Wandering Eyes

Three-time Group One winner Militarize (NZ) (Dundeel) has gone back into training last week and been gelded after fertility problems put a premature end to his career at stud. The Golden Rose, Champagne Stakes and Sires’ Produce winner was standing for a fee of a $38,500, but the son of Dundeel only got a handful of mares in foal in his first season. “Just a small handful, only a couple (of mares in foal), so you never know maybe one day they will be racing him in a few years’ time,” Newgate Managing Director Henry Field said. Militarize’s most recent start was in the G1 Doncaster back in April when he finished third behind Celestial Legend. It was a frustrating autumn of placings in all four runs for the now four-year-old, including in the G1 Randwick Guineas and George Ryder Stakes. Field said Militarize will spend a few more weeks at the pre-trainers before heading to Chris Waller and returning to racing in the autumn. “He’s thriving and has settled into pre-training really well and he is going back to Chris Waller in a few weeks’ time to target the back end of autumn and into the winter,” he said. “We are excited about him … he retired from racing sound and clean winded, all of the things you need, so he’s got a bright future. “The only risk I suppose is has he enjoyed breeding a few mares and whether his mind is on the job? “But he’s been gelded so hopefully he can make a good comeback. “And the good thing with the Dundeel sire line is they get better as they get older, so hopefully he will have plenty of racing left in him.” Militarize has raced 13 times, including in nine G1 races, for four career wins and earnings of more than $2.5 million. View the full article

Ancroft Stud have not been short of top-quality fillies in recent years, and on Friday at Tauranga, Matamata trainer Cody Cole will kick off the career of another future prospect in Luna Star (NZ) (Almanzor). Luna Star will be Cole’s first representative for the Philip and Catherine Brown-owned operation, with their colours made prominent with superstar mares Levante and Legarto, who have accumulated seven Group One victories collectively in the care of Ken and Bev Kelso. Passed in as a yearling at Karaka, Luna Star made her way to Cole’s stable, an idea that was sparked after he prepared another Ancroft youngster to sell on. “I actually had a horse for them that we sold, and instead of the commission, I asked if they would give me a filly to train at some stage if they find the right one,” Cole said. “The first one didn’t make it to the races, she just had a few too many issues, but this was the replacement. I’m very grateful to get her, she’s out of a good, proven mare and by Almanzor. She’s got a nice pedigree and is a beautiful type. “She’s probably just taken a wee while to mature up physically and we’re not going to see the best of her until next season, but if she can run a nice race for her first start, she’ll take good improvement out of the experience. “She’s got a future, it’s just whether we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see it.” Luna Star will take her place on debut in the Duncan Dental Maiden (1200m), which will also feature her Cambridge Stud-owned stablemate Power Of Three (Yes Yes Yes). After starting her career in Victoria, the Yes Yes Yes filly made a positive start for Cole at Rotorua, finishing third to promising type Adelante. “It was a super kick-off point, she didn’t have much form on the board in Australia, but I think that was maturity more than anything,” he said. “Now that she’s had a bit of time and coping with her training, as they did have issues keeping weight on her over there, she looks like a winner waiting to happen. “She was vulnerable fitness-wise there and the surface was probably a bit firmer than what she wanted, but she’s come through it well and worked well this morning (Tuesday). She’s an improver off her first run and if she can a bit of luck from the gate, she can feature in the finish.” In the Rob Pinney Realtycom Maiden (1400m), Trelawney Stud home-bred Astoria Brooke (NZ) (American Pharoah) will have her third race-day appearance after coming from a long way back into fifth at Otaki. The filly holds a special place in the Cole stable as a daughter of Astor, his first black-type winner in the Listed Mufhasa Fasttrack Stakes (1300m) of 2018. “She’s always looked like a filly who could go well over a mile, she just needs to learn to relax a bit,” Cole said. “It probably wasn’t Michael’s best ride there at Otaki and he was the first to admit that, but in hindsight, it’s been beneficial, her work since has been much more relaxed and she’s been doing her best work late in her fast work. “She’s drawn a very tough gate (17) and she’ll need a bit of luck from out there, but I trained the dam who was a stakes winner, and this filly seems to have the ability as well. She’s probably six months away from putting it together, but I do like her.” Last-start winner Secret Life (NZ) (Contributer) will take her place in the Real Chartered Accountants (1400m), the four-year-old mare by Mapperley Stud’s late sire Contributer. “She’s a mare that was probably quite immature so we couldn’t quite get the work into her to string the runs together as a young horse,” Cole said. “She won really well there against the pattern at Taranaki and she prefers a bit of moisture around, so we’ve been waiting on that. I’m happy with her and she’s well capable of stepping up to 65 grade, she’ll be getting back over 1400 and needing a bit of luck and tempo to get into the race.” Mapperley Stud principal Simms Davison is one of several owners a humbled Cole has plenty of gratitude for. “I’ve been very fortunate having support from various studs and other owners as well, we’ve got a lot of new owners that have come in probably from half-way through last season to now,” he said. “It’s good to get the opportunities from those sorts of people, Trelawney and Cambridge, and we’ve always done a bit with Mapperley. Westbury has been one of the biggest supporters early in my career as well. “When you start out training on your own and without a partnership, you’ve got to make these connections for yourself, which takes some time and effort. It’s great to be rewarded by those bigger studs now which is really encouraging going forward. “I’m not sure why they’ve chosen me exactly, but it’s very pleasing and I’m very grateful.” The Westbury Stud association continued at Trentham last Saturday, with promising stayer The Prophet (NZ) (Redwood) blowing away his rivals at his first attempt over ground, despite showing his inexperience through stages of the race. The 2100m contest was a qualifier for the Dunstan Horsefeeds Championship Final (2400m) on Boxing Day, but Cole is in no rush to step up his patiently handled five-year-old. “It was super for his first time over ground, he always indicated that he wanted to run a trip but to be fair to the horse, he hasn’t had a lot of luck in his runs leading into that race with wide draws and other factors,” Cole said. “With his greenness, I’ll just be taking him along quietly, there are plenty of nice staying races after Christmas if he can work his way to that sort of level. But, just with how much he’s doing wrong, a high-pressure race around Ellerslie would probably be throwing him in the deep end a little bit soon.” View the full article

Group Three performer Canheroc (NZ) (El Roca) has just one Cup to his name, but trainer Chris Wood is keen to double that haul when they head to Te Rapa on Saturday to tackle the Gr.3 SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m). The seven-year-old son of El Roca was victorious in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m) in January before running third in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) later that month, and he added another Cup placing to his name when third in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton last month. Wood was pleased with his charge’s run and said he is in good order and in a fresh state heading into Saturday’s contest. “He came back from Christchurch and had an easy week, and he has been back into his work again,” Wood said. “He has had a few gallops and he has pleased me, he is happy. “He is going to have fresh legs for Saturday after about a month since he has raced, but I have done plenty of work with him and I am happy with where he is.” Canheroc’s main aim of the summer is next month’s Gr.3 NZ Campus Of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham, and he is hoping Saturday’s run can put him on the right path for the staying feature. “It (Waikato Cup) doesn’t look super strong on paper, but any race is hard to win in New Zealand now, there aren’t as many horses going offshore anymore now that the stakes money is good,” he said. “There are a few Open Handicaps coming up in the next few weeks and the horses can’t be everywhere. He will have the run here, another in a couple of weeks just after Christmas at Wellington, and then we will look at the Wellington Cup, everything going right. “He didn’t have much luck this year and we are hoping things go better next year.” Wood will also be represented on Te Rapa’s undercard by Alfriston (Jukebox), who will contest the Comag Plumbing, Drainlaying and Roofing Hamilton 1300. “He is a bit of an enigma, he is a funny little fella,” Wood said. “He went a super race two starts ago at Te Rapa and flew home from the back for third. “I took him down to New Plymouth and there wasn’t a lot of tempo in the race, and they walked and sprinted, and left him flat-footed. He made up a little bit of ground. He ran last, but he wasn’t that far off them. “Masa (Hashizume, jockey) seemed to get on well with him at Te Rapa, so he is back on him again, and he is really in form, so hopefully he will pull something out of the hat for me.” A day prior, Wood will head to Tauranga with two runners – Bertie Wooster (NZ) (What’s The Story) in the Rob Pinny Realtycom Maiden 1400 and Emmy Dazzler (NZ) (Embellish) in the Real Chartered Accountants 1400. “Bertie Wooster has drawn 18 unfortunately, so we will just see what happens,” Wood said. “He ran at Te Aroha a few weeks ago, got back and stormed home for fourth. I thought it was a really good run, and he is improved from that. “Emmy Dazzler probably wants the cut out of the track and we might just get that at Tauranga this week. There’s talk that there will be a bit of rain there Thursday, but it dried really well the last time the rain came at Tauranga, so hopefully they don’t get too bad of a track as it is that time of year you want horses to be racing on Good tracks. “If she doesn’t fire this time, I will give her a break until we get a bit of cut of the track in autumn.” Meanwhile, Wood’s promising two-year-old That’s Gold (Lucky Vega) has been gelded and is enjoying a spell ahead of some juvenile targets later this season. “He has been gelded and he will go out for a break for three or four weeks and he will be back for the two-year-old races in February and March,” Wood said. “He has run home well every time he has started. It was a huge run the other day when he ran third at Ellerslie again. He is progressing nicely. I think he is going to be a really nice horse going forward.” View the full article

Cliff Matson’s blue and white silks have featured frequently in the winner’s enclosure of late and his run of success continued on Sunday at Te Aroha. The Auckland-based businessman has a number of horses based with the in-form Wexford Stables, with his recent winners Texas Hold ‘Em and Sax ‘n’ Silks joined by Dua Dance (NZ) (Yes Yes Yes) and Jungleland at the meeting. A filly by recent Everest winner Yes Yes Yes, Dua Dance was having her fifth race-day appearance for trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, favoured to be an improver off a last-start seventh to subsequent Group Three placegetter She’s Untouchable. In the hands of Masa Hashizume, Dua Dance was eased back to the tail of the field early in the Shackerell Electrical (1150m) and came right to the outside turning for home, showing a sharp closing sprint to run down Transatlantic by a nose. Wexford Stables selected Dua Dance out of Little Avondale Stud’s draft at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sales for $115,000, and taking a liking to the compact filly, Matson elected to take the majority share, with Katrina Dansted and prominent owner Ben Kwok also among her ownership group. “He (Matson) breeds horses, buys them at the sales and just loves the game,” Scott said. “He loves winning and does really well. “We bought Dua Dance as a yearling and she’s a filly with a good load of talent, but she’s just taken a while to learn her trade. She’s starting to relax now and she’s got a beautiful strong finish, which was great to see on Sunday. “It fulfilled our hopes of what ability we felt she had, and now, she’ll just keep growing in confidence with the win. She’s certainly got black-type ability, but she’s just lacked the confidence to relax in the run. “She’s away now.” Matson has also delved into the breeding space under his Lanford Investments banner for a number of years, with Jungleland (NZ) (Tarzino) the final foal out of his Opren mare Morton Babe. A four-year-old by Tarzino, Jungleland relished the step-up in distance in the Manco (1600m) and was prominent early under Craig Grylls, settling one-back on the fence. Coming off the rail on the corner, Jungleland started to go through his gears down the straight and kept finding, holding out Chuckle’s Daughter to score by a long neck. Scott indicated that time has been a friend to the gelding, crediting Matson’s patience in allowing him to develop through his three-year-old term. “He’s been a gelding that lacked a bit of physical strength at three, and now he’s that year older, he’s a real Kiwi staying horse in the making,” he said. “He’s got the strength to quicken and he’ll only continue to get better with age. He’s got the right kind of owner in Cliff, who has the patience to bring him through. “He’s got a good staying future as an older horse.” Jungleland has some stellar middle-distance bloodlines with Morton Babe a half-sister to champion race-mare Silent Achiever. A race winner herself, Morton Babe has been a successful producer in the broodmare paddock, with eight of her nine foals to race being winners, among those a multiple-Group Three placegetter in Cruiser. View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, December 11, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday evening for a bumper nine-race program set to get underway at 9:40pm local time. The rail moves out to the B course after racing in the true position last Wednesday for the International Jockey Championship, and with no rain predicted on Monday and Tuesday, punters can anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Telecom Dragon Telecom Dragon only found one better in the form of Yee Cheong Spirit at this course and distance on November 20 and appears set to peak third-up into the campaign. The son of Derryn got every chance when squeezing through a gap but was simply no match for the eventual winner when the sprint went on. James McDonald should land into the one-one from barrier three, and with no Yee Cheong Spirit here to spoil the party, Telecom Dragon must be considered the one to beat. Best Bet Race 3 – #6 Telecom Dragon (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Dennis Yip | J: James McDonald (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Modest Gentleman The Dennis Yip-trained Modest Gentleman was a good thing licked in his latest outing, never coming off the bridal at this track and trip on November 27. He had nowhere to go when racing behind a wall of horses, sitting in behind for a glorified barrier trial when beaten 2.3 lengths under a stranglehold. Harry Bentley does the steering from barrier three this time around, and with even luck, expect Modest Gentleman to justify the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 2 – #2 Modest Gentleman (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Dennis Yip | J: Harry Bentley (61kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Happy Valley: Noisy Boy Noisy Boy represents terrific each-way value in the Happy Valley finale after hitting the line well first-up over an unsuitable trip at Sha Tin on November 3. The 1400m was too sharp for the son of Real Steel but he never shirked the task, however, getting within five lengths of the in-form My Wish. His barrier trial behind Massive Sovereign over 1600m couldn’t have been more impressive, and although it may be a start early before he peaks, the price on offer with Picklebet is too juicy to ignore. Best Value Race 9 – #4 Noisy Boy (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Dennis Yip | J: Brenton Avdulla (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections December 11, 2024 1-2-6-8-10 2-6-10 1-2-3-9-11 1-4-6-7-9-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Ipswich Races Where Ipswich Turf Club – 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304 When Wednesday, December 11, 2024 First Race 1:38pm AEST Visit Dabble Ipswich will host a quickfire six-race meeting this Thursday afternoon, with the first event scheduled to jump at 1:38pm AEST. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with more rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, it is expected that the surface will only worsen. The rail will be in the +8m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Ipswich: Love ‘N’ Rockets Love ‘N’ Rockets was well supported with horse racing bookmakers on debut at Toowoomba when second behind Zheng You over 1200m. The daughter of Spirit Of Boom settled behind the leaders on the fence, and after angling off the rail to make her run, she let down with a blistering turn of foot. With race experience and further fitness under her belt, Love ‘N’ Rockets will only have to improve slightly to break her maiden at the second time of asking. Best Bet Race 4 – #8 Love ‘N’ Rockets (1) 3yo Filly | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (58kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best at Ipswich: Sultry Siren Robert Heathcote has Sultry Siren in career-best form this preparation, recording two wins and two seconds from five starts. This daughter of Snitzel flew home from the back of the field to claim victory over 1200m at Doomben two starts back before being beaten by the smart Taltarni Fields at the same track and trip. With a hot speed expected here, Bailey Wheeler can settle Sultry Siren behind the speed and receive the run of the race. Next Best Race 6 – #8 Sultry Siren (5) 4yo Mare | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Bailey Wheeler (a1.5) (58kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Ipswich: She’s Got Lyrics After a second-place finish at this track and trip on November 28, She’s Got Lyrics appears ready to break her maiden. Last start, this Tony Gollan-trained mare chased hard from midfield to go down by a small margin in her second attempt at 1350m. The daughter of Rubick will appreciate a better barrier (3) and Emily Lang’s 2kg claim as she hits peak fitness fourth-up. If She’s Got Lyrics can settle in the first four from her inside gate, she will prove hard to hold out late. Best Value Race 1 – #7 She’s Got Lyrics (3) 4yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Emily Lang (a2) (55.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Ipswich races Ipswich quadrella selections Wednesday, December 11, 2024 1-2-5-9 1-8-9-10-12 1-2-11 1-5-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Racing Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Wednesday, December 11, 2024 First Race 1:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Wyong on Wednesday afternoon, with a quality seven-part program highlighted by the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) & Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Stakes (1200m). The rail is in the true position the entire circuit for the meeting, and although the track is rated a Good 4 at the time of acceptances, some light rainfall leading into race-day could mean a downgrade into the Soft range at some stage. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:45pm AEDT. Magic Millions 2YO Classic Tip: Tempestuous The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Tempestuous caught the eye debuting in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) at Randwick on October 5, doing his best work late to get within a head of King Kirk. The third horse and stable companion, North England, has already franked the form by claiming the Group 3 Golden Gift (1100m) since, suggesting it’s a form reference worth following into the summer months. Nash Rawiller can lob into the one-one from barrier two, and provided he’s come on from that first-up performance, Tempestuous should justify the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Magic Millions 2YO Classic Race 6 – #6 Tempestuous (2) 2yo Colt | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Nash Rawiller (56.5kg) +120 with Neds Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Classic: Bauhinia Bauhinia returns after a 108-day spell and gave a good account of herself in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on August 24. The daughter of Hellbent chased from the rear of the field to get within 1.4 lengths of Ameena and Manaal on that occasion, making strong inroads towards the inside running rail, which also happened to be the worst part of the track. Tommy Berry can elect to be positive drawn in gate three, and with Bauhinia possessing an impressive turn-of-foot, watch for this lightly raced filly to be finishing off best at a good price with BlondeBet. Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Classic Race 4 – #9 Bauhinia (3) 3yo Filly | T: Lee & Cherie Curtis | J: Tommy Berry (54kg) +320 with BlondeBet Best Bet at Wyong: Mannerheim Mannerheim appears set to peak third-up after flashing through the line over 1600m at Hawkesbury on November 21. The Dundeel gelding took forever to wind-up; however, he produced something similar second-up last preparation before going on to score impressively at the third time of asking. He should get the gun run and do no work under Tommy Berry from gate one, and provided he can get off the inside at a crucial stage, Mannerheim should be eyeing off his third career victory. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Mannerheim (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Tommy Berry (60kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Wyong: Delrico Delrico returns after 138 days off the scene and underwent a gelding operation in his time away from racing. It appears to have done the trick for the son of Kingman, cruising through the wire under his own steam in a recent barrier trial at Randwick on November 26. Stall one should give him every chance to make an impression on resumption, and with the 1350m showing intent from the stable, Delrico should prove up to the task. Next Best Race 1 – #2 Delrico (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Tommy Berry (57.5kg) Bet with Playup Wednesday quaddie tips for Wyong Wyong quadrella selections December 11, 2024 2-7-8-9 2-6 4-6-8 1-5-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Jimmysstar was an impressive winner of the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has announced a significant agreement with Mount Scopus Memorial College, granting the school the right to purchase surplus land west of the Caulfield Racecourse for $195 million. The agreement, which includes an option arrangement, paves the way for the development of a new campus by Mount Scopus, consolidating its existing facilities and contributing to the local community. MRC Chairman John Kanga highlighted the extensive review conducted by Ernst & Young, which deemed the transaction beneficial for both the Club and its members. He noted that the Board’s decision aligns with their long-term strategy, putting the Club in a strong financial position moving forward. Negotiations with the purchaser have spanned a year, and the proposed campus has garnered bipartisan government support. Kanga emphasised the dual benefits of the agreement, stating that it not only supports the educational institution but also serves the broader community by repurposing the land for constructive use. The property, historically used for stables and horse training, has been largely unused since late 2021. The planned school campus will further enhance the neighborhood, offering opportunities for both educational and external functions. Addressing the MRC’s financial landscape, Kanga took a firm stance against prior mismanagement by former leadership, citing $165 million in debt accrued from unnecessary and poorly executed infrastructure projects at Caulfield Racecourse. He underscored that the sale allows the Club to eliminate this debt and stabilise its finances. Future efforts will focus on revitalising Sandown Racecourse and restoring the Caulfield Mounting Yard to its original, functional design. “This transaction represents a turning point for the Club, enabling us to resolve past issues and secure a prosperous future,” Kanga stated. “The outcome is immensely positive for the Club and the broader racing community.” The deal is expected to be finalised within 18–24 months, marking a new chapter in the MRC’s operations and fostering growth for both the racing and local communities. Horse racing news View the full article

Connections after Pride Of Jenni won the 2024 All-Star Mile. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) have confirmed the race and entry conditions for the 2025 All-Star Mile, which will carry Group 1 status for the first time. As announced in August, the All-Star Mile (1600m) will be held at Flemington Racecourse, making its return as part of an iconic autumn raceday, alongside the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on Super Saturday, March 8, 2025. The race will be run over 1600 metres in a Group 1 weight-for-age format, with no claims. The total prizemoney is set at $2.5 million, with the winner taking home $1.5 million. Second place will receive $400,000, third place $200,000, and placements from fourth to eighth will be rewarded with $40,000 each. The remaining horses in the field of 16 starters plus four emergencies will each take home $10,000. The All-Star Mile’s new home at Flemington further strengthens its connection to the Group 1 $2.5 million Australian Cup (2000m), which is scheduled for March 29, 2025. The two prestigious races at Flemington will make for an exciting double header in the autumn racing carnival. Entry into the 2025 All-Star Mile will be via nominations, automatic entries through “Win and You’re In” races, and wildcard entries. Horses must be nominated by 12pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, for a $500 fee. Late nominations will be accepted until 12pm (AEDT) on Friday, February 14, 2025, for a $1,000 fee. After nominations close, an order of entry will be published and updated weekly. Acceptances for the race will close on 5 March 2025, with a $10,000 acceptance fee payable to start. The winners of the following five races will automatically qualify for the 2025 All-Star Mile: Group 1 C.F.Orr Stakes (1400m), Caulfield, February 8 Listed Elms Stakes (1400m), Flemington, February 15 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m), Caulfield, February 22 Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m), Flemington, March 1 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), Flemington, March 1 If the winner of any of these races is not already nominated, connections can pay a late entry fee of $500 by 12pm (AEDT) on Monday, 3 March 2025. A panel from RV and VRC will have the discretion to issue wildcard entries, primarily for emerging talent or horses based outside Victoria, to ensure a competitive and diverse field. Wildcard entries will be announced no later than Monday, March 3, 2025. Horse racing news View the full article

Steparty. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Trainer Paul Preusker believes Group 3 winner Steparty is in career-best form ahead of his biggest challenge yet in the $2 million Group 2 The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. The son of Artie Schiller made a stunning start to his career with five consecutive wins, including victory in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m). However, his winning streak ended in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last year, where he finished behind Griff. Despite going winless in his last ten starts, Steparty has shown strong form, most recently placing third in the Group 2 The Damien Oliver (1400m), the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), and The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange. Preusker is confident the four-year-old is primed for a peak performance in The Ingham. “I think he’s right there now,” Preusker told Racing.com. “It ended up a bit tricky (in The Gong), the way the track was playing as he got shuffled back and had to go down the slow side. “The effort was ten out of ten from the horse, and he was given a great ride by Blaike McDougall. “It’s been a bit of a tricky map with his programming early. I just needed to get him to the races to bring him up. “A few of the colt traits are slowly starting to settle, and he’s giving jockeys a better ride.” Horse racing news View the full article

Soulcombe. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Soulcombe has returned to training, with a light autumn campaign planned for next year as he builds towards another tilt at the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in the spring. The Chris Waller-trained son of Frankel has been off the track since his runner-up finish in the 2023 Flemington showpiece, with connections allowing ample time for rehabilitation following an off-fore injury. “We’ve purposefully taken our time with him,” managing owner Ozzie Kheir told Racing.com. “I reckon we’ve given him three or four months longer rehab than we typically would or that we needed to just to give him the best chance of a full recovery. “Our view is he’s a Melbourne Cup horse, and we didn’t want to rush him into this year’s race, so we’ve taken it slowly, and fingers crossed he can get back to the races and to the big one next spring.” It is expected that the 2023 Melbourne Cup runner-up will be seen briefly during the upcoming autumn carnival. “We hope to give him a couple of runs in the autumn,” Kheir said. “We’ll lower our expectations on what he will do, but we know his ability and his talent, so we’ll be patient. “As long as he’s sound, that’s the main thing because we know he’s got the talent.” Soulcombe is currently listed as a $26 hope for the 2025 Melbourne Cup with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Tact McLeod’s Inter Dominion campaign may have been thwarted, but the emerging Kiwi pacer will chase some other big races in Australia. Trainer Mark Jones confirmed the Bendigo, Ballarat and Hunter Cups were on the menu for the gelding, who was scratched from a late bid at the NSW Inter Dominions with an abscess. Tact McLeod, who hasn’t raced since a luckless fifth in the Group 1 NZ Free-For-All at Addington on November 15, will return to racing in a support race at Menangle at Saturday night’s Inter Dominion Grand Final meeting. “That’s where he’ll run,” Jones said. “We also entered him for a race at Melton the same night, but that was just a precaution in case he didn’t get a run at Menangle, which he did. “He’s ready to go. The abscess was really just a timing thing, he was over it quickly, but not quickly enough to run in that first round of heats. “This race (race one at Menangle) looks like a good starting point for him with the best horses in the Inter Dominion final or consolation. He looks very well graded.” Ironically, a pacer very well known to Kiwis, former topliner South Coast Arden, looks Tact McLeod’s main danger. South Coast Arden has won both runs back from a spell for trainer Paul Fitzpatrick, but will start from gate seven, while Tact McLeod has barrier four. In another synergy, the race is a heat of the Australasian Young Drivers’ series and Kiwi Sam Thornley is drawn to partner Tact McLeod. South Coast Arden will be driven by young Victorian star Ewa Justice, daughter of John Justice of Shakamaker fame. After this week’s race, Tact McLeod will head to the Victorian stables of Anthony Butt and Sonya Smith to prepare for a string of targets. “There’s some really good options there, finishing up with the Hunter Cup,” Jones said. Lees change focus after Keayang Zahara’s heroics Having conquered New Zealand, Marg Lee now has another career milestone in sight. Lee won’t just have her first runner but rather three of them – that’s a quarter of the field – in the Inter Dominion trotting final at Menangle on Saturday night. Her only previous Inter Dominion runner was a pacer, Keayang Cullen, who ran 11th and eighth respectively in the pacing finals of 2013 and ’14. For her son Jason, who drove Keayang Zahara to three dominant victories in New Zealand, this will be his first drive in any Inter Dominion final when he teams with the family’s top hope, Keayang Chucky, a $5 chance from gate three. “It’s been an amazing year, especially these past few months,” Marg Lee said, “you’ve got to pinch yourself to get a trotter like Keayang Zahara. We’ve been in the game a long time and done the hard yards and to have her come along is a dream. Keayang Zahara’s New Zealand campaign culminated with an eight length demolition of the field in Friday’s Garrards New Zealand Trotting Derby at Addington. “Now, as she goes out for a spell, the others step-up and give us three in this (Inter Dominion) final. Just getting one in would’ve been terrific, but three is amazing. All credit to Paddy (Lee, Marg’s son), he’s done all the work with them in Sydney and they’ve all thrived. “Keayang Chucky is our best hope, especially from the draw. Jase will drive him. “Will (Rixon) will drive our second pick, Paddy will work that out with him, then we’ll offer Lochie Cook the other drive. He deserves that with all the work he’s done at home.” Rixon, a NSW young gun and family friend of the Lee’s, did the stable driving in the first two rounds heats while Jason Lee focused on Keayang Zahara in NZ. Saturday night will be 23-year-old Rixon’s first Inter Dominion final drive in a career which has netted almost 700 wins, but just one at Group 1 level. Meanwhile, Keayang Zahara is due back at the Lee’s Ecklin South farm, about three hours south-west of Melbourne, later this week. “She flies into Sydney and then we’ll float her back home for a good spell. She won’t be back for any of those races early next year,” Lee said. View the full article

This week, Michael is in Hong Kong to speak with one of the most-powerful men in world racing; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. He’s also joined by Danny Rolston to talk the local industry, and Emily Murphy swings by to chat James McDonald’s success and Ka Ying Rising. Guerin Report – Ep. 15 – Hong Kong International Races View the full article

Grangewilliam Stud is continuing to set a merry pace with strong results on and off the track. Mark and Jane Corcoran’s farm bred and sold high-class performer Ladies Man (NZ) (Zed), who won Saturday’s Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham where recent purchase Utopian Wine was also successful. On the auction front, resident Grangewilliam sire Derryn enjoyed a strong Ready to Run Sale at Karaka last month with his top lot realising $420,000 while his homebred daughter Kiwiesque was recently a smart debut winner in Victoria. The half-sister to multiple Group winner Hezashocka was a $140,000 Karaka graduate and was successful for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr at the first time of asking at Kilmore. Derryn’s new associate sire Hilal has also received a warm welcome from breeders in his first season with the Group Two-winning son of Fastnet Rock attracting a book of both quality and quantity. The Allan Sharrock-trained Ladies Man has now struck twice at the elite level with victory in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) also on the son of Zed’s CV. “He’s obviously a very good horse and was the first one we bred out of the mare,” Mark Corcoran said. His late dam Just Polite won eight races including the Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) and also produced the 2018 Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Ladies First. “Bernie Myers had bought the mare and ended up breeding some showjumpers before he kindly gave her to me,” Corcoran said. “Unfortunately, she’s now deceased. She was quite old (25) and after foaling a colt by The Bold One last spring she went downhill, and we had to have her euthanised. “I own him and he’s a really nice colt. He’s out in the paddock here with eight other colts and he’s the biggest, strongest one. “I would have loved to have had a filly out of her, but (father) John has one by Cape Blanco called The Second Lady and she’s quite a nice mare and left a good sort by Derryn last year.” Ladies Man was sold at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $60,000 with Sharrock signing the ticket. “We also had Ladies Man’s brother and sold him privately to the same syndicate and he’s in work with Allan Sharrock, he’s a nice horse as well,” Corcoran said. Meanwhile, Corcoran and his father have welcomed an early winning return on their investment in the Pierro mare Utopian Wine (Pierro) who accounted for her Rating 65 rivals at Trentham. Utopian Wine is out of the Group-winning Redoute’s Choice mare Dystopia, a sister to the Gr.1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) winner and sire Stratum and was purchased for A$70,000 at the Inglis Digital Sale in August. “She was trained by Chris Waller and we gave her one start with him and she finished fourth without much luck, she got back and flew home before we brought her back here,” Corcoran said. “She’s shaping up really nicely and we’ll keep her racing for as long as we can. “We’ll try and have a crack at the ($350,000) Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham, she’s qualified for that, the distance should be right up her alley.” Utopian Wine was specifically bought to go to Hilal and is in foal to the Grangewilliam newcomer. “We’re rapt with Hilal, he had a really good book of mares and ended up serving more than 120 so he’ll get every chance,” Corcoran said. View the full article

Dr. Mark Dedomenico, who reached racing's heights on the track as an owner of 2010 champion filly Blind Luck and off the track with the Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center near his Redmond, Wash., home, died Dec. 7. He was 87.View the full article

Jonathan Thomas sent out three graded stakes winners in one week for Augustin Stables to complete a stellar Del Mar Turf Festival. View the full article

There are three horse racing meetings set for Australia on Tuesday, December 10. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Hamilton. Tuesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 10, 2024 Hamilton Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 10, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting pickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

A colt by No Risk At All (Fr) from Ballincurrig House Stud took star billing on the opening day of the Goffs December National Hunt Sale, ultimately going the way of Rathmore Stud's Peter Molony for €80,000 after a bidding war with Charles Shanahan. “He's a gorgeous horse with a great pedigree and his sire speaks for himself,” Molony said of lot 118, who is out of the unraced Walk In The Park (Ire) mare Another Walk (Ire), a half-sister to the top-class staying chaser Joncol (Ire) (Bob's Return {Ire}). “I'm lucky enough to have a few nice ones by No Risk At All at home. I'm looking forward to taking him home and looking at him for the next two and a half years before bringing him back here for the Goffs Arkle Sale.” Ballincurrig House Stud's Michael Moore added, “Trade is still very good for the nice foal, irrespective of what level it's at. Even if your budget is €10,000 or €15,000, to go and buy them is still difficult. “The No Risk At All foal is for a client of ours who sent the mare to France to be covered. The object of the exercise was to find a sire to suit the mare and the pedigree. Their plan is to sell the colts and race the fillies that the mare produces, so we were testing the market a little.” In total, 137 horses sold on Monday for an aggregate of €2,180,000, which represented a 12% increase on the corresponding session last year. The median was also up by 8% to €13,000, whereas the average dropped by 2% to €15,913. The clearance rate stood at 64%, from 61% in 2023. The post No Risk At All Colt Tops Day One of the Goffs December NH Sale at €80k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cruz Ramirez was bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings and is out of the mare Ragtime Hope. She is a half sister to Secret Circle, winner of the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) and Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1).View the full article

Offered in foal to Persian King (Ire) by Haras d'Etreham, the Pivotal (GB) mare Quara (Ire) topped the third day of the December Breeding Stock Sale at Arqana when being bought by Llama O'Mahony's Whitethorn Bloodstock for €72,000. The 10-year-old Quara is out of the Listed-winning Dubawi (Ire) mare Quanzhou (Fr), a half-sister to the G1 Prix du Cadran hero Mille Et Mille (GB) (Muhtathir {GB}). Though Quara was unraced, Quanzhou is the dam of five winners, including the Listed scorers Hooking (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Le Destrier (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}). Quara, in turn, has produced three winners from as many runners, including the four-year-old Qasida (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}) who fetched €35,000 from Hamish Macauley Bloodstock when following her into the sales ring on Monday. Incidentally, Quara's filly foal by Hello Youmzain (Fr) was also offered at Arqana on Sunday when bought by Federico Barberini for €52,000. The key figures on Monday were once again up markedly compared to last year when the aggregate was €2,293,000. Monday's total of €2,958,500 represented a 29% increase, despite 26 fewer lots being offered, while the average (€16,167) and median (€12,000) both improved to the tune of 33%. The clearance rate was up by 7% to 81%. Haras de Bouquetot's winning Shalaa (Ire) mare Jalwa (Fr), offered in foal to Mehmas (Ire), was the day's second top lot when going to Ghislain Bozo of Meridian International for €70,000, while young Darley stallion Victor Ludorum (GB) was responsible for the two highest-priced foals sold during Monday's session. Arcadia Elevage's colt out of the Listed-placed Diablesse (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) was bought by Peter Kelly for €52,000, before the aforementioned Barberini signed for a filly from Haras du Petit Tellier–a half-sister to the seven-time winner and Listed-placed Sophia's Starlight (Fr) (Hunter's Light {Ire})–at €50,000. The final session gets underway at 11am local time on Tuesday. The post Key Figures Up Again as Pivotal Mare Tops Penultimate Day at Arqana 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-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Tuesday's Observations features Damysus, a son of Group 2 winner Legerete. 7.30 Southwell, Novice, £6,300, 2yo, 7f 14y (AWT) DAMYSUS (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is a significant newcomer for Wathnan Racing and the Gosdens as a son of the Wertheimers' G2 Prix de Malleret winner and G1 Prix de l'Opera and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac-placed Legerete (Rahy). A half-brother to three black-type performers headed by the multiple group-placed Pilote (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), he was a 460,000gns purchase at last year's Tattersalls October Book 1. The post Tuesday’s Observations: Frankel Blueblood Debuts for Wathnan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Prominent owner and pioneering human heart surgeon Mark DeDomenico passed away Saturday aged 87, leaving behind a storied legacy in human and equine health. “The first thing he taught me when I went to work for him was that the word 'can't' isn't in the vocabulary,” said Mike Puhich, trainer and director of horse operations at the Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center in Redmond, Washington, owned by DeDomenico. “He'd say 'I want this, this, and this.' And I'd say, 'Doctor Mark, I can't do that.' And he'd say, 'I know, that's why I want it done by Wednesday.' He was a very tough guy and hard guy to get to know. But once you got to know him, he had a heart of gold. He always had a vision that was always higher than what anybody else could ever think of,” said Puhich. As an owner, DeDomenico's name will forever be associated with Blind Luck, the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Eclipse champion 3-year-old filly of 2010. DeDomenico owned her in a partnership that included the trainer, John Carver and Peter Abruzzo. Blind Luck's career comprised victories in the 2010 GI Kentucky Oaks and 2010 GI Alabama S. as part of a six-time Grade-I winning spree. DeDomenico also co-owned the Jeff Bonde-trained She's a Tiger, who passed the post first in the 2013 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, only to be disqualified to second behind Rio Antonia. “We had some really good horses, and he expected the best,” said Puhich. “But when he didn't get the best, he rolled with the punches and went on to the next.” DeDomenico hailed from the family that created Rice-A-Roni and owned the Ghirardelli Chocolate company. But Puhich–who had known DeDomenico since he was a child–described him as very much a “self-made man.” “He made his own money–he did it on his own, which I thought was very impressive,” said Puhich, who said that DeDomenico transferred many of the lessons he had gleaned from the world of human health to that of rehabilitating racehorses. “Usually when you do surgery on a horse, you cut their value in half. But 85% of the horses we did got back to the way they were, which I thought was an amazing stat,” said Puhich. “Our exercise program, there's swimming in an underwater treadmill. A synthetic surface. A training model for when they come back–not as many days off as normal. They're in the pool 14 days after surgery instead of standing in the stall three months. He changed that standard–he changed that whole protocol. Everybody does it this way now,” said Puhich. “He studied the body very well,” said Puhich, who added that DeDomenico had, only months before, sold a successful fitness program that catered to people with health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. He also helped invent and promulgate the coronary heart bypass. “He did a lot of good things in health care. There wasn't a horse or a person he didn't think he could save,” said Puhich. When asked to sum up what DeDomenico meant to him and others, Puhich responded, “just what a good person he was. And how much he loved horse racing and people in general. Helping people and helping horses–I think until you got to know him, you wouldn't really see that side of him,” Puhich added. “But it was a sincere side, and he did a lot.” The post Prominent Owner Mark DeDomenico Passes, Aged 87 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Last Friday’s stunning Alexandra Park debutante Princess Meritaten faces an even tougher task when she returns for the $100,000 Woodlands Stud Queen of Hearts this week. Princess Meritaten’s win had to be seen to be believed as she flew home from a seemingly hopeless position to win on her northern debut last Friday. It looked the perfect lead-in to this Friday’s Group 1 but the Canterbury mare has not fared well in the barrier draw for the fillies and mares mobile 2200m. She has drawn the outside of the front line and to make matters worse she has Mr Kaplan (1), Lady Of The Light (4) and somewhat surprise entry Duchess Megxit (6) drawn inside her. Most would expect Lady Of The Light to lead and in a deep field with 12 runners if Princess Meritaten gets back she is going to have to round up some good horses again. The other $100,000 mares event on the card is the first running of the TAB Queen of Diamonds Trot which has drawn a 13-horse field but with only a 10m spread in the handicaps. The big winners in the handicaps are last-start winners Con Grazia Love (R63) and Faith In Manchester (R62) who get in off the front line after well planned campaigns. This year’s Auckland Cup winner Better Eclipse adds some class to the $60,000 Lincoln Farms Franklin Cup as the open class pacers, well at least some of them, move north after a busy time down south. The meeting also contains the latest heats of the two Metro series, one each for pacers and trotters. To see the Auckland fields click here View the full article

A big Auckland meeting, featuring two $100,000 Group 1s, will highlight harness racing action this week. Manawatu will kick start the week with eight races today (Tuesday) starting at 4.21pm with Oamaru tomorrow and then Winton’s meeting on Thursday. Friday Night Lights will feature an Auckland-Addington double-header. The $100,000 Group 1 TAB Queen of Diamonds Handicap Trot and the Queen of Hearts Pace for the Fillies and Mares will be the night’s two features, along with the $60,000 Group 2 Franklin Cup and the latest Northern Metro Pacers and Trotters heats ahead of their $35,000 finals on December 31 . Addington will host the East West Fencing Summer Cup while the Rangiora Summer Cup will be raced on the grass on Sunday. Poutama with good chances today at Manawatu By Brigette Solomon Pukekohe based driver Andre Poutama heads South to Manawatu Raceway today with a full book of drives and confident he has at least two winning chances. Of his eight drives, seven are for local trainer (and uncle) Stephen Doody whose in-form team is always one to watch out for on their home track. “It’s not a bad book of drives” says Poutama “they’ve all been racing well and finishing thereabouts and there are a couple that I think are capable of winning tonight with the right trip.” Poutama’s first drive is on the locally trained Mr Monty in the Hawera Harness Racing Jan 31/Feb 2nd Handicap Trot over 2500 metres. The Majestic Son gelding has finished fourth and second in his prior two starts. “His last couple of runs have been ok and he’s gotten around safely, but if he can finish off like we know he can, he’ll be more than capable of finishing in the placings, ” says Poutama, “It’ll be a matter of seeing if we get the best version of him tonight.” In the maiden events, Races 2 and 3, Poutama is confident about both Million Dollar Chic (R2) and Jetasi (R3). “Million Dollar Chic is due a win and has run three seconds in her last three starts, she’s racing consistently well” says Poutama “I think she’s capable of winning tonight.” The Bettor’s Delight filly was narrowly beaten by 0.8 lengths here on November 21 and was still taking ground off the winner Bigger The Bettor when crossing the line. In just a six horse field, she starts tonight’s race from barrier two. Meanwhile Jetasi starts the Summer Grass Track Racing @ Hawera Mobile Pace from barrier six after placings from just six starts. “She’s been unlucky in her last three runs being held up or not quite getting the best trip,” says Poutama, “she’s been going good and working well and she could pick one up very soon.” “My parents actually have a share in her too, so it would be great to get a win on her for them while she is still eligible for the two-year-old bonus as well.” In Race 5, the Hawera Harness Racing is Good To Go Are You? Mobile Pace over 2000 metres, Poutama drives Blue Chip Lou, who he considers a good value runner tonight. The three-year-old filly finished second in her last start with a bold finish when beaten by talented stable mate Doo You Want Me. “She went really good last start and has been really consistent lately,” says Poutama, “It’s taken her some time, but she finally seems to have put it all together and knows her job, so I think she’ll give a good performance tonight.” In Race 7, the Grass Track Racing @ Hawera Is the Only Way Handicap Trot, Poutama partners Johnny Who, off 35 metres. The What The Hill gelding is another of Doody’s team who have been racing consistently well and heads into tonight’s race off the back of second placing at Cambridge in the Thames Trotters Country Cup three weeks ago. “He went really good last start at Cambridge,” says Poutama, “he’s one of the better ones in this field alongside Manchester In Time, and I think he’ll be thereabouts again tonight.” “I think Johnny Who and Jetasi are probably my top picks of the night.” Poutama’s other drives of the evening are Becker – R4, Jahi – R6, and Bailey’s Pitch – R8. Racing gets underway tonight with Race one at 4.21pm View the full article

A large crowd, including more than 100 anticipated alumni, is expected to attend the University of Arizona's Global Symposium on Racing Dec. 9-11 in Tucson.View the full article