Wandering Eyes

Gun three-year-old Savaglee will likely head to the spelling paddock following his heroic runner-up performance behind fellow Kiwi-bred Feroce in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington. Racing in The Oaks Stud’s familiar colours, Savaglee has been a standout in his three-year-old term for trainer Pam Gerard, winning the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and placing in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) prior to Saturday’s result. While he was unable to get the chocolates at Flemington, The Oaks Stud General Manager Rick Williams was rapt with his performance and said it indicates the best is yet to come from the Savabeel colt. “It was terrific,” he said. “It was quite a significant lift on his run at Te Rapa (in the BCD Group Sprint). As Mick Dee (jockey) said, he is right up to Group One form, he was just a bit on the steel early and that cost him in the last 100m. That is just practice and experience at that level. “I am very happy with him. He is a very sound horse. I think he is still a bit of a baby and is improving, like most Savabeels, the good ones get better with each year. I think he has still got his best races in front of him. “It (Saturday’s result) has only added to his value, the way that the media and the people that I respect are talking about his performance. He is right up there with the best three-year-olds over here (Australia) and another day, another way, he might have won. “I think a very good horse (Feroce) has beaten him and a horse that you will see more of as they go deeper into the autumn.” Nominated for Saturday’s Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington, Williams said Savaglee would more than likely take his place on a mid-week flight back to New Zealand and enjoy some time in the paddock. “I put a nom in as an afterthought (for the All-Star Mile),” Williams said. “We will see what the ratings are like, he has bounced through the race incredibly well. “I haven’t had a talk with Pam, but at this stage he is booked to come home on Wednesday and that will be the end of his three-year-old season, and that is more than likely what is going to happen. We will just watch the noms and see what happens over the next 24-hours to make a final decision.” Meanwhile, The Oaks Stud filly Alaskan will press on to the $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) later this month following Sunday’s unplaced run in the Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Trentham. “She got in an awkward position back and then went for the run at the top of the straight and got shut right out, so it was a non-event,” Williams said of the Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained filly. “If she has bounced through the race, I am still very keen to go through to the Oaks now.” While The Oaks Stud has plenty to look forward to with Savaglee and Alaskan, the racing career of fellow promising three-year-old Cypher has likely ended. The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained filly was set to line-up on Champions Day at Ellerslie this weekend but has been ruled out after she was injured in a track incident. “I am pretty certain she won’t be able to race again,” Williams said. View the full article

Goodwood Stud has downsized its thoroughbred operation in more recent times, but the Manawatu farm remains a breeding force to be reckoned with. Its latest high-profile graduate is the Per Incanto mare Marble Arch, a hollow last-start winner of Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained five-year-old’s victory also earned her a golden ticket into this weekend’s Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m), should Lindsay Park take the option of backing her up. “It’s exciting and that would be her toughest task, but she was pretty impressive on Saturday,” Goodwood’s William Fell said. “We haven’t bred a nice horse up to that level for a little while, so it’s nice to see one come off the farm.” Marble Arch was offered via the gavelhouse.com platform in 2020 and was knocked down for $3100 while her dam Jonquil was sold for $800 as part of a downsizing approach. Ill-fated multiple Group One winner Gingernuts and his dam Double Elle were also significant past sales. “We had a lot of horses on the farm, and it probably took a good five or six years to get down to a more manageable level and more commercial viability,” Fell said. “It was a process to move on mares and weanlings and from that point we have concentrated on building up the quality. “It’s inevitable when you downsize that something will pop up and it would be nice to have a crystal ball, but these things happen. “Peter Wood bought Marble Arch and he’s a local guy whose been involved in the industry for a long time and Margaret Cartwright bought the mare and bred the winner Black Opium. “Someone else benefits and we’re very happy for them.” Marble Arch subsequently finished third on debut at Wanganui from Wayne Marshment’s stable before her sale to Lindsay Park and partners. Goodwood is now operating with a small broodmare band along with client mares and yearlings. “It works pretty well for us and with about six to 10 mares and Rosie and I can manage that pretty easily,” said Fell, referring to his wife (nee Myers). “We still have stallions shares, Little Avondale is handy, and we’ve had some luck with Sam (Williams) so Per Incanto and Little Brose are the main two and it’s a good model for us.” Goodwood also has a handful of horses in training, including home-bred Great Escape who is prepared by Rosie and was third when recently resuming at Waverley. “She looks like she should have a pretty handy preparation,” Fell said. View the full article

What Kembla Grange Races Where Kembla Grange Racecourse – Princes Hwy, Kembla Grange NSW 2530 When Tuesday, March 4, 2025 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing returns to Kembla Grange Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon, with a competitive seven-part program set for decision at the Illawarra Turf Club. The rail moves out +8m between the 1100m marker to winning post, while the remainder stays out +6m the rest of the way around. Overcast conditions leading into race-day could mean a downgrade from the Good 4 surface listed at the time of acceptances, with the opening event scheduled to get underway at 1:50pm local time. Best Bet at Kembla Grange: Love The Cube Love The Cube was savaging the line first-up over 900m at Goulburn on February 1, with the son of Rubick just running out of time. He was only beaten by a half-length on that occasion and appears to have returned in supreme order, with the winless four-year-old set to peak stepping out to the 1000m second-up. Jay Ford should land in the one-one from barrier two, and provided he can show a similar turn-of-speed sitting closer in the run, Love The Cube must be considered the one to beat in the opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Love The Cube (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Blake Ryan | J: Jay Ford (59kg) Next Best at Kembla Grange: Faceoff Faceoff failed to bother the judge across his two starts last preparation; however, he showed glimpses of being an ultra-progressive type. He caught the eye in his latest effort at this course and distance on August 17 before heading to the paddock, and the Russian Revolution gelding looks primed to strike based on his recent barrier trial at Warwick Farm on January 20. Alysha Collett gets the gun run in transit from stall two, and with an even tempo to sprint off, expect Faceoff to be flashing home late at a good price with BlondeBet. Next Best Race 2 – #2 Faceoff (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Bryce Heys | J: Alysha Collett (58.5kg) Best Value at Kembla Grange: Threatening Threatening represents terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers after a strong first-up effort at Wyong on February 13. The son of Shamus Award was always going to find the 1100m too sharp first-up but never shirked the task, closing to within three lengths of Mogul Monarch. He runs into another smart one in the form of Written Scandal; however, with a hot tempo engaged here, watch for Threatening to be storming down the heart of the course to cause a minor upset in the second leg of the quaddie. Best Value Race 5 – #3 Threatening (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Jay Ford (59kg) Tuesday quaddie tips for Kembla Grange Kembla Grange quadrella selections March 4, 2025 1-2-5-7 2-3-7 2-4-6-8 1-3-4-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Feroce ridden by Billy Egan winning the Group 1 Australian Guineas. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Dom Sutton has stated that the possibility of backing up Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) winner Feroce in Saturday’s Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) is still being considered. Feroce, the son of Super Seth, earned an automatic spot in the $2.5 million race after his impressive win over the weekend, which also marked Sutton’s first Group 1 victory. “I had him out in the day yards this morning (Sunday) and actually had to bring him in because he was bucking and rearing and carrying on, so he had to go straight back in his box. But he’s very bright,” Sutton told Racing.com. “We won’t make any decisions on whether we back him up probably until Tuesday; we’ll just give him all the time that he needs. “My gut was always to head to the Rosehill Guineas and get him out over 2000 metres, but now we know he hates soft ground that’s going to put a hold on that. “Sydney gets very wet this time of year, so we haven’t made any set plans.” While not making a final decision on the three-year-old’s next step, Sutton also noted that the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 29 is on the radar. Horse racing news View the full article

Joliestar. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Chris Waller is hoping for a bit of luck when Joliestar lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington. The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m)-winning filly returns to Victoria for the first time since her Group 1 success in November 2023, with Waller targeting the straight-track sprint to break a run of unlucky performances. “She just needs a bit of confidence and a bit of luck, so we thought bringing her down to Flemington to run in the Newmarket would be a good idea,” Waller said. “She is certainly good enough in our opinion. Obviously, it’s a different style of racing, but one that she should adapt to.” Joliestar resumed with a third-place finish in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) after being posted wide and was unlucky in her last two runs during the spring, finishing seventh in both The Everest (1200m) and the Golden Eagle (1500m). By Zoustar, who won the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) down the Flemington straight, the four-year-old mare had a familiarisation gallop at the track last Friday with Damian Lane in the saddle. “We love to give our horses an experience down the straight because there are so many great races here at Flemington or even overseas if we want to travel,” Waller said. Joliestar will be joined in the Newmarket by stablemate Gatsby’s, with the three-year-old being scratched from last Saturday’s $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m) to be saved for the Group 1. Horse racing news View the full article

Group 1 Epsom Handicap winner, Ceolwulf. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Joe Pride expressed disappointment over Ceolwulf missing a run in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Randwick last Saturday. The four-year-old is now likely to target the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) to boost his fitness ahead of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). Already a two-time Group 1 winner, Ceolwulf was expected to face Via Sistina and Fangirl again after their first-up performances in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), where Ceolwulf finished fourth. However, a minor setback prevented him from racing. “We couldn’t go around this time,” said Pride. “We had him ready to go in a Group 1 and you want to run them but it was one of those 50-50 calls on Friday and I just wasn’t happy enough on race morning.” Ceolwulf suffered an abrasion to the off-hind cannon during Friday’s trackwork. “It wasn’t too bad but it wasn’t worth the risk,” Pride explained. “We’re still on track to go to the Queen Elizabeth as our main aim, but it might be now that we run in the Doncaster as he needs a bit of racing to get there. “Where he was probably a less than 50 per cent chance to go to the Doncaster, he’s now a better chance of going there.” Ceolwulf will next race in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick this Saturday, followed by the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 22, where he is likely to meet Fangirl again. The Doncaster Mile will be held on April 5 at Randwick. Horse racing news View the full article

Goldrush Guru ridden by Jamie Kah wins the Penfolds Victoria Derby at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) The Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) is next on the agenda for Goldrush Guru following the colt’s strong showing in the Australian Guineas on Saturday. The winner of last spring’s Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) powered home to finish third behind Feroce and Savaglee, and is now set to step up in distance. “I thought he performed quite well,” trainer Andrew Gluyas told Racing.com about the Flemington performance. “We’re excited for him moving up in distance, but yesterday’s run was excellent and sets the tone for the next few runs. “He was very competitive, he just sort of had the door shut on him at the top of the straight as he was trying to angle off the eventual winner, and he hit the line super.” The Adelaide-based trainer confirmed the focus will now shift to Sydney targets, with the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 5 also in his sights. “We’ll take him to the Rosehill Guineas,” he said. “He was good this morning. I’m quite happy with the way he recovered.” Goldrush Guru is currently a $6 chance for the Rosehill Guineas with horse racing betting sites. Horse racing news View the full article

After acting up in the gate ahead of the Sunland Park Oaks, a happier Maysam appeared at Santa Anita Park March 2 and earned a hard-fought victory in the $98,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3).View the full article

Brenton Avdulla jubilates after Rubylot’s stunning win. Photo: HKJC Brenton Avdulla continued a blossoming season by dominating at Sha Tin on Sunday, crowning a stellar display with victory in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on David Hayes-trained Rubylot before piloting emerging HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) hopeful Enthralled to an important triumph. Avdulla, 34, moved into third place in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with 29 wins behind injured Zac Purton (84) and Hugh Bowman (42) after taking riding honours with three successive wins after also striking with Young Champion for John Size. “Nice day. I had four rides, I thought three of them were good, competitive rides and they’re the three that have lobbed. They all had nice runs in transit, got the job done,” Avdulla said. “Hayesey’ had the horse (Rubylot) spot on. He had a nice run through and I was confident at the 250 (metres) he was going to get the job done. I’ve got no doubt if he drew a gate in the (Hong Kong Classic Mile) he would have gone very close (to winning). “I was just back in No Man’s Land and he still ran on well, so I was confident enough to stick with him to come to 1800m. I thought the draw (barrier eight) was a little bit tricky again (today) and, ideally, I would have been a bit closer but it just didn’t look any good after 50 (metres), so I just rode him quiet and my only decision was whether I go inside Mickley or around him. “I just felt I was going good enough to get Mickley out of the way when I cornered and to his credit the horse found the line really well.” Crowning a glorious eight days, David Hayes immediately set sights on the Hong Kong Derby with Rubylot on March 23, when the Australian horseman will attempt to win the Classic for a second time. Leading the 2024/25 Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 35 wins, Hayes last Sunday (February 23) saddled HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) victor Ka Ying Rising before claiming the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge at Happy Valley on Wednesday (February 26) with Soleil Fighter and then striking on Sunday afternoon with Rubylot. Rubylot steamed from the tail of the field at the 400m to overhaul Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner My Wish and score by three quarters of length in 1:06.29, with fast-finishing Johannes Brahms (Karis Teetan) half a length further back in third. In clinching the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, Rubylot improved his record to six wins and eight placings from 18 starts for his owners, the HK Football Club Horse Racing Syndicate, while taking his earnings to HK$15.5 million. Settling second last, Rubylot tracked Mickley (Ryan Moore) into the straight before angling into the clear and accelerating powerfully with a race-best 22.30s final 400m sectional to quickly settle the contest and atone for a luckless sixth in the Hong Kong Classic Mile. 2025 Hong Kong Classic Cup Replay – Rubylot https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sha-Tin-2025-Hong-Kong-Classic-Gold-Cup-02032025-Rubylot-David-Hayes-Brenton-Avdulla.mp4 Dual Hong Kong champion trainer Hayes last won the BMW Hong Kong Derby in 2003 with Elegant Fashion, who was the first filly to triumph in Hong Kong’s most coveted race since Corvette in 1976. “It would be very nice (to win another Hong Kong Derby Derby). It’s been a long time. It’s one of the races everyone in Hong Kong wants to win,” Hayes said. “To my eye, he (Rubylot) was the strongest late and that’s a good sign stepping up to the 2000m. Being a Rubick you were always concerned, but he’s out of a Dubawi mare and stoutly-bred on the dam side. “You always look at this race (Hong Kong Classic Cup) to find the closers and that’s a good pointer to the Derby. I don’t think anyone ran home faster than him today. It was a brilliant sectional.” A two-time winner in England for Sir Michael Stoute, Size-trained Enthralled showcased his staying potential with a last-to-first win to earn a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million and impressing Avdulla. “I actually said to John after I first rode him that if you had another two months up your sleeve, he’d be one of the live chances in the Derby,” Avdulla said. “So, he’s had to get him there quickly. It’s not often you see John give them only a couple of trials and then run them in a mile. “I think he’s a good quality horse and if he makes his way into the Derby field, he’ll be a live hope for sure.” Size joined Hayes and Ricky Yiu in scoring a double with Young Champion’s impressive display before James McDonald completed a brace with victory on Dennis Yip’s Fast Network. McDonald opened his account on Lucky Fionn for Yiu, who also combined successfully with James Orman and The Concentration. Orman was elated after notching his first Sha Tin victory – four days after the Queenslander posted his first win at Happy Valley on Yiu-trained Charming Babe on Wednesday. “It’s pretty surreal, I’m still pinching myself from Wednesday to be honest with you,” Orman said after notching his second win from only six rides. “To be honest, I was pretty confident with this horse today because I know he’s only won one from 17 but he was one of the first horses I trialled when I got here and he trialled up really good against horses higher in the ratings. “I galloped him on Thursday and I thought he would be really hard to beat. I was always going to get a good run from that alley (barrier two) and I got a good run through today.” Justifying made a striking debut for Caspar Fownes when the three-year-old surged to a 3.75-length win under Luke Ferraris. “He’s a very fast horse and he’s got a long way to go because he’s still quite mature. I gave him two trials and normally I’d give them a few more but he looked to be ready to come to the races. He’s a pretty straightforward horse, he showed a lot of speed and I think he’s quite exciting,” Fownes said of the Justify gelding. Britney Wong slotted her 10th win of the season with Hayes-trained Ariel’s triumph before Blake Shinn and Benno Yung combined with well-backed Ballistic Win as Ellis Wong piloted Danny Shum’s Shanghai Style to victory. Horse racing news View the full article

11th-Gulfstream, $70,840, Msw, 3-2, 3yo, 1 1/8mT, 1:47.55, fm, neck. BULLDOZE (c, 3, Nyquist–Riley's Choice {SW, $172,838}, by Distorted Humor), fourth going a furlong shorter in his Jan. 25 unveiling, was sent off the 3-2 favorite in this second outing. The chestnut colt angled to the rail and settled well off the pace. He inched closer down the backstretch and, shadowing the move of Fateful Lightning (Tapit), tipped to the center of course at the top of the lane. That first-time starter surged to the lead with a sixteenth to run, but Bulldoze was closing powerfully to just get a neck in front on the wire. The winner, a $260,000 KEESEP yearling, is out of stakes-winner Riley's Choice, a daughter of GI Breeders' Cup F/M Turf winner Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect) and a half-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Sharing (Speightstown). Riley's Choice has a 2-year-old filly by Street Sense who sold for $50,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale, and a yearling filly by Not This Time. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $44,800. O-Repole Stable; B-Upson Downs Farm & Louie W. Wright (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. #9 BULLDOZE ($5.00) and @iradortiz take the clear route on the outside to break his maiden in Race 11 at @GulfstreamPark for @PletcherRacing and @RepoleStable. Another winner by @DarleyAmerica's Nyquist. pic.twitter.com/hGJfB7zIvP — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 2, 2025 The post Nyquist’s Bulldoze Mows Them Down to Graduate at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-Santa Anita, $65,000, Msw, 3-2, 3yo, 6fT, 1:09.17, fm, 3 1/2 lengths. STRATE CASH (c, 3, Tiz the Law–Conquest Strate Up {SW, $192,984}, by Not Bourbon) was well-received by the betting public on the back of a bullet work Feb. 22 before this unveiling, and was sent off here as the 2-5 favorite. Breaking outwardly and forced to chase from fourth as Cajun Gold (Cajun Breeze) stepped out to set a pressured tempo, Strate Cash was four off the fence behind :22.46 and :45.46 opening splits. Rolling to the outside of the leaders entering the lane, he nailed the pacesetter outside the eighth pole and drew away to win by 3 1/2 lengths as Cajun Gold successfully turned away Going Viral (Into Mischief) to hold on for second. The victor is a half-brother to Classical Cat (Mendelssohn), SW, $166,300 and one other winner. Their dam, who hails from the immediate female family of the great Curlin (Smart Strike), is a stakes winning half-sister to the dam of MSW Cactus Joe (Cactus Ridge). The mare has a juvenile full-sister to Strate Cash named Sadie Earp as well as a yearling half-brother by Epicenter to her credit. She is due back to the latter stallion for 2025. This is the extended family of MGSP Miracle (Mendelssohn) and MGSW & G1SP-Jpn Red Spada (Jpn) (Taiki Shuttle). Sales history: $100,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $39,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-JKX Racing; B-Pippa's Hurricane LLC (KY); T-Richard Baltas. The post Tiz the Law’s Strate Cash Kicks Home Strongest in Santa Anita Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leica Lucy leaves the field in her wake winning Sunday’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Leica Lucy displayed exactly why she is the overwhelming favourite for the upcoming $1 million Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) with a fourth-straight Group victory in Sunday’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m). An unstoppable force out of the Central Districts, Leica Lucy was a winner on debut and Robbie Patterson, who trains her out of New Plymouth, stamped her as an Oaks filly from that moment forward. After a narrow second to Wingman at the following start, Leica Lucy has not been beaten since, dominating her way through the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) and Group 2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). There was little doubt from punters that she would continuing her winning stampede in the Oaks dress rehearsal, shortening from an opening quote of $1.50 into $1.22 with horse racing betting sites, with her closest rival Connello closing at $10. After getting on-toe in the parade, Leica Lucy was a consummate professional at the barriers and jumped away positively, with regular rider Craig Grylls holding his position on the inside to land on the rail trailing the leader in Prestissimo. A moderate tempo quickened as the field neared the home turn and Leica Lucy was travelling like the winner a long way out, and when Grylls let her go at the 250m, it was game over, the filly charging clear to score by an extending 3.5 lengths to an honest Myakkabelle. Other meritorious runs with the upcoming Oaks in consideration came from third and fourth placegetters Dubai Gold and Thrilling. 2025 Group 2 Lowland Stakes Replay – Leica Lucy https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trentham-2025-Group-2-Lowland-Stakes-02032025-Leica-Lucy-Robbie-Patterson-Craig-Grylls.mp4 Grylls had already steered home One Bold Gigolo for Patterson earlier in the meeting, and when it comes to Leica Lucy, he has the upmost praise for the filly. “I didn’t have to use her as such (at the start), but just dig to hold my spot because they were going to rush around,” he said. “As you’ve seen before the race, she got quite worked up today, but as soon as she jumped out of the barriers, she comes straight back to you and switches off. I was able to get off (the rail) and she’s improving all the time, that was even better than last time. “She does it without really being asked too, I was pretty soft on her but she just loves it and runs through the line.” While Patterson has trained the likes of Coventina Bay, Puntura and One Bold Cat to top-flight victories in recent years, he holds Leica Lucy in the highest regard as the best horse to come out of his successful operation. “She’s not even screwed down yet, she’s an unbelievable horse and I’ve never had one like it,” he said. “I think she’ll be screwed down in three weeks’ time, that’s been the goal since the day she won her first start and I’m looking forward to that. “We all know she’s going to Chris Waller’s, and you know what, Caulfield Cup maybe next year, or the Queensland Oaks this year, she is the real deal.” The Oaks will be Leica Lucy’s final appearance for Patterson before she heads across the Tasman to join the Waller powerhouse, with the million-dollar feature being run back on the champagne turf on March 22. “I can’t plod her along, I’ve purposely left her a little bit fresh and I know I can’t leave her too fresh, because you can’t win an Oaks behaving like that,” Patterson said. “I’ll tighten up the screws a little bit on her, but even if I stuff up, she makes up for it on her ability.” Horse racing news View the full article

Godolphin's Sovereignty, who surged from last to first to capture the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park March 1, met his connections' expectations and then some while emerging as an exciting Triple Crown prospect.View the full article

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced the 2024 finalists for various horsemen and horse of the year awards that will be presented as part of this year's Renaissance Awards dinner, scheduled for this spring.View the full article

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Michael Lund Petersen's Maysam (f, 3, Game Winner–Sefani, by American Pharoah) shot out to the early lead and set the pace before outlasting favored Supa Speed (Justify) in a stretch-long battle to the wire to win the GIII Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita Sunday. The 3-2 shot was tracked by even-money Supa Speed as she strolled through fractions of :23.45 and :47.74. The favorite rolled up to engage the pacesetter at the top of the lane and there was nothing between the two fillies down the stretch, with Maysam just getting her nose down when it counted most. Maysam earned the 'TDN Rising Star' designation with a six-length debut victory going 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita Jan. 24. She was heavily favored while making her second start in the one-mile Sunland Park Oaks last time out, but came home a distant sixth. Maysam was a $140,000 Fasig-Tipton July yearling purchase and sold for $500,000 at last year's OBS March sale. She is the third black-type winner for her sire Game Winner. Sunday, Santa Anita FASIG-TIPTON SANTA YSABEL S.-GIII, $98,000, Santa Anita, 3-2, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:45.62, ft. 1–MAYSAM, 120, f, 3, by Game Winner 1st Dam: Sefani, by American Pharoah 2nd Dam: Seacrettina, by Sea of Secrets 3rd Dam: Sha Hearah, by Dehere 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. 'TDN Rising Star' ($140,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL; $500,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Michael Lund Petersen; B-Seclusive Farm LLC, Chester & Anne Prince (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Juan J. Hernandez. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $98,500. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Supa Speed, 122, f, 3, Justify–Elfin Queen, by American Pharoah. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($460,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC; B-Coteau Grove Farms, LLC (LA); T-John W. Sadler. $20,000. 3–Howin, 120, f, 3, Gun Runner–Flora Dora, by First Dude. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($550,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Baoma Corp; B-Coffee Pot Stables (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $12,000. Margins: NO, 6HF, 20. Odds: 1.50, 1.00, 3.50. Also Ran: Just as Fancy. Scratched: Cipriani, Hey Jessie. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. What a race!! #5 MAYSAM ($5.00) outdueled Supa Speed in the $100,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) at @santaanitapark. This win earned her 37.5 Kentucky Oaks points. Maysam is sired by @LanesEndFarms' Game Winner. She was ridden by @JJHernandezS19 for @BobBaffert. pic.twitter.com/ATuRP6sQuy — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 2, 2025 The post Game Winner’s Maysam Just Holds on in Santa Ysabel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ted Bowman of Hot Springs' Speed King (Volatile) is being pointed to the GI Arkansas Derby at 1 1/8 miles Mar 29, trainer Ron Moquett of Hot Springs said Sunday morning. The grey will be looking to rebound from a 10th-place finish in the GII Rebel Stakes at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 23. Speed King, who broke from post 10, was beaten 15 lengths by Coal Battle after chasing a hot pace. “I think there were a lot of variables in it,” Moquett said. “My main thing is the horse is sound and happy. Coming out there going wide, we thought we didn't need to use him too much to go with the pace. The way the track was playing, that was the exact opposite. We should have used him enough to get over to the good part of the track and not be wide around the first turn. It seemed the like rail was probably the spot to be. Not saying that's the reason we lost, but it seemed like it would have been a lot easier on the horse.” Speed King, who ranks 11th on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 25 points, collected 20 points for a wire-to-wire one-length victory in the GIII Southwest Stakes at 1 1/16 miles Jan. 25 at Oaklawn. The Southwest was Oaklawn's second of four Kentucky Derby qualifying races. The Arkansas Derby will award 200 total points (100-50-25-15-10, respectively) to the top five finishers toward starting eligibility for the Kentucky Derby. The post GSW Speed King Pointed to Arkansas Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As the fifth anniversary of my father's passing approaches on March 4, I can't help but reflect on the past few years and all we've accomplished in his name. Because of each of you, whether you've donated to the foundation or attended our annual golf tournament, helped a young person in their career endeavors in the industry, or simply regaled a fond story of my dad, you have supported us to achieve our most basic goal – to keep his memory alive. On behalf of myself, my mom Erin, my siblings Joseph and Grace, we are grateful to you for the blessings that have come from what was the hardest moment of our lives. In 1979, a young and ambitious man from Co. Clare headed down the runway which would lead him to America, nearly taking two steps back with every foot forward. What was meant to be a six-month stint in Kentucky led to a lifetime of trial and tribulation, friendships turned into family, and an abundance of happy memories along the way. Without his courage and positive attitude, the path he paved for himself, and many others, would not have come to fruition in the way that it has. Our foundation began as the brainchild of a few of his closest friends, with the dream of providing a scholarship to a young man or woman to attend the Irish National Stud, the world-renowned thoroughbred breeding management course that counts Gerry Dilger as a graduate of the Class of 1977. Because of your support, we have been able to dream bigger and provide scholarships to young people on both sides of the Atlantic. We are currently supporting four students attending the Irish National Stud: a young man from America, a young woman from Columbia, and two Irish citizens from Co. Meath. Additionally, at the end of 2023, we envisioned providing a full-time year-long placement on a prominent stud farm to a student wanting to gain experience in Kentucky, and thus, in 2024, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Experience was born. This opportunity allows a student of qualifying equine programs in Ireland to experience our breeding and foaling season, yearling and weanling preparation, and annual sales at Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton, under the guidance of well-respected horsemen in Kentucky. Since then, we've brought five outstanding young men and women to experience America and the industry within Kentucky. Between providing scholarships to the Irish National Stud and Kentucky, we have granted 32 scholarships to young men and women to further their education and experience. None of this could have been possible without the help of our many partners both in Kentucky and Ireland. We express our deepest gratitude to Gabriel “Spider” and Aisling Duignan of Springhouse Farm and Paramount Sales; Adrian Regan, Fergus Galvin, John Wade, and Tony Hegarty of Hunter Valley Farm, who've graciously accepted our students each year to learn from some of the best the industry has to offer. Your generosity and commitment to the next generation has enabled us to continue my dad's passion for mentoring young people each year, like himself, who embody the values of hard work, integrity, kindness, a drive for expertise, and an unwavering good spirit, just as he instilled in those who once came through Dromoland Farm. In Ireland, we are indebted to Cathal Beale and Anne Channon of the Irish National Stud, who have welcomed our mission with open arms to provide educational opportunities and hands-on experience to those eager to learn and progress in their careers. The teams at our partner institutions have promoted our scholarship opportunities to their students each year, providing us with diverse and talented applicant pools. Without their support, we wouldn't be able to provide such wonderful international experiences as we do today. From the bottom of our hearts, many thanks to each of you for helping us open doors for the next generation. Lastly, I cannot express enough gratitude towards the members of our board and our volunteers, who volunteer their time, energy, and expertise out of their busy schedules to help us carry on my dad's legacy. To Boyd Browning, Lesley Campion, Padraig Campion, Pat Costello, Aisling and Spider Duignan, Stuart Fitzgibbon, Dermot Joyce, Robbie Lyons, Liz Moloney, Adrian Regan, and Mike Ryan; you have played an important role in the Dilger's lives throughout the years and are greatly appreciated. Without each of you, we could not continue to offer young men and women a “leg up” in this industry, just as my dad did for over 26 years. Your kindness, generosity, and love have carried this foundation and our family for the last five years, and for that I am eternally grateful. How lucky are we to call each of you not only our closest friends, but family. To my mom, Erin, thank you for your inspiring courage and constant strength as we navigate each new chapter of life with our foundation and family. I am incredibly proud to be a part of an industry that shows kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the future generation of horsemen and women like no other. Your support and contributions are changing the lives of young people every day, creating a promising, bright future for our industry and the generations to come. It is something so remarkable that I've been fortunate to see firsthand over the last few years. Thank you for allowing us to keep my dad's memory alive, continue his passion for mentoring others, and fulfill our biggest dreams. The post Letter to the Industry: Claire Dilger on Behalf of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a day to remember for Michael McCarthy March 1 at Santa Anita. He won four races on an 11-race card including the Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1) with Formidable Man, San Felipe (G2) with 3-year-old Journalism and Buena Vista (G2) with Liguria.View the full article

Southwest Stakes (G3) winner Speed King is being pointed to Oaklawn Park's $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at 1 1/8 miles March 29, trainer Ron Moquett said March 2.View the full article

Rubylot emerged from a cavalry charge down the Sha Tin Racecourse straight March 2 to capture the Hong Kong Classic Cup, middle leg of the Hong Kong Derby series.View the full article

Godolphin's Sovereignty (Into Mischief), who closed from last to first to capture Saturday's Coolmore GII Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park, emerged as an exciting Triple Crown prospect in the first start of his 3-year-old season. “We were sort of hoping that was the way the race would pan out,” Godolphin USA's director of bloodstock Michael Banahan said Sunday. “We didn't really know if he'd have enough ground to actually catch the horses on the lead with his running style, especially with the way the track seems to play for speed at Gulfstream. We were really just looking for a good run. To actually have as good a run as we had and win the race was fantastic.” Sovereignty, who was unraced since breaking his maiden in the Oct. 27 GIII Street Sense at Churchill Downs, picked up 50 qualifying points for the May 3 GI Kentucky Derby with his neck decision over previously undefeated River Thames (Maclean's Music). The 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth served as a final prep for the 1 1/8-mile $1-million GI Curlin Florida Derby, which will offer 100 Derby points to the winner Mar. 29 at Gulfstream. “[The Florida Derby] will certainly be in the mix. It will probably suit him a little bit better with the configuration of the track for the longer distance race, as well,” Banahan said. “It will certainly come into play, for sure. It's a while away, but it will come up quickly.” Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Sovereignty, who is in a three-way tie for the top spot in the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings with 60 points, already locked up a berth in the Run for the Roses with his impressive Fountain of Youth effort. “We're hopeful he can stay healthy and well and we can roll on to the next race down the road,” said Banahan, who said the son of Into Mischief 'looked to be in great shape' following his eye-opening performance. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed Sunday that WinStar Farm LLC and CHC Inc.'s River Thames exited the Fountain of Youth in good order. Ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, the 2-1 second betting choice chased the pace before taking command in mid-stretch, only to be caught late by Sovereignty. “We're happy with the trip he got. I thought Johnny made a good decision when he took him outside of [the pace],” Pletcher said Sunday. “The only thing is we felt like late in the race, he kind of lost focus a little bit. He pricked his ears. I don't know if he was looking at the big screen or footprints on the track or exactly what made him lose focus for a minute, but he ran a really good race.” River Thames was making his stakes debut in the Fountain of Youth after stamping himself a TDN Rising Star when winning his Jan. 11 debut before returning to easily win an optional claiming allowance Feb. 1 during the Championship Meet. “When you put things into perspective, seven weeks ago he was an un-started maiden,” Pletcher said. “He's come a long way in a short time.” Pletcher said he and WinStar's Elliot Walden 'will play it by ear' concerning River Thames' next start. Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC's Burnham Square was never a factor as the 9-5 favorite in the Fountain of Youth, in which he raced evenly to finish fourth by a neck. Trainer Ian Wilkes reported by text that the son of Liam's Map was 'good' Sunday. Burnham Square was seeking his third straight victory of the Championship Meet, during which he broke his maiden by nine lengths Dec. 28 and captured the Feb. 1 GIII Holy Bull by 1 3/4 lengths. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. indicated he was pleased with Neoequos' (Neolithic) third-place finish in his first start around two turns in the Fountain of Youth. “It was a good run,” he said. “Distance was a question mark going in, and it probably is a question mark, but he did get a really good Beyer. He got a 94 Beyer. Originally, I was going to cut him back, but I might give him one more try. It's the Florida Derby. It's home. Why not? I might give him one more try but I want to see how he does the next couple weeks” Joseph was also pleased with C2 Racing Stable LLC and Mathis Stable LLC's The Queens M G (Thousand Words), who exited her 2 3/4-length triumph in Saturday's GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale at Gulfstream. “She bounced out well and all being well she's going to go to the Gulfstream Oaks,” said Joseph, whose trainee earned 50 qualifying points for the May 2 GI Kentucky Oaks. Asked if the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks on the Curlin Florida Derby undercard would be an issue for the filly has yet to start past two turns, Joseph said, “Two turns for her I don't think is a problem. Although she's won those 4 1/2-furlong races and sprints early on, she's always a filly who, when she works, is very steady. I think that will work to her favor. I don't think distance is a problem for her.” The post Connections of FOY Finishers, led by Winner Sovereignty, Reflect and Assess What’s Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Michael McCarthy enjoyed the kind of day most trainers could only wish for last Saturday at Santa Anita. He won four races on an 11-race card including the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile with Formidable Man (City of Light), GII San Felipe with 3-year-old Journalism (Curlin) and GII Buena Vista with Liguria (War Front). “It was a memorable day,” McCarthy said Sunday morning. “I'm just very pleased for my guys at the barn. It takes a lot to have a day like yesterday. It was a real team effort.” In addition to McCarthy's three graded stakes tallies, he also ended the day with a win in the 11th and final race, an allowance on turf, with Phosphorescence (Fr) (City of Light). McCarthy said he celebrated the massive day by joining family and friends for a dinner out. “It was nice to unwind, have a good meal and reflect on a really good day,” McCarthy said. Leading McCarthy's quartet of winners was Journalism, who was making his 3-year-old debut in the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe, a Kentucky Derby prep. The colt came from off the pace under Umberto Rispoli and won going away by 1 3/4 lengths. “We expected certainly a solid effort coming off a short layoff,” said McCarthy. “I think you saw yesterday when he straightened through the lane, he started to find his gears.” Journalism is owned by Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC and Robert V. LaPenta. He previously won the GII Los Alamitos Futurity when making his stakes debut in December. Journalism now has 47 1/2 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, which is historically enough to get him in the starting gate for this year's Run for the Roses. McCarthy said the GI Santa Anita Derby on Apr. 5 is the “most likely scenario” for Journalism's return. Formidable Man, also ridden by Rispoli, earned his second Grade I win in the Kilroe Mile. In November, the now 4-year-old colt won the GI Hollywood Derby at Del Mar. “He's a proven Grade I caliber horse. I think his performance yesterday was the best we've seen from him and that was a world-class ride from Umberto,” McCarthy said. Owned by William K. Warren Jr. and Suzanne Warren, Formidable Man earned a career-best 98 Beyer Speed Figure. As for what's next, McCarthy said “we'll kind of take it easy with him for the next 10 days to two weeks” before deciding. He mentioned potentially the GIII American Stakes at a mile on turf on Apr. 20 at Santa Anita as a potential lead-in to the GI Shoemaker Mile on May 26. Liguria won the one-mile Buena Vista on turf by a head under Flavien Prat. It was her second start following a 15 1/2-month layoff and second start for McCarthy after being transferred from trainer Chad Brown. In her comeback Feb. 1 in the GIII Megahertz, Liguria was third beaten three lengths. “You always worry coming off an extended layoff like she did that they may bounce second time back off quick rest. But she has been so professional with everything she does. She does everything with purpose,” McCarthy said. Owned by Alpha Delta Stables, the 5-year-old may make her next start in the GI Gamely going 1 1/8 miles on turf on May 26 at Santa Anita. The post Journalism, Formidable Man Lead Banner Day for McCarthy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I winner Tenma (Nyquist), Alpha Bella (Justify)–who was scratched from last Saturday's GII Buena Vista on turf in favor of this weekend's GI B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile on dirt–and royally-bred Eagles Flight (Curlin) were among several notable workers Sunday at Santa Anita. Tenma worked five furlongs in 1:02.60 for trainer Bob Baffert. Most recently, the filly won the GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes Stakes on Feb. 2. She is being pointed to the GII Santa Anita Oaks on Apr. 5. Winner of last season's GIII La Prevoyante at Gulfstream, Alpha Bella drilled four furlongs in :47.0 seconds for trainer John Sadler. The 5-year-old mare is among 13 fillies and mares nominated to Saturday's Beholder Mile. Eagles Flight, half-brother to undefeated 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline, worked four furlongs in :47.40 seconds. It was his fourth work since being scratched from an allowance Feb. 2 at Santa Anita due to what trainer John Sadler reported at the time was “a small foot issue.” He broke his maiden by 2 3/4 lengths at Santa Anita last May before returning to be second in an allowance optional claimer at Santa Anita Jan. 4. Also working for Baffert was Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), whose been sidelined since winning December 2023 when winning the GI Malibu. The 5-year-old horse drilled four furlongs in :48.0 seconds. Trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill's workers included Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), winner of the GI Malibu Dec. 26, and Grade I winner Mixto (Good Magic). Raging Torrent worked five furlongs in 1:00.60. Mixto, most recently finished fourth in the GI Pegasus World Cup Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park, drilled five furlongs in 1:00.80. Among trainer Phil D'Amato's workers were Vodka With a Twist (Thousand Words), who most notably finished second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in November at Del Mar. She worked five furlongs in 1:01.60. Vodka With a Twist most recently finished third in the GII Starlet Dec. 17 The post Grade I Winner Tenma, GSW Alpha Bella, ‘Rising Star’ Eagles Flight Lead Santa Anita Worktab appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton New Zealand’s hopes of adding to its proud Miracle Mile strike look even slimmer after the barrier draw. Kiwi prospects were dealt a blow when NZ’s two best-performed pacers, Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming, failed to qualify for Saturday night’s $1m feature at Menangle. Pleasingly, lesser fancied pair Tact McLeod and Sooner The Bettor did make the cut. But the barrier hasn’t helped either of them, especially the emerging Tact McLeod. While the Mark Jones-trained pacer has terrific gate speed, he will start from gate six and with loads of gate speed underneath him. Driver Anthony Butt, who produced a gem to overcome a wide draw and finish second on Tact McLeod in his qualifier last night, has lots of thinking to do about his tactics this week. Don Hugo, Captain Ravishing and even old boy Max Delight all have strong gate speed and are drawn inside him. Sooner The Bettor fared better from gate four and will come into three, but still have likely early leader Don Hugo drawn directly to his inside. At least Sooner The Bettor should be able to comfortably slot into the running line and remember, he did run a booming second to Leap To Fame when an outsider last year. Tact McLeod is a $18 chance and Sooner The Bettor is $51 in post-draw markets. Leap To Fame, despite drawing wide again, just holds favouritism at $2.40 over Don Hugo, who fared best in the draw of the big guns. Leap To Fame drew eight, but will move into seven. He won from seven last year and became the first pacer in the history of the great race to win from a draw wider than six. Swayzee’s barrier two draw went from great to problematic when second emergency, Bulletproof Boy, drew one. It means Swayzee will start from one and his lack of early speed will almost certainly see him crossed and driver Cam Hart needing to get away from the inside at all costs on the great stayer. The 2023 Miracle Mile winner Catch A Wave provided another “wow” moment of the draw. With barriers only one and nine remaining, he drew nine. It hurts his chances and also caused a potential headache for Swayzee. MIRACLE MILE BARRIER DRAW : $1m Group 1 Menangle Saturday night. 1. Bulletproof Boy (2nd emerg) $35 2. Swayzee – Cam Hart – $4.20 3. Don Hugo – Luke McCarthy – $2.50 4. Sooner The Bettor – Gavin Fitzpatrick – $51 5. Captain Ravishing – Jack Callaghan – $8.50 6. Max Delight – Will Rixon – $71 7. Tact McLeod – Anthony Butt – $18 8. Leap To Fame – Grant Dixon – $2.40 9. Catch A Wave – Kate Gath – $9 10. Sure Thing Captain (1st emerg) – $101 View the full article