Wandering Eyes

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

In-form Dexter Dunn confirms details around the Ultimate Driver Challenge, Triple Eight wins again and memories of Maori’s Idol all feature in this week’s Aussie news. By Adam Hamilton Dexter Dunn will be seen driving in Brisbane earlier than most expected in February. Dunn, who has the Entain slot in the new Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Challenge, will drive at a lead-up with fellow North American-based champion, Yannick Gingras. The Ultimate Driver Challenge consists of 20 races across two nights at Albion Park on February 21 and 22. But Gingras confirmed he and Dunn would also compete at the standard Albion Park fixture on February 18. “We’ll be there in time, so we will have an early spin around,” Gingras said. “It’ll be especially beneficial for me, but I know Dex has driven there before.” Fittingly, Dunn’s last big Aussie win before moving to the US came at Albion Park aboard Let It Ride in the Group 1 Blacks A Fake on July 21, 2018. Dunn, the former 10-time Kiwi champion, heads to Australia in brilliant form, having had over 300 wins and $16.6m in stakes earnings in 2024. Dunn, Gingras, Swedish superstar Bjorn Goop and NZ young gun Carter Dalgety represent the international flavour in the series. The Aussies confirmed in the 10-driver series are: Gary Hall Jr, Kate Gath, Nathan Dawson, Brad Hewitt, Pete McMullen and Angus Garrard. X X X What a marvel former Kiwi gelding Triple Eight is. Just days from turning 10, the Jess Tubbs-trained pacer thrashed his rivals in the Geelong free-for-all and clocked a slick 1min52.7sec mile in the process. Triple Eight has won four of his past six starts and eight races this season. Overall, he’s raced 151 times for 29 wins, 48 placings and is nearing $900,000 in earnings. X X X Memories of the incomparable Aussie trotter Maori’s Idol came flooding back at Melton last night. Exciting two-year-old trotter Almighty carried the colors made famous by Maori’s Idol to victory in the Vicbred Homegrown final for trainer Andy Gath and driver Kate Gath. They are the colours of Bryan Healy, who used to drive Maori’s Idol for his father, Ric. Maori’s Idol won 40 of his 46 starts with another four placings – many of them against star pacers – in the late 1970s. Alrighty underlined his potential when he overcame an early gallop to zip home and still easily win the final in a 1min58.1sec mile rate for 1720m. “He’s the first horse I’ve trained for Bryan and it’s quite a thrill given the Maori’s Idol connection and knowing what an amazing horse he was,” Andy Gath said. X X X Young Deni Roberts said her recent Inter Dominion experience would make her a better driver and the stats say it already has. Roberts, back home after spending much of the past three weeks in NSW where she drove Minstrel to finish a mighty second in the Inter Dominion pacing final, stole show with a treble at Gloucester Park last Friday night. Fittingly, Roberts opened her account with victory on the Team Bond-trained Street Hawk in race two, then followed with stablemate Tualou (race six) and Hold That Gold for trainer Bob Mellsop in race 10. It was a huge night for the “girls” with wins in six of the 10 races. Jocelyn Young snared a double, starting with her own star mare Steno in the Group 3 Christmas Belles’ for mares and following with Hampton Banner for trainer Deb Lewis in race nine. Maddison Brown chimed-in to win the free-for-all on classy Lavra Joe at just her second drive since becoming the new partner for Ray Jones’ gelding. But the feature race went to trainer-driver Robbie Williams with former Kiwi gelding Brickies Dream, who led throughout at $26 and upstaged a strong field in the $50,000 Christmas Gift. The star of the boys on the night was Dylan Egerton-Green, who trained and drove a double with Im Lightning Banner (race one) and Paul Edward (race seven). X X X Top trainer-driver Amanda Turnbull, who is recovering from nasty injuries in a track work crash, had a tonic when she won two of the four heats of the time-honoured Inter City Pace at Maitland last Friday night. First out was former Kiwi mare Shez Sweet Louise. Driven by Isobel Ross, the four-year-old found the front and was never in danger. Ross also took the reins on Fashion Icon, who sat parked and easily won the fourth heat. The other heats went to Seaton Grima’s former Kiwi filly Rakero Ice and four-year-old mare Sally Bigtime, driven by Grace Panella. X X X Put a ring around the name Captain Perfect as one to watch in next month’s Victoria Derby heats. The colt didn’t make any impact in the Breeders Crown heat and final, but is getting better with every run for Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin. His strong win in last night’s Vicbred Homegrown final for 2YO colts and geldings was every bit that of a pacer going places. Captain Perfect couldn’t muster the early speed to stop favourite and main danger Ronnie The Hammer from crossing him at the start, but driver Mark Pitt surged forward to take the front and then just kept running. Despite Ronnie The Hammer having the cold drop on him, Captain Perfect easily held on to win by 2.5m in a scorching 1min52.2sec mile rate for 1720m, closing it out in 56.3 and 28.4sec. Stewart and Tonkin also snared the quinella in the 2YO fillies’ final with Looks Perfect beating Ill Be Gone. View the full article

By Mike Love Ashburton locals Brent and Tim White have a good chance at early training success today with some short priced favourites. Punters may not have to look much further than race number one and Major Doosie ($2.00FF) in the Mainland Repairs Mobile Trot over 2400m. Major Doosie has strung together several placings in good races recently, and today will be chasing the two year old bonus if successful. “Gets a good draw and being at home is a good help as well,” said co-trainer Tim White. “He’s come through his run on Tuesday really well. He looks a good chance. He doesn’t need to lead to win. We will leave it up to Kim (Butt) what happens whether they lead or take a sit.” The Whites also line up two-year-old filly See No Evil ($7.50FF) in the same race who has drawn wider on the unruly. “Last start was better. We’ve since made a slight gear change. She seems well and if she can trot the trip she’s a good place chance.” Better Go Vinnie ($1.95FF) in Race 4, the McKain Quality Builders (2YO Colts and Geldings) Mobile Pace over 1700m looks a very strong chance again for the Whites. Having taken on the likes of Marketplace in his earlier campaign, the Vincent gelding has trialled soundly leading into today’s assignment. “I’m really happy with him. He does look a very good chance.” “If he brings his form from the Sapling Stakes earlier in the year I’d say he should be winning.” Race 7, the Terranova Racing (Fillies and mares) Mobile Pace over 1700m sees Jazzy’s Upstart ($51.00FF) represent Team White. Starting at longer odds, White thinks the Downbytheseaside filly could over value for punters for the thin end of trifectas and first fours. “Her last start wasn’t that bad. She ended up back on the fence and they came home in around 56 seconds on the grass. So she’s going better than her formline reads.” “She will like the shorter course. She can come off the gate and land a handy position which will be her best chance at getting some money.” Rounding out the Whites’ chances is Kaysans Rock ($7.50FF) in Race 8, the Dairy Business Centre Mobile Pace over 1700m. Kaysans Rock has won two of his last five starts, and lines up for the third time officially for the Whites. “He had to do a bit of work last time, but I think the 2600m may have found him out.“ “He will suit the shorter trip and I think he’s a good each way chance.” Race one is set to get underway at 12:08pm. View the full article

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The 2025 France Galop budget has been formally adopted by the organisation's council, which met at ParisLongchamp on Dec. 17. France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine said that the organisation will maintain 2024 prize-money levels. However, he also said that a full audit of the PMU, of which France Galop is a shareholder, would commence in the first quarter of 2025. The PMU's gambling turnover for the past year has decreased by just under €100 million, leading to a loss of €18 million in contributions to racing and trotting. De Saint-Seine said in a statement on Dec. 17, “The Board of Directors of France Galop has approved the 2025 budget, which reflects a proactive vision with a major investment: the maintenance of incentives at the 2024 level. We have also chosen to continue the implementation of the “Ambition 2030” plan, which aims to ensure visibility and economic sustainability for the sector and for France Galop's employees. “We will review annually the effectiveness of the measures taken and the financial resources devoted to this plan, in the light of the evolution of our resources. It is a question of setting in motion a virtuous circle so that racing finds its place in the hearts of the French…. “At the same time, France Galop is considering how to carry out our missions more efficiently and with less burden, and therefore to transform ourselves….This savings plan aims to return to an operating balance for France Galop…. “After twelve months of presence on the PMU board of directors, I believe that we are not playing our role as a shareholder of the PMU; we are light years away from a private equity fund, an active shareholder even though more than 90% of our resources come from it. “It is clear that strategic mistakes have been made in the past, such as the back and forth offer of races to bettors, the retreat assumed in the online sports betting offer, the erasure of the presence of the PMU brand in consumer communication…. “But it is clear that for the second time in ten years, the budget has not been realized. The medium-term plan of the PMU is abandoned; It was aiming for a contribution of €900 million by 2026/2027. It will be stability at best, while our expenses are increasing and France Galop's operating account–excluding capital gains–is in deficit…. “We voted for the budget with a request for an audit for 2024 and the construction of the 2025 budget. This vote on the budget is motivated by the desire not to paralyse the PMU's activity from January 2025. In our minds, this is a preliminary budget, pending the conclusions of the audit that we have requested and the details of the requests for which will be presented to the audit and risk committee of the PMU on December 18, 2024 by Kamel Chehboub, our representative in this body. “The audit is about understanding what is happening and how, from a gross gaming revenue, down by nearly 100 million euros, the contribution to the parent companies is down by only 18 million euros. It is also to ensure that the 2025 budget is solidly built and will not be revised downwards in the first months of next year, by deferrals of charges or other.” Earlier in the autumn, French racing avoided a proposed tax on horse racing betting that was part of the Social Security Finance Bill put forth by the French parliament. That language was later removed from that bill. “For the record, at the beginning of October, we were told that the tax on betting would increase from 80 to 100 million euros,” Saint-Seine's statement continued. “We have created a crisis unit with the FNCH, the Trot and the PMU which has met twice a day. We have also mobilised parliamentarians Woerth, Morin, Courtial, Vogel and elected representatives of the cities hosting racecourses. The work of explaining the unique nature of the financing of the racehorse breeding sector has been heard by the Government and more broadly by the State services, mainly in Bercy. The united mobilization of socio-professionals has been a success–but at a high cost in terms of revenue for the sector. Contacts will be maintained with the public authorities until the vote on the budget in 2025.” For Saint-Seine's full statement and more details on the 2025 France Galop budget, please visit the France Galop website. The post France Galop Adopts 2025 Budget, Prize-Money Levels To Be Maintained appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are seven horse racing meetings set for Australia on Sunday, December 22. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Sale & Sha Tin (HK). Sunday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 22, 2024 Sale Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) 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 22, 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

With the recent setback of Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Full Serrano and the barn change of Skinner to Cherie DeVaux's stable at the Fair Grounds, the newly renamed Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes (G2) has become a wide-open affair Dec. 26.View the full article