Wandering Eyes

Frenchman celebrates his first victory since July 10 as Raging Blizzard surges home in the finale.View the full article

Superstar Kiwi caps one of the better short-term stints the city has seen with wins aboard Super Legends, Lady’s Choice, Divano and Johannes Brahms.View the full article

James McDonald brings down the curtain on his short-term stint with victory on Johannes Brahms. Photo: HKJC James McDonald closed a highly successful short-term stint in Hong Kong with a quartet at Sha Tin on Sunday, crowning his stay with two Group 1 victories while amassing more than HK$72 million for connections during the 11-meeting cameo. Acclaimed as the 2024 World’s Best Jockey, McDonald slotted four winners, a second and a third from nine rides at Sha Tin to finish his visit with 19 wins and 21 minor placings from 89 rides for overall prizemoney earnings of HK$72,033,605 – a figure bettered this season only by Zac Purton (HK$81.9 million). McDonald, who dominated at the HK$126 million Hong Kong International Races with victories on Romantic Warrior in the HK$40 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and Voyage Bubble in the HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m), scored on Super Legends, Lady’s Choice, Divano and Johannes Brahms today. The New Zealander is scheduled to return to Hong Kong to partner Voyage Bubble in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on January 19 after serving a seven-meeting suspension for careless riding following an incident at Sha Tin on December 15. “I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it except for last Sunday, it threw a bit of a downer on the whole trip but we loved it – it’s been brilliant,” said McDonald, who sits in fourth place in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship behind Purton (51 wins), Hugh Bowman (26) and Vincent Ho (21). “Those horses (Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble) have been the highlights but I really enjoyed every meeting – most meetings, I got winners so it was good.” McDonald opened his account aboard Danny Shum’s Super Legends before adding the Class 3 Pok Oi Cup Handicap (1200m) on Lady’s Choice for Michael Chang, the first section of the Class 3 Tulip Handicap (1200m) on Francis Lui’s Divano and Johannes Brahms for Pierre Ng. 2025 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) hopeful Johannes Brahms, who was formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million for his first Hong Kong win. Jerry Chau continued a form resurgence with a treble, scoring on Dennis Yip-trained veteran Fire Ball, Another World for Benno Yung and Ricky Yiu’s Sky Joy. Chau ended a dry spell with victory on Packing Bole for Danny Shum on December 18, having endured a winless streak stretching back to October. “The last two months have, for me, been a bit down and it’s been hard to get winners,” Chau said. “It seems now like the luck has changed and everything is going well now with two winners. It’s good. “But I just kept working hard, going to Sha Tin and Conghua to ride track work to get the results. “(I was) very luck today with Sky Joy. We had a very difficult draw with barrier 14 but luckily the horse has good gate speed and we had some luck to get a little bit of cover.” Yiu was delighted with Chau’s display on Sky Joy, who overcame barrier 14 to score strongly. “He’s a nice horse and he responded really well under the stick. It was one, two and boom off he goes. It was his second start and from a wide barrier on the ‘A+3’ course, statistics told us he couldn’t win,” Yiu said. “But with Jerry Chau on him, like I said to the owners, he’ll at least be in the first three because we’ve got a jockey who is flying today. He (Chau) is an improving young chap, I like him a lot. Before he went overseas, he was with me and I spent a lot of time with him for 12 months or so.” Antoine Hamelin slotted his 100th Hong Kong victory when John Size’s Raging Blizzard won, snaring his first win since last season. “It’s great, I’ve been waiting a while for this one,” the Frenchman said. “But now, I’m very happy. The horse was very well prepared, as usual, by Mr Size. I thanked him again for the support he has given me over these four years and I hope for more in the coming years. “It’s been a while waiting for this one. I knew I was stuck on 99, so it’s even longer when you’re waiting for your 100th. But I’m very happy and grateful. It’s a good Christmas gift and the new year is coming soon. I can’t wait and I hope more winners come.” Ka Ying Attack claimed the Class 4 Erica Handicap (1400m), narrowly clinching the contest for three-year-olds for David Hall and Matthew Poon before Shum slotted a double with Joyful Prosperity, who made it three wins in a row with victory under Bowman. Horse racing news View the full article

Youngster says he rearranged the furniture in his house in the hope of bringing better luck.View the full article

What Tamworth Races Where Tamworth Jockey Club & Function Centre – 28 Britten Rd, Taminda NSW 2340 When Monday, December 23, 2024 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing returns to the Tamworth Jockey Club on Monday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program set for decision. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with nothing but sunny skies predicted across the weekend, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1:50pm local time. Best Bet at Tamworth: Wezza Wezza returns after a 330-day spell and appears set to strike on the back of two strong barrier trials. The daughter of Rubick caught the eye in her most recent piece of work at Newcastle on December 12, cruising through the wire under her own steam to suggest she’s ready for this first-up assignment. Andrew Gibbons should get the perfect run throughout from barrier five, and provided Wezza can show her electric turn-of-foot, the $5 with Neds looks a cracking price to find out. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Wezza (5) 4yo Mare | T: Mark Minervini | J: Andrew Gibbons (59kg) +400 with Neds Next Best at Tamworth: Judge Jack Judge Jack has made a good impression in back-to-back starts, breaking his maiden before finishing off well in his latest start at Tamworth on December 2. The Justify gelding was last turning for home, making strong inroads along the inside running rail when it was all over. The 1600m third-up should be ideal, and with even luck from barrier five, watch for Judge Jack to be finishing off best in this BM66 contest. Next Best Race 2 – #9 Judge Jack (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Jean Van Overmeire (55kg) +450 with BlondeBet Best Value at Tamworth: Great Siege Punters can expect the Holly Williams-trained Great Siege to bounce back at a terrific each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. He was unable to dictate terms in his latest performance and lead as he did two starts back, making every post a winner at this course and distance on September 30. If he can replicate that performance in this Class 2 contest, expect the five-year-old to give a bold sight at the $10 quote. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Great Siege (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Holly Williams | J: Clayton Gallagher (60kg) +900 with Picklebet Monday quaddie tips for Tamworth Tamworth quadrella selections December 23, 2024 9-11-14 4-5-8-10 1-4-5-12 1-2-4-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

A winning double with Pick Of The Litter and Our Time at Te Rapa brought up a special milestone for Peter Lock. The Te Aroha-based trainer was sitting on 398 domestic victories prior to the Saturday meeting, and he edged closer to the 400 milestone when Pick Of The Litter (NZ) (Vadamos) produced a tough victory in the opener, the Dunstan Final Boxing Day 2400. The Vadamos mare had been a winner over 2100m in November and stepped up creditably for fourth over the mile-and-a-half at Ellerslie, placing her among the favoured runners in the Rating 65 contest. A textbook ride from Kelly Myers had the mare sitting comfortably in the one-one throughout, and after looming up at the 250, she showed grit in the finish to hold out Verismo by a nose. “It was her second run over 2400m and she’s hit the line very well,” Lock said. “It was a very good ride by Kelly, she had the run of the race, was presented at the right time and was lucky to outstay the other horse, which was coming quickly. “I’m very proud of her, she stuck to her guns.” Later on the card, stablemate Our Time (NZ) (Time Test) saluted the judge with some authority in the Nationwide Livestock Mile (1600m), bringing up Lock’s 400th winner in suitable fashion. In the hands of Myers, the son of Time Test settled in midfield and despite showing his inexperience in stages down the straight, his talent prevailed taking the race comfortably by 1 – ¼ lengths. “We’ve always held him in high regard,” Lock said. “He was a bit unlucky in his first start, he got a wet track and didn’t handle it, then at Rotorua, he drew wide, was hampered and only was beaten a half-head by a very good horse of Pike’s (Amazing Fluke). “He’s a half-brother to a very good horse I had called Faithful Feat who we had a lot of luck with, and I think this one is a very good horse in the making.” A winner of the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) in 2022, Faithful Feat was among Lock’s well-performed horses in over three decades of training, with Group One performer Hiflyer another that meant a lot to the Waikato horseman. “Training Hiflyer was a very big privilege, I’d done a bit of work at Cambridge Stud for Patrick Hogan and the horse had a bit of a turned out foot, and as I’m a blacksmith by trade, Patrick thought he would be a nice horse for me to have to keep control of his foot,” Lock said. “He gifted nine shares to nine of my loyal owners and we syndicated him out, and the rest was history. I think he had 25 starts for 10 wins and 10 placings and won around $350,000 in stakes. He was beaten a head by Melody Belle in the Tarzino, he was just a fantastic horse. “The new Cambridge Stud with Jo and Brendan Lindsay have just given me his half-brother by Tarzino to train, so I’m very excited and happy about that. “We’ve had a lot of nice horses over the years, we had a horse called Lockins back in the day who won the Winstone Guineas, I won the Northern Hurdles with Montezuma, and another horse called Strike Regal won 12 in one season.” The double continued what has been a fruitful season for Lock’s stable thus far, winning 11 races from just 50 starters, highlighted by his promising sprinting mare Debit (NZ) (Darci Brahma), who won three from three through the spring. “There’s a lot of hard work involved, I have great staff and you’ve got to have nice horses coming through,” he said. “We moved a few of the older horses on last year and brought a lot of young ones in, which is always a rebuilding phase. We’ve got some lovely young horses around us at the moment that we haven’t tried yet, I’m really looking forward to them. “My daughter does all of the social media and she’s extremely good at it, she heads away a lot to Australia for the yearling sales so it does die off a wee bit over that time, but when she is here, she does a great job. “We use Prism a lot, it’s an Australian company that we’ve joined to communicate with the owners. All of my clients really love it, the videos and audio are great. “There are exciting times ahead for us.” View the full article

The Gr.2 Adelaide Cup in March over 3200m is the next big race target for last-start New Zealand Cup winner Mehzebeen (NZ) (Almanzor). Mark Walker’s tough staying mare arrived in Melbourne this week ahead of an Australian campaign this summer and autumn. “She’s had a little freshen-up and she’s a horse that Mark wanted to send over to have a go at a race like the Adelaide Cup,” said Te Akau’s Melbourne-based assistant trainer Ben Gleeson. “She’s had the freshen-up, we’ll build her up, we’ll give her a jumpout here. “There’s a nice progression of benchmark 2000m races that she’ll kick off in and progress through; there’ll be a run at Moonee Valley and then hopefully that can lead into the Adelaide Cup.” Mehzebeen has won five of her 19 career starts to date, including the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup, while she also finished second in last year’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks behind subsequent Gr.1 ATC Oaks winner Pennyweka. Mehzebeen was bred by Pencarrow Thoroughbreds and offered in their draft at Karaka 2021, where she was bought for $50,000 by Danny Rolston, who was previously Director of Sales for New Zealand Bloodstock and is these days Executive Manager, International Sale / Owners Advisory Services for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. View the full article

Weigh In is full of the festive spirit. Bevan Sweeney joins the panel to review a bumper day at Trentham, plus Guy catches up with Halberg Sportsman of the Year nominee James McDonald. Weigh In, December 22 View the full article

Consistent sprinting mare Egyptian Queen (NZ) (Zoustar) was rewarded for a string of solid performances at Te Rapa on Saturday, powering away with the Lodge Real Estate 1200. Egyptian Queen figured prominently throughout her three-year-old term, placing in the Listed O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1200m) and Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), before rounding out her season with a fourth in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Often the bridesmaid, the daughter of Zoustar was on the verge of breaking through Rating 65 grade when going down narrowly to promising filly Hankee Alpha at Te Aroha, and despite contending with a tough barrier draw (13) on Saturday, she closed favourite at $3.20. Ace Lawson-Carroll, who won earlier on the card aboard Pericles, was forced to remain three-wide on Egyptian Queen, but got in the trail of another fancied runner in Lovaci, who dragged her into the straight with good momentum. Up-front, Monique Tonnerre had controlled proceedings and held onto the lead to the 200m, before a wall of horses came powering down the centre of the course, with Egyptian Queen showing a good turn-of-foot to sprint clear of Koheroa and Lovaci and win by 1 – ¼ lengths. “We had a tough draw, but we got in behind Lovaci and she took me into the race at the right time,” Lawson-Carroll said. “I didn’t have to do anything until about the 300m and once balanced she accelerated. Once I gave her one behind the saddle she really took off.” The mare was prepared by Te Akau Racing trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, after being purchased by David Ellis for $220,000 at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales. “She’d been so consistent and was really deserving of the win today,” Walker said. “Even though she was three-wide, she had cover, so it was a nicely judged ride by Ace and he the horse power to get the job done. “She proven herself in stakes races and I think she’ll now measure up in Rating 75 company.” Bred by Gerry Harvey, Egyptian Queen has earned over $90,000 for the Te Akau She Reigns Racing Partnership. View the full article

Progressive galloper Pericles (NZ) (Rubick) re-entered the winner’s circle for the first time since his three-year-old stakes success in the Innovate-Need A Website Call 020 4141 7448 (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. The son of Rubick showed his sprinting prowess last term when taking out the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) and produced a similar effort on resumption in September, going down by a nose to Luberon, who has subsequently won twice at Group Three level. Pericles has worked through the distances building up to Saturday’s Rating 75 mile contest, where he closed third-favourite in an even market topped by Sparkles ($4). Jumping from the outside barrier (7), Pericles had the lead handed to him outside of To Catch A Thief, the pair taking up the pacemaking role at a leisurely tempo in the early stages. Apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll, who relieved two kilograms off the gelding’s 60kg topweight, decided to push forward at the 1200m and Pericles was tracking boldly into the straight, maintaining a strong gallop to hold off the charge of Talentoso and Sparkles to score by a long head. The young hoop was complementary of the gelding’s effort, indicating the mile was right up his alley. “He jumped clear with the leader, but he was walking so I thought we’d roll forward and get into a nice momentum,” he said. “He was rolling forward from the 600m, which he did in nice style and it was a good win. He was able to get into his own rhythm without fighting me too much, relaxed a lot better, and I upped the revs about the 400m and wanted to see if they could catch me. “1600 was really nice for him today and I think when he gets up to nicer races, with less weight, he’ll be a horse that will be hard to beat.” Pam Gerard, who trains Pericles out of Matamata, was thrilled to see him exit Rating 75 grade after contending with a big impost at every start this preparation. “He can be quite strong at times and doesn’t always do things right, but it was a very good ride from Ace,” she said. “He’s a horse with a lot of talent, he really shouldn’t be in this grade and (because of big weights) I’m pleased he’s out of it. “He’s a big, raw, type of horse, has taken a lot time, but winning again will help get his confidence back.” Pericles was a $110,000 purchase at Karaka 2022 by Ballymore Stables, after being selected from breeder Pencarrow Stud’s draft by Paul Moroney Bloodstock. Racing in the familiar Fletcher tartan, Pericles is raced by Hugh Fletcher and Dame Sian Elias, Roddy and Jenny Paddon, Alan Schmedje, and Ballymore Stables, and he has earned the group $129,395 in stakes with four wins from 13 starts. The gelding is regally bred, with his dam Empyrean out of Sir Peter Vela’s champion racemare Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm), winner of four Australian Group Ones, including the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in 2001. View the full article

Racing Victoria stewards have delayed making a decision on the future of Global Harmony after the Lindsay Park-trained former Hong Kong galloper refused to jump from the barriers at Pakenham on Saturday. Listed as the $5.50 second bookmaker favourite with PlayUp for the BM84 The David Bourke Memorial (1400m), Global Harmony loaded smoothly but failed to move when the gates opened, leaving connections and punters frustrated. This isn’t the first time the gelding has exhibited such behavior. Earlier in the year, Global Harmony failed to jump in two Hong Kong starts, earning the nickname the “Chautauqua of Hong Kong,” in reference to the champion Australian sprinter Chautauqua, who was retired after repeatedly refusing to leave the gates late in his career. Lindsay Park co-trainers JD and Will Hayes had been confident the issue was resolved after Global Harmony jumped cleanly in two recent jumpouts and an official trial. However, the gelding displayed his stubborn streak once more on race day. BM84 David Bourke Memmorial Replay – The Open https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pakenham-2024-David-Bourke-Memorial-21122024-The-Open-Patrick-Michelle-Payne-Tom-Prebble.mp4 JD Hayes expressed hope for another opportunity to trial the horse before a final decision is made. “We’d love to go back to the trials and see, and then you can determine how many times,” he said. Will Hayes highlighted the gelding’s calm demeanor and intelligence, noting, “He’s quite relaxed behind the barriers. He’s just a smart animal, has got a clock in his head, and doesn’t jump past 12pm.” The stewards’ report detailed the incident, stating: “As the start was effected, Global Harmony stood in the barriers and took no part in the event. Stewards took evidence from co-trainers Will and JD Hayes in relation to the gelding’s barrier record, both in Australia and Hong Kong. Stewards will now review all relevant material before considering the gelding’s racing future and the nature of any embargo which may be placed against Global Harmony.” Stewards have chosen to liaise with Hong Kong officials before deciding on Global Harmony’s future, leaving the horse’s racing career in limbo. Horse racing news View the full article

Jockey Christophe Lemaire will be bidding for a fourth success in the race when he rides the quality colt.View the full article

Her Laugh completed a banner day for Grantley Acres' Geoff Nixon and trainer Whit Beckman when the Practical Joke filly coasted to a gate-to-wire triumph in the $99,000 Untapable Stakes Dec. 21 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. View the full article

Jockey Edgard Zayas placed Be Your Best in a tracking role in the one-mile Suwannee River Stakes (G3T) Dec. 21 at Gulfstream Park, and the filly kicked clear in the lane and scored her second consecutive graded stakes victory.View the full article

Traffic trouble proved to be no problem for Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro), who muscled his way to the lead and went on to becoming racing's newest millionaire in the GII Ft. Lauderdale Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Despite winning twice this season in the lead up to this race, Major Dude had been rounding into his best form to date. When he won last out Oct. 10 at Keeneland against allowance company, his two-length victory was given a 96 Beyer and his effort July 20 at Saratoga against optional claimers garnered a 97 Beyer figure. He had sandwiched a fifth place effort in the GI Fourstardave Handicap in between those runs, and was a close 2-1 second choice in the betting with GISW Win for the Money (Mohaymen) here. Fractious in the gate but able to find cover in midpack around the turn and up the backstretch, Major Dude was traveling comfortably behind :24.13, :47.97, and 1:10.99 early splits. With the pack closing ranks through the far bend and running room limited, he was forced to wait until the eighth pole to find it. Muscling his way to clear sailing just in time to meet a fast-closing GSW Fort Washington (War Front), the Spendthrift colors sailed home to win the photo by a neck. “[I got a] beautiful trip,” said Irad Ortiz Jr. “He broke sharp and we wanted to have a target with him. We like to cover him. He relaxed real good.” “Before the quarter pole, I probably had a chance to go around but we think he likes it between horses. He's very game. I went for it and thank God it worked out perfect because otherwise I would be so sad, getting beat with these horses, because he was ready. He deserves a lot of credit. He deserves more credit than me.” The connections revealed the contest was intended to be a stepping stone for the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf, and with the win here, Major Dude had punched his ticket. “We've been pointing for this [race] to hopefully set him up for the [GI] Pegasus Turf. That's what we were hoping for,” said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “I think he ran well enough to give that a try.” Pletcher claimed the top two spots in 2021 with MGISW Colonel Liam (Liam's Map) and GSW & GISP Largent (Into Mischief) and again in 2022 when Colonel Liam defended his title and MSW & GISP Never Surprised (Constitution) ran second. Traffic issues didn't stop #4 MAJOR DUDE ($6.40) and @IradOrtiz from getting thru to win the $215,000 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park. The son of Bolt d'Oro (@spendthriftfarm) is trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by @spendthriftfarm. pic.twitter.com/P9V9FqWSR0 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 21, 2024 Pedigree Note: Hailing from the female line of the venerable champion older mare MGISW Personal Ensign (Private Account), Major Dude is the most accomplished runner for his dam, Mary Rita. The mare's most recent to the races is unplaced 3-year-old Radio Liberty (Audible). There is a yearling colt by Charlatan and a 2024 colt by Jack Christopher in the wings. Mary Rita was sent to Forte for 2025. This is the immediate family of 'TDN Rising Star' GISW Arabian Lion (Justify) through Listed placed Unbound (Distorted Humor), a half-sister to Major Dude's dam. Through the aforementioned third dam, the female family contains a fleet of accomplished runners, namely MGISW My Flag and her daughter, champion 2-year-old filly MGISW Storm Flag Flying; GSW Dynamic One (Union Rags); MGSW & GISP Performer (Speightstown); MGSP Salute (Unbridled) and her four graded-quality offspring led by GISW Mr Speaker (Pulpit); and GISW Seeking the Soul (Perfect Soul {Ire}). The named runners hail from just three of Personal Ensign's daughters as an exhaustive list would run off the page. Saturday, Gulfstream FT LAUDERDALE S.-GII, $200,000, Gulfstream, 12-21, 3yo/up, 1 1/8mT, 1:45.73, fm. 1–MAJOR DUDE, 121, c, 4, by Bolt d'Oro 1st Dam: Mary Rita (SP), by Distorted Humor 2nd Dam: Possibility, by A.P. Indy 3rd Dam: Personal Ensign, by Private Account ($550,000 Ylg '21 FTSAUG). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Clearsky Farms (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. $119,040. Lifetime Record: 18-7-3-2, $1,075,297. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Fort Washington, 126, h, 5, War Front–Azaelia (Fr), by Turtle Bowl (Ire). ($260,000 4yo '23 FTKHRA). O-Magic Cap Stables; B-Joseph Allen, LLC & White Birch Farm, Inc. (KY); T-Claude R. McGaughey III. $38,400. 3–Win for the Money, 126, g, 5, Mohaymen–Mayakoba, by War Chant. ($95,000 Ylg '20 FTKSEL; $350,000 2yo '21 FTFMAR). O-Live Oak Plantation; B-Kenneth L. & Sarah K. Ramsey (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. $19,200. Margins: NK, NK, 1. Odds: 2.20, 11.60, 2.10. Also Ran: Grand Sonata, Siege of Boston, Cash Equity (Fr), Emmanuel, Lorenz (Brz), Saratoga Flash. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Major Dude Mows’em Down Late, Earns Millionaire Status in Ft. Lauderdale Score appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After winning Saturday's Letellier Memorial Stakes with first-time starter Simply Joking (Practical Joke), trainer Whit Beckman struck again with another daughter of Practical Joke in the Untapable Stakes at Fair Grounds. Scratched out of the six-furlong Letellier Memorial Stakes in favor of the two-turn Untapable, it was Her Laugh (Practical Joke) who got the job done for Beckman in front-running fashion at odds of 9-2, good for 10 points on the Road to the GI Kentucky Oaks. It was three lengths back to favored 'TDN Rising Star' Golden Gamble (Laoban) in second; California Sunset (Quality Road) was third. Her Laugh won by a head at 29-1 in her debut going six furlongs at Churchill Downs Nov. 17. She becomes the 43rd stakes winner for Practical Joke. The winning Point of Entry mare Truth Goddess had a filly by Sharp Azteca this year and was bred back to Honest Mischief. UNTAPABLE S., $99,000, Fair Grounds, 12-21, 2yo, f, 1m 70y, 1:43.72, ft. 1–HER LAUGH, 122, f, 2, by Practical Joke 1st Dam: Truth Goddess, by Point of Entry 2nd Dam: Team Hansen, by Unbridled's Song 3rd Dam: Zadkiel, by Saint Ballado 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-Grantley Acres (KY); T-D. Whitworth Beckman; J-Axel Concepcion. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $102,000. 2–Golden Gamble, 122, f, 2, Laoban–Me and Mine, by Bernardini. ($80,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Fern Circle Stables, Cypress Creek Equine & Magdalena Racing; B-Tuscany Bloodstock (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $20,000. 3–California Sunset, 122, f, 2, Quality Road–Regal Beauty, by Malibu Moon. 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Gary & Mary West; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $10,000. Margins: 2HF, 1, 2 1/4. Odds: 4.50, 1.10, 6.30. Also Ran: Stable Currency, Drexel Hill, Amarth, Paris Lily, Prima Bella. Click for the Equibase.com chart. HER LAUGH ($11.00) and @a_concepcion16 dominated the field in the $100,000 Untapable Stakes at @fairgroundsnola. The daughter of Practical Joke (@coolmoreamerica) is trained by Whitworth Beckman and owned by @GrantleyAcres. She scores 10 points for the 2025 Kentucky Oaks! pic.twitter.com/qojwDpsgG8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 21, 2024 The post Practical Joke Filly in a ‘Laugher’ in the Untapable appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Built earned 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Dec. 21 with a dominating gate-to-wire score in the $96,000 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. View the full article

Frank Fletcher Racing Operations' Rocket Can rediscovered his winnings ways with a 1 1/4-length victory in the $150,000 Harlan's Holiday Stakes (G3) Dec. 21 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Finding room in midstretch, Major Dude accelerated to catch stretch leader Win for the Money and outlasted a late-closing Fort Washington to prevail by a neck in the $200,000 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (G2T) Dec. 21 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Kangaroo Court, when trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Barry Cooke’s Chief White Sock and Terry Gillett’s Kangaroo Court continue to flex their muscle in Alice Springs. Chief White Sock, ridden by Stan Tsaikos, made it three wins from his past four starts with an impressive win over 1000m at 0-58 level after travelling three deep on the speed in the early stages. Starting as a $1.65 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Chief White Sock was one of four horses vying for honours turning for home before edging clear to seal victory by 0.7 lengths from Ursula Dobbe’s $91 bolter Superior Power and Paul Gardner’s Governor. A five-year-old gelding by Headwater, Chief White Sock was backing up after a courageous third over 1100m in the 0-64 ranks the previous week when forced to do plenty of work to get to the lead before tiring late. Kangaroo Court, a five-year-old gelding by Snitzel, has certainly come to life in the Red Centre after leading all the way over 1600m against 0-70 opposition to make it three straight wins. Formerly trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Kangaroo Court was never in danger of defeat, with Gillett’s daughter and leading apprentice Dakota getting the $2.45 favourite home by 2.4 lengths from Gardner’s Perkova and Ray Viney’s Duty. Trainer Greg Connor started the day with a quinella after $8 contender Delago Lad, ridden by apprentice Lek Maloney, brained his rivals by 4.6 lengths over 1200m in 0-64 grade from Bold Tropic, starting at $14. Gillett achieved the same feat after the unpredictable Brat, with Tsaikos aboard, saluted over 1000m at BM76 leve from the fast-finishing Vinnie’s Spirit, who cost himself victory on his NT debut after blowing the start. Other winners at Pioneer Park included Kerry Petrick’s Black Zous under Paul Denton in the second 0-58 over 1000m and Whittle’s Hell Fire Miss for jockey Hannah Le Blanc in the 1200m maiden. Horse racing news View the full article

Two years removed from the last time he won a stakes race, and at the same track no less, Rocket Can (Into Mischief) turned his fortunes around with a game victory in the GII Harlan's Holiday Stakes. The three-quarter-length victor of the GIII Holy Bull Stakes in 2023, his connections took a shot at the Derby trail and the race itself, but ultimately had to go on the sidelines after finishing ninth on the big day. Gone until March of this year, when he made a successful return to the races at Oaklawn against optional claimers, he stayed in that condition for the next several races. He did not see the winner's circle again until this contest, and ended up a long way ninth last out Dec. 1 in the Listed Cherokee Mile Stakes at Churchill Downs after giving the gate crew issues and taking contact early. Let go here at 10-1 by the betting public, Rocket Can settled in sixth as 8-5 favorite GSW Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance) stepped forward to contest the issue on the outside of two others. In no hurry as the leading pack put up :23.93, :49.01, and 1:13.13 splits, he was the looming danger around the far turn as the speed started backing up. Bidding for the lead as they swung into the lane, he gradually inched away from the betting choice to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Tumbarumba held on to the runner-up spot while GSW Steal Sunshine (Constitution) rolled in from the back to claim third. “He was feeling very good today,” said winning rider Junior Alvarado. “He was on his toes and that's the kind of way you want to feel going into the race. This horse means a lot to me and the owner has been very supportive of me through the years. It's always great to win with these kinds of connections. It makes it very extra special.” When asked if the colt could make his next start in the GI Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Jan. 25, trainer Bill Mott said, “I guess we would have to consider it. I don't know if he's great at nine furlongs, but we would have to consider it because he does like the racetrack.” “Maybe we'll look at it. You can have a good payday in there, I guess, even if you don't win.” #7 ROCKET CAN ($22.00) rallied down the center of the track like a rocket to win the $165,000 Harlan's Holiday Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. The son of Into Mischief was ridden by @JuniorandKellyA and is trained by Bill Mott. Watch more on @FanDuelTV, pic.twitter.com/PrY3l3mUso — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 21, 2024 Pedigree Note: The first for his dam to find success on the track, Rocket Can is also Tension's first to claim any black-type. The mare is a half-sister to GSW & GISP Tiz Midnight (Midnight Lute), who set the track record for 1 1/16-miles en route to her victory in the GII Bayakoa Stakes at Los Alamitos, and who went on to produce MGSW & GISP Midnight Memories (Mastery). Ironically, both mom and daughter participated in the Zenyatta Stakes–the former when it was listed as a Grade I when she ran second, and the latter won it later as a Grade II contest. Another half-sister went on to produce GSP American Blaze (American Freedom). The second dam Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow) was a multiple Grade I-winning mare and is herself a half-sibling to two other Listed and graded runners. Tension's most recent to the races is unplaced 3-year-old Mongolian Max (City of Light) after she came up barren to Improbable in 2022. She produced a yearling filly by Collected the year after which is her last registered thus far. She went to Elite Power for 2025 after missing to Curlin in 2024. Saturday, Gulfstream HARLAN'S HOLIDAY S.-GIII, $150,000, Gulfstream, 12-21, 3yo/up, 1 1/16m, 1:45.01, ft. 1–ROCKET CAN, 121, c, 4, by Into Mischief 1st Dam: Tension, by Tapit 2nd Dam: Tough Tiz's Sis, by Tiznow 3rd Dam: Leaseholder, by Taylor's Falls ($245,000 RNA Ylg '21 FTSAUG). O-Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, Inc.; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-William I. Mott; J-Junior Alvarado. $90,210. Lifetime Record: 15-4-4-0, $612,193. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Tumbarumba, 123, g, 4, Oscar Performance–Naive Enough, by Street Sense. ($30,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Coteau Grove Farms, LLC (LA); T-Brian A. Lynch. $29,100. 3–Steal Sunshine, 123, h, 5, Constitution–Warm Sunshine, by Unbridled's Song. O-Michael & Jules Iavarone, Carrie L. Brogden, Kevin J. Pollard, Ed Gorry and David Menard; B-Machmer Hall (KY); T-Bobby S. Dibona. $14,550. Margins: 1 1/4, 3 3/4, 3HF. Odds: 10.00, 1.60, 7.00. Also Ran: Cape Trafalgar, Digital Ops, Vitality, Tuscan Sky, Super Corinto (Arg). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Straight and Strong: Rocket Can Gamely Upsets Harlan’s Holiday Foes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Built (Hard Spun), a maiden winner at second asking at Keeneland Oct. 6, stretched to two turns in style with a daylight victory in Saturday's Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds, good for 10 points on the Road to the GI Kentucky Derby. Off at odds of 7-2, the rail-drawn Built showed the way through fractions of :24.64 and :49.23 and dropped the hammer in the stretch to win by seven lengths. Magnitude (Not This Time) was second; Render Judgment (Blame) was third. Built becomes the 109th stakes winner for Hard Spun. It's been a fantastic recent run for winning owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners following 'TDN Rising Star' and GISW Locked (Gun Runner)'s win in the GII Cigar Mile H. Dec. 7 and Journalism (Curlin)'s win in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity last Saturday. Sales history: $82,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $260,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Robert & Lawana Low (KY); T-Wayne M. Catalano. .@jareth16 constructed a perfect trip for BUILT ($9.80) in the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes at @fairgroundsnola. @CATRacingStable conditions the son of Hard Spun (@DarleyAmerica) for @EclipseTBP and they get 10 points for the 2025 @KentuckyDerby. Pick 5: https://t.co/0PbxDPPrmA pic.twitter.com/lSb2nDtPJL — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 21, 2024 The post Built Different: Hard Spun Colt Romps in Gun Runner Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Augustin Stables' homebred Mouffy has been disqualified from her victory in the listed $145,500 Perfect Sting Stakes July 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack after testing positive for the corticosteroid dexamethasone.View the full article

CJ Thoroughbreds' dual graded stakes winner Hang the Moon, last of 12 in the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Del Mar, drops in class and is the likely favorite in the $100,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3T) Dec. 27 at Santa Anita.View the full article

Simply Joking (Practical Joke) was certainly for real, kicking off her career with a debut victory in Saturday's Letellier Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds. Well backed at 5-2 with a flashy worktab on display for trainer Whit Beckman, the $65,000 Keeneland September yearling wasn't off to the sharpest of beginnings and trailed the field of six in the early stages. Fifth and traveling nicely approaching the quarter pole, she rolled up five wide at the top of the stretch and outbattled Delta Downs runaway debut winner Whata Moon (Gormley) to win by a neck. The final time of 1:10.33 bested Tough Catch (Complexity)'s final clocking of 1:10.48 in the male equivalent one race earlier in the Sugar Bowl Stakes. Simply Joking becomes the 42nd stakes winner for Practical Joke. After producing a filly by Uncle Mo this year, the winner's dam Imply was bred back to Good Magic. LETELLIER MEMORIAL S., $100,000, Fair Grounds, 12-21, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.33, ft. 1–SIMPLY JOKING, 117, f, 2, by Practical Joke 1st Dam: Imply (MSW, $772,728), by E Dubai 2nd Dam: Allude, by Orientate 3rd Dam: Ed's Holy Cow, by Bet Big ($65,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Grantley Acres, Conner, Ryan & Berkels0813; B-Barlar, LLC (PA); T-D. Whitworth Beckman; J-Jaime A. Torres. $63,000. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $63,000. *1/2 to Drum Roll Please (Hard Spun), SW & GSP, $186,540. 2–Whata Moon, 117, f, 2, Gormley–Accelebrate, by Northern Afleet. ($17,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Simmons and Associates, Inc.; B-Shooting Star Thoroughbreds & Billy Ballard (KY); T-Jayde J. Gelner. $20,000. 3–Gerlin's Empire, 116, f, 2, Classic Empire–French Press, by Curlin. ($10,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $15,000 Ylg '23 EASOCT; $50,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Gervais Racing, LLC; B-Informed Equine investments (KY); T-Dallas Stewart. $10,000. Margins: NK, 5, 3/4. Odds: 2.80, 1.60, 5.60. Also Ran: Sycamore Shoals, Black Ginger, Nomoretanlines. Scratched: Her Laugh. Click for the Equibase.com chart. On debut, SIMPLY JOKING ($7.60) was seriously game in the $100,000 Letellier Memorial at @fairgroundsnola. @jaimetorresjcky gave a brilliant ride on the daughter of Practical Joke (@coolmoreamerica) for trainer Whitworth Beckman. All stakes Pick 3: https://t.co/osjLdyJeyS pic.twitter.com/FsaqIpNGN5 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 21, 2024 The post Practical Joke’s Simply Joking a Game Debut Winner in the Letellier Memorial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article