Wandering Eyes

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

Sam Agars CIRCUIT JOLLY - R4 (6) Had trouble with a mark on the track but the switch to 1,000m should do the trick Jay Rooney FLYING LUCK - R5 (4) Looks well placed to continue top form since going into blinkers Jack Dawling MICKLEY - R10 (3) Caught the eye on his local debut and looks suited up to the mile Phillip Woo YODA'S CHOICE - R2 (3) Racing well at this level and can deliver a belated win with Purton on board Shannon (Vincent Wong) CAP FERRAT - R10 (1) Australian import has trialled well and should go close on his debut Racing Post Online CIRCUIT JOLLY - R4 (6) Knocking on the door and should get all the favours under Zac Purton Tom Wood CIRCUIT JOLLY - R4 (6) Should have one if not two wins on the board, can break through hereView the full article

Within The Law (Aus) (Lucky Vega {Ire}) gained her second stakes victory in the 1000-metre R. Listed Inglis Nursery at Randwick on Saturday. Trained by Bjorn Baker, the daughter of Contract Signed (Aus) (Dundeel {NZ}) quickened up nicely in the final stages and held off Cobra Club (Aus) (Cool Aza Beel {NZ}) by just under a half-length (video). “It has been a good week, and a great job by Bjorn and Darby [Racing] and the team to find these races,” Baker's racing manager Luke Hilton said. Owner Darby Racing Syndications also own runner-up Cobra Club, who is trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Former Darby Racing runner She Will Reign (Aus) (Manhattan Ran {Aus}) used the Inglis Nursery as a springboard to win the G1 Golden Slipper in 2017. “We sent her to Melbourne the first time and had to travel, and she got away with it down there and did a really good job. She has done nothing but improve since she has come home. That was a really tough win today because she is not very big, but she showed a lot of heart.” “We'll have to have a good think about it [the Golden Slipper],” Hilton said of the filly, who won the Listed Inglis Banner on debut at Flemington Nov. 9. “The world is her oyster at the moment. She is still improving all the time and she is such an honest filly. She handles everything and has been so professional. “She is not one who stands out at home, but she has taken everything we have thrown at her.” Bred by Yulong Investments, who offered her at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, the bay was purchased by Darby Racing for A$30,000. The placed Contract Signed has a yearling colt by Tagaloa (Aus), and was bred back to Lucky Vega. Third dam So Gorgeous (Aus) (Brief Truce) was a four-time group winner in Australia, and foaled Group 1 winner Sterling City (Aus) (Nadeem {Aus}) and G2 Tulloch Stakes hero Tipungwuti (Aus) (Fusaichi Pegasus). Yulong's Lucky Vega, who stands at the Irish National Stud in the Northern Hemisphere and shuttles to Yulong in Australia, has his first Southern Hemisphere runners this year. The G1 Phoenix Stakes hero has been represented by two winners from three to race, with Vega For Luck (NZ) already listed-placed in New Zealand. The post Lucky Vega’s Within The Law Moves Into Golden Slipper Contention appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If you don't know the name, chances are that you will recognise the face. And if all else fails, you'll definitely spot the jackets. There is no mistaking those jackets. Through his association with marketing maestro Jack Cantillon, John Bourke has become one of the most recognisable faces on the sales circuit, be it in the illuminous yellow for Far Above (Ire) or the fluorescent green of Bouttemont (Ire). But there's more strings to Bourke's bow than dealing with cheaper stallions, as he proved at Goffs when selling Stakes-producing mare Ambiguous (GB) in foal to Mehmas (Ire) for a cool €230,000. That transaction, which was carried out under the banner of his family's Lackagh Spring Stud, represented a €222,000 jump from the €8,000 that the Godolphin Flying Start graduate parted with to secure Ambiguous from Godolphin at the same November Breeding Stock Sale at Goffs just three years previously. Unsurprisingly, a certain Mr Cantillon had a role to play in Bourke bagging what was then a barren mare with no major upside. However, the emergence of Marine Wave (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) as a bona fide Listed performer in the pedigree led to Amo Racing swooping for the 12-year-old mare through Alex Elliott at Goffs last month. Bourke, 30, reflected, “It's actually only now that, when I click on the sales result that it hits home what actually happened. Those results don't come along too often so it hasn't really sunk in. It's actually a funny story as to how I got her in the first place. I left the Flying Start in 2020 and went gung-ho buying mares with a couple of good friends but we didn't have any great luck. So the following year, I was adamant that I wouldn't buy a barren mare. I wanted a nice mare with a good cover that could help get the farm at home off the ground.” Jack Cantillon and John Bourke | ITM He continued, “I remember underbidding One Spirit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) at €20,000. Her Earthlight (Ire) foal went on to make a lot of money the following year and her daughter One For Bobby (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) won a Group 3 race as well. So that was one that got away. Then we underbid another mare in foal to Blue Point (Ire) and that foal made a lot of money as well. “It looked like we weren't going to get anything at that stage. But I can remember being familiar with Ambiguous because she was actually booked to visit Far Above. That was when she was under the Rabbah banner but, needless to say, she didn't end up going to Far Above and ended up being in the sale. I can remember Jack coming to me and telling me that I simply had to buy Ambiguous.” Cantillon is nothing if not persuasive. But there was another larger-than-life stallion man involved in providing Bourke with the courage to abandon his one simple criteria when it came to sourcing a mare. “I can remember Bernard Condron was auctioneering and, because she was a barren mare, I was getting watery at around seven grand. Micheál Orlandi was sitting in front of us and Jack grabbed my iPad, ran down to him, and asked for a free nomination to Kuroshio (Aus) if I bought the mare. In fairness to Micheál, he took the iPad and wrote, 'one free nom to Kuroshio' on it so I went once more and got her bought at eight grand. “A good friend of mine, bloodstock agent Nico Archdale, was standing beside me at the time. He'd never been involved in a mare before but, I turned to him and said, 'you're the luckiest man in the world, you may take a leg,' and he did. Meanwhile, Eoin Fives [Ballylinch Stud] came sprinting over to us from the other side of the sales complex asking could he take a leg as well so it was divided up there and then.” Contrary to how the story goes, this wasn't a case of a few guys standing at the roulette wheel hoping that lady luck would look favourably on them. There was a certain level of calculated risk involved here. Ambiguous may have been barren but she had produced foals previously and boasted a strong pedigree being a sister to five 100-plus rated runners, including Group 1 winners Alpha Delphini (GB) (Captain Gerrard {Ire}) and Tangerine Trees (GB) (Mind Games {GB}). On top of that, her Kuroshio half-sister Jurius (GB) was not too bad, either, given she scored at Group 2 level, making that mating with the Starfield Stud resident a no-brainer at the time. But it was the little known Harry Angel filly, that would later be known as the Listed-winning Marine Wave, who would do the most for the pedigree. And, in many ways, the Richard Fahey-trained four-year-old put Bourke and his partners in Ambiguous in a position where there was little choice but to sell. He explained, “On the Darley notes, you could see that her Harry Angel was coming along and all of the gradings were good. That gave me a little bit more confidence. Meta Osborne was very good as well. We had a 20-minute conversation about getting the mare in foal on the day that I bought her and she gave me some brilliant advice. “But we could never have expected Marine Wave to come out and do what she did. I actually went up to Richard Fahey at the Premier Yearling Sale at Goffs this year to track how she was getting on and he turned to me and said, 'I think you know more about this filly than I do!' I've been following Marine Wave from the very start and remember thinking that it could be potentially life-changing if she could pick up black-type.” Marine Wave did exactly that by placing in four Listed contests for Fahey. But it was at Pontefract in August, when she ran out a cosy winner of the Flying Fillies' Stakes over 6f, where she notched that all-important black-type success. “The big day came at Pontefract,” Bourke remembers. “That was wild. I was actually going to the day two session of a friend's wedding and we were sitting down having a warm-up pint watching the race on my phone. My whole body started shaking when she crossed the line! A few of the lads that were there didn't quite understand what was going on. I had to explain to them how big it was. Not even 30 seconds after she crossed the line, we had an offer in for Ambiguous. It really was a dream result.” He added, “I've always been told that the first money you're offered is the best money. I actually learned the hard way to always accept the first offer you get. We had a horse in training a few years ago and she finished fourth behind Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in a fillies' maiden at the Curragh. The offers started to come in but we got a bit cocky and thought we could double our money if she won a maiden. What happened? We ended up getting her claimed for eight grand at Fairyhouse two years later. “So that was always in the back of my mind but I knew how important that Listed race was in the pedigree. I also knew how hard it would be for me to find a mare like Ambiguous again. I spoke to Roger O'Callaghan one day and, for any young person in the industry, he's just a brilliant person to give advice. He actually told me not to sell the mare, that I would find it very difficult to replace her. “But he told me that, if I really did want to sell her, I should sell her off the back of people seeing the Minzaal (Ire) colt foal out of her because he was so nice. Unfortunately, the Minzaal had a drop in his foot just a few days before the sale, but I have to say, Goffs did a wonderful job with the mare. She had 50-plus shows and all the right people looked at her. Not in our wildest dreams did we think we'd get €230,000 for her.” The sale of Ambiguous provided Bourke with something of a tonic after what he openly admits to being one of the most difficult years of his life following the death of close friends Ed Prendergast and Michael Byrne. Both men, who were deeply involved in racing and bloodstock, died separately in tragic circumstances. Bourke said, “They were very close friends of mine so Ambiguous selling provided us all with a bit of a lift at the end of what was a very tough 2024. I had been trading away in mares with Ed since the early days and he had a big part to play in the whole thing.” Bourke is a man who wears many hats [or even jackets!]. Along with dabbling in breeze-up horses, foal pinhooks, working part-time with Syndicates.Racing and breeding from his own mares, he is studying for his Masters in Sports Management at the University College Dublin. He keeps an open mind with regards to the future but safe to say that his family-run Lackagh Spring Stud is gaining as much recognition as he is. “After I came off the Flying Start, Covid hit. I had a few jobs lined up abroad at the time but obviously they didn't happen,” he explains. “I remember saying at the time, 'do you know what, let's try and get our home place up and running.' We've gradually improved the facilities at home. My Dad has been talking about retiring for a while now but I don't think he ever truly believed that what happened at Goffs was really possible. I think the sale of Ambiguous might get him over the line to retire and, if he does, please God he can come home and help me.” The post ‘It Hasn’t Sunk In’ – Meet The Young Breeder Who Turned 8k Into 230k At Goffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Grant and Alana Williams-trained Western Empire has powered to victory in the A$1.5 million Gr.3 Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot in Perth on Saturday. Ridden by Billy Egan, who was called off the bench when regular rider Willie Pike became unavailable earlier in the week, Western Empire travelled wide with cover throughout but unleashed a devastating turn of foot to defeat Magnificent Andy and favourite Super Smink. It was shades of Western Empire’s best as the now seven-year-old son of Iffraaj returned to the form that had seen him dominate Perth racing as a younger horse. The son of Iffraaj won seven of his first 12 starts in 2020 and 2021, including a stunning four-length romp in the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1600m) and victory in the Gr.2 WA Derby (2400m). Western Empire was trained through those glory days by Grant and Alana Williams for leviathan Perth owner Bob Peters. The gelding subsequently had two campaigns in Victoria, finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) and Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) for Danny O’Brien and finishing outside the placings in five appearances for John Leek Jr. The Williams team jumped at the opportunity when Western Empire was placed on an Inglis Digital Sale last October, purchasing him for A$150,000 and bringing him back to their Karnup stable. Having campaigned over shorter distances this preparation including a last-start ninth to Overpass in the Gr.1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m), all looked on track for the grand final effort in the Gold Rush. But when Willie Pike had a tumble from an e-scooter on Monday and as a result, broke his wrist, the cat was really put amongst the pigeons as the Williams scrambled for a replacement rider before eventually calling on Victorian Billy Egan, who they had never met previously. “Everyone close to me knows I threw the teddy out of the cot on Monday and Tuesday. It is lucky Alana is the solid part between the two of us because she takes the emotion out of it,” Grant Williams said. “The Gold Rush has been our goal all along but he was working that good before the Winterbottom, we thought we were a chance to win it, and obviously we weren’t. “It has been a hectic week. A lot of people over East said this guy is a ripper. He is Paddy Payne’s main rider and he is one of the hardest markers. “He is a champion bloke they said and my first impressions when we met before the first were really good.” Egan, who had never previously ridden in Perth, was pleased he had a few sighters on some stablemates. “It has been a pretty good week. I found out on Monday night in Melbourne that I was going to ride the horse, so I’ve had the week to prepare and I have been looking forward to it all week,” he said. “First time riding here and I’ve had a great experience and even better, I’ve ridden a winner. “I needed to get a feel for the track and a feel for the surroundings.” Bred in New Zealand by Peters Investments, Western Empire is by former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Iffraaj and is out of Gr.2 Perth Cup (2400m) winner Western Jewel. The gelding has now won in excess of A$2.7 million in prizemoney with 10 wins from a 28-start career. View the full article

It was a case of ex-pat Kiwis combining as Jaylah Kennedy enjoyed another memorable day at the Caulfield Heath on Saturday, as she celebrated a double on the program. Seven days after starring at Ballarat by winning the Ballarat Cup aboard Berkeley Square, Kennedy guided Thailess and former Kiwi galloper Marble Arch to glory at the main Melbourne race meeting for the weekend. Saturday’s success was the second this preparation for Per Incanto mare Marble Arch, who won the inaugural A$300,000 Future Stars Series Final at Pakenham last year. The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained mare stormed over the top of the hot favourite Warnie to claim victory in the Ive – idea – execution Handicap (1500m). “We drew really well, there was going to be good speed on always, then I was just able to get in behind that and I wasn’t a part of that battle,” Kennedy explained. “We had plenty of horse underneath me, we got off the fence at the right time and followed the right horses into the turn, and she was really good with the lightweight.” Kennedy has capitalised on her recent opportunities at metropolitan level. Prior to Saturday, the Kiwi apprentice had ridden two other winners at the Heath track this month and was also in the winners’ circle at Caulfield on Thousand Guineas Day last month. 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 and stems from the family of Group One winners Atishu and Daffodil. 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 seventh career win from 18 starts, with a further three placings, as she advanced her career earnings to A$456,546. View the full article

Talented sprinter Jedibeel took his career to a new peak when successful in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday after gaining a late split under Tyler Schiller to grab victory from the jaws of defeat. Schiller, who rides with a calmness rarely seen, was hell-bent on waiting for a gap after being cluttered in midfield and he took full opportunity when presented with a needle-eye to defeat Pereille and Eagle Nest The Brad Widdup-trained son of Savabeel has now won seven races from 17 starts, with a further seven placings as he advanced his career earnings to A$527,150. “It was a hard-watch until the last few strides but full credit to Tyler, he knows him, and it is great to see the horse get rewarded,” Widdup said. “He has got a great record. I think he is a black-type horse every day of the week and he has proved that today.” Schiller rode conservatively to give Jedibeel the best opportunity to prevail over a distance he had never previously won over. “I knew he wouldn’t have been strong at the 1200m and he has never won at Randwick, so I was pretty patient and I didn’t want to expose him too early and do anything rash on him,” Schiller said. “He has got a great turn of foot and I thought I put him into a dead-end at one point but I was very grateful I was on a very good horse. He is probably better off ridden like that, but maybe not that close. “He is such a genuine horse. I think his sprint is not very long which is probably why he doesn’t get 1200m all the time and especially at Randwick coming up the rise but Brad has done a great job with him and it is great to get winners for these owners, they are great people and he is just a really good horse for me.” Jedibeel was bred by Waikato Stud and is out of their unraced O’Reilly mare Starry. The five-year-old gelding is one of five winners from six foals to race out of Starry – a group that also includes the Dunstan Feeds Stayers’ Championship (2400m) winner and multiple Group Three placegetter Starrybeel. But despite being a full-brother to that genuine stayer, there is also no shortage of speed in Jedibeel’s pedigree, which notably features multiple Group One winner I Wish I Win. Waikato Stud offered Jedibeel during the National Weanling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus in 2020, where he was bought for $35,000 by Dengaroka Lodge in New South Wales. Jedibeel was later purchased by Widdup as a yearling for $190,000 at the Sydney Classic Sale after fielding a phone call from Sydney businessman Mike Gregg. Gregg races Jedibeel in the bumble bee colours of his Sydney University of NSW cricket club, along with his grandson Locky Sheridan. The Oaks Stud will offer a three-quarter sister to Jedibeel as Lot 329 of next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, with the filly from the first-crop of Savabeel’s son Noverre and out of Starry. View the full article

Kiwi-bred three-year-old Beau Dazzler has flagged his staying ability with a strong victory in the Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainers Tony & Maddysen Sears. The son of Ardrossan was the winner of the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1000m) as a juvenile and performed with credit when crossing the Tasman to finish seventh in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) when closing well. The gelding again ran meritoriously and without luck when fourth in the Listed Phoenix Stakes (1500m) and fifth in the Gr..1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) through the Queensland Winter Carnival, but all indicators are Beau Dazzler will appreciate getting out further in trip. Now in his Classic season, Beau Dazzler overcame the inside draw on the deteriorating Heavy 8 surface under a well-plotted Jag Guthmann-Chester ride and relished the tempo added by eventual fourth Apuntar to power to a three-length win from Sun Worshipper with Madame Lexis third. “He has always shown us a lot but he is a very tricky horse,” Maddy Sears said. “He is not an easy horse to do things with and I do have to make mention of James who rides him every day as he is very naughty, but we thought he was a very good chance today. “We bought him as a Derby-style of horse, and we didn’t think the distance would be any problem whatsoever and when the rain came in it was almost like a 2000m race with how heavy it was. “His ability prevailed, and it was a great ride by Jag. He drew barrier one, but he kept him off the fence and he just speared through and put them away.” Sears said Guthmann-Chester was an underrated rider. “He is very strong and he vary rarely does things wrong on horses and he got the job done today,” she said. With a Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) campaign the focus through the winter, Beau Dazzler is likely to have one more run this campaign. “I believe there is a 2000m race in two weeks’ time that he will run in and then we will put him away and I think he will be a force to be reckoned with in the Queensland Derby,” Sears said. “Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman bought him for us in New Zealand and we have had a lot of luck in those colours with Melvin (Foo) and Suat (Wee). He was obviously a stakes winner as a two-year-old and now he has gone on to do it as a three-year-old, so who knows what the future holds but he is a horse that keeps on improving. “He is a very cool horse and I think there is a lot more in-store for him.” Beau Dazzler was offered by Mapperley Stud in Book 2 of Karaka 2023, where he was bought for $85,000. Bred by the Dewar Partnership, Beau Dazzler is by Waikato Stud’s promising young sire Ardrossan out of the Pentire mare Pwerfect, who comes from the family of northern hemisphere Group One stars such as Fame And Glory and Legatissimo. Beau Dazzler’s juvenile younger full-brother Toretto is an early qualifier for next year’s Karaka Million 2YO (1200m), having prevailed at Ellerslie a fortnight ago for Hollie Wynyard, while another full-brother will be offered as Lot 228 from the draft of Elsdon Park at next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales. View the full article

Progressive stayer Kadavar maintained his perfect record over 2400m when recording a strong win in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained four-year-old is in a rich vein of form, notching a hattrick of victories including bouncing between assignments in Sydney and Melbourne and has now won all four of his 2400m starts. Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Kadavar took up a more forward position after initially settling midfield and tracked eventual runner-up Alalcance, who shot to the lead before being gradually worn down by the winner. The son of Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) winner Tarzino and Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner Arapaho Miss is now doing exactly what his pedigree suggests. “He has turned into a winner, that’s for sure,” Waller said. “He has been up and down the country-side but he is enjoying his racing and he keeps going to another level each time he runs. “I think he is four from four over 2400m and he is out of an Oaks winner and he is a sibling to an Oaks winner. “I think he will get to a higher-level. That will do for this prep but if you have got a good stayer, there are some good races for them.” Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy was not surprised to see Kadavar again perform well, especially off the limit weight of 53kgs. “I knew he would run the trip well and he got out into a nice spot and the horse in front of me wasn’t really travelling and taking me along and was almost getting detached from the horses I thought were going to be hardest to beat,” he said. “I was able to come out, make a bit of a move and be a bit closer around the back lane and he showed a good attitude when I asked him.” Kadavar has had 13 starts for six wins and two placings, earning A$351,525 for owners Neville Morgan and David Devine. Kadavar was bred by Gerry Harvey and was offered in Westbury Stud’s draft at Karaka 2022, where Mulcaster Bloodstock and Chris Waller Racing bought him for $300,000. He is one of seven winners from nine foals to race out of the Danehill Dancer mare Arapaho Miss, who won the 2007 Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m). Her daughter Miami Bound followed suit with her own victory in the Flemington fillies’ classic in 2019, while De Little Engine won eight races up to Listed level. View the full article

Four-year-old gelding Saltcoats has posted his first victory on Australian soil when coming with a sustained run to land the Coolmore Spelling @ Mount White Handicap (1800m) at Randwick on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained son of Ardrossan came from near the rear of the field under Tommy Berry and made a long sustained run to defeat fellow Kiwi-breds So Dazzling and Tavi Time by the best part of a length. Winner of the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) in May of his juvenile year for original trainer Samantha Logan, the talented galloper was sold across the Tasman and sports the colours of prominent owner Ozzie Kheir. He races for a syndicate with breeder and original sole owner of the horse Lib Petagna retaining a share. “He has always shown us promise but we didn’t know what to expect today from the draw (13),” Waller said. “I said to just go back and ride him quietly and hope that he can blend into the race, which he certainly did and he sustained a long run. “He had a small incident before the start of this preparation which has held him back and it looks like he is in good shape now.” Sent out a $12 chance, Saltcoats had been a well-beaten tenth first-up on a Good3 track at Kembla Grange. “It was definitely too firm at Kembla Grange last start, which was disappointing because he was going so well,” winning rider Tommy Berry said. “I said to my manager that we just need to draw a gate and I think he can win next start. He has just been doing everything right at home and working very well. “I had in the back of my mind to go forward and Chris said nup – not today, we’ll go back and get a little bit of luck. “Probably the winning was down the side. There was a three-wide line and I was able to improve into the race still with cover and he is only second-up at 1800m, so he has got a bit of improvement and Chris is taking his time with him, which is dearly needed. “He is quite a keen going horse and you don’t know what is there until you let him off the bit but he deserved that today.” Now the winner of two of his 10 starts with a further five placings, Saltcoats was third in the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) won by Wymark back in March. By promising Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan, Saltcoats is out of the lightly raced Savabeel mare Savanite, a half-sister to the Gr.2 Waikato Gold Cup (2400m) winner Singing Star, who in turn is the dam of Group Three winner Miss Selby. A Group One performed half-brother to Incentivise, Ardrossan stands at a fee of $20,000+GST at Waikato Stud. With just 52 runners to date, Ardrossan has sired seven stakes performers and four stakes winners for good early figures of 7.7% stakes winners to runners. View the full article

It may have only been a nose at the finish but it might as well have been a mile for trainer Shelley Hale after Blue Sky At Night took out Saturday’s Gr.3 SKYCITY Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m). Hale, who has battled ill-health in recent years, is one of the most popular figures at the Cambridge training establishment and has rejuvenated the career of the seven-year-old Shamexpress mare who has struck a rich vein of form, winning three of her seven starts since May, before tackling her biggest challenge on Saturday. Ridden by Tayla Mitchell, who has formed a strong bond with the quirky mare, Blue Sky At Night was content to lob along in midfield before being eased into contention approaching the home bend. Mitchell started to get busy as the widest runner in a line of five across the track at the 300m, shooting the mare two lengths clear and looking set for a comfortable victory. No-one told Warren Kennedy aboard second favourite Sassy Lass who finally found clear air and charged after Blue Sky At Night, coming up just a nose short of victory in a thrilling photo finish. Hale and owner-breeders Alistair and Isabel Barker were ecstatic when the judge announced the official placings after having to hold their breath for several minutes as they waited for word to come through. “It’s wonderful as we’ve always thought she might be capable of this,” Hale said. “It’s a great thrill when you come to a race like this on your home track and just lovely. “The Barkers are just wonderful and patient as there are not many seven-year-old mares still going around. “She is a really relaxed horse who can get a little cranky at times, but these days she’s very relaxed. “Tayla was great as comes and rides work for us and the horses just run for her.” While the Barkers were ecstatic after the race, they are not strangers to big race success having also bred outstanding galloper Veyron who won 15 races, including four individual Group One victories and more than $1.15 million during his 40 race career. Blue Sky At Night is the first of just two living foals for Viking Ruler mare After Midnight and has now won six of her 23 starts and more than $234,00 in prizemoney. View the full article

Western Empire winning The Gold Rush at Ascot. Photo: Western Racepix Grant & Alana Williams have claimed another WA feature event, this time with old marvel Western Empire saluting in The Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot. Victorian jockey Billy Egan was the beneficiary of some misfortune for regular jockey William Pike who was ruled out for six weeks during the week following an incident on an e-scooter. Following a luckless run in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and having drawn out in barrier 15 for Saturday’s assignment, horse racing bookmakers had the son of Iffraaj a $6.50 quote prior to the jump, despite opening a $3.60 favourite when the final field was declared on Tuesday. With plenty of pace out in front set by Red Can Man, Ripcord and Comfort Me, the race was always going to be set up perfectly for the eventual winner who had a perfect trail from the rear of the field in the three-wide line. With market fancies Super Smink and Magnificent Andy looking for runs approaching the home turn, Egan had Western Empire in clear air and building through the gears. The difference in running proved beneficial, with the former Group 1 winner going on to claim victory in the third edition of The Gold Rush. The Gold Rush 2024 Replay – Western Empire https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ascot-2024-The-Gold-Rush-14122024-Western-Empire-Grant-Alana-Williams-Billy-Egan.mp4 When Willie Pike had a tumble from an e-scooter on Monday and as a result, broke his wrist, the cat was really put amongst the pigeons as the Williams’ scrambled for a replacement rider before eventually calling on Victorian Billy Egan, who they had never met previously. “Everyone close to me knows I threw the teddy out of the cot on Monday and Tuesday. It is lucky Alana is the solid part between the two of us because she takes the emotion out of it,” Grant Williams said. “The Gold Rush has been our goal all along but he was working that good before the Winterbottom, we thought we were a chance to win it, and obviously we weren’t. “It has been a hectic week. A lot of people over East said this guy is a ripper. He is Paddy Payne’s main rider and he is one of the hardest markers. “He is a champion bloke they said and my first impressions when we met before the first were really good.” Egan, who had never previously ridden in Perth, was pleased he had a few sighters on some stablemates. “It has been a pretty good week. I found out on Monday night in Melbourne that I was going to ride the horse, so I’ve had the week to prepare and I have been looking forward to it all week,” he said. “First time riding here and I’ve had a great experience and even better, I’ve ridden a winner. “I needed to get a feel for the track and a feel for the surroundings.” Horse racing news View the full article

Within The Law ridden by Ben Melham returns to scale after winning the Inglis Banner at Flemington Racecourse on November 09, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Within The Law continued her meteoric rise with a tenacious victory in the $500,000 Inglis Nursery (1000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, capping off a stellar week for trainer Bjorn Baker and Darby Racing. The win follows her Inglis Banner triumph at Flemington last month and adds to Baker’s recent success with O’Ole, who secured the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong Classic just days earlier. Purchased for a modest $30,000, Within The Law has already amassed $880,000 in earnings from just two starts, cementing her status as one of the most exciting two-year-olds in the country. At $3.50 odds with BlondeBet, she burst between runners under Jason Collett to edge out stablemate Cobra Club ($21) by a neck, with Sequista ($9) finishing strongly for third, a further half-length back. “That was a really tough win today because she is not very big, but she showed a lot of heart,” said Luke Hilton, Bjorn Baker’s racing manager. “She has done nothing but improve since she came home. She is such an honest filly, handles everything, and is so professional.” Collett, riding Within The Law for the first time, was impressed by her determination. “Once I got the split, she really attacked the line,” he said. Inglis Nursery race replay – Within The Law https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Randwick-2024-Restricted-Listed-Inglis-Nursery-14122024-Within-The-Law-Bjorn-Baker-Jason-Collett.mp4 Darby Racing’s Scott Darby celebrated a remarkable quinella, noting that both Within The Law and Cobra Club were among the cheapest horses in the race. “Bjorn has done a great job with the filly. She won her first start in Melbourne, and then he set her for this race,” Darby said. “The plan is for her to go to the $2 million Inglis Millennium in February and then one lead-up run into the Golden Slipper.” Within The Law’s performances have seen her firm into the $26 for the $5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens in March with the top horse racing bookmakers. Winning the Inglis Millennium could also make her eligible for a $3 million bonus if she can take out the Group 1 Inglis Sires in April. “She’s not one who stands out at home, but she has taken everything we’ve thrown at her,” Hilton added. “The world is her oyster at the moment.” The Inglis Nursery continues to bolster its reputation as a launchpad for exceptional juveniles, with past winners including Extreme Choice and She Will Reign, both of whom went on to win Group 1 features. Within The Law’s triumph also highlights the ongoing success of Darby Racing, which has enjoyed a remarkable run with horses like Overpass, the $75,000 yearling purchase now boasting over $9.7 million in prizemoney. Darby reflected on the team’s achievements with excitement for the future: “We’ll do it all over again and get them ready for the next big targets.” Amid the celebrations, the Randwick meeting also paused to honor trainer Sam Kavanagh, who passed away early Saturday morning at age 38 after a long battle with cancer. Jockeys wore black armbands in the second race, and fellow trainer Will Freedman dedicated Zoubaby’s opening race win to Kavanagh, saying, “That was for you, Sam.” Horse racing news View the full article

Borris Thornton claiming the LISTED Ascot Green Lough Neagh race with Cifrado at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Cifrado has secured his spot in the Magic Millions Cup after an emphatic victory in the Listed Ascot Green Lough Neagh Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm. On a heavy track, the four-year-old gelding, trained by Rex Lipp, stormed home under jockey Boris Thornton to clinch a commanding win by over two lengths, marking another milestone in his blossoming career. Jumping from barrier eight, Cifrado settled at the rear of the field as Prince of Boom set a strong early pace. As the field approached the turn, Thornton made his move, steering the gelding wide to unleash his powerful finish, claiming at $6.50 odds with Neds. Displaying his signature turn of foot, Cifrado swept past his rivals to take the lead and finish in style, leaving the bookmaker favourite Prince of Boom, in second place and Strait Acer in third. Listed Ascot Green Lough Neagh Race Replay – Cifrado https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-LISTED-Ascot-Green-Lough-Neagh-14122024-Cifrado-Rex-Lipp-Boris-Thornton-1.mp4 Trainer Rex Lipp, reflecting on the win, highlighted Cifrado’s transformation since being gelded mid-preparation. “He’s done a great job for us, and I’m very pleased for the owner,” Lipp said. “We were lucky enough to buy him for him, and he’s just progressed from there. Since being gelded, he’s much easier to manage, and what he achieved today was exceptional.” Lipp also confirmed that Cifrado’s next target will be the $1 million Magic Millions Cup at 1400m on the Gold Coast but indicated the gelding might not need another run before the event. “He may not have another run yet; I’ll just have to see what happens,” he added. “He’s a good doer, so he holds his form well without racing super regularly.” Jockey Boris Thornton, who reclaimed the ride after guiding Cifrado to his maiden win, praised the gelding’s resilience and strategic racing ability. “He’s done a terrific job,” Thornton said. “This was his third run on a heavy track, and for any horse to maintain that through a prep is a great effort. He carried 59.5kg today and made them look second-rate.” Thornton described how he considered pushing Cifrado forward early but opted to stay patient. “I was half thinking of hitting the button early, but I told myself, ‘Don’t do it, Boris.’ I found a bum behind Michael Rodd, and it took me everywhere I needed to go. I had the horse in the end, and it was fantastic.” Thornton believes there’s more to come from Cifrado. “He’s still on the up, and I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the rest of his preparation and hopefully to Magic Millions.” Cifrado’s victory marks another highlight for Lipp’s boutique stable, which has enjoyed a stellar season. The gelding has now earned over $1.3 million in prize money, with his adaptability and consistency making him a standout performer. Horse racing news View the full article

Yes Lulu ridden by Declan Bates returns to the mounting yard after winning the Magic Millions VIC 3YO & 4YO Classic at Caulfield Heath Racecourse on December 14, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Yes Lulu has booked her place in next month’s $1 million Magic Millions Fillies and Mares race on the Gold Coast with a thrilling victory in the $175,000 Magic Millions VIC 3YO & 4YO Classic at Caulfield on Saturday. Under Irish jockey Declan Bates, the Ciaron Maher-trained filly stormed home from the back of the field to narrowly edge Miss Altair by a neck in a nail-biting finish paying $11 with PlayUp. Bookmaker favourite Miraval Rose finished third. Magic Millions VIC 3&4YO Classic Race Replay – Yes Lulu https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Caulfield-Heath-2024-Magic-Millions-Vic-34YO-Classic-14122024-Yes-Lulu-Ciaron-Maher-Declan-Bates.mp4 Bates, who rode Lulu for the first time, hinted that his plans to return to Ireland might now change. “I’m meant to be heading back to Ireland for a visit next week, but I might have to make a quick return for a little holiday in the middle of it,” Bates said. “She’s a horse I hadn’t ridden before today, and I was very impressed with her finish. “She’s a beautiful filly, and she’s only going to be better on a bigger track. Winning here says a lot about her.” Stable representative Adrian Joyce confirmed that Lulu will head to the Gold Coast for the January 11 event, confident the 1300m distance will suit her. “She’s always shown she can handle that trip, and she proved it again today,” Joyce said. Although the race was expected to have a quicker pace, Joyce praised Lulu’s ability to adapt and Bates’ composed ride. “The field didn’t go as fast as it looked on paper, and for her to finish like that from where she was is very encouraging. Dec stayed calm, gave her the perfect ride, and she responded beautifully.” Lulu’s latest win is her second consecutive triumph after a promising spring campaign that included strong performances in the Redoute’s Choice Stakes and the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes. “She’s always shown ability,” Joyce said. “She ran in stakes races as a two-year-old and acquitted herself well. “The owners are over the moon. A lot of them are here today, and it’s a great result for the team.” With her sharp turn of foot and proven versatility, Lulu is now among the key contenders for the Gold Coast feature. Horse racing news View the full article

Marble Arch claims victory at Caulfield. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli It was a case of ex-pat Kiwis combining as Jaylah Kennedy enjoyed another memorable day at the Caulfield Heath on Saturday, as she celebrated a double on the program. Seven days after starring at Ballarat by winning the Ballarat Cup aboard Berkeley Square, Kennedy guided Thailess and former Kiwi galloper Marble Arch to glory at the main Melbourne race meeting for the weekend. Saturday’s success was the second this preparation for Per Incanto mare Marble Arch, who won the inaugural $300,000 Future Stars Series Final at Pakenham last year. The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained mare stormed over the top of the hot favourite Warnie to claim victory. “We drew really well, there was going to be good speed on always, then I was just able to get in behind that and I wasn’t a part of that battle,” Kennedy explained. “We had plenty of horse underneath me, we got off the fence at the right time and followed the right horses into the turn, and she was really good with the lightweight.” Kennedy has capitalised on her recent opportunities at metropolitan level. Prior to Saturday, the Kiwi apprentice had ridden two other winners at the Heath track this month and was also in the winners’ circle at Caulfield on Thousand Guineas Day last month. Horse racing news View the full article

Invincible Woman ridden by Damian Lane wins the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic at Caulfield Heath Racecourse on December 14, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Invincible Woman announced herself on the racing stage with a dazzling performance in the $250,000 Magic Millions Victoria 2YO Classic (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday, earning a berth in next month’s $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast. Trained by Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans, the filly displayed raw speed and exceptional talent under jockey Damian Lane, leading the field from the start and surging to a near three-length victory paying $3.70 with Picklebet. The daughter of champion sire I Am Invincible, Invincible Woman was purchased for $250,000 from Widden Stud’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale draft. She is the third winner from stakes-placed mare Showcase, a half-sister to Group III winner Disposition. Her triumph marks a significant milestone for Kennewell and Yeomans, who selected her as their first joint yearling purchase after forming their training partnership 18 months ago. “She’s very natural and very quick,” Lane said. “She’s just doing it on raw ability right now, and this experience will only make her better.” Despite an awkward start, Invincible Woman’s pace carried her to the lead, where she dictated the tempo before accelerating off the bend to defeat Zouclaire. BlondeBet favourite Bacash rounded out the placings in third. Magic Millions 2YO VIC Classic Race Replay – Invincible Woman https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Caulfield-Heath-2024-Magic-Millions-Vic-2YO-Classic-14122024-Invincible-Woman-Lloyd-Kennewell-Lucy-Yeomans-Damian-Lane.mp4 Owned by an all-female syndicate, the filly’s success adds an inspiring narrative to her journey. Yeomans expressed excitement about the group’s opportunity to vie for the $500,000 Women’s Bonus at the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. “It’s a prestigious race, and while the bonus is appealing, we’ll let the filly tell us if she’s ready. She’s not just a two-year-old; we think she has a bright future.” Kennewell noted the filly’s progression leading into her debut, highlighting the team’s initial consideration of giving her a spell before her strong trial performances prompted them to press on. “She kept taking it to another level,” he said. “This win is no surprise to me, but it’s a testament to her talent.” Invincible Woman has now firmed into $11 with the top Australian horse racing bookmakers for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, solidifying her status as a key contender for one of Australia’s premier juvenile races. Horse racing news View the full article

Beau Dazzler winning the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes. Photo: Darren Winningham The Tony & Maddysen Sears-trained Beau Dazzler ($8.00) has come with a withering burst to claim the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, revelling in the testing Heavy 10 conditions to claim a dominant 2.9-length victory in the $300,000 feature. The son of Ardrossan had previously been unplaced in three performances on Heavy tracks, including his latest effort at Doomben on November 30 when finishing fourth behind race rival and $3.90 favourite with BlondeBet, Moon Sweeper. He was able to turn the tables this time around courtesy of a terrific ride by Jag Guthmann-Chester, sitting midfield with cover the entire journey while Apuntar ($5.00) led them out at a strong tempo under Taylor Marshall. The Matthew Dunn-trained Moonsweeper appears to get every chance from the trail behind the leader but didn’t seem to handle the bottomless conditions, stepping up to the 1800m for the first time. The pair of Sun Worshipper ($19.00) and Madame Lexis ($41.00) were making strong inroads late, but it was all in vain, however, as Beau Dazzler was off and gone with the prize once asked to extend in the concluding stages. 2024 Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes Replay – Beau Dazzler https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Group-3-Grand-Prix-Stakes-14122024-Beau-Dazzler-Tony-Maddysen-Sears-Jag-Guthmann-Chester.mp4 Co-trainer Maddysen Sears was on course to represent the stable and couldn’t have been more delighted with the performance. “He has always shown us a lot but he is a very tricky horse,” Maddy Sears said. “He is not an easy horse to do things with and I do have to make mention of James who rides him every day as he is very naughty, but we thought he was a very good chance today. “We bought him as a Derby-style of horse, and we didn’t think the distance would be any problem whatsoever and when the rain came in it was almost like a 2000m race with how heavy it was. “His ability prevailed, and it was a great ride by Jag. He drew barrier one, but he kept him off the fence and he just speared through and put them away.” Sears said Guthmann-Chester was an underrated rider. “He is very strong and he vary rarely does things wrong on horses and he got the job done today,” she said. With a Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) campaign the focus through the winter, Beau Dazzler is likely to have one more run this campaign. “I believe there is a 2000m race in two weeks’ time that he will run in and then we will put him away and I think he will be a force to be reckoned with in the Queensland Derby,” Sears said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, December 15, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with an ultra-competitive 10-part program set for decision. The rail moves out to the C+3 position after racing in the true position last weekend for the Hong Kong International Races, and with no signs of rain despite the cool conditions, punters can anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Beauty Alliance Beauty Alliance finished off well returning at Sha Tin on November 17, doing his best work late to get within 3.3 lengths of Super Love Dragon over 1400m. He was forced back to the rear from barrier 13 on that occasion and gets the opportunity to sit much closer in transit from stall one this time around. The 1600m should suit and the booking of Zac Purton shows strong intent from the John Size barn. He should lob onto the leaders back, and with even luck getting off the inside running rail, Beauty Alliance should prove hard to hold out at a good price Neds. Best Bet Race 5 – #11 Beauty Alliance (1) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: The Heir The Heir drops back into Class 4 company for the first time, and although he’s winless across his 13 Hong Kong starts, this appears to be the perfect opportunity to strike. He’s been a model of consistency without winning against some quality opposition, closing to within 3.3 lengths of Charming Legend, and prior to that wasn’t beaten far by Steps Ahead. He drops down to 57.5kg after the 3kg claim of apprentice Ellis Wong, and with gate two aiding him on his journey, The Heir shouldn’t have any excuses to be figuring in the finishing at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 6 – #2 The Heir (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Ellis Wong (a3kg) (60.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sha Tin: Light Years Charm Formerly racing under the name Bretsal in Australia, Light Years Charm makes his Hong Kong debut after being transferred to the David Eustance barn. The Rubick gelding was a dominant 3.5-length maiden winner at Lismore on June 18 before making the trek, and his latest barrier trial victory on the Sha Tin all-weather suggests he’s acclimatized well to his new conditions. Kicking off the campaign over 1400m shows good intent, and with barrier three allowing Andrea Atzeni to lob into the ideal stalking position, Light Years Charm should get every chance to make an impression first-up. Best Value Race 8 – #9 Light Years Charm (3) 4yo Gelding | T: David Eustace | J: Andrea Atzeni (54kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections December 15, 2024 4-5 4-6-9-13-14 1-4-5-6-7-8-12 1-2-3-4-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Robusto winning the Group 2 Ingham. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Bjorn Baker & Tim Clark have combined with Robusto ($31.00) claiming the Group 2 Ingham (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, storming clear at a massive price with horse racing bookmakers. The son of Churchill put the writing on the wall last time out, finishing runner-up in the Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) behind Private Eye ($6.00), closing off best of the rest in what turned out to be an on-speed dominated affair. The Churchill gelding got conditions to suit this time around, with Clark lobbing onto the back of a hot tempo from barrier four, courtesy of the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained I’mintowin ($7.00) powering across to maintain the early lead despite bombing the start. The heavily-back favourite with Neds, Gringotts ($4.00), seemingly got the perfect trail under Tommy Berry, allowing I’mintowin to give him the ideal cart into the race. Once asked for the ultimate effort, Gringotts appeared to be travelling best, but it was the Bjorn Baker-trained five-year-old gaining the upper hand, fending off the late challenges of Steparty ($15.00) and Encap ($26.00) in the concluding stages. 2024 Group 2 The Ingham Replay – Robusto https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Randwick-2024-Group-2-The-Ingham-14122024-Robusto-Bjorn-Baker-Tim-Clark.mp4 Stable representative Luke Hilton was on was on course at Randwick and spoke post-race on behalf of the Bjorn Baker barn. “He’s done an amazing job this time in,” said Hilton. “He hasn’t had any luck, and he finally drew a gate today and it paid dividends with a great ride by Tim (Clark). “He was an outstanding run (in the Festival Stakes), he was three-wide no cover from a poor gate and really stuck on well. There were question marks with him at the mile, but when he came up with gate four, we were confident he’s going well and just has to run out a strong mile. “It’s a super result for the team.” Tim Clark spoke race and suggested the better barrier did wonders for his winning chances on Saturday. “He just hadn’t been able to draw a barrier until today,” said Clark. “He jumped great, I looked to put him a bit closer than expected, but he was happy being there and I didn’t want to take that away from him. “Obviously following the right horses, it was just a matter of being patient on him and I didn’t want to expose him too soon, but I’mintowin and Gringotts weren’t taking me far enough and I saw the gap come and he dashed through really well. “Great to win this race.” Not only does Robusto claim the major portion of the $2 million prize but is also now ballot exempt for the 2025 Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m). Horse racing news View the full article

What Nowra Races Where Shoalhaven City Turf Club – 96 Albatross Rd, South Nowra NSW 2541 When Sunday, December 15, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Shoalhaven City Turf Club is the destination for country racing in NSW on Sunday afternoon, with a massive eight-race program lined up for Nowra Showcase Cup (1600m) Day. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with minimal rainfall expected to hit the course proper, punters can expect the Soft 5 rating at the time of acceptances to hold true for race-day. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1:10pm local time. Nowra Showcase Cup Tip: Associate Associate caught the eye returning at Kembla Grange on November 23 and looks well-placed in the $65,000 Nowra Showcase Cup. The son of Star Witness was doing his best work late over the 1400m behind Everido, making strong inroads from the rear of the field in an on-speed dominated affair. The five-year-old drops 7kg for the step up in grade, and although he may be forced to circle the field from barrier 11, watch for Associate to be powering over the top at the each-way price with Neds. Nowra Showcase Cup Race 7 – #9 Associate (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Danielle Seib | J: Jean Van Overmeire (54kg) +800 with Neds Best Bet at Nowra: Holy Hell The Danielle Seib-trained Holy Hell debuts on the back of a couple smart barrier trials and finds a very winnable first-up assignment. The 6.6-length margin in her most recent piece of work at Rosehill on November 14 is deceiving on face value, with the daughter of Hellbent doing it comfortably under her own steam towards the rear of the field to indicate she had plenty left to give in the concluding stages. Jean Van Overmeire does the steering from barrier nine, and with an ounce of luck falling her way, Holy Hell should prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 2 – #12 Holy Hell (9) 3yo Filly | T: Danielle Seib | J: Jean Van Overmeire (55.5kg) +280 with BlondeBet Next Best at Nowra: Puntin Puntin looks like a gelding with plenty of upside as he debuts for the Bjorn Baker barn. The son of Super Seth cruised to victory in a recent barrier trial at Canterbury on December 3, making every post a winner to hold out the fast-finishing Wandaye. Punters can expect identical tactics to be adopted by Rachel King drawn in barrier one, and provided the pair can tick over a soft sectional in the middle stages, Puntin will give a bold sight when asked for the ultimate effort turning for home. Next Best Race 5 – #9 Puntin (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Rachel King (57.5kg) +180 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Nowra Nowra quadrella selections December 15, 2024 6-8-9-10 1-3-6 2-9 7-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Kadavar maintained his perfect record over 2400m with a strong win in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Progressive stayer Kadavar maintained his perfect record over 2400m when recording a strong win in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained four-year-old is in a rich vein of form, notching a hattrick of victories including bouncing between assignments in Sydney and Melbourne and has now won all four of his 2400m starts. Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Kadavar took up a more forward position after initially settling midfield and tracked eventual runner-up Alalcance, who shot to the lead before being gradually worn down by the winner. The son of Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) winner Tarzino and Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner Arapaho Miss is now doing exactly what his pedigree suggests. “He has turned into a winner, that’s for sure,” Waller said. “He has been up and down the country-side but he is enjoying his racing and he keeps going to another level each time he runs. “I think he is four from four over 2400m and he is out of an Oaks winner and he is a sibling to an Oaks winner. “I think he will get to a higher-level. That will do for this prep but if you have got a good stayer, there are some good races for them.” Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy was not surprised to see Kadavar again perform well, especially off the limit weight of 53kgs. “I knew he would run the trip well and he got out into a nice spot and the horse in front of me wasn’t really travelling and taking me along and was almost getting detached from the horses I thought were going to be hardest to beat,” he said. “I was able to come out, make a bit of a move and be a bit closer around the back lane and he showed a good attitude when I asked him.” Kadavar has had 13 starts for six wins and two placings, earning $351,525 for owners Neville Morgan and David Devine. Horse racing news View the full article

Saltcoats scores his first victory on Australian soil. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Four-year-old gelding Saltcoats has posted his first victory on Australian soil when coming with a sustained run at Randwick on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained son of Ardrossan came from near the rear of the field under Tommy Berry and made a long sustained run to defeat fellow Kiwi-breds So Dazzling and Tavi Time by the best part of a length. Winner of the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) in May of his juvenile year for original trainer Samantha Logan, the talented galloper was sold across the Tasman and sports the colours of prominent owner Ozzie Kheir. He races for a syndicate with breeder and original sole owner of the horse Lib Petagna retaining a share. “He has always shown us promise but we didn’t know what to expect today from the draw (13),” Waller said. “I said to just go back and ride him quietly and hope that he can blend into the race, which he certainly did and he sustained a long run. “He had a small incident before the start of this preparation which has held him back and it looks like he is in good shape now.” Sent out a $12 chance with horse racing bookmakers, Saltcoats had been a well-beaten tenth first-up on a Good 3 track at Kembla Grange. “It was definitely too firm at Kembla Grange last start, which was disappointing because he was going so well,” winning rider Tommy Berry said. “I said to my manager that we just need to draw a gate and I think he can win next start. He has just been doing everything right at home and working very well. “I had in the back of my mind to go forward and Chris said nup – not today, we’ll go back and get a little bit of luck. “Probably the winning was down the side. There was a three-wide line and I was able to improve into the race still with cover and he is only second-up at 1800m, so he has got a bit of improvement and Chris is taking his time with him, which is dearly needed. “He is quite a keen going horse and you don’t know what is there until you let him off the bit but he deserved that today.” Now the winner of two of his 10 starts with a further five placings, Saltcoats was third in the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) won by Wymark back in March. Horse racing news View the full article

Blue Sky At Night winning Saturday’s Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m) at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) It may have only been a nose at the finish, but it might as well have been a mile for trainer Shelley Hale after Blue Sky At Night took out Saturday’s Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m) at Te Rapa. Hale, who has battled ill-health in recent years, is one of the most popular figures at the Cambridge training establishment and has rejuvenated the career of the seven-year-old Shamexpress mare who has struck a rich vein of form, winning three of her seven starts since May, before tackling her biggest challenge on Saturday. Ridden by Tayla Mitchell, who has formed a strong bond with the quirky mare, Blue Sky At Night was content to lob along in midfield before being eased into contention approaching the home bend. Mitchell started to get busy as the widest runner in a line of five across the track at the 300m, shooting the mare two lengths clear and looking set for a comfortable victory. No one told Warren Kennedy aboard second favourite Sassy Lass, who finally found clear air and charged after Blue Sky At Night, coming up just a nose short of victory in a thrilling photo finish. 2024 Group 3 Waikato Cup Replay – Blue Sky At Night https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Te-Rapa-2024-Group-3-Waikato-Cup-14122024-Blue-Sky-At-Night-Shelley-Hale-Taylor-Mitchell-.mp4 Hale and owner-breeders Alistair and Isabel Barker were ecstatic when the judge announced the official placings after having to hold their breath for several minutes as they waited for word to come through. “It’s wonderful as we’ve always thought she might be capable of this,” Hale said. “It’s a great thrill when you come to a race like this on your home track and just lovely. “The Barkers are just wonderful and patient as there are not many seven-year-old mares still going around. “She is a really relaxed horse who can get a little cranky at times, but these days she’s very relaxed. “Tayla was great as comes and rides work for us and the horses just run for her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Australian jockey rates Britannia Stakes-winning import highly ahead of second Hong Kong start.View the full article