. “The blinkers are something we’ve toyed with for a little while, he’s trialled with them on before and looks around a lot. He’s still very raw and immature and he’s still learning, so I just thought he needed to focus a bit more after the other day at Te Rapa where he probably threw the race away.” Bred by Brown Thoroughbreds, Yaldi raced in the colours of co-owner Lib Petagna’s JML Bloodstock, who purchased him out of Little Avondale Stud’s draft for just $50,000 at Karaka 2023 with the assistance of bloodstock agent Bruce Perry. The son of Ardrossan is eligible for both the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), the latter a race Forsman holds an all-important slot for. “The main target for this preparation has been the Karaka mile, and obviously the Kiwi and races like that are on his radar,” he said. “How we get to Karaka I’m not so sure, we’ll just see how he comes through it and talk to Lib, Bruce and the team. “The Levin Classic (Gr.2, 1400m) is an option and a trip away may be a good thing for a horse like him, he’s learning and that experience can make a horse like him. We’ll see what comes of the next week or so and figure it out. “The 1500 of the Kiwi at Ellerslie is tailor-made for him, he doesn’t need to do too much more and you’d think with a bigger field with hopefully a more genuine tempo, it should suit him as well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Hitabell (inside) finding in the closing stages to defeat Sethito (outside) in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A brilliant front-running ride by Courtney Barnes and a never say die attitude from her mount Hitabell provided trainer Stephen Marsh with a Boxing Day double as the trio combined to claim the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie. Marsh, who had produced Provence to win the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m), had given Hitabell a short freshen up after the filly produced a similar winning performance in the Listed O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui last month, but this time chose to step her up to the 1600m distance for the first time in her career. Expected to run well but perhaps not trouble the $1.80 hot favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Sethito, Barnes and Hitabell had other ideas as they set up a leisurely pace to suit themselves as the favourite found herself three-wide in the early stages before sliding up outside the leader at the 800m. Turning for home, there were many in contention, however both Hitabell and Sethito were kicking on strongly and at the 200m had the finish to themselves. In a head-bobbing finish, it was Hitabell who proved the tougher of the two as she defeated Sethito by a nose, with Real Class dashing late to take third. 2024 Group 2 Eight Carat Classic Replay – Hitabell https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ellerslie-2024-Group-2-Eight-Carat-Classic-26122024-Hitabell-Stephen-Marsh-Courtney-Barnes.mp4 Barnes was delighted how well her mount fought to the bitter end as she refused to yield to the favourite Sethito. “It was a very good win and she was just so brave,” she said. “We wanted to be positive from the barrier and when she jumped so well, she put herself on the pace and we could control things from there. “I was a little worried when the other one (Sethito) cruised up alongside us, but I could feel her building underneath me and she just wouldn’t give in. “That is the furthest she has gone but the way she relaxes there is nothing to say she couldn’t get a little further than the mile.” Horse racing news View the full article

Darwin trainer Chris Nash has four runners capable of making a huge impression when the Darwin Turf Club hosts its final meeting of the year at Fannie Bay on Saturday. After nine seconds this season, Top End trainer Chris Nash hopes to add to his tally of three wins on Saturday. The former Palmerston Sprint winning trainer has four decent hopes as the Darwin Turf Club prepares for its final meeting of the year at Fannie Bay. Son Of Bielski and Seven Secrets front over 1600m at 0-70 level, the consistent Mr Have A Chat features in open class over 1100m, and Valaroc meets 0-58 opposition over 1000m. “I’ve had 23 runners this season, I’d much rather the seconds be winners,” Nash said. “The horses are going well, they’re just coming up one short.” Son Of Bielski had won six races in a row last year, but the eight-year-old gelding hasn’t saluted since June – he was fifth in the Darwin Cup (2050m) in August. He missed the Alice Springs Cup (2000m) in April with a foot abscess, and although not running a place in his past seven starts, Nash is happy with the former SA galloper. “Last year, he turned up as a 60 rater and worked his way through to open company,” he said. “He’s been running in open sprints of late. “Back in grade and out to a mile, he’s been hanging out for a race like this.” Seven Secrets, also from SA, debuted in October for a second over 1000m before saluting over 1300m in November and finishing second over 1200m earlier this month. That win by Seven Secrets made it 50 Darwin wins for Nash. Nash rates the five-year-old gelding, who steps up to 1600m for the first time. “Son Of Bielski is probably the better horse, but Seven Secrets is more genuine as he jumps and puts himself on the speed,” he said. Mr Have A Chat has had 11 Darwin starts since February for three wins, five seconds and a third – he also finished second on Katherine Cup Day in August. Pinging the gates last start over 1100m at 0-76 level in November, the seven-year-old gelding led handsomely before Dick Leech’s Kerioth powered home in the closing stages. “That’s his racing pattern, you can’t begrudge that and I’m not disappointed as he tried hard,” Nash said. Valaroc, a six-year-old gelding from SA, was an eye-catching third on his NT debut three weeks ago over 1000m after striking trouble in the back and home straight. “He went into that race underdone, he missed a bit of work,” Nash said. “It’s a similar field on Saturday and he’s got the blinkers on, so he’d only have to improve half a length or a length to give that race a nudge. “He’s drawn a stickier gate (eight), but if he can navigate that he’ll be hard to beat.” Horse racing news View the full article

Zac Purton celebrates a six-timer. Photo: HKJC Zac Purton continued a relentless quest for Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling six-timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, closing to within just 16 wins of Douglas Whyte’s towering mark. Purton took his Hong Kong career tally to 1797 wins – and ever closer to Whyte’s colossal haul of 1813 – with victories on Super Charizzard, Noisy Boy, Northern Fire Ball, View Of The World, The Azure and Aurora Lady. His haul matched Australian compatriot Brett Prebble’s record of six winners from 10 rides at Happy Valley in a single meeting, set in June, 2010. “I had some good barriers, they helped horses that could take advantage of that and they were in good form – so, a good night,” Purton said. “I’ll worry about the record when I get there. In the meantime, I’ll just concentrate on riding winners. “It’s been a good night. All the horses have run well. That’s all you can ask for – I’ll just keep chipping away.” Purton tightened his grip on an eighth Hong Kong jockeys’ championship by boosting his 2024/25 tally to 57 to lead Hugh Bowman (26) and Vincent Ho (21) after 32 of 88 scheduled meetings. He won the Class 5 Mercury Handicap (1200m) for Mark Newnham on Super Charizzard, shared a treble with Dennis Yip on Noisy Boy in the Class 3 Mars Handicap (2200m), Northern Fire Ball in the first section of the Class 4 Jupiter Handicap (1200m) and View Of The World in the second section of the Class 4 Jupiter Handicap (1200m), before winning on Frankie Lor’s The Azure in the third section of the Saturn Handicap (1650m) and Pierre Ng’s Aurora Lady in the Class 3 Uranus Handicap (1200m). Runner-up in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) in Australia for Todd Howlett before export to Hong Kong, Noisy Boy had been unplaced in his first two runs for Yip but collected a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million as well as HK$1.148 million in prizemoney and will be set for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. “The horse did that very well, it was a big step up,” said Yip, who trained Massive Sovereign to victory in last season’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m). “I like him a lot. Early in the season, Zac trialled him and he did it all very easily. “He’s a bit one-paced, so today everything was suitable for him and it worked it well. I’ll chat with Zac to see where he should go next but we’ll definitely target the four-year-old series.” Yip slotted his first three-timer since December 16, 2018. “I’m very happy, it’s been a good night and I’m delighted,” the 2012/13 Hong Kong champion trainer said. Whyte ended a frustrating run of minor placings when King Eccellente stormed late under Harry Bentley. “He’s been a victim of circumstances with some terrible draws and he’s had to go back or run wide and there have been excuses – I was tired of it and I think the horse was tired of it as well,” Whyte said. “I put him over 1000m where I knew he would be out-paced but he’s got a long, sustained run and the race played his way tonight. Harry knows the horse well and when he gets on the bridle like that, he tracks in well and if he’s got horses to chase, he does it well.” Jamie Richards-trained To Infinity posted his fifth course and distance victory under Alexis Badel while Embraces finished powerfully under Jerry Chau for Cody Mo. Chau added to his treble at Sha Tin last Sunday with a double after snaring the Class 3 Neptune Handicap (1650m) for Mo atop Romantic Laos. Horse racing news View the full article

What Eagle Farm Races Where Eagle Farm Racecourse – 230 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, December 28, 2024 First Race 12:13pm AEST Visit Dabble A bumper 10-race meeting is scheduled for Eagle Farm on Saturday as preparations for the Magic Millions Carnival continue to ramp up. The Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) for three-year-olds takes top billing and is ably supported with big fields throughout the undercard, including the Listed Nudgee Stakes (1200m). A summer scorcher is forecast with a top of 35 degrees expected, with track likely to be a Good 4 with the rail out 6.5m from the 1000m-400m and out 6m the remainder. The first race is set to jump at 12:13pm AEST. Vo Rogue Plate Top Tip: Bosustow Bosustow hasn’t been seen since finishing second in Listed company during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and despite being seven weeks between runs, looks poised to go one better. The three-year-old colt arguably should have won The Amanada Elliott (1400m) last time out when held up for a run before storming home to go down a long neck. He meets Catoggio again, who got the better of him that day, and considering Josh Parr is likely to have Bosustow stalking that runner throughout, bad luck looks the only thing in the way of Bosustow claiming the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate. Vo Rogue Plate Race 7 – #1 Bosustow (6) 3yo Colt | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Joshua Parr (57kg) +360 with Playup Nudgee Stakes Top Tip: Countyourblessings Countyourblessings was undefeated through a three-start campaign during the early part of the spring, and first-up from a brief spell can give the Listed Nudgee Stakes a rattle. The four-year-old mare boasts a fresh record of two wins and a second, whilst also winning four of her eight starts at the 1200m. Drawn in barrier four, Joshua Parr will likely have the I Am Invincible mare midfield with cover, and if the gap appears at the right time in the home straight, Countyourblessings followers might just be counting their cash with $10 on offer with Dabble. Nudgee Stakes Race 6 – #12 Countyourblessings (4) 4yo Mare | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Joshua Parr (55.5kg) +900 with Dabble Best Bet at Eagle Farm: Metalart Metalart has been roled as the market elect at his last two starts, including as a $1.50 chance at Doomben on a Heavy 10 on November 30. The four-year-old gelding had the race shot to pieces last time out over 1350m but seemingly peaked on his run late, with the leader kicking back and beating him by a half-head. He steps back to the 1200m, a trip he has two wins from three starts, including once at this track to suggest he is the one to beat. He will gain a beautiful run in transit from barrier three under Michael Rodd, and with even luck, Metalart should be winning. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Metalart (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Michael Rodd (60kg) +140 with Neds Next Best at Eagle Farm: Grafterburners Grafterburners has not done much wrong through two starts to begin his career, and Kelly Schweida’s colt can add a second win to his record on Saturday. The son of Graff produced a thunderous finish over 1100m at Ipswich last time when coming from towards the rear of the field and overhauling his rivals in convincing fashion. To do that, as a juvenile suggests he has plenty of ability, and with the long straight at Eagle Farm set to aid his run-on approach, Grafterburners should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 2 – #2 Grafterburners (4) 2yo Colt | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Cejay Graham (59kg) +450 with BlondeBet Best Value at Eagle Farm: Nikau Spur Nikau Spur has really hit a purple patch of form as of late, running top three in each of his last five starts and registering two wins along the way. He was an impressive winner two starts back in Listed company at Newcastle and was last seen finish third in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick when running on strongly from the rear of the field. Tempo is key to his winning chances, and with this set to be a genuinely run 2100m event, the race sets up perfectly for Nikau Spur to be charging home at a big price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 9 – #2 Nikau Spur (6) 8yo Gelding | T: Corey & Kylie Geran | J: Mark Du Plessis (58kg) +1200 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Eagle Farm Eagle Farm quadrella selections Saturday, December 28, 2024 1-3-5 1-2-3-4-8-12 2-3-4-5-9-12 2-3-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article