Wandering Eyes

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

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Gate 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, December 28, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble A rare Saturday afternoon meeting at Moonee Valley awaits punters, where a bumper 10-race meeting is set down for decision. A near-perfect day for racing is forecast for Melbourne, with a top of 23 degrees and a chance of a shower or two set to provide A1 conditions. The rail sticks to its true position, with the first at Moonee Valley set to jump at 12:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Fickle The Tom Dabernig-trained Fickle is low-flying and the four-year-old mare doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. The I Am Invincible mare looks to break her rivals hearts at most of her starts, and from barrier one under Craig Williams, has the chance to do so once again. She looks like she should not have to work too hard to hold the lead on paper, and as long as she can handle the 61.5kg impost, the $2.50 on offer with Neds looks like a late Christmas gift. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Fickle (1) 4yo Mare | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Craig Williams (61.5kg) +150 with Neds Next Best at Moonee Valley: First Immortal First Immortal was an eye-catcher in the Werribee Cup (1600m) last time out when beaten less than two-lengths behind Riot And Rose, and as he steps up to his more preferred distance of 2040m, he will be featuring in the finish. The son of Churchill has four wins and a second from seven starts at the 2000m distance range and looks to have found the right race to break a 40-week winless drought. Blake Shinn will look for a back to follow into the race from the rear of the field, and if he is anyone near his best, First Immortal should prove too classy. Next Best Race 9 – #1 First Immortal (9) 5yo Gelding | T: Mark & Levi Kavanagh | J: Blake Shinn (60kg) +500 with BlondeBet Best Value at Moonee Valley: Delta Sky Delta Sky has put together two smart victories at Geelong at his two most recent starts, and albeit in easier competition, she shapes as a great each-way play with horse racing bookmakers. She managed to stalk the speed on both occasions and sprint sharply, and from barrier two in this BM70, the Toronado mare should gain a similar run in transit. Jett Stanley’s 2kg claim gets her in with just 53.5kg on her back, and outside of any bad luck, she can run a bottler. Best Value Race 3 – #14 Delta Sky (2) 5yo Mare | T: Lee & Shannon Hope | J: Jett Stanley (a2) (55.5kg) +900 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, December 28, 2024 7-8-9 1-2-3-5-6-9-10 1-3-10 6-14-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Five years after Spendthrift Farm's Omaha Beach landed grade 1 glory in the Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park, the sire's daughter Kopion brought home the holiday cheer with a commanding victory Dec. 26 in the La Brea Stakes (G1).View the full article

After winning the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1T) in October, Lael Stables' She Feels Pretty notched a follow-up top-level stakes victory in the Dec. 26 American Oaks (G1T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Flavien Prat broke Jerry Bailey's 19-year-old record for graded stakes wins in a season, scoring his 56th aboard King of Gosford in the Mathis Mile Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park. Also Thursday, Johannes took the San Gabriel Stakes (G2T).View the full article

In search of a second consecutive victory at the highest level, Lael Stables' SHE FEELS PRETTY (f, 3, Karakontie {Jpn}–Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready) produced a sensational turn of speed approaching the quarter pole of Thursday's GI American Oaks and sprinted away from a solid field to add the 10-furlong feature to her latest success in the GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland Oct. 12. Off as the 3-5 jolly, the $240,000 Keeneland September yearling broke cleanly, but she clearly attempted to hurdle the dirt crossing and tugged John Velazquez from an early midfield berth to be fourth in the slipstream of 58-1 Valence (Violence) as they reached the first turn. Velazquez edged out one path to his right and raced three deep and facing the breeze with fully six furlongs to travel and the rider had two fists full of rein as he did his level best to get the strapping filly to settle down the back. Left in a bit of a tricky spot when Frankie Dettori went for an early move astride Kathynmarissa (American Pharoah) with less than a half-mile to race, She Feels Pretty was deftly steered off heels and into the clear midway on the second bend. When Velazquez finally acquiesced and allowed She Feels Pretty to have her head, the response was both immediate and devastating, as she sprinted her final quarter of a mile in a slick :22.63 to win by a comfortable margin. Sales history: $240,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 8-5-1-2. O-Lael Stables; B-Payson Stud Inc (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. “SHE FEELS PRETTY is absolutely gorgeous!” – @FrankMirahmadi@reredevaux trains the filly by Karakontie (JPN) (@Gainesway) who took the $300,000 American Oaks (G1) at @SantaAnitaPark. @ljlmvel was on board. pic.twitter.com/3rYoIA2qlC — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 27, 2024 The post She Feels Pretty A Towering Winner of the American Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's Kopion (f, 3, Omaha Beach–Galloping Ami, by Victory Gallop) returned from nearly nine months on the sidelines with a romping victory in the GI La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita Thursday. Dismissed at 35-1, the chesnut filly chased pacesetting Sandy Bottom (Omaha Beach) through fractions of :22.17 and :44.32. She overtook the pacesetter nearing the stretch and quickly opened up a two-length advantage before skipped clear to win by four lengths. Splendora (Audible), a 25-1 longshot, was second and Sugar Fish (Accelerate) was third. The time for the seven furlongs was 1:22.08. Kopion, a first-out winner at Del Mar last November, went wire-to-wire to earn a 5 3/4-length victory in the Jan. 7 GIII Santa Ynez Stakes. She suffered her first loss when second in the Feb. 10 GIII Las Virgenes Stakes and had not been out since tiring to a well-beaten fourth in the Apr. 6 GII Santa Anita Oaks. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-0. O-Spendthrift Farm. B-Tall Oaks Farm (Ky). T-Richard Mandella. They couldn't cope with KOPION ($77.40) as she left them reeling in the $300,000 La Brea Stakes (G1) at @santaAnitaPark. @kazushi0096 was on the daughter of Omaha Beach for trainer Richard Mandella and owner @spendthriftfarm! The Lucky Last: https://t.co/vbu3gh8Zx1 pic.twitter.com/0JvHhEb1VC — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 27, 2024 The post Omaha Beach’s Kopion Romps in La Brea appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Dexter Dunn is back. The 35-year-old has secured his fifth USA Driver of the Year award in the past six years, after a stellar 2024. Dunn, who won 10 consecutive New Zealand driving premierships before heading to the USA in 2018, has won this year’s award after having 304 wins in North America in 2024. He had won more than $15m in stakes before, but his total this year ($16.645m) was his best ever, and $2m more than the second highest earner Yannick Gingras ($14.58m). Dunn won the Driver of the Year title four years in a row between 2019-2022 before being pipped last year by Scott Zeron. The awards are voted on by the US Harness Writers Association. This year he was considered an absolute certainty to reclaim his crown, especially after winning a record six Breeders Crown championships in October at his “home” track, the Meadowlands in New Jersey. One of those wins was with star pacer Twin B Joe Fresh. Co-owned by Dunn and fellow ex-pat Kiwi, trainer Chris Ryder, Twin B Joe Fresh was named four-year-old female pacer of the year after a 2024 that included 11 wins and two seconds from 13 starts. The winners will be recognized at the 2024 Dan Patch Awards Banquet on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida. That date however coincides with Dunn’s appearance at the Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship at Albion Park in Brisbane. The Championship will feature 10 drivers, selected by the 10 slot owners, competing in a 20-race series over two nights on February 21 and 22, with more than $250,000 in prize money offered. Both Dunn and Gingras will drive there as will rising Kiwi star Carter Dalgety. Dalgety and Dunn are the best of mates and earlier this year Dalgety spent three months based at his place in the USA. With just days of the current season left Dalgety has a three win lead over Sam Thornley in the battle to be this country’s top junior driver. It’s the same premiership that Dunn won four years in a row (2008-2011). After establishing himself as New Zealand’s top driver (2008-2017) Dexter Dunn has now reclaimed his place as North America’s number 1 with many experts saying that right now he is the best driver anywhere in the world. View the full article

An impressive come-from-behind win in the New World Otaki Handicap (1600m) on Boxing Day was the first New Zealand appearance in almost five years for Sword In Stone, a multiple Group One placegetter in Hong Kong who clearly has plenty more to offer back in his homeland. The son of Redwood began his career in Cambridge with Lauren Brennan, for whom he was a winner and a Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) placegetter from three starts between December 2018 and February 2019. He was later sold to Hong Kong, where he raced under the name Columbus County. He won twice and placed in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) in 2020 and the Gr.1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) in 2021. His five seasons in Hong Kong banked a total of HK$13.79 million (NZ$3.15 million). The nine-year-old is now back in New Zealand and in the stable of Kevin and Stephen Gray, having been bought by the latter for $33,000 as a yearling at Karaka in 2017. The open handicap at Otaki on Boxing Day was Sword In Stone’s first appearance from his new quarters, and he defied $43 odds to launch a withering finish from third-last. He ran home over the top of Chase, pulling ahead in the closing stages to win by a length and a quarter. Times Ticking was another three-quarters of a length away in third. Sword In Stone was ridden by apprentice jockey Toni Davies, whose 3kg claim reduced his impost to just 51kg. “That was great,” said Stephen Gray, who also now shares ownership of Sword In Stone with his wife Bridget. “I was rapt to see him produce a performance like that first-up over the mile. We’d given him a good preparation, we were happy with him coming into the race, and his class really came through. “He was a Group One horse in Hong Kong. It just started getting a bit tough up there for him in recent times. He’s a real stayer and there weren’t a lot of suitable options around for him. “In the end, Caspar Fownes (trainer) sent him back down to us to see what we could do. If he happened to come up well, we could try to win some races for him, and otherwise we’d find him a good home. “I told Toni to just take him back today, give him time to find his feet and see if he can find the line. I’m over the moon with that result. “The further he goes, the better he’ll be. He’s reasonably well placed in the handicaps here, so we’ll pick out some nice staying races to have a go at with him through the rest of this campaign.” Gray has taken special satisfaction from his winning reunion with his former yearling purchase. “Garry Carvell and I bought him as a yearling, and I sold him to one of my best owners, Paul Hickman, who I tried 98 winners for in Singapore,” he said. “We bought the horse for races like the Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) and Derby (1800m). “Lauren Brennan did all the pre-training and told us we had a pretty nice prospect, so we tried to get him to the New Zealand Derby (Gr.1, 2400m). He had some good form, including a placing in the Waikato Guineas, but ended up missing the field for the Derby. Hong Kong came calling after that, and that’s where he ended up. “So now he’s done a bit of a circle, but he’s come to me this time instead of going back to Lauren. He’s a quirky horse and took a little while to settle in, but he seems to be away now. It’s great.” There was a scare immediately after the finish line in Thursday’s race as Times Ticking and Beavertown Boy dislodged their jockeys, Jim Chung and Lily Sutherland. Both sets of horses and riders escaped injury. The incident was caused by Times Ticking slipping on a patch of grass out wide on the track, prompting an inspection of the racing surface. Riders later reached a unanimous decision to continue with the final two races of the meeting. Sword In Stone’s heroics headlined a winning double at Otaki on Boxing Day for the Grays, who also won the Harcourts Otaki Handicap (1200m) with Discovery Bay. Meanwhile, Stephen Gray’s former Singapore star Hard Too Think made an eye-catching late run for sixth in the Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock Handicap (1400m). The son of All Too Hard won six races and more than $1.3 million in Singapore, headed by the Singapore Derby and Singapore Gold Cup in 2021. “We had a good day,” Gray said. “We’re chipping away. It’s a bit of an adjustment, coming back here and bringing in some new ideas alongside what Dad already had in place, but the horses are going well and I’m happy. “Hard Too Think ran a fantastic race too. He’s a very good horse who lost his form in Singapore, and scans later revealed he had kissing spine and needed to undergo surgery. So I’m delighted with that first-up performance, and he would have been right in the finish if the race had been a mile. Marc Lerner rode him to some of his best wins in Singapore and was in the saddle again today, and he was thrilled with how the horse felt. “Hard Too Think and Sword In Stone are very good old horses. It’s very rewarding to be able to bring them back into form like this.” View the full article

Cambridge Stud received the perfect late Christmas present at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, with their young shuttle sire Hello Youmzain siring his first Kiwi winner in the new $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) equal-favourite Remala. Remala was purchased by stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay at the 2024 Karaka Yearling Sales for $180,000 and had made a tidy impression at the trials, winning on two occasions prior to her debut in a competitive Horizon By SkyCity 1100. Te Akau Racing juvenile Belle Du Monde was backed strongly ($2.10) at her second start after finishing runner-up to impressive colt Storm Front back in October, with Remala the third-fancy at $6.20. Jumping from an outside draw, Remala was forced four-wide early and jockey Warren Kennedy eased back to find cover, settling in the second half of the field. The big-striding Belle Du Monde went up to lead and controlled a solid tempo for Australian hoop Blake Shinn throughout, holding her position into the straight until Remala began to look very dangerous at the 300m. Belle Du Monde kept fighting hard, but a green Remala showed a stunning turn-of-foot late to power over the top and score by 1 – ½ lengths, a performance Kennedy may not have entirely expected. “We were pretty realistic about it, it was a tough field with a lot of horses that have had runs, and close-up runs so they were improving,” he said. “She was always going to be very green, she won her two trials, but trials are trials so she lacked that race-day experience. “When she found clear air, she quickened up really well and had a good look around. She shied quite dramatically into Blake’s horse (Belle Du Monde), but she had all the momentum going forward and was always going to win. “We haven’t had one to put their hand up, so for her to put her hand up in this fashion, winning in a tough field with a good amount of improvement to come, as well as the bonus of winning at Ellerslie, all roads look forward to Karaka Millions.” The Cambridge Stud contingent are prepared at Karaka by Lance Noble, who shared Kennedy’s admiration of the inexperienced filly. “I’m just thrilled, she’d won her trials nicely but she hasn’t shown a lot at home, but she was just giving that feeling that she may do something like that,” Noble said. “We would’ve been happy if she’d learned something, but the way she did that so professionally and how she got off them and hit the line so strong, it’s very, very exciting. “She had galloped well here on Thursday, but she just looks like a pretty natural racehorse to me with a good brain, which makes it so much easier. “You couldn’t wish for a better education, Warren rode her a treat. She relaxed, she hit the line and she had something to chase, it’s fantastic. “She’s one the stud bought from the sales and she is Karaka eligible, so it’ll be hard to tell Brendan no.” Bred by Tim Harrison, Remala is the fourth foal out of his talented race-mare Alamer, a daughter of Alamosa who won the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m) as a three-year-old. Looking ahead to the Karaka Millions, Remala is now a $5 favourite alongside La Dorada, while Hollie Wynyard’s Sierra Leone also gained plenty of admirers with her third-placed run on Thursday, pushing her up to $8 in the TAB Futures market. View the full article

Jockey Flavien Prat broke the single season record for wins in graded stakes as KING OF GOSFORD (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}–Miss Sugars {GB}, by Harbour Watch {Ire}) went wire to wire in the GII Mathis Mile Thursday at Santa Anita. Previously tied at 55 with the great Jerry Bailey, Prat broke through to 56 on the 3-5 favorite who was coming in off a narrow second in the GI Hollywood Derby. Sent to the lead from the rail draw, King of Gosford had to put away a host of challengers off the far turn but ultimately came home the clear winner over Stay Hot (Summer Front). Lifetime Record: GISP, 15-6-2-2. O-Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Gevertz, Saul, Nentwig, Michael and Peskoff, Jeremy; B-The Miss Sugars Partnership; T-Philip D'Amato. KING OF GOSFORD (GB) ($3.40) passes the crown to jockey Flavien Prat in the $200,000 Mathis Mile Stakes (G2) at @SantaAnitaPark. Prat got his 56th graded stakes victory on board the @PhilDamato11 trained colt. Play the last daily double: https://t.co/cROASzQAe9 pic.twitter.com/ow1hyyDyot — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 26, 2024 The post King of Gosford Gives Flavien Prat The Single Season Graded Stakes Record In Mathis Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Raging Torrent knocked down the first grade 1 win of his career in taking a fourth straight race at the seven-furlong distance when he won the Malibu Stakes (G1) Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill won the newly renamed Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes (G2) Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park—just not with the horse the public expected. Former claimer J B Strikes Back scored an upset at 16-1 odds.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, has been retired.View the full article

Firming into 13-5 favoritism in the final few clicks of the tote, RAGING TORRENT (c, 3, Maximus Mischief–Violent Wave, by Violence) found his best stride well off the inside entering the final eighth of a mile and staved off a late challenge from 2024 GI Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold (Ghostzapper) to win Thursday's GI Malibu Stakes, the traditional opening-day feature at the Great RIP. Drawn widest in a field reduced to six with the early scratchings of Senior Officer (Into Mischief) and GI Breeders' Cup Sprint runner-up Bentornato (Valiant Minister) due to a sore foot, Raging Torrent was a half-step slowly into stride, but recovered nicely and ultimately settled in second as Pilot Commander (Justify) shot through at the inside to take up the running not long after the start. The latter took the field into the turn having gone the opening half-mile in a snappy :44.29, and Frankie Dettori was scrubbing on Raging Torrent to keep pace. Pilot Commander was first to face the judge, but Dettori and Raging Torrent came to tackle with a furlong and a half to travel and was kept to his task to the wire. Stronghold was beaten a tight length into second, while Imagination (Into Mischief) lasted inside for third. The disappointment of the race was the comebacking Mystik Dan (Goldencents), who was unsurprisingly outrun through the fast early sectionals, but never picked up the bit in the lane and finished well back as the 3-1 third choice. The first Grade I winner for his sire (by Into Mischief), Raging Torrent was stretching back out to seven furlongs after finishing seventh in the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Thursday, Santa Anita MALIBU S.-GI, $300,500, Santa Anita, 12-26, 3yo, 7f, 1:21.54, ft. 1–RAGING TORRENT, 122, c, 3, by Maximus Mischief 1st Dam: Violent Wave, by Violence 2nd Dam: Coastal Wave, by Dixieland Band 3rd Dam: Orange Wave, by Coastal 1ST GRADE I WIN. ($27,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $75,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Great Friends Stables and Mark Davis; B-Rodney J. Winkler & Alfonso Mazzetti (KY); T-Chief Stipe F. O'Neill; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 12-5-1-2, $667,400. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Stronghold, 122, c, 3, Ghostzapper–Spectator, by Jimmy Creed. O/B-Eric Waller & Sharon Waller (KY); T-Philip D'Amato. $60,000. 3–Imagination, 122, c, 3, Into Mischief–Magical Feeling, by Empire Maker. ($1,050,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Robert Masterson, Waves Edge Capital LLC, Catherine Donovan, and Tom Ryan; B-Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $36,000. Margins: 1 1/4, HF, 3/4. Odds: 2.60, 4.60, 4.10. Also Ran: Pilot Commander, Winterfell, Mystik Dan. Scratched: Bentornato, Senior Officer. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Raging Torrent Outlasts Stronghold In Malibu, Mystik Dan Well Beaten 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 I winner Didia (Arg) (Orpen–Delambre {Brz}, by Rainbow Corner), who was being pointed to a title defense in the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park next month, has been retired from racing, trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Correas, IV confirmed Thursday. “Didia is retired. She's going to be a mama,” Correas said. “She was a very nice horse and she'll make a great mama.” 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 concluded her racing career with a third-place effort in the Nov. 2 GI Breeders' Cup F/M Turf. On the board in 15 of 20 starts, Didia won 11 times and earned $1,754,511. “Every time a good horse leaves your barn, you're very thankful for everything they have given you. The fact is, they're not easy to replace,” Correas said. “But we have some new faces. She's going to be missed, of course, but hopefully someone can take her place.” 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 Grade I Winner Didia Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A pair of promising first-time starters went head to head at Fair Grounds Thursday with GUNMETAL (2, c, Gun Runner–Classy Dancer, by Speightstown) just getting the better of Prime Power (Medaglia d'Oro) in the final yards to graduate on debut. Both expensive yearlings, Gunmetal sold on a final bid for $410,000 to the partnership of WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and Siena Farm while Winchell Thoroughbreds went to $500,000 for Prime Power both at Keeneland September last year. The pair outclassed the rest of this field, locking heads into the far turn and separating themselves down the stretch in a duel that lasted until Prime Power blinked first to give Gunmetal the win. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-WinStar Farm LLC, CHC INC, and Siena Farm LLC; B-Andrew N. Warren; T-Brad Cox. What shining debut for #10 Gunmetal @fairgroundsnola! The 2-year-old colt by Gun Runner came out firing for trainer @bradcoxracing and @flothejock. Be sure to add this promising star you your TwinSpires Stable Alerts! pic.twitter.com/5hE6GnYNDG — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) December 26, 2024 The post Gunmetal Outduels Prime Power In Juvenile Showdown At Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A close second in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) when stuck on the inside, Motorious will likely go favored in the Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Taking advantage of a leisurely early pace, Windy Walk had just enough left to hold off grade 1 winners Power Squeeze and Soul of an Angel and score a 14-1 upset in the Dec. 26 Rampart Stakes at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Trying nine furlongs for just the second time in his career and looking to protect a perfect mark over the Santa Anita turf course, Cuyathy LLC's JOHANNES (c, 4, Nyquist–Cuyathy, by Congrats) was given a supremely confident steer by Umberto Rispoli and was really only asked to finish up to post a soft victory in Thursday's GII San Gabriel Stakes. Crunched into long odds-on favoritism to improve on his hard-nosed runner-up effort behind More Than Looks (More Than Ready) in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile down at Del Mar on Nov. 2, the homebred raced in close attendance to whatever pace was on as Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) ambled them along through the early exchanges beneath Frankie Dettori. Johannes enjoyed the run of the race from just in behind, but was hemmed in along the rail for the trip around the second turn and was held together by Rispoli nearing the stretch. Eased out into the four-wide line, Johannes came with his typically strong finish to easily account for last-out GII Seabiscuit Handicap hero Mi Hermano Ramon (Creative Cause). Seal Team (GB) (War Front), three wide the majority of the trip, held for third. Johannes is likely to make his next appearance in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 25. Lifetime Record: 13-8-1-1. O/B-Cuyathy LLC (KY); T-Tim Yakteen. “It's JOHANNES ($2.60) taking care of business!” – @FrankMirahmadi The Nyquist (@DarleyAmerica) colt won the $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes (G2) at @santaanitapark under @umbyrispoli for trainer @timyakteen. MYSTIK DAN is up next: https://t.co/5VcRa4VxbO pic.twitter.com/RDNNprKuRb — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 26, 2024 The post Johannes Far Too Classy in the San Gabriel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

16-1 longshot J B STRIKES BACK (g, 3, Goldencents–Allanah, by Scat Daddy) upset the inaugural running of the GII Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes (previously run as the San Antonio Stakes) Thursday at Santa Anita in his first jump up into stakes company. Having broken his maiden in a $20,000 claimer at Del Mar in July, the Chief Stipe O'Neill runner won his last two starts both going one mile while facing allowance optional claimers at Del Mar Nov. 3 and Nov. 24 respectively. Trying the 1 1/16-mile distance on the main track for the first time, J B Strikes Back cruised through fractions of :22.71 and :45.67 and continued to find plenty down the lane to keep Tarantino (Pioneerof the Nile) and American Admiral (American Pharoah) behind him for the upset. Lifetime Record: 9-4-0-0. O-Purple Rein Racing; B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC; T-Chief Stipe O'Neill. J B STRIKES BACK ($34.80) struck back big in the $200,000 Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes (G2) at @santaanitapark. The gelding by Goldencents (@spendthriftfarm) is trained by @DougONeill1, @Antonio1Fresu was up! Bet the Late Pick 5: https://t.co/hp9pmwASiJ pic.twitter.com/LMTFG1k5YR — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 26, 2024 The post J B Strikes Back Upsets Inaugural Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CJ Thoroughbreds' dual graded stakes winner Hang the Moon, last in the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Del Mar, drops in class and is the morning-line favorite in the $100,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3T) Dec. 27 at Santa Anita.View the full article

With just a few race days remaining in 2024, NYRA publicity recently caught up with jockey Dylan Davis to talk about his season in which he posted a personal-best $16 million in purse earnings.View the full article

Windy Walk, the longest shot in the five-horse field, upset her more-fancied Grade I-winning foes with a wire-to-wire victory in the Rampart Stakes Thursday at Gulfstream Park. The chestnut filly was quickly at the head of affairs and was under a snug hold while setting a dawdling opening quarter of :25.82 as GI Alabama Stakes winner and 5-2 second choice Power Squeeze and GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint winner and 2-5 favorite Soul of an Angel were second last and last, respectively. Power Squeeze rolled up three wide on the far turn and looked ready to take the lead into the stretch, but Windy Walk kicked away again. Power Squeeze was coming back at her late and Soul of Angel, who had tipped to the center of the track while still last at the top of the lane, was closing rapidly, but the longshot held on gamely to the wire. Windy Wind had plied her trade mostly in the claiming ranks in her previous 13 lifetime starts. The chestnut filly broke her maiden versus $20,000 maiden claimers at Keeneland in April and was a well beaten sixth in her only other stakes start to date in the July 12 Wilton Stakes at Saratoga. She came into the Rampart off three straight starter allowance wins: at Churchill Sept. 29, Keeneland Oct. 26 and Churchill Nov. 20. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. RAMPART S., $125,000, Gulfstream, 12-26, 3yo/up, f/m, 1m, 1:38.01, ft. 1–WINDY WALK, 118, f, 3, Munnings–Missalaney (MSP), by Badge of Silver. ($90,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-Richard Perkins (KY); T-Christopher Davis; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $77,500. Lifetime Record: 14-7-0-1, $321,102. 2–Power Squeeze, 122, f, 3, Union Rags–Callmethesqueeze, by Awesome Again. ($50,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $90,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Lea Farms, LLC; B-Forging Oaks LLC (KY); T-Jorge Delgado. $25,000. 3–Soul of an Angel, 125, m, 5, Atreides–Factor One, by The Factor. ($3,000 RNA Ylg '20 FTKOCT). O-C2 Racing Stable LLC, Agave Racing Stable & Ken T Reimer; B-Westbrook Stables LLC (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. $12,500. Margins: NK, HD, 3 1/4. Odds: 14.10, 2.60, 0.40. Also Ran: Dazzling Move, Charlie's Wish. Scratched: Intrepid Daydream, Save Time, Unsolved Mystery. #3 WINDY WALK ($30.20) goes gate-to-wire in the $140,000 Rampart Stakes at Gulfstream Park holding off the classy #2 Power Squeeze and @breederscup winner #8 Soul of An Angel. The daughter of Munnings was ridden by @Tyler_Gaff and is trained by Chris Davis. pic.twitter.com/pF1uUIity1 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 26, 2024 The post Munnings’ Windy Walk Upsets the Rampart appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article