Wandering Eyes

My Wish defies all to land the Hong Kong Classic Mile. Photo: HKJC Mark Newnham is hopeful My Wish’s improving race manners will allow the lightly-framed gelding to continue a barnstorming surge through the Four-Year-Old Classic Series with success in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Weighing only 990lb, My Wish defied more powerfully-built rivals with narrow victory under Luke Ferraris in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) – the first leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series. Newham trialled My Wish last Friday (February 21) and was pleased with his effort to finish third over 1200m on Sha Tin’s dirt as the Flying Artie gelding maintained a familiar routine. “I’ve been really pleased with him. He’s come through the Classic Mile in good shape, held his condition well. He’s been able to follow the same programme that he has had pretty much all season with the month between runs with an easy trial in between,” Newnham said. “He’ll have one gallop later in the week, so the preparation is the same as it has been the whole way through and he’s in good form.” Starting the season as a 54-rater, My Wish has risen to 95 in the handicap with four wins from 1200m to 1600m. Better racing manners and a more settled approach generally have been integral to his progress, leaving Newnham optimistic his charge can stay 1800m. “He’s still got to tick that box (getting 1800m) but the one thing we’ve seen from him as the season’s gone on is that he’s relaxing in races and conserving energy well. He got himself into a perfect spot last start with good gate speed and then was able to relax and wait,” the Australian horseman said. “I think that’s the big difference we’ve seen in him in the last few starts in that he’s learning to save his energy, relax through the race and breathe and that’s giving him a good kick at the end. So, if we can do that over 1800m, he’s going to be hard to get past. “He keeps improving because he’s improving with his manners more than anything – his race manners and his race craft have improved. He’s starting to relax and that’s what is helping him hold his weight and keep condition. All the little one percenters, he’s improving in.” Luke Ferraris, who savoured the most important Hong Kong win of a burgeoning career with Hong Kong Classic Mile success, will again partner My Wish. The young South African is fourth in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with 27 wins behind Zac Purton (84), Hugh Bowman (41) and Vincent Ho (27). The Hong Kong Classic Cup entry also features Packing Hermod, Rubylot, Divano, Johannes Brahms, Stunning Peach, Mickley, Noisy Boy, Cap Ferrat, Californiatotality, Packing Angel, Mondial, Steps Ahead and Sky Trust. Horse racing news View the full article

Soleil Fighter holds on with Ryan Moore at Happy Valley. Photo: HKJC David Hayes was forced to share victory in last year’s DBS x Manulife Million Challenge but the Australian trainer stood alone as Soleil Fighter carried off with the Class 3 Tsui Man Handicap (1650m) under Ryan Moore at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Heading into the evening on an unmatched 50 points, Soleil Fighter clung on as the market’s dominant -250 favourite with horse racing betting sites in the third race thanks to Moore’s urgings, sealing a HK$1 million bonus for connections and the 2024/25 series victory with 65 points. Decided on a format of 15 points for a win, six for second, four for third and three for fourth in Class 3 races at Happy Valley from 25 September, 2024 until tonight, the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge rewards sustained excellence at the city circuit, also offering HK$350,000 to second (Aurora Lady) and HK$150,000 for finishing third (Red Elegance) in the competition. The 2023/24 DBS x Manulife Million Challenge was won by Hayes’ Tomodachi Kokoroe and Danny Shum’s Copartner Ambition. Soleil Fighter is owned by Sze-To Kin Sun. The horse has won three times this season and placed four times. “It’s so nice for the owner because the colours get put on the racebook for most of the season and the bonus is lovely,” Hayes said. “The owner has been terrific because he had a setback when he arrived.” Triumph closed a big stretch for Hayes, who last Sunday won the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) with Ka Ying Rising before Rubylot and Mondial contest Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). “Ryan thought he (Soleil Fighter) got to the front a little bit early and he switched off. It looked like they were coming at him, but he said he had plenty more in hand,” Hayes said. “I don’t think he’s ended his journey, but probably now that I’ve backed him up, you won’t see him for five or six weeks. I’m dying to get him to Sha Tin, but he started winning the challenge. I think he’ll be good or better at Sha Tin.” Moore said: “He did it nicely. He’s obviously been in great form and he was a nice ride to pick up. I’m fortunate to ride him.” Aurora Lady’s victory in the Class 3 Sing Woo Handicap (1200m) vaulted Pierre Ng’s horse into second spot in the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge on 51 points. Red Elegance’s success in the Class 3 King Kwong Handicap (1000m) earned 15 points to leapfrog Gustosisimo (42 points) and I Can (42) for third with 48 points. Moore logged a double as Moments In Time (129lb) led a Danny Shum one-two over Helene Feeling (129lb) in the HK$4.075 million Class 1 Shan Kwong Road Handicap (1650m). From gate three, Moments In Time circled rivals to prevail by a short head. Australian jockey James Orman posted his first Hong Kong win aboard Charming Babe for trainer Ricky Yiu in the second section of the Class 4 Wang Tak Handicap (1200m). “Big, big thrill. I am pleased to get one early, and hopefully it’s a fruitful next few weeks. The barrier (11) worried me a little bit but I was able to get a nice run in behind the speed with cover and he was too good,” Orman said. Son Pak Fu (119lb) recorded his biggest Hong Kong win for trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Matthew Chadwick in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Blue Pool Handicap (1200m). The Fighting Sun gelding hadn’t triumphed since late 2023, but dug deep for a seventh course and distance score over Copartner Prance (131lb) and Brave Star (116lb) after breaking from barrier three in the five-runner opening contest. “It was very gutsy. I felt I had the run on the rail, I just had to switch out and I could see Ryan (Moore on Copartner Prance) coming in a bit faster than I expected. “When I called out, he straightened his horse back up, so if I had of stuck to the rail, I would have been ok. When he got between them, he really put his ears back and fought on really well – credit to the horse,” Chadwick said. Cruz recorded a race-to-race double as Serangoon ran away with the Class 4 Yuk Sau Handicap (2200m) under Harry Bentley. Tonight’s double is Cruz’s third this month. Street Boss gelding Sturdy Ruby rolled to a second win in the Class 4 Yik Yam Handicap (1650m) under Luke Ferraris for trainer Manfred Man. Super Sixty ended a frustrating stretch of near misses with success in first section of the Class 4 Wang Tak Handicap (1200m) for jockey Alexis Badel and trainer Caspar Fownes. Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, February 27. 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 February 27, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo 10 AGAIN! – Pakenham & Wyong Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Max bonus $100. First bet only. Paid in bonus cash. Cash Bets Only. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Eligible customers only. T&Cs apply. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp 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 Daily Exotic Boost Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet 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 February 27, 2025. 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

Strong gains in attendance and handle have bolstered Santa Anita Park's figures as the 90-year-old oval heads into the final six weeks of its Classic Meet, the track said in a release on Wednesday. On-track attendance is up over 9% from last season, hosting more than 203,000 visitors through last weekend. The handle bet on-track is up 4% from last year. Overall, the total all-sources handle to date is over $268-million, which is an increase from last year. The addition of horses from Northern California horses has been impactful, with field size averaging nearly a full horse from the corresponding time last year. Santa Anita, which increased purses an average of 8% beginning this week, is heading into the height of its racing season. With the warmer weather, the popular infield will be open on weekends beginning on Saturday, Mar. 1 through the end of the Hollywood Meet June 15. The post Santa Anita Park Bolstered By Strong Gains In On-Track Attendance And Handle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ascot Racecourse, The Jockey Club, and Churchill Downs announced an extension of the "wild card" entry initiative launched last year that ties together Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby Festival, and the Kentucky Derby meeting at Churchill Downs. View the full article

The voice of the GI Kentucky Derby, Travis Stone, will be on the mic to announce the Virginia Derby meet at Colonial Downs, the track announced Wednesday. Stone will call all three days of the meet, set for March 13-15, headlined by the Virginia Derby, a Kentucky Derby points race, Saturday, March 15. “I'm really looking forward to being part of the Virginia Derby meet at Colonial Downs,” Stone said. “It's exciting to see the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' go through Virginia and to be involved in such an important weekend for the track.” Fans can catch the action live on FanDuel TV or via the Colonial Downs simulcast feed. On-site coverage will include expert analysis and interviews from Kaitlin Free, who begins her third season as paddock host. Saturday's card also features the Virginia Oaks, part of the Championship Series on the 'Road to the Kentucky Oaks.' The Virginia Derby offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale while the Virginia Oaks awards points on the same scale for the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks. Colonial Downs's regular track announcer, Jason Beem, who is currently announcing at Tampa Bay Downs, is set to return for the expanded 2025 racing season, featuring 41 days of live racing from July 9 through Sept. 13. The post Colonial Downs Names Travis Stone To Announce Three-Day Virginia Derby Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In the flourishing digital age, people can buy pretty much anything they want online. And while offering 2-year-olds online is nothing new for the Fasig-Tipton team, selling a juvenile in training on a digital platform accompanied by many of the traditional resources seen at bricks-and-mortar sales is. Case in point: at the conclusion of the February Digital sale Tuesday evening, a 2-year-old colt by Yaupon out of MSW Frosty Margarita (Frost Giant) realized a session-topping $250,00 from Dennis O'Neill, bidding on behalf of Shane Yeager. Consigned by De Meric Sales, Hip 42 is a registered New York bred. “This is the first time that we have catalogued them as 2-year-olds in Training. We had called them horses of racing age previously, but to be catalogued as a 2-year-old in Training, the [consignors] had to provide breeze or gallop videos,” said Leif Aaron, director of digital sales. “We had a large group of consignors asking us to do it. With their support and with the wave of digital sales, it made sense to try it.” According to Aaron, despite being its maiden voyage, the addition of 2-year-olds in training into its repertoire surpassed all expectations. “I think it went great. We had a total of 13 and nine have since sold. The clearance rate was very high. The fact that the sale topper came from that portion of the catalog was very encouraging. It showed me, if you put a good horse online, even with just a gallop video, we can sell them.” He continued, “I am encouraged because we had 60 people registered to bid that have never bought a horse from Fasig-Tipton. At most sales we might have 30-40. We had over 1000 registered bidders, which is a huge number. At our December Digital sale, we had the same kind of numbers for a catalogue of 650 horses. That's basically our whole pavilion filled up and the back ring.” In addition to the overall interest in the sale, Aaron underscored that the company also saw a tremendous amount of virtual interest surrounding Tuesday's sale-topping Yaupon colt. “That horse had 4,493 views and 1,119 viewers. You don't really get that kind of exposure anywhere else,” he said. “The horses do get more exposure online which is why we are seeing such a boon in digital sales. There are more buyers and we offer a diverse group of horses. It's where society as a whole is going. It's only natural that it would extend to the horse business.” The second-highest priced 2-year-old of the sale was Hip 41, a colt by Great Notion who brought $180,000 from Michael Golden. Consigned by Cary Frommer, the Maryland bred is out of SP Fly Girl (Jump Start). “The sale of the day might have been the colt by Great Notion. People might not necessarily go to a sale to buy a Great Notion, but he is doing very well in Maryland. The colt was an athletic individual and didn't have any holes and as a result, he sold great.” While selling a juvenile at a bricks-and-mortar sale may appear to be most akin to selling a 2-year-old online, however, Aaron explained that selling on a digital platform can often be a bit more nuanced. “Of course, you have to have a solid horse. It's almost the same rules that apply at a yearling auction where you have to have all the parts,” he said. “You have to have a solid horse, conformation wise, and good vetting. Then you leave the galloping and the breezing up to the buyers. If you had those three things, the horses sold great.” Pointing to some of the advantages of selling a 2-year-old in training on a digital platform, Aaron added, “You can remove a bit of the pressure off a normal 2-year-old in training, which some people are just not interested in putting their horses through that rigor.” And while 2-year-old consignors are among the savviest in the horse business, Aaron admitted that there is a bit of a learning curve when venturing to a digital platform. “Consignors know what sells but they don't necessarily know what sells online,” he explained. “We have all learned from this. They have learned what can be put online and what is best held for another venue. It was an encouraging learning experience for some of the consignors.” After a successful initial venture, Aaron indicated the Fasig team is already looking forward to the March Digital Sale, which kicks off Mar. 13 and runs through Mar.18. “I am already getting calls to put 2-year-olds in for March Digital. We had top-class video and pictures this time and will encourage consignors to do the same going forward.” When asked what consignors should be retaining for Fasig Tipton's upcoming March digital session, he didn't mince words, “Bring a horse here that vets well and has good conformation” he affirmed, adding, “And we will get it sold.” The post Fast Start for 2yos in Training at Fasig-Tipton February Digital appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a returning €700,000 yearling graduate. 2.12 Chantilly, Cond, €28,000, 3yo, 8f (AWT) TIGRESS OF GAUL (FR) (Siyouni {Fr}), the €700,000 joint-second highest-priced filly at last year's Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale, comes back to the course and distance of her impressive winning debut. Jose Aguirre-Moreno and Ecurie des Monceaux's relative of Charm Spirit (Ire) who represents the Tim Donworth stable is re-opposed by Noel-Nicolas Guillerme and Francois Monfort's Cast A Gast (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), who she beat by 3 1/2 lengths on debut and who has subsequently franked the form by going one better. The post Tigress Of Gaul Back To Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Opera Ballo scored a second straight impressive win on the Kempton Park all-weather course Feb. 26 and moved into the lead on the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.View the full article

The Florida Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry provides one of the state's most robust agribusinesses, with 33,500 jobs and $3.24 billion in annual economic impact. View the full article

Liam in the Dust, a well-respected player in the 2-year-old filly division last year for trainer Rodolphe Brisset, returns to action in the March 1 $200,000 Busher Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

Damon Thayer's theme when he delivered the keynote address Feb. 25 at the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association's 2025 conference? "Cooperation is always better than extinction." View the full article

The most recent shifts in Northern California horse racing have prompted The Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors and Fair Management to make the decision to postpone horse racing in 2025, according to a press release from the operator on Wednesday. Factors cited by the fair include, the uncertainty regarding the availability of horses, increased financial risk and the lack of a racing management collective for Northern California fairs. The decision allows for continued in-depth industry analysis to assess the viability of horse racing at the site before making any long-term determinations. “This tough decision was made with careful consideration for the long-term economic health of The Big Fresno Fairs,” said CEO of The Big Fresno Fair, Christina Estrada. “It is a necessary step to fully evaluate the future of a successful horse race meet in Fresno, which is one aspect of our annual event that serves our community–both at Fair-time and year-round. We remain committed to exploring all options in an ever-evolving industry situation, and will continue working closely with industry leaders to assess potential paths forward. In the meantime, The Big Fresno Fair is determining alternate entertainment options in the Grandstand for our community to enjoy.” The release also said that significant shifts in Northern California racing–such as the closing of Golden Gate Fields and the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) not seeking race applications at several locations–have changed the horse racing business model and created unprecedented challenges. The Big Fresno Fair, which has put on horse racing dating back to 1883, is the fifth largest fair in the state and home to more than 250 interim events throughout the year. The post Citing ‘Uncertainty’ Big Fresno Fair Postpones Horse Racing For 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner The winning chances that Rory McIlwrick teams up with at Winton on Thursday are in good hands. McIlwrick has been on a winning run recently, but not in the way many punters would suspect. The horseman has been producing great results through his equine bodywork and massage business. McIlwrick is hoping his hands can produce more success with his book of five drives at Winton. They’ll be especially important when Claasee lines up behind the mobile to chase down her second career victory in Race 3, the Rheem Mobile Pace (4.16pm). The mare looks the horse to beat on the strength of her two starts back from a spell. “She ran on pretty well fresh up at Winton and then I was happy with her next run at Gore,” McIlwrick said. “She was four back on the inside and in hindsight I maybe shouldn’t have come off.” “It was impossible to make ground but she ran on quite well for fourth.” From barrier 2, Claasee looks to get her winning shot on Thursday. But it may depend on whether McIlwrick’s hands can worth their magic behind the mobile gate. “She used to gallop a bit but she has been quite good this time in.” “You would love to roll to the top from that draw, but making sure she does everything right is the most important thing.” “If she ends up in a handy enough spot she should be a pretty good chance, it is an even field.” Majestic Love is another of McIlwrick’s stronger winning hopes in race 5, the MM Brands Handicap Trot (5.19pm). The reinsman combined with the mare to win the Gore Trotters Cup in December and with a similar effort she would be hard to hold out. “She can be a funny horse, if she brought her A-game she would probably win.” “She’s had a couple of runs back after a break and it looks like a bit of a drop back in class for her.” “If she can bring her manners she would have to be a good each way chance.” Ultimate Perfection has the ability to get among the placings in Race 6, Plumbing World Mobile Pace (5.47pm), but the pacer is looking like a risky proposition. The four-year-old was charging around the field when breaking on the home turn in his last start at Gore. But before that effort, Ultimate Perfection ran on nicely from the rear to run fifth at Winton. “He definitely has the ability to be competitive but it is all about whether he can do things right.” Sonny Jim and Velocity Jet look rough chances for McIlwrick at Winton. View the full article

The GIII Honeybee S., rescheduled for one day due to cold weather at Oaklawn, figured to be the key GI Kentucky Oaks prep run so far this year. And it was. Our No. 1 in previous polls Muhimma (Munnings) ran well to finish third, but it was not enough for her to keep her top spot. Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) was 10th and Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro) was seventh. Off those performances both have dropped out of the Top 10. This will be a big weekend for Oaks-bound horses as they will sort themselves out in the GIII Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel S., the Busher S. and the GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale S. Here's a look at the fourth installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for 2025: 1) GOOD CHEER (Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) O/B-Godolphin (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 5-5-0-0, $637,630. Last Start: Won Feb. 15 GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra S. Kentucky Oaks Points 45. Next Start: GII Fair Grounds Oaks., FG, Mar. 15. Probably should have had this horse at No. 1 all along, but was equally high on her stablemate from the Brad Cox barn, Muhimma. With Muhimma failing to win the Honeybee, we've moved her to fourth and Good Cheer up to first. When it comes to Good Cheer, there's nothing not to like. She's five-for-five in her career and came back running in the Rachel Alexandra in what was her first start of the year. Some may want to downgrade her win in the Rachel Alexandra because it was just a four-horse field. But she exploded in the stretch after having to wait to find room. It's going to be hard to topple this one. 2) TENMA (Nyquist–Amagansett, by Tapit) O-Baoma Corp.; B-B Flay Thoroughbreds (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $850,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 5-4-0-1, $429,000. Last Start: Won Feb. 2 GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 33. Next Start: GII Santa Anita Oaks, SA, Apr. 5. Trainer Bob Baffert will be represented Sunday in the Santa Ysabel at Santa Anita with a couple of interesting prospects. Cipriani (Bernardini) was second behind Tenma in the GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes and Maysam (Game Warrior) comes back in just two weeks after a stunningly poor effort in the Sunland Park Oaks. But it's hard to imagine either one turning out to be No. 1 in the Baffert barn. That spot belongs to Tenma. Last year, Baffert had some concerns about her maturity and did not run her in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. It looks like that was the right move as she's since won the GII Starlet S. and the Las Virgenes. Clearly the top 3-year-old filly in California. 3) QUIETSIDE (Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Shortleaf Stable (Ky); T-John Ortiz. Lifetime Record: GSW & MGISP, 6-2-3-1, $552,200. Last Start: Won Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 68. Next Start: GII Fantasy S., OP, Mar. 29. Quietside finally broke through. She had lost four straight after breaking her maiden, but they were all in stakes races and she was never worse than third in any of them. Facing the toughest field of 3-year-old fillies assembled so far this year in the Honeybee and drawing the 12 post, last Sunday's stakes at Oaklawn didn't look like the race where she would break her losing streak. But she was game in the stretch, winning a three-horse battle to the wire. “The filly came back in great shape,” said trainer John Ortiz. “She's happy, she's sound, she's eating all her meals and is as bright-eyed as she's always been. She showed us her true potential.” 4) MUHIMMA (Munnings–Princesa Carolina, by Tapit) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Shadwell Stable; B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $700,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-0-1, $319,460. Last Start: Third Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: GI Ashland S., Kee, Apr. 4. Usually on or near the lead, Muhimma stalked the leaders from third in the Honeybee. It turned out to be a perfect trip as she appeared to make a winning move on the far turn as eventual race-winner Quietside clung to the lead. But she ran out of gas in the stretch and wound up finishing third and losing by 4 1/2 lengths. Perhaps she needed the race and can rebound in the GI Ashland S., but the way she ran through the final sixteenth of the Honeybee was disappointing. Don't give up on her just yet, but an improved effort in her next start is a must. 5) LA CARA (Street Sense–Cara Caterina, by Bernardini) O/B-Tracy Farmer (Ky); T-Mark Casse. Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-3-1-0, $378,520. Last Start: Won Feb. 8 Suncoast Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 33. Next Start: GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 1. The Davona Dale will be a good test for this Mark Casse-trained runner. She looked to be in over her head when a distant fifth in the Juvenile Fillies, but came roaring back to win the Suncoast at Tampa Bay Downs by 6 1/4 lengths. Casse wheels her right back in three weeks to go in the Davona Dale. The seven-horse race did not come up that tough, but a win would solidify her position as the top 3-year-old filly in Florida. It will be interesting to see what kind of trip she will get. She's won on the front end and she's won coming from as far back as seventh. 6) FIVE G (Vekoma–Triumphant, by Quality Road) O/B-Gatsas Stables (NY); T-George Weaver. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 5-2-2-0, $240,290. Last Start: Second Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: TBD. Though beaten a length by Quietside, the George Weaver-trained filly turned in a big performance when second in the Honeybee to prove that she is among the upper echelon of 3-year-old fillies. She drew the 13 post in what was her first try around two turns on the dirt and nearly pulled it off. The post was not a problem as Irad Ortiz, Jr. had her on the rail and on the lead on both turns. Weaver reports that the filly came out of the race in good order and said the Ashland, the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks and the Fantasy are all options for her next start. 7) BALLERINA D'ORO (Medaglia d'Oro–In the Moonlight, by Tapit) O-Rodeo Creek Racing, LLC; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $320,000 yrl '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 4-1-1-0, $156,975. Last Start: Second Dec. 7 GII Demoiselle S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 5. Next Start: GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 1. After being scratched from the GII Rachel Alexandra S., the late-running filly re-emerges for the Davona Dale. After three grass starts, trainer Chad Brown switched her to the dirt and she responded with a big second-place effort in the GII Demoiselle S. Her problem is that she comes from far back early and the Davona Dale is a one-turn mile. No one should be discouraged if she doesn't win because this is exactly the type of race that should sharpen her up for better efforts down the road in longer, two-turn races. Tyler Gaffalione will ride as Dylan Davis opts for La Cara. 8) RUNNING AWAY (Gun Runner–Allez Marie, by Unbridled's Song) O/B-Stud TNT (Ky); T-Wesley Ward. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-1-1, $166,875. Last Start: Won Jan. 18 Busanda Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, Apr. 4. It's going to be a while before we know if this horse is the real deal or not as trainer Wesley Ward has decided to skip this weekend's round of Oaks preps and wait for the Ashland at Keeneland. She has not had an official work since her win in the Jan. 18 Busanda at Aqueduct. 9) RUNNIN N GUNNIN (Gun Runner–Charity Belle, by Empire Maker) O-Douglas Scharbauer; B-Dixiana Farms, LLC (Ky); T-Steve Asmussen. Sales history: $250,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 6-3-0-0, $193,940. Last Start: Won Feb. 16 Sunland Park Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: TBD. The best thing this filly has going for is that she is trained by Steve Asmussen. But she's going to have to improve many lengths after winning the Sunland Park Oaks against a very weak field. There were three maidens in the seven-horse race. 10) WHITE ROCKS (Frosted–Kitten's Catch, by Kitten's Joy) O-Jastar Capital Ltd., Polivka Equine Holdings LLC & Timothy Madden; B-Sandra Sexton & Silver Fern Farm (Ky); T-Arnaud Delacour. Sales history: $35,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $180,000 2yo '24 EASMAY. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-1-0, $166,354. Last Start: Won Feb. 21 Cincinnati Trophy S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: TBD. An interesting new face on our Top 10 list, White Rocks moved into 10th position after winning last week's Cincinnati Trophy S. at Turfway Park. A $180,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in 2024, she is three-for-three and her weapon is her early speed. In the Turfway race she led by as many as eight lengths down the backstretch. The question is how will she handle dirt after having made all three of her starts on the Tapeta surface at Turfway? Trainer Arnaud Delacour said she will make her next start in either the Ashland on the dirt at Keeneland or go back to the synthetic surface for the Bourbonette at Turfway. The post The TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Feb. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bidding is now open on the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform for the “Soul of an Angel Flash Sale,” a one-horse online auction of Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter Soul of an Angel (Atreides–Factor One, by The Factor), which will close Tuesday, Mar. 4, at 6 p.m. ET, the auction company said via a press release on Wednesday. Soul of an Angel clinched Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter honors after she won the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Del Mar last fall. With a strong turn of foot, she swept past a field which included a trio of Grade I winners. For her effort, she earned a 3 3/4 Ragozin speed figure. Only Gamine (Into Mischief) recorded a faster number over the past 10 years of the race. Earlier in her 2024 campaign, Soul of an Angel won the GII Ruffian Stakes in New York. She also cruised to an open length victory in the GIII Princess Rooney Stakes at Gulfstream. In the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes she was only beaten by a head. “An Eclipse Champion and Breeders' Cup Champion with outstanding physical conformation, Soul of an Angel is a true collector's item,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “She uniquely suits a variety of programs both domestically and internationally. We're honored to have the opportunity to showcase her on Fasig-Tipton Digital.” Soul of an Angel is being offered as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. She has current earnings of more than $1,200,000. The current 6-year-old is stabled at Gulfstream Park and available for inspection. Prospective buyers may click here to view the entry and register to bid. Inquiries may be directed to Steve Castagnola of Taylor Made Sales Agency at (859) 684-8180. The post Eclipse Champion Soul Of An Angel Offered On Fasig-Tipton Digital As Bidding Opens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Mark Casse will seek to continue his dominance in Gulfstream Park's Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3T) March 1 when he saddles a trio of runners led by D. J. Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Vixen.View the full article

Two different panel discussions at the National HBPA conference—one featuring lawyers and one with research veterinarians—recommended steps trainers can take to diminish the chances of a horse's postrace drug test coming up positive.View the full article

La Cara faces six 3-year-old fillies in the $215,000 Davona Dale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park March 1, including graded stakes winner The Queens M G. View the full article

There are six horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, February 27. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Pakenham. Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 27, 2025 Pakenham 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 February 27, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Those thinking that lightning can't strike twice may have to think again after Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}–Dubai Opera {GB}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) trod a familiar path for Charlie Appleby at Kempton on Wednesday evening. Introduced in the same course-and-distance maiden last month won in 2024 by the yard's subsequent 2,000 Guineas hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), the €600,000 Arqana Deauville August graduate had not let the side down with an emphatic 8 1/2-length success on that occasion and was duly sent off the 11-10 favourite to emulate his predecessor by adding this “European Road To The Kentucky Derby” Conditions Stakes to his tally. Always tanking in the hands of William Buick breathing down the neck of his pacemaker Olympus Point (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}) throughout this mile contest, the grandson of the G3 Prix des Reservoirs winner Emily Bronte (GB) (Machiavellian) took control two out and settled matters quickly. At the line, he had four lengths to spare over the useful dual-winning yardstick Hott Shott (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), with another length back to the Southwell debut scorer Saddadd (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), the Roger Varian-trained half-brother to last year's Listed Heron Stakes winner Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). “He was very smooth,” Buick said of the winner, quoted in the immediate aftermath as short as 8-1 for the Guineas. “We came here today not really knowing what to expect and it was a warm race with horses with proven form from novices, so I thought he showed plenty there. I do think he's a work in progress and it's all there for him. The Ghaiyyaths really showed up at the end of last season and like this one, they will progress.” Opera Ballo – all class in the “European Road To The @KentuckyDerby” Conditions Stakes for team @godolphin Two runs Two wins Smart prospect pic.twitter.com/cQi0kw86xX — Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 26, 2025 The post Ghaiyyath’s Opera Ballo Impresses Again For Godolphin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thoroughbred racing at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma is set to open for its spring season after a tornado hit the track after last year's meet concluded, according to a press release from the organization on Wednesday. Will Rogers's barns were heavily damaged during the storm. New structures were completed back in January and the track reports that they are already at capacity for the season. “It's incredible to see the resiliency of this property and the hard work put in by the staff to build it back more beautiful than ever,” said Danielle Barber, executive director of the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma. “We can't wait to welcome fans, owners and trainers for what promises to be an outstanding season.” The 28-day Thoroughbred meet runs from Mar. 3 through Wednesday, May 14. Daily average purses are estimated at $170,000, with raises in the handicap, maiden and allowance categories. “Horsemen are anxious to get back to racing at Will Rogers this spring. Last season we inaugurated the Blue Ribbon and Welder stakes races for Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds in March that were well received,” said John Lies, who serves as the racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker. The post Will Rogers Downs Returns After Tornado Last Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With Tenma and Vodka With a Twist, two of the top 3-year-old dirt fillies in Southern California, sitting out the March 2 Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park, opportunity knocks for six others in the 1 1/16-mile dirt race.View the full article

Two different panel discussions at the National HBPA conference—one featuring lawyers and one with research veterinarians—recommended steps trainers can take to diminish the chances of a horse's post-race drug test coming up positive.View the full article

Sam Houston Race Park will pay tribute to jockey Stewart Elliott when he turns 60 years-old on Saturday, March 1.View the full article