Wandering Eyes

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Blamey Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $300,000 Distance: 1600m The Blamey Stakes is a Group 2 race run over 1600m at Flemington under set weights and penalties, conducted by the Victoria Racing Club. Named after Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey, the Blamey Stakes was first held in 1955 over 10 furlongs (2000m approx) before shifting to 1600m in 1973. Initially a weight-for-age race, the Blamey Stakes was run as a handicap from 1981 to 1986 before reverting to its current conditions. The Blamey Stakes has long been a key lead-up to major races, originally the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) and, since 2019, the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m). The 2024 edition, worth $300,000, was won by Atishu, defeating Holymanz and Ayrton. Notable past winners include Rising Fast, Gunsynd, Surround, Vo Rogue, Apache Cat, and Fifty Stars. Dual winners of the Blamey Stakes include Sailor’s Guide, Tobin Bronze, Hyperno, and Durbridge. 2025 Blamey Stakes betting odds Betting markets for the 2025 Blamey Stakes are currently unavailable. 2025 Blamey Stakes odds will be released on February 24, 2025 How to bet on the Blamey Stakes All of our top bookmakers have markets for the Blamey Stakes. Most of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival races have markets opened well in advance and the Group 3 Blamey Stakes is no exception. The best Blamey Stakes betting sites have also got apps available, with these generally coming for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. 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. 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Blamey Stakes News Atishu claims All Star Mile berth with Blamey Stakes win Australia horse racing news 12 months ago The Chris Waller-trained Atishu has booked herself a spot in the All-Star Mile following her win in the Group 2 … Read More Flemington free race-by-race tips | Australian Guineas Day 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) headlines Flemington’s 10-race meeting on Saturday. Check out HorseBetting’s free race-by-race preview and quaddie … Read More ‘Interesting’ Makram hunting further autumn success Australia horse racing news 1 year ago Ben Hayes, co-trainer of Makram, envisions the Irish-imported gelding as a formidable contender in the lucrative races during the autumn … Read More Abounding to bypass All Star Mile Australia horse racing news 1 year ago Abounding, the victorious filly in Saturday’s Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m), is set to remain in Queensland and bypass a … Read More Flemington full racing tips & quaddie | Australian Guineas Day Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Nine races are set down for decision on Saturday at Flemington for Australian Guineas Day, and HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents … Read More Inspirational Girl books a spot in the All Star Mile Australia horse racing news 3 years ago The Danny O’Brien-trained Inspirational Girl has booked her spot in the All Star Mile in a fortnight following a win … Read More 2025 Blamey Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Blamey Stakes final field is released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Previous Blamey Stakes Fields 2024 Blamey Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Bustler Neville Parnham Steven Parnham 15 59kg 2 Atishu Chris Waller Blake Shinn 11 57kg 3 Future History Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 6 57kg 4 Muramasa Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 8 57kg 5 Ayrton Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Ms Jamie Kah 1 56kg 6 Riddle Me That Matt Laurie Daniel Stackhouse 9 56kg 7 Captain Envious Paul Preusker Jamie Mott 10 56kg 8 Makram Ben, Will & JD Hayes Harry Coffey 12 56kg 9 Holymanz Ciaron Maher Michael Dee 3 56kg 10 Panfield Chris Waller Craig Williams 7 55kg 11 Berkeley Square Dan O’Sullivan Luke Currie 4 55kg 12 Suizuro Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Craig Newitt 13 55kg 13 Cadre Du Noir Ciaron Maher Jye McNeil 2 55kg 14 Carini Danny O’Brien Damian Lane 14 55kg 15 Arale Benjamin Smith Fred Kersley 5 53kg 2024 Blamey Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flemington-2024-Group-2-Blamey-Stakes-02032024-Atishu-Chris-Waller-Blake-Shinn.mp4 1st – Atishu (+300) 2nd – Holymanz (+220) 3rd – Ayrton (+130) Recent runnings of the Blamey Stakes: 2024: Atishu finishes best On return to her favourite track, Atishu ($4.00) took out the Group 2 Blamey Stakes thanks to a calm ride from Blake Shinn at Flemington, earning herself a run in the $4 million All Star Mile. The Chris Waller-trained mare was coming through the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes, where she was only able to beat one of the nine runners’ home over 1400m, but many believed she would enjoy further second-up, and they were correct. The race favourite with online bookmakers settled a lot closer to the leaders than she normally does, but it didn’t affect her finishing burst, as the daughter of Savabeel rounded her rivals up by the 100m mark and kicked clear. Holymanz ($11.00) attempted to go with the winner and stuck on well for second, while Ayrton ($7.50) ran home nicely and grabbed third place in the concluding stages of the race. 2023: Nonconformist causes minor upset Nonconformist reigned supreme in the 2023 Group 2 Blamey Stakes, recording his first win since the Naturalism Stakes in 2021. The win over 1600m, which is considered to be well short of his best distance, considering he ran second in a Caulfield Cup in 2021. With a solid tempo set by Gentleman Roy, it set the race up to be won by a runner with a good turn of foot and that was exactly what Nonconformist showed as he ran away with an easy 2.25 length victory. There weren’t many that believed that this six-year-old gelding could win first-up over 1600m, as he jumped at $19 with online bookmakers, with very little support shown during the day. 2022: Inspirational Girl arrives in time The Danny O’Brien-trained Inspirational Girl qualified for the $5 million All Star Mile after taking out the Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington. The six-year-old mare, who was having just her third start for the O’Brien stable, was slow to begin before jockey Damian Lane was able to find the rail and push up to a midfield position. Race-favourite Zaaki took the lead a little over 100m out after being held up in the early part of the straight. The Annabel Neasham-trained gelding looked to have had the race won after bursting through a gap, but Inspirational Girl was able to get going late to power over the top of the Sydney-trained galloper to score by 0.2 of a length. Previous winners of the Blamey Stakes Blamey Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Atishu Blake Shinn Chris Waller 2023 Nonconformist Harry Coffey Grahame Begg 2022 Inspirational Girl Damian Lane Danny O’Brien 2021 Star of the Seas Damian Lane Chris Waller 2020 Fifty Stars Craig Williams David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2019 Fifty Stars Ben Allen David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2018 Humidor Mark Zahra Darren Weir 2017 Palentino Mark Zahra Darren Weir 2016 He Or She Craig Williams David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2015 Suavito Damien Oliver Nigel Blackiston 2014 Lidari Luke Nolen Peter Moody 2013 Puissance de Lune Glen Boss Darren Weir 2012 Green Moon Craig Williams Robert Hickmott 2011 Whobegotyou Damien Oliver Mark Kavanagh 2010 Tavistock Jason Waddell Andrew Campbell 2009 Largo Lad Chris Symons David Hayes 2008 The Fuzz Vlad Duric David Hayes 2007 Apache Cat Damien Oliver Greg Eurell 2006 Rosden Adrian Patterson Roslyn Day 2005 Grey Song Steven Arnold Tom Hughes 2004 Gold Wells Damien Oliver Danny O’Brien 2003 Walk On Air Danny Nikolic Colin Alderson 2002 Tears Royal Peter Mertens Grant Dalziel 2001 Market Price Vincent Hall Tony McEvoy 2000 Oliver Twist Damien Oliver Brian Mayfield-Smith Blamey Stakes winners pre-2000 Blamey Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Thackeray 1998 Willoughby 1997 Zuccherino 1996 Racer’s Edge 1995 Durbridge 1994 Durbridge 1993 Prince Salieri 1992 Shiva’s Revenge 1991 Better Loosen Up 1990 Better Loosen Up 1989 Vo Rogue 1988 Vo Rogue 1987 Playful Princess 1986 Lord Of Camelot 1985 Beechcraft 1984 Penny Edition 1983 Trissaro 1982 Kip 1981 Hyperno 1980 Hyperno 1979 Leonotis 1978 Opposition 1977 Surround 1976 Lord Dudley 1975 Zambari 1974 Sobar 1973 Gunsynd 1972 Surrender 1971 Gay Icarus 1970 Cyron 1969 Fileur 1968 Future 1967 Tobin Bronze 1966 Tobin Bronze 1965 Sir Dane 1964 Teppo Star 1963 Mamburdi 1962 Dhaulagiri 1961 Dhaulagiri 1960 Wool Man 1959 But Beautiful 1958 Sailor’s Guide 1957 Sailor’s Guide 1956 Rising Fast 1955 Prince Cortauld Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article

Simone Meloni was named the 2025 Employee of the Year at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, which were held at York Racecourse on Monday. The event, now in its 21st year, was hosted by broadcaster Rishi Persad and featured special guest appearances from double-Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett and dual champion jockey, William Buick. With a background in showjumping is his native Italy, Meloni is now employed by National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson. He took home £10,000 of prize-money for winning the Employee of the Year Award, plus a further £10,000 which will be shared among his colleagues at Seven Barrows. Nick Luck, chair of the judging panel, said, “Deciding this year's Employee of the Year was as difficult a decision as I've known in this role. The judges deliberated long and hard, and Simone should be very proud to have come out on top in such an incredibly strong year. “Ultimately, we felt that Simone is the perfect embodiment of what the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards represent. Throughout his discussions with the judges, Simone could not stop talking about his horses, and we were struck by the tailored approach he brings to dealing with each as an individual, from how he sets their beds to how he rides. “As well as being an outstanding horseman, his personality is utterly infectious. He wears a beaming smile while working and it was clear to see that his approach to his job makes a big impact, which is not insignificant at a yard where the pressure is always on.” Earlier in the ceremony, Meloni had also won the Rider/Racing Groom Award, which itself carried a £5,000 prize along with a further £5,000 for his colleagues. All of the evening's winners received their share of a total of £128,500 of prize-money, at an event which was organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), in conjunction with media partners Racing Post and Racing TV. The finalists for each category (with winners in bold) were: Newcomer Award Tina St. John – William Haggas Tyla Macfarlane – Andrew Balding Uwitonze Wenham-Beckford – Karl Burke Leadership Award Ivo Thomas – Tweenhills Mark Ellwood – Nick Alexander Rachael Lytham – Greenall Guerriero Racing Rider / Racing Groom Award Emma Kettlewell – Karl Burke Sarah Macdonald – Julia Feilden Simone Meloni – Nicky Henderson Stud Award Fiona McGlone – Hascombe & Valiant Stud Kelly Stevens – Littleton Stud Kim Skolfield – Newsells Park Stud Dedication Award Anthony Smith – Karl Burke Jane Smith – John Ryan Joe Scally – Roger Varian Community Award Anne Richardson – HEROS Charity Jacqui Greet – Ascot Racecourse Sally Lyons – Great British Racing Brant Dunshea, acting chief executive of the BHA, said, “I would like to congratulate all of the winners this evening and in particular Simone on his magnificent achievement of being named the 2025 Employee of the Year. “We often speak about racing being a community and people like Simone are vital to this. Not only is he clearly extremely skilled around horses but his colleagues value him so highly, meaning he is a vital cog in one of the country's most successful operations. “We are very lucky to be able to count Simone among our number in Britain and I am absolutely delighted he has been recognised this way.” The post Simone Meloni Named 2025 Employee of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Qualifying races for the Grand Prix de Paris have been extended to a number of fillies' races following a meeting of the European Pattern Committee at France Galop's HQ on Friday 14 February 2025 where several changes to the black-type programme were approved. The first three finishers in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club and the Epsom Derby, as well as the winners of the Prix de l'Avre, Prix Hocquart, Prix Greffulhe, Prix du Lys Longines, Chester Vase, Derby Trial Stakes, Dante Stakes and King Edward VII Stakes have already been the beneficiaries of a qualification system (such as a refund of entry fees or free supplementary entries) for the Grand Prix de Paris. In 2025, several fillies' races will join this list of qualifying events, including the first three finishers in the Prix de Diane Longines and the Epsom Oaks, as well as the winners of the Auguste Rodin Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary, Prix Pénélope, Auguste Rodin Coolmore Prix Cléopâtre and the Prix de Royaumont. The qualifying system for the Grand Prix de Paris has also been extended to the winner of the Italian Derby (Group 2) since it was moved back two weeks. This year, the Italian Derby takes place on 2 June. The Grand Prix de Paris takes place on Sunday, 13 July 2025 at the ParisLongchamp racecourse. The post Qualifying Races For Grand Prix de Paris Extended To Number Of Fillies’ Contests appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are six horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, February 26. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Launcston, Rosehill, Sandown & Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 26, 2025 Launcston Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Sandown Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top horse racing bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 26, 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

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, February 26, 2025 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-race program lined up under lights. Participants will be racing on the C course throughout the night, and although some rainfall is forecast to hit the region in the lead-up, it shouldn’t have any affect on the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm local time. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Copartner Prance Copartner Prance has a formidable record at this course and distance, with the son of Epaulette boasting six wins from seven starts. He gets all the favours in this small field of five runners, with Ryan Moore likely to head straight to the top in this Class 1 contest. Expect the likes of Raging Blizzard and Taj Dragon to take him on mid-race, but with no significant pressure engaged, Copartner Prance must be considered the one to beat in the Happy Valley opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Copartner Prance (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Ryan Moore (59.5kg) Next Best at Happy Valley: Super Sixty Super Sixty only found one better in the form of Hayday in his latest outing at Happy Valley on February 5, with the pair clearing out on their remaining rivals to fight out the finish. He was gallant in defeat after settling worse than mid-field throughout the journey, with the son of Written By forced to drag back from barrier nine. He can sit much handier from gate two this time around, and provided he can accelerate in similar fashion, expect Super Sixty to crack his maiden at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 4 – #8 Super Sixty (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Alexis Badel (55kg) Best Value at Happy Valley: Aeris Nova Aeris Nova comes out of a hot form race at Sha Tin on February 9, finishing 4.3 lengths behind the likes of Light Years Charm and Juneau Pride. The latter has already franked the form winning at Sha Tin on Sunday, and while Aeris Nova couldn’t match motors with the quinella pair, he did well fending off some other key challengers at the end of 1400m. He maps to find the one-one from barrier five, and if he can slingshot off the tight-turning Happy Valley circuit, there is no reason why Aeris Nova can’t figure once again. Best Value Race 3 – #6 Aeris Nova (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Benno Yung | J: Harry Bentley (53.5kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections February 26, 2025 2-4-5 1-2-4-7-10-12 2-3-4-5 2-3-4-6-7 Horse racing tips View the full article

Trainer calls on Mauritian jockey to ride Irish import while chasing a late victory in DBS x Manulife Million Challenge on Wednesday night.View the full article

David Hayes joined RSN on Tuesday after New Zealand breds Ka Ying Rising and Mr Brightside both won Group Ones over 1400 metres last weekend. David Hayes reflects on a brilliant weekend for the Lindsay Park team – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm View the full article

Group One performer Malt Time (Adelaide) will head to the races for the final time this weekend before transitioning to her next career as a broodmare. The eight-year-old daughter of Adelaide has been a consistent performer for trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, winning five of her 39 starts, including the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m). She was also placed on 10 occasions, including the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m), Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (2040m), Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m), Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) twice, Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m), and has accrued more than $500,000 in prizemoney. Bred by Nearco Stud, Malt Time has been raced by Bill and Carrie Borrie, and will look to bow out a winner for the couple when she heads to Matamata on Saturday to contest the $350,000 COMAG Wairere Falls Classic (1500m). Malt Time will back-up from her eighth placed run in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Otaki- Maori WFA Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie, and Shaun Clotworthy said she has bounced through that run well. “She has come through it well. She will back up for her final race on Saturday. It’s a great stake and we are keen to get her there,” he said. “She has been very consistent, has tried her heart out, and has been a little unlucky not to have won a Group One. “She is still competitive but is starting to get on a bit in years and is in-foal to Hello Youmzain.” Meanwhile, Clotworthy said $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) favourite Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) has pulled up well following his 10th placed run in Saturday’s Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), and said a veterinary examination found nothing untoward following the subpar result. “It is a bit hard to get a line on it with the way the race was run. We have put a line through it and are carrying on as we were planning to,” Clotworthy said. “He seems to have come through it well, we are happy enough with him. We got him vetted yesterday and he seems nice and happy. He has had a bit of work in the pool and had a trot and canter this morning and all looks okay.” While Clotworthy has a leading chance in next week’s Derby, he will have another leading contender to barrack for in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) in the form of Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High). The Roger James and Robert-Wellwood-trained gelding will represent the Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing slot in the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, and takes a strong form line into the race. Victorious in his first two outings, the son of Ace High was third in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) last month before finishing runner-up in Saturday’s Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), and Clotworthy is excited about his prospects. “He looks like he has got a bit of improvement from him, according to Robert and Roger, and the slot team are very pleased with him,” he said. “It (Champions Day) is going to be the biggest day ever in New Zealand’s racing history, so to have a couple of chances is pretty incredible.” View the full article

Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray are eyeing both of New Zealand’s feature three-year-old staying races in March and their Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contender Eye Candy (NZ) (Darci Brahma) appeared at the trials at Cambridge on Tuesday. Eye Candy was a maiden winner at Ruakaka in mid-December, and after a tough run in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m), she stamped her Oaks credentials with a game performance behind class filly Hinekaha in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth. Mindful of keeping his filly up to the mark in the interim, Ritchie opted to head to the local course for an Open 1300m heat, where she was close-up in second behind Pow Wow in the hands of Kevin Stott. “She’s a quite a big, round sort of a filly that holds plenty of condition. In fact, in the early days, I didn’t think she had much ability but she was just carrying too much weight,” he said. “That was a trainer error for sure. “She’s gotten herself fit and raced into form, but we’ve found that we just can’t do enough at the training track with her. She’s certainly one of the first to the buffet, that’s for sure, and from that perspective, we elected to have the trial today. “She’s been a good leader, when she won her race she led and was only run down late by Hinekaha last start, which is nice company. She’s shown her best from the front, but she can’t always lead, so we wanted to take a trail today which Kevin did on her. “He popped off the fence late and she had a nice little blow, which is what we were expecting from her. Trailing will give us a little bit more ammunition going forward if we need it.” Eye Candy’s final assignment before her trip to Trentham will be next Saturday’s Gr.3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (2100m), run on Champions Day at Ellerslie for $250,000. “We’ve decided to go to the Sunline Vase on the big day at Ellerslie rather than chasing the good filly (Leica Lucy) and others in the Lowland (Gr.2, 2100m) as we lead into the Oaks,” Ritchie said. “We thought a nice, cruisy trial today would top her off pretty well and she’ll probably join Tuxedo next Monday for a gallop at Ellerslie, which will bring her on a little bit more fitness-wise.” Also featuring in the heat was her stablemate Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock), a Group One-performing mare who is looking at a potential tilt at the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m), a race she took out two years ago. “We gave her a week off after her last run and she put on about 18-20 kilos, she did extremely well just having a quick break and a freshen-up,” Ritchie said. “We knew she needed the trial, but it was very much a handbrake trial, and she was never out of first gear, Michael (McNab) said she felt terrific. “We are reluctant to go too hard with the nice horses on the poly, but it does serve its purpose from our perspective because they get past the winning post and they’re back in their paddock fairly quickly afterwards. We appreciate being able to give them a glorified gallop, rather than a trial really. “She’ll get ready for either the Group Two at Tauranga (Japan Trophy, 1600m) or the Cuddle Stakes. She’ll be looking for a shower of rain to show her best and she hasn’t had a lot of luck in her racing this prep.” Talented four-year-old Nepheti (NZ) (Charm Spirit) made her first appearance after a spell later in the Open 950m heat, never being tested under Bridget Grylls to finish a tidy fourth. A stakes performer at three, Nepheti commenced her season well in good company through the spring, but after a tough run on Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie, she headed to the paddock. “She trialled well, she was just there for a soft trial and she jumped quick. Bridget Grylls eased her out of the early speed and she sat extremely quiet on her,” Ritchie said. “She’s a mare that has had a big break, she’s a big-winded mare so she’ll have another trial and then she will probably head to Counties for a 75 sprint on the 21st of March. “She was a bit disappointing last time, but from a wide gate, she didn’t have a lot of luck either. We will be reluctant to run her until she gets a decent draw this time, particularly at Counties where the 1200 can be quite unforgiving if you’re out wide and jump well. “She seems to be coming to hand really nicely, a second trial won’t do her any harm and then we’ll give her a few runs in the autumn before the track become too wet for her.” The stable had a number of three-year-olds trialling through the morning, with The Oaks Stud-owned filly Esperanza (NZ) (Reliable Man) and first-time triallist Hinemoa Road (NZ) (Darci Brahma) noted as ones to watch by Ritchie. “I think Esperanza has a really promising future, she got back in her trial and worked through the inside to run second to another filly of ours, Way Out,” he said. “She’ll be one to look out for, as well as Hinemoa Road when he gets out to a mile. We haven’t done a lot with him, but I like the way he moves and he did well in his first educational trial, he’ll be more competitive in his next and hard to beat at the races once he’s up to 1600.” Back at the stable, Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci) is gearing up for his biggest assignment to date in next Saturday’s $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), off the back of a stunning display in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m). “We know we’re going to have one of the best turn-of-foot in the race, it’s just a question of the extra 400m,” Ritchie said. “He handles the 2000m of the Waikato Guineas with aplomb didn’t he, so based on that run, the Derby is going to be an exciting race for us and he deserves place in the top four in the market. “It was probably fortunate that we did miss the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2400m) because it wasn’t pleasant viewing for anybody. But it also gives us the option to go to Australia, as we won’t be running three times in basically a period of four weeks. “That would’ve virtually evaporated our chance of going to Sydney for the Australian Derby (Gr.1, 2400m). We are mindful that it is his first prep, but by spacing his races and hopefully getting a little bit of rain in Sydney, it is a realistic target for him. “If his New Zealand Derby performance warrants it, it gives us that option like many good Derby winners have in the past, to go over and have a crack at the Australian one as well.” View the full article

Popular grey gelding Chattahoochee (NZ) (Reliable Man) could be in for an exciting autumn after pleasing with his three-length trial victory over 950m at Cambridge on Tuesday. The six-year-old son of Reliable Man was making his first New Zealand public appearance since his two-run Melbourne campaign for interim trainer Cindy Alderson last year, where he placed in the Subzero Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day before finishing fourth in the Listed Kilmore Cup (1600m). Back in the care of Te Awamutu trainer Debbie Sweeney, some black-type targets await the gelding following his positive trial showing. “It was a really nice trial from him today. He went well and he seems to like the poly,” Sweeney said. “He went really well in Australia. On Melbourne Cup Day he dropped back in distance, and it was a good effort, and his next start he got a bit of a wet track, which he didn’t really cop that day. He still tried and went a good race. “He will possibly have a start in the next fortnight somewhere. His main aim will be the Manco Easter Handicap (Gr.3, 1600m). Brian Black, one of his owners, sponsors that race.” Chattahoochee was ridden in Tuesday’s trial by probationary jockey Ashlee Strawbridge, who is set to commence her apprenticeship with Sweeney and make her raceday riding debut in the coming weeks. “Ashlee Strawbridge is a new apprentice for the stable and she is looking to kick-off in the next fortnight,” Sweeney said. “Her mother, Michelle Strawbridge, works for us. She was Michelle Hopkins and was a good jumps jockey. “She (Ashlee) has been with the stable for a while working school holidays and then she went down to uni in Christchurch and then decided she wanted to come back and give it a go as a jockey. “She worked for Ross Beckett down there for a while and then decided to come back home and work for me, so that was really good. “She has been going along really nicely. Going into the winter months she is going to be a good four-kilo claimer. She is nice and light, she can ride at 51.5kg. She is looking promising.” Meanwhile, in the same heat, Sweeney was pleased to see Willit (NZ) (Swiss Ace) finish second to his stablemate. The Gerry Harvey-bred and raced gelding won on debut last July and Sweeney is expecting him to add to his win tally over the winter months. “He went a really nice trial as well,” she said. “He is a horse that is waiting for a bit more moisture in the ground, but he trialled up nicely and showed a bit of ability last time around, so I am happy with him. “He is probably looking at a fortnight’s time (to kick-off). As soon as we get a bit of rain somewhere, he can head to the races, he is pretty forward.” Stablemate Madame Kiwi (NZ) (Staphanos) also impressed when winning her 800m heat by 1-3/4 lengths. It was the first public outing for the three-year-old daughter of Staphanos, and Sweeney is looking forward to the future with her. “It was only a four-horse field, but she trialled up nicely and showed a bit of speed,” Sweeney said. “She will improve off that.” View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, February 26, 2025 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Hillside track at Sandown will play host to an eight-race card this Wednesday afternoon, with the first event scheduled to jump at 3:40pm AEDT. The track is expected to remain in the Good 4 rating that was posted at acceptances as there is no rain forecast in the lead-up to the meeting. The rail will be in the +3m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Sandown: Zorro’s Flight Zorro’s Flight was just beaten in a photo finish at Flemington on January 18, when the Patrick & Michelle Payne-trained runner led for the majority of the 1600m contest. Since that run, the son of Toronado has been given two quiet trials to ensure that he remains fit. With a small field engaged, Tom Prebble will push forward, take up the lead, and allow Zorro’s Flight to roll around the home turn and give a strong kick. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Zorro’s Flight (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Patrick & Michelle Payne | J: Tom Prebble (a3) (62.5kg) Next Best at Sandown: No Fuss The third preparation of the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained No Fuss will kick off on Wednesday, when the lightly raced four-year-old gelding faces the starter for the third time. On his Australian debut, the son of Jon Snow proved way too good for his rivals, winning by 2.3 lengths at Ballarat over 1400m. No Fuss worked home smartly in a 1000m jumpout at Avoca, and if he produces a similar effort on raceday, he will prove hard to hold out late. Next Best Race 4 – #7 No Fuss (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Harry Coffey (59kg) Best Value at Sandown: Speak Speak would have finished much closer to Emphasize at Caulfield last start, but the Ciaron Maher-trained mare was slightly held up at the 500m mark before charging home into third place. The daughter of Sea The Moon had to weave between runners, and once she got into clear air, she stormed home in the final 200m, indicating that the extra 400m here will suit. Jamie Melham will attempt to slot in midfield off the fence, and if she can produce a similar effort, Speak looks like a great each-way bet with Dabble. Best Value Race 6 – #11 Speak (12) 6yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jamie Melham (54kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Sandown Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, February 26, 2025 2-3-5-7-8 4-5-7-8-11 1-5-6-9 2-4-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Several Group races featured across the Caulfield and Rosehill cards; however, for this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have focused on three runners from Caulfield. Each of these runners produced impressive runs without much luck and should be added to your blackbook for their upcoming starts. Caulfield Track rating: Good 4 (up to Good 3 after R5) Rail position: +4m entire circuit Race 4: Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:09.69 Horse to follow: Sergeant Major (3rd) Sergeant Major kicked off his autumn preparation over 1200m, which was always going to be short of his best distance after competing in races over 1400m and 1800m last campaign. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding settled at the back of the field and gradually improved his position on the inside before the home turn. Ethan Brown chose to stick close to the inside rail in the home straight, and in doing so, Sergeant Major finished off nicely to nab third place on the line. When to bet: If Ciaron Maher targets the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 15, Sergeant Major will be able to dodge some of the more talented three-year-olds. If he takes good improvement off his fresh run, the race will suit him well. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Caulfield-2025-Group-3-Zeditave-Stakes-22022025-Tropicus-Anthony-Sam-Freedman-Mark-Zahra.mp4 Race 7: Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:03.78 Horse to follow: Tom Kitten (2nd) The clear forgive run at Caulfield came from the James Cummings-trained Tom Kitten, who was held up from the 500m to the 200m mark before bursting through a gap late. Ben Melham didn’t have many options as he was stuck behind slowing runners and had to wait for a gap to appear. Even though he was held up until the final 200m, he recorded the 14th fastest 400m (22.54s) and the 11th fastest 200m (11.42s) sections of the meeting. When to bet: The Group 1 All Star Mile at Flemington on March 8 could be where Tom Kitten goes next, which is expected to be a very strong race. If James Cummings chooses to skip the All Star Mile and find another race over 1600m, he will be a great bet. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Caulfield-2025-Group-1-Futurity-Stakes-22022025-Mr-Brightside-Ben-Will-JD-Hayes-Craig-Williams.mp4 Race 9: Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) | Time: 1:35.78 Horse to follow: Headwall (4th) Headwall competed in his first Group 1 contest last Saturday, and the Matthew Smith-trained gelding was far from disgraced after being sent around as a +2500 roughie with BlondeBet. The son of Dream Ahead received a good run with cover in the middle of the pack, but turning into the home straight, Harry Coffey saw nothing but backsides. However, once Coffey changed tracks to the inside of runners, Headwall ran through the line as strongly as the placegetters, recording the 10th fastest last 200m (11.41s) section of the meeting. When to bet: There are plenty of options for Headwall in the coming weeks over 1100m or 1200m for his second-up start. Keep an eye out for where Matthew Smith enters him next. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Caulfield-2025-Group-1-Oakleigh-Plate-22022025-Jimmysstar-Ciaron-Maher-Ethan-Brown.mp4 Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Wednesday, February 26, 2025 First Race 2:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Rosehill on Wednesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program set for decision. The rail moves out +7m the entire circuit after racing with the rail out +5m on Saturday, and with no significant rainfall predicted on the radar, punters can anticipate a Good 4 surface for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 2:20pm local time. Best Bet at Rosehill: President President returns after a 283-day spell and brings some elite two-year-old form into this maiden contest. The son of I Am Invincible managed a third-place finish in the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic (1200m) at Doomben on May 18 before being sent to the paddock after suffering a setback. He’s trialled nicely heading into this first-up assignment, and with James McDonald set to get an economical run from stall four, expect President to be right in this when the whips are cracking. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 President (4) 3yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) Next Best at Rosehill: La Roja La Roja ran into a smart one in the form of Island Dec at Canterbury on February 14, but still closed off nicely to suggest the I Am Invincible filly has plenty of upside in her own right. She got within a half-length despite being asked to sprint off a slow tempo, with the lightly raced three-year-old circling the small field of seven. Stepping out to the 1500m should be a recipe for success, and with Joshua Parr set to get the gun run from gate five, expect La Roja to be fighting out the finish once again. Next Best Race 4 – #4 La Roja (5) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Snowden | J: Joshua Parr (58kg) Best Value at Rosehill: Amplify The Ciaron Maher-trained Amplify did enough on debut to suggest she can improve heading into this second-up assignment. The daughter of Microphone looked gone turning for home at Canterbury on February 7, with the three-year-old rallying off the canvas to get within three lengths of Scalable in the concluding stages. The run had merit stepping up to the 1500m, and although Ashley Morgan will need to overcome a sticky draw in stall 10, Amplify should represent good each-way value with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #6 Amplify (10) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ashley Morgan (56kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Rosehill Rosehill quadrella selections February 26, 2025 3-4-5-7-8 2-3-6-7-9 1-2-4-7-9 1-4-5-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Launceston Cup Day 2025 Where Tasmanian Turf Club – Jellico St, Mowbray TAS 7248 When Wednesday, February 26, 2025 First Race 12:47pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) headlines a jam-packed 10-event program at the Tasmanian Turf Club on Wednesday afternoon for one of the biggest days of racing in the state. Clear skies mean the track should remain a Good 4, while the rail shifts out 3m for the entire circuit, ensuring a perfect surface throughout the day. The first race on Launceston Cup Day is set to commence at 12:47pm AEDT. Launceston Cup Tip: Alhambra Lad Alhambra Lad was beaten by a length when rocketing home for the rear of the field in the Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m). The seven-year-old gelding did well to finish as close as he did to Strawberry Rock and Promises Kept, who he meets again. Jake Noonan sticks on board, and from barrier six he only needs a bum to follow approaching the home turn to be featuring in the finish. The $5.50 on offer with Picklebet looks a great price for Alhambra Lad to salute in the 2025 Launceston Cup. Launceston Cup Race 8 – #3 Alhambra Lad (6) 7yo Gelding | T: Patrick & Michelle Payne | J: Jake Noonan (57kg) Vamos Stakes Tip: Geegees Mistruth Geegees Mistruth was levels above her rivals in the Group 3 Mystic Journey Stakes (1200m). The three-year-old filly was forced to travel three wide with no cover up on speed and showed a strong turn of foot, winning by two lengths eased down. Barrier five should allow Anthony Darmanin to find a strong position just off the speed, and given she drops in grade and stays at 53.5kg, Geegees Mistruth should be putting her rivals away with ease in the 2025 Vamos Stakes. Vamos Stakes Race 7 – #13 Geegees Mistruth (5) 3yo Filly | T: Stuart Gandy | J: Anthony Darmanin (53.5kg) Hellova Street Stakes Tip: Munhamek Despite four starts without a win this campaign, Munhamek shapes as the one to beat in the 2025 Hellova Street Stakes. The nine-year-old gelding was last seen finishing 2.7 lengths off Caulfield Cup winner Duke De Sessa in the Group 3 JRA Plate (1600m), and his half-length defeat before that at Flemington in similar company to this reads perfectly. From barrier two, Mark Zahra will need a touch of luck to not get caught up in traffic in the home straight, but if he can do that, Munhamek has a finish that not many of his rivals can match. Hellova Street Stakes Race 9 – #2 Munhamek (2) 9yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: Mark Zahra (59kg) Gold Sovereign Stakes: Crack The Shutters Crack The Shutters was a smart maiden winner at Hobart over the 1100m on February 16. Having been forced to travel wide with no cover throughout, the Alpine Eagle progeny still had the audacity to run on and score by two lengths. From barrier two under Damian Lane, Crack The Shutters will gain a much more economical run in transit on Wednesday, and barring any bad luck in the home straight, she should be winning the 2025 Gold Sovereign Stakes. Gold Sovereign Stakes Race 3 – #6 Crack The Shutters (2) 2yo Filly | T: Stuart Gandy | J: Damian Lane (55kg) Best Bet at Launceston: Hartfelt Hartfelt has not done much wrong in either of his two career starts, and he looks to be building towards a maiden win. The three-year-old gelding finished third on debut when beaten by a half-length, then ran second at the Launceston 1400m on February 2. He returns to that track and distance for this assignment, and with gun hoop Damian Lane hopping on board, Hartfelt will be given every chance to break through from barrier three. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 Hartfelt (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Adam Trinder | J: Damian Lane (58kg) Launceston Cup Day 2025 quaddie tips Launceston quadrella selections Wednesday, February 26, 2025 13 1-2-3 1-2-3-6 Field | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Jimmysstar ridden by Ethan Brown winning the Oakleigh Plate. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Jimmysstar, winner of last weekend’s Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m), could be set for the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 22. The Ciaron Maher-trained five-year-old gelding was competing at Group 1 level for just the second time when scoring by 1.3 lengths in the Oakleigh Plate, and Maher believes the $1 million sprint could be a logical next step. “It will be interesting to see what his rating gets to,” Maher told Racing.com. “There’s a plethora of options for him but maybe a William Reid 1200 metres around The Valley? He is in really good order. “He had furnished going into this prep and he is just a horse the owners have been patient with and he’s at the top of his game.” Meanwhile, Maher confirmed that Growing Empire is set for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8, while I Am Me remains in contention for both the Newmarket and the William Reid following her 13th-place finish in the Oakleigh Plate. “She was off the bridle early and didn’t get a lot of luck late, so her next run will be interesting because you could argue she had plenty to offer,” Maher said. Horse racing news View the full article

With the Kentucky Derby (G1) distance still a question for Built, the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots March 22 will play an important role in determining the colt's future.View the full article

Horse Racing Radio Network, the award-winning broadcast organization based in Lexington, announced today that its popular weekly Trainer Talk show presented by Fasig-Tipton will be moving to a new day and time.View the full article

Multiple Group 1 winner, Atishu. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Chris Waller has confirmed that Group 1-winning mare Atishu will target next month’s $2.5 million Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington. While Via Sistina and Fangirl will remain in Sydney this autumn, Waller highlighted Atishu’s impressive record at Flemington as the key factor behind her placement in the lucrative mile feature. “Atishu is just so brilliant at Flemington,” Waller told Racing.com. “She is a length behind Fangirl and Via Sistina, but at her last run there (Flemington) she ran a great second to Via Sistina and the All-Star Mile just looks a very good race for her before she goes onto the Australian Cup.” The seven-year-old has already enjoyed success at the Melbourne track, having won the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m), Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), and Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m). Meanwhile, Waller confirmed that both Via Sistina and Fangirl will take their place in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. “The All-Star Mile is great prize-money, but the Chipping Norton (Verry Elleegant Stakes) is in our backyard, so both Via Sistina and Fangirl will run there Saturday,” Waller said. “It’s been a good race for us, win or lose it, as a good stepping stone to a George Ryder for her (Fangirl) and Via Sistina will probably go to the Ranvet. “They’ll have to race against each other on Saturday, but after that, they can run on the same day but in different races.” Horse racing news View the full article

This week, Michael’s joined in studio by the boss of Te Akau racing, David Ellis, to chat the stable’s expansion, his love of and success at the sales, the state of the industry, his hall of fame induction, and where to next for the Tangerine. Guerin Report – Ep.26 Ft. David Ellis View the full article

Well-performed stablemates Talisker (NZ) (Embellish) and Trobriand (Kermadec) will aim to take their season to the next level at Taupo on Wednesday with a strong assignment in the Fiber Fresh (1400m). The pair have raced alongside each other for much of their career, filling the quinella in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) as juveniles, and finishing fourth and second respectively in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at three. While racing in top company last autumn, they both didn’t find that form, but have regained confidence at four with Talisker finishing third to stablemate My Lips Are Sealed in the Gr.3 Phar Lap Trophy (1600m) before a dominant win at Taranaki earlier this month. Sam Bergerson, who trains the Te Akau galloper with Mark Walker, took plenty of satisfaction from the last-start victory. “He’s always been a talented galloper, his three-year-old form behind Crocetti was very good and we feel that mentally he’s taken a little while,” he said. “It was good to see him do that at Taranaki, hopefully now he’s got a bit of confidence to go on to bigger and better things. “We’ll get through Wednesday, and if we keep him at 1400m, we may look at the Flying Handicap (Listed) at Trentham on the 29th (of March). If we wanted to go up to a mile, we could go to Tauranga for the Japan Trophy (Gr.2, 1600m) on the 15th, but we do feel he’s a little bit stronger left-handed. “Those are in mind for him if he runs well.” Trobriand kicked off his season in style at Taupo with a big display over 1200m, but that momentum came to a halt when he suffered a cardiac arrythmia in early October. After a spell, he came back to place third to Tomodachi and Glamour Tycoon in a pair of 1200m contests at Tauranga, and that pair went on to quinella the open sprint on Avondale Cup Day. “I thought he was good first-up, then probably just okay last time at Tauranga, but it was that day where they seemed to have to be either on the rail or one-off to win,” Bergerson said. “In saying that, I think the winner of that race (Glamour Tycoon) is a very nice horse and ran well at Ellerslie on Saturday, so he wasn’t disgraced. He’s knocking on the door without winning, he’s just had a few setbacks this season and his work was really good on Saturday. “He’s won at Taupo earlier in the season, so back there and sneaking in at a nice light weight and Michael (McNab) on really helps. He’s got a few ticks there, so hopefully he can go out and run well.” Trobriand was a classy colt in the early stages of his career but was gelded over the winter, which Bergerson said has improved his manner around their Matamata stable. “His demeanour has really changed, it probably hasn’t yet transpired on to the track as he was a good colt,” he said. “But he’s much lovelier to deal with at home and his work has been super, he probably just hasn’t gone to that next level yet. “Hopefully we’re on top of his niggles now and he can get back to some winning form.” The pair currently share favouritism for the race at $4, with Talisker set to carry 4.5kg more under Craig Grylls. View the full article

Continue your working week with an exciting lineup of horse racing promotions this Tuesday, February 25. Top-tier online bookmakers are offering incredible bonus-back specials, enhanced odds, and other enticing deals to take your betting experience to new heights. Whether you’re placing a bet on a long shot or backing a proven favourite, these promotions ensure you get more out of every wager. With money-back offers on close calls and boosted payouts on feature races, now’s the perfect time to dive into the action. Don’t miss out on these generous offers—explore the latest promotions today and make this Tuesday’s races one to remember! The top Australian racing promotions for February 25, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet 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 10 AGAIN! – Kembla Grange 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 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 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 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 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 by a specified number of legs. Fixed Odds only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet 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 25, 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. More horse racing promotions 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

Aron Wellman joined the BloodHorse Monday podcast Feb. 24 to discuss Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Kentucky Derby hopefuls Built and Journalism. Frank Angst and Chance Moquett also highlight a new ratings system being developed by Equibase.View the full article

BH Interview with Tom HammView the full article

In an era when it feels ever harder to trust what you're seeing, how edifying to find something “fake” that actually authenticates a genuine, old-school, artisanal flair. That's not to deny the technological short-cuts nowadays available to John Cox, compared to when he started trading out of his garage back in 1982. But anyone touring the Lexington premises of Thorough-Graphics–this Aladdin's cave, teeming with color and invention, where Cox and his family supply around 70 percent of signage to the local Thoroughbred industry–will unfailingly be drawn to the “antique” signs he has been contriving over the last decade or so. It is little more than a sideline, developed during fallow periods in the sales calendar that drives most turnover. But there's no mistaking the satisfaction it provides, to craftsman and customers alike. Cox had always been intrigued, back at the University of Kentucky, by trompe l'oeil (literally, “trick the eye”). “We had a visiting professor who was big into that stuff,” Cox recalls. “So the first semester with him, I carved a deflated basketball out of wood: it was stained with leather dye, and had all the dimples in it, and lettering to make it look deflated. And then, the second semester, I carved an IZOD alligator shirt, again with folds in it, just using different techniques to make it look real–the round end of a ball peen hammer to give it texture, things like that.” Paradoxically, the charming “antique” effect Cox can simulate now, as a seasoned master of his trade, would be much harder to achieve with genuinely aged material. “People have offered me old barn wood and asked whether I could paint on that,” he says. “But it'll have stuff in the grain, and the original paint will have gone into little cracks. It's much easier to paint it all new, and then make it look old. So we start by trying to make them look just like they would have done, when brand new, with the correct typefaces for the period. And then it's about knowing how paint ages over the years. We've redone so many signs that have had taken lots of weather, rust and rot. So we just try to emulate that the best we can: sanding, a little wood carving, and glazing to make it yellow the way old lead paints would.” Cox leaves the reverse pristine, ensuring that nobody will ever be deceived about what they might be buying. And, as it happens, the “new old” look aptly symbolizes the evolution of the business: John and his wife Ann now being joined by son John Jr. and often, especially during the baseball off season (her husband is a minor league pitcher), by daughter Abby. For this is a true family firm, passing skills from one generation to the next–and, as such, typical of the myriad ancillary specialists nourished by the concentration of an international industry in this neighborhood. Credit Chris McGrath Growing up, Cox had a typical local exposure to horses. His mother sold bloodstock advertising, and the family went racing at Keeneland and the Red Mile. One of the ways he paid his way through college was as usher in the reserved seats at Keeneland; another was working at a local sign company focused on Thoroughbred sales: branding for stall doors, flowerboxes, awnings. And while his brother Jim followed in their mother's footsteps, later joining Darley as head of marketing, at just 23 Cox decided there was enough demand to give his former employers a little competition. “I thought I'd just be cheaper and get all their business!” he recalls. “Well, it doesn't work that way. I quickly learned that it was about building relationships. It's a unique little niche. We can do a lot of other signs, too, but when the sales are rolling, we have to turn away everything else because we just don't have time.” An annual highlight of the cycle is Saratoga, where Cox has been going for 35 years. Actually he made the Hall of Fame plaques at the National Museum of Racing, until they ran out of space and went virtual. But the main action up there, just as in Lexington, has always been the sales–where clients typically have permanent boards on which a film of clear static, with appropriate lettering, can be peeled away and replaced. “Fasig-Tipton give us a little place to set up and work on the property,” he explains. “We try to do it all before we get there, but inevitably somebody wins a race across the street and a half-brother needs an update sign. We also paint the jockey [statuettes], in front of the pavilion, in the colors of Grade I winners since the previous sale.” And while they don't paint the Travers canoe, they did a version in green-and-yellow when Lane's End found one to celebrate Code of Honor's win a few years ago; and then repainted it in the Repole colors, to show at the September Sale, after City of Light came up with Fierceness. That's instructive both of the improvisation that characterizes many client requests, and of how all of us, without particularly noticing, develop a brand awareness. As you walk round the workshops and storerooms, and see samples leaning here and there, you realize how effectively different farms have identified with their liveries: gray-and-yellow for Stone Farm, for instance, yellow-and-black for Claiborne. Not forgetting, of course, the familiar greens and blues of two rival auction houses. All these color schemes tend to be developed by clients themselves, with agency help, but it's Thorough-Graphics that deploys them. “People want their colors on everything from their card boxes to a feed tub that no horse ever eats out of,” Cox says. “And we also do plenty out on the farms, from vehicles to stallion plaques. We've done a bit of everything, right down to jockey silks on the bottom of a swimming pool.” Some clients additionally seek creative guidance. Some, equally, will go their own way and break all the design rules. If they do, well, the customer is always right. “I've made signs I wouldn't necessarily put my name on,” Cox admits. “You try to talk them out of it, but their kid has designed it or something. There's several you see, driving around town, that you think, 'Hmm, there's a kid involved in this somehow!'” Cox, who has taught design and layout classes across North America, seeks to combine functionality with aesthetics. “What makes a good sign?” he asks. “It's about how you manipulate fonts and colors to get an effect. Since the invention of these little 'cricut' machines, which cut out letters so that people can just stick them on, it's not the same. Because they don't know about how to make things pleasing to the eye. So, yes, we'd like to think we can do that better.” Cox and colleagues who share those standards around the country send each other photos of particularly egregious signs. “We're like the sign police,” he says. “Writing tickets.” Conversely he likes to surround himself, as a collector, with the best of his trade. “It helps me, as a designer, to have all this visual inspiration around us here, all the different colors,” he says, pointing to a wall. “Those are original show cards for bands that played in San Jose and San Francisco in the late '70s, early '80s. I had a friend who hand-painted them all, to put in ticket office kiosks. I convinced him to move to Lexington and we started a sign-painting school here, in 1989. We'd only been going six months when he had a heart attack and died. He was only 46. He was a real inspiration to me.” Credit Chris McGrath Cox donated many samples of that friend's work to the American Sign Museum at Cincinnati, which includes a model “Main Street.” Last May, moreover, he spent eight days working on storefronts for that remarkable exhibit, one of around 40 experts giving their time from around the nation. But if the best share timeless standards, their working landscape remains ever shifting–for better or worse. They can't use redwood anymore, for instance, and sandblasting red cedar instead evidently yields trickily uneven outcomes. And modern paint, even the expensive enamel that Cox uses, doesn't last so well because it can no longer contain lead. On the other hand, technology has transformed opportunities since the firm's foundation. The continuity comes through the people instead. Until recently, John Jr. was working as a lobbyist at the state capital in Frankfort. But he has gone back to his roots with a view to consolidating his parents' work across decades of transformation. Today Cox can show you round the workshop and explain the workings of giant, computerized printers and plotters, whether cutting out adhesive vinyl or printing out static cling-on. Ink is dried by ultra-violet lights as a suction belt pulls it through. On the other hand, some challenges remain as old as the frontier. Cox points to one sign from a famous farm. “Here's one we're having to redo because it got shot a couple times,” he explains. “Never know what happens out there on a country road!” In between, Cox has helped to shape the background–in barely noticed increments that aggregate to something fundamental–to the professional lives of a whole community. At the breeding stock sales last November, Thorough-Graphics clients made 22 of the top 25 sales at Fasig-Tipton and nine of the top 10 at Keeneland. Not that they're taking specific credit. “Our people sell some $1,000 horses too,” Cox acknowledges. “But we wouldn't mind working on commission sometimes!” His handiwork is so ubiquitous that he even takes credit for introducing branded hip stickers to sale consignments. As so often, necessity was the mother of invention: if your hands ache enough, you're going to come up with something like static cling. “We used to hand-paint everything,” Cox recalls. “Didn't have computers or plotters or printers. I just learned the same way sign painters had always learned. But it got to a point, maybe the early '90s, where I kept getting more and more business but couldn't keep up, simply because I couldn't paint that quickly. It took a real toll. “Even in college I used to dream of a machine where you just stuck a piece of poster board in one end and it came out the other, finished. And now that's exactly what I have. We've had a flatbed printer about 18 years. So it's all come a long way. It's all very different, but still the same kind of product.” So does part of him, having learned the lore of the old craftsmen, feel that it's almost cheating? Almost too easy? “Maybe at first,” he says with a wry grin. “But now, not at all. It was very laborious doing all that stuff. Your hands hurt. We still do some things by hand, like the statuettes. But otherwise I'm very happy to say adios to all of that.” Guess you might even call it a sign of the times. The post A Family Firm Dealing in Signs and Wonders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article