Wandering Eyes

New Zealand-bred mare Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) bounced back to her brilliant best with a dominant front-running performance in the A$160,000 Melbourne Storm Mile (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. The daughter of El Roca burst onto the scene as a three-year-old last season with wins in five of her first nine starts, including four in a row in December and January. Those performances earned her a ticket across the Tasman for the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie in March, where she ran a close and creditable fifth. Perfumist was below that level in the early stages of her four-year-old season, finishing sixth over 1200m at Rosehill on August 16 and 11th over the same course and distance on August 30, but then she ran a more promising fourth over 1600m at Randwick on September 20. On Saturday the Bjorn Baker-trained mare showed the Randwick crowd what she is capable of. Drawn handily in three among a competitive 18-horse field, Perfumist broke brilliantly from the starting gates and quickly took up the lead for jockey Regan Bayliss. Bayliss began to up the ante coming down the side of the track and Perfumist pulled ahead by two and three lengths coming up to the home turn. Perfumist kicked hard at the 300m mark and powered clear, putting four lengths between herself and her nearest challenger. The favourite Idle Flyer (Dundeel) was able to eat into that advantage late in the piece, closing to within a length and a half with another five lengths back to third, but there would be no catching Perfumist. She set a new race record with her time of 1:33.01 for 1600m. “She pulled out the ‘dictate and dominate’ playbook and bounced back to her best,” Baker said. “Congratulations to a great group of owners. We might look to the Angst Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) from here.” The Angst Stakes will be run on October 18 over the same course and distance as Perfumist’s win on Saturday. Perfumist was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and is by Westbury stallion El Roca. She is the first foal to race out of the unraced Swiss Ace mare Tapputi (NZ), whose full-brother Cut Me Loose (NZ) won two races and placed in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). Perfumist’s name stems from her dam, with Tapputi, a female perfumer, the first chemist in history. Perfumist breezed up in 10.7 seconds at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale and was purchased for $190,000 by the combination of Bjorn Baker Racing, bloodstock agents Phill Cataldo and Jim Clarke, along with OTI Racing. From a 15-race career, Perfumist has now recorded six wins and three seconds. She has earned A$542,508 in stakes. View the full article

Exciting four-year-old Bulb General continued to stamp his Classic Series credentials after notching an electrifying third consecutive victory at Sha Tin on Saturday. Sent off the raging $1.5 favourite in the Class Three Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1,200m), the Jamie Richards-trained gelding made light work of gate 12 when storming home under Zac Purton to bolt in by two and three-quarter lengths. Despite being labelled “a shocking mover” by Purton and lazy trackworker by Richards, Bulb General...View the full article

War Princess wins the NZB RTR 3YO (1400m) at Hawera on Saturday.Photo: Jane Davidson (Race Images Palmerston North) War Princess was the hottest favourite on the card at Hawera on Saturday, and she lived up to the hype with an effortless and confidence-boosting victory in the NZB RTR 3YO (1400m). The daughter of U S Navy Flag showed enormous promise as a two-year-old last season, winning her first two starts by a combined margin of four and a half lengths. She earned herself a shot at the big time, where she finished 11th in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in March and then seventh when she resumed in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) at the end of August. Trainers Peter and Trent Didham found an easier assignment on Saturday, where only three rivals stood between War Princess and the lion’s share of the $40,000 stake. War Princess showed explosive speed out of the starting gates to immediately take up a clear lead, and that was where she stayed. Jockey Sam Collett gave her a breather with some easy sectionals through the middle stages, then asked her to quicken after rounding the home turn. War Princess, priced at $1.40 with Australian betting sites, showed her class with a smart turn of foot in the straight. She pulled clear to win by three lengths from Belzoni, Star Onehundred and Tulsa King. “I almost feel bad taking money for this ride,” Collett said. “Dids (Peter Didham) said she might have been a bit soft going into the Wanganui Guineas first-up. She had another trial under her belt this time and was much stronger today. “It was a nice race for her, drawn one in only a four-horse field. I don’t think heavy is her favoured going, but she’s done it easily. “She showed a fair bit of ability in her two-year-old season, and the signs have been encouraging in her work. Onwards and upwards from here.” War Princess was bred by Don and Dame Wendy Pye, who are enjoying a highly successful spring as the breeders and part-owners of the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) winner and Group 3 Sunline Vase (1400m) runner-up Lollapalooza. A half-sister to the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) placegetter Appellant, War Princess was bought by Exempt Bloodstock and Peter Didham Racing for $77,500 from Haunui Farm’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2024. War Princess has now had five starts for three wins and $57,560 in stakes, with the promise of much more to come. “She’s got such a beautiful action, and I think you’ll see an even better horse on a good track,” Peter Didham said. “It’s just been a matter of finding the right races for her. The Wanganui Guineas might not have been my best work. “It was a $40,000 race today, and clubs like Hawera are very supportive of racing, so it’s good to come here and race. “I have to thank all the good owners and staff I’ve got. I’m the one who waves my arms around, but it’s them who make the music. “It’s good to get the win today. We might give her a week in the paddock now to get over this run on a heavy track, then make a plan from there.” View the full article

Mark Newnham celebrated his first ever trifecta and savvy punters were also in raptures after Sing Dragon landed an extraordinary betting plunge in Saturday’s Class Two High West Handicap (1,650m) at Sha Tin. Brown-lamped in betting when firming from $16 to $4.45, Sing Dragon led his rivals a merry dance under Karis Teetan as Talents Ambition and Mojave Desert trailed him home to complete a perfect result for Newnham. “I’ve had quinellas before, but not the first three,” the Australian handler...View the full article

Luke Ferraris’ hot start to the season continued as he swept the first three races on the Sha Tin card on Saturday to leapfrog into fourth in the jockeys’ premiership race. It was a third race day treble for the South African, who got his day off to the perfect start when Yoda’s Choice went from pillar to post in the Class Five Tung Chung Handicap (1,650m) on the dirt. That would be a theme of the day for Ferraris, who controlled the pace to a tee from stall one and never looked in any real...View the full article

Ben, Will and JD Hayes know a thing or two about the juvenile progeny of Per Incanto, and they unveiled another exciting son of the Little Avondale Stud stallion in Melbourne’s first two-year-old race of the season on Saturday. The Lindsay Park team took out the A$175,000 Listed Darley Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at Flemington with Eurocanto (Per Incanto), who is by Per Incanto out of the Savabeel mare Shespending (NZ). Eurocanto’s perfect debut came just under three years after the Hayes brothers saddled another Per Incanto first-starter, Little Brose, to finish second in the Gr.3 Maribyrnong Plate over the same course and distance. Little Brose went on to capture the Gr.1 Blue Diamond (1200m) and Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) and is currently standing his first season alongside his sire at Little Avondale. Comparisons are inevitable after Eurocanto’s heroics on Saturday, where he launched a brilliant finish from the back of the field in the hands of jockey Mark Zahra. Eurocanto still had only two horses behind him with 150m to run, but he stretched out powerfully down the outside to finish over the top of Streisand (Magnus) and snatch victory by a half-head. “It’s a little bit early for comparisons, but he was a little bit ‘Brosey’ there,” JD Hayes said. “It was a terrific ride. He got last crack at them and he attacked the line, which is what you like to see. It was a professional performance. “We’ll see how he pulls up and it would be tempting, all systems go to head into Cup Week (for the Maribyrnong Plate). But first and foremost, we’ll see how he is first thing in the morning.” Eurocanto’s performance made a big impression on Zahra. “To be honest, I usually don’t like riding two-year-olds too early,” he said. “But I always pick up the phone when the Hayes brothers call, because they’ll usually identify one that they’re happy with and they want me to trial it. It is a good process, and if I like the horse, I’ll stick with it. “That is what happened with this guy. I trialed him twice and liked him two times, and he’s got the job done today. “His manners in the barriers left a little bit to be desired, but I just left him alone. It is a tough test first-up up the straight over 1000m and I like to be the last one on the scene. He did that well. He was able to travel up behind them and then showed good grip late to win. I was able to come down the middle and quicken, which is hard for them to do without a rail. Good effort and well-trained.” Eurocanto was bred by Evergreen Stud Farm and is out of a full-sister to the Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m) winner Tilianam. The third dam is Waikato Stud’s Group Three-winning and Group One-placed O’Reilly mare Splashing Out (NZ), who produced the Group winners Splurge (NZ) (Savabeel), Shopaholic (NZ) (Pins) and Packing Eagle (NZ) (Pins). Splashing Out is a three-quarter-sister to the multiple Group One winner and sire Sacred Falls. Lindsay Park secured Eurocanto for A$250,000 from the 2025 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. “He was picked out by our sales team up at the sales,” he said. “Dean Hawthorne does a terrific job. We really liked this colt, and we’ve had good success with the stallion. He’s an athletic style of horse with plenty of improvement to come and it was good to be able to kick off his career in that fashion.” View the full article

Quality mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb (NZ) (Complacent) showed she is in for another plentiful spring campaign when she exploded over the final 150m to storm over the top of her female rivals and score a stunning victory in the feature race at Hawera on Saturday, the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders Stakes (1400m). Kim Reid’s now seven-year-old daughter of Complacent has fashioned a top-class record over the past two years including a runner-up finish behind Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) alongside a win in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and numerous honest efforts in elite company. Reid gave her a lengthy summer break after finishing well back in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) in early January and brought her back to the trials at Foxton in August where she ran third over 1000m before winning her second trial over the same distance a fortnight later. Expected to perform creditably first-up over 1400m at Otaki last month, a seventh out of eight effort had Reid scratching her head somewhat before tackling Saturday’s Group Three feature as her second-up target. The application of blinkers and a deteriorating Heavy10 surface that had copped plenty of rain during the week and again on raceday played into her hands as rider Chris Dell had her trucking along beautifully on the rails behind a slow pace set-up by race favourite Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) ($2.90). Dell angled Hi Yo Sass Bomb across heels at the 500m and followed eventual runner-up Rareza (NZ) (Exosphere) into the contest before burying her rivals with a powerful burst that carried her to a one-and-a-half-length victory. Reid, who co-owns the mare in conjunction with her parents Josephine and Graeme, cut an emotional figure after the race. “I just love this horse, as I know she is a champ,” Reid said. “Last start was really disappointing and I knew she was behind the eight ball. “When she is on she is on and so deserves this, it really means a lot. “She is sassy but classy and really gets her game face on. Today she was really cool and calm and that is what she gets like on raceday (at her best). “I’ve been saying all week I was ninety percent happy with her and there was still ten percent to go, so we will see how she is over the next few days and decide where to go from there.” Dell admitted it was a strangely run race due to the lack of a true pacemaker, although he didn’t want to be as handy as he was in the early running knowing she has a devastating sprint when saved for a last run from the back. “She has been jumping and putting herself there at the trials and when she jumped and wanted to be there I was okay with it,” he said wryly. “If you look at the way the races have been playing they have been flying down the outside. I wasn’t in the greatest spot and wanted to get off (the rail) as soon as I could and luckily got the drag into it behind Sam Collett (Rareza). “She is a class horse who has been competitive at the top level and her class got her there today. “When she has won she has won with authority and that has what she has done today.” Bred by the Reids, Hi Yo Sass Bomb has now had six wins and four placings from her 25 starts, earning $392,770 for her connections. View the full article

Who Knows (NZ) (Redwood) was runner-up in a time-honoured Riccarton feature at the beginning of the season, and she earned favouritism for another one with an emphatic victory in the Weir Tours Egmont Cup (2100m) at Hawera on Saturday. The $60,000 open handicap was the fifth win from only a 16-start career for the Redwood mare, who has placed on another four occasions, including a second behind Chase (NZ) (Zed) in the Gr.3 128th Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on August 2. Wanganui trainer Niall Quinn is eyeing a return to Christchurch for the Gr.3 162nd New Zealand Cup (3200m) on November 15, for which the TAB now rates her a $9 market leader alongside I’m A Dirty Rascal (Galileo) and Titicaca (NZ) (Tarzino). Saturday’s Egmont Cup success was a notable training performance by Quinn, with Who Knows having been away from the raceday scene since finishing fourth in the Heatstore Open Handicap (1800m) on the final day of the Grand National Carnival at Riccarton on August 9. She had made a solitary trials appearance in between times, finishing fourth over 1200m at Foxton on September 16. But the six-year-old’s quality shone through on Saturday. Who Knows was given a perfect run by jockey Kate Hercock, who took up a position in fifth behind Tobias (NZ) (Complacent), Solidify (NZ) (Redwood), Wheelitin (NZ) (Ekraar) and Royal Flower (NZ) (Proisir). The leading pair had a margin of at least two lengths on their nearest rival for the majority of the race, and they seemed to be travelling as well as anyone coming up to the home turn. But Hercock never panicked. She angled Who Knows to the outside of the leading pair and drove her home over the top of them down the straight. Who Knows drew away in the closing stages to beat Tobias by two and a quarter lengths. Solidify was the same margin away in third. “We’re really happy with that,” Quinn said. “I was hoping for a better track today. I would have been a bit more confident if it had been a Soft6 instead of a Heavy9. I thought it might be a bit testing for her, since it had been a while between runs. But we were quite happy with her work at home. “There was a bit of speed on today. Kate got her in a good spot, and then she finished it off well. There’s still a bit of improvement left in her too. “We’ll probably give her one more run between now and the New Zealand Cup. We won’t have to do too much with her between times. It’s a bit tricky to place her, there aren’t a lot of options in the Central Districts, but we’ll look to give her one more run towards the end of this month.” Who Knows was bred by Harry Parslow and has now earned $153,735 for owners the Fast Horses Syndicate. Who Knows is out of the Zabeel mare Bello Cappello (NZ), who is a daughter of the Gr.1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) and Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) winner Cinder Bella (NZ). View the full article

Enigmatic stayer Diamond Jak (NZ) (Jakkalberry) was on his best behaviour for the second start in a row when he strode clear in the closing stages to capture the Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m) at Matamata. The Jakkalberry seven-year-old has kept both his trainer Mark Brosnan and various jockeys on their toes with his barrier manners on occasion, but has never lacked real ability with his mind fully on the job, as he showed once again with a determined performance to register his seventh career victory. Fresh off a classy victory over 2100m at Ellerslie last month, Diamond Jak relished the Heavy10 underfoot conditions as rider Opie Bosson had him away cleanly in the seven-horse field before positioning him against the rail behind mid-field in the early stages. The action began to heat up at the 600m as race favourite Agera swooped around the outer to hit the front rounding the home turn. Bosson was well aware of the threat and quickly had Diamond Jak off the fence and into the clear on Agera’s (NZ) (Complacent) inner as the pair went head to head at the 300m. Diamond Jak asserted his superiority and burst clear before comfortably holding out the late runs of Rosetown Princess (NZ) (Redwood) and What A Charma (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) for a comprehensive win. Brosnan admitted he was in two minds as to what lay ahead for his charge who prefers the wetter conditions but had also won well on a much firmer Ellerslie surface last time. “He is running really well,” Brosnan said. “I don’t know what to do with him now, whether to turn him out or keep him in work. “There is a mile and a half (2400m) race at Te Rapa on Labour weekend. He likes Te Rapa so we might go there. “I also keep telling him he will be going jumping but he keeps pulling one out of the bag!” Bosson was pleased with the effort and the way his mount had handled the very testing Heavy10 conditions. “He is really in the zone at the moment and always travelled like the winner throughout,” he said. “I managed to cut the corner and while it is hard work out here, he got through it nicely.” Bred and owned by Gary and Linda Hodel, Diamond Jak has now won seven of his 35 starts and over $263,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Speedy mare I’munstoppable (NZ) (Charm Spirit ) never gave her rivals a look in as she maintained a powerful gallop in front throughout to capture the Colchester Engineering Ltd (1200m) on her home track at Matamata. The former Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner hadn’t been seen on raceday for nearly 300 days after finishing last of eleven at Te Rapa back in December last year. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott backed off her when she didn’t come up as well as they would have liked for an autumn campaign and that worked nicely in her favour as she made her spring debut on Saturday with two soft trial runs in August under her belt. A noted pacemaker, the daughter of Charm Spirit pinged away from the starting gates and made every post a winner as visiting Australian apprentice Sage Duric used her 4kg claim to good effect in having her mount clear of her rivals by nearly five lengths rounding the home bend. With Duric sitting as quiet as a church mouse, I’munstoppable never looked like being caught as she hit the finishing line still more than four lengths to the good of Moneypenny (NZ) (Proisir) and Latrelle (NZ) (Redwood) on the testing Heavy10 surface. Scott explained the circumstances of her long break away from racing which included a false start to her new campaign just a week ago. “We brought her back last autumn and she just wasn’t there,” Scott said. “She was off in her coat so we gave her a long break. We had her in last Saturday (at Te Rapa) where she was ready to go, but she banged her leg and we had to pull her out. “That was a great ride from young Sage as we said hug the rail and stay right in as there is a quick lane there. “She (I’munstoppable) held a strong gallop and you have to remember she won the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes which takes a good horse to win. “We hope to find a couple of nice races like this for her before Christmas, as with some give in the ground she is going to win a few more.” Duric, the daughter of Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winning rider Vlad Duric, was all smiles as she brought up her first win at her seventh ride in New Zealand. “She was a little bit keen in front and I thought we might be going a little bit too quick, but to her credit she travelled the whole way for me and never came off the bridle,” she said. “She obviously loves the ground and with the 4kgs off she was very hard to beat. “She always travelled and was happy where she was. I knew it would be hard to make up ground on that track and she proved too good.” Bred and raced by John MacLachlan and his wife Julie-Anne, I’munstoppable is out of their Rip Van Winkle mare Sisterella (NZ), who is a daughter of Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) placegetter Arabian Nights (NZ). She has now won four of her twelve starts and more than $122,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

War Princess (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) was the hottest favourite on the card at Hawera on Saturday, and she lived up to her $1.40 odds with an effortless and confidence-boosting victory in the NZB RTR 3YO (1400m). The daughter of U S Navy Flag showed enormous promise as a two-year-old last season, winning her first two starts by a combined margin of four and a half lengths. She earned herself a shot at the big time, where she finished 11th in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in March and then seventh when she resumed in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) at the end of August. Trainers Peter and Trent Didham found an easier assignment on Saturday, where only three rivals stood between War Princess and the lion’s share of the $40,000 stake. War Princess showed explosive speed out of the starting gates to immediately take up a clear lead, and that was where she stayed. Jockey Sam Collett gave her a breather with some easy sectionals through the middle stages, then asked her to quicken after rounding the home turn. War Princess showed her class with a smart turn of foot in the straight. She pulled clear to win by three lengths from Belzoni (NZ) (Belardo), Star Onehundred (NZ) (Earthlight) and Tulsa King (NZ) (Staphanos). “I almost feel bad taking money for this ride,” Collett said. “Dids (Peter Didham) said she might have been a bit soft going into the Wanganui Guineas first-up. She had another trial under her belt this time and was much stronger today. “It was a nice race for her, drawn one in only a four-horse field. I don’t think heavy is her favoured going, but she’s done it easily. “She showed a fair bit of ability in her two-year-old season, and the signs have been encouraging in her work. Onwards and upwards from here.” War Princess was bred by Don and Dame Wendy Pye, who are enjoying a highly successful spring as the breeders and part-owners of the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) winner and Gr.3 Sunline Vase (1400m) runner-up Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca). A half-sister to the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) placegetter Appellant (NZ) (Showcasing), War Princess was bought by Exempt Bloodstock and Peter Didham Racing for $77,500 from Haunui Farm’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2024. War Princess has now had five starts for three wins and $57,560 in stakes, with the promise of much more to come. “She’s got such a beautiful action, and I think you’ll see an even better horse on a good track,” Peter Didham said. “It’s just been a matter of finding the right races for her. The Wanganui Guineas might not have been my best work. “It was a $40,000 race today, and clubs like Hawera are very supportive of racing, so it’s good to come here and race. “I have to thank all the good owners and staff I’ve got. I’m the one who waves my arms around, but it’s them who make the music. “It’s good to get the win today. We might give her a week in the paddock now to get over this run on a heavy track, then make a plan from there.” View the full article

Methven’s meeting tomorrow (Sunday) will go ahead as planned. There were concerns that the meeting would have to be transferred to Addington Raceway after this week’s poor weather in Mid Canterbury. But after a track inspection today by a group including HRNZ representatives, club officials and the Racing Integrity Board it was decided the meeting would proceed as planned. The track, currently rated as dead, has held up well which is a credit to the work done by everyone at the club. The first of the day’s 11 races will be at 12 noon with the feature being the Group 3 Alabar Methven Cup at 4.36pm View the full article

With his win in Friday's sixth race at Keeneland with Into the Stars (Into Mischief). Rusty Arnold became the winningest trainer in Keeneland history. It was his 308th winner at the Lexington track, one more than Bill Mott. An emotional Arnold was still savoring the victory when reached by phone Friday night. “I'm from here and started out here,” Arnold said. “I came out here and started with my father. It means a lot to me. When I started out, I was just trying to win one race here. Now we're nearly 50 years later and we got by Billy. I'm sure he's going to come back, but you know what, I got him for one day, anyway.” The win came in a $120,000 allowance race and Into the Stars is owned by G. Watts Humphrey Jr. “I thought it was really neat it was for Mr. Humphrey,” Arnold said. “I don't know how many of my Keeneland wins were for him. I don't know the stats. But a lot of these winners were for him. He was here in the paddock today. I'm not really goal-oriented but it was a really satisfying accomplishment.” Arnold, a native of Paris, Kentucky began his career in 1975. His first win came on July 25, 1975, at Delaware Park with La Yo Quiero. In 1976, Arnold won his first race at Keeneland. “I think my first winner here came in 1976,” he said. “But whenever it was it was around 50 years ago.” Arnold has won 25 stakes at Keeneland, including eight Grade I's. He has won the GI Spinster S. twice and has also saddled two winners of the GI Jenny Wiley. A third-generation horseman, Arnold has earned three trainer titles at Keeneland–in the spring meets of 1985 and 1986 and the fall meet of 1987. His record may not last for long as Mott has two starters on the Saturday card at Keeneland and typically makes more starts at the Keeneland than Arnold does. The post With 308th Winner, Arnold Becomes Keeneland’s All-Time Leading Trainer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Imaginationthelady with Frankie Dettori up won the Jessamine Stakes (G2T) Oct. 3 at Keeneland, earning a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series win.View the full article

Vincent Ho is back aboard The Boom Box at Saturday’s Sha Tin meeting. Picture: HKJC. Vincent Ho will attempt to kickstart his season at Sha Tin on Saturday with seven rides and a bit of help from some old friends among several leading chances. Ho, who missed the bulk of last season when sidelined following a fall, has been feeling his way back into form after months of intense rehabilitation. Discussing his rides at Saturday’s fixture, Ho highlighted The Boom Box (131lb), a three-time winner over course and distance, as a strong chance in the Class 3 Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1200m). Ho, who has one win so far this season, struck up a promising partnership with the Chris So-trained gelding from the jump. The pair partnered to win each of The Boom Box’s first three starts, and they have been reunited in a series of barrier trials this season. “I like to ride him. He’s such a nice horse to ride,” Ho said. “I did a few trials on him – so far, felt good. In the morning, probably, he doesn’t show too much – he’s pretty laid back at the trials. Races will switch him on. He’s very relaxed nowadays in the morning. Hopefully, in the race he will be quite similar and also hit the line pretty strongly.” After a ripping start to his Hong Kong racing career, the lightly raced five-year-old’s winning streak ended at a time when Ho was also unavailable through injury and the horse was stepped up to 1400m. Following an underwhelming performance in the last of six runs last season, his campaign was ended early. “Of course, (this is) his first race of the season and he’s been out for some time as well,” Ho added. “He’s just getting back and bringing his fitness up in a few trials, so he should do well at 1200 (metres).” Ho will take two rides for old ally Caspar Fownes, who has made a fast start to the 2025/26 season, and the four-time Tony Cruz Award winner reconnects with Capital Delight (132lb) in the feature, the Class 2 High West Handicap (1650m, dirt). Ho has been in the saddle for four of the six-year-old’s wins in Hong Kong and will hope the dirt course specialist can get back to his best in his first outing of the season. Fownes provides another of the 35-year-old’s stand-out chances in the form of Joy Of Spring (133lb), whom Ho has scored twice with. “I really like this horse,” Ho said. “Of course, thanks to Mr Fownes – I hope to win for them.” The Deep Field gelding has already had one outing this term, a solid third under apprentice Ellis Wong in the Class 3 Wah Fu Handicap (1400m) on 14 September. Joy Of Spring rises in trip on Saturday to contest the Class 3 Nam Long Shan Handicap (1800m). “I’ve galloped him once and he’s very fit. After one race, we’ll bring up that fitness a lot more and now I feel that he is ready. He’s a nice quality horse, I think he has a chance.” Another on a quick backup is David Hayes-trained Metro Power (123lb), who was eye-catching in the Class 3 Mei Tung Handicap (1000m) on September 14 last time out. The four-year-old led every step of the way and drew two and three-quarter lengths clear at the post under Lyle Hewitson. For his fine effort, the handicapper has raised him 11 points, equating to an extra two pounds in a highly competitive cup race, the Class 3 Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1000m). “On that win, with the time he ran, he probably deserved it (the 11-point hike), so I’m not going to complain,” Hayes said. “I think he’ll run well again.” Meanwhile, 2024 Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and 2024 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) winner Helios Express was back in action at Friday morning’s (October 3) barrier trials at Sha Tin for Australian Racing Hall of Fame trainer John Size. Long-time partner Hugh Bowman reported that the six-year-old — a four-time Group 1 placegetter behind star sprinter Ka Ying Rising last season – was in fine fettle after a 1200m blowout on the dirt, finishing in third after being ridden out. “He trialled well this morning. He had a pretty quiet trial a couple of weeks ago, and it’s a bit inconclusive because he doesn’t particularly like the dirt track, which he’s shown in the past,” Bowman said. “But I was a bit more assertive with him today, just to ensure he was up to the mark and the response was there. “We weren’t trying to do too much, but we wanted to make sure he did his exercise and that he did,” added Bowman, who predicted Helios Express would make his seasonal bow in the HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) on October 26 as he progresses towards the Hong Kong International Races on December 14 at Sha Tin. Saturday’s 10-race fixture at Sha Tin gets underway at 3pm AEST with the Class 5 Tung Chung Handicap (1650m, dirt). View the full article

Stolen Magic wins at Ascot Park on Friday. Photo: Monica Toretto. Local trainer Robert Dennis won half of the eight-race card at Ascot Park on Friday, culminating with a special win by Sir Sterling in the Vale Tony Dennis (1400m). The $40,000 race was run a month after the passing of Robert Dennis’ father, the multiple Group One-winning horseman Tony Dennis. “It’s been a terrific day – it’s always great to train any winner, so to get four is hugely rewarding,” Robert Dennis said. “Winning the race named for Dad was a nice cherry on top.” Sir Sterling went into Friday’s Rating 75 event on the back of a first-up victory over 1335m at Gore on September 21. Despite rising from 58.5kg to 60.5kg on Friday, he was backed into $4.80 equal favouritism with betting sites. Ridden by Daniel Bothamley, Sir Sterling settled in second before slowly but surely wearing down the front-running Buoyant and winning by half a head. Third-placed Maximus Augustus finished four and a half lengths behind the first pair. “It’s really satisfying to go back-to-back with Sir Sterling,” Dennis said. “I thought he might need the run at Gore in order to have him ready for today. I didn’t expect him to win so well at Gore. He had more weight today, but he did the job very well again, which was great to see. “We’ll see how he comes through this run today and then have a look at the programmes. He’s up to open grade now, so we’ll try to find some nice open handicaps for him through the coming weeks.” Dennis also played a prominent role in Friday’s two $50,000 open handicaps. The Radiant One resumed with an eye-catching second behind the high-flying Martell in the STAC Weddings Handicap (1200m), and then Stolen Magic drew right away down the straight to win the Olphert Contracting Handicap (1600m) by six and a quarter lengths. Stolen Magic has now had 18 starts for four wins and three placings, with the promise of more to come. “Stolen Magic is really coming of age this time in,” Dennis said. “She’s always shown ability, but has just been a bit physically and mentally immature. She’s starting to become the finished package. “We could look for a race for her during the New Zealand Cup Carnival, but she might be a better horse kept closer to home. My feeling is we’d also be better off targeting races in the autumn, particularly if she continues to improve the way she has been.” Dennis was also pleased to see Azilee Star and Pretty Fly leave maiden ranks earlier on the Ascot Park card. “Azilee Star just continues to improve,” Dennis said. “She’s been thriving since her last-start placing at Gore. She’s a bit of an unassuming filly and still has a bit of maturing to do, but she has plenty of ability and handles rain-affected ground well. “Pretty Fly’s performance was expected first-up today. The break that we gave her has done her the world of good. She’s another one that’s always shown a lot of ability and is really going the right way.” Azilee Star, Pretty Fly and Stolen Magic were all ridden by Donovan Cooper, who completed a winning quartet of his own with victory on the Graham Eade and Brooke Kincaid-trained Orepuki Gem in the Vale Peter Williams (2200m). View the full article

With a new stakes winner's circle at Keeneland to welcome him, a third try at the Phoenix Stakes (G2) proved the charm for Nakatomi Oct. 3.View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's Tommy Jo won the Oct. 3 Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland via disqualification after being bumped by Percy's Bar during the stretch run.View the full article

Trainer Miguel Clement scored the stakes double at Aqueduct Racetrack Oct. 3, capturing the Pilgrim (G2T) and Futurity (G3T) stakes with Bottas and Intricate Spirit, respectively. View the full article

Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 14:40, THE BETMGM SUN CHARIOT STAKES-G1, £275,000, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Cheshire Dancer (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Lady Of Spain (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Spiritual (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Atsila (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Blue Bolt (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Saqqara Sands (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). TDN Analysis: All the current momentum is with the Prix Rothschild and Matron Stakes winner Fallen Angel, perhaps more than it is with the Falmouth winner Cinderella's Dream who has been on the go all season in a race that can throw up an upset. This renewal is enhanced by the inclusion of the unbeaten Lady Of Spain, who was making her seasonal bow when having her first run on turf as she ended Blue Bolt's sequence in the Atalanta. Dangerously fresh against some fillies who have been through the mill in recent weeks, she bids to emulate Tamfana and Saffron Beach in adding this to that Sandown staging post in recent times. This one does look to be between the four-year-olds, with the Celebration Mile runner-up Saqqara Sands possibly the pick of the Classic generation. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:58, QATAR PRIX DU CADRAN-G1, €300,000, 4yo/up, 20fT Field: Alsakib (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Tashkhan (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}), Coetzee (Frankel {GB}), Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Queenstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Caballo De Mar (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Sacred Spirit (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Analysis: The farcical scenario of having just three contenders lining up was averted with five last-minute supplementees ensuring a more competitive renewal of the weekend's opening Group 1 contest. Recent G3 Deutsches St Leger hero Caballo De Mar provides last year's third and likely favourite Coltrane with sterner opposition than initially envisaged, while Sunway bids to curtail a 13-race losing streak stretching back to 2023's G1 Criterium International. Aidan O'Brien and Francis Graffard have embellished their contingents by adding last week's Irish Cesarewitch third Queenstown and G3 Prix Gladiateur third Coetzee, respectively, with Graffard hoping the latter can run into a place in his first start at the highest level. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:00, QATAR PRIX DE ROYALLIEU-G1, €300,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 14fT Field: Survie (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Kathina (Fr) (Magneticjim {Fr}), Latakia (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Bibbiena (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}), Shaha (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), Santorini Star (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Rabbit's Foot (Fr) (Golden Horde {GB}), Indalimos (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Consent (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Kiamba (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Island Hopping (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: William Haggas annexed the 2022 and 2023 editions of this distaffers' test and sends forth the progressive G2 Park Hill Stakes victrix Santorini Star. Dangers include Juddmonte's G2 Prix Alex Head winner Latakia, who will bid to provide Francis Graffard with an 11th Group 1 success of the campaign, Coolmore's G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Prix Vermeille placegetter Bedtime Story, G3 Prix Lady O'Reilly victrix Indalimos and last season's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe seventh Survie, who has hit the board in this season's G1 Pretty Polly Stakes and G1 Prix Jean Romanet. Sir Mark Prescott trainee Consent finished adrift of Indalimos and Santorini Star in her two most recent starts and requires more in this first attempt at the highest level. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:23, QATAR PRIX CHAUDENAY-G2, €183,000, 3yo, c/f, 15fT Field: Surabad (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Native Irish (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Emit (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Espoir Avenir (Fr) (Montmartre {Fr}), Enea (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Zingaro (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: This Arc Weekend opener features two from Joseph O'Brien's Carriganog base, with last year's G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Tennessee Stud set to go beyond 12 furlongs for the first time. The G1 Derby third and G1 Irish Derby fourth has failed to win in four starts this term and will head postward coming back off a close-up fourth behind leading Arc contender Cualificar in last month's G2 Prix Niel. He will be accompanied by stakes-winning stablemate Emit, who was trounced five lengths by Espoir Avenir in August's G3 Prix Gerald de Geoffre over this course and distance. Of the remainder, the Francis Graffard-trained Listed Prix de l'Avre winner Surabad makes most appeal. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:25, QATAR PRIX DANIEL WILDENSTEIN-G2, €183,000, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Qirat (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), Zabiari (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Skukuza (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Ridari (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}), Dreamliner (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Princess Child (Fr) (Dariyan {Fr}), Darius Cen (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Last year's third Alcantor is back for more and has finished fourth three times since accounting for 2023 G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Marhaba Ya Sanafi in March's G3 Prix Edmond Blanc. He finished behind Quddwah and Ridari in July's G3 Prix Messidor, but gained some measure of revenge when just over four lengths in front of the former in last month's G1 Prix du Moulin and sets the standard here. Stephane Wattel representative Dreamliner has annexed his last three starts, including August's G3 Prix Quincey, while Qirat notched a 150-1 shock in July's G1 Sussex Stakes before running fifth in York's G1 City Of York Stakes last time. Francis Graffard trainee Zabiari, a dual Group 3 winner, is another who merits respect. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:35, QATAR PRIX DOLLAR-G2, €183,000, 3yo/up, 9 1/4fT Field: First Look (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Bright Picture (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), King Of Cities (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Uthred (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Swagman (Ger) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Rashabar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Jenilat Bright (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Damysus (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Analysis: Wathnan Racing's First Look defeated Goliath in August's G3 Prix Gontaut Biron and seeks a record-breaking eighth win for Andre Fabre, who also saddles last term's G2 Prix Eugene Adam winner Bright Picture. The John and Thady Gosden-trained Damysus, who bounced back off a below-par effort in the G1 Derby to snag Deauville's Listed Prix Nureyev, is another Wathnan entry. Rashabar has performed with credit in all seven starts since annexing 2024's G2 Coventry Stakes and ran second to Arc runner Alohi Alii in August's G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, while Arc clues are also provided by G2 Prix Foy fourth Uthred, G2 Prix Niel second Bay City Roller and Niel seventh Swagman. Richard Hannon trainee King Of Cities, winner of the G3 Strensall Stakes last time, is no back number. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 14:25, THE BETMGM CUMBERLAND LODGE STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 11f 211yT Field: Al Qareem (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Hamish (GB) (Motivator {GB}), Military Academy (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Tenability (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Analysis: The unquenchable desire within Hamish will take him far in his bid for a second edition, having won it in 2022, but he encounters a true Group 3 bully in Al Qareem who is dead-set on a third consecutive renewal. Hamish's stablemate Tenability boasts the unusual distinction of having won three course-and-distance handicaps in succession, but up against these gruellers he faces something altogether different. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 15:00, THE JOHN GUEST RACING BENGOUGH STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), Apollo One (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), Elmonjed (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Run Boy Run (GB) (Rajasinghe {Ire}), Kullazain (GB) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Prince Of India (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Tuco Salamanca (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}), Alfa Kellenic (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Jabaara (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Lou Lou's Gift (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Nariko (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Tiger Bay (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Analysis: This features a rematch between the Shergar Cup Sprint winner Prince Of India and Elmonjed who beat him in the Listed Garrowby Stakes. It's not that long ago that Celandine was beating Time For Sandals in the Lowther and this is a lot easier than the Nunthorpe, while last year's Falmouth runner-up Jabaara is interesting dropped back in trip. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Redcar, post time: 15:20, THE WILLIAM HILL TWO YEAR OLD TROPHY-Listed, £208,735, 2yo, 5f 217yT Field: Exclamation (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Ardisia (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Born Slippy (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Song Of The Clyde (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), Storm Esme (GB) (Palace Pier {GB}), Inca Heights (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Kanishka (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Straight Ahead (GB) (Dream Ahead, Cotai Belle (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Isle Of Fernandez (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Mystical Eye (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Hollywood Treasure (Ire) (Gregorian {Ire}), Magistery (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Golden Brown (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Arduis Invicta (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}). TDN Analysis: The Harry's Half Million winner and Weatherbys Scientific runner-up Song Of The Clyde goes big pot-hunting again here, with his weight a reasonable one based on his sire's median. Based on that, Argentine Tango is thrown in at the bottom and as a Listed Empress Stakes winner who was placed in the Duchess Of Cambridge and Molecomb is a lurking danger to all. That also applies to Hollywood Treasure, winner of the Listed St Hugh's Stakes. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:05, QATAR PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE-G1, €5,000,000, 3yo/up, c/f, 12fT Field: Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Arrow Eagle (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Byzantine Dream (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Quisisana (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Daryz (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Leffard (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Cualificar (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Croix Du Nord (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Alohi Alii (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Minnie Hauk (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Gezora (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Leading contenders Minnie Hauk, Sosie, Daryz and Cualificar have received favourable draws, while the Japanese contingent enjoyed mixed fortunes as another large field has assembled for ParisLongchamp's autumn showpiece. Impressive G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano victor Alohi Alii fared best of the trio, while the hopes of G2 Prix Foy scorer Byzantine Dream and G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange winner Croix Du Nord were allocated outside post positions. The latter's gatespeed offers hope to connections and supporters. Others to have been blighted by double-digit draws include last year's runner-up Aventure, G1 Prix de Diane heroine Gezora and Ballydoyle second string Los Angeles. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:40, QATAR PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC – CRITERIUM DES POULICHES-G1, €400,000, 2yo, f, 8fT Field: Narissa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), Aylin (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Clea Chope (Fr) (Muhaarar {GB}), Bandiagara (GB) (Zelzal {Fr}), Esna (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Venosa (Gun Runner), Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Green Spirit (Kingman {GB}), Ozone (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: The ante-post betting lists has this tagged as a match between France's unbeaten G2 Prix d'Aumale winner Green Spirit and Ireland's similarly perfect TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard, Diamond Necklace, who was last seen powering to an impressive win in Leopardstown's Listed Ingabelle Stakes on Irish Champions weekend. Alain and Gerard Wertheimer provide back up to first string Green Spirit with the Christophe Ferland-trained Listed Criterium de Lyon victrix Ozone, who is two-for-two, while champion trainer-elect Francis Graffard saddles Narissa, another Rising Star, who was just over one length behind Green Spirit in both G3 Prix Six Perfections and G2 Prix d'Aumale. He is also represented by Listed winner Cleo Chope, who ran unplaced in those heats. Britain's hopes rest with G2 May Hill heroine Aylin and Sandown winner Esna. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:15, QATAR PRIX JEAN-LUC LAGARDERE-G1, €400,000, 2yo, c/f, 7fT Field: Rayif (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Vardif (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Campacite (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Time To Turn (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), A Bit Of Spirit (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), CIelo Di Roma (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), Nighttime (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Imperial Me Cen (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Francis Graffard has yet to taste success in this “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and has two Aga Khan Studs representatives declared. Confidence is very much on the side of the highly regarded G3 Prix Francois Boutin winner Rayif, who arrives here as an undefeated winner of two. His stablemate Vardif ran third behind Christopher Head trainee Nighttime in last month's G3 Prix La Rochette over course and distance, with the latter also trading at short odds in the ante-post betting markets. Aidan O'Brien has nine renewals in the books, two shy of Henry Jennings's 19th century record, and relies on G2 Champagne Stakes winner and G1 Phoenix Stakes fourth Puerto Rico this time around. Godolphin's Time To Turn is Charlie Appleby's only runner at the meeting and he finished a head in front of subsequent G3 Solario Stakes winner A Bit Of Spirit when garnering July's Listed Pat Eddery Stakes in his most recent start. That seven-furlong Ascot heat was utilised as a springboard by this contest's 2023 hero Rosallion. Jean-Claude Rouget's Campacite is three from four and shouldn't be discounted. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:50, PRIX DE L'ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP LONGINES-G1, €350,000, 2yo/up, 5fT Field: Against The Wind (GB) (Earthlight {Ire}), Washington Heights (GB) (Washington DC {Ire}), Ain't Nobody (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Megarry (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}), Jm Jungle (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Jawwal (Fr) (Wooded {Ire}), Rumstar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Frost At Dawn (Frosted), She's Quality (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Monteille (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), First Instinct (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Star Of Lady (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Sky Majesty (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire]), Afjan (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Anyone who had a heart, as Cilla Black once sang, would not begrudge Czech speedster Ponntos his day in the sun and Eva Nieslanikova's front-running seven-year-old has been favourably drawn for his fourth attempt at this dash. As always, it will be a case of how far the elastic will stretch before the tank empties. He finished third to Monteille and Rayevka in last month's G3 Prix du Petit Couvert over course and distance and both rivals feature prominently in ante-post betting markets. Dry conditions, a rarity at this meeting, will be to the benefit of popular antipodean Asfoora, who rewarded connections' faith with a rousing G1 Nunthorpe triumph before hitting the buffers in last month's G1 Flying Five. She has the ideal draw alongside Ponntos in stall three. Britain has claimed a staggering 18 editions since the turn of the century and G1 King Charles III Stakes runner-up and G1 Nunthorpe third Frost At Dawn is the chief hope among a 12-strong raiding party from across La Manche. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:50, PRIX DE L'OPERA LONGINES-G1, €500,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT Field: Royal Dress (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Grand Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Start Of Day (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), See The Fire (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Barnavara (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), Wemightakedlongway (Ire) (Australia {GB}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Merveilleux Lapin (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Qilin Queen (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Nicoreni (Ger) (Brametot {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Foreign challengers hold the key to this distaffers' contest, a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, with the ultra-consistent G2 Middleton Stakes victrix See The Fire due a big one after earning minor prizes in a trio of Group 1 contests this term. Last term's G1 Sun Chariot heroine Tamfana has not been out since a seventh in May's G1 Lockinge and is another to feature prominently in ante-post betting lists. Coolmore's January has also placed three times at the highest level this year and comes back off a seventh in last month's G1 Matron Stakes, while Cayton Park Stud's G1 Irish Oaks second Wemightakedlongway and G1 Preis der Diana heroine Nicoreni, now in the ownership of Teruya Yoshida, are others worthy of consideration. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:25, QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET-G1, €350,000, 3yo/up, 7fT Field: Roshvar (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), King's Gamble (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Sajir (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Zoum Zoum (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Topgear (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Geography (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Zerostress (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), More Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Maranoa Charlie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Godspeed (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}). TDN Analysis: All eyes will be on Aga Khan Studs homebred Zarigana, whose second dam Zarkava brought the curtain down on an unbeaten seven-race career on this date in 2008. William Haggas secured a hat-trick of victories with One Master in 2020 and sends forth More Thunder, who defeated Witness Stand and King's Gamble in August's G2 Hungerford Stakes when last seen. Others with solid claims include G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Sajir and the enigmatic Maranoa Charlie, who will be a serious threat if allowed to dictate off the front. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Dusseldorf, Germany, post time: 15:50, 105TH GROSSER PREIS DER LANDESHAUPTSTADT DUSSELDORF-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 8 1/2fT Field: Best Lightning (Fr) (Sidestep {Aus}), Short Final (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Aigle Vaillant (Fr) (Wings Of Eagles {Fr}), Sommersby (Ger) (Amaron {GB}), Stingray (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Daydream Express (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Stugardia (Ger) (Tai Chi {Ger}). TDN Analysis: Last year's winner Best Lightning has to contend with a half-dozen rivals this time around and seeks a fifth pattern-race victory here. Cometica's multiple stakes-placed G1 Preis der Diana also-ran Stugardia receives the maximum weight concessions as a three-year-old filly and is accompanied by Henk Grewe stablemate Daydream Express, who finished seventh last year and ran unplaced behind Quest The Moon in his two most recent starts. Short Final and Aigle Vaillant have both run second to G1 Prix de la Foret contender Geography, and ahead of Best Lightning, this term, while Sommersby and Stingray have recent winning form. [Sean Cronin] Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Cinderella’s Dream Looms In Sun Chariot, As Arc Weekend Begins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-KEE, $120k, Alw (N2L), 2yo, 6f, post time: 2:04 p.m. ET Amo Racing USA, Wesley Ward and Two Eight Racing's OUTFIELDER (Speightstown) was scratched out of Friday's GIII Futurity Stakes in favor of trying the main track for the first time in a two-lifetime allowance at Keeneland. The $850,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate was named a 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard at first asking when streaking away by better than a half-dozen lengths sprinting on the grass at Churchill in May, but was forced to skip Royal Ascot and was last seen finishing a close fourth in the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville Aug. 24. The bay, who sheds the blinkers for the stateside return, breezed a bullet five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 (1/8) over the local dirt Sept. 25. TJCIS PPs 2nd-KEE, $110k, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 1:32 p.m. ET LOCAL KNOWLEGE (Yaupon) fetched a respectable $260,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Sale and was hammered down to Spendthrift Farm–where this sire holds court–for $625,000 following a quarter-mile breeze that was timed in :20 2/5 at this year's OBS April Sale. A May 1 foal, the bay is out of a winning Scat Daddy half-sister to the popular and successful New York-bred Saratoga Snacks (Tale of the Cat) and to the dam of MSW Split Time (Take Charge Indy). Commandment (Into Mischief), a son of 2018 GI Spinaway Stakes upsetter Sippican Harbor (Orb), was bought back as a weanling at FTKNOV ($485,000) and again as an FTSAUG yearling ($475,000) before changing hands for $500,000 at KEESEP. Second dam Blossomed (Deputy Minister) is also responsible for three-time Japanese stakes winner Awesome Result (Justify), Crudo (Justify), wide-margin winner of this year's Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico, and Saayedd (Malibu Moon), a listed winner in the United Arab Emirates over the winter. Gallivant (Into Mischief) is a half-brother to 2024 GII Remsen Stakes third Tux (Tapit) and is set to become the third starter for Fancy Dress Party (Munnings), a full-sister to SW Will Munnings, and whose biggest career success came in this venue's GIII Beaumont Stakes in 2019. TJCIS PPs 10th-BAQ, $85k, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 4:55 p.m. ET DOUBLE ACT (Into Mischief), an $850,000 purchase by Wathnan Racing out of last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, is the second starter from dam Golden Award (Medaglia d'Oro), winner of the GIII Shuvee Stakes and GIII Turnback the Alarm Stakes on this circuit. The May 17 foal is a granddaughter of Arch's Gal Edith (Arch), the dam of dual Classic-winning champion I'll Have Another (Flower Alley), and of the unraced Gloria S (Tapit), whose six winners from six to race include GSW & GI Preakness and Haskell Stakes runner-up Gosger (Nyquist) and GISW Harvey's Lil Goil (American Pharoah). TJCIS PPs The post Saturday Insights: Outfielder Tries the Dirt at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a lengthy review of the stretch run, but in the end the Stewards elevated heavy favorite Tommy Jo (Into Mischief) to her second top-level victory in the GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland. Percy's Bar (Upstart), who originally crossed the wire first, was placed second after the Stewards found she impeded Tommy Jo late in the stretch. With the field breaking well, it was Percy's Bar along the rail who stepped up to lead through an opening quarter in :23.13, and a half in :46.90, but Tommy Jo never had that one far from her in second as they traveled well up the backstretch. Six furlongs were posted in 1:11.52., and Percy's Bar still had the advantage as they swung into the lane, but the race was on with the 2-5 betting choice breathing down her neck. They locked horns right up until Percy's Bar suddenly lugged out onto Tommy Jo in the final yards, who lost momentum as a result, and managed to hold the second spot across the wire as the longtime leader came in first. After the race, there were a fleet of objections as well as an immediate Stewards' review, after which the change was made to the final placings. The new order was Tommy Jo, Percy's Bar, and then The Grumpy Rabbit (Not This Time), who was making up belated ground to claim third. The GI Darley Alcibiades is a 'WAYI' for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar Oct. 31. O/B-Spendthrift Farm (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. After an inquiry, Tommy Jo backs up her spot in the NetJets #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies with victory in the #WinAndYoureIn Darley Alcibiades! Jockey: John R. Velazquez Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher Owner: Spendthrift Farm LLC Breeder: Spendthrift Farm, LLCpic.twitter.com/2UssDYXz1f — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 3, 2025 The post Tommy Jo Elevated to Alcibiades Win After Percy’s Bar DQ’d, Claims Breeders’ Cup Berth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dahman's BOTTAS (c, 2, Vekoma–Iadorakid, by Lemon Drop Kid) found himself in tight quarters with push coming to shove in Friday's GII Pilgrim Stakes at Aqueduct, but he sliced through a narrow opening at the eighth pole and refused to let Heeere's Johnny (Oscar Performance) push past, scoring by a head. The 8 1/2-furlong contest serves as a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar on Oct. 31. Named a 'TDN Rising Star', presented by Hagyard off an impressive 2 1/4-length debut score going this same distance up at Saratoga in the Travers Day opener Aug. 23, the $300,000 OBS April breezer gained a forward position beneath Manny Franco and managed to slot in down on the fence behind dueling longshot leaders at the entry to the first turn. Racing to the inside of Heeere's Johnny from midfield as they hit the half-mile pole, Bottas was beaten to the punch by Heeere's Johnny, but jumped back into the bridle and was five wide into the lane. Fellow 'Rising Star' Capital Partner (GB) (Kingman {GB}) was forced out into and bumped with the 6-5 Bottas, but the chalk battled on bravely and managed to hold off a game Heeere's Johnny in the run to the wire. Sales history: $300,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Dahman; B-BCS Thoroughbreds (KY); T-Miguel Clement BOTTAS is now 2-for-2 after winning the Grade 2 Pilgrim Stakes with @jockeyfranco up for trainer @clementstable, earning a spot in the @BreedersCup Juvenile Turf! pic.twitter.com/pPoP22Ar99 — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) October 3, 2025 The post Vekoma Colt Bottas Refuses To Lie Down In Pilgrim appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a strong field assembled for the GII Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland on Friday afternoon, Imaginationthelady (Not This Time–Romanticism, by War Front) got up to take the race and earn a ticket to the GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar at the end of the month. The filly was stout scoring on debut at Kentucky Downs Sept. 4, but she was overlooked by the bettors as a 10-1 shot here. Most of the public's money was directed at 'TDN Rising Star', presented by Hagyard, Time to Dream (Not This Time), who was even-money. The Brendan Walsh trainee was forwardly placed after the bell and expert rider Frankie Dettori kept his mount in the mix up the backstretch and around the far turn. When he asked for more speed entering the lane, the 2-year-old responded, seized the lead inside the final sixteenth and received a trip to the new stakes winner's circle in the paddock at Keeneland. It was a Not This Time Trifecta for the sire, as Infinite Sky was the runner-up and Time to Dream was third. Friday, Keeneland JESSAMINE S. PRESENTED BY KEENELAND SALES-GII, $398,750, Keeneland, 10-3, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 1:42.61, fm. 1–IMAGINATIONTHELADY, 118, f, 2, by Not This Time 1st Dam: Romanticism, by War Front 2nd Dam: Sightseek, by Distant View 3rd Dam: Viviana, by Nureyev 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($300,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Mark Dobbin; B-Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stables (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $229,400. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $331,400. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Infinite Sky, 118, f, 2, Not This Time–Sky Painter, by Street Cry (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $74,000. 3–Time to Dream, 120, f, 2, Not This Time–Wild Silk, by Street Sense. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($750,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG). O-Repole Stable; B-Maggie Gieseke (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $37,000. Margins: 1, NO, NK. Odds: 10.08, 21.61, 1.03. Also Ran: Soloist, Lit Ship, Aggressive Lime, Carolyncaroline, Loveliest, Red Beretta, Mackinac, Victor Help Me. Scratched: Diablo Shiraz, Dyna, Rose Room. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The future is bright for Imaginationthelady! She books her ticket to the @JohnDeere #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies Turf! Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh Owner: Mark Dobbin Breeder: Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stablespic.twitter.com/TAnl5bXXos — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 3, 2025 The post Not This Time’s Imaginationthelady Earns Breeders’ Cup Berth In Jessamine Stakes At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

According to the Association of Racing Commissioners International, an independent assessment of the HISA programs raises questions as to whether the results justify the authority's high costs.View the full article