Wandering Eyes

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Kim Reid pictured with Hi Yo Sass Bomb. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb already has a Group 1 placing next to her name, and owner-trainer Kim Reid is hoping to improve on that in the coming months. The daughter of Complacent was runner-up to Snazzytavi in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa in October, and she will return to the Hamilton venue on Saturday to try and turn the tables on her nemesis in the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1400m). In-between runs, Hi Yo Sass Bomb finished a creditable fourth in the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe last month, and has had an easy time of it since following a health scare. “Off the back of that (Pukekohe run) she had a bit of gunk come out of her nose and had a swab taken,” Reid said. “They (vets) put it down to allergies, so I have just eased off a little bit for a week there, but she seems to have bounced back okay.” The six-year-old mare readied for her weekend assignment with a jumpout earlier this week, and Reid said she is on song for the Cal Isuzu, which she finished fifth in last year to Saturday race rival Campionessa. “We had a jumpout on Tuesday and she came home really nicely. She is very well,” Reid said. Hi Yo Sass Bomb will jump from the ace barrier this weekend, which isn’t ideal for the mare, but Reid is confident jockey Joe Doyle can work his magic. “It is not ideal,” Reid said. “We would prefer to have drawn three or four, but it is what it is, Joe will have to bring some tricks because I am sure Opie (Bosson, jockey) will try and box us in from there (aboard Campionessa), but I am sure Joe will have it sorted.” Following Saturday, Group 1 assignments await Hi Yo Sass Bomb, which could come as soon as Boxing Day at Ellerslie. “We will see how she goes tomorrow and also the following week,” Reid said. “I have got thoughts of possibly the Zabeel (Group 1, 2000m) on Boxing Day and/or the Thorndon Mile (Group 1, 1600m), and the Herbie Dyke (Group 1, 2000m) later on.” Following Saturday, Reid will make the long trek down to Trentham on Sunday to line-up stablemate and close relation Hi Yo Legacy in the Grant Plumbing 1600. The five-year-old son of Per Incanto won on debut over a mile at New Plymouth, and while confident of a bold showing this weekend, Reid said he still has a lot of developing to do. “He is such a big, rangy horse, and he is a bit goofy,” she said. “I know he is five, but he has still got a lot of strengthening up to do. I think he has come on a little bit stronger (from his win) but he has still got a long way to go.” Hi Yo Legacy is out of a half-sister to the dam of Hi Yo Sass Bomb, and while closely related to the Group 1 performer, Reid said they are nothing alike. “They are completely opposite, you wouldn’t pick them being related at all,” she said. “She is smart and sassy and very intelligent, and he is a big, lanky, goofy horse.” Reid is looking forward to testing Hi Yo Legacy on Trentham’s big, roomy track on Sunday, believing it will suit his big frame. “I thought Trentham might suit him with the big, long straight,” she said. “It will be interesting to see how he goes there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb already has a Group One placing next to her name, and owner-trainer Kim Reid is hoping to improve on that in the coming months. The daughter of Complacent was runner-up to Snazzytavi in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa in October, and she will return to the Hamilton venue on Saturday to try and turn the tables on her nemesis in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1400m). In-between runs, Hi Yo Sass Bomb finished a creditable fourth in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe last month, and has had an easy time of it since following a health scare. “Off the back of that (Pukekohe run) she had a bit of gunk come out of her nose and had a swab taken,” Reid said. “They (vets) put it down to allergies, so I have just eased off a little bit for a week there, but she seems to have bounced back okay.” The six-year-old mare readied for her weekend assignment with a jumpout earlier this week, and Reid said she is on song for the Cal Isuzu, which she finished fifth in last year to Saturday race rival Campionessa. “We had a jumpout on Tuesday and she came home really nicely. She is very well,” Reid said. Hi Yo Sass Bomb will jump from the ace barrier this weekend, which isn’t ideal for the mare, but Reid is confident jockey Joe Doyle can work his magic. “It is not ideal,” Reid said. “We would prefer to have drawn three or four, but it is what it is, Joe will have to bring some tricks because I am sure Opie (Bosson, jockey) will try and box us in from there (aboard Campionessa), but I am sure Joe will have it sorted.” Following Saturday, Group One assignments await Hi Yo Sass Bomb, which could come as soon as Boxing Day at Ellerslie. “We will see how she goes tomorrow and also the following week,” Reid said. “I have got thoughts of possibly the Zabeel (Gr.1, 2000m) on Boxing Day and/or the Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m), and the Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) later on.” Following Saturday, Reid will make the long trek down to Trentham on Sunday to line-up stablemate and close relation Hi Yo Legacy in the Grant Plumbing 1600. The five-year-old son of Per Incanto won on debut over a mile at New Plymouth, and while confident of a bold showing this weekend, Reid said he still has a lot of developing to do. “He is such a big, rangy horse, and he is a bit goofy,” she said. “I know he is five, but he has still got a lot of strengthening up to do. I think he has come on a little bit stronger (from his win) but he has still got a long way to go.” Hi Yo Legacy is out of a half-sister to the dam of Hi Yo Sass Bomb, and while closely related to the Group One performer, Reid said they are nothing alike. “They are completely opposite, you wouldn’t pick them being related at all,” she said. “She is smart and sassy and very intelligent, and he is a big, lanky, goofy horse.” Reid is looking forward to testing Hi Yo Legacy on Trentham’s big, roomy track on Sunday, believing it will suit his big frame. “I thought Trentham might suit him with the big, long straight,” she said. “It will be interesting to see how he goes there.” View the full article

The rise of Gr.2 The Ingham (1600m) favourite Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) hasn’t come as a surprise to jockey Tommy Berry, but he admits the manner in which the gelding has been achieving it has been a welcome revelation. Gringotts has captured the Listed Big Dance (1600m) and Gr.3 The Gong (1600m) at his past two starts, both times carting big weights and overcoming outside barriers. Berry has been impressed by the nature of both performances, and evidently, so has Gringotts. “I think he has surprised everyone because he is winning with plenty of authority and he has gained a lot of confidence out of his wins, especially out of the Big Dance,” Berry said. “The way he came through the Big Dance into The Gong, it was like he’d gone home, knew he was the man and puffed out his chest. “He went into The Gong just a different horse. Hopefully that’s the case again on Saturday.” Gringotts will again have to shoulder a hefty weight in The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick, his 60.5kg impost just a half-kilo less than topweight and Group One winner Private Eye (Al Maher). However, he has a much kinder draw in barrier seven and Berry hopes that will offer some flexibility after being all but forced to ride him for speed at his past two starts. “It hasn’t been the way we have wanted to ride him at his last couple but it has been the way we’ve had to,” he said. “I’m not saying that’s not going to be the way he is ridden on Saturday. I don’t want to take that speed away from him, but it would be nice to have something do the work for him and let him have the last crack at a few of the others.” View the full article

The countdown to the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) will move up a notch at Te Rapa on Saturday when Waikato Stud’s runner Sought After lines up in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m). Sought After scored a highly impressive two-length win on debut at Taupo in September, and a month later he was selected to represent his owner-breeders Waikato Stud’s slot in the NZB Kiwi on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. The Tivaci gelding earned himself a place in New Zealand racing history as the first confirmed runner in the eagerly anticipated new slot race. In two appearances since his stylish debut, Sought After was blocked in the straight when fifth at Te Rapa on October 12, then was tripped up by a Heavy8 track when sixth in the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Aroha on October 30. Sought After will return from a freshen-up in Saturday’s $65,000 race, which will be his first raceday appearance in 45 days. “He won very well on debut and hasn’t really had things go his way in his couple of starts since then,” O’Sullivan said. “He had a bit of a freshen up in the paddock after the Sarten. He looks very well and we’ve been happy with how he’s been working leading into his return to racing on Saturday. He’s certainly going to be an interesting runner at Te Rapa. “With Waikato Stud having selected him for their slot in the NZB Kiwi, his season has very much become a matter of trying to get him to that day in the best shape we possibly can. We still need to make a plan for some of the other races he’ll run in between now and then, but we’ll get Saturday out of the way first and then figure out the next steps from there.” The TAB rates Sought After a $14 chance for the NZB Kiwi, with the second confirmed runner, Canterbury Jockey Club’s representative Domain Ace, sitting on a quote of $18. Notably, Wexford Stables have their own slot for the NZB Kiwi, and their smart recent Ellerslie winners Checkmate and Sethito currently share $8 favouritism alongside Aeliana and Savaglee. O’Sullivan and Scott also have Prosegur and Hankee Alpha in prominent positions in the market at $10 and $14 respectively. “It’s exciting to think that we’re going to have multiple runners in the race,” O’Sullivan said. “A few of our three-year-olds have put their hands up with good performances in recent weeks, which has been great to see, and now we just have to hope they hold their form.” O’Sullivan and Scott won 66 races last season, which was a new record for their decade-long partnership, and they are well on track to set another new benchmark with 30 winners from just 136 runners so far in 2024-25. They will have representation in two of Saturday’s three black-type features at Te Rapa, with Sassy Lass lining up in the Gr.3 Skycity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m) while Karman Line, Kelly Coe, Little Bit Of Love and Uderzo contest the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m). “Sassy Lass got caught up in a bit of that interference in the Counties Cup (Gr.3, 2100m) last start, and probably raced a bit fresh that day as well, with it being her first start in six weeks,” O’Sullivan said. “She’s been in work for quite a long time now, but you wouldn’t know it when you look at her. She’s drawn well on Saturday, she likes Te Rapa, and we think she’ll get her chance. “Karman Line is getting up to her preferred distance on Saturday, but we are taking her on trust a little bit. She has worked better in the past than she has been lately. In saying that, she has shown a bit of a tendency to mix her work a little bit. We know what she’s capable of when she brings her best form to the races, so we’re just trusting that she’ll do that. “We considered the Cal Isuzu Stakes (Gr.2, 1600m) for Kelly Coe, but she’s had a bit of a gap between races, so we decided to stick to the 1400m. She’s going into this race in good order and has drawn the inside gate. “Uderzo has also drawn nicely in gate four, which will be a big assist to his chances, while Little Bit Of Love is probably going to need some luck from out there in gate 12.” View the full article

Otaki trainer Howie Mathews is in high spirits ahead of heading to Trentham on Sunday where he will be represented by stable stalwart Free Spirit and newcomer Gee Force. Eight-year-old mare Free Spirit has been a consistent performer for Mathews, particularly in the latter stages of her current preparation, with the seven-win mare having finished runner-up in three of her last four starts. Despite performing on all surfaces, Mathews said Free Spirit prefers rain-affected going but has elected to continue racing her into summer because of her pleasing run of form and lucrative prizemoney on offer, with Sunday’s Taylor Property Plus 2100 carrying a $50,000 purse. “I was probably going to turn her out because she is really more of a mare that likes her toe in the ground, but I have left her in work because she has been racing so well and I always thought there may be the chance that you get a race like this that only has very moderate numbers for pretty good stake money,” he said. “The way she has been racing, I thought it was a perfect race for her, with 54kg and three (kg) off with Toni Davies (apprentice jockey) on. We are taking a throw at the stumps and seeing how things go.” Mathews said Free Spirit is a beneficiary of the ratings system, which has helped extend her racing career. “In the old days, before the ratings system, seven-win horses would have to race in open company all day long, but she is pretty lucky, she has won seven and she is back in 65 grade,” he said. “We are just taking advantage of the stronger class, and she does race well with lesser weight on her back.” Mathews is leaning towards spelling his mare post Sunday, however, he hasn’t ruled out pressing on with her if she performs beyond expectations. “At this stage, she has had quite a long season, she isn’t telling me that she needs to go out, but she probably needs to go out now after this one,” he said. “But if she wins and runs a slasher, who knows, we are always looking for that unseasonable bit of rain at this time of the year and it brings a horse like her into contention quite strongly. Never say never.” Mathews is also looking forward to lining up Gee Force in the Rothley 1300. The four-year-old son of U S Navy Flag will have his second start for the stable, having been purchased off gavelhouse.com, with a deal brokered after he failed to reach his $10,000 reserve. Previously trained by Johno Benner and Holli Wynyard, Gee Force had four starts for the former Otaki training partnership, for a placing. He ran fourth over 1200m for Mathews at Otaki last month, and his trainer is excited about his prospects. “He is a bit of a hobby horse,” Mathews said. “I bought him with a very good friend of mine, Nayton Mitchell, who started training in the South Island. “We have had a lot of success with horses from Gavelhouse and I like him. He was trained by our good friends Hollie Wynyard and Johno Benner, and he just needed time. I spoke with Hollie and she said he will win races but just be patient with him. “Now he has turned four, he has had a break after he had been in work up north. We are happy with his trials, and his jumpouts have been great. We are taking him on trust, but he will probably end up in the South Island. “I said to Nayton that I will give him two or three runs up here, assess how he is going, and when he is cherry ripe, he can go down there. He has had three runs on the synthetic, so he may be a good horse for the synthetic in Christchurch – a nice, big, roomy synthetic track. That could be his future.” View the full article

Stephen Marsh has endured a frustrating run of bad luck with barrier draws leading into Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa on Saturday, but the Cambridge trainer still expects his team to make their presence felt. Of the 10 runners Marsh entered across the nine-race card, Mercurial and Provence landed gates 11 and 15 respectively for the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m), Merchant Queen drew gate 19 in the Pathways The Immigrations Specialists (1200m), Billy Lincoln picked up barrier 12 for the See You @ Te Rapa Tavern (1500m), and Bellarista will jump from the outside gate in a field of nine for the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m). “We haven’t had the best of luck with our barrier draws in recent times,” Marsh said. “It’s a sticky gate for Mercurial in the J Swap, and even worse for Provence. She just can’t draw a barrier, that horse. We’re desperate to get a good gate for her and it just hasn’t happened. She’s got gate 15 again here and would have to be one of the unluckiest horses around as far as draws are concerned. “It was an even worse draw for Merchant Queen, who won’t be running there. I’ll save her for a Rating 75 sprint at Ellerslie on Boxing Day instead.” But despite those barrier setbacks, Marsh has liked what he has seen from his Te Rapa contingent in the countdown to Saturday. Last season’s Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) winner Mercurial is warming into his six-year-old season, having had three starts for a fourth in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m), a fifth in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) and a last-start fifth over 1300m at Ellerslie on November 30. “He’s building up his fitness,” Marsh said. “He’s just taken a few runs to get there this time in, being a year older. That’s the reasoning behind running him over the 1400m at Te Rapa on Saturday. It looks a nice race for him, albeit with a bit of weight to carry. If he performs well, it sets him up to step back down to 1200m to try to defend his title in the Telegraph. “It’s a big help that we’ve booked Opie Bosson to ride him. He’s won on him before and will hopefully be able to find him a decent spot from that awkward gate.” Provence won three races last season and tackled black-type company in the autumn, finishing second in the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) and sixth in the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m). The Savabeel mare holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 11. “She ran nicely first-up after having to drop back to last from her outside gate,” Marsh said. “It’s been a frustrating time for her with those draws, but she’ll be in her element once she gets up to the mile. She could be a nice chance in a race like the Thorndon or the Easter later on.” Marsh’s Gr.3 Skycity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m) contender Nest Egg will attempt to bounce back from a disappointing New Zealand Cup Carnival at Riccarton last month. The son of Reliable Man had an interrupted run when eighth in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) on the first day, then was a well-beaten 13th in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) a week later. “I think you can put a line through those runs, and especially the New Zealand Cup where the Soft7 track didn’t suit him at all,” Marsh said. “He had a week in the paddock after that and is looking good. With a couple of fine days forecast, the Te Rapa track should come back nicely from its Soft6 rating today and should be spot on for him.” Marsh has two well-credentialled runners in the Wentwood Grange 3YO. I’m All In is making his first start since finishing third in the Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka in August, while lightly raced filly Bellarista was a stylish last-start maiden winner at Te Aroha. “They’re a couple of very nice chances in that three-year-old race,” Marsh said. “Both of Bellarista’s runs so far have been very good. I’m All In was stakes-placed earlier in the season and has managed to draw the inside gate on Saturday, so he’ll get an economical run from there and should have every chance. “Another race where I think we’ve got two nice chances is the Rating 65 2200m. Spring Queen could be a big improver in that race, coming into it off a freshen up and stepping down from Rating 75 grade. Eve’s Song is in particularly good order as well and should be very competitive.” View the full article

Talented juvenile Yaldi will make his first Kiwi appearance as a three-year-old at Te Rapa on Saturday, with plenty of exciting prospects on the horizon. The son of Ardrossan made a big impression when winning on debut in April, giving trainer Andrew Forsman enough confidence to send him across the Tasman for a shot at the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes (1400m), where he lost no admirers when finishing third to Epimeles. After a spell, Yaldi returned to Australia to contest the Gr.3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) in late August and despite finishing at the tail of the field, Forsman was forgiving of his charge, particularly with the likes of Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) placegetter Growing Empire and Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) runner-up Feroce in the mix. “We took him to Melbourne and probably found the toughest possible race to run him in first-up, it was a firm track, a windy day and there was a fair bit going on,” Forsman said. “He was up against some of the better three-year-old sprinters in Melbourne and he probably just lost his way a bit that day, it was just too much too soon.” The gelding has accepted into the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m) and the COMAG Plumbing, Drainlaying and Roofing Hamilton (1300m) at the Te Rapa meeting, and enters the meeting off the back of a strong trial victory against older horses at Pukekohe last week. “We’ve brought him home from Australia and he had a little freshen-up, and now we’re aiming towards some of those feature races for three-year-olds in the new year,” Forsman said. As a Kiwi-bred and Karaka Yearling Sales graduate, Yaldi is eligible for the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), the latter Forsman is a slotholder for. The gelding also holds an early nomination for the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m), to be run on January 11 at Trentham. Another returnee from an Australian campaign, classy staying mare Moonlight Magic will kick off her four-year-old season in the Gr.2 Cal Izuzu Stakes (1600m). The daughter of Almanzor won the Gr.3 Championship Stakes (2100m) before finishing a gallant second to Warmonger in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm, a performance she was unable to back-up a week later in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). More than satisfied with his filly’s efforts, Forsman allowed Moonlight Magic plenty of time to recover from her big three-year-old preparation and is looking forward to kicking her off in the feature. “We asked a lot of her, she only really hit her best form later in the season and she ran a very game race in a heavy track in the Derby,” he said. “We decided to back her up in the Oaks and it was probably a little bit too much for her, so we thought she deserved to come home, have a nice break and miss the spring. “Hopefully that patience will be rewarded as we get into the new year and the autumn. “Our specific targets this preparation are more a Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) or something like that, then you’re seeing if she can be effective at weight-for-age over middle-distance, or if she needs a little bit further. “At this stage, it’s a matter of getting a run or two into her and getting her fit to run in those races.” Forsman will also be represented in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) by Saint Bathans, who will be partnered by Ulrika Holmquist. The last time the Swedish hoop was on board, they missed top honours in this year’s Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) by the barest of margins. The son of Maurice comes into the race off the back of a tough effort in the Gr.3 Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m) and Forsman is hopeful of a more suitable run in transit for the big galloper. “He just had to work forward from an awkward barrier draw in a small field, leading’s not really his go but it just worked out that way,” he said. “Back to the 1400, hopefully he can tuck in for a bit of cover and there should be a bit more speed. If he can find that cover and there’s a bit of give in the ground, he’s always a chance. He’s certainly capable enough.” The youngest of his quartet, Fat Cat, will make an awaited debut in the ICIB Brokerweb-Insurance Brokers 2YO (1100m). A son of Written Tycoon, Fat Cat won his only trial at Taupo last month and was initially set to debut at New Plymouth last Thursday, a plan curtailed by torrid weather conditions. “We got all the way down to New Plymouth last week and the track was pretty poor, so we elected to bring him home without racing,” Forsman said. “It was too much of a turnaround to get him to Trentham on the following Saturday, so hopefully it can work out this time. “He’ll get a reasonable track, it’s not easy to have one trial and go to the races, particularly when plenty of his opposition have had a fair bit of trialling and racing, that’s always a big advantage. But, he’s drawn well enough and he’ll get his chance to prove where he’s at and what he’s up for at the moment.” View the full article

Ablaze jumps a hurdle on his way to winning the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown. Photo: Pat Scala/Racing Photos Racing Victoria (RV) has committed to the future of jumps racing in Victoria, following an extensive review that concluded with the decision to implement new safety and operational measures. The review, spearheaded by RV’s Executive General Manager – Integrity, Jamie Stier, and former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Jack Forrest, has led to the establishment of the Jumps Taskforce (JT) tasked with overseeing these enhancements. After reviewing over 350 submissions, the Jumps Review Group (JRG) presented their findings to the RV Board, which then agreed to adopt several strategic measures. Changes made to jumps racing in Victoria Season Adjustment: The season will start no earlier than five weeks before the Warrnambool May Carnival and end mid-August at Ballarat, reducing the total number of jumps races. Venue Specialisation: Jumps racing will focus on tracks specifically prepared for it. Sale will no longer host jumps races, and Pakenham will phase out jumps racing by 2025. Nominations and Venue Changes: If a race meeting includes jumps races and cannot proceed as scheduled, the jumps races will be cancelled rather than transferred. Track Compliance: Enhanced track preparation compliance regimes and checklist processes will be implemented. Jumps Trials Improvements: Jumps trials will increase in competitiveness to better replicate race conditions, with larger field sizes and adjusted trial distances. Alternative Trial Venues: Use of additional venues like Terang and Hamilton for trials to distribute wear and optimise conditions. Formal Schooling Days: Introduction of formal schooling sessions at appropriate venues like Ballarat and Cranbourne to better prepare horses and jockeys. Jumps Jockey Coaching: Engagement of a former jumps jockey as a Jumps Jockey Coach to mentor current jockeys. Hurdle Adjustments: Permanent adoption of loosened straps on hurdles after successful trials. Obstacle Placement: Strategic placement of jumps obstacles at each venue to enhance safety. Financial Oversight: Establishment of an RV working group to examine the financial performance of jumps racing, including cost reductions and funding opportunities. Racing Victoria’s Chairman, Tim Eddy, expressed gratitude and outlined the organisation’s commitment to safety and sustainability: “After careful consideration of the findings and recommendations presented by the Jumps Review Group and the Executive, the Racing Victoria Board has resolved to continue jumps racing alongside a suite of new safety and operational improvements. “This decision reflects our recognition of jumps racing’s cultural and economic significance to regional Victoria, particularly its vital role in events such as the Warrnambool May Carnival. “To ensure we deliver on the adopted recommendations, Racing Victoria will now establish a Jumps Taskforce to oversee their execution. This group will monitor jumps racing’s performance and will report directly to the RV Board, as we strive for improvement. “I want to extend my gratitude to the Jumps Review Group for their thorough and balanced assessment of jumps racing. I also wish to thank the individuals and organisations who contributed to the review process and tabled a submission. “We are committed to ensuring jumps racing continues to evolve, with safety, integrity, and sustainability at the forefront of every decision we make.” Horse racing news View the full article

What The Gold Rush Day 2024 Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, December 14, 2024 First Race 12:33pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 3 Gold Rush will headline the nine-race program at Ascot this Saturday afternoon, where the first race is set to jump at 12:33pm AWST. The track is expected to stay in the Good 4 rating that was posted at the time of acceptances, with perfect weather forecast in the lead-up to the meeting. The rail will be moved back into its true position for the entire circuit. The Gold Rush tip: Super Smink Following a strong performance in the Group 1 Railway Stakes and an unlucky run in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, Super Smink appears primed to claim another Group 3 victory in The Gold Rush on Saturday. The Daniel Morton-trained mare has been racing well this preparation, recording three placings and one win from five starts. This daughter of Super One will receive an economical run from barrier five, and if she can get out to the middle of the track turning for home, Super Smink will prove too strong late. The Gold Rush Race 8 – #14 Super Smink (5) 4yo Mare | T: Daniel Morton | J: Chris Parnham (57kg) +400 with Picklebet Starstruck Classic tip: Own The Queen Own The Queen produced a barnstorming finish fresh and was narrowly beaten over 1400m in a Benchmark 72+ Handicap contest. The Justine Erkelens-trained mare settled on the fence at the back of the field before she picked her way through the field to put in a late lunge outside of Fast Flicker. This daughter of Awesome Rock claimed a dominant victory over 1600m second-up last campaign, and after drawing the ace barrier, expect Own The Queen to get the run of the race and go one better. Starstruck Classic Race 7 – #1 Own The Queen (1) 4yo Mare | T: Justine Erkelens | J: Troy Turner (59kg) +450 with Dabble Best Bet at Ascot: The Boss Lady The Boss Lady broke through for a deserving victory in the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic, where the Michael Lane-trained mare ran home strongly from the midfield to win by half a length. The Street Boss mare will rise in the weights to 58.5kg, but with her dropping in class to a Benchmark 78+ Handicap, those factors will offset each other. Now she is at peak fitness, and Chris Parnham will retain the ride, The Boss Lady only has to replicate that performance to win again. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 The Boss Lady (6) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Lane | J: Chris Parnham (58.5kg) +180 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: The Spruiker Steve Wolfe and Shaun McGruddy will combine with The Spruiker for the 31st time, and the seven-year-old gelding looks primed to record another victory third-up. Last start, the son of I’m All The Talk rattled home from the back of the field and finished second behind Miss Skyhigh over 1400m, indicating that a rise in trip will suit. From barrier 13, McGruddy will settle worse than midfield on The Spruiker, and with a strong speed expected, a similar finishing burst will give him every chance to win. Next Best Race 9 – #12 The Spruiker (13) 7yo Gelding | T: Steve Wolfe | J: Shaun McGruddy (55.5kg) +700 with PlayUp Ascot quaddie tips for Gold Rush Day Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, December 14, 2024 4-6-10-13 1-2-7 1-2-3-14-16 2-5-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Team Romantic Warrior dominates, but plenty of others also grab their share of elite-level glory.View the full article

Eddie Truman, a longtime Southern California trainer who died Dec. 11 at age 77, never met an activity he didn't want to try. View the full article

The Rangiora all weather track was inspected this week following severe winds last Sunday, leaving it in need of repairs. John Denton and the Rangiora track staff will spend Monday/Tuesday undertaking remedial work, including applying a significant amount of new material onto the surface. Current expectation is it will be completed next week and in time for the next all weather meeting on January 1. Rangiora will also host a 10 race programme on the grass this Sunday. View the full article

Port Lockroy. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Annabel Neasham is hopeful that last-start Group 1 winner Port Lockroy will finish his preparation on a high as he tackles the Group 2 Ingham (1600m). The four-year-old, who claimed the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) three weeks ago in Perth, is now back on the east coast and faces a significant weight rise in the $2 million contest. However, Neasham, who trains in partnership with Rob Archibald, believes the entire deserves his chance. “He had to fly back into Melbourne because that was the only option,” Neasham told Sky Sports Radio. “He had just under a week there to break up the trip, and he’s back in Sydney. “He galloped on Tuesday, he’s very fit now so he doesn’t take much work. He won with 53 kilos on his back, and he’s carrying 58 on Saturday now he has that higher rating. “He has confidence, and we think the mile is his sweet spot. It’d be a nice way to end the preparation if we could knock off another big race with him.” Port Lockroy, rated $11 with horse racing bookmakers, is one of two horses in The Ingham for the stable and has a much easier draw in barrier three than stablemate Mighty Ulysses, who is set to jump from gate 20 in the capacity field of 24. Horse racing news View the full article

The Map. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The Map has returned to work in preparation for another attempt at the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m), a race in which the mare finished second last season. The six-year-old was last seen finishing ahead of only two rivals as a $71 outsider in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), having earned her place in the Flemington feature by winning the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) in May. Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray’s nine-time winner enjoyed a short break in the paddock following her latest run but is now gearing up for another shot at the South Australian Group 2 feature in mid-March. “She’s back in, she’s come through the run very well and had three weeks in the paddock. “She’s been back in swimming and walking, so we’re more than happy with where she’s at,” MacGillivray told Racing.com. Horse racing news View the full article

Here To Shock. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Here To Shock could be set to head to Pakenham to chase the significant prize money on offer in The Supernova, with an 800-metre jump-out at Flemington on Friday potentially determining whether the 11-time winner lines up just eight days later. Co-trainers Ben, Will, and JD Hayes already have Arkansaw Kid confirmed as a runner in the $1 million contest on December 21, with the Group 2 winner taking Cavallo Park’s slot. Lindsay Park Racing also holds a slot in the race. Although plans are still to be confirmed, Ben Hayes mentioned on Wednesday that Here To Shock is in the mix to fill that slot. “Here To Shock has won almost $2 million in prize money and has been freshened since his unplaced run in the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) on November 5,” Hayes said. “Unfortunately, with 62 kilos in the Big Dance, and the mile, it just sorted him out.” Meanwhile, Hayes noted that Arkansaw Kid has trained on well since his close second to Welwal in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m). “He still ran really well and did everything correct, so he will head there (to The Supernova) and he’s in great form,” Hayes added. Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Friday, December 13. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for December 13, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Double Winnings All Races At Moonee Valley Get DOUBLE WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH for your first bet on each race at Moonee Valley. Applies to Win, Place & Top 2/3/4 markets (excludes SRM). Max bonus $50. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to pickleBet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Canterbury Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Moonee Valley R1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Moonee Valley on Friday and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts Elevate Your Prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Same Race Multi – Select 2-4 runners in the same race to get bigger odds Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Availability dependent on field size. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Best Tote and Starting Price Guarantees a dividend equal to the highest of the official win dividend paid by the three Australian TAB pools or the official starting price. Maximum stake: $2,000. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any runner. Any odds. Get a bonus back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to pickleBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for December 13, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

The Fasig-Tipton Digital Platform launched in March 2022, with 10 lots selling for $856,000, topped by a share in the stallion Almanzor (Fr) that made $250,000. Suffice to say that 33 months later, the platform has found its footing and has increasingly gained acceptance in the marketplace. The just-concluded December Digital sale looked a whole lot different than that inaugural event, as better than 400 horses were reported as sold, resulting in turnover of over $10 million, believed by sales officials to be the highest-grossing sale of its kind anywhere at any time. Year-end statistics further confirm the foothold the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform has secured in the broader sales arena. During 2022, the auction house reported sales on 277 horses for roughly $9.9 million. With the buying public a bit more accustomed to the process in 2023, gross sales increased by 9.1% to $10.8 million, while the raw number of horses that changed hands grew to 465. When bidding closed Wednesday evening following the first digital sale to be held across multiple sessions, a total of 1,417 horses found new homes for annual turnover of $45.5 million. And with that, the Fasig-Tipton Digital Platform seems to have well and truly arrived, both during their monthly sales as well as the pop-up or 'Flash' sales when the situation dictates. “This has been the year of real buy-in from the market,” said Leif Aaron, director of digital sales for Fasig-Tipton. “Every sale we have new buyers participating which is growing the game. We had 85 buyers in this sale that had never bought previously from Fasig-Tipton. “This is a massive benefit to breeders and owners. We are increasing demand, growing the market and providing the same top-class service that we always have.” Aaron paid tribute to his fellow team members who helped facilitate the December Digital Sale in pretty short order. “I'm very proud of our team for what just happened,” he said. “We put this sale together in two weeks–two weeks. Let that sink in, 650 horses from all over the country needing pedigrees, vetting, stallion service certs, vaccinations, questionnaires, past performances, advertising, sales tax laws. It is a massive undertaking and the traditional consignors continue to prove their worth.” The utility of regularly scheduled bloodstock sales needs no real explaining, and the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform has become a primary outlet for those looking to capitalize on race results, pedigree updates and other factors that could contribute to asset appreciation. Case in point: the 2-year-old Good Magic filly Cruz Ramirez, previously sold for $165,000 at the Fasig-Tipton October Sale, won her maiden as the odds-on favorite at Laurel Park on Dec. 8 for NET Racing and trainer Brittany Russell. Looking to quickly cash in on that success, the bay was entered into Tuesday's second session of the December Digital Sale and was sold on to owner George Barnes for $260,000. ELiTE sales consigned. “From a timing standpoint, the horse broke her maiden on a Sunday, we did what we do to get her vetted and all that and the horse sold on the following Tuesday. That's how digital platforms can be best utilized,” said ELiTE's Bradley Weisbord. But to every action, there is always opposed an equal reaction–so say's Newton's third law–and in the case of digital sales, that has the potential to lead to supply-chain issues. “There is no doubt this is going to effect in-person sales,” Aaron commented. “Keeneland has its smallest January [Horses of All Ages] sale in history, it will effect the Fasig-Tipton [Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale in February] numbers also.” Aaron sees it as a balancing-out of the marketplace. “It's what the market is demanding and we are going to provide services to our customers that fit their needs,” he said. “Online is not for all horses and we will continue to work hard in the brick-and-mortar market.” Aaron also believes there can be a trickle-down effect from the success of digital sales. “Growing the regional markets at this point is very important,” he said. “The whole industry needs growth and I feel like Digital has been and will continue to be a huge part of that. It makes assets more liquid and gives everyone more action.” The heights reached by the Fasig-Tipton Digital Platform after just a bit more than 2 1/2 years notwithstanding, Aaron is focused on not getting complacent or taking the success for granted. “2024 has been an incredibly exciting year for us and I am very proud of the Fasig team, our consignors our buyers and sellers,” he said. “We are still working on improving the process, getting better all the time with every sale and doing the best job we can do for our clients. We are rolling out 10 scheduled sales for 2025 and I expect another year of exponential growth.” The post Fasig-Tipton Digital Platform Continues From Strength To Strength appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fresh Start Sport Horses, a CARMA aftercare charity, is hosting a Southern California Holiday Party for the Horses Saturday at Temescal Ranch near Piru. With the party starting at noon, guests are invited to bring a gift, sponsor a horse, or make a donation. Every dollar donated goes to hay, farrier, veterinary care, feed, and supplies, with breakdowns following: Bag of bedding: $12 Bale of hay: $25-$35 Bag of grain: $40 Farrier: $150 Feed for one month: $350 Training for one horse for one month: $750 Full training and care of one horse: $1,400 Click here for the invitation and to RSVP. The post SoCal Party for the Horses Saturday at Temescal Ranch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nearly two years ago, just prior to the 2023 breeding season, Ashford Stud's Robyn Murray spoke about Munnings on camera. At the time, she said: “Theoretically the best is still yet to come and we're so excited for him… We would expect all of this to elevate him over the next couple years.” As the horses conceived that season, the year Munnings stood for $100,000, are currently just weanlings, her words seem prescient given the results of last weekend, when undefeated 2-year-olds by the Ashford Stud sire swept both divisions of the juvenile graded stakes at Aqueduct. It's also easy to understand why Adrian Mansergh-Wallace, who has watched the stallion's rise from the early days and has been with Coolmore for more than two decades, speaks of Munnings with a palpable pride etching his voice. “As a stallion he has done it the hard way. He's a horse that's really a rags to riches story in that he started at $12,500 and graded down from there until his first runners hit, but now he's one of those horses that's in the same bracket as your Twirling Candys and ever-reliable stallions. “He has hopefully got two really good prospects, maybe even three or four, for the Classics, so last weekend getting those two Grade II winners up in New York was fantastic. He's a horse we're obviously immensely proud of.” A striking individual, as evidenced by his $1.7-million pricetag at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, Munnings was bred in Kentucky by Dan Tayloe and Glencrest Farm. A member of the first crop of champion sprinter Speightstown, he sent tongues wagging early with a spectacular breeze at the sale, officially working a furlong in :10 but galloping out in a reported :33 or :33 1/5, depending on the watch. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut, Munnings placed in the GI Hopeful Stakes and GI Champagne Stakes at two before reeling off a trio of Grade II events and four more Grade I placings at three and four as a Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith colorbearer. From the wonderful and prolific Lady Winborne (Secretariat) family, he was retired to Ashford for the 2011 season. Munnings has made the most of the years since. “When you look back at what he sold for as a 2-year-old and how he breezed at Fasig-Tipton, you see he had tremendous ability on the track and was very, very fast,” said Mansergh-Wallace. “But he's the sire now of six Grade I winners and numerous Grade II winners around the world. Coming off the weekend he just had, he's an old stalwart of the game. “He's a wonderful servant for Ashford. He's just a very reliable stallion, even though he's now about to be 19, in terms of producing racehorses and sales horses.” Sire of 81 black-type winners to date from his 11 crops to race, Munnings ranks among the top 10 North American-based sires in 2024 on both the general list and the 2-year-old list. Year in and year out, the number of stakes winners among his tally is consistently amongst the assemblage of top sires in the nation. While the chestnut's 2024 runners include GI Aristocrat Franklin-Simpson Stakes winner Howard Wolowitz, Mansergh-Wallace said the results of last weekend were easily the highlight of Munnings's year. Both 'TDN Rising Stars', Godolphin's Poster won the GII Remsen Stakes and Shadwell Stable's Muhimma captured the GII Demoiselle Stakes. Both are three-for-three in their young careers. “I think any breeder or any fan of racing is always looking toward the next generation and the next big thing,” Mansergh-Wallace said. “You've got an undefeated colt and an undefeated filly for such powerhouses and great supporters of ours as Shadwell and Godolphin. Both out of Tapit mares, both impeccably well bred.” And that leads us to the incredible statistic Chris McGrath covered in this week's Breeding Digest: both of the Munnings graded winners over the weekend were out of daughters of Tapit. They weren't the first of his runners on the cross. “Even going back to [MGSW & GISP] Finite and [MGSW & MGISP] Bonny South, who were great fillies for Juddmonte–again out of Tapit mares–certainly we're trying to push on to any breeder who has a young A.P. Indy-line mare that we think this is a nick well worth exploring. It's four Grade II winners now bred on the cross with Tapit mares.” Of the 30 graded winners by Munnings, six–or 20%!–are on that A.P. Indy cross. A total of 14 of his 81 stakes winners (17%) are also bred on the same cross. 'TDN Rising Star' Muhimma stays unbeaten in Saturday's Demoiselle | Sarah Andrew Another curiosity is that trainer Brad Cox has had a number of the really good ones, ranging from the aforementioned Muhimma and Bonny South to other graded winners the likes of Warrior's Charge and Zozos. “I would imagine he's got a soft spot for the horse,” mused Mansergh-Wallace. “Of course, generally the best breeders and owners in the business tend to gravitate toward the best trainers in the business. One thing feeds the next. I do think Brad Cox has been a massive factor in Munnings's success, but so has Chad Brown in producing a horse like Jack Christopher.” 'TDN Rising Star' Jack Christopher, winner of the GI Champagne at two and the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes and GI Woody Stephens Stakes at three, entered stud in 2023 alongside his sire at Ashford. He's standing his third season in 2025 for $25,000. “Jack Christopher is without doubt Munnings's best son,” said Mansergh-Wallace. “We're enormously proud to stand a horse like Jack Christopher We were very impressed with his first foals at the sales. He had great support in his first two years at stud and will continue that in his third year at stud. “If you like Munnings, then at a third of the price, you've got to really like Jack Christopher, who in all fairness was a better racehorse in terms of his credentials. A three-time Grade I winner in three iconic races, he is everything you want in a stallion. He's very, very good looking. He looks exactly like his sire, a carbon copy.” Like so many stallions, Munnings's fee varies annually according to racetrack and sales results. He stood for $75,000 in 2024, when he covered a book of 148 mares, and has been slated to stand for $65,000 in 2025. Mansergh-Wallace said his book will remain at about the same number. “We're mindful of his age, but he's very healthy and very well, exceptionally fertile. You'd imagine he's a horse that instead of tapering off towards the end of his career, he'll be seen to better effect as his career goes on and really now as he's approaching 19. You sometimes think with these older stallions maybe that you're arriving too late, but with a horse like him maybe now is the time to support him because his fee is slightly down but he's still very, very popular. “You couldn't imagine a horse more current than him. On the back of last weekend, I'd say we sold 50 nominations this week in him. You can advertise all you want, but the best results are what happens on the racetrack. That's the best advertisement for any stallion. He's a horse that really has never let us down in that respect.” Munnings | Coolmore Mansergh-Wallace also said Munnings has some extremely well-bred young horses in the pipeline. “I think the fact of the matter is that he's receiving now and has done for the last five or six years support from some of the best breeders in the business. He's receiving support from Juddmonte, Godolphin, Shadwell, Stonestreet, and, of course, Nathan McCauley, who bred Eda out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Show Me.” Eda, winner of the 2021 GI Starlet Stakes and five other black-type events, sold at last month's Fasig-Tipton November sale for $2,550,000 to AMO Racing USA. “Nathan McCauley was one of the first people who ever supported the horse to a big extent,” said Mansergh-Wallace. “He bred mares to him from the very beginning. He's actually booked in five mares this year to him just the other day. And Godolphin, Shadwell, Stonestreet, they're all back on board for 2025 as well.” With 14 'Rising Stars' under his belt and his best-bred crops ahead, it's not hard to be excited by what Munnings may yet do. His top-selling yearlings this year were a $975,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga colt who went to Donato Lanni as agent for SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables and a $700,000 Keeneland September filly purchased by agent Steve Young. Out of mares by Bernardini and Tapit, both are bred on the A.P. Indy cross. While that nick catches the eye, Munnings is anything but a “one-trick pony.” His Grade I winners are out of daughters of Cozzene, Half Ours, Lemon Drop Kid, Lost Soldier, Out of Place, and Uncle Mo. Like so many of the top sires, he may show an affinity now and then, but he's more than capable with a variety of broodmare sire lines. “He's just a very, very versatile sire,” said Mansergh-Wallace. “He gets horses that are good 2-year-olds. They're precocious and they're fast. He's probably as good a stallion–in terms of value–as there is out there.” The post Saturday Sires: Munnings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He will rehab at Kingfisher Farms in Solvang, Calif., and will be rehomed through Kingfisher Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping off the track Thoroughbreds find their next home.View the full article

It’s Friday night with racing at Auckland and Addington and while Zachary Butcher vies for dual Group 1 glory at Alexandra Park the likes of IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup rivals Republican Party and Mo’unga will battle it out further south in the Summer Cup. The fillies and mares will take centre stage at Alexandra Park with the first ever running of the TAB Queen of Diamonds Trot and the Woodlands Stud Queen of Hearts Pace. Both are Group 1s worth $100,000. Butcher keen to make “great” year even better By Michael Guerin Star driver Zachary Butcher loves nothing more than beating his father David and has done it again by setting a new North Island stakes record. But even some outstanding drives to end the season may not be enough to see him join one of the most exclusive clubs in harness racing. Butcher heads to Alexandra Park tonight for the first of three major meetings to see out the year, with two Group 1s tonight, the new Golden Gait series next Friday and the Auckland Cup on December 31. He starts that stretch almost $1million ahead of his best ever stakes season in New Zealand, having driven the winners of $2,523,376 in a season where he also joined the 1000 wins club. His tally is also a record for a North Island-based harness racing driver, bettering the $2,328,344 his father David’s drives won in 2008-09. “Just goes to show you the great progress harness racing is making with Entain’s help and I am just thrilled to be part of it and getting on such good horses,” says Butcher. His record numbers puts him in with a mathematical chance of becoming only the third driver after Blair Orange (twice) and John Dunn (2021) to drive the winners of over $3million in stakes in a NZ domestic season. But with over $475,000 to go he might need even more than Duchess Megxit and I Dream Of Jeannie in $100,000 fillies and mares races tonight, Duchess Megxit and her stablemates in their $100,000 Golden Gait races next week and Merlin in the $250,000 Auckland Cup. “Regardless of the final number it has been a great year,” says Butcher. He has a legit shot at the Group 1 double tonight with Duchess Megxit a $2.70 favourite in the $100,000 Woodlands Stud Queen of Hearts while I Dream Of Jeannie is the best performed mare in the new $100,000 TAB Queen Of Diamonds for trotting mares. “Megxit has to be a chance but she does have a tricky draw,” admits Butcher. “I think they will go hard early so I will probably try and stay out of that and swoop on them late. “That can always change but she must be going all right because she wouldn’t be here if she wasn’t. She was only 50-50 to start last after coming back from the Oaks.” The Queen Of Hearts should be run at a good tempo with gate speed from Mr Kaplan, Seaclusion and Lady Of The Light while the tactics on Princess Meritaten, who was stunning on her Alexandra Park debut last Friday, will be interesting. Like Duchess Megxit she can fly late but if they both go back at the start that takes some early pressure out of the race and starts a game of cat and mouse they can’t both win. Duchess Megxit is a proven Group 1 filly though so looks the best bet. I Dream Of Jeannie ($6.50FF) has paired with Butcher a few times before with mixed success but at a higher level than tonight’s new mare’s trot. “She is staying at my place and she looks great,” says Butcher. “She is off 10m but could get a good through and she has been going really good races so she can win for sure.” It is good, even first running of the Queen Of Diamonds though and a lot may depend on how keen the favoured front liners like Con Grazia Love and Faith In Manchester want to hold the lead and run along. Both are capable of trotting 3:25 for the 2700m which would make them hard to catch for those coming wide. Tonight also sees Auckland Cup winner Better Eclipse ($2.50FF) return to Alexandra Park for a $60,000 Lincoln Farms Franklin Cup that looks suitable even off a 30m handicap as it has some rugged stayers who could drag him into the race. Butcher drives Invisible in that race and add in Ultimate Racy Girl (R2), I Got Chills (R3), Hezasweetie (R7), Romeo Foxtrot (R8) and Greased Lightnin (R9) and he will be a hot favorite for the driver’s challenge. The return of Republican Party in Summer Cup at Addington By Michael Guerin Trainer Cran Dalgety isn’t letting the rollercoaster of Cup week put him off stable star Republican Party returning to winning form at Addington tonight. The gutsy little stallion produced the run of his career for third in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup last month, running past Merlin as Swayzee and Don’t Stop Dreaming surged clear. It was a mammoth effort but luck was against Republican Party three days later in the NZ Free-For-All when he was held up across the top by a struggling Kango and couldn’t get out of his three-deep pocket until the race was over. So Dalgety is willing to put that eighth down to luck, or a lack of it, and says Republican Party still had a hell of a week. “His run in the Cup was enormous and it was just a shame he got crossed by Kango early in the Free-For-All, which we weren’t expecting,” says Dalgety. “But we have freshened him up since then and he worked really well on the weekend so we have the real deal ready to go this week. “We considered going to the Franklin Cup up north but he would have been off a handicap I think we are better off here where he is off the same mark, albeit drawn widest at the mobile.” While the East West Fencing Summer Cup boasts a only small field there are enough staying type horses in the race like Franco Marek and Mo’unga to suggest there could be decent tempo to allow Republican Party to be flying late. Whether he can fly fast enough may depend on how quickly those other favourites sort themselves out. A good performance tonight will see Republican Party head to the Invercargill Cup with Dalgety, who trains with his wife Chrissie, not totally dismissing the idea of the Auckland Cup just over a week later. “But we have a fair bit of water to go under the bridge before then.” If either Franco Marek or Mo’unga is able to run to the lead without pressure in tonight’s 1980m mobile either would be hard to beat but Mo’unga, who opened the $2.60 TAB favourite, hadn’t raced since his sixth in the NZ Cup so may be conceding at least a little race fitness and that could be enough to see him driven conservatively. The Summer Cup is the standout of the night but the Peek Exhibition Fillies and Mares Christmas Bonus Mobile Trot is a fun race that pits Freya, dropping out of taking on Keayang Zahara, up against High Step and Rush over 1980m mobile. View the full article

There are 11 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Friday, December 13. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Darwin, Moonee Valley and Randwick-Kensington. Friday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 13, 2024 Canterbury Racing Tips Moonee Valley Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 13, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting pickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

South African Champion Group 1 winner Cloth Of Cloud (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}–Our Table Mountain, by Fusaichi Pegasus) brought top price of 180,000gns during Thursday's Tattersalls Online December Sale. Consigned by Moulton Stud, she was purchased by bloodstock agent Hubie de Burgh. Headlining the inaugural Southern Hemisphere Session, a collaboration between Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital, Cloth Of Cloud was one of three mares in the session to sell for a six-figure sum. Offered in foal to Champion sire Too Darn Hot (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) on Southern Hemisphere time, the 11-year-old mare was unbeaten in three starts as a 2-year-old, including the G3 Pretty Polly Stakes and the G1 South African Nursery at Turffontein. The daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus's Our Table Mountain is a half-sister to four black-type performers, including Group 1-winning filly Silver Mountain (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}). “She has been purchased for an existing client who wanted to be part of the Too Darn Hot success story in the Southern Hemisphere,” explained de Burgh. “Cloth of Cloud was a very good race filly during her career on the track and Too Darn Hot has been doing an outstanding job with his progeny in Australia. It's an exciting journey to be embarking on.” Also in foal on Southern Hemisphere time, Newton's Night (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), in foal to Too Darn Hot, was purchased by Ridgeport for 150,000gns. Consigned by Moulton Stud, the daughter of Galileo (Ire) is the dam of this year's listed winning and dual Group 3 placed 2-year-old Treasure Isle (Ire) (No Nay Never) and the granddam of 2024 Royal Ascot second Space Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Rounding out the six-figure mares, Crimson Coronet (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) brought 100,000gns from Avenue Bloodstock. Another mare offered in foal to Too Darn Hot on a Southern Hemisphere cover, the New England Stud consigned 3-year-old is out of listed winner and Group 3-placed Crimson Rosette (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), a half-sister to G1 Ascot Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}). “Crimson Coronet is an extremely good-looking daughter of Zoustar. I was delighted to purchase her from New England Stud, who presented her so well. She has an abundance of quality and strength. In foal to such an exciting stallion as Too Darn Hot–she holds lots of appeal,” said Avenue Bloodstock's Mark McStay. “She has been purchased for an established client of mine, an old friend based in New South Wales. They are commercial breeders, so I'd envisage that her Too Darn Hot produce will be offered to the market in due course. Let's hope she's lucky.” Topping the horses in training section of the Online December sale was the two-time winning filly Tropical Island (GB) (Inns Of Court {Ire}), who sold for 30,000 guineas to Clara Stud. Consigned by Richard Fahey's Musley Bank Stables, the 3-year-old was fourth in the Listed Rockingham Stakes at York and was last seen finishing third in a Class 2 Handicap at Pontefract, earning an official rating of 83. Breeding Rights to Ardad (Ire) and Harry Angel (Ire) both found favour with the former being snapped up by Culworth Grounds Farm for 26,000 guineas and the latter knocked down for 22,000 guineas to Cavalier Bloodstock. The Tattersalls Online December Sale realised a turnover of 728,450 guineas for 42 lots sold, at an average price of 17,344 guineas. Over 270 bidders registered for the sale from countries including America, Australia, Belgium, Britain, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and from throughout the Gulf region. The final sale of the year on the online sales platform, the Tattersalls Online December Sale closed out the 2024 sales season with 699 lots sold for an aggregate of 6,687,950 guineas. The post ‘I Am A Big Supporter Of It’: de Burgh Buys 180k Tatts Online Top Lot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

These are the dog days of the racing season at Woodbine. The weather is cold, the meet is winding down and the circuit's best horses have been turned out waiting for the spring. Some have headed to Florida. But there was a reason to be excited about last Saturday's card, even if it were run in a snowstorm. Owned by LNJ Foxwoods, trained by Josie Carrolll and having sold for €1.4 million at the 2022 Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale, the 3-year-old filly Earhart (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) was a dazzling winner in her debut a month earlier in a Woodbine maiden, earning 'TDN Rising Star' status. But was the first race a ceiling for the sales-topping filly or was she just getting started? Barely visible against the back drop of the snow, she answered that question with an 11-length win. She has a long way to go and much more to accomplish, but she might just be one of the best of her generation, even if she took a strange route to get there. That's how impressive she was. “It's been very exciting,” said Jamie Roth, who oversees her family's stable. “It's been more of relief. It kind of goes to a theme of ours. Give the horse time, don't push things. It's been very rewarding and exciting, but I am trying not to get ahead of myself.” Patience became a necessity as Earhart had one small problem after another. LNJ Foxwoods bred the filly along with Henri Bozo and it took the €1.4 million at the sale to buy him out. The Roths had her with trainer Tim Donworth in France, but there was one small setback after another. “We had her in France training with Tim and he loved her,” Jamie Roth said. “She would start, stop, start, stop. There was always something bothering her. We couldn't really figure it out. With so many stops and with her showing so much ability when she was training, we figured let's just get her back to the U.S. and see what's going on.” Initially, it was more of the same. “The same thing was still kind of happening,” Roth said. “She'd be ok to train and then she would get a little sore. When she was finally ready to go we sent her to Josie Carroll at Woodbine because we wanted her to run on a synthetic track. We knew Josie would take care of her. She is meticulous, communicates well and often. Earhart's mom broke her maiden on a synthetic track in France because the race was in the wintertime when they run over synthetic surfaces there.” Unable to get to the bottom of the various problems, Carroll and her vet decided to do an MRI on the filly. They found the answers they were looking for. “Finally, our vets decided to do an MRI of her withers,” Roth explained. “Turns out she probably had an accident as a foal and there was degenerative cartilage. We did exploratory surgery and took the debris out and have never missed a beat since. I think she missed just two weeks of training. I have to give Josie and her vet all the credit for deciding to do the MRI.” If Earhart is to turn out to be a major star, she will have taken an unusual path to get here. With her having run only on a synthetic surface and never beyond seven furlongs, there's a lot left to prove. Roth said she will be sent to Turfway Park for the winter so she can continue running on and training on a synthetic surface. She'll have at least one start there. Then what? “She will go to Turfway and aim for stakes there,” Roth said. “We'll see. We are open to a lot of options. But we will learn a lot about her at Turfway, where she will obviously run against better competition. We'll start there. She obviously is a very promising filly.” We may see her next in the Jan. 25 Wishing Well Stakes at Turfway, which is run at 6 1/2 furlongs. With another win on a synthetic track, there figures to be a clamoring for her to try dirt. In this country, stars are not made on synthetic surfaces. Roth said that the question of dirt has come up with bloodstock agent Alex Solis, but she is not thinking yet beyond her next race. Some day, she's probably going to have to also prove that she can handle a distance race. “We've been down this road before,” Roth said. “We had a horse named Super Majesty who broke her maiden and won an allowance by a combined 21 1/2 lengths. Her first two races were spectacular. She did win the Grade III Dogwood Stakes, but then things started to change. That's why I try to keep my expectations and excitement in check. But, yes, this is a very exiting filly and Josie thinks this is one of the best fillies she has ever trained.” She's unbeaten and cost a whopping €1.4 million at one of the most prestigious sales in the world. Earhart (her dam is Aviatress {Ire}) could be destined for stardom. But can she run on dirt or, even, turf? No one knows. All of which makes her a fascinating horse to watch in 2025. “Jot Her Down!” – @WoodbineGeller #8 EARHART (FR) ($2.50) soars down the @WoodbineTB stretch in Race 9 and displays an impressive victory for @jcarrollracing and owner @LNJFoxwoods. pic.twitter.com/NqXOL2VT5k — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 7, 2024 The post Earhart, the Filly That Can Fly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article