Wandering Eyes

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of See You Around in the Listed Tropical Park Oaks at Gulfstream in December. Siyouni Filly Takes A Liking To The Tropics Cotton House Racing's See You Around (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) earned the first American stakes victory of her career in the Listed Tropical Park Oaks at Gulfstream Park for trainer Christophe Clement last weekend (video). Bred by C-Squared Investments, the February foal was making her second start in the U.S. The bay was offered by La Motteraye Consignment at the 2022 Arqana August Sale, but did not meet her reserve and was a €140,000 buy-back. Out of the Dutch Art (GB) mare Besotted (Ire), See You Around won the Listed Prix Aymeri de Mauleon at Toulouse in April of this year for Cotton House Bloodstock, and earned a career high in her French finale for trainer Philippe Sogorb with a third in the G3 Prix de Lieurey. One of five runners and four winners for listed winner Besotted who incidentally won the same listed race as her daughter and was also second in the G2 Prix de Sandringham, See You Around is a half-sister to the G3 Prix des Reservoirs heroine Fancy Me (Ire), by Siyouni's sire Pivotal (GB). Besotted's latest progeny is a yearling colt by Ghaiyyath (Ire). The family features a slew of top-liners, among them classy sprinter/miler, GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner and sire Last Tycoon (Ire) (Try My Best), and Tie Black (Ire) (Machiavellian), a half-sister to Besotted who won the 2006 G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. See You Around's great granddam is the influential mare Mill Princess (Ire) (Mill Reef). The Aga Khan Studs' Siyouni is credited with 19 winners from 44 runners (43%) in the U.S. See You Around is his sixth stakes winner in that jurisdiction (13%), joining Grade III winners Sacred Life (Fr), La Signare (Fr), Love And Thunder (Ire), and Beautiful Love (Ire), as well as Listed Golden Poppy Stakes heroine Altea (Fr), who has placed four times at graded level. See You Around (IRE) and @iradortiz hit the wire first in the Tropical Park Oaks! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/MLo2joPwLh — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) December 14, 2024 Repeat Winner Scarlet Poppy (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) made it two consecutive wins when taking a Tampa Bay Downs race for trainer Wesley Ward on Dec. 14 (video). A runner for Stonestreet Stables, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg, the 3-year-old filly first featured in this column when she broke her maiden in New York two months ago. The post Making Waves: Siyouni Filly Shines In Tropical Park Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The notion that the third time is a charm surely applies to More Than Looks. View the full article

Turf features on Santa Anita Park's Dec. 26 opening day undercard both have "horses for courses."View the full article

6th-FG, 58K, Msw, 3yo/up, 6f, 4:15 p.m. The half-brother to MGISW Matareya (Pioneerof the Nile), DARROW (Uncle Mo) debuts at Fair Grounds Sunday as a Godolphin homebred for trainer Brad Cox. Out of GSW Innovative Idea who already has three winners from three runners, the colt goes back to third dam Caress who Godolphin picked up for $3.1m out of Keeneland November back in 2000. That Storm Cat mare produced GISW and sire Sky Mesa (Pulpit) as well as Velvety (Bernardini) who became the dam of MGISW and young stallion Maxfield (Street Sense). TJCIS PPS 7th-FG, 58K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 4:45 p.m. One race later, Susan's Boy (Candy Ride {Arg}) will route on debut for C R K Stable and Cherie DeVaux in his first start since bringing $850,000 at Keeneland September last year. He is out of a half to MGSW Private Mission (Into Mischief) and to the dam of GISW Dunbar Road (Quality Road). This is the family of GI Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Status (A.P. Indy) and her son Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song) who sold for $3.7m as a yearling before finishing runner up in both the GI Belmont Stakes and the GI Florida Derby. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: Uncle Mo Half To Matareya Debuts At Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Continuing our series, Emma Berry rambles on about cakes, why she loves Baden-Baden, and her favourite BBAG graduate. Horse of the year: Tamfana There is a certain appeal to the BBAG September Yearling Sale. Nothing against Tattersalls, Goffs or Arqana, but I've spent so many hours in their sales rings over the years that, to a degree, familiarity breeds contempt. Not so at BBAG, where an eclectic eve-of-sale singalong with 'German Elvis' and a decent selection of Kuchen are guaranteed for the one day a year on which I am fortunate enough to be reporting from Germany's leading sale. It's not just the cakes, of course, that make this a favourite. Being able to take in a decent couple of days' racing at the next-door racecourse at Iffezheim is an extra draw, as are the pedigrees on offer, which offer a refreshing departure to those more regularly found a bit closer to home. There's a fine line to be drawn when it comes to putting in vital sales research and generally annoying consignors on their busy inspection days. I long ago worked out that it is better to pester a bloodstock agent and tag along on their rounds, hoping to gain an insight on what's in store once the sale begins while not being branded a tyre-kicker for going around solo and pulling out horses you have no intention of buying. My regular victim at Baden-Baden is Jeremy Brummitt. No better man to follow at this particular sale, especially if one can cope with his unique brand of humour and ferocious work ethic which ensures that he sees every horse on the sale ground. One brief lunchtime stop for Maultaschen at the stable cafe is permitted. Brummitt's diligence paid off particularly well this year when his €20,000 purchase in 2022, Tamfana (Ger), won the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. I'd love to claim some kind of credit for this lovely daughter of Soldier Hollow (GB) but my only tenuous link is having been there when she was bought, and on the Rowley Mile to witness the unbridled joy of her owners in the Quantum Leap Racing & Friends syndicate. A vicarious thrill it was, too. The credit must all go to her breeders Gestut Etzean and Hans-Helmut Rodenburg, trainer David Menuisier, whose star rises year on year and, of course, Brummitt, the man in the hat, who declined to join the winners' photo at Newmarket but was nevertheless plainly delighted. Beyond the Sun Chariot, Tamfana has done little wrong in her two seasons of racing. A winner on Kempton's Polyrack on her second start last October, she made light work of the heavy going at Chantilly to land the G3 Prix Miesque as her two-year-old bow. Her Classic trial came in the G3 Prix Impudence on debut this year, in which she was only half a length behind Ramatuelle (Justify) when third, beaten a length in total. Those two fillies met again next time in Newmarket in the 1,000 Guineas, the form of which now reads very well. One length separated the first five home. Tamfana, who was blocked in her eye-catching late run, was fourth, with subsequent Group 1 winners Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) and Ramatuelle only narrowly separating her from the winner Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}). The Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) was back in eighth that day and the Oaks runner-up Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was ninth. Third in the Prix de Diane, just three-quarters of a length off the winner, Tamfana got her head back in front in the G3 Atalanta Stakes as a confidence-booster prior to the Sun Chariot, and she ended her year with another Group 1 placing in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes when third to Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}). There was some poignancy to her good year on the track as her sire, the former multiple German champion, died in May just a few days after the Guineas. Soldier Hollow did his bit to silence the doubters of small horses. Barely bigger than a pony, he was by the similarly diminutive and successful In The Wings (GB) and he was beloved by his owner Helmut von Finck, another of the country's leading breeders through his Gestüt Park Wiedingen, who regarded him as “the German Galileo”. Reduced foal crops are a feature of most breeding nations, but the shrinking of the Thoroughbred population in Germany is becoming of great concern. Stallions in the country covered only 629 mares this year but, still, Germany punches above its weight. Tamfana hails from one of the country's leading farms, Gestut Etzean, where the horsemanship of manager Ralf Kredel shines through in the presentation of his sale yearlings, which are shown in head collars with no bits. Recent graduates from the farm include Miss Yoda (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Palmas (Ger) (Lord Of England {Ger}), consecutive winners of the G1 Preis der Diana in 2020 and 2021. All of these factors combined made Tamfana my horse of the year in 2024, and I hope to be shouting her home again next year. One for next year: Seaplane I remain convinced that Golden Horn (GB) will eventually be represented by a Classic winner. Whether or not that will be Seaplane (GB) will be seen in the coming season but, either way, Paul and Oliver Cole look to have a smart colt on their hands in this homebred for Ben and Sir Martyn Arbib. His dam, Seaduced (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), has already provided the Arbib family with notable success as her first foal was Sumo Sam (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), winner of the G2 Lillie Langtry and G2 Park Hill Fillies' Stakes in 2023. Her next was the dual winner and 93-rated Sun God (GB) (Fastnet Rock {GB}). Stallion to follow: Ubettabelieveit It is easy to believe that this young son of Kodiac (GB) could get off to a fast start in the first-season sires' championship. Standing at Mickley Stud, which breeds plenty of winners year after year, including, most notably, Havana Grey (in partnership with the late Lady Lonsdale), Ubettabelieveit will be one to watch in the early skirmishes. He had some well-made youngsters at the sales who looked, perhaps unsurprisingly, as if they could be early sorts, just like him. His yearling average of just over £21,000 for 40 sold, was more than four times his fee. The post Horse Of The Year; One For Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coolmore shuttle stallion Wootton Bassett (GB) sired his first Australian juvenile winner when Pallaton (Aus) bolted up by 2 3/4 lengths in the 1000-metre Shinzo@Coolmore Plate at Randwick on Saturday (video). Trained by Michael Freedman and ridden by Tommy Berry, the bay shifted off the fence at the 400-metre mark, split rivals inside the 300 and cruised past 3-1 crowd's pick Chergui (Aus) (Frosted) at the 100-metre pole to win going away. The colt now shares co-favourite honours for the G1 Golden Slipper with G3 Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci (Aus) (Extreme Choice {Aus}). “We've had a good opinion of him for a while and he's has been very professional right from the first day we got him in,” said Michael Freedman. “He has a great temperament, just the perfect 2-year-old type and I worked him with an older horse earlier this week and he more than held his own and I thought if he brings that to the races you will see the best of him.” A homebred for Anthony Gow Gates, the colt joins his sire's 42 Northern Hemisphere 2024 juvenile winners. They were the first crop bred at Coolmore Stud in Ireland. Among them are 13 stakes winners, 10 group. There are four Group 1 winners sprinkled among them–Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Henri Matisse (Ire), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere victor Camille Pissarro (Ire), Criterium de Saint-Cloud scorer Tennessee Stud (Ire), and the Criterium International winner Twain (Ire). Added Freedman of the Wootton Bassett progeny in his care, “We have a few at home and they have a terrific constitution and great temperament. “I said to someone earlier in the week they remind me of back in the day with the Danehills, they had that relaxed and laid-back temperament and there is a bit of that talk around with a few of the other trainers saying the same thing.” The son of Listed Talindert Stakes victress Anevay (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) is her fifth winner. Anevay, herself, is a half-sister to G2 Todman Stakes hero Krupt (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}), as well as the dam of the stakes winner Poifect (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}). Fit To Lead (Fit To Fight), a five-time stakes winner in the U.S., was also second in the G1 Hollywood Oaks. Palladon is from the first Southern Hemisphere-bred crop of Wootton Bassett, who splits his time between Coolmore Stud in Ireland and Coolmore Australia at Jerry Plains, NSW. That's a BIG win to Pallaton at Randwick! @MFreedmanRacing | @TommyBerry21 | @aus_turf_club | @CoolmoreAus pic.twitter.com/txZneOdLTi — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024 The post Future Looks ‘Golden’ For Wootton Bassett’s Initial Australian Juvenile Winner Pallaton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A leading trainer in his native Venezuela, Jose D'Angelo decided that it was time to “head to the big leagues,” and relocated to South Florida in 2019. After having GIII Sam F. Davis Stakes winner No More Time (Not This Time) on the GI Kentucky Derby trail this spring, winning his first career Grade I with Howard Wolowitz (Munnings) in the Aristocrat Franklin-Simpson Stakes at Kentucky Downs in September, and recording second-place finishes on the biggest of stages with Gabaldon (Gone Astray) in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and Bentornato (Valiant Minister) in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, D'Angelo has firmly established himself as a major player on these shores just five years later. D'Angelo's stable of approximately 100 head–currently split between Palm Meadows (85) and Tampa Bay Downs (10)–has posted a record of 752-137-132-103 (18% winning percentage) in 2024 with career-best earnings of $7,325,451 (through Friday, Dec. 20). He trails only trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. on the leaderboard at Gulfstream's Championship Meet after saddling four winners on Friday's card. “It's been an amazing year, I'm living a dream,” D'Angelo, 34, said. “All the places that these horses have brought me to in the same year–Ascot, Saudi, Dubai, Del Mar for Breeders' Cup, etc.–and they all ran so so well. You can be a good trainer, but if you don't have the right horses, you won't go anywhere. I'm trying to have the quality and compete at the top level here and all over the world. In this sport, when you take care of the small details, big things will come.” D'Angelo added, “We're getting better and better horses and every day is better than the last one.” Even the day after Christmas. Leon King Stable Corp.'s Bentornato, third after leading at the top of the stretch in a fantastic renewal of the G3 Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse Feb. 24 and a too-good-to-lose second at 28-1 in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar Nov. 2, will look to go one better from a tough rail draw in the GI Malibu Stakes on Santa Anita's opening-day program. Bentornato | Sarah Andrew A winner of his first four attempts at two at Gulfstream Park, including a trio of stakes, the Florida-bred added this term's GII Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx Sept. 21 prior to his bang-up second at the Championships. “He's run some huge races this year,” D'Angelo said. “He ran his heart out in Saudi, he ran an amazing race at Charles Town (second in the Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes Aug. 23), he won the Gallant Bob at Parx and he almost won the Breeders' Cup against older horses. Six furlongs is really his specialty, but this seven furlongs for the Malibu–I think this track is very similar to Gulfstream's and that can help carry his speed. He just ran against older and that should be an advantage for him. He's doing excellent.” D'Angelo added, “He's a very special horse. Donato Lanni loved him and he's part of this horse, too. The owner decided to pinhook him–we bought him for $45,000 (OBS October yearling) and they sold him for $170,000 (OBS March 2-year-old). The buyers returned the horse though, so that's why he's named Bentornato. It means welcome back in Italian.” Bentornato definitely loves the camera! pic.twitter.com/Y0iq735Lah — Jose F D'Angelo (@JFDAngelo) December 16, 2024 Stars in the Making… D'Angelo unveiled a pair of very promising 2-year-olds to 'TDN Rising Star' performances earlier this fall. Morplay Racing's 'Rising Star' Shisospicy (Mitole) debuted with a head-turning, 16 1/4-length maiden victory at Gulfstream Park Oct. 18, then was third as the favorite after dueling through fast fractions in the Fern Creek Stakes going 6 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs Nov. 30. Shisospicy | Ryan Thompson Hailing from the second crop of champion sprinter Mitole, she was bred in Kentucky by Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt and was produced by the three-time winning Into Mischief mare Mischief Galore. Shisospicy, a $100,000 Keeneland January short yearling and $200,000 Fasig-Tipton July yearling, RNA'd for $300,000 after breezing in :9 3/5 at OBS April. “She's such a nice filly, her talent is incredible,” D'Angelo said. “I don't know her limits yet.” D'Angelo continued, “When I ran her the first time, I didn't push her too much because when she works, she works so fast. I knew she was going to win, but didn't think she'd win by 16 lengths. After watching that, that's why we jumped her first condition and put her in the stakes at Churchill, where she fought so hard on the lead and got beat by two stakes fillies with more experience.” He added, “I don't know if she will go long, but the plan is to freshen her a little bit, keep her happy and sound and find the right spot for her next race.” Guns Loaded (Gun Runner), a respectable second on debut after stumbling at the start and showing good speed going seven furlongs at Saratoga Aug. 31, earned his 'Rising Star' badge with a powerful, front-running victory at second asking while cutting back to six furlongs at Churchill Downs Nov. 16, good for an 88 Beyer Speed Figure. The latter race has already produced a pair of next-out winners–Ain't No Disco (Catalina Cruiser) (third-place finisher) and Brodeur (Nyquist) (sixth-place finisher). Guns Loaded | Coady Media Gulfstream's Mucho Macho Man Stakes going a one-turn mile Jan. 4 is a potential landing spot for the $800,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, who is campaigned in partnership by Morplay, Joey Platts and Lady Sheila Stable. “Our goal is to try to make the Derby with him,” D'Angelo said. “He's a Gun Runner. He's supposed to be able to go longer and I think he can do it. He's a smart horse, the kind that when he works by himself, he doesn't show you all of his class. When he works in company, he works differently, and that's why I brought him to (debut at) Saratoga.” One of 16 'Rising Stars' for leading young sire Gun Runner, Guns Loaded is out of the MGSP Bernardini mare Sky My Sky and hails from the extended female family of MG1SWs Nebraska Tornado (Storm Cat) and Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}). He was bred in Kentucky by John Oxley. #Gunsloaded @theTDN Rising Star with a solid 6F breeze this morning at #PalmMeadows– 111.4 @JFDAngelo pic.twitter.com/83c6yiYHeF — MORPLAY RACING (@MorplayRacing) December 20, 2024 D'Angelo's current stable star Howard Wolowitz could make his next start in the G2 1351 Turf Sprint on the Saudi Cup undercard Feb. 22. The Gold Square colorbearer and $240,000 Keeneland January product bounced back from a ninth-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint with a 'big bang,' nearly setting a track record for six furlongs in last weekend's Holiday Cheer Stakes at Turfway Park. He earned a career-high 103 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort. “He's very special to me,” D'Angelo said. “A horse with amazing talent and a character to train.” GU Racing Stable's Twirling Queen (Twirling Candy), a four-time stakes winner this term, including Del Mar's Senator Ken Maddy Stakes on Breeders' Cup Friday, will make her next start in the Abundantia Stakes going five furlongs on the Gulfstream turf Dec. 28, per D'Angelo. The aforementioned Gabaldon and No More Time are both expected to return to action for D'Angelo in 2025. An upset winner at first asking of Gulfstream's Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes, the overachieving $9,000 OBS October yearling purchase Gabaldon has been on the shelf since his second-place finish at Royal Ascot. Qatar Racing acquired a 50% interest (for $150,000) in Gabaldon following this summer's Inglis Digital USA July Sale. His original owner Soldi Stable has retained the other half. Morplay Racing's No More Time, last seen coming up just a neck short of subsequent GISW Domestic Product (Practical Joke) in the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby Mar. 9, suffered a condylar fracture of his left front leg during a workout in April while preparing for the Kentucky Derby. Bred on the same Not This Time x Speightstown cross as GISW Just One Time, the Iowa-bred brought $40,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. “They are both on the farm doing well and getting better for next year,” D'Angelo said. “Gabaldon is already galloping and I'm looking forward to moving him to Palm Meadows in January. No More Time is an amazing horse with a big heart and brought us to dream of the Derby. He was my first graded winner here (winning the Sam F. Davis) and I owe a lot to him and his connections for the opportunity to train him.” Father-and-Son Training Team… D'Angelo learned the ropes from his father, Francisco D'Angelo, who was also a leading trainer in Venezuela. His dad is now his right- hand man, serving as assistant trainer. Francisco & Jose D'Angelo | Ryan Thompson “I wanted to emulate him. My father was Venezuela champion trainer three times and I learned everything from him,” said D'Angelo, adding that his grandfather was a turf writer. “I won the Clasico Simon Bolivar–it's like our Derby–and I'm the youngest trainer to do that.” He added, “To do good here, you need a team. It's better to have two trainers than one. We make a great team here in USA. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with my father.” The elder D'Angelo, a finalist for this year's Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (Dedication to Racing Award), presented by Godolphin, said, “I feel privileged that God gave me this gift of being able to work as my son's assistant. I decided to step aside as an active trainer to work alongside my son. All parents want the best for their children. I believe that I have had time to prove what I had to prove (as a trainer) and now it's my turn to play the role of an assisting father.” The post Enjoying a Breakthrough Year, D’Angelo Barn ‘Loaded’ Heading into 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars WUNDERBAR - R10 (2) Classy horse can overcome wide gate and continue his march up the ratings Jay Rooney ALSONSO - R7 (6) No luck last start but should get a far better run from the draw here Jack Dawling DIVANO - R8 (1) Impressive winner last time out looks set to repeat from inside gate Phillip Woo BLAZING WIND - R5 (4) Can open his win account after seconds in two of three C&D runs this term Shannon (Vincent Wong) YOUNG SUPERSTAR - R7 (2) Honest sprinter ran third from a wide gate last start and looks the one to beat Racing Post Online DIVANO - R8 (1) Scored well over this C&D last start and can repeat the dose Tom Wood CHARITY GAIN - R6 (1) Covered more ground than the early settlers last start and can win hereView the full article

One-time Melbourne Cup favourite Goldman has bounced back to winning form for the first time in more than 18-months when leading throughout to score in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on Saturday. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Goldman last saluted in the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) in March of last year which rocketed him to 2023 Cup favouritism. While subsequent preparations haven’t gone to plan, Goldman relished being in his favoured on-speed ride under Beau Mertens and out-toughed runner-up Grand Pierro in winning the A$300,000 feature. Muramasa made the best ground from last, while Smokin Romans battled on well after tracking the speed, but all honours were with the winner. Third-up and getting out to his preferred staying distance, the six-year-old son of Verdi ensured syndicator Darby Racing again remained in the limelight after a remarkable run through December. “I spoke to Gai this morning, and the only instructions were to give it a Gai Waterhouse ride – it’s pretty simple when she wants that done,” winning jockey Beau Mertens said. “They presented the horse in great order for me to do so and once I jumped and got to the front I had a very enjoyable time and built from the 800m. In typical Waterhouse fashion, they keep running. “Probably in the last 100m, Grand Pierro came up alongside and really tested him, but my bloke dug deep and was strong.” The win also held some personal significance to the in-form hoop, who emulated his late father Peter in riding a Pakenham Cup winner, with Peter successful in 2002 and 2004. “It’s unbelievable. Many years later, we (have both) got the job done, it’s always good picking off races that Dad won,” he said. Goldman has now won six of 18 starts, with a further three placings and amassed $640,368 in prizemoney. The stayer is a son of the Zabeel stallion Verdi, a half-brother to the multiple Group One winners Sir Slick and Puccini, who stands at Long Acres Stud in Canterbury. Prepared by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Verdi won three of his eight starts and had Group One potential before a tendon injury pre-maturely ended his career. Bred by the Smithies family’s Monovale Holdings, Goldman is out of the Montjeu mare Goldsmith and won two of his four starts in New Zealand for the Smithies and original trainer Tony Pike. Goldman was sold to syndicators Darby Racing via bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo following a narrow victory over 1600m at Pukekohe in November 2022. View the full article

The good times keep on rolling for connections of winning machine Here To Shock(NZ) (Shocking) who plundered the inaugural A$1 million Supernova at Pakenham over his favoured 1400m distance for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes. The seven-year-old son of Shocking bounced back to winning form after a rare down the field effort when tenth in the A$3 million Big Dance (1600m), where he pulled up with a heart arrhythmia. A subsequent pleasing trial gave the Hayes team the tick of approval they were seeking and a perfect Daniel Stackhouse ride paved the way for Here To Shock to narrowly defy stablemate Arkansaw Kid in the lucrative slot race. The ever-improving Here To Shock has now won 12 races, eight over his preferred 1400m as his career earnings soared to A$2,418,580. “Here To Shock, he’s an old marvel – we were confident we could get him back after the Big Dance,” a delighted Will Hayes said. “We had our eye on this race from a long way out, that’s why he was in our slot today. “Getting back to those paddocks in Euroa, he loves the country environment. He had the earmuffs on today to keep him relaxed, and keeping him relaxed has been key to him going through the grades. “Arkansaw Kid ran huge, big thanks to Cavallo Park Stud for letting us put him in that slot… they both ran super.” The win also splits $10,000 between the community groups represented by each placegetter, with the winner tied into to the Pearcedale Baxter Junior Football Club. “Winning is already great enough, and having a community edge to it just makes it better,” said Hayes, an accomplished former AFL player. Daniel Stackhouse notched a treble at Pakenham on Saturday and said the improvement in Here To Shock’s demeanour has been the key to the gelding’s success. “I rode him two and a half years ago, and he was just a young kid, just out of control really,” Stackhouse said. “He’d sweat up, he’d pull, he just did so much wrong but he always had a lot of ability. “It has been a great job by the stable.” Stackhouse gave a nod to syndicator Rob Slade, who has been a good supporter of the expat Kiwi hoop. “I’d just like to thank Rob Slade as well, he’s been solid to me, so it’s nice to reward him,” he said. Slade went to $70,000 to purchase the then colt by proven Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking out of the Lonhro mare Frescoes from the 2019 Cambridge Stud yearling draft at the Book 1 Sale at Karaka. View the full article

Four-year-old gelding Gold Bullion dug deep to stave off all challengers when leading throughout to land the Listed Seven Members Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The son of Savabeel was ridden to victory by Regan Bayliss and looks set to leave his mark on the Queensland Summer Carnival as he chases further stakes success. Now the winner of three of his 14 starts with a further five placings, Gold Bullion was second-up after finishing third over 1400m on the Kensington track a fortnight ago. “He was really brave today,” stable representative Juliet Partridge said. “He’s had a pretty easy week up here in Queensland and has just been working nicely enjoying the warm weather. “He is a lovely horse that is very straight forward and is glowing in the coat.” Partridge indicated Gold Bullion would be aimed at the A$500,000 The Wave (1800m) at the Gold Coast on January 4. Winning rider Regan Bayliss was full of praise for Gold Bullion who narrowly defeated Junipal and Poetic Drama. “It was a really good tough win,” Bayliss said. “We got a lovely lead and he got into a beautiful rhythm for me and I just upped the tempo from the 600m and tried to get them chasing a little bit. “Junipal headed me with 100m to go, but to my guy’s credit he pinned the ears back and hit the line strongly. “He was only second-up today and I think at his next start he will step out to 1800m which will suit him even better. “He has come back a lot better this preparation and the sky is the limit.” Raced by a syndicate and sporting the colours of the China Horse Club, Gold Bullion is by Waikato Stud’s champion sire Savabeel and out of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush, a daughter of So You Think. View the full article

Four-year-old gelding Gold Bullion showed grit and determination, leading all the way to win the Listed Seven Members Mile at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Photo Credit: Grant Peters Four-year-old gelding Gold Bullion dug deep to stave off all challengers when leading throughout to land the Listed Seven Members Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The son of Savabeel was ridden to victory by Regan Bayliss and looks set to leave his mark on the Queensland Summer Carnival as he chases further stakes success. Now the winner of three of his 14 starts with a further five placings, Gold Bullion was second-up after finishing third over 1400m on the Kensington track a fortnight ago. “He was really brave today,” stable representative Juliet Partridge said. “He’s had a pretty easy week up here in Queensland and has just been working nicely enjoying the warm weather. “He is a lovely horse that is very straight forward and is glowing in the coat.” Partridge indicated Gold Bullion would be aimed at the A$500,000 The Wave (1800m) at the Gold Coast on January 4. Seven Members Mile Race Replay – Gold Bullion https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Listed-Seven-Memberts-Mile-21122024-Gold-Bullion-Gai-Waterhouse-Adrian-Bott-Regan-Bayliss.mp4 Winning rider Regan Bayliss was full of praise for Gold Bullion who narrowly defeated Junipal and Poetic Drama. “It was a really good tough win,” Bayliss said. “We got a lovely lead and he got into a beautiful rhythm for me and I just upped the tempo from the 600m and tried to get them chasing a little bit. “Junipal headed me with 100m to go, but to my guy’s credit he pinned the ears back and hit the line strongly. “He was only second-up today and I think at his next start he will step out to 1800m which will suit him even better. “He has come back a lot better this preparation and the sky is the limit.” Raced by a syndicate and sporting the colours of the China Horse Club, Gold Bullion is by Waikato Stud’s champion sire Savabeel and out of the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush, a daughter of So You Think. Horse racing news View the full article

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Goldman triumphed in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli One-time Melbourne Cup favourite Goldman has bounced back to winning form for the first time in more than 18-months when leading throughout to score in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on Saturday. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Goldman last saluted in the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) in March of last year which rocketed him to 2023 Cup favouritism with the top online bookmakers. While subsequent preparations haven’t gone to plan, Goldman relished being in his favoured on-speed ride under Beau Mertens and out-toughed runner-up Grand Pierro in winning the A$300,000 feature. Muramasa made the best ground from last, while Smokin Romans battled on well after tracking the speed, but all honours were with the winner. 2024 Pakenham Cup Race Replay – Goldman https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pakenham-2024-Listed-Pakenham-Cup-21122024-Goldman-Gai-Waterhouse-Adrian-Bott-Beau-Mertens.mp4 Third-up and getting out to his preferred staying distance, the six-year-old son of Verdi ensured syndicator Darby Racing again remained in the limelight after a remarkable run through December. “I spoke to Gai this morning, and the only instructions were to give it a Gai Waterhouse ride – it’s pretty simple when she wants that done,” winning jockey Beau Mertens said. “They presented the horse in great order for me to do so and once I jumped and got to the front I had a very enjoyable time and built from the 800m. In typical Waterhouse fashion, they keep running. “Probably in the last 100m, Grand Pierro came up alongside and really tested him, but my bloke dug deep and was strong.” The win also held some personal significance to the in-form hoop, who emulated his late father Peter in riding a Pakenham Cup winner, with Peter successful in 2002 and 2004. “It’s unbelievable. Many years later, we (have both) got the job done, it’s always good picking off races that Dad won,” he said. Goldman has now won six of 18 starts, with a further three placings and amassed $640,368 in prizemoney. The stayer is a son of the Zabeel stallion Verdi, a half-brother to the multiple Group 1 winners Sir Slick and Puccini, who stands at Long Acres Stud in Canterbury. Prepared by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Verdi won three of his eight starts and had Group 1 potential before a tendon injury pre-maturely ended his career. Bred by the Smithies family’s Monovale Holdings, Goldman is out of the Montjeu mare Goldsmith and won two of his four starts in New Zealand for the Smithies and original trainer Tony Pike. Goldman was sold to syndicators Darby Racing via bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo following a narrow victory over 1600m at Pukekohe in November 2022. Horse racing news View the full article

In Good Order wins Ted Van Heemst Stakes for Daniel Morton. Photo: Western Racepix Daniel Morton & Shaun O’Donnell have combined with In Good Order ($7.50) to claim victory in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot on Saturday afternoon, being rewarded for an ultra-consistent campaign. The son of American Pharoah was lining up for his ninth run of the preparation on Saturday and having his first crack at Group-level company after finding the minor money in the Listed G.A Towton Stakes (2200m) on December 7. He got the perfect run in transit this time around as O’Donnell found the one-one throughout as the well-supported favourite with horse bookmakers, Socks Nation ($2.50), was sent forward to sit outside the leader, leaving the rank outsider Marocchino ($31.00) to lead them out at a moderate tempo. Numerian ($2.70) got every chance under Clint Johnston-Porter and looked to be doing best in the concluding stages before a wall of horse mounted a late challenge. In Good Order went straight on by in the final furlong, with Let’s Galahvant ($10.00) reeling in the margin, missing by a half-had as In Good Order fell in to secure the $300,000 prize. Ted Van Heemst Stakes Race Replay – In Good Order https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ascot-2024-Group-2-Red-Van-Heemst-Stakes-21122024-In-Good-Order-Daniel-Morton-Shan-ODonnell.mp4 Morton was trackside to comment post-race. “It was some ride and honestly, he’s the best pick-up rider in the business,” Morton said. “He’s been doing a lot of work on this horse behind the scenes. “Chris Parnham has been riding him obviously, but Shaun has such beautiful hands. “He was the go-to once Chris (Parnham) got rubbed out. “I was singing his praises past the post the first time. “It was right where we needed to be.” In Good Order is now an $8 chance withNeds for the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on New Year’s Day. Horse racing news View the full article

The Ciaron Maher-trained Icarian Dream ($3.00) has proven best of the two-year-olds in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, stamping her authority to claim a dominant two-length victory. The Blue Point filly was well-supported with horse racing bookmakers to turn the tables on The Playwright ($4.20) after suffering defeat at Rosehill on November 30. The money was spot on in the end as Jason Collett took a sit mid-field with cover throughout the journey, while the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly was looking to make every post a winner as she did on debut. She was quickly swallowed up in the final 400m as Icarian Dream put in the big strides down the centre of the course, while Cool Archie ($41.00) added some much-needed value for exotics players with Playup. B.J. McLachlan Stakes Race Replay – Icarian Dream https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Group-3-BJ-McLachlan-Stakes-14122024-Icarian-Dream-Ciaron-Maher-Jason-Collett.mp4 Icarian Dream will now head to the Gold Coast for the Magic Million 2yo feature as stable representative Anna Weatherlake spoke post-race. “Extremely thrilled with her performance today,” said Weatherlake. “She’s been running against the best in Sydney and it’s good for her to bring that form here and just be dominant like she had. “It was a great ride by Jason (Collett). Obviously, he was very patient and looked after her the whole way. “She’s quite a small filly and very compact, but she’s grown up with every start and we’re super happy with her today.” Jason Collett was elated with the performance as he spoke in the mounting yard post-race. “She’s done well,” said Collett. “Her turn-of-foot was electric when she come to them so quick and it’s a very long straight too, especially when you’re right in the middle (of the track). “She looks like she grown up in front since I rode her last. She’s not very big at all, so what she’s doing now is very good from her.” Icarian Dream is now on the second line of betting at $8.00 with Neds for the 2yo Magic Millions on January 11. Horse racing news View the full article

Daniel Stackhouse returns to the mounting yard aboard Here To Shock (NZ) after winning the The Sportsbet Supernova at Sportsbet Pakenham on December 21, 2024 in Pakenham, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Here To Shock ($4.60) has claimed the inaugural running of The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham on Saturday afternoon, with the Lindsay Park-trained gelding picking up third win of the campaign. The son of Shocking has proven a model of consistency this preparation, collecting back-to-back stakes wins prior to Saturday, with the well-tried seven-year-old proving too classy once again to secure the $1 million prize. Stable Companion Arkansaw Kid ($7.00) ensured a team Hayes quinella after making strong inroads late, while the Ciaron Maher-trained Chorlton Lane ($19.00) was luckless in the concluding stages, with Saffie Osborne only getting clear in the final 100m. The well-supported favourite with BlondeBet, Nadal ($2.50), was nowhere to be seen when the whips were cracking, with the potential up-and-coming star unable to show his usually blistering turn-of-speed stepping out to the 1400m. It was all about Here To Shock in the end, as the stable star ticked over $2 million in prizemoney for connections on Saturday. 2024 The Supernova Race Replay – Here To Shock https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Pakenham-21122024-The-Supernova-Race-7-Here-To-Shock-Ben-Will-JD-Hayes-Daniel-Stackhouse.mp4 Co-trainer Will Hayes was on course to breakdown the win. “It was terrific, cheering for both of them,” said Hayes. “Here To Shock is an absolute marvel. “We were very confident after the Big Dance in Sydney we were going to get him back and we had our eyes set on this race from a long way out, so that’s why he was representing our slot today, but Arkansaw (Kid) was huge. “He really likes being in the country. He’s just a happy horse. We gave him a tick-over trial before this, and we were really happy with him coming into today. Daniel Stackhouse picked up his third win of the afternoon aboard Here To Shock and spoke post-race. “I have to thank Tatum my partner for trialing him last week for me,” said Stackhouse. “I’d like to thank her and all the Hayes boys and all the owners too. “He ran some great races up in Sydney. Obviously, he had that heart problem last start but trialed beautifully last week. “He’s such a different horse now. He’s so quiet and he normally used to sweat up but he’s really grown up and he’s tough on both ends. “He toughed it out and it was a great win.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, December 22, 2024 First Race 12:45pm HKT (3:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Sha Tin Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-part program set for decision. The rail is in the A+3 position for the meeting, and with nothing but sunny skies forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Charity Gain Charity Gain has been racing without much luck and appears primed to secure his second career victory. The Twilight Son gelding had too much work to do in his most recent outing at Happy Valley on November 27, powering home to get within a half-length of Affordable. James McDonald gets legged aboard for the first time, and with barrier five allowing the star hoop to take closer order, Charity Gain should have no issues justifying the short price with Neds. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Charity Gain (5) 5yo Gelding | T: David Eustace | J: James McDonald (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: City Thunder City Thunder appears set to peak third-up into the campaign after an eye-catching performance behind Happy Park at this course and distance on December 8. The son of Starspangledbanner lunged and only missed by a half-length, with the top three clearing out on their respective rivals in the concluding stages. The booking of Zac Purton shows intent, and provided City Thunder can give his opposition the slip in the final furlong, this guy will prove hard to chase down. Next Best Race 3 – #2 City Thunder (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris So | J: Zac Purton (60.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sha Tin: Bling Bling Genius Bling Bling Genius impressed in his last two barrier trials, winning by a combined five lengths across both pieces of work on the Conghua surface. The Douglas Whyte-trained gelding appears to have terrific barrier manners, holding the leaders’ back on both occasions before being pushed out to score impressively. Lyle Hewitson should land in a similar position drawn in stall three, and provided Bling Bling Genius can sprint fresh, expect this guy to give a good account of himself debuting at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #7 Bling Bling Genius (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Douglas Whyte | J: Lyle Hewitson (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections December 22, 2024 2-3-5-6-8-12 1-3-4-5-8-13 1-3-5-8-11-12 2-7-10-12-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sale Races Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Sunday, December 22, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing heads to Sale on Sunday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting is set down for decision. Clear skies are set to prevail, leaving punters with a perfect Good 4 track rating and the rail in its true position, meaning every runner will get their chance if good enough. The first race from Sale is set to jump at 1:10pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sale: Pro Aussie Pro Aussie caught the eye when hitting the line strongly first-up at Geelong over 1221m and the step up to 1400m on Sunday looks ideal second-up from a spell. Blake Shinn will likely have the son of Proisir doing as he pleases towards the rear of the field from barrier 10, but if Pro Aussie can produce a similar finish as he did last time out, he should be breaking maiden ranks at start three. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Pro Aussie (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sale: Hampton Palace Hampton Palace has returned in fine form this campaign, winning fresh at Hamilton before being beaten by the barest of margins at Werribee last time out. The four-year-old gelding is a natural on-pace runner, and with Tom Prebble on board claiming 2kg, the pair look set to either lead the field up from barrier three or at worst, be in the stalking position. With just 58.5kg on his back following the claim, Hampton Palace looks perfectly weighted to send punters home a winner in the Sale finale. Next Best Race 8 – #4 Hampton Palace (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Tom Prebble (a2) (60.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sale: Vongole Vongole was hitting the line strongly behind Pantelone and Why Worry at Moonee Valley last time out and presents great each-way value with Picklebet on Sunday. The nine-year-old gelding made a mess of the start and was forced towards the rear of the field and did well to pick up and be beaten by just 1.4 lengths. He is clearly the best horse in the field, and with Emily Poznan’s 3kg claim getting him in with 61kg on his back, Vongole only needs to replicate his finishing burst to be winning the second leg of the quaddie. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Vongole (11) 9yo Gelding | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Emily Poznan (a3) (64kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sale Sale quadrella selections Sunday, December 22, 2024 4-7-9 1-2-6-9 3-5-6-7 4-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Champion jockey believes emerging sprinter could face a tricky run from gate 11 in Class Two Poinsettia Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin.View the full article

Italian jockey highlights a lightly raced youngster as one to watch on Sunday: ‘He could have a good chance’.View the full article

The Allan Sharrock training polish was to the fore again at Trentham on Saturday when classy mare Islington Lass(NZ) (Proisir) stepped up to a middle distance for the first time in her 16-start career to score a clear-cut victory in the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m) The seven-year-old had hinted at her last start in the Gr.3 Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie that she was looking for more ground when finishing off strongly over the final stages of the contest. With Michael McNab aboard, the daughter of Proisir settled beautifully in midfield as McNab saved every inch of ground by hugging the rail as tearaway pacemaker Sagunto, seeking his third consecutive victory in the race, hared away in front. Sagunto began to weaken approaching the home bend as McNab eased into the clear wider out after tracking up a trio of runners who had charged into contention rounding the turn. Within the twinkling of an eye Islington Lass shot to the front at the 250m with McNab riding hands and heels in the final 100m as she held out the late charge of Wolfgang, who came from near last at the 600m to grab second from Whangaehu, who fought well down against the rail. Sharrock admitted he felt a good deal of satisfaction from the win and praised McNab for a classy ride aboard the mare. “I got a bit of a thrill out of that one going from a mile (1600m) to 2300m,” Sharrock said. “She is a very good mare and an outstanding ride. “She is the quickest with a sprint in that field and he was conservative in the run, saved all the ground and got to the right place in the straight. “I don’t know where to next, but I know she won’t get two miles so we will just have to see.” McNab knew he was on a good chance when Sharrock legged him aboard in the mounting yard with a few words of advice. “It worked out well with a good tempo and when I needed to improve I got the back of The Underbelly, was able to get to the outside and she duly obliged,” he said. “He (Sharrock) is a master and I had good confidence in the horse as she has never done me wrong and when I got on he (Sharrock) said just smile for the photo.” Islington Lass is a daughter of Montjeu mare Miss Relentless, a half-sister to Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Boundless and comes from an extended family that includes Gr.1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner Limitless and five-time Group One winner Veyron. She has now won eight of her 16 starts, including twice at stakes level and has earned a touch under $250,000 in prizemoney. The victory provided Sharrock with a winning double after promising filly Komocean took out the second race on the card. He quickly turned his tally into a treble as Lochan Ora bolted home in the last race of the day. View the full article

Matt Dixon collected his biggest win as a solo trainer when his much-improved mare Marotiri Molly(NZ) (Per Incanto) ran away with the Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Foxton-based Dixon trained five Group and Listed winners in partnership with David Haworth between 2009 and 2014, but had not scaled those heights since resuming his career on his own in 2019. Marotiri Molly has changed all that. Dixon has had to be patient with Marotiri Molly, who was an eight-length trial winner as an autumn four-year-old but then finished last when she made her debut in July of 2023. The Per Incanto mare showed more promising signs when she returned at the age of five, collecting two wins and a second from four starts and beginning her long-awaited rise through the grades. Marotiri Molly has continued to go from strength to strength since turning six. She resumed with a second at Taupo, then was checked in the straight when finishing ninth at Hastings. After recording three consecutive wins at Hawera, Otaki and Trentham, she stepped up to the big time and proved she belonged with a third behind La Crique and Lux Libertas in last month’s Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. Marotiri Molly was sent out as an $8 chance in Saturday’s $150,000 weight-for-age feature at Trentham and produced a career-defining performance. Drawn the outside gate in a field of 12, Marotiri Molly and jockey Kate Hercock were awkwardly placed early in the race but soon surged forward to take up a position in second behind the clear leader Town Cryer. Marotiri Molly was able to produce a second sprint after rounding the turn into the home straight, dashing past Town Cryer and taking command. The chasers tried hard to reel her in, led by Faraglioni and Sharp ‘N’ Smart, but Marotiri Molly kept herself well out of their reach and won by a length and a half. From 12 starts, Marotiri Molly has now recorded six wins and three placings. She has earned $227,245 for her owner-breeders Beven and Christine Parlato. “She was challenging in the early days,” Dixon admitted. “This just shows that if you’re patient, you can be rewarded. “She can be a bit hit-and-miss out of the barriers, so I just left the plan up to Kate, and she gave the mare a ten-out-of-ten ride. “Her run up north last month was huge. It was a big ask, running right-handed for the first time, going on her first big trip away and racing against those good mares at level weights. Her performance that day certainly gave us a lot of confidence. “She’s right up there with the best horses I’ve trained. She’s always shown that level of ability, and I think she should continue to get better from here.” Dixon is in no rush to map out any future plans for his stable star. “She’s not nominated for the Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m),” he said. “There are a lot of good options coming up through the rest of the season, but we’ll just celebrate today’s win first and think about future plans later on.” Saturday’s win was a poignant result for Hercock, with the sad loss of her partner Danny Champion late last month understandably still very fresh in her mind. “We jumped and I looked across and there was a lot of speed,” she said. “And then, all of a sudden, this gap just popped open. I put it all down to Danny. I just wish I had him at home to share it with. “This horse has such a big fight. She’s like a lion. She’s a bit like me – we just keep going. She’s so honest and tries so hard. “She was hard work for a while. She was bloody difficult, to be honest. But she’s improved by miles. She’ll take a sit and race anywhere you want now. “Sometimes you go into a race with a game plan and then she’ll decide to walk out of the gates, so you’ve got to have two plans in mind when you ride her. She is what she is. You just go out there and do the best with what you’ve got, because you know she’s going to put everything into it once she turns for home.” Marotiri Molly became the 32nd individual black-type winner for Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto. Marotiri Molly is one of two winners from two foals to race out of the Al Akbar mare Marotiri Miss, who herself won five races and placed in the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) and Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m). Faraglioni was a gallant second in Saturday’s Challenge Stakes, edging out Sharp ‘N’ Smart by a neck. That third placing was a bold return by the former New Zealand Horse of the Year, whose previous appearance was an unplaced finish in last month’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Lightning Jack, Town Cryer, Puntura, Liffey and Perfect Scenario were close up behind the placegetters, all within a length and a half of the runner-up in a blanket finish. View the full article

The familiar combination of trainer Robbie Patterson and jockey Craig Grylls continued their outstanding success rate in stakes races when promising filly Leica Lucy(NZ) (Derryn) took out the Gr.3 Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. The daughter of Grangewilliam Stud-based stallion Derryn had impressed when winning on debut at New Plymouth last month before being narrowly beaten over 1400m at Trentham a fortnight ago. Relishing the step up in distance to 1600m on Saturday, Leica Lucy settled sweetly in midfield for Grylls as pacemaker Vanish set up a strong tempo at the head of affairs. Grylls got busy rounding the home bend as he brought Leica Lucy to the middle of the track where she burst to the front at the 300m and cleared out from her rivals to win by three lengths from Connello and Skymax. Patterson was confident before the race he had a smart stayer in the making on his hands and the winning run did nothing to dampen that enthusiasm as he sets her for the $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) in March. “I knew she had that in her but until they do it you can’t get too confident,” Patterson said. “It’s great for Peter and Heather Crofsky (owners)who put a lot into the game and are great friends of mine. “She was off the bit all the way and went through a flat patch at the 600m, but she is an out and out stayer and I just have to work back from the Oaks and go from there. “She will have ten days in the paddock now then come back for the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) and then to the Oaks.” Grylls was succinct in his summary of how the race had panned out for the pair. “What she has done in her first two starts, she indicated a trip was going to suit her,” he said. “With the mile (1600m) today she was actually quite relaxed and switched off but when I clicked her up she came up underneath me and while she did a couple of things wrong, she has got the ability there. “She is very progressive.” Bred and raced by the Crofskeys from their Sir Percy mare Dynamite Lucy, Leica Lucy comes from an extended family that includes dual Group One winner Elevenses. She now sits as a $12 chance in the TAB Fixed Odds market for the New Zealand Oaks which is headed up by Hinekaha at $8. View the full article

A pair of talented three-year-olds from last season locked horns in the Te Rapa straight on Saturday, with Tanganyika(NZ) (Ace High) claiming a narrow win over Talisker(NZ) (Embellish) in the Print House (1400m). The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Tanganyika showed real promise in a five-start campaign as a three-year-old, recording two wins, a second and a third. His only time outside the top three was in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie in February, where he finished strongly from last to cross the line fifth and only a length from the winner. That black-type feature was won by Pericles, who himself scored a stylish win at Te Rapa on Saturday. Tanganyika kicked off his current campaign with a fourth and a fifth over 1100m and 1200m, making up eye-catching ground in the final stages on both occasions. The step up to 1400m on Saturday looked ready-made for the Ace High gelding, and he was sent out as a $2 favourite. For a large part of the race, it seemed likely that Tanganyika would find the Rating 75 as easy on the track as it looked on paper. He cruised in fourth as Leroy Brown set a solid speed out in front. Jockey Masa Hashizume began to move Tanganyika through his gears coming up to the home turn, and he loomed ominously behind Leroy Brown and Talisker coming into the straight. But when Hashizume released the brakes and drove Tanganyika past that pair, last year’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) runner-up Talisker saw him coming and went with him. It developed into a head-bobbing duel through the last 200m, with neither gelding giving an inch. Talisker fought for all he was worth, but Tanganyika gradually gained the upper hand and edged out his gallant rival by a neck. Talisker beat the third-placed Keegan by two and three-quarter lengths. Tanganyika’s eight-start career has now produced three wins, two placings and $57,820 in stakes. “He’s a horse with a huge amount of ability and he has it all in front of him,” Scott said. “It was a good race for him today, going up to the seven furlongs and being able to settle a bit closer in the running. In those first couple of runs back, he was disadvantaged by wide barriers and had to drop well back over those shorter distances. “He had a bit of luck go his way today and was able to take advantage of that with a strong win. He’s a horse we’ve always had a good opinion of, and he showed plenty of potential as a three-year-old last season. He’s still learning all the time. “His position in the ratings means we can probably give him another run in Rating 75 company before we start raising the bar higher with him. We’ll be patient with him, give him another opportunity in this grade and hopefully continue to build his confidence up.” Tanganyika is by promising Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High out of a three-quarter-sister to the multiple Group winner Beauden. His second dam is the Group One performer Flying Babe, who was New Zealand’s champion two-year-old in 2000-01. Tanganyika was offered by Rich Hill at the 2021 National Weanling Sale at Karaka, where his owners the Olsen Partnership bought him for $42,500. Rich Hill Stud will offer a full-brother to Tanganyika at Karaka 2025 in late January. The Ace High colt will go through the ring as Lot 670 in the Book 2 session. View the full article