Wandering Eyes

More than £3.3m in prize-money has been devoted to this year's programme of High-Value Developmental Races on the Flat in Britain with an increased focus on potential stayers. The series features 89 maiden and novice contests, 31 of which are for two-year-olds and worth £40,000, while another 30 restricted juvenile novices and maidens will carry a minimum of £30,000 in prize-money. For three-year-olds and up there are 28 open novice and maiden races worth a minimum of £40,000. With the financial backing of British Stallion Studs (EBF), Juddmonte, Darley and Tattersalls, support for the initiative also comes from the BHA Development Fund. The series, now in its third year, was devised in the hope that the enhanced prize-money would encourage the purchase and retention of young equine talent in Britain, thereby also supporting British breeding. It has grown in number from 63 races in 2023 and 84 last year. The full list of races for the series, which begins at Southwell on March 15 and runs through to Chelmsford on December 1, can be viewed here. This essential part of the race programme has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years, with the 84 races staged last year building on 63 races staged in 2023. “We are really pleased to confirm the continuation of the High-Value Developmental programme for 2025 after another successful year,” said Richard Wayman, director of racing at the BHA. “It is important for us to take steps to encourage the racing and breeding of horses in Britain, and the increased returns in prize-money that these races provide is a vital part of that process. “It has been brilliant to see the races so well engaged with by owners and trainers, and that wouldn't be possible without the support of British Stallion Studs (EBF), Darley, Juddmonte and Tattersalls, who have worked together with the BHA to enable this initiative to thrive. We are also grateful to the Horseracing Betting Levy Board and our host racecourses for supporting the running of the races.” He continued, “In producing this year's list of races, we have increased the focus on the staying horse as part of our ongoing strategy to attract and encourage quality horses with an aptitude for stamina. “We very much hope to grow this significant initiative in the future, and I know that I speak on behalf of all of our partners when saying that we would warmly welcome other organisations to join us so that we can support more of these races in the years ahead.” Simon Sweeting, chairman of the British Stallion Studs (EBF), added, “The British EBF will again lead the industry sponsorship of this £3.3 million project in 2025 which focuses prize-money into a vital, foundation area of the programme. Our 2024 races produced fantastic graduates, the standout being Manton Thoroughbreds' Rashabar. Second in our high-value Maiden at Chester's May meeting, he went on to win a stunningly close Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and finished second in both the G1 Prix Morny and Jean-Luc Lagadere. “The races supported by the British EBF produced a further 10 stakes winners or performers, including Listed winners Englemere, Lady With The Lamp and Glamis Road. With open maidens and novices worth a minimum of £40,000 and restricted races a minimum of £30,000, we hope more owners and trainers will target the great prize-money on offer in these development opportunities for their horses' careers.” Sam Bullard, Director of Stallions at Darley, said, “Now in its third year, the Darley Maiden Series continues to be the subject of a great deal of positivity, and we are delighted to continue this sponsorship. “Supporting breeders, either through this development series or via our contribution to the EBF, remains of paramount importance to Darley and we look forward to the first of the Darley series races taking place on 11 April, at Newbury.” Juddmonte's CEO Douglas Erskine Crum said, “Juddmonte is delighted to support financially again this year's further enhancements. These high prize-money developmental races directly support owners and breeders in areas that can be overlooked and thereby support our UK breeding industry.” Britain's largest sales house, Tattersalls, has also lent its support to the project. Jason Singh, the company's associate director of marketing at Tattersalls, said, “Tattersalls is pleased to continue supporting high-value maiden and novice races in partnership with the BHA, EBF, Darley, and Juddmonte. “Alongside our highly successful £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus Scheme, which has paid out over £9 million directly to owners since 2016, this initiative ensures that 89 maiden and novice races offer substantial prize-money, strengthening this key area of the racing programme.” The post Britain’s Valuable Maiden Series Returns with £3.3m On Offer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk She’s the gift that keeps giving. On Tuesday at Cambridge 10-year-old mare Highview Rockn Roll made it career win number 10 when she took out the Wednesday Quiz Night At the Clubhouse Handicap Trot. Coincidentally she’s also had 10 seconds and 10 thirds as well from 82 career starts. “She’s bred to pace but she trots good,” says trainer Donald Cossey, “she’s only small but she’s tough.” Making her efforts all the more noteworthy is that the Rock N Roll Heaven mare didn’t debut till she was a six-year-old. “We got her as a five-year-old from Gore,” says Cossey. Over the years she’s had a few injuries and niggles. “It’s just wear and tear really, we just have to look after her.” On Tuesday driver Emily Johnson was three back the fence then made a play for the lap with over a lap to go. The combo never looked like getting beaten, shading Castana by more than a length. Johnson drives the horse a lot as the Te Awamutu-based Cossey uses the track at Dr Luk Chin’s place at Tamahere where Johnson also works. “She’s a very good driver,” says Cossey. Cossey, who races Highview Rockn Roll with his nephew Nick Coxon, is planning to line her up at Manawatu next, with a view to breeding from her in the not too distant future. “We’ll run her out this season and probably look to get her in foal next season but we will play it by ear.” Another highlight of the meeting was Josh Dickie driving a double with Adjournment and Rock Band, both for trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer. View the full article

Rise At Dawn’s (NZ) (Almanzor) rapid emergence through the ranks is eerily similar to that of glamour stablemate Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), according to co-trainer Ben Hayes, who has dubbed the All-Star Mile aspirant Lindsay Park’s ‘mini-Brightside’ ahead of their Group 1 clash on Saturday at Flemington. Rise At Dawn has won eight of his 13 starts, including his past four on end, and booked his place in the $2.5 million race with a first-up win in the Listed Elms Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. He has shortened from $51 into $18 in Sportsbet’s All-Star Mile market since that latest victory last month. Standing in his way is his nine-time G1-winning stablemate, who won the 2023 All-Star Mile and narrowly denied his rivals in the G1 Futurity Stakes over 1400m at his most recent start. While Hayes stopped short of declaring Rise At Dawn a genuine threat, he pointed to Mr Brightside’s first All-Star Mile attempt in 2022 – in which he finished fourth behind Zaaki at his 12th career start – as evidence of the similar trajectory. “In a funny way, he’s like a ‘mini-Brightside’ for us,” Hayes said. “He’s just gone through the grades so well and he’s still untapped at the moment, we don’t know his ceiling. “We are throwing him right in the deep end, but this will give us an idea of where he’s at. “Mr Brightside ran in the race at a similar stage of his career and he ran fourth, so we’re hoping he (Rise At Dawn) can do something similar then follow the dame path to the Doncaster. “He was impressive first-up and he worked fantastic on Monday morning.” Of the $2.80 All Star Mile favourite, Hayes said he is ready to produce another elite performance after training on well from the Futurity Stakes. “Mr Brightside came out of the race (Futurity) in fantastic order and we can’t fault him,” he said. “His form is good, so we think he’ll be very competitive.” The stable did consider using Marble Arch’s (NZ) (Per Incanto) All-Star Mile golden ticket but will instead aim the mare at a G1 race in Sydney later this month. Marble Arch earned ballot exemption for the All-Star Mile via her G2 Blamey Stakes win on Saturday. “We did put consideration into running Marble Arch and she did back up well but not well enough,” he said. “She’ll most likely head to the Coolmore in two weeks in Sydney.” View the full article

View the full article

Haras de Beaumont has reported that Puchkine (Fr), its Group 1-winning son of Starspangledbanner (Aus), has had his first five mares scanned in foal. These include Livachope (Fr) (Goken {Fr}), winner of the G3 Prix du Bois, and Listed winner Volshka (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), who was also placed in the G3 Prix Cleopatre. Also among the early mares in foal to him is the Listed winner Racemate (GB) (Hurricane Run {Ire}), the dam of the Listed-placed multiple winner Rolleville (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}). Syndicated on arrival at Haras de Beaumont, Puchkine, who won last season's G1 Prix Jean Prat and stands for €8,500, is receiving strong support from his breeder Alain Jathiere and fellow owner-breeders Gerard Augustin-Normand and the Chehboub family. The post Quintet of Mares in Foal for Puchkine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What 2025 Randwick Guineas Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, NSW When Saturday, March 8, 2025 Prizemoney $1,000,000 Distance 1600m Conditions Group 1, Set Weights 2024 winner Celestial Legend (11) | T: Les Bridge | J: Kerrin McEvoy (56.5kg) Visit Dabble The time-honoured Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) headlines the action at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of nine three-year-olds set to battle it out over the $1 million prize. Seven of the nine runners engaged come through the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) on February 22, where Broadsiding proved too classy. Can a key rival turn the tables? Or will Broadsiding justify favouritism once again? 2025 Randwick Guineas odds It’s a one-act affair in the 2025 Randwick Guineas according to horse racing bookmakers, with Broadsiding opening a $1.60 favourite. Swiftfalcon is the only runner with any early support, with the Hobartville runner-up firming into $4.00 after opening at $5.00 post-barrier draw. Aeliana ($7.00) and Linebacker ($10.00) are the notable drifters in the market, while you can get massive odds for every other runner, including Queensland raider Our Benefactor ($31.00) who brings an element of intrigue from the north. 2025 Randwick Guineas speed map There is no tempo engaged in this year’s edition of the Randwick Guineas, and it appears Zac Lloyd may have no choice but to be the de facto leader aboard Linebacker. Expect Aeliana to utilize gate three and get his back every step of the way, while Broadsiding lands in the one-one under the guise of James McDonald. Swiftfalcon is drawn (5) to hold much closer order than last time out, while Our Benefactor (9) and Depth Of Character (8) will be dragged back from their wide draws in search of cover. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Randwick Guineas. Randwick Guineas 2025 preview & form There is no doubt Broadsiding must be considered the one to beat in the 2025 Randwick Guineas, however, he isn’t a betting proposition at the current price. Aeliana will be the big improver second-up and should relish the Soft to Heavy conditions on offer. She is undefeated at Randwick and is yet to suffer defeat on rain-effected ground, so at the $7.00 available with BlondeBet, the lone filly gets the nod. Linebacker gets every chance to steal this race. He’s the sole leader on paper amongst this field of nine, and with Zac Lloyd in a rich vein of form, this guy could cause a minor upset at the $10.00 with Dabble. Randwick Guineas 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 9 AELIANA 3 LINEBACKER 1 BROADSIDING 2 SWIFTFALCON $100 betting strategy $60 Win Aeliana (#9) @ +600 with BlondeBet $40 Win Linebacker (#3) @ +900 with Dabble Randwick Guineas 2025 final field 1. Broadsiding (4) T: James Cummings J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Speedway -166.67 -1666.67 2. Swiftfalcon (5) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Exceedance Dam: Tempting Delight +360 -285.71 3. Linebacker (6) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Super Seth Dam: Garden of Swans (GB) +700 -133.33 4. China Sea (2) T: John Sargent J: Tim Clark W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Rippled (GB) +10000 +900 5. Firm Agreement (1) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Tom Sherry W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Yes Yes Yes Dam: Money Magic +5000 +500 6. Depth of Character (8) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Joshua Parr W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Deep Field Dam: Caricature (NZ) +5000 +500 7. Our Benefactor (9) T: Bevan Laming J: Martin Harley W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Contributer (IRE) Dam: Madonna Mia (NZ) +2500 +250 8. Tenbury Wells (7) T: Brad Widdup J: W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Dowager Queen (NZ) +15000 +1400 9. Aeliana (3) T: Chris Waller J: Jason Collett W: 54.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Castelvecchio Dam: Temolie +500 -200 Horse racing tips View the full article

Whangaehu will contest Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Bill Thurlow is hoping to be the toast of his home track on Thursday before trekking north to Champions Day at Ellerslie with Whangaehu, his contender in the $1 million Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). The Waverley horseman will be represented by half a dozen runners at the mid-week meeting, including impressive last-start maiden winner Champagne Linda. The daughter of Darci Brahma had been knocking on the door throughout her career, and after coming back a stronger mare at four, she will be out to replicate that winning performance in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1400m). “She was really good last time, she’s a horse that always seemed to run into one to get beaten and by really narrow margins too,” Thurlow said. “She’s just a bit stronger this time in, her run last time was really good and we think she’s trained on really well, she’s got a nice draw and on her home track. There are plenty of positives for her.” Champagne Linda will have the services of northern hoop Ryan Elliot, who will also partner stablemate Rebal Agent in the Grainhub (1650m) and first-starter Black Sea in the Devane Fencing / Neil Contracting (1400m). A winner two starts back in a fresh state, Rebal Agent will come back in distance on Thursday, a factor that Thurlow sees as no cause for concern. “He’s a bit of a one-pacer and likes to roll along and keep rolling, rather than sit and sprint,” Thurlow said. “It wasn’t a huge surprise when he won, it was a very smart ride by Marc Lerner that day and he managed to dictate terms, and he kept going. He has to be ridden that way and I think he’ll acquit himself well tomorrow, he’s been working well and coming back from 2000 shouldn’t be a problem for him. “Black Sea is just going to be a really nice staying type of horse, he’s quite a big, good-boned horse so it’s taken a bit of time to get to where we are now. “I think tomorrow will be a tad too short for him, but if he’s finding the line well, we’ll be very happy with him.” A younger member of Thurlow’s stable having his first raceday appearance will be Landman, a two-year-old gelding by in-form juvenile sire Hello Youmzain. A winner in his only trial, Landman holds an early nomination for the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham on March 29. “He’s a horse we really like, he’s a good, strong, well-made horse with plenty of bone,” Thurlow said. “I don’t know that he’s winning tomorrow, but going forward, he’s got plenty of substance about him.” Thurlow also has plenty of time for Miss Fireball, a Ten Sovereigns filly who flew home late last-start to finish a close-up second to Colour Chart. She is at the top of bookmaker markets for the Wanganui Motors (1400m), but her trainer indicated the filly still has plenty to learn. “It was a really good run last time, she’s one of those horses who is still learning her game a bit and she still manages to get tangled up in anything that’s going on,” he said. “She’s not quite professional yet, but she has got a good amount of ability, and I think she’ll get there at some point, it’s just a matter of whether that’s tomorrow or not. “Going a little bit extra over 1400m on her home track should suit her down to the ground off the way that she’s been racing. She’s done well since then so we expect her to run well.” A short turnaround will be in order for Thurlow as he’ll be off to Ellerslie’s mega-meeting on Saturday, with talented stayer Whangaehu representing the Central Districts in an elite edition of the Bonecrusher. A six-year-old by Proisir, Whangaehu was a handy galloper when he returned from Australia 18 months ago, but he has thrived in Thurlow’s care, particularly this season when winning both the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) and Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m), before an eye-catching third behind El Vencedor and La Crique in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa last month. The gelding finished a meritorious seventh in last year’s Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) and Thurlow had hoped to set his charge for another crack at that feature, but after such a strong campaign, he has been weighted out of contention. “It’s just the way he’s placed in the weights at the moment, he’s weight-for-age at this stage so it (Bonecrusher) seems like the right fit for him at the moment,” he said. “He’s just done his work at home, pottering around here and has gone to town for a couple of hit-outs. He’s happy and well. “We probably hadn’t planned for him to go this way, we more so saw him as a handicap horse, but it’s just the way that it’s worked out with a couple of handicap wins and a Group Three. It’s pushed him up there so that’s where we are now.” A vintage field includes both El Vencedor and La Crique, as well as Orchestral, but Whangaehu will have the advantage of Kiwi-expat hoop Mick Dee on board, fresh off his recent success in the A$2 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Super Saturday is now a trans-Tasman affair with the inaugural NZ$3.5million Kiwi slot race joining Flemington’s pair of Group 1s, the All-Star Mile and Newmarket Handicap, this weekend. The Kiwi market is dominated by Australians, featuring Lindsay Park-trained Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto), which is currently favourite at $2.70, ahead of the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon). Bjorn Baker and OTI Racing have also combined with Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) for the race, while Blake Shinn will skip the Victorian meeting to ride on the Ellerslie card, which has another three G1s on it. As Flemington hosts a bevvy of topline racing on Saturday, New Zealand has secured some top three-year-olds for its new race, with the barrier draw held in Auckland on Tuesday night. “It brings direct credibility in year one, which is enormous,” NZ Racing Chairman Russell Warwick said. “And then, you add on the likes of Public Attention with the Coolmore colours on and Perfumist with OTI, there’s a real Australian interest in the race and some of these Australian jockeys with Micky Dee and those sort of guys riding here, it’s really internationalised right from day one. “So we’re really excited about it and it’s really going to put New Zealand right in the forefront come Saturday.” NZ racing has seen a resurgence in international interest following the investment by Entain into local racing products. The significant boost to prizemoney and initiatives such as the Kiwi slot race have seen Australian horses and jockeys regularly make the trip. “I think fair to say that we’ve been the backwater over the last 10 or 12 years with our racing and I think the last couple of years with the introduction of Entain, the restructuring of the Summer Carnival and what we’re racing for and the stake money now. It’s not to be overlooked,” Warwick said. “It’s even appealing to the Chris Wallers of the world and the Blake Shinns and … those sort of guys. New Zealand’s become on their radar now.” Deputy Entain CEO and CFO Lachlan Fitt said the local NZ industry is starting to get the recognition it deserves globally. Entain won the 25-year rights to the NZ TAB in 2023. “It’s been quite incredible to be involved in it, to be honest. It’s one of those things that the New Zealand industry has always punched well above its weight in terms of producing racehorses and it’s great to see the participants now are rewarded for that hard work over a long time, with some fantastic racing and the right level of prizemoney,” Fitt said. “The Australian interest is there from a wagering and also participant perspective, so it’s been really rewarding. And Saturday’s a real celebration of that. “I think there’s six or seven Australian-trained horses at Ellerslie on Saturday, which, as I understand, it’s the first time that’s ever happened. “The engagement out of Australia and the work we’ve been doing with Racing.com and the support we’ve had out of the Aussie market for New Zealand product is huge. So it’s super important to get that on the roadmap and we’re pumped about how it’s all coming together.” Fitt also has shares in Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Kiwi, raced by Te Akau with Shinn set to ride. The three-year-old filly is currently $8 in the market and drew barrier eight on Tuesday night. “She’s a horse that settles a little bit back in the field anyway. And we saw her in Karaka Millions night. She’s got that right turn of foot, so fingers crossed we get a one off the fence and good luck. And hopefully, we’ll be there in the finish,” Fitt said. The NZB Kiwi will run alongside three G1s on Saturday, including the NZ$1.25m New Zealand Derby. View the full article

Bill Thurlow is hoping to be the toast of his home track on Thursday before trekking north to Champions Day at Ellerslie with Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir), his contender in the $1 million Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). The Waverley horseman will be represented by half a dozen runners at the mid-week meeting, including impressive last-start maiden winner Champagne Linda (NZ) (Darci Brahma). The daughter of Darci Brahma had been knocking on the door throughout her career, and after coming back a stronger mare at four, she will be out to replicate that winning performance in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1400m). “She was really good last time, she’s a horse that always seemed to run into one to get beaten and by really narrow margins too,” Thurlow said. “She’s just a bit stronger this time in, her run last time was really good and we think she’s trained on really well, she’s got a nice draw and on her home track. There are plenty of positives for her.” Champagne Linda will have the services of northern hoop Ryan Elliot, who will also partner stablemate Rebal Agent (NZ) (Complacent) in the Grainhub (1650m) and first-starter Black Sea (NZ) (Staphanos) in the Devane Fencing / Neil Contracting (1400m). A winner two starts back in a fresh state, Rebal Agent will come back in distance on Thursday, a factor that Thurlow sees as no cause for concern. “He’s a bit of a one-pacer and likes to roll along and keep rolling, rather than sit and sprint,” Thurlow said. “It wasn’t a huge surprise when he won, it was a very smart ride by Marc Lerner that day and he managed to dictate terms, and he kept going. He has to be ridden that way and I think he’ll acquit himself well tomorrow, he’s been working well and coming back from 2000 shouldn’t be a problem for him. “Black Sea is just going to be a really nice staying type of horse, he’s quite a big, good-boned horse so it’s taken a bit of time to get to where we are now. “I think tomorrow will be a tad too short for him, but if he’s finding the line well, we’ll be very happy with him.” A younger member of Thurlow’s stable having his first raceday appearance will be Landman (NZ) (Hello Youmzain), a two-year-old gelding by in-form juvenile sire Hello Youmzain. A winner in his only trial, Landman holds an early nomination for the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham on March 29. “He’s a horse we really like, he’s a good, strong, well-made horse with plenty of bone,” Thurlow said. “I don’t know that he’s winning tomorrow, but going forward, he’s got plenty of substance about him.” Thurlow also has plenty of time for Miss Firebal (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns), a Ten Sovereigns filly who flew home late last-start to finish a close-up second to Colour Chart. She is at the top of the TAB market for the Wanganui Motors (1400m), but her trainer indicated the filly still has plenty to learn. “It was a really good run last time, she’s one of those horses who is still learning her game a bit and she still manages to get tangled up in anything that’s going on,” he said. “She’s not quite professional yet, but she has got a good amount of ability, and I think she’ll get there at some point, it’s just a matter of whether that’s tomorrow or not. “Going a little bit extra over 1400m on her home track should suit her down to the ground off the way that she’s been racing. She’s done well since then so we expect her to run well.” A short turnaround will be in order for Thurlow as he’ll be off to Ellerslie’s mega-meeting on Saturday, with talented stayer Whangaehu representing the Central Districts in an elite edition of the Bonecrusher. A six-year-old by Proisir, Whangaehu was a handy galloper when he returned from Australia 18 months ago, but he has thrived in Thurlow’s care, particularly this season when winning both the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) and Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m), before an eye-catching third behind El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) and La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa last month. The gelding finished a meritorious seventh in last year’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) and Thurlow had hoped to set his charge for another crack at that feature, but after such a strong campaign, he has been weighted out of contention. “It’s just the way he’s placed in the weights at the moment, he’s weight-for-age at this stage so it (Bonecrusher) seems like the right fit for him at the moment,” he said. “He’s just done his work at home, pottering around here and has gone to town for a couple of hit-outs. He’s happy and well. “We probably hadn’t planned for him to go this way, we more so saw him as a handicap horse, but it’s just the way that it’s worked out with a couple of handicap wins and a Group Three. It’s pushed him up there so that’s where we are now.” A vintage field includes both El Vencedor and La Crique, as well as Orchestral, but Whangaehu will have the advantage of Kiwi-expat hoop Mick Dee on board, fresh off his recent success in the A$2 million Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). View the full article

New Zealand has been a great source of thoroughbred talent for leading Australian syndicator OTI Racing, and on Champions Day at Ellerslie this Saturday they are aiming to secure New Zealand’s richest prize. Their silks will be carried in the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) by New Zealand-bred filly Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca), who OTI purchased in collaboration with trainer Bjorn Baker, Phill Cataldo Bloodstock and Clarke Bloodstock, out of Westbury Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft for $190,000. She has gone on to win five and place in three of her 10 starts to date for Baker, and accruing nearly A$270,000 in prizemoney. Her talent attracted the attention of several NZB Kiwi slot holders, with RACE Inc. ultimately securing her services. “We ended up doing a little tender when we decided we would come across, and that worked out well and we are delighted with the way it has ended up with the boys down south (Palmerston North),” OTI Racing’s Terry Henderson said. “We buy a lot of horses from over there and to have a horse in what will be the premium race of the year is very exciting.” The daughter of El Roca is based with Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan while in New Zealand, and Henderson said she has arrived in fine fettle, and he is looking forward to Saturday’s contest, particularly after drawing the two marble at the NZB Kiwi’s barrier draw on Tuesday evening. “We are really happy with the way she has settled into Cambridge,” he said. “It is always a different kettle of fish when you are playing away from home. She is a quality filly against the best in New Zealand, so she will need to be on her mark, but I think she deserves a shot at it. “From what she has done so far, especially given we have been favoured by a nice barrier draw, she will be thereabouts, and we certainly expect her to be.” Perfumist will be ridden on Saturday by Sydney-based Welsh jockey Ashley Morgan, who has won two races aboard the filly, and finished runner-up in his only other raceday ride aboard her. “He has been riding a lot for Bjorn and has been riding very well in town, and he knows this filly,” Henderson said. “She can be a little quirky, so it was one of the reasons why we asked him to go across and ride her.” A race later, OTI will be hoping to secure their second $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) scalp courtesy of the Tony Pike-trained Golden Century (NZ) (Pierro). The syndicator’s colours were carried to victory in the Ellerslie Classic in 2018 by Vin De Dance, and Henderson said they would love to add another Kiwi Derby crown to their trophy cabinet. “We love Derbys, we have won every Derby in Australia, and to win another Kiwi Derby would be great,” he said. “It is a great race and a source for many good horses that we have had come over and we are really keen on being right up there again on Saturday. “He has been a little unruly, but his work going into the race has been exceptional. The draw (barrier eight) isn’t too bad, we would have liked to have been closer. He is a gelding that just needs to get a nice, smooth run in transit.” OTI were set to have a two-pronged attack in this year’s Derby, however, their other hopeful in Skippers Canyon (NZ) (Belardo) failed to flatter when beating just one runner home in last month’s Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), and the decision was made to pull stumps on his current campaign, with a view to Australian targets later on this season. “We were disappointed in the run by Skippers Canyon in the Avondale Guineas, and it was hard to justify continuing on with the prep,” Henderson said. “We have sent him over here (Australia) and he will go to Phillip Stokes, who has done a very good job with a lot of our horses. We will bring him along gradually and we probably won’t worry about the Queensland Derby (Gr.1, 2400m), there is a Mahogany series here later in the three-year-old year that we will aim towards.” Twisted Love (NZ) (Vanbrugh), who was purchased by OTI out of Bill Thurlow’s Waverley stable following her debut win in January, has also made her way across the Tasman. “She is going to Ciaron Maher and we will probably aim her towards the Brisbane Carnival,” Henderson said. Meanwhile, Henderson is looking forward to fellow New Zealand purchase Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) lining-up in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m) on Saturday. The Queensland Derby hero is set to tackle feature Sydney targets over autumn for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, and Henderson is looking forward to getting him over more ground. “A bit of rain is going to help him a lot, he is a horse that does need the benefit of wet ground, but he is in great form,” he said. “His plan is the Sydney Cup (Gr.1, 3200m).” View the full article

Perfumist will represent OTI Racing in Saturday’s $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Bradley Photos New Zealand has been a great source of thoroughbred talent for leading Australian syndicator OTI Racing, and on Champions Day at Ellerslie this Saturday they are aiming to secure New Zealand’s richest prize. Their silks will be carried in the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) by New Zealand-bred filly Perfumist, who OTI purchased in collaboration with trainer Bjorn Baker, Phill Cataldo Bloodstock and Clarke Bloodstock, out of Westbury Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft for $190,000. She has gone on to win five and place in three of her 10 starts to date for Baker, and accruing nearly A$270,000 in prizemoney. Her talent attracted the attention of several NZB Kiwi slot holders, with RACE Inc. ultimately securing her services. “We ended up doing a little tender when we decided we would come across, and that worked out well and we are delighted with the way it has ended up with the boys down south (Palmerston North),” OTI Racing’s Terry Henderson said. “We buy a lot of horses from over there and to have a horse in what will be the premium race of the year is very exciting.” The daughter of El Roca is based with Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan while in New Zealand, and Henderson said she has arrived in fine fettle, and he is looking forward to Saturday’s contest, particularly after drawing the two marble at the NZB Kiwi’s barrier draw on Tuesday evening. “We are really happy with the way she has settled into Cambridge,” he said. “It is always a different kettle of fish when you are playing away from home. She is a quality filly against the best in New Zealand, so she will need to be on her mark, but I think she deserves a shot at it. “From what she has done so far, especially given we have been favoured by a nice barrier draw, she will be thereabouts, and we certainly expect her to be.” Perfumist will be ridden on Saturday by Sydney-based Welsh jockey Ashley Morgan, who has won two races aboard the filly, and finished runner-up in his only other raceday ride aboard her. “He has been riding a lot for Bjorn and has been riding very well in town, and he knows this filly,” Henderson said. “She can be a little quirky, so it was one of the reasons why we asked him to go across and ride her.” A race later, OTI will be hoping to secure their second $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) scalp courtesy of the Tony Pike-trained Golden Century. The syndicator’s colours were carried to victory in the Ellerslie Classic in 2018 by Vin De Dance, and Henderson said they would love to add another Kiwi Derby crown to their trophy cabinet. “We love Derbys, we have won every Derby in Australia, and to win another Kiwi Derby would be great,” he said. “It is a great race and a source for many good horses that we have had come over and we are really keen on being right up there again on Saturday. “He has been a little unruly, but his work going into the race has been exceptional. The draw (barrier eight) isn’t too bad, we would have liked to have been closer. He is a gelding that just needs to get a nice, smooth run in transit.” OTI were set to have a two-pronged attack in this year’s Derby, however, their other hopeful in Skippers Canyon failed to flatter when beating just one runner home in last month’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), and the decision was made to pull stumps on his current campaign, with a view to Australian targets later on this season. “We were disappointed in the run by Skippers Canyon in the Avondale Guineas, and it was hard to justify continuing on with the prep,” Henderson said. “We have sent him over here (Australia) and he will go to Phillip Stokes, who has done a very good job with a lot of our horses. We will bring him along gradually and we probably won’t worry about the Queensland Derby (Group 1, 2400m), there is a Mahogany series here later in the three-year-old year that we will aim towards.” Twisted Love, who was purchased by OTI out of Bill Thurlow’s Waverley stable following her debut win in January, has also made her way across the Tasman. “She is going to Ciaron Maher and we will probably aim her towards the Brisbane Carnival,” Henderson said. Meanwhile, Henderson is looking forward to fellow New Zealand purchase Warmonger lining-up in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m) on Saturday. The Queensland Derby hero is set to tackle feature Sydney targets over autumn for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, and Henderson is looking forward to getting him over more ground. “A bit of rain is going to help him a lot, he is a horse that does need the benefit of wet ground, but he is in great form,” he said. “His plan is the Sydney Cup (Group 1, 3200m).” Horse racing news View the full article

Henry Robin will make his New Zealand debut on Friday at Te Aroha in the Ecolab 1600. Photo: Ross Holburt – Racing Photos Lightly-raced Tavistock five-year-old Henry Robin is set to make his New Zealand debut at Te Aroha on Friday when he contests the Ecolab 1600. Bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, Henry Robin was offered through Woburn Farm’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, for $440,000. He was broken in by Cambridge trainers Maxim and Samantha Van Lierde before heading across the Tasman where he had five starts for Ben, Will and JD Hayes, including a victory over 2520m at Cranbourne in January last year. The gelding has been plagued by injury and returned to the care of the Van Lierdes last year, for whom he is set to make his New Zealand debut this week. “It will be quite sentimental, having broken him in,” Maxim Van Lierde said. “Henrieta, the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, is a very good friend of ours and we break in a few of her young horses, and we have been fortunate enough to train a couple as well. “We broke him (Henry Robin) in and did all of his education and then he went off to Australia. He has had a fair bit of misfortune with injury over the years, so he has been back and forward to us just to do a bit of spelling and get him up to speed again. “He predominately did his racing with Lindsay Park in Australia, and he won over 2500m over there. The boys did a phenomenal job with him, but he ended coming back through injury. “He has had a long injury layoff, we have trialled him twice since and then he wasn’t quite right, so we turned him out again and now we have got him back up this time. “George Rooke galloped him this (Tuesday) morning at Cambridge and gave him the tick of approval, he was very happy with him.” Henry Robin will be having his first start in more than 12 months and his conditioners are pleased with him ahead of his resuming run, with the mile distance and inside barrier of two being their only concern. “The distance will be far short of his best,” Van Lierde said. “He has won over 2500m but on the big, roomy track at Te Aroha, if he is finding the line and running on well, we will be very happy. “He is probably best drawn out. Being a Tavistock, he wants a bit of racing room, he is quite a big horse. We will certainly be telling Masa (Hashizume, jockey) to get off the fence when he can and give him some clear air.” Meanwhile, Van Lierde will be keeping a close eye on the weather in Taranaki this week, with stablemate Slippery set to contest the rating 65 1000m at New Plymouth on Saturday. “Slippery is a new acquisition to the stable and we are excited by him,” Van Lierde said. “He has shown that he is more adept on softer tracks, so we are on weather watch with him. If it is too firm, we may just save him for when the rain comes, but we have been very happy with the way he has been working.” Horse racing news View the full article

Willydoit will take his place in Saturday’s $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The week didn’t get off to the best start for South Auckland horseman Shaun Clotworthy, with his NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot holder syndicate having to replace their initial representative Dealt With, but he is hoping the rest of the week goes more to script. Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing have chosen fellow Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Zormella as their replacement in the $3.5 million feature, and while Clotworthy is excited about her prospects in the race, he has a number of his own team he is hoping will feature prominently on Champions Day at Ellerslie this weekend. Clotworthy, who trains in partnership with his wife Emma, are set to have a two-pronged attack in the $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) with Interplanetary and Willydoit, the latter currently sharing $4 equal favouritism with Australian raider Thedoctoroflove. Willydoit was a $1.50 beaten favourite in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) last month, which was taken out by Thedoctoroflove, with Interplanetary finishing towards the tail end of the field. Clotworthy has ruled a line through the race for both of his runners and is expecting better showings in this weekend’s assignment. “We think Willydoit is in good space, we are happy with his condition, and we are just putting a line through his last run,” Clotworthy said. “I can’t fault Interplanetary. He was similar last start to Willydoit, he got back off a slow tempo and it was difficult to make ground. It was hard to get a real line on him as well.” Clotworthy will also be chasing Group 2 glory with Aftermath, who will step up to 3200m for the first time in Saturday’s Auckland Cup. The five-year-old gelding won two consecutive races before finishing 10th in the Group 3 Avondale Cup (2400m) last month, and Clotworthy is confident his charge can see out the two-mile distance. “We are keen to try him over two miles. His pedigree doesn’t quite indicate it (get two miles), but he is a big, lanky type of free-going horse, and he just needs to learn to settle a touch more,” he said. “He got in a lovely position (in the Avondale Cup), he was well ridden, he just probably got a bit keen and got buffered around in the early stages, which made him over-race a touch, and that was the reason he couldn’t quite finish it off. “We just hope he gets a bit smoother run. A little bit more work in him and I think he will be a bit better from that Avondale Cup run. “(Stable apprentice) Ace Lawson-Carroll will be riding him on Saturday and it will be a good opportunity for him, and he gets along with the horse and gets him to settle.” Clotworthy is excited to be chasing some big prizemoney on New Zealand racing’s new marquee day, and said it is a great event for the industry. “It is a huge week in New Zealand racing and it’s all starting to get pretty real now that we are getting close to it,” he said. “The slot has been outstanding, there has been so much hype about that. With these Australian horses coming over it has got a real international flavour to it. There are some great three-year-olds there and everyone is excited about it. It is going to be a phenomenal day.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Southside Racing Pakenham – 420 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3810 When Thursday, March 6, 2025 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Southside Racing will host an eight-race card at Pakenham on Thursday evening, with the first of those events scheduled to jump at 5:45pm AEDT. Warm and dry conditions are forecast throughout the day on Thursday, and the track is expected to remain in the Good 4 rating that was posted at acceptances. The rail will be in the +2m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Pakenham: Kicking King Kicking Kick will drop back in grade and distance after running second in the Listed Tasmanian Derby over 2200m at Hobart. The Thomas Carberry-trained gelding took off from the back of the field mid-race to find the front and lead the field into the home straight before being run over late by Likeakalix. John Allen has retained the ride on the son of Highland Reel, and with good speed expected in this contest, Kicking King can go one better with a similar effort. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Kicking King (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Thomas Carberry | J: John Allen (59kg) Next Best at Pakenham: Skelmorlie Ben, Will & JD Hayes will be hoping Skelmorlie can break her maiden at start four after going very close at Bendigo over 1300m first up for the preparation. The daughter of Needs Further settled at the rear of the field and let down with a blistering turn of foot to finish second in a tight photo finish. The booking of Damian Lane, barrier three and a rise in trip to 1400m are all positives for Skelmorlie, who gets every chance to record her first win in this contest. Next Best Race 4 – #6 Skelmorlie (3) 4yo Mare | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Damian Lane (57.5kg) Best Value at Pakenham: Sharing Moments Sharing Moments was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers when the Scott Cameron-trained filly recorded her second straight placing of her short career at Ballarat. The daughter of Overshare jumped smartly from her barrier to find the front on a solid tempo, but was outsprinted in the final 300m and had to settle for second place. This race appears to lack speed influences, allowing Damian Lane and Sharing Moments to run the race to suit themselves and break through for a deserving win. Best Value Race 1 – #11 Sharing Moments (2) 3yo Filly | T: Scott Cameron | J: Damian Lane (56kg) Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, March 6, 2025 3-6-7-8 2-4-6-7-8 3-7-9 3-4-6-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Joliestar. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The 151st running of the $1.5 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) has attracted a star-studded field of 15 set to scorch the Flemington turf on Saturday afternoon. The Chris Waller-trained Joliestar makes the trip south of Sydney and has been installed as the $4.80 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the event following a luckless first-up effort in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15. The daughter of Zoustar will be partnered by Damian Lane who will go in search of cover after drawing barrier eight for Saturday’s feature handicap. The Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) is considered one of the traditional lead-ups, and the Phillip Stokes-trained Stretan Angel fits that mold after finishing second behind Skybird on February 15. The Harry Angel mare has never missed the frame second-up across four starts and is well respected on the second line of betting at $6.50 with Neds. There are plenty of terrific betting propositions outside of the favoured pair, with $10.00 available with Picklebet for the likes of Growing Empire and Rey Magnerio. Meanwhile, the three-year-olds down towards the bottom of the page in the form of Espionage and Gatsbys are sure to gain plenty of interest at the double-figure odds with the pair set to carry 50kg on their backs respectively. The 2025 Newmarket Handicap is the penultimate race on the Flemington program and is scheduled to get underway at 4:50pm local time. 2025 Newmarket Handicap Field 1. Benedetta (2) T: Jason Warren J: Ben Melham W: 57kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay/Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Whatalovelyday +1000 +260 2. Maharba (1) T: Grahame Begg J: Billy Egan W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Blizzardly +1800 +400 3. Arkansaw Kid (14) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Newitt W: 56kg Age: 4YO Colour: Brown or Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Florabella +1000 +260 4. Buenos Noches (9) T: Ciaron Maher J: John Allen W: 56kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Horse Sire: Supido Dam: Koi +2500 +600 5. Joliestar (8) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 56kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Zoustar Dam: Jolie Bay +360 +100 6. Rey Magnerio (4) T: Robbie Griffiths J: Jye McNeil W: 56kg Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Magnus Dam: Luchardo +850 +220 7. Growing Empire (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Zoustar Dam: Miles of Krishan +750 +200 8. Ostraka (13) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Jamie Mott W: 55.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pariah Dam: Madame Andree +1800 +400 9. Stretan Angel (7) T: Phillip Stokes J: Lachlan Neindorf W: 55.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Sretan +600 +160 10. It’sourtime (6) T: Danny O’Brien J: Craig Williams W: 54kg Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Time for War Dam: Zedoble +2500 +600 11. Sghirripa (10) T: Shane & Cassie Oxlade J: Luke Currie W: 53kg Age: 5YO Colour: Grey-Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Lonhro Dam: Wonder I Do +2500 +600 12. Headwall (3) T: Matthew Smith J: Harry Coffey W: 52.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dream Ahead (USA) Dam: Positive Quest +1700 +400 13. Suparazi (12) T: Ben Brisbourne J: Declan Bates W: 52kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Super One Dam: Arazi Belle +4000 +900 14. Espionage (11) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Dean Yendall W: 50kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Zoustar Dam: In Times of War +1000 +260 15. Gatsby’s (15) T: Chris Waller J: Karis Teetan W: 50kg Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Miss Charming (USA) +1300 +320 Horse racing news View the full article

Another milestone looming for Gerard O’Reilly, the return of the Duchess, the Otago and Southland Awards winners and Addington Raceway’s Owners Night all feature in this week’s News Briefs. One down one to go for O’Reilly Ashburton trainer-driver Gerard O’Reilly is on the brink of achieving two milestones in quick succession. He clocked up his 200th training success when he drove Bettor Be Sharp to a gutsy win in the Woodlands Stud Thanks Buyers Mobile Pace won at Addington last Friday and now sits on 698 as a driver. His 200 training wins have come from 1521 starts with his first winner being Kivalina at Blenheim in 1994. His first driving success was with Yellow Ribbon for his father Patrick O’Reilly Senior in 1982. Stormont out till April, at least James Stormont will be out of action for a while after breaking a leg at his employer Graeme Rogerson’s barn. He was kicked by a young horse. He broke a bone in his leg and damaged the ligaments on the inside of his knee. He’s hoping to be back driving sometime next month. Stormont has had 1305 career wins, putting him 17th in the all time New Zealand list. He’s also had 227 wins as trainer. Trainers urged to buy scanners Trainers are being reminded to buy their own scanners, now that there aren’t any freeze brands. The reminder comes after a recent case of mistaken identity of a horse following a paddock mix up. Scanners are available for less than $100. For more information on microchipping click here House leads trainers’ premiership After producing 17 winners in February, Michael House now has a big lead in the trainers’ premiership. His 32 winners is 18 clear of nearest challengers Robert and Jenna Dunn, and Mark Jones, both on 14. Seven-time champion Blair Orange leads the drivers’ premiership with 38, 14 ahead of Wilson House, with Sam Ottley on 23 and Orange’s son Harrison on 21. $270,000 yearling makes debut An expensive purchase at the 2024 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales, Queen Lizzy has made her public debut. The Captaintreacherous-Princess Tiffany filly, bred by the Whitelocks and purchased at the sales by Mark Jones for $270,000, qualified at Ashburton on February 26. She won the six-horse trial by a nose. The yearling was the top lot at Karaka and was second overall behind the then record price of $340,000 paid for Don’t Stop Dreaming’s full brother. The Duchess is back Reigning 3YO pacing Filly of the Year Duchess Megxit will open her 2025 campaign year when she returns in the Warren Mathieson 60th Birthday Celebration Mobile Pace (7.38pm) at Alexandra Park on Friday. The multiple Group 1 winning daughter of Sweet Lou finished last year on a high and has now won 12 from 18 lifetime starts. Among her targets this year will be the $1m The Race by betcha on Cambridge’s Night of Champions on April 4. More wins for Empire City and Captains Mistress The Williamson family has been all over the Otago and Southland Harness racing awards held over the weekend. After four wins in 2024, the multiple Group-winning Empire City took out Otago Horse of the Year for owners Peter and Janet Argus. Trained by Phil Williamson, Empire City was also second in the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Derby. Son Matthew Williamson was named trainer and driver of the year in Otago as was his brother Nathan Williamson in Southland. His star two-year-old Captains Mistress was also named Southland Horse of the Year after winning four races in 2024, including the Group 1 Sires’ Stakes Fillies Championship. OnTrack looking for champions Racing’s mental well being and suicide prevention programme, OnTrack, is holding its next Champions course in Christchurch on March 27. The Champions is programme is designed to empower and educate those in the racing industry to support mental well-being in their communities. Anyone interested in becoming a Champion should contact james@ontrack.org.nz For more information click here Aussies – no surprises It will come as a surprise to no-one but dual New Zealand Cup Swayzee has been named 2024 New South Wales Horse of the year. He had seven wins in 10 starts during the year with earnings just under $1m. His regular pilot Cameron Hart was named Driver of the Year. Swayzee will next line up in Saturday’s Miracle Mile in Sydney after another dominant win in the qualifying heats at Menangle last weekend. 551 starts and still not finished The legend that is Lancelot Bromac is back in work. The 14-year-old was “retired” after running ninth at Albion Park in Brisbane in October. He had had a record 551 starts with 34 victories. Now he will return to the racetrack. “You put him in the paddock and all he wanted to do was walk up and down the fences, he would run amuck,” says trainer and part-owner Stewart Dickson. Club News : Addington Addington Raceway will be hosting its annual Owners Night on Friday, March 28. The function starts at 5pm. For more information click here Club News : Northern Southland The Northern Southland Trotting Club hold their final meeting of the 2024/2025 season at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill this Saturday (8 March). Top quality harness racing is the order of the day with several feature races on the programme including the $40,000 Group 3 Caduceus Club Of Southland/Alabar Fillies Classic, the Night n Day/Tip Top Ice Cream Autumn Cup, the Mark Jones Racing Stables/Gordon Sutherland Memorial Handicap Trot, the second heat of the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes and the Ascot Four Square Stella Frost Stakes. . Admission at the gate is free while the club offers a great day of value with their $50 Gold Card which allows access to the Top Of The Park with superb viewing plus food and beverage throughout the day. The first race is timed to start at 12.20pm and owners are welcome in the Alabar Owners Room on the first floor of the main grandstand where they can enjoy hospitality throughout the day. Kidz Kartz will be on track with a race early on the day as well. Head to the Northern Southland Trotting Club facebook page for more information on a great day of action. View the full article

Another Wil defeated Mr Brightside in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) The Group 1 All Star Mile (1600m) may have only attracted a field of seven runners at Flemington on Saturday afternoon, but it will feature another meeting between Mr Brightside (+130) and Another Wil (+230), who finished first and second in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield last start. On that day, the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding got the better of Mr Brightside, finishing over the top of his rival to claim an emotional win for connections of the five-year-old rising star. However, since that defeat, Mr B returned to Caulfield to claim his ninth Group 1 success of his illustrious career by defending his Futurity Stakes title. Tom Kitten (+450), who finished an unlucky second place behind Mr Brightside, will attempt to turn the tables from last start when he heads to Flemington second up. The James Cummings-trained gelding looks like the obvious threat to the top two, as he is expected to enjoy getting out to 1600m and the bigger track at headquarters. Atishu (+750) from the Chris Waller stable will be the only runner heading down from Sydney to contest the All Star Mile, following her seventh-place finish in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes. The daughter of Savabeel owns a formidable record at Flemington, recording a victory in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes and a second-place finish behind Cox Plate winner Via Sistina in the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes in her last two starts. The All Star Mile will be race seven on the Flemington program and is scheduled to jump at 3:30pm AEDT. 2025 All Star Mile Final Field 1. Mr Brightside (5) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Williams W: 59kg Age: 7YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Bullbars Dam: Lilahjay (NZ) +130 -222.22 2. Tom Kitten (4) T: James Cummings J: Ben Melham W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Transfers +450 +150 3. Light Infantry Man (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ethan Brown W: 59kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Fast Company (IRE) Dam: Lights On Me (GB) +1100 +360 4. Another Wil (1) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Melham W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Arohanui +230 -133.33 5. Flying Trapeze (3) T: Gary Portelli J: Billy Egan W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Horse Sire: Trapeze Artist Dam: Coromandel +8000 +2700 6. Rise at Dawn (2) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Kay’s Awake (NZ) +1100 +360 7. Atishu (7) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 57kg Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Posy (NZ) +750 +240 Horse racing news View the full article

Canterbury Stakes contender, Magic Time. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) is the second of back-to-back Group 1 features at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with the $750,000 prize attracting a quality field of 12. The top of the market can’t be split by horse racing betting sites, with the trio of Switzerland, Magic Time and Sunshine In Paris all installed as equal $4.60 favourites. It will be left in punters hands to decide what form-lines to follow, with two of the three favoured runners last-start winners. Magic Time returned an impressive winner of the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15, while Sunshine In Paris bloused her rivals in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at the end of last preparation. Meanwhile, the Chris Waller-trained Switzerland returns to Sydney and will be looking to bounce back after a lacklustre performance in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 15. The Bjorn Baker-trained Stefi Magnetica isn’t far away at the $6.00 with BlondeBet as she returns after a 119-day spell, while Here To Shock returns to Australia after tasting Group 1 success across the ditch. Double-figure odds are available about every other runner with Dabble, including two-time Group 1 winning colt Ceolwulf ($11.00) who heads into this contest second-up after missing last Saturday’s Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m). The chances don’t end there, however, with the pair of Militarize and Royal Patronage representing terrific each-way value at the $15.00 apiece The 2025 Canterbury Stakes is the eighth race on the Randwick program and is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm AEDT. 2025 Canterbury Stakes Final Field 1. Ceolwulf (1) T: Joseph Pride J: Adam Hyeronimus W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Las Brisas (GB) +900 +200 2. Here to Shock (2) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Nash Rawiller W: 59kg Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Shocking Dam: Frescoes +800 +180 3. Airman (4) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Zara Bay +6000 +1100 4. Militarize (5) T: Chris Waller J: Tommy Berry W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Amerindia (GB) +1600 +340 5. Pericles (10) T: James Cummings J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Accessories (GB) +2500 +500 6. Royal Patronage (11) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 59kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Shaloushka (IRE) +1600 +340 7. Celestial Legend (8) T: Les Bridge J: Jason Collett W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Grey-Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Sarraqa +2500 +500 8. Encap (3) T: Gary Portelli J: Ms Rachel King W: 59kg Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Capitalist Dam: Enquare +8000 +1500 9. Sunshine In Paris (12) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Chad Schofield W: 57kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Invader Dam: Zenaida (NZ) +400 -105.26 10. Magic Time (6) T: Grahame Begg J: Jordan Childs W: 57kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Time Awaits +320 -133.33 11. Stefi Magnetica (7) T: Bjorn Baker J: Zac Lloyd W: 57kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: All Too Hard Dam: Mid Summer Music +550 +130 12. Switzerland (9) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 56kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Ms Bad Behavior (CAN) +400 -105.26 Horse racing news View the full article

Broadsiding cruised to victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The time-honoured Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) headlines the action at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of nine set to line up in the $1 million three-year-old feature. It is no surprise the James Cummings-trained Broadsiding heads the market as $1.60 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, with the son of Too Darn Hot producing a dominant first-up victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 22. Seven of the nine runners engaged come through the same form-line and will be attempting to turn the tables on the Godolphin colt as James McDonald gets legged aboard from barrier four. Swiftfalcon ($4.60) is the second market elect and the best backed runner to overcome his first-up defeat, with Tyler Schiller likely to gain a more economical run from gate five. Aeliana is the only filly in the race and is on the third line of betting at $6.00 with Neds after closing off impressively in the 2025 Hobartville Stakes. The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) runner-up will be piloted by Jason Collett and has drawn well in barrier three. Zac Lloyd will partner Linebacker ($8.00) for the first time, and the Super Seth gelding should get favourable wet conditions, with significant rainfall forecast leading into the weekend. Bevan Laming and Martin Harley will combine with Queensland raider Our Benefactor ($26.00) who brings a differing form-line and is searching for a fourth-straight victory, however, the son of Contributor will need to do it the hard way drawn out in barrier nine. The 2025 Randwick Guineas is the first leg of the quaddie on Saturday and is scheduled to get underway at 3:50pm local time. 2025 Randwick Guineas Final Field 1. Broadsiding (4) T: James Cummings J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Speedway -166.67 -1666.67 2. Swiftfalcon (5) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Exceedance Dam: Tempting Delight +360 -285.71 3. Linebacker (6) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Super Seth Dam: Garden of Swans (GB) +700 -133.33 4. China Sea (2) T: John Sargent J: Tim Clark W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Rippled (GB) +10000 +900 5. Firm Agreement (1) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Tom Sherry W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Yes Yes Yes Dam: Money Magic +5000 +500 6. Depth of Character (8) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Joshua Parr W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Deep Field Dam: Caricature (NZ) +5000 +500 7. Our Benefactor (9) T: Bevan Laming J: Martin Harley W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Contributer (IRE) Dam: Madonna Mia (NZ) +2500 +250 8. Tenbury Wells (7) T: Brad Widdup J: W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Dowager Queen (NZ) +15000 +1400 9. Aeliana (3) T: Chris Waller J: Jason Collett W: 54.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Castelvecchio Dam: Temolie +500 -200 Horse racing news View the full article

The Fasig-Tipton Digital Soul of an Angel Flash Sale, a one-horse online auction of Eclipse champion female sprinter Soul of an Angel closed March 4 with a record result of $2.6 million. She was purchased by Chatsworth Stud, Australia. View the full article

Following an eight-month hiatus, the Mucho Macho Man gelding returned in January for the listed Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint Stakes, finishing sixth.View the full article

Nic's Style looks to secure her first graded stakes win in the $165,000 Hurricane Bertie Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park, March 8. The 5-year-old daughter of Uncaptured takes on a field of six fillies and mares in the six and a half furlong sprint. View the full article

Reigning Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter Soul of an Angel (Atreides–Factor One, by The Factor) set a new record price for the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform Tuesday, selling to Australia's Chatsworth Stud for $2.6 million in a one-horse flash sale. Winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in November, Soul of an Angel was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Throughout the sale, Soul of an Angel remained at her current base of Gulfstream Park in Florida. “Soul of an Angel took us to the pinnacle of horse racing in the Breeders' Cup, so it was a bit bittersweet letting her go,” said co-owner Mark Cornett. “We are thrilled with the result and wish the new owners the best of luck with her.” The $2.6-million sale is the highest to date on Fasig-Tipton's Digital platform, which launched in March of 2022. “We are extremely thankful to owners Mark Cornett of C2 Racing, Mark Martinez of Agave Racing, and Ken T. Reimer, along with Taylor Made Sales for entrusting Fasig-Tipton Digital with their Champion,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “It was an honor to have a horse with the accolades of Soul of an Angel on the platform.” Fasig-Tipton Digital's next sale is the March Digital Sale, which is scheduled Mar. 13-18. The post At $2.6 Million, Soul of an Angel Sets New Fasig-Tipton Digital Record appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lightly-raced Tavistock five-year-old Henry Robin (NZ) (Tavistock) is set to make his New Zealand debut at Te Aroha on Friday when he contests the Ecolab 1600. Bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, Henry Robin was offered through Woburn Farm’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, for $440,000. He was broken in by Cambridge trainers Maxim and Samantha Van Lierde before heading across the Tasman where he had five starts for Ben, Will and JD Hayes, including a victory over 2520m at Cranbourne in January last year. The gelding has been plagued by injury and returned to the care of the Van Lierdes last year, for whom he is set to make his New Zealand debut this week. “It will be quite sentimental, having broken him in,” Maxim Van Lierde said. “Henrieta, the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, is a very good friend of ours and we break in a few of her young horses, and we have been fortunate enough to train a couple as well. “We broke him (Henry Robin) in and did all of his education and then he went off to Australia. He has had a fair bit of misfortune with injury over the years, so he has been back and forward to us just to do a bit of spelling and get him up to speed again. “He predominately did his racing with Lindsay Park in Australia, and he won over 2500m over there. The boys did a phenomenal job with him, but he ended coming back through injury. “He has had a long injury layoff, we have trialled him twice since and then he wasn’t quite right, so we turned him out again and now we have got him back up this time. “George Rooke galloped him this (Tuesday) morning at Cambridge and gave him the tick of approval, he was very happy with him.” Henry Robin will be having his first start in more than 12 months and his conditioners are pleased with him ahead of his resuming run, with the mile distance and inside barrier of two being their only concern. “The distance will be far short of his best,” Van Lierde said. “He has won over 2500m but on the big, roomy track at Te Aroha, if he is finding the line and running on well, we will be very happy. “He is probably best drawn out. Being a Tavistock, he wants a bit of racing room, he is quite a big horse. We will certainly be telling Masa (Hashizume, jockey) to get off the fence when he can and give him some clear air.” Meanwhile, Van Lierde will be keeping a close eye on the weather in Taranaki this week, with stablemate Slippery (NZ) (Keano) set to contest the rating 65 1000m at New Plymouth on Saturday. “Slippery is a new acquisition to the stable and we are excited by him,” Van Lierde said. “He has shown that he is more adept on softer tracks, so we are on weather watch with him. If it is too firm, we may just save him for when the rain comes, but we have been very happy with the way he has been working.” View the full article

The week didn’t get off to the best start for South Auckland horseman Shaun Clotworthy, with his NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot holder syndicate having to replace their initial representative Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High), but he is hoping the rest of the week goes more to script. Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing have chosen fellow Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Zormella (NZ) (Almanzor) as their replacement in the $3.5 million feature, and while Clotworthy is excited about her prospects in the race, he has a number of his own team he is hoping will feature prominently on Champions Day at Ellerslie this weekend. Clotworthy, who trains in partnership with his wife Emma, are set to have a two-pronged attack in the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) with Interplanetary and Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino), the latter currently sharing $4 equal favouritism with Australian raider Thedoctoroflove. Willydoit was a $1.50 beaten favourite in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) last month, which was taken out by Thedoctoroflove, with Interplanetary finishing towards the tail end of the field. Clotworthy has ruled a line through the race for both of his runners and is expecting better showings in this weekend’s assignment. “We think Willydoit is in good space, we are happy with his condition, and we are just putting a line through his last run,” Clotworthy said. “I can’t fault Interplanetary. He was similar last start to Willydoit, he got back off a slow tempo and it was difficult to make ground. It was hard to get a real line on him as well.” Clotworthy will also be chasing Group Two glory with Aftermath (NZ) (Rock N Pop), who will step up to 3200m for the first time in Saturday’s Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup. The five-year-old gelding won two consecutive races before finishing 10th in the Gr.3 Avondale Cup (2400m) last month, and Clotworthy is confident his charge can see out the two-mile distance. “We are keen to try him over two miles. His pedigree doesn’t quite indicate it (get two miles), but he is a big, lanky type of free-going horse, and he just needs to learn to settle a touch more,” he said. “He got in a lovely position (in the Avondale Cup), he was well ridden, he just probably got a bit keen and got buffered around in the early stages, which made him over-race a touch, and that was the reason he couldn’t quite finish it off. “We just hope he gets a bit smoother run. A little bit more work in him and I think he will be a bit better from that Avondale Cup run. “(Stable apprentice) Ace Lawson-Carroll will be riding him on Saturday and it will be a good opportunity for him, and he gets along with the horse and gets him to settle.” Clotworthy is excited to be chasing some big prizemoney on New Zealand racing’s new marquee day, and said it is a great event for the industry. “It is a huge week in New Zealand racing and it’s all starting to get pretty real now that we are getting close to it,” he said. “The slot has been outstanding, there has been so much hype about that. With these Australian horses coming over it has got a real international flavour to it. There are some great three-year-olds there and everyone is excited about it. It is going to be a phenomenal day.” View the full article