Wandering Eyes

Group 1 winner Onesto (Ire) has sired his first reported foals, according to a release from Haras d'Etreham on Friday. Haras de Saint-Julien, Haras de Bourgeauville and Coulonces Sales welcomed the first arrivals of the 2022 G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner. Said Anna Sundstrom of Coulonces, “She is a high-quality filly, very correct, with plenty of size and a pretty and expressive head. She is easy to handle and I am delighted with her, as are her owners who will certainly keep her.” Added Louis Baudron, “We are very pleased with Villanelle's filly by Onesto. She is elegant, well-balanced and displays excellent quality.” Another filly, out of Motivation (Fr)) (Muhtathir {Ire}), arrived at Haras des Capucines. The dam has already produced the Group 1 winner Rockemperor (Ire) to the cover of Holy Roman Emperor (Ire). Capucines also welcomed a colt out of Mintaka (Fr) (Zamindar), whose first foal, Cartiem (Fr) (Cape Cross {Ire}), won the G3 Prix Penelope and finished third in the G2 Prix de la Nonette; and a filly who is the niece of two black-type horses including Group 1 winner Odeliz (Ire) (Falco). Eric Puerari was pleased with the new arrivals and said, “We have had two colts and two fillies and we are delighted with them. They are very well-balanced, just like their sire, with strong physiques and refined heads. They are all foals with great presence, good conformation and plenty of character.” Lady Glenham (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), a half-sister of dual Group 1 scorer Russian Camelot (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), also gave birth to a filly at Haras d'Etreham. The stallion, who is standing his second season for €12,000 at Etreham, covered 120 mares in 2024 and is set to represented by approximately 100 foals, including the progeny of 62 sister of 100 stakes performers, 26 dams of black-type horses, and 23 black-type mares, of which over a third earned that status at two. Thirteen of his 2024 book were stakes winners. The post First Reported Foals For Grand Prix De Paris Hero Onesto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

“An eagle-eyed former Timeform employee, Adam guarantees that if the next Notable Speech is out there, about to make his debut on the all-weather this winter before marching on to Classic glory, then he will spot him. No pressure, then.” Those were the words of TDN colleague Emma Berry when she penned her final Seven Days column of 2024, teeing up what was to come in the column introduced in its stead for the winter. Now, in this 12th edition of Winter Watch, we've reached the stage where it's time to put some cards on the table and deliver on the task which was set back in November: that of spotting the next Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), if such a thing existed. Step forward Opera Ballo (Ire), the son of Ghaiyyath (Ire) who must now be considered the closest thing we've seen to a Classic contender this winter. That would certainly be the view of this scribe–one shared by bookmakers if ante-post odds of 8-1 for the 2,000 Guineas are anything to go by–following back-to-back wins at Kempton, by a cumulative margin of over 12 lengths. If nailing my colours to the Opera Ballo mast really does bring any pressure with it, then thanks should go to Charlie Appleby and the Godolphin team for spelling out so clearly that this is the colt considered the heir apparent to last year's Guineas winner. Perhaps we're guilty of putting two and two together and getting five, but it didn't escape anybody's attention that the one-mile maiden chosen for Opera Ballo's debut last month was the same race in which Notable Speech had kicked off his career 12 months earlier. The result was a bloodless victory by eight and a half lengths, not to mention 'TDN Rising Star' status. Next up for Opera Ballo was Wednesday's “European Road To The Kentucky Derby” Conditions Stakes over the same course and distance, a race Appleby has now four times in five years, after this colt again emulated Notable Speech with a smooth defeat of some promising rivals as the 11-10 favourite. A shade keener than ideal through the early stages, Opera Ballo eventually settled on the heels of stable-mate Olympus Point (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}) in second, before moving up to challenge the leader early in the straight. Towering over the tiring Olympus Point approaching the two-furlong pole, the imposing Opera Ballo then dipped under 11 seconds for the penultimate furlong–just as he had on his debut–as he surged clear for a four-length win. Opera Ballo – all class in the “European Road To The @KentuckyDerby” Conditions Stakes for team @godolphin Two runs Two wins Smart prospect pic.twitter.com/cQi0kw86xX — Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 26, 2025 They finished in a bit of a bunch behind the winner, but the runner-up, Hott Shott (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), came into the race with a BHA mark of 94, while Saddadd (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}) and Quai De Bethune (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}) each arrived at Kempton having recorded impressive wins when last in action. They had to settle for third and fourth, respectively. Certainly, there's some substance to the form, as you'd hope for a colt who now has only The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) categorically ahead of him in those ante-post lists for the Guineas. The majority of bookmakers now have him the same price as stable-mate Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), a dual Group 1 winner as a two-year-old when landing the Middle Park Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes. That suggests William Buick might have a decision to make come the first Saturday in May, especially if Opera Ballo can further enhance his reputation with another showstopping performance between now and then. In 2024, Notable Speech completed his hat-trick in a conditions race at Kempton on Easter Monday, but this year that fixture falls just 12 days before the 2,000 Guineas. A provisional schedule for that card on the Kempton website also shows no such conditions race being held this year. Perhaps the team at Kempton have made the decision to bring it forward in the calendar, so as not to deter any potential Classic contenders from taking up the option. Either way, Appleby will no doubt be keen to give Opera Ballo more experience, ahead of the big spring races which the son of Ghaiyyath looks like he belongs in. No pressure, though. A Taste of the Turf Some might consider this outside of our remit, but we're still in February and this is Winter Watch, so there's no harm in sneaking in a bit of turf racing from Sunday's card at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. One of the feature events there was the Listed Prix de la Californie, another race which had a top-class winner last year in the shape of the subsequent G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest hero Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}). Only time will tell whether Silius (Ire) can scale similar heights in 2025 after his authoritative victory on Sunday, but he's certainly bred to go to the top as a son of Dubawi (Ire) and the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac and G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Silasol (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}). He's the fourth winner from five runners out of Silasol, with the others including Fasol (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Silawi (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), both of whom were placed at Group 3 level in France. Silius was kept busy as a two-year-old when he won two of his six starts–as well as finishing fourth in a pair of Listed contests at Deauville–and already this year he's rattled off a hat-trick of victories over the extended seven furlongs at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. The latest of them was achieved by three and a half lengths from Kaadi (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), just needing to be kept up to his work by Maxime Guyon to justify short odds with the minimum of fuss. Trained by Christophe Ferland, Silius holds an entry in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and a trial for that Classic looks the obvious next step. At this stage he is one of five entries in the Poulains for his owner-breeder, Wertheimer et Frere, alongside the likes of Pacifiste (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), who created a big impression when making a winning debut on the Deauville polytrack back in November. He is out of the GI American Oaks and GI Del Mar Oaks winner Lady Of Shamrock (Scat Daddy). C Ferland trained SILIUS (IRE) takes the Listed Prix de la Californie at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. 3yo son of @DarleyEurope sire Dubawi (IRE) bred & owned by Wertheimer & Frere. pic.twitter.com/AnklX0eFtY — ITM (@IREthoroughbred) February 23, 2025 One for the Shakira Fans It was back to our bread and butter on Tuesday when the all-weather action resumed at Cagnes-Sur-Mer, featuring another dominant front-running display from Prix du Jockey Club entrant Waka Waka (Fr) as he made it two wins from three career starts for the Jerome Reynier stable. In a near carbon copy of his breakthrough success over the same course and distance last month, the son of Dabirsim (Fr) was in front for virtually every yard of the 10-furlong trip, ultimately winning by three lengths eased down, having gained a decisive advantage when kicking clear early in the straight. The limitations of the placed pair are fairly well exposed at this stage–they came into the race having had a combined 15 starts between them–but Waka Waka did everything that was required of him in putting them to the sword in comprehensive fashion. He'll be well worth his place in better company when the time comes. The second foal out of the Listed winner Watayouna (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), he sports the silks of Michael Motschmann, having been bought by Reynier for €28,000 at the Arqana October Yearling Sale. Prix De Porquerolles @hippocotdazur Cagnes Sur Mer – Classe 2 – 3 ans – 2000m – 6 Pts – 26 000 € Waka Waka (m) (Fr) Antonio Orani (Dabirsim (Fr) – Watayouna (Fr) par Siyouni (Fr) @AgaKhanStuds )) Jérôme Reynier @EcurieReynier M.Motschmann… pic.twitter.com/X5XsC5oWS7 — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) February 25, 2025 Amo Fillies to the Fore at Dundalk Spicy Margarita (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}), who earned a positive mention in this space last week, was ruled out of a quick return to action at Dundalk on Friday after she was found to be coughing, but Adrian Murray and Amo Racing were still responsible for the winner of the race she'd been due to contest in Carolina Jetstream (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}). Sent off the 4-5 favourite for what was a conditions event run over an extended 10 furlongs, Carolina Jetstream proved very well suited by the step up in trip as she followed up her maiden victory over a mile at the same track in November. At the line she was two and a quarter lengths clear of her closest pursuer, impressing with how quickly she asserted after moving up to lead entering the final furlong. Bought for 110,000gns at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Carolina Jetstream holds an Irish Oaks entry and it would seem that she takes more after the dam's side of her pedigree than her sire in terms of trip requirements. She is the second winner from three runners out of the Sea The Stars (Ire) mare Queen Of The Stars (GB), who gained her sole career win over 10 furlongs. Queen Of The Stars, in turn, is out of Queen Of Pentacles (Ire) (Selkirk), a Listed winner over the same trip and a half-sister to the classy stayer Caucus (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). This filly still has plenty to find to achieve the level required to be a genuine Classic contender, but she's certainly going the right way for connections who also won the one-mile fillies' maiden on Friday's card with California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}). She was a 1-6 shot to finally get off the mark and duly obliged by five and a half lengths, matching her peak two-year-old form which included a runner-up finish in the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh. Incidentally, the victory of Carolina Jetstream also paid a compliment to the form of Giselle (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who had this filly back in third when they met in a seven-furlong maiden at the Curragh in October. The winner is seemingly held in very high regard by the team at Ballydoyle, while the runner-up, The Palace Girl (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), subsequently sold for 1,550,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Irishinjuredjockeys .com Rated Race @DundalkStadium Dundalk – 3 ans – 2148m – 4 Pts – 15 499 € Carolina Jetstream (f) (Gb) W J Lee @wjlee24786 (Pinatubo (Ire) @DarleyEurope – Queen Of The Stars (Gb) par Sea The Stars (Ire)) A Murray AMO Racing… pic.twitter.com/22paTdOHbJ — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) February 21, 2025 Hey Boo Springs a Surprise Back on British soil, the crossbar has been taking a good battering from the Amo team in recent days, including at Southwell on Saturday where their Royal Ascot winner, Valiant Force (Malibu Moon), finished third in the Listed Hever Sprint Stakes. Expensive breeze-up buy Too Sweet (GB) (King Of Change {GB}) went closer still when filling the runner-up spot in the seven-furlong fillies' maiden at Chelmsford on Saturday, a race won by the Jack Channon-trained newcomer Hey Boo (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). The first two were separated by just three quarters of a length at the line, though 16-1 shot Hey Boo was arguably value for extra, having overcome a sluggish start and a wide draw to win going away. Jonathan Mitchell's homebred winner is out of the Listed-placed Tricksy Spirit (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), who is now a perfect three from three since retiring to the paddocks, with the G3 Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes heroine Juniper Berries (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}) featuring among her two previous winners. Hey Boo was hooded for her debut but showed a likeable attitude and ought to do better still with this experience under her belt. Similar comments apply to Hugo Palmer's Miami Matrix (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), the winner of the seven-furlong maiden at Wolverhampton on Monday, at the expense of another Amo runner in Political Power (Ire) (Wooded {Ire}). Beaten just a length and a half when finishing third on his debut at Newcastle last month, Miami Matrix still looked far from the finished article at Dunstall Park, but he was always going forward despite wandering right in the closing stages, hitting the line powerfully with nearly two lengths to spare over his closest pursuer. He should stay at least a mile on this evidence. An 80,000gns purchase at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale, having initially sold for €48,000 at Book 1 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale, Miami Matrix is the second winner from as many runners out of the Listed-placed Duchess Of Danzig (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). His second dam is the multiple Group 3 scorer and G1 Preis der Diana runner-up Djumama (Ire) (Aussie Rules), whose other notable progeny include the Listed winner and G3 Prix Cleopatre second Samahram (Fr) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). Maiden Fillies' Stakes @ChelmsfordCRC Chelmsford – Maiden – Femelles – 3 ans et plus – 1408m – 12 Pts Hey Boo (f) George Bass (Iffraaj (Gb) @DarleyEurope – Tricksy Spirit (Gb) par Lethal Force (Ire)) J Channon @ChannonRacing M. J… pic.twitter.com/VfsRozZTEC — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) February 22, 2025 Winners in Waiting My Kinda Ghaiy (Ire) Ghaiyyath (Ire)–Mamonta (GB), by Fantastic Light The one-mile maiden on Saturday's card at Southwell had a promising winner in the Ralph Beckett-trained Run With It (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), while My Kinda Ghaiy also shaped with plenty of encouragement as the sole newcomer in the line-up. He was a never-nearer fourth, passing the post two lengths behind the winner, and it's worth watching a replay to see just how much ground he made up in the straight under a hands-and-heels ride. A 75,000gns purchase at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, he looks a useful middle-distance performer in the making, a half-brother to the G2 Lancashire Oaks winner and G1 Prix Vermeille and G1 Prix Royal-Oak runner-up Endless Time (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Dancing Teapot (Ire), runner-up at Dundalk (November 22) since publication Padua (Ire), seventh at Kempton (December 4) since publication Marhaba Ghaiyyath (Ire), winner at Lingfield (December 3) since publication Safe Idea (GB), third at Wolverhampton (December 21) since publication Indian Springs (Ire) Spanish Voice (GB) Noble Horizon (GB) Dixieland Blues (GB) City Of God (Ire), winner at Southwell (January 17) and runner-up at Wolverhampton (February 18) since publication War And Love (GB), runner-up at Chelmsford (January 11) and fifth at Newcastle (February 4) since publication Cupola (GB), seventh at Wolverhampton (February 18) since publication Lady Lilac (Ire) The post Winter Watch: Could Opera Ballo Be The One? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Meydan's nine-race Super Saturday card features eight Thoroughbred contests, with several of them offering automatic entry into the big day in April. The G2 Al Maktoum Classic is one such race, with last year's G1 Al Maktoum Challenge hero Kabirkhan (California Chrome) signed on. Trained by Chief Stipe Watson and the very image of his dual American Horse of the Year sire, the 5-year-old entire was only eighth to Laurel River (Into Mischief) in the G1 Dubai World Cup last March, and returned to action with a seventh-place finish defending his title in the Al Maktoum Challenge on Jan. 24. “We thought we had him in good shape for his last race, off a ten-month layoff,” said trainer Chief Stipe Watson. “I think that he just got in the kickback and then he lost his action. I like the draw [9], a little wide, to keep out of the kickback. I think he will run a nice race.” Tadhg O'Shea and Bhupat Seemar team up with Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won a pair of Meydan handicaps earlier this season. He ran second to Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the Al Maktoum Challenge on Jan. 24 and is looking for some redemption. “He's done nothing wrong,” said the reigning UAE Champion Trainer. “He's won two races and he was second in the Group 1. There's no Walk Of Stars this time, but Kabirkhan is a good horse.” Gun Runner's Guns And Glory, who races for Fitri Hay, could also be rounding into his best form and cuts back 200 metres in trip after taking a 2200-metre contest here on Jan. 31. “He is being thrown a bit in the deep end here having broken the track record last time out,” said Alex Cole, racing manager to the Hay family. “I feel he's earned a shot at this level and on Saturday night we'll find out if he's good enough or not.” Decorated Nations Pride Looms Large in Singspiel Godolphin's four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) appears to have the G2 Singspiel Stakes field at his mercy. After a productive American campaign that saw him run third in the GII Man O'War Stakes, second in the GI Manhattan Stakes and win the GI Arlington Million Stakes, the 6-year-old entire was unplaced in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy in November. He was a last-out ninth in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes on Jan. 25. “Nations Pride put up a strong performance over this course and trip in the Dubai Turf two years ago and enjoyed a productive campaign in the United States last season,” said trainer Charlie Appleby, who has won this race twice. “He is a multiple Group 1 winner and looks a leading contender if he runs to his best.” Godolphin also has First Conquest (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) entered. He is two-for-two over this trip in a Meydan handicap in January and in the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes defeating Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road) on Jan. 31. “First Conquest has done nothing wrong so far this winter and came out of the Dubai Millennium Stakes in good order,” he added. “He deserves to take another step up the ladder and will have no problem with the return to nine furlongs.” Karl Burke saddles G1 Jebel Hatta third Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), who leaves from stall three under Danny Tudhope. The Nick White and Elaine Burke runner had only Hong Kong Horse of the Year and G1 Saudi Cup second Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and the late Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in front of him on Jan. 24. Jumeirah Guineas Up For Grabs The Meydan nightcap, the Listed Jumeirah 2000 Guineas sponsored by Emirates Holidays sees 10 colts and geldings vie for AED800,000 (€209,175) in prize-money. A clear head and shoulders above his contemporaries on ratings is William Buick's mount, 'TDN Rising Star' Ruling Court (Justify). That Godolphin runner blitzed a quality Sandown field by 5 1/2 lengths on debut in July, and was third to current G1 Derby favourite The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in York's G3 Acomb Stakes over seven furlongs in August. He is joined by Appleby's second string and three-time winner Hallasan (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), who is the only other runner rated over 100 in the 1600-metre affair. That gelding won the prep for this race, the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, locally at the end of January. The duo break from posts five and two, respectively, with James Doyle booked for Hallasan. “Ruling Court won impressively on his debut and put up another strong effort in the Acomb Stakes, when he finished third behind two nice colts,” said Appleby. “The plan is to give him one run out here before heading back to Europe for a Classic trial, and this will hopefully guide us whether we go down the Guineas or Derby route. On Hallasan, he added, “Hallasan progressed from his first start of the season to win the trial for this, with Al Qudra going on to frank the form by winning out in Qatar. He's a tough, honest horse who should be competitive again.” Saffie Osborne will ride her father Jamie's The Fingal Raven (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) in this spot. Third to Hallasan in the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, the colt leaves from stall seven. Among the six fillies for the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas sponsored by Emirates Skywards, Godolphin has the 'TDN Rising Star' Mountain Breeze (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who will leave from stall two. Runner-up at Newmarket in both the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes in July and the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes in August, the filly was only eighth when traveling for the GI Natalma Stakes in Canada, but rebounded to win the Mawj Stakes (conditions) over 1400 metres here on Jan. 31. She handily defeated the re-opposing Spanish filly Octans (Spa) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), with Lhakpa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) third that day. “We were very pleased with Mountain Breeze in the Mawj Stakes,” said Appleby of the Lope De Vega filly. “It was always the plan to come here before possibly looking at a Guineas trial in Europe. She has come forward for her seasonal return and looks the one to beat.” Additional Undercard The G2 Dubai City of Gold features a trio from Godolphin in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf second Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) versus four foes. The first-named was third in a pair of American Grade Is in August and September and has been freshened since. Oxbow's Tuz towers over his foes in the 1200-metre G3 Mahab Al Shimaal sponsored by emirates.com. He is aiming for his fifth win in a row, and has captured the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, Listed Al Garhoud Sprint, G3 Dubawi Stakes, and G3 Al Shindagha Sprint in succession, the last-named race on Jan. 24. Turf sprinters test the Meydan straight course in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint, with the G2 Blue Point Sprint one-two of West Acre (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) set to renew their rivalry. In the G3 Burj Nahaar sponsored by Emirates Airlines, 2023 G3 Mahab Al Shimaal winner Sound Money (Flatter) faces off against the equal-rated stakes winner Cagliastro (Flatter), who was third in the G3 Firebreak Stakes to King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) last month. The post Super Saturday Tees Up Dubai World Cup Night Pointers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Light Up Racing is pushing back against a New York Times article on horse racing with a message sent to its members Friday. The message reads in part: “A new New York Times article on horse racing has been published, and unfortunately, it follows a familiar pattern: misleading claims, outdated narratives, and a failure to acknowledge the industry's real progress. They frame the industry as reliant on subsidies while overlooking the hundreds of millions it contributes in tax revenue. They call racing a dying sport but ignore the record Kentucky Derby audience and the $2 billion invested in track infrastructure. They question safety standards, even though racehorse fatalities have dropped 27% since HISA's implementation, marking the safest period in modern racing. Misinformation spreads when it goes unchallenged. That's where this community comes in. With the Kentucky Derby approaching, the grassroots network we've built is more important than ever in ensuring that the real story of racing is heard.” Light Up Racing also included a google document with key talking points related directly to the article and encouraged readers to share it and “help set the record straight.” The post Light Up Racing Pushes Back Against New York Times Racing Piece appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania-bred horse that captured the hearts of sports and horse fans across the world during his race for the Triple Crown in 2004, is the subject of a new 37-minute documentary titled 'Ride of a Lifetime: The Smarty Jones Story'. Following Smarty Jones being named a finalist for the National Museum of Racing's 2025 Hall of Fame last week, the documentary can be streamed for free exclusively on a newly-launched website. Filmed last year to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Smarty Jones' Triple Crown run, the story recounts how he overcame a potentially career-ending injury and features new interviews with owner Pat Chapman, trainer John Servis, jockey Stewart Elliott and many other key figures. “Smarty brought so much joy to me, my husband, and fans around the world,” said Chapman. “Smarty gave hope, courage, and inspiration to multitudes after his recovery from a near-career-ending injury. He was the quintessential underdog, overcoming incredible odds and capturing the hearts of people around the world. I love the way that this documentary captures his story, spirit, and how much he inspired and meant to so many people. He truly took us on the 'Ride of a Lifetime.' I am also incredible grateful to the Hall of Fame Committee for naming Smarty as a finalist. It is truly an honor and I am thrilled that he will be on the ballot.” Smarty is one of eight racehorses who will appear as a finalist on the National Museum of Racing's 2025 Hall of Fame ballot. Finalists must receive a minimum of nine votes from the Hall's 14-member nominating committee. To earn induction into the Hall of Fame, finalists must receive a majority of votes from the voting panel. Results will be announced on Thursday, April 24 and the induction ceremony will be held on Friday, August 1 at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, NY. The post Hall Of Fame Finalist Smarty Jones Honored With New Documentary appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There was a hint of Spring despite the expected February cold at Chantilly on Friday and also a sign of the initial shoots of the upcoming Flat season with some big operations represented on the course's Polytrack. Among them was George Strawbridge's homebred Kryon (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}–Darkova, by Maria's Mon), a Victoria Head-trained half-brother to Wootton Bassett's champion Almanzor (Fr) who made his 3-year-old bow a relatively impressive one in the colts' division of the fixture's pair of 9 1/2-furlong maidens. Not seen since finishing third on his sole juvenile start over an inadequate 7 1/2-furlong trip at Saint-Cloud in October, the 3-1 second favourite raced under cover in mid-pack early before given the command by Christophe Soumillon in early straight. In front with 300 metres remaining, he stretched to a three-length dismissal of the Christopher Head-trained 12-5 favourite Zodd (Ire) (U S Navy Flag). (C. Soumillon – V. Head) ouvre son palmarès dans le Prix du Four à Tuile sur l'hippodrome de Chantilly. Frère utérin d' par , il avait débuté par une troisième place le 10 octobre dernier dans un lot de poulains estimés et… pic.twitter.com/ZZBOg47io2 — Equidia (@equidia) February 28, 2025 The post Sea The Stars Half To Almanzor Strikes At Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WinStar Farm's first-year stallions Cogburn (Not This Time), 'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief), and 'TDN Rising Star' Heartland (Justify) have each had their first mares checked in foal, the farm announced Friday. For more information on Cogburn ($30,000 S&N), Timberlake ($20,000 S&N), and Heartland ($10,000 S&N), visit the WinStar Farm website here. The post WinStar’s Freshman Trio All Get First Mares Checked In Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Duality Sports & Entertainment, in collaboration with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), will present Winner's Circle, a short documentary offering an exclusive look into the high-stakes world of professional horse race betting at the 2024 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC). The film debuts March 6, 2025, on Duality's YouTube channel, with exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content available on NTRA.com. Each year, thousands of bettors put their skills, strategy, and bankroll to the test in qualifiers across the country, competing for a coveted spot at Caesars Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. The NHC is the pinnacle of horse gambling, bringing together over 600 elite horseplayers battling for the $800,000 grand prize and the prestigious title of “Horseplayer of the Year.” “The moment we stepped onto the tournament floor at the NHC, it was clear that horse racing's most passionate and knowledgeable fans are its gamblers,” said Michael Horton, director of Winner's Circle. “Handicapping is a mix of skill, instinct, and deep research. The dedication these players bring to the game is what makes this world so compelling.” The post NTRA To Present ‘Winner’s Circle’ Documentary Diving Into The World Of Championship Horse Gambling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Road, presented by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article

The catalogue for the Texas 2-year-olds in Training Sale, to be held April 2 at Lone Star Park, features 94 horses with a breeze show scheduled for March 31 at the Dallas-Fort Worth area track. Online bidding will be offered for the auction, which is operated by the Texas Thoroughbred Association, and supplements are still being accepted. “Consignors have consistently been bringing quality horses to our sales, and that's been proven over and over on the racetrack,” said Sales Director Foster Bridewell. “We had 2-year-old sale graduate Frost Free win the Grade III Chick Lang Stakes on Preakness Day at Pimlico last year, and yearling sale grad Coal Battle is already a millionaire and on the road to the Kentucky Derby after winning the Grade II Rebel Stakes last weekend.” Horses bred in Texas and Louisiana are strongly represented, along with those in Kentucky, Arkansas and Oklahoma, among others. Leading regional stallions with offspring in the sale include Aurelius Maximus, El Deal, Gormley and Star Guitar. Top Kentucky stallions represented include Frosted, Goldencents, Good Magic, Hard Spun, Into Mischief, Liam's Map, Maclean's Music, Omaha Beach and Union Rags. The sale offers buyers a chance for a quick return on their investment with two divisions of the $150,000-added Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity July 5 at Lone Star Park. Sale graduates will also be eligible as 3-year-olds to compete in the $100,000-added Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby and Oaks at Sam Houston Race Park in 2026. To view the catalog and get more information about online bidding, click here. The post Texas 2-Year-Old Sale To Feature 94 Hips appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Richard Botterill, marketing manager and auctioneer at Tattersalls Cheltenham, has died at the age of 60 after a short illness. Announcing his passing, a statement released by Tattersalls read, “[Richard] died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. His loss is felt with immense sorrow across the entire Tattersalls group, and heartfelt condolences are extended to his family and friends during this difficult time. “Richard played a pivotal role in establishing jumping sales at Cheltenham Racecourse during his tenure as bloodstock sales manager for Brightwells Auctioneers. More recently, he was instrumental in ensuring the continued growth and success of these sales under the Tattersalls Cheltenham banner. With an innovative approach to selling proven jumps horses, he backed his judgement with confidence and worked tirelessly to deliver results in an industry he was truly passionate about.” Botterill, who grew up in Yorkshire, followed the tradition of three generations of his family when pursuing a career in the bloodstock industry. His great-grandfather Richard Percival Botterill trained in Malton, and grandfather Jack Botterill founded the family auctioneering business, Botterills. Jack initially sold horses in York and at the local racecourses following selling races, before establishing the first sales at Ascot Racecourse in 1953. The business was later taken over by Richard's father, Michael, and his uncle John, carrying forward the family's proud tradition in the industry. After stints working for David Nicholson and Bob Woodhouse, Botterill followed his father in serving an 'apprenticeship' at Goffs, spending six years in Ireland, during which time he rode out for Ted Walsh and competed in point-to-points. Returning to the UK in 1990 to join the family firm at Ascot, he later embarked on his own venture, specialising in the sale of sport horses and staged the inaugural National Hunt Breeze-up Sale of New Zealand Thoroughbreds for trainer David Barons. His business was subsequently bought by Russell, Baldwin & Bright, later renamed Brightwells, and he became a shareholder at the Hereford-based auction house. Botterill and Brightwells identified a niche in selling selected point-to-point horses at the home of jump racing, and very quickly the Cheltenham sales venue became an integral part of the jumping market. Over the past 21 years, sales at the venue have realised exponential growth, driven by the increasing demand for Irish and British point-to-pointers and jumps form horses. In 2015, Tattersalls acquired Brightwells' Ascot and Cheltenham Sales division, retaining the bloodstock team including Botterill, who played a pivotal role in successfully establishing the Ascot Yearling Sale, which has since been rebranded as the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale. Tattersalls associate director Matthew Prior said, “It's incredibly hard to put into words just how much Richard meant to all of us. He wasn't just a colleague – he was a great friend and the heart and soul of the Tattersalls Cheltenham sales. He was innovative, had an infectious enthusiasm, and a warmth that made everyone feel welcome. Tattersalls is indebted to him for his contribution to its sales in both the UK and Ireland, particularly in the point-to-point sector, where he played a pivotal role in its growth over the past 20 years. His absence will be profoundly felt at the sales, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.” Botterill took particular pride in his 21-year association with sales at Prestbury Park, including the most recent ten years with Tattersalls Cheltenham, as well as his family's longstanding history with the Ascot sales. Auctioneering horses was his enduring and lifelong passion. Speaking on camera last autumn, he reflected on the excitement of his role, saying, “To sell horses at Cheltenham under Tattersalls is amazing – there is such a buzz to it.” Richard Botterill is survived by his wife Liz and son Jack. Funeral details will be announced at a later date. The post ‘Heart and Soul of Tattersalls Cheltenham’ Richard Botterill Dies at 60 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aesop's Fables (Ire), the new recruit at Starfield Stud, has had his first mares scanned in foal. These include Pittoresco (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), whose full-sister Orchidaceae (Ire) holds Classic entries for her owner Team Valor, and Limoncello Lady (Ire) (Magna Grecia {Ire}), a half-sister to Group 2-placed Nigiri (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). “He is proving popular with breeders in both Ireland and Britain,” said Starfield's Micheal Orlandi of the G2 Futurity Stakes winner. “We are thrilled with the support and momentum he is building. His book looks exceptional for a stallion at his price point. We must thank the breeders who have pledged their support and are backing their judgement with Aesop's Fables.” The post First Mares in Foal to Aesop’s Fables appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brudenell ridden by Mark Zahra wins the Lawn Rules Abell Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse on February 28, 2025 in Moonee Ponds, Australia. (Photo by George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos) Brudenell showcased his class and experience to claim the Listed Abell Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday, February 28. Trained by Kris Lees and ridden by Mark Zahra, the five-year-old gelding secured his tenth career victory in impressive style. Jumping well, Brudenell settled just off the speed while Regal Zeus and Apache Song set the early tempo. As the field approached the home turn, Zahra angled Brudenell into the clear, and with a sharp sprint, he overpowered Regal Zeus and London’s Image in the final strides to win by three-quarters of a length as the $3.10 favourite with the top online bookmakers. Moonee Valley Listed Abell Stakes Race Replay – Brudenell https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Moonee-Valley-2025-Listed-Abell-Stakes-28022025-Brudenell-Kris-Lees-Mark-Zahra.mp4 Post-race, Zahra praised Brudenell’s acceleration and professionalism. “Nice gate, lobbed in a beautiful spot, and he’s got a short, sharp sprint. I just sort of waited to press the go button, and when I did, it was pretty much all over,” Zahra said. “He had to carry the weight, but with the run he had and his good turn of foot, he was always going to be hard to beat.” Brudenell’s victory adds to a strong career record of 25 starts for 10 wins and over $850,000 in prizemoney. London’s Image, who finished third, was unlucky after missing the start and over-racing early, while Regal Zeus fought on bravely for second. Brudenell is expected to continue his campaign targeting further stakes races, with his turn of foot making him a force to be reckoned with in upcoming sprints. Horse racing news View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Sweet Embrace Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025 Location: Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, New South Wales Prize Money: $300,000 Distance: 1200m The Sweet Embrace Stakes is a Group 2 race for two-year-old fillies, run over 1200m under set weights. First held in 1979 by the Sydney Turf Club, the Sweet Embrace Stakes is named after the 1967 Golden Slipper winner, Sweet Embrace. The Sweet Embrace Stakes grants ballot exemption for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m). Initially a Listed race, the Sweet Embrace Stakes was upgraded to Group 3 in 1987 and Group 2 in 2012. The 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes, worth $300,000, was won by Manaal, defeating Fly Fly and Extreme Diva. Four fillies have completed the Sweet Embrace–Golden Slipper double, most recently Fireburn (2022). 2025 Sweet Embrace Stakes betting odds Manaal returned a winner in the 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Odds for the Sweet Embrace Stakes as of February 24 – Courtesy of Neds Bellazaine Win $3.00 Place $1.50 Within The Law Win $4.40 Place $1.85 Memo Win $6.00 Place $2.25 Snitzel Miss Win $8.00 Place $2.75 Price Tag Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Artistic Venture Win $13.00 Place $4.00 Inkaruna Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Karinska Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Tupakara Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Strada Varenna Win $17.00 Place $5.00 Open Secret Win $21.00 Place $6.00 Daphnes Win $26.00 Place $7.25 Marhoona Win $26.00 Place $7.25 Wootton Lass Win $26.00 Place $7.25 Autumn Blonde Win $51.00 Place $13.50 Deep Affection Win $51.00 Place $13.50 Dream Side Win $51.00 Place $13.50 Lady Pankhurst Win $51.00 Place $13.50 You’re The Choice Win $51.00 Place $13.50 Queen Of Clubs Win $101.00 Place $26.00 How to bet on the Sweet Embrace Stakes All of our top horse betting sites have markets for the Sweet Embrace Stakes. Most of the Sydney Autumn Carnival races have markets opened well in advance and the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes is no exception. 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. 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Sweet Embrace Stakes News Randwick free racing preview & best bets | Saturday, March 1 Horse Racing Tips 1 day ago Check out HorseBetting’s free betting preview and quaddie tips for a monster Group 1 day of racing at Randwick on … Read More Manaal shows her class in Sweet Embrace Stakes victory Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Tommy Berry has guided the Michael Freedman-trained Manaal to victory in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) at Randwick … Read More Randwick race-by-race preview & betting tips | Saturday, March 2 Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago The Verry Elleegant Stakes headlines a bumper 10-race card at Randwick this Saturday. See our free betting tips and quaddie … Read More The Follow Files: Freedman filly ready to fire in Blue Diamond Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago In this week’s Follow Files, we have found runners from Caulfield and Randwick last Saturday that are worth keeping an … Read More Lazzago the best of the girls in the Sweet Embrace Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 years ago The old firm of Hugh Bowman and Chris Waller have combined for Group 2 success in the Sweet Embrace Stakes … Read More Fireburn continues hot streak in Sweet Embrace Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Fireburn continued on her winning ways in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes at Royal Randwick, booking her ticket into … Read More 2025 Sweet Embrace Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Sweet Embrace Stakes final field is released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Previous Behemoth Stakes Fields 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Manaal Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 6 55.5kg 2 Castanya Annabel Neasham Zac Lloyd 14 55.5kg 3 Totoka Paul Perry Dylan Gibbons 10 55.5kg 4 Chateau Miraval Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 8 55.5kg 5 Photographics John Sargent Kerrin McEvoy 3 55.5kg 6 Extreme Diva Anthony Cummings Chad Schofield 13 55.5kg 7 Wave Breaker Peter & Paul Snowden Tyler Schiller 4 55.5kg 8 Drifting Peter & Paul Snowden Tom Sherry 7 55.5kg 9 Valabing David Payne Adam Hyeronimus 11 55.5kg 10 Asteride Robert & Luke Price Ashley Morgan 9 55.5kg 11 Fly Fly Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jason Collett 12 55.5kg 12 Diddle Dumpling Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Regan Bayliss 2 55.5kg 13 Montana Dawn John Thompson Reece Jones 5 55.5kg 14 Zounaka John Thompson Tom Marquand 1 55.5kg 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Randwick-2024-Group-2-Sweet-Embrace-Stakes-02032024-Manaal-Michael-Freedman-Tommy-Berry.mp4 1st – Manaal (+115) 2nd – Fly Fly (-125) 3rd – Extreme Diva (+190) Recent runnings of the Sweet Embrace Stakes: 2024: Manaal all class Manaal ($2.00) returned to the winner’s circle by taking out the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes at Rosehill. The Michael Freedman-trained filly was well backed throughout betting and jumped as an even money favourite with top online horse betting sites, with her followers receiving a relatively easy watch throughout the 1200m contest. The daughter of Tassort jumped well and held a position behind the speed before Tommy Berry pushed the favourite out four and five-wide on the home turn to make her run in the final 400m. Once Berry released the brakes and she let down with her finishing burst, the race was just about over as she careered away to take the lead, with only Fly Fly ($8.00) taking ground off her in the final 100m. 2023: Lazzago arrives in time The old firm of Hugh Bowman and Chris Waller combined with Lazzago for Group 2 success in the Sweet Embrace Stakes at Randwick. The Capitalist filly franked the form from the Inglis Millennium, as well as Facile and Blanc De Blanc who finished second and third respectively, all coming through the same race behind Learning To Fly. It was a dominant win all things considered as Bowman circled the entire field from well back in the run to secure her way to the Golden Slipper. 2022: Fireburn relishes wet Randwick Fireburn continued on her winning ways in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes at Royal Randwick, booking her ticket into the Golden Slipper. The Gary Portelli-trained two-year-old made it three straight wins in the Group 2 event in what was her third attempt at 1200m. The daughter of Rebel Dane moved up stylishly on the outside of Xtravagant Star and Lady Laguna, to quickly put the field to bed and fend off the challenge from the fast-finishing She’s Extreme. Previous winners of the Sweet Embrace Stakes Sweet Embrace Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Manaal Tommy Berry Michael Freedman 2023 Lazzago Hugh Bowman Chris Waller 2022 Fireburn Jason Collett Gary Portelli 2021 Four Moves Ahead Nash Rawiller John Sargent 2020 Hungry Heart James McDonald Chris Waller 2019 Anaheed Tim Clark Peter & Paul Snowden 2018 Seabrook Hugh Bowman Mick Price 2017 One More Honey Jay Ford John Thompson 2016 Scarlet Rain Kathy O’Hara Gai Waterhouse 2015 Always Allison Glyn Schofield Chris Waller 2014 Believe Yourself Jason Collett Gerald Ryan 2013 Romantic Moon James McDonald John O’Shea 2012 Jade Marauder Hugh Bowman Chris Waller 2011 Shared Reflections Nash Rawiller Gai Waterhouse 2010 Crystal Lily Damien Oliver Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra 2009 Headway Chris Munce Peter Moody 2008 Stripper Jeff Lloyd David Payne 2007 Chinchilla Rose Stathi Katsidis Steele Ryan 2006 Universal Queen Danny Beasley Bede Murray 2005 Carry On Cutie Jim Cassidy Graeme Rogerson 2004 Burning Sands Jim Cassidy Graeme Rogerson 2003 Legally Bay Rod Quinn John Hawkes 2002 Victory Vein Danny Beasley Bede Murray 2001 Ha Ha Brian York Gai Waterhouse 2000 Dynamic Love Glen Colless John Wallace Sweet Embrace Stakes winners pre-2000 Sweet Embrace Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Countess Christie 1998 Rubicall 1997 All The Chat 1996 Flapper 1995 Millrich 1994 Shadowy Outline 1993 Rock Review 1992 Skating 1991 Shadea 1990 Paklani 1989 A Little Kiss 1988 Scollata 1987 Postage Due 1986 Khaptivaan 1985 Speed Check 1984 Vain Display 1983 Purpose 1982 Jade Lace 1981 Black Shoes 1980 Dark Eclipse 1979 Ingenue Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article

Chris Waller has turned his eyes to the expansive Flemington straight track in hope of getting a touch of luck and Joliestar (Zoustar) back in the winner’s stall for the first time in six months in next Saturday’s $1.5 million Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m). Waller was in Melbourne on Friday to see the four-year-old get her first look down the famous straight course, clocking 48.78 seconds under Damian Lane for the 800-metre workout, holding off Traffic Warden and stablemate Gatsby’s. “She just needs a bit of confidence and a bit of luck,” he explained. “She is just having no luck, her Everest run was as good as any in the run and Golden Eagle run same again, as good as any, but had no luck and then first-up things just didn’t go to plan. “She is going as well as she’s ever gone and she’s certainly capable of winning a race like the Newmarket.” Joliestar hasn’t saluted since the Gr.3 Show Country (1200m) last August. The Cambridge-owned daughter of Zoustar is the $6 favourite with Sportsbet in the race, which Waller won for the only time so far with Brazen Beau back in 2015. Having campaigned that galloper at Royal Ascot thereafter, Waller said there is a possibility Joliestar could follow the same path, as could stablemate Switzerland, who instead will run in the Canterbury Stakes next weekend. “We love to give our horses an experience running down the straight because there are so many great races here at Flemington or even overseas if you want to travel,” Waller said. “The beauty of winning a 1200-metre race at Flemington is it opens up the door to travel. “She is certainly good enough (to win the Newmarket) in our opinion and this morning gave her a good chance to have a look at the straight with Damian Lane aboard. “Obviously it’s a different style of racing but one she should adapt to pretty quickly.” Waller said a rider won’t be be confirmed until weights are released but a top-three finish will see her line up in the G1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m), suggesting a sprinting path is more likely this campaign. View the full article

Treybon will contest the $200,000 Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui on Saturday. Photo: Race Images While Saturday’s inaugural Otago Classics Day at Wingatui is headlined by its trio of black-type features, the $200,000 Southern Mile Final (1600m) gives intermediate-grade horses an opportunity to race for the highest stake of their careers. The Southern Mile Final is the final event on Saturday’s 10-race card. It is the culmination of a series of Rating 65 and 75 qualifiers that began on Boxing Day and included races at Wingatui, Riccarton, Riverton and Ascot Park. The popular series is now in its fourth year, with Henley, Burgie and The Grey Goose winning the first three editions of the lucrative Wingatui final. Burgie went on to place in the Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) later in the autumn of 2023, then returned a year later and won that fillies and mares’ feature. Last year’s Southern Mile winner The Grey Goose will be back at Wingatui again on Saturday to contest the Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m). Saturday’s 2025 renewal of the ODT Southern Mile Final has drawn a full field of 14 plus six emergencies, with locals facing off against strong contingents from around Canterbury and Southland. The 59kg topweight is the Canterbury visitor Treybon, who has been a model of consistency through his seven-year-old season. The Sweynesse gelding beat black-type performers Family Ties and Miss Layla to win a 1600m Rating 75 at Ashburton in December, then stepped up into open class and ran a close fifth behind Ears Back in the Timaru Cup (1600m). After taking out the iconic Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m) on January 11, Treybon dropped back down to Rating 75 company and recorded a pair of close second placings behind fellow Southern Mile Final entrants Quintabelle and Steal My Thunder. “He’s been racing in great form this summer,” Beckett said. “He seems to have really matured now and grown into himself. There have been no problems with him at all since that last-start second at Ascot Park. I’m happy as hell with him. He should go well again on Saturday.” Treybon has formed a successful partnership with apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper, who has ridden him six times for two wins, three placings and the Timaru Cup fifth. Cooper’s 2kg claim will reduce Treybon’s impost to 57kg. “Donovan gets on really well with him and the horse seems to race kindly for him,” Beckett said. “He was very keen to stay with him for Saturday, and we’re more than happy to have him on again.” A super-consistent member of the Southland contingent is Maximus Augustus, whose eight starts this season have produced a win, two seconds, a third, two fourths and a fifth. The five-year-old son of War Decree is trained by his owner-breeder Bill McNamara, who has five horses in work in his Ascot Park stable and has never before had a runner in a $200,000 race. “It’s exciting,” McNamara said. “We’re thrilled to have him lining up in a race for that kind of prize. We’ve got an in-form jockey (Samantha Wynne) and a good gate (two), so we’ve been pretty fortunate in the lead-up to the race. “He’s been in good form this season and hasn’t had much luck in his races either. There’s always been something that’s happened, where the outcome could have been quite different if things had gone differently in the running. So hopefully he might have a bit of better luck going his way this time. “I’ve been very happy with the horse since his last run. He’s big and strong. He’s as fit as we’re going to get him and as well as we’re going to get him. Now it all comes down to what happens on the day.” Horse racing news View the full article

Pam Gerard pictured with former training partner Mike Moroney, who passed away in Melbourne this week. Photo: Trish Dunell Barely 48 hours after the sad loss of her former training partner Mike Moroney, Pam Gerard will saddle a Group 1 contender at the Melbourne track the Hall of Fame horseman called home. Gerard’s star three-year-old Savaglee will line up as a leading chance in Saturday’s A$1 million Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington, where Moroney was based for the last two decades. Despite his move across the Tasman, Moroney maintained a presence in his old home town of Matamata, where Gerard served as his training partner from 2016 until last season and they won 178 races together. One of the big success stories from their time together was Roch ‘N’ Horse, who was a Listed winner and Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) placegetter in New Zealand before Gerard sent her across to Moroney and she won Flemington’s Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and Champions Sprint (1200m). Gerard took sole charge of Ballymore Stables’ Matamata operation when Moroney relinquished his New Zealand licence at the end of last season amid a health battle, but the pair continued to work closely together until the 66-year-old died in his sleep on Thursday morning. “It’s a huge loss,” Gerard said from Melbourne on Friday. “He was a fantastic man and I was so lucky to work alongside him and have the great partnership with him that we enjoyed over the last 10 years or so. I’m going to miss him a lot. “The Guineas isn’t going to be an easy race on Saturday, but I’d love to see Savaglee run a really big race in Mike’s honour.” Savaglee has swept all before him in New Zealand’s three-year-old ranks, winning five of his seven starts this season including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m), Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m). The Oaks Stud-owned colt signed off his domestic campaign with a third placing against older horses in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 8. Savaglee flew to Melbourne on Wednesday and pleased Gerard with the way he took the journey in his stride. “He seems to have handled the trip across really well,” she said. “He’s done a fair bit of travelling this season, going to Hawke’s Bay and Christchurch and Wellington, and he seems to enjoy it. He looks bright and well this morning and I think we’re on track. “I think going back up to 1600m is going to be ideal for him too. He was dominant over that trip in the 2000 Guineas and has probably been wanting it again ever since. He got away with 1400m at Trentham in a fresh state, but I think he found it a bit short at Te Rapa last time. I can’t wait to see him run 1600m around that big track at Flemington.” Savaglee will be ridden by expat Kiwi jockey Michael Dee, who lived with Gerard and her partner Tommy Hazlett when they worked at Te Akau Racing during Dee’s apprenticeship. Horse racing bookmakers rate Savaglee a $13 chance in a market headed by Angel Capital ($3.90), Sepals ($4.80) and Point And Shoot ($5.50). Gerard has black-type contenders in action on home soil this weekend too, with impressive last-start winner Harlech lining up in the Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) while Dubai Gold contests the Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Trentham on Sunday. “It’s great to see Harlech still racing so well,” Gerard said. “His trips down to the South Island over the last year or so have really helped to build his confidence up. “It’s going to be a similar field to the one that he beat last start, and stepping up to 1600m should suit him even better. “Dubai Gold looked really good early on in this preparation, then just went off the boil a little bit on some of those harder tracks through the summer. But it seemed to me like she turned a corner before that last-start win at Te Aroha. She came right in the coat, put on a bit of weight and just had a different demeanour. “She’s looking really good now and enjoying the racing and work. She’s coming into her own and I’m looking forward to seeing how she goes up over ground in the Lowland.” Horse racing news View the full article

Leica Lucy will contest Sunday’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Trentham. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) New Plymouth trainer Robbie Patterson is thankful he is still alive following the devastation of losing his house to a fire earlier this week. While he has lost his household possessions, Patterson is grateful that he and his daughter weren’t at home at the time of the incident, and they can rebuild their lives. “My house burnt down and we lost everything, but we didn’t lose our lives,” Patterson said. “It was very fortuitous that we weren’t there because we wouldn’t have survived it, it was pretty messy, and it happened in the very early hours of the morning when we would have been asleep. We are very lucky to live.” Taking a silver lining approach to the incident, Patterson has pressed on with his race team and is looking forward to heading south to Trentham on Sunday where his star filly Leica Lucy will contest the Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m), her final lead-in run to next month’s $1 million Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). The daughter of Derryn has been a revelation for Patterson and owner-breeders Peter and Heather Crofskey, winning three of her first four starts, including the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) and Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). Her impressive run of form caught the eye of prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir, who bought into the filly earlier this month, and she carried his familiar silks to victory in the Group 2 Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa just days later. Kheir will make the journey across the Tasman to watch his filly race this weekend, and Patterson is hopeful he can reward Kheir with a victory in the Group 2 feature. “It will be nice to meet him, and it would be lovely if he can watch his horse win,” Patterson said. “She is 100 percent and has worked up super this week. She is bordering on being too well at the moment actually, she is thriving that much. I am really happy going into it.” Leica Lucy is tipped to continue her winning streak, with horse racing bookmakers installing her a $1.50 hot favourite for Sunday’s feature, ahead of Connello ($6.50) and Myakkabelle ($8). Patterson is hoping stablemates One Bold Gigolo and Sir Bruce can also continue their winning ways, with the last-start winners set to contest the Rothley 1400 and Mana Plumbing 2100 respectively. “It was a nice win last start from One Bold Gigolo, but he is going from a Thursday maiden to a Saturday race,” Patterson said. “But he is a progressive horse, he is well drawn (1), and he will put himself in the race. I can’t see why he can’t figure in the finish. “Sir Bruce is another progressive staying type. He is going to get back from that draw (15), which isn’t going to be a worry. I would love to see him track into the race and if he can get a truly run race and a nice track, he will be flying down the outside.” Patterson’s Trentham team will be rounded out by two-win Derryn mare Sinbin, who will contest the MG Tiling & Clarky’s Painting 1200. “She is going to get back from that draw (11),” he said. “She went a super race fresh-up, she got home really strong at New Plymouth. A repeat of that performance will see her flashing home.” Horse racing news View the full article

Myakkabelle will contest Sunday’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Trentham. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Myakkabelle has been a model of consistency in the lead up to the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and she will take the final step towards the $1 million feature in Sunday’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m). A filly by War Decree, Myakkabelle was amongst the action in each of the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) and Group 2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m), the latter her first time facing off against Oaks favourite Leica Lucy. While Leica Lucy will be the odds-on pick and filly to beat at Trentham this weekend, Myakkabelle has continued to please her trainers Ben and Ryan Foote, both on and off on race track. “She was very good in the Fillies Classic, she probably just came to the end of it 100m out but she still fought on strong,” Ben Foote said. “We’re trying to bring her up to peak at the Oaks, but her work on Tuesday was as good as I’ve seen it, so I think everything is coming to hand nicely with her.” Joining Myakkabelle on the journey from their Cambridge base will be Rayet and Nancy She Wrote, two mares with a definite liking for the champagne turf. Rayet came desperately close to winning two starts back at the course, while on the same day, Nancy She Wrote saluted over subsequent winner Lanikai. The pair will start in the MG Tiling and Clarky’s Painting 1200 and Laser Electrical 1600 respectively. “Rayet went a great race there two starts back and then came home strong last start, but she’d actually smacked her head in the gates,” Ben Foote said. “A couple of horses were declared non-starters, but because she ended up in the trail, she didn’t. “It was still pretty much a non-race for her I think, and we’ll be expecting her to turn that around on Sunday. “She (Nancy She Wrote) is a horse with a lot of ability that needs a lot of things to go her way. “Trentham is such a big, roomy track and things seem to go her way a bit more, she always races well there so we decided to head back down.” Meanwhile, the stable will be represented in the lucrative Wairere Falls Classic (1500m) at Matamata the day prior with The Odyssey. The son of Zacinto has already tasted success in an innovation race, winning last year’s $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m), and has gone on to win in open company this term as well as placing in the Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m). “He’s been a slow-maturing horse, but he’s strengthened up a lot, his work has been very good,” Ben Foote said. “He’ll need a touch of luck from the barriers, but he’ll go a good race and then we’ll be on to better things hopefully.” Earlier in the week, Kakadu got the stable off to winning start at Taupo, producing a dominant victory in the Central Livestock (1200m). A two-time winner on the Cambridge Synthetic, Foote was rapt to see his charge bring that ability to the turf after testing out various distances. “He’s been a hard horse to work out, some people get off and tell me that he’s a stayer, while others say he’s a sprinter,” he said. “He’s a very big horse that is still maturing. “We decided to freshen him up and go back to sprinting him, so hopefully we’ve got him worked out now as well. “He’s always shown us plenty and to win on quite a firm surface yesterday was good to see, sometimes when they go well on the poly you would think they need the easing out of the track.” Horse racing news View the full article

The ever popular series of Metro Heats and Finals will kick off in 2025 at Cambridge next Tuesday. The raceway will host heats for both the 3YO and older R35-45 pacers and trotters. Both heats will be worth $8000. To see the field for the Trotters’ heat click here To see the field for the Pacers’ heat click here There’ll be a second round of $16,000 heats at Alexandra Park on Friday, March 14 before the $35,000 finals for both gaits, also at Alexandra Park on March 21. The first four from each of the heats automatically qualifies for the final. The Finals, to be held as part of a huge NZB Harness Million night, will be limited to 12 runners. Should a horse win both a heat and the final the final will be penalty free. Heats and Finals will held throughout the year including $20,000 heats for both gaits at Alexandra Park on May 9 and 23, ahead of a $35,000 final on Friday, May 30. There will also be $20,000 heats in June. The Heats/Finals format was introduced in 2024 as part of the “Future Starts Now” to re-invigorate racing in the north. It is all about rewarding owners and trainers who regularly front up with their horses at Cambridge and Auckland. To see the complete list of Heats and Final for the first half of 2025 click here View the full article

After a monumental weekend celebrating Hong Kong’s current star thoroughbreds racing on the world stage, attention now turns to the next generation of talent as it converges on Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin. Following Romantic Warrior’s Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m) second in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last Saturday night, Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble both dazzled with classy victories at last Sunday’s Group 1 double-header in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Classic Cup is the second leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which culminates on 23 March with the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) – the city’s most desired race – which will be staged for the 148th time this year. The HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) is the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, and Pierre Ng’s Johannes Brahms was a ground-covering 14th of 14 in that race on 31 January before bouncing back with a smart victory over a mile in Class 2 on 16 February ahead of seasoned duo Speed Dragon and Sunlight Power. “The horse to his inside just kept pushing him out. We were around seven-wide on the turn and we just had no chance at all (in the Classic Mile), but he did really finish off well last start when he won. It’s a matter of experience for him – he will be even more professional with more racing in Hong Kong,” Ng said. The Siyouni gelding has drawn barrier four with jockey Karis Teetan. The bay – with earnings of HK$6.44 million for owner Yau Kwok Fai – won once pre-import for trainer Aidan O’Brien at Naas over 1186m before placing as a two-year-old at Group 2 level at York. “He’s done really well with two wins in Hong Kong. He just didn’t get an ideal run in the Classic Mile but he won well the race after. It’s an extra 200 metres this time, so we have to be switching him off,” Ng said. “He pulled up well enough from last start. He looks fit, healthy and he’s been eating up well – we’re looking forward to this Sunday.” Teetan previously won the Hong Kong Classic Cup in 2015 with Thunder Fantasy. Hong Kong Classic Mile winner My Wish reopposes from gate nine. Packing Hermod, Rubylot, Divano, Mickley, Noisy Boy, Cap Ferrat, Californiatotality, Packing Angel, Mondial, Steps Ahead and Sky Trust also line up. “I wouldn’t say it’s the best distance for him (Johannes Brahms) or probably half of the field, who are stepping up in trip. We’re just looking for a very good run and hopefully he’ll be competitive. It’s really good to see these types of horses in your yard. They have the potential to be a great horse next season,” Ng said. Successful in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series previously with Golden Sixty – who swept all three legs in 2020 as the second horse to do so after Rapper Dragon (2017) – Francis Lui saddles five of the 14 runners in this weekend’s Hong Kong Classic Cup: Packing Hermod, Divano, Cap Ferrat, Packing Angel and Steps Ahead. Second in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, Divano roared from last to just miss by a neck behind My Wish. Fly-in jockey Tom Marquand – who has two wins this season – partners Divano, while Joao Moreira hops aboard triple winner Packing Angel, Blake Shinn pairs with Packing Hermod and Craig Williams links with Cap Ferrat. Lyle Hewitson is riding Steps Ahead. Packing Hermod was third in the Hong Kong Classic Mile as favourite. The Rubick gelding is a four-time winner in Hong Kong, including in Class 2 over 1400m. Packing Angel has won his last three starts. The son of Shocking is yet to race beyond 1400m across his six-start career in Hong Kong. Sunday’s 10-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 1pm HKT with the Class 4 Fu Tai Handicap (1000m). Horse racing news View the full article

Caulfield Guineas winner Golden Mile will return to the racetrack on Saturday at Randwick. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Former Darley Victoria stallion Golden Mile is set to make his racetrack return as a gelding in Saturday’s Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at Randwick. It will be his first start since finishing third in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on May 4 last year. “We’d be thrilled to see him convert on what he’s been showing us on the track over the past couple of months,” trainer James Cummings said. Golden Mile eased into his preparation with a quiet first trial before producing an impressive win over 900m at Warwick Farm on February 11. “The horse has been flying and feeling good,” Cummings continued. “No one has got a bigger opinion of the way Golden Mile has been going at Osborne Park than Golden Mile. “I love the way he’s been trialling from one trial to the next.” Golden Mile is rated as a +1100 chance with Dabble in the Liverpool City Cup on Saturday. Horse racing news View the full article

Mornington Glory ridden by Ethan Brown winning the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) winner Mornington Glory has been ruled out for the remainder of the autumn carnival due to an injury and limited race options. “He wrenched a joint in his last piece of work before the Oakleigh Plate, and we weren’t 100 percent happy with him,” trainer Gavin Bedggood said. “So he’d missed his target really, he doesn’t handle wet ground and is limited with the options he can be competitive in at his 1000 to 1100-metre distance range, and we just thought we’d be better off giving him a break and getting him ready for the Moir again. “I’ve been around long enough to know you don’t win these races on afterthoughts.” Mornington Glory’s journey has been remarkable, returning from retirement and overcoming a heart condition to claim Group 1 success. Despite this latest setback, Bedggood remains optimistic about his future. “He’s never had an unsound day in his life, but he had a bit of filling in that joint, so rather than patching him up at the beginning of a preparation,” he said. “I think he was going every bit as good as his previous campaign. Nobody was more disappointed than me.” Horse racing news View the full article

Alice Springs trainer Terry Gillett, pictured with daughter Dakota, is enjoying another fine season. Terry Gillett is on track to defend his title in the Alice Springs trainers’ premiership, and he will have several chances to extend his lead on Saturday at Pioneer Park. Veteran sprinters Supreme Attraction and That’s Justified will line up in the feature race, an open handicap over 1200m where the Lisa Whittle-trained O’Tycoon is aiming to make it five wins from his last six starts. Handy duo Great Buy and Kangaroo Court are arguably the two best horses in the Benchmark 76 over 1400m and should fight out the finish. Faithful Champion and Supreme Goal are also among the fancied runners in the Benchmark 54 over 1200m, which will kick off the six-event program. With some 24 horses at his disposal, Gillett has been a model of consistency this season to lead the way with 25 wins. Whittle sits second with 15 wins, while Paul Gardner (13), Greg Connor (12) and Kerry Petrick (11) have all had respectable seasons, which clearly illustrates Gillett’s dominance. At the end of February last year, Gillett had 10 victories and was sitting in fifth place before ending the 2023/24 season with 25 wins to seal the trainers’ title from Gardner, who finished with 23. With the 2025 Alice Springs Cup Carnival starting on March 16, Gillett is naturally eyeing the feature races. Nine-year-old Supreme Attraction, who hadn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Pioneer Sprint last year, returned to action on February 15 with a respectable fourth behind O’Tycoon in open company over 1100m. That’s Justified, an absolute marvel for the Gillett yard since 2017, returns after a last-start second in June over 1400m at BM76 level, and it will be his first start as a 10-year-old gelding. O’Tycoon, a major contender in this year’s Pioneer Sprint on April 5, Ray Viney’s Kickatorp and Greg Connor’s Flying Yishu will provide stiff opposition for Gillett’s ageing stablemates. Dick Leech’s Early Crow — the 2023 and 2024 Palmerston Sprint winner in Darwin — and NT Guineas winner Better Not Fuss from the Gardner stable complete a highly competitive field on Saturday. Gillett’s daughter and apprentice Dakota, who is one off the pace in the jockeys’ premiership with 14 wins, is booked to ride Supreme Attraction, Kangaroo Court and Faithful Champion. Stan Tsaikos, a two-time champion jockey in the Red Centre, has 12 wins for the season and partners That’s Justified, Great Buy and Supreme Goal. Horse racing news View the full article

Shaggy ridden by Adam Hyeronimus winning the Pierro Plate at Randwick. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Adam Hyeronimus is looking to keep Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) aspirations alive for unbeaten colt Shaggy when he lines up in Saturday’s Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Trained by Allan Kehoe, Shaggy burst onto the scene two weeks ago, rising from wins at Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast to claim an impressive Pierro Plate (1100m) victory at Randwick on February 15. Hyeronimus, who secured the ride after Aaron Bullock was unable to make the weight in Sydney, is relishing the opportunity to book a Slipper berth this weekend. However, with Shaggy not originally nominated for the $5 million feature, connections would need to pay a $150,000 late entry fee should he gain a spot. “It’s very exciting for the owners, but also for anyone who dreams of racing for the riches of two-year-old racing,” Hyeronimus said. “That’s the thrilling part about two-year-old races: horses can put their hand up, there’s so much on offer. “He’s traveled a fair way for a two-year-old and shown it doesn’t faze him. “I’ve ridden a lot of nice two-year-olds, and I think the common denominator is a horse that’s quite forward with a good attitude. It’s a very good recipe.” Shaggy is the +130 favourite with BlondeBet for the Skyline Stakes on Saturday, where he has drawn ideally in barrier three. Horse racing news View the full article