Wandering Eyes

By Mike Love An exciting and even line-up will contest today’s $35,000 Robin & Geraldine Wilson Rangiora Classic. The 2600m feature on the grass (3.14pm) sees Pinseeker a $4 favourite for trainer-driver Jonny Cox, while last year’s winner Franco Marek will be looking for back to back Classics after a powerful fresh up display at Addington. He’s currently at $4.60. Looking to spoil the party is the Mark and Nathan Purdon trained Vessem to be driven by Blair Orange. The four-year-old Vincent gelding was gallant in defeat last time out behind a fresh up Franco Marek. Having only his second start on the grass surface, Nathan Purdon is happy leading into today. “He’s come through the run very well,” said Purdon. Veseem and Pinseeker will begin off 20 metres, while Franco Marek has a big task from the 35 metre mark. “He’s taken a lot of benefit from his last run fitness wise.” Purdon agrees that Franco Marek will be a leading danger but is confident Veseem is up to the task. “I think our guy is as good as any in the field.” Other chances in the event include the Laurance Hanrahan trained Tanzania who will be piloted by Gerard O’Reilly, who is just wins away from 700 career driving victories. Biggles for trainer John Murdoch will face his stiffest test to date, while the Amanda and Steve Telfer trained Cocktails And Caviar is fresh up after nearly a year and will look to remain unbeaten having won two from two. The southerners have a representative in Still Rockin for Ricky Gutsell and Dance Til Dawn is looking for a hat trick, and is the strongest of the three Jenna and Robert Dunn trained runners – the others being Bryce’s Meddle and Double Time. The classic is set to go at 3:14pm To place a bet on the race click here View the full article

6th-Tampa Bay Downs, $32,000, Msw, 3-1, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:44.16, ft, 3 1/4 lengths. VALENTINIAN (c, 3, Into Mischief–Rachel's Valentina {GISW, $738,800}, by Bernardini) came into this race as not only the most expensive, but arguably one of the best bred, and he ran to the billing as he broke his maiden at first-asking. Rating comfortably from off the pace, he stepped up to push the issue passing the five-sixteenths marker and was in control by the quarter pole. Kicking away when asked for more in the lane, he sailed in 3 1/4 lengths best over fellow firster Last Man Standing (McKinzie) at 2-1 favoritism. A $1-5.million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale graduate, Valentinian is the son of GI Spinaway Stakes victress Rachel's Valentina, making him the grandson of Hall of Famer and Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). The second winner for that dam, he has a juvenile sister in Japan initially named Colorer (Quality Road), who changed hands for $1.05-million in last year's Keeneland September sale, and is now registered under Rachel's Road. The aforementioned second dam needs no introduction as one of the greatest racemares of all time. She produced just two offspring, one being Rachel Valentina and the other being the late Florida sire Jess's Dream (Curlin), before being pensioned from broodmare duties. Rachel's Valentina has now 2024 offspring and is due to the late Uncle Mo for 2025. Sales history: $1,500,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. #5 VALENTINIAN ($6.00), a colt out of RACHEL'S VALENTINA sired by @SpendthriftFarm's Into Mischief, broke his maiden in the 6th race at @TampaBayDownsFL. @JOCKEYSMARIN was aboard this RACHEL ALEXANDRA grandson for trainer @PletcherRacing. @EclipseTBP and @StonestreetFarm own. pic.twitter.com/hOaP143znG — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 The post Valentinian, Grandson Of Rachel Alexandra, Scores On Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

THE QUEENS M G (f, 3, Thousand Words–Show Queen, by Grindstone) planted herself firmly on the Road the Kentucky Oaks with a convincing win in the GIII Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park Saturday, earning 50 points. Embattled with Suncoast Stakes winner La Cara (Street Sense), the GIII Adirondack Stakes winner got first jump on the inside off the turn past the half in :47.38 and refused to yield, keeping safely away to earn the Oaks points while La Cara picked up 25 points and Ballerina d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) came home third to get 15 points in a formful finish. Lifetime Record: 8-4-0-2. O-C2 Racing Stable LLC and Mathis Stable LLC; B-T.F. VanMeter,Samuel Hernandez, Jesus Torres, Justin Vinalay; T-Saffie Joseph, Jr. Sales History: $3,500 ylg' 23 FTKOCT. The Queens M G scores in the @FasigTiptonCo Davona Dale S. G2, third victory in a row for @iradortiz! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/LyoYnaC5pn — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) March 1, 2025 The post The Queens M G Earns Oaks Points with Convincing Davona Dale Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Imperial Emperor, Tuz, and Godolphin turf runners star on Super Saturday in Dubai with trainers Charlie Appleby and Bhupat Seemar dominating the card.View the full article

There are seven horse racing meetings set for Australia on Sunday, March 2. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Bendigo & Sha Tin (HK). Sunday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 2, 2025 Bendigo Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 2, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Bet like a sure thing in his debut on Pegasus World Cup day, DISRUPTOR (Gun Runner–Margate Gardens, by Speightstown) got caught on the lead and had to settle for third. Pushed for speed again Saturday at Gulfstream, the 3-5 favorite wound up rating nicely in third second-time out before making a strong move to the front around the far turn and drawing off as he pleased to become the newest 'TDN Rising Star' for Three Chimney's Gun Runner. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1. O-epole Stable, Spendthrift Farm LLC, Big Easy Racing LLC, Titletown Racing LLC, Winners Win, Golconda Stable, Goodrich, Ali and Parkinson, Mark; B-Runnymede Farm, LLC & Peter J. Callahan; T-Todd A. Pletcher. Sales History: $1,150,000 ylg' 23 KEESEP. Disruptor and @iradortiz winning by a daylight in race 6 for @PletcherRacing. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/uxMpVUDkjl — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) March 1, 2025 The post Disruptor Delivers Second-Time Out To Become New ‘TDN Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Vixen may have made it close, but got the job done nonetheless for D. J. Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, prevailing by a head in a four-way blanket finish in the $205,000 Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3T) March 1 at Gulfstream Park. View the full article

1st-GP, $94K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 12:50 p.m. ET. FRIO TOWN (Curlin) is set to be unveiled for Mike Rutherford who went to $675,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale to acquire the filly. Sent to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, the chestnut is out of the unraced full-sister of sire Frost Giant (Giant's Causeway). Also set for her first start is Protective Custody (Ghostzapper). The Stuart Janney homebred's dam, Hold Harmless (Blame), is responsible for SW & MGSP Limited Liability (Kitten's Joy), and her full-sister is GSW Onus. Under Protective Custody's third dam we find GSW Norumbega (Tiznow), sire Ironicus (Distorted Humor) and MGSW On Leave (War Front). TJCIS PPS 11th-GP, $94K, Msw, 3yo, 1 1/8mT, 6:12 p.m. ET. In the nightcap, Fateful Lightning (Tapit) debuts for the group of St. Elias, Talla, West Point, CJ and Woodford. The $600,000 Keeneland September buy is out of Canadian multiple graded stakes winner Gamble's Ghost (Ghostzapper), who has four foals and one winner to her credit. TJCIS PPS The post Daughter Of Curlin Chill On Debut At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

RULING COURT (c, 3, Justify–Inchargeofme {GB}, by High Chaparral {Ire}) looked a colt potentially out of the very top drawer as he ran out an emphatic winner of the Listed Jumeirah 2,000 Guineas at Meydan, completing a four-timer on Super Saturday for William Buick, Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. The 'TDN Rising Star', who topped last year's Arqana May Breeze-up Sale when bought for €2,300,000, had only two rivals behind him as Nedawy (Instagrand) took the field along him in the early stages, before making rapid headway to lead entering the final furlong. From there he powered clear to hit the line in a time of 1:35.52, around six lengths clear of The Fingal Raven (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and War Socks (GB) (Kameko). It was his second win from three career starts, having earned 'TDN Rising Star' status when winning a Sandown maiden by over five lengths last July, before finishing third in the G3 Acomb Stakes at York won by The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Sales History: $150,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; €2,300,000 2yo '24 ARQMAY. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0. O-Godolphin. B-Nursery Place, Manfuso & Wilhite (KY). T-Charlie Appleby. lays down the law in the @emirates Holidays Jumeirah 2000 Guineas @godolphin's Justify colt, under an armchair @WilliamBuickX ride, is going places in a bit of a hurry #SuperSaturday | #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/PQJHjC6UUl — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Ruling Court Caps Memorable Super Saturday for Godolphin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With 8,803 wins, Pat Day is the sixth all-time winningest jockey in history, with nine Triple Crown victories, and a reputation as one of the greatest ever. But as he tells Dr. Ferrin Peterson on the new episode of The Boundless Podcast, those successes on the track are not his proudest accomplishment. Day was a leading rider in the Midwest, but had developed a drinking and drug addiction. “I celebrated every night,” he tells Peterson. “I celebrated if the sun went up or the sun set. I'd celebrate for celebration's sake.” He tells the story of a two-week drinking and drug binge that started at a New Year's Eve party after earning the leading rider title of North America. “But when I came out of that drug and alcohol stupor,” he said, “that fleeting feeling of succeeding was gone. It left me really struggling. I've got a beautiful wife, a successful career, and I'm the leading rider in North America. But something is wrong in here. I'm not a happy man.” He tells Peterson the story of the night in a hotel room that changed his life. Click here to watch the podcast on YouTube, here to listen to it on Spotify, or here to hear it on Apple Podcasts. The post Pat Day on Boundless Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas saw the same one-two-three finishers as the Jan. 31 Mawj Stakes at Meydan, which kicked off Dubai's Super Saturday programme. Godolphin's MOUNTAIN BREEZE (IRE) (f, 3, Lope De Vega {Ire}–Lava Flow {Ire}, by Dalakhani {Ire}) settled in the box seat, before overwhelming game pacesetter Octans (Spa) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}) inside the final quarter mile to win going away under William Buick. Lhakpa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) closed to take third. The final time for the 1600 metres over good turf was 1:38.06. The Godolphin homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' was winning for the fourth time in eight starts, and was runner-up at Newmarket in both the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes and the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes earlier in her career. Lifetime Record: 8-4-2-0. O/B-Godolphin (Ire). T-Charlie Appleby. scales new heights in the Jumeirah 1000 Guineas, sponsored by @emirates Skywards @godolphin and @WilliamBuickX have a serious horse on their hands #SuperSaturday | #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/ZDk2Rxokzl — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Mountain Breeze Takes Jumeirah Guineas For Godolphin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars FAST NETWORK - R10 (1) Smart four-year-old looks poised to strike on his return to sprinting Jay Rooney FAST NETWORK - R10 (1) Drops back to a more suitable trip after a good run in the Classic Mie Trackwork Spy LASERBLANCA - R4 (7) Solid debut where he made ground and was good in defeat. Looks hard to beat Phillip Woo MIDORI GIANT - R9 (14) Can strike over a suitable trip after flashing potential in three runs Shannon (Vincent Wong) SUPER STRONG KID - R1 (10) Nice looking type who has been performing very well at the trials Racing Post Online LUCKY TOUCH - R6 (1) Honest galloper never runs a bad race and looks ready to win Tom Wood LASERBLANCA - R4 (7) Solid debut run, should strip fitter and will go close hereView the full article

The feeling of seeing sale-ring purchases go on to stardom on the racetrack is nothing new for Johnny McKeever, but the respected European bloodstock agent took special satisfaction from Feroce’s (NZ) (Super Seth) triumph in the Gr.1 Howden Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. Feroce was bred by Sir Peter Vela’s Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd and comes from the first crop of Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth. Offered by Eion Kemp’s Kilgravin Lodge at the 2023 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, Feroce was bought for $160,000 by McKeever Bloodstock Ltd in partnership with rookie trainer Dominic Sutton. McKeever was at Flemington on Saturday as Feroce edged out fellow New Zealand-bred Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Australian Guineas, improving his record to three wins, three placings and more than A$1.3 million in stakes from a nine-start career. “To be honest, it was the usual story,” McKeever said. “I came to New Zealand to see some Ready to Run Horses before heading back to Europe for the Goffs Foal Sale. I put together a list, and Dom bid on several horses. By some miracle, one of the ones on the list was Feroce and he got him. That’s racing for you, and that’s picking out horses at sales for you. “This is just incredibly special. Dom’s father is one of my best childhood friends. Dom is just starting his training career, and in the first year of his career, he’s trained a Group One winner with a New Zealand-bred horse. “Another special aspect of this story is that Feroce was bred by Sir Peter Vela. I’m very fond of Sir Peter. He’s been up to Newmarket a lot and we’ve got to know each other well. “So this is very special for me for a number of reasons. It’s also very special for Waikato Stud, with their young stallion Super Seth coming through with a lovely Group One winner like that. “It just gives me so much pleasure on so many levels. It’s just fantastic.” McKeever has also formed a successful partnership with Kemp in recent years, purchasing yearlings throughout Australasia with the goal of re-offering them as two-year-old at the Ready to Run Sale. “Eion has been very kind in letting me select some yearlings, mainly in Australia and some in New Zealand, to be made into Ready to Run horses,” McKeever said. “I’ve learned a lot from Eion about the Ready to Run Sale and the concept. I’m more of a traditional yearling buyer, so it’s new to me, but he’s been great to work with.” McKeever has decades of experience buying bloodstock around the world, and he speaks highly about the New Zealand-bred thoroughbred. “I’m extremely happy with the New Zealand product,” he said. “I think it’s a different level to anything we have anywhere else in the world.” View the full article

Previously a runner-up in two black-type races, Marble Arch (NZ) (Per Incanto) went one better on Saturday with a valuable victory in the A$300,000 Gr.2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. The New Zealand-bred five-year-old had been narrowly beaten in two recent attempts in stakes company, going down by a half-length when second in the Listed Lord Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Boxing Day and by neck when second in the Gr.3 JRA Plate (1600m) at Caulfield on February 8. But this time Marble Arch would not be denied. Jockey Michael Dee sat in a handy position just behind the leaders before presenting Marble Arch three wide early in the run home. Marble Arch showed a quality turn of foot and burst to the front with 200m remaining. Attrition (Churchill) and Zardozi (Kingman) produced strong finishes to eat into the margin late in the piece, but Marble Arch coasted to a comfortable two-length victory. “She really deserved that,” said Ben Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers Will and JD. “She’s been bridesmaid a couple of times in stakes races this prep. To win a Group Two is just huge for her residual value. “The ownership group are fantastic – Steve and Vicky Thompson, they’re great supporters of ours. To win a Group Two for them is just a huge result. She’s been a great success story. She was a Future Stars winner on a Thursday (in 2023) in her first Australian start. “She got such a good run today. It was a great ride by Michael. There was good speed there and we ended up in a perfect position with no weight.” Dee was similarly impressed. “She peeled out and we had that race shot to bits a long way from home,” he said. “She cruised into it, hit the front without doing any work and really quickened away. She’s in great form at the minute and hopefully that continues.” The winner of the Blamey Stakes earns a ballot-free entry for the A$2.5 million Gr.1 All Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington next Saturday, and the Lindsay Park team will seriously consider backing up with Marble Arch. “If she pulls up well, it won’t be a hard decision with a mare in such good form,” Hayes said. “She was quite impressive today, so we’ll definitely be considering it. “We’ve just got to see how she pulls up, but if she pulls up well, I think it’ll be an easy vote to run. “I think she has the right constitution to back up. I think that’s her tenth run for the prep and she’s just been super-consistent.” A daughter of Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding sire Per Incanto, Marble Arch was purchased privately by the Lindsay Park team after finishing third at Wanganui in her only start in New Zealand for trainer Wayne Marshment. Bred by Goodwood Stud, Marble Arch is out of the four-win Sakhee’s Secret mare Jonquil (NZ) and stems from the family of Group One winners Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) and Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed). The now five-year-old mare was initially sold as a weanling for just $3,100 via gavelhouse.com. Saturday’s victory was Marble Arch’s ninth career win from 22 starts, with a further five placings, and she advanced her career earnings to A$790,646. View the full article

Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth and trainer Dominic Sutton stood in the Group One spotlight for the first time when Feroce headed a New Zealand-bred quinella in Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Howden Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington. It was a case of second time lucky for Feroce, who finished second and was beaten by an agonising short head by Private Life in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October. Rookie trainer Dominic Sutton soon set his sights on Australian Guineas redemption, giving the gelding only two runs in the five months in between those two 1600m classics. Feroce finished third in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in early November, then returned from a summer break with a third in the Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) on February 15. It all came together in the one that counted on Saturday. Jockey Billy Egan got Feroce into a perfect position in fifth place as Stay Focused led the field up to the home turn. Standout New Zealand colt Savaglee sprinted past that runner and took command with 400m to go, but Feroce was following through in his slipstream. Egan angled Feroce to Savaglee’s outside and drove him up alongside his fellow Kiwi-bred. The pair fought a desperate battle through the last 150m, with Feroce edging ahead of a gallant Savaglee to win by three-quarters of a length. There was another length back to Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner Goldrush Guru in third. Feroce became an unforgettable first Group One winner for Sutton, who is in his first season of training. “I can’t even think of a word to say right now,” he said. “Crazy. I’ve got so many people to thank, especially my fiancée, Raquel. I couldn’t do it without her. Her dad’s flown over from the UK. Simon (Chappell), our biggest owner, our biggest supporter, is over as well. He literally flew in this morning. “And look, we can’t do it without the horse, and he’s just an absolute warrior. We thought we had him right for the day. Everyone sort of probably wrote him off a little bit off his first-up run, but Billy just came in and said he’s flying and just hated that soft ground. I can’t quite believe this, to be honest. “It took a long time to get over the Caulfield Guineas, I’m not going to lie. A lot of people were congratulating us, but I still felt pretty bitter about it all, thinking that we could have won on that day. And we all know how hard it is to win these races and to have a horse good enough and present him in the right order on the day. “So you sometimes think, ‘Am I going to be waiting for a long time now until the next one comes along?’ But this horse has just been super. He’s just improved, improved, improved. He was probably the third ever horse we’ve bought out of the sales, and I’ve got to thank Johnny McKeever. He’s been instrumental in helping us select these horses. He’s also selected horses like Garachico, Detroit City, our proper flagbearers. So I’ve got a lot to thank him for as well. “I was just hoping he’d really knuckle down and go past that leader. He’s had a tendency of just getting his head up a little bit, but once Billy changed the stick through, and gave him a couple more reminders, he really let down and flew.” Egan was delighted to play his part in Sutton’s first Group One triumph. “I’m just really happy for Dom,” he said. “For a young bloke, having so many horses in his first year of training and also having Group One runners in your first year of training, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with that, and he handles himself really well. He’s got his fiancée, Raq, and he’s got his parents as well, they’re all very supportive of him, so it’s just great that he can handle himself in such a way and do an amazing job with these horses in his first year. “He’s not a bad horse. It’s taken a while for the penny to drop. Dom’s done a lot right by the horse, and it’s showing when he’s getting results like this. So just a great job to have a horse spot-on and primed for a Group One event. It’s not easy to set a horse for a race, any target, anywhere, but to do it against the best trainers and horses and riders, you know, on the big stage is a real credit to him. “The race really worked out really nicely. We had the plan to press forward and be just behind those leaders, so we weren’t too far away. He can really hold a good gallop, and it just worked out a treat for him today.” Bred by Pencarrow Stud, Feroce was purchased out of Kilgravin Lodge’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft for $160,000 by Sutton and McKeever Bloodstock last year. Feroce is a son of the unraced O’Reilly mare Corinthia and is a half-brother to the Listed Karaka Classic winner Siracusa and a member of the famed Eight Carat family. Feroce has now had nine starts for three wins, three placings and A$1.33 million in stakes. Super Seth, meanwhile, was New Zealand’s leading first-season sire in 2023-24 and heads the second-season standings in 2024-25. He is the sire of 25 winners, with Feroce the best of his six individual stakes winners. His daughter La Dorada has won this season’s Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), while Sethito, Linebacker, Poetic Champion and Super Photon have also won at black-type level. It was a quinella for the Waikato Stud stallion roster, with Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) hero Savaglee being a son of the great Savabeel. View the full article

Chris Waller continued his remarkable dominance of Sydney’s Group 1 races, training the trifecta in the 2025 Verry Elleegant Stakes, with Cox Plate champion Via Sistina returning to her winning ways. The Fastnet Rock mare, after finishing third in the Apollo Stakes, triumphed in the $1 million Verry Elleegant Stakes over the Randwick mile defeating stablemates […] The post 2025 Verry Elleegant Stakes Results: Via Sistina Leads All-Waller Trifecta appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

A significant upset shook Flemington on Saturday, as Dominic Sutton‘s Feroce defied expectations to win the 2025 Australian Guineas. The three-year-old Super Seth gelding, priced at $14, delivered a stunning performance, securing a three-quarters of a length victory under a brilliant ride from Billy Egan. The absence of race favourite Angel Capital, withdrawn on race […] The post 2025 Australian Guineas Results: Feroce Scores Impressive Upset over Savaglee appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Lady Shenandoah continued her impressive form, securing another victory over Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot in the 2025 Surround Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained filly replicated the Light Fingers Stakes quinella, solidifying her status as a top-class performer. “I could see that she accelerated but wasn’t quite clear, and then I […] The post Surround Stakes 2025 Winner Lady Shenandoah Beats Lady Of Camelot in Thriller appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Hong Kong Classic Cup Day 2025 Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, March 2, 2025 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The second leg of the four-year-old series headlines the action, with a capacity field of 14 set to do battle in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). Participants will be racing on the B course throughout the meeting, and although some potential rainfall could hit the track, expect the Good 4 rating to hold throughout the day. 2025 Hong Kong Classic Cup Day is scheduled to get underway at 1pm HKT. Hong Kong Classic Cup Tip: Mickley Mickley had excuses in his latest outing at Sha Tin on February 16, pulling up with blood in the trachea after suffering a 3.8-length defeat to Johannes Brahms. His run prior to that performance in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) was sensational, powering home with some of the best closing sectionals to suggest the son of Soldier’s Call is worth following stepping out in trip. Ryan Moore gets legged aboard from stall five, and with this guy representing terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers, Mickley gets the verdict in the 2025 Hong Kong Classic Cup. Hong Kong Classic Cup Race 7 – #7 Mickley (5) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Ryan Moore (57kg) Best Bet at Sha Tin: Laserblanca Laserblanca was gallant in defeat at Sha Tin on February 16. The Safeguard gelding led them up from the widest barrier (12) on debut and gave a strong kick when persuaded by Brenton Avdulla. The three-year-old did a mountain of work and had every right to drop out of the contest, however, he kept finding to finish within a length of Ka Ying Warrior. Watch for Ryan Moore to slide across to the lead from stall eight once again, and provided he can sprint away from them stepping to the 1400m second-up, Laserblanca will prove hard to chase down. Best Bet Race 4 – #7 Laserblanca (8) 3yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Ryan Moore (58kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Justifying The Caspar Fownes-trained Justifying appears to be a smart type heading into his debut, claiming back-to-back barrier trial victories in preparation for this first-up assignment. The son of Justify has done all his work at Conghua, showing plenty of early speed to career away from his rivals under minor urging by Luke Ferraris. He attacks the Sha Tin straight in the opening event and may need to work to the lead from barrier four, but provided he can get across, Justifying should give a bold sight when asked for the ultimate effort. Next Best Race 1 – #9 Justifying (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Luke Ferraris (58kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Ramadan Ramadan was thrown in the deep end contesting the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on December 8, where the Le Havre colt failed to fire a shot. Now trained by Mark Newnham, Ramadan appears to have settled in comfortably to his new conditions, catching the eye in the recent barrier trial at Happy Valley on February 15. This Class 2 contest is much weaker than what he faced on his Hong Kong debut, and with the lightly raced four-year-old posing a good first-up record (4:2-0-0), expect Ramadan to figure in the finish at an each-way price with Dabble. Best Value Race 8 – #3 Ramadan (3) 4yo Colt | T: Mark Newnham | J: Hugh Bowman (56.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections March 2, 2025 2-5-6-7-8-11 3-4-5-11 2-6-7-8-14 1-3-4-5-8 Horse racing tips View the full article

Iowna Merc after claiming the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Bjorn Baker-trained Iowna Merc ($4.00) has put the head down where it matters most to claim the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The son of Winning Rupert got the verdict in a blanket go in the concluding stages, as With Your Blessing ($3.90) and the fast-finishing Gringotts ($3.60) ensured a grandstand finish to the $250,000 feature. With Your Blessing was sent to the top to battle out the early lead alongside Willaidow ($5.50), with the pair utilizing the low weight to tick over some modest sectionals. Iowna Merc got the back of With Your Blessing and went searching for a run towards the inside rail under Joshua Parr, while Gringotts settled towards the rear of the field as Tommy Berry dragged back despite drawing gate two. With Your Blessing gave a strong kick under Alysha Collett and appeared to be doing enough as they approached the final furlong; however, Iowna Merc was able to squeeze along the inside to get the head down in the shadows of the post, while Gringotts could be one to follow after a luckless run with the big weight. Click here for Randwick race replays. Luke Hilton spoke post-race on behalf of the Bjorn Baker barn. “He deserved it,” said Hilton. “He’s been so honest this campaign. “He’s done such a good job this time in and he’s been punching around in benchmark grade but he’s now a Group 3 horse and he ran a fantastic race today.” Joshua Parr was happy to get the photo as he spoke post-race. “It is an anxious moment and a bizarre feeling, As a jockey, going back to the inside, you want to make sure you win and if you get beaten by a pimple going back to the inside, it is hard to cop,” said Parr. “I’m so glad he stuck his head out and got the job done for us. “His will and the confidence (with which) he’s become. He once lacked that and you had to nurture him every step of the way. Now he travels boldly and really lets go. He’s an easy horse to ride now that he has grown in confidence.” Horse racing news View the full article

Maximus Augustus winning the Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui on Saturday. Photo: Tayler Stong Ascot Park owner-trainer-breeder Bill McNamara scored his biggest win in racing when Maximus Augustus took out the $200,000 ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui on Saturday. McNamara has only five horses in work and saddled his first winner with Lily Of The Valley in February of 2022. He added three wins in the 2022-23 season, six in 2023-24 and two in the first seven months of the current term. Going into Saturday, he had saddled a total of 164 starters for 12 winners, 27 placegetters and overall earnings of $295,085. Saturday’s big win added $115,000 to that tally. Maximus Augustus went into the Southern Mile Final somewhat under the radar at a quote of +1300, but came out on top with an outstanding performance. “It’s a huge thrill, and especially since I bred him too,” McNamara said. “He’d been racing really well leading into the race. I was confident we had him as good as we could get him, we’d drawn well (gate one), and Sam Wynne is just on fire, isn’t she? So we had a few things in our favour.” Wynne also took out Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) aboard Loftys Gift, and she guided Airpark Hustler and Perfect Scenario to second placings in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m) and Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) respectively. Wynne got Maximus Augustus to settle into a smooth rhythm in fifth along the rail, then moved away from the fence just before the home turn. While others ran into traffic trouble in the straight, Wynne found her way into clear air out in the centre of the track and asked Maximus Augustus to quicken. He showed a good turn of foot and soon drew up alongside the topweight Treybon, edging ahead of him in a hard-fought final 100m to win by three-quarters of a length. “It was a good field today, so it was great to see him do that,” McNamara said. “We just love him. He’s a great-natured horse and absolutely lovely to have around the stable. He’s so easy to work and everyone who rides him just loves him. I’ve got no idea what’s next for him now, but this is a great result.” Maximus Augustus has now had 29 starts for four wins, five placings and $175,990 in stakes. He is by War Decree out of the O’Reilly mare Sherenzo, who was a $4000 broodmare purchase from the 2016 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale at Karaka. “He’s out of an O’Reilly mare that my brother bought for me at Karaka,” McNamara said. “This is her second foal. We’ve got a really nice full-sister who’s a two-year-old at the moment as well, so it’s very exciting.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Bendigo races Where Bendigo Jockey Club – Heinz St, White Hills VIC 3550 When Sunday, March 2, 2025 First Race 1:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Bendigo Jockey Club is the destination for the main meeting in Victoria on Sunday afternoon, with an eight-race meeting set to greet punters. A perfect day for racing is forecast, and with the track already a Good 4 and the rail out 6m the entire circuit, there should be no excuses for fancied runners throughout the day. The first at Bendigo is set to go at 1:20pm AEDT. Best Bet at Bendigo: Mixxit Mixxit is set to resume from a brief two-month spell, and if he puts together on raceday what he did in his lead-up trial at Cranbourne, he is sure to take some catching. The four-year-old gelding beat the likes of Duke De Sessa and Berkshire Breeze under hands and heels over 1200m, and looked good in doing so. He went to the paddock at the end of last campaign following three straight wins, and with Logan Bates on board claiming 2kg, the plan looks simple: find the rail, dictate terms, and kick clear in the home straight. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Mixxit (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Logan Bates (a2) (62kg) Next Best at Bendigo: Sound Of Jura Sound Of Jura has won in impressive fashion in two of his three starts since arriving at the Anne Yates barn from Lindsay Park. The of Nicconi has settled towards the rear in both of his last two starts, before unleashing a strong finish to score in maiden grade and then again in BM58 company at the Bendigo 1600m on BM58. He returns to that same track and trip on Sunday, and despite staying in BM58 grade, stays at the 60kg following Tom Prebble’s 2kg claim. With a similar finish, Sound Of Jura should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 7 – #2 Sound Of Jura (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Anne Yates | J: Tom Prebble (a2) (62kg) Best Value at Bendigo: Alvin The Shane Fliedner-trained Alvin didn’t have much luck when resuming at Seymour on February 12, and with even luck can break his maiden at his fifth start. The four-year-old gelding was held up for a run when it mattered most and did well to finish with 3.2 lengths of his rivals over 1100m. He drops back to the 1000m, and from barrier five, Harry Coffey should have the son of Overshare in clear air when it matters most, where he can overhaul his rivals at an each-way price with horse racing betting sites. Best Value Race 3 – #1 Alvin (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Shane Fliedner | J: Harry Coffey (59.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Bendigo Bendigo quadrella selections Sunday, March 2, 2025 4 1-2-5 1-2-5 1-6-7-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Amelia’s Jewel winning the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Amelia’s Jewel ($1.80) has claimed a dominant victory in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, securing her first win since joining the NSW-based stable. She was consistent last preparation without winning, running into the minor money in three of her five starts, including a runner-up finish in the Group 1 Empire Rose (1600m) behind Atishu on November 2. She appeared well-placed first-up on Saturday with James McDonald in the saddle, with the star hoop happy to take luck out of the equation aboard the short-priced favourite with horse racing bookmakers and lead throughout the $300,000 feature. The pair were able to cross comfortably despite drawing barrier eight of nine, with no other runners looking to head to the top early. Jason Collett dragged Olentia ($4.80) back to the rear of the field in an attempt to have the last crack at her rivals, while Alsephina ($9.00) didn’t have much luck when trying to get clear under Kerrin McEvoy. Ausbred Flirt ($31.00) and Tashi ($10.00) were doing their best to reel in the margin, but it was to no avail as Amelia’s Jewel simply proved too classy for her rivals, securing her first win since September of 2023. Click here for Randwick race replays. Annabel Neasham was on track to speak post-race. “James (McDonald) said, ‘What do we do?’, and I said ‘leave it up to you’,” said Neasham. “I didn’t expect him to take it up (the lead) but she jumped well and he used his initiative. She relaxed really well there and a great example of James riding the horse rather than the race. “There wasn’t much tempo on paper and I didn’t expect her to lead but that could be a new way to ride her. “It would be interesting to see what sort of weight she’d get in the Coolmore Classic. There is a nice mares program. You’ve got the Queen Of The Turf later on as well. We’ll get her home and make a plan but that was a very good start. “She had a couple of great runs and a couple of good seconds but it was frustrating not to win a race with her (last prep) and I was starting to get a little bit worried because she was a WA star but that was a dominant win today and she’s got plenty of improvement to come. “Onwards and upwards.” James McDonald was delighted with the win and suggested the Coolmore would be a perfect target moving forward. “Annabel left it to us as it looked tricky on paper,” said McDonald. “She began well and that will put a smile on Peter Walsh’s face. “I thought Kerrin (McEvoy on Alsephina) was going to lead but he took hold to stay one off which forced us to go forward and she did it really easily. She’s a quality mare. “The next race (Coolmore) is tailor made for her especially after she’s done that with ease. “The Coolmore 1500-metres suits her perfectly. She’s got a lot of pace and obviously they’ve tried her over all distances but from an outsider looking in, I think 1500-meres would be a spot on distance for her. She did everything really well.” Amelia’s Jewel is on the second line of betting at $3.40 with BlondeBet for the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) on March 15. Horse racing news View the full article

Marble Arch ridden by Michael Dee wins the Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Marble Arch has claimed her first Group success by taking out the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a peach of a ride from Michael Dee. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained mare was kept safe in betting with Dabble and jumped as an equal third-favourite at +450. After jumping well from barrier six, the daughter of Per Incanto landed behind the speed in fourth, settling behind Steparty (+380) and Poison Chalice (+3300), who led the field up in the 1600m contest. As the field swung around the final corner and the sprint went on, there was no other horse that punters wanted to be on outside of the eventual winner, as Marble Arch took over with 300m under a stranglehold before Dee asked for the ultimate effort. Once Dee released the brakes on the mare, she let down with a strong turn of foot to sprint clear of the tiring leaders with 200m to go. Zardozi (+450) and Attrition (+1100) ran on strongly from the back of the field, but it was all honours to the winner, as Marble Arch recorded a dominant two-length win. Click here for Flemington race replays. Ben Hayes represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “She got a great run today, great ride by Michael, there was good speed there and we ended up in the absolute perfect position with no weight and she really deserved that, she’s been bridesmaid a couple of times in stakes races this prep and to win a Group 2 is just huge for her and her residual value going forward,” Hayes said. “The ownership group are fantastic, Steve and Vicky, it’s her colours, they’re great supporters of ours and to win a Group 2 like that for them is just a huge result and she’s been a great success story. “She was a Future Stars winner and she was purchased by Dom who’s our racing manager and it’s just worked out perfect and we’ve got a great ownership group so we’re absolutely thrilled. “If she pulls up well it won’t be a hard decision (to go to the All Star Mile next), she’s a mare in form. “She won that quite well and she was impressive so we’ll definitely be considering it, we’ve just got to see how she pulls up but if she pulls up well I think it’ll be an easy vote to run.” Michael Dee brought up his first winner of the day at Flemington, and he spoke after the win. “We had the perfect run just in behind the speed and she peeled out and we had that race shot to bits a long way from home, she cruised into it, hit the front without doing any work and really quickened away,” Dee said. “She’s in great form at the minute and hopefully that continues. “I rode her early in the prep and that felt a long time ago so she has been up a long while and when these mares are racing so well you’ve got to keep going with them.” Marble Arch is an +1700 chance with bookmakers in the Group 1 All Star Mile. Horse racing news View the full article

Herbert’s (NZ) (Sweet Orange) bank balance has swelled from $130,000 to almost $400,000 within the space of his last three starts, culminating in the Comag Wairere Falls Classic (1500m) at Matamata on Saturday. The Taranaki four-year-old began the season with only one win to his name from a 12-race career. His turnaround began with a pair of spring victories in a Rating 65 at Wanganui and a Rating 75 at Te Rapa, but that was just the beginning of Herbert’s breakthrough season. The son of Sweet Orange has scaled new heights since the beginning of 2025, starting with another Rating 75 success at Wanganui on January 20. He stepped into stakes company and scored a popular local win in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) on February 1, then ventured to Matamata for Saturday’s Wairere Falls Classic. Herbert came up against a highly talented field in the $350,000 feature, which is restricted to trainers outside the top 10 positions on the premiership. His opponents included Group One performers Malt Time (Adelaide), Navigator (NZ) (El Roca) and Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca), while warm favourite Frostfair (NZ) (Written Tycoon) was a last-start fourth behind the elite mare Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m). But Herbert stood tall and carried on his winning way. Herbert jumped from the outside gate in a full field of 14, but jockey Harry Grace was able to get across and slot into a handy position in sixth behind Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress), Fly My Wey (NZ) (Sweynesse), Quality Time (Amaron), Navigator and Drop Of Something (NZ) (Telperion). Grace hooked Herbert to the outside at the home turn and turned him loose, and the high-flying gelding quickly bounded past Shamus to hit the lead. Challengers lined up across the track to take their shot down the straight, with Frostfair working home out wide while Navigator desperately tried to find a way through closer to the rail. But there would be no denying Herbert, who went on to win by a long neck from gallant runner-up Quality Time. Herbert has now had 22 starts for six wins, six seconds, a third and $386,805 in stakes. He is trained by Hall of Fame horseman John Wheeler, who shares ownership with former Taranaki Racing chief executive Carey Hobbs along with Dennis Hunt. Herbert is named after Hunt, who had horses with Wheeler when he operated a Victorian stable in Mornington and is widely known by the nickname Herbert. “I’ve always had a lot of time for this horse, but he’s taken a bit of time and has taken a bit of making,” Wheeler said. “We set our sights on this race a fair while out. That win in the Taranaki Cup last month showed us that we were on track. “It was a bit of a step down in distance for this race, but I wasn’t worried about that. Harry Grace got him into a perfect position in midfield, doing nothing in the run. It was a great ride from that draw. I’m as happy for Harry as I am for ourselves.” Wheeler is in no rush to map out any future plans for the new star of his New Plymouth stable. “We’ll head home to Taranaki now and celebrate when we get there, and we can worry about what’s next later,” Wheeler said. View the full article