Wandering Eyes

New York regulators will advance new rules next week affecting everything from equine drug violation penalties and backstretch housing requirements to safety equipment worn at racetracks. View the full article

New York regulators next week will advance new rules affecting everything from equine drug violation penalties and backstretch housing requirements to safety equipment worn at racetracks. View the full article

Jockey Kieran Shoemark is facing a lengthy suspension after failing a drug test. The 22-year-old, who had only recently returned after suffering serious injuries in a fall at Lingfield in June, hasn’t ridden since Nov. 24 after being stood down by the BHA. His primary employer is trainer Roger Charlton. Professional Jockeys Association Chief Executive Paul Struthers said in a statement, “Through the PJA, Kieran would like to sincerely apologise for his actions that led to the positive sample. In particular, we would like to apologise to Mr Charlton, the owners and team at Beckhampton Stables and his family. “He accepts full responsibility for his mistakes and would also like to apologise to his colleagues and the wider sport. He is determined to face-up to any issues he may have and with the support of his family and the PJA is already fully engaged with the support structures the PJA has in place. “The PJA completely supports a robust anti-doping protocol for its members and the BHA has our full backing in enhancing the testing that already takes place. But like other player associations, we believe it is important to have in place the necessary support structures for those members who want and need help. We can condemn the behavior without condemning the individual. “We would request that his privacy and that of his family is respected whilst he is accessing the support he needs.” The BHA would not comment on the specifics of the case, but said, “Kieran Shoemark has been stood down from riding for an unspecified, interim period while an investigation takes place.” View the full article

On Sunday attention turns to Huntingdon as they stage the Peterborough Chase. This two and a half mile Grade 2 contest has been won by some great horses including Edredon Bleu (1998-2001), Best Mate (2002) and more recently Al Ferof (2015). God’s Own was a good winner of the Halden Gold Cup at Exeter last month, which was his first victory since landing the Grade 1 Champion Chase at the Punchestown festival back in 2016. He was beaten twice by Altior last season which there was no shame in and on form he really is the horse to beat. Kim Bailey’s Charbel has already run three times this season and most recently finished a close second to Poliitologue in the Grade 2 1965 chase. He finished fourth in the Tingle Creek this time last year and if he reproduces this run then he must go close. Lizzie Kelly rides Tea For Two here and this former Grade 1 winner at Aintree ran well for much of last season until his form tailed off towards the end. He was third in the King George at Kempton at Christmas which shows he retains plenty of ability and given his respectable record when fresh and the fact he’s had a wind op, then he may bounce back to form. Josses Hill beat Tea For Two by six lengths to take this contest back in 2016, at which time he looked to be one of the most exciting chasers in training. In truth, Nicky Henderson’s gelding has been disappointing since then. His best run last season cam when finishing second in this race last season behind Top Notch and Nicky will be hoping a return to this track may provide Josses Hill with his first victory in two years. Rene’s Girl looked to have a Grade 1 at her mercy last season only for the ill-fated Finnian’s Oscar to chin her in the final strides at Aintree. Dan Skelton’s mare ran well on seasonal debut at Carlisle behind Mister Whitaker where she lost all chance at the last. She should improve for this run and will run well. Selection: God’s Own The post Peterborough Chase Preview appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Goffs UK closed out its 2018 sales year with its inaugural December Sale on Friday. Ninety horses-in-training, flat foals, yearlings and mares were sold, with horses-in-training providing the highlights and mares and foals finding a tougher time reaching their reserves. The day’s top lot was Richard Fahey’s 4-year-old gelding Northwest Frontier (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (Lot 87), a four-time winner purchased by Craig Buckingham for 36,000. Of the foals, first-crop sires filled the top spots: a filly by New Bay (GB) brought 32,000 (lot 162), and a colt by Twilight Son made 29,000 (lot 182). At the close of trade, the clearance rate for 90 horses sold was just 54%, with a total of 632,500 accrued, an average of 7,028 and a median of 4,000. “The sale’s opening session of horses-in-training saw strong demand with a clearance rate of over 70% and some good prices; however, that demand did not translate into the latter mare and foal sessions where trade at this level of the market was reflective of that seen at a variety of locations this year,” said Goffs UK Managing Director Tony Williams. “The mare and foal sessions were the result of vendors asking for another avenue to offer their stock and we actively sought a date in the sale calendar to provide another outlet. As is the current trend, those that held appeal did sell well which is encouraging for the future of this sale. “We now turn our attention to the 2019 January Sale, the UK’s premier winter NH sale, for which we are assembling a top-class catalogue of National Hunt Mares, Foals and Horses-in-Training.” View the full article

In this continuing series, Alan Carasso takes a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Chukyo, Hanshin and Nakayama Racecourses: Saturday, December 8, 2018 2nd-HSN, ¥9,550,000 ($85k), Maiden, 2yo, 1800m MARECHIARE (f, 2, Pioneerof the Nile–K. D.’s Shady Lady, by Maria’s Mon), a $150K Keeneland September buyback turned $300K OBS March breezer, turned in a solid debut effort when third going a mile on the turf at Kyoto Nov. 10 (video, gate 11). A daughter of a GSP dam, the dark bay is a half-sister to GISW Lady of Fifty (After Market) and the Sws Lady Fifty Two (Kodiak Kowboy) and Forestry Steel (Forestry). B-Dixiana Farms LLC (KY) 7th-NKY, ¥13,720,000 ($122k), Allowance, 2yo, 1800m COSMO ROBINSON (c, 2, Take Charge Indy–Lesson Plan, by Forestry) just failed to overcome post position 16 when narrowly second on his Oct. 21 debut over the Tokyo dirt and went one better last time, scoring by 3/4 of a length Nov. 11 (see below, gate six). A $37K KEESEP yearling and $130K OBSAPR juvenile, the May foal is out of a daughter of SW & GSP Tutorial (Forty Niner), also the dam of Grade III-winning 2-year-old Dixie Band (Dixie Union). B-Champion Equine LLC (KY) Sunday, December 9, 2018 1st-CKO, ¥9,550,000 ($85k), Maiden, 2yo, 1400m SPOKANE TESORO (f, 2, Scat Daddy–Nimue, by Speightstown) gave a decent account of herself when a first-out fifth on the turf at Sapporo and enters this first dirt try off back-to-back third-place finishes, including at Nakayama Sept. 16. Out of a half-sister to GSW Go Rockin Robin (Distorted Humor), Spokane Tesoro was bought back on a bid of $275K at KEENOV in 2016 and fetched $340K as an FTSAUG yearling last summer. She is a half-sister to Isomer (Cape Blanco {Ire}), runner-up to Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the Listed Chesham S. at Royal Ascot in 2016. B-Summerhill Farm (KY) View the full article

Many a great horse has come through Ocala, whether bred there, broken there, or sold there. Rashad Jones couldn’t tell you much about that. He doesn’t know the first thing about horse racing. What he knows is barbecue and people in Marion County will tell you no one does it better. That’s why you have to line up hours before his Big Lee’s barbecue stand opens to get served, why he won a Food Network competition, and why he wants to put Ocala on the map for something other than horses. Forget about Memphis, Texas, North Carolina. Jones wants to make Ocala the center of a barbecue empire. “I want Big Lee’s to become known as the worldwide leader in everything barbecue at some point,” Jones said. “That’s a really big, lofty goal, but somebody’s going to do it. I always look at that goal and that dream and that desire of mine and say, ‘Well, why not us?’ I want Big Lee’s to become synonymous with barbecue, just like people don’t say, ‘I need a cotton swab,’ they say, ‘I need a Q-tip.’ When people say, ‘I want barbecue,’ I want them to naturally say, ‘Hey, let’s go get some Big Lee’s tonight.’ All around the world.” It’s quite a dream, probably a completely impractical one. He has, after all, a food truck. Just one. But McDonald’s started with one restaurant in San Bernardino, California, and when you believe in yourself and your product as much as Jones does, have charisma, drive, and an abundance of optimism, is there really such a thing as impossible? {"id":3,"instanceName":"Articles No Playlist","videos":[{"videoType":"HTML5","title":"Rashad Jones at Big Lee's","description":"","info":"","thumbImg":"","mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/298234430.sd.mp4?s=6f75c649d2005b49acc08c8075371e3b0e64f9ca&profile_id=165","enable_mp4_download":"no","prerollAD":"yes","prerollGotoLink":"prerollGotoLink","preroll_mp4_title":"preroll_mp4_title","preroll_mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/304447547.sd.mp4?s=f8ac62ab8b2633ce10aed0dcb482a7f2d787cbe7&profile_id=165","prerollSkipTimer":"5","midrollAD":"no","midrollAD_displayTime":"midrollAD_displayTime","midrollGotoLink":"midrollGotoLink","midroll_mp4":"midroll_mp4","midrollSkipTimer":"midrollSkipTimer","postrollAD":"no","postrollGotoLink":"postrollGotoLink","postroll_mp4":"postroll_mp4","postrollSkipTimer":"postrollSkipTimer","popupAdShow":"no","popupImg":"popupImg","popupAdStartTime":"popupAdStartTime","popupAdEndTime":"popupAdEndTime","popupAdGoToLink":"popupAdGoToLink"}],"instanceTheme":"light","playerLayout":"fitToContainer","videoPlayerWidth":720,"videoPlayerHeight":405,"videoRatio":1.7777777777778,"videoRatioStretch":true,"videoPlayerShadow":"effect1","colorAccent":"#000000","posterImg":"","posterImgOnVideoFinish":"","logoShow":"No","logoPath":"","logoPosition":"bottom-right","logoClickable":"No","logoGoToLink":"","allowSkipAd":true,"advertisementTitle":"Ad","skipAdvertisementText":"Skip Ad","skipAdText":"You can skip this ad in","playBtnTooltipTxt":"Play","pauseBtnTooltipTxt":"Pause","rewindBtnTooltipTxt":"Rewind","downloadVideoBtnTooltipTxt":"Download video","qualityBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Close settings","qualityBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Settings","muteBtnTooltipTxt":"Mute","unmuteBtnTooltipTxt":"Unmute","fullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Fullscreen","exitFullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Exit fullscreen","infoBtnTooltipTxt":"Show info","embedBtnTooltipTxt":"Embed","shareBtnTooltipTxt":"Share","volumeTooltipTxt":"Volume","playlistBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Show playlist","playlistBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Hide playlist","facebookBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Facebook","twitterBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Twitter","googlePlusBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Google+","lastBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to last video","firstBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to first video","nextBtnTooltipTxt":"Play next video","previousBtnTooltipTxt":"Play previous video","shuffleBtnOnTooltipTxt":"Shuffle on","shuffleBtnOffTooltipTxt":"Shuffle off","nowPlayingTooltipTxt":"NOW PLAYING","embedWindowTitle1":"SHARE THIS PLAYER:","embedWindowTitle2":"EMBED THIS VIDEO IN YOUR SITE:","embedWindowTitle3":"SHARE LINK TO THIS PLAYER:","lightBox":false,"lightBoxAutoplay":false,"lightBoxThumbnail":"","lightBoxThumbnailWidth":400,"lightBoxThumbnailHeight":220,"lightBoxCloseOnOutsideClick":true,"onFinish":"Play next video","autoplay":false,"loadRandomVideoOnStart":"No","shuffle":"No","playlist":"Off","playlistBehaviourOnPageload":"opened (default)","playlistScrollType":"light","preloadSelfHosted":"none","hideVideoSource":true,"showAllControls":true,"rightClickMenu":true,"autohideControls":2,"hideControlsOnMouseOut":"No","nowPlayingText":"Yes","infoShow":"No","shareShow":"No","facebookShow":"No","twitterShow":"No","mailShow":"No","facebookShareName":"","facebookShareLink":"","facebookShareDescription":"","facebookSharePicture":"","twitterText":"","twitterLink":"","twitterHashtags":"","twitterVia":"","googlePlus":"","embedShow":"No","embedCodeSrc":"","embedCodeW":720,"embedCodeH":405,"embedShareLink":"","youtubeControls":"custom controls","youtubeSkin":"dark","youtubeColor":"red","youtubeQuality":"default","youtubeShowRelatedVideos":"Yes","vimeoColor":"00adef","showGlobalPrerollAds":false,"globalPrerollAds":"url1;url2;url3;url4;url5","globalPrerollAdsSkipTimer":5,"globalPrerollAdsGotoLink":"","videoType":"HTML5 (self-hosted)","submit":"Save Changes","rootFolder":"http:\/\/wp.tdn.pmadv.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/Elite-video-player\/"} Before he was the barbecue king of Ocala, Jones worked for the Marion County Health Department and didn’t have much interest in cooking. On what was supposed to be a routine trip to visit relatives for Thanksgiving 2011, his life changed. His family traveled to the Mississippi Delta to spend Thanksgiving with the relatives of his wife, Patrice. The usual fare-turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, pies-was prepared for the guests, but his wife’s uncle, Leon Archie, pulled Jones aside and told him to save some room, that he had something special he wanted him to sample after the main portion of the dinner was over. Archie had prepared a barbecue spread. “When I say his barbecue was nothing short of amazing, I mean every bit of it,” Jones said. “His food wasn’t only amazing, it left an impression on me. As a Southerner, I’d had barbecue a million times and some of it had been really, really good. But his was in some other space that I had never experienced before. I couldn’t imagine how he got his food to taste that good, and it put me on this quest to try to recreate what I had there at his house.” Jones turned his kitchen into a laboratory and set out to duplicate what Uncle Lee had created. Lee passed away in 2012, so Jones was on own. He kept at it and, in time, believed his barbecue was every bit as tasty as Lee’s. But he needed affirmation. {"id":3,"instanceName":"Articles No Playlist","videos":[{"videoType":"HTML5","title":"Tour Big Lee's with Rashad Jones","description":"","info":"","thumbImg":"","mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/298234258.sd.mp4?s=fb95f678f7c01f0a7b4e797dcf63f3cb2a58b96b&profile_id=165","enable_mp4_download":"no","prerollAD":"yes","prerollGotoLink":"prerollGotoLink","preroll_mp4_title":"preroll_mp4_title","preroll_mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/304447559.sd.mp4?s=db62745ba172a4017edf356abc01bbc5df9bb4a3&profile_id=165","prerollSkipTimer":"5","midrollAD":"no","midrollAD_displayTime":"midrollAD_displayTime","midrollGotoLink":"midrollGotoLink","midroll_mp4":"midroll_mp4","midrollSkipTimer":"midrollSkipTimer","postrollAD":"no","postrollGotoLink":"postrollGotoLink","postroll_mp4":"postroll_mp4","postrollSkipTimer":"postrollSkipTimer","popupAdShow":"no","popupImg":"popupImg","popupAdStartTime":"popupAdStartTime","popupAdEndTime":"popupAdEndTime","popupAdGoToLink":"popupAdGoToLink"}],"instanceTheme":"light","playerLayout":"fitToContainer","videoPlayerWidth":720,"videoPlayerHeight":405,"videoRatio":1.7777777777778,"videoRatioStretch":true,"videoPlayerShadow":"effect1","colorAccent":"#000000","posterImg":"","posterImgOnVideoFinish":"","logoShow":"No","logoPath":"","logoPosition":"bottom-right","logoClickable":"No","logoGoToLink":"","allowSkipAd":true,"advertisementTitle":"Ad","skipAdvertisementText":"Skip Ad","skipAdText":"You can skip this ad in","playBtnTooltipTxt":"Play","pauseBtnTooltipTxt":"Pause","rewindBtnTooltipTxt":"Rewind","downloadVideoBtnTooltipTxt":"Download video","qualityBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Close settings","qualityBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Settings","muteBtnTooltipTxt":"Mute","unmuteBtnTooltipTxt":"Unmute","fullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Fullscreen","exitFullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Exit fullscreen","infoBtnTooltipTxt":"Show info","embedBtnTooltipTxt":"Embed","shareBtnTooltipTxt":"Share","volumeTooltipTxt":"Volume","playlistBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Show playlist","playlistBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Hide playlist","facebookBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Facebook","twitterBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Twitter","googlePlusBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Google+","lastBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to last video","firstBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to first video","nextBtnTooltipTxt":"Play next video","previousBtnTooltipTxt":"Play previous video","shuffleBtnOnTooltipTxt":"Shuffle on","shuffleBtnOffTooltipTxt":"Shuffle off","nowPlayingTooltipTxt":"NOW PLAYING","embedWindowTitle1":"SHARE THIS PLAYER:","embedWindowTitle2":"EMBED THIS VIDEO IN YOUR SITE:","embedWindowTitle3":"SHARE LINK TO THIS PLAYER:","lightBox":false,"lightBoxAutoplay":false,"lightBoxThumbnail":"","lightBoxThumbnailWidth":400,"lightBoxThumbnailHeight":220,"lightBoxCloseOnOutsideClick":true,"onFinish":"Play next video","autoplay":false,"loadRandomVideoOnStart":"No","shuffle":"No","playlist":"Off","playlistBehaviourOnPageload":"opened (default)","playlistScrollType":"light","preloadSelfHosted":"none","hideVideoSource":true,"showAllControls":true,"rightClickMenu":true,"autohideControls":2,"hideControlsOnMouseOut":"No","nowPlayingText":"Yes","infoShow":"No","shareShow":"No","facebookShow":"No","twitterShow":"No","mailShow":"No","facebookShareName":"","facebookShareLink":"","facebookShareDescription":"","facebookSharePicture":"","twitterText":"","twitterLink":"","twitterHashtags":"","twitterVia":"","googlePlus":"","embedShow":"No","embedCodeSrc":"","embedCodeW":720,"embedCodeH":405,"embedShareLink":"","youtubeControls":"custom controls","youtubeSkin":"dark","youtubeColor":"red","youtubeQuality":"default","youtubeShowRelatedVideos":"Yes","vimeoColor":"00adef","showGlobalPrerollAds":false,"globalPrerollAds":"url1;url2;url3;url4;url5","globalPrerollAdsSkipTimer":5,"globalPrerollAdsGotoLink":"","videoType":"HTML5 (self-hosted)","submit":"Save Changes","rootFolder":"http:\/\/wp.tdn.pmadv.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/Elite-video-player\/"} In 2013, he entered the “Bad 2 the Bone BBQ” contest in Ocala. He admits he felt out of place, an amateur who, he thought, stood no chance against contestants who had been working for years trying to perfect their craft. Not only did he win, but one of the judges posted on his Facebook page: “Rashad Jones, not only was your barbecue the best that all three of the judges tasted tonight, your barbecue’s the best barbecue I’ve ever judged.” Compliments like that can’t be ignored. He sat down with his wife and said not only had barbecue become his passion, but he now believed he could make a good living selling it. She quickly and readily agreed. A barbecue business had been born. Click here to read the rest of this story at The TDN Weekend. Click here for an additional video tour of the Big Lee’s facility. View the full article

Even as Frankie Dettori accepted his fancy watch as 2018 Longines World's Best Jockey during the Hong Kong International Races festivities Dec. 7, he was looking ahead to another stellar year in 2019—and a few more years to come. View the full article

When asked what brought her to the 2014 yearling sales at Karaka in New Zealand, Kylie Bax had an answer that was succinct and very much to the point. “To buy Beauty Generation!” The international supermodel (once a supermodel, always a supermodel, right?) couldn’t possibly have known that nearly five years later, the horse that Bax selected (or the one that picked her, as tells it), would become the world’s top-rated galloper over a mile and would be aiming for back-to-back victories in one of the most prestigious races in the world at that specialist distance, the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile. In the Beginning… Born in 1975, in Thames in North Central New Zealand, Bax was raised at Blandford Lodge, originally owned by her parents Graham and Helen-Gaye. Bax later partnered on the farm with her father before selling her stake in 2009. Thoroughbreds were always in her blood. “My father started in the industry when I was nine years old,” Bax said. “I remember sitting down in my parents’ lounge when I was a kid and watching the Kentucky Derby and that sort of solidified everything for me. I said to my parents, ‘I’m going to buy a farm in Kentucky one day’ and I did! That’s how my love and passion came about for the Thoroughbred.” Bax eventually purchased land in the Bluegrass and called the farm ‘The B Ranch.’ She was even represented by a horse she bred at the prestigious Keeneland July Sale in 2000. “This is why I started modeling, so that I would be able to establish myself in the horse and breeding fields,” Bax told TDN’s Bill Finley in an article that appeared on ESPN.com in 2000. “This is what I know and love. My aim and my passion is to own and breed race horses.” Becoming A Leading Syndicator… The horse that ultimately caught her eye at Karaka was consigned by Libby and Sam Bleakley’s Highden Park as lot 835 at that year’s NZB Select Yearling Sale and was from the second crop of Road to Rock (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}), not a household name by any stretch, but the proverbial horse any trainer would love to have in their shedrow. Anthony Cummings became said trainer after going to A$100,000 for the December foal from the Willow Park Stud draft at the 2006 Inglis Easter Yearling sale, and his purchase did him proud, winning six times, including the 2009 G1 George Main S. and the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. the following autumn. Bax was deployed to Karaka with direct orders. “I was sent to the Karaka sales to buy a Road to Rock,” she explained. “There weren’t that many Road to Rocks available that year and Anthony Cummings wanted to have another one in the stable. He had his choices of yearlings, but he asked me because he knew that I was really into my pedigrees, nicking and bloodlines and that I might have a different perception on how to choose a horse. She continued, “When Anthony texted me to buy a Road to Rock yearling that year, all I did was go straight back to what I knew best and what I knew best was my pedigrees. Break it down, starting with the nick and the pedigree of the horse, then go back to the conformation of the horse. Also discuss with the vendor what the horse is like, its mentality and obviously its conformation.” However, there was a difference of opinion. “My choice was not the same as Anthony’s, but I went to the vendor and I said, ‘Which of the two horses–his choice or my choice–was the better of the two in your opinion?’ She told me that she thought Beauty Generation was the better of the two. So that confirmed my assessment per my bloodline choice that this was probably the best Road to Rock that he was going to be able to buy at the sales that year.” Bax explained her methodology when scouting horses. “I like to look at the speed index compared with the stamina index of the horse,” she said. “The dosage index is a highlight of mine and a couple of nice crosses on both the female side and the sire side in certain areas of the pedigree are things that I look for. [The Road to Rock colt] had a great dosage index, but you have to consider all the other factors. The horse has to be athletic, the family has to have soundness and he just had all the qualities.” Looks To Kill… “I know it sounds silly, but you sometimes say that a horse chooses you,” Bax related when asked exactly what drew her to lot 835, which she signed for under her Hermes Syndications banner. “When I look at a horse, it has to have this ‘star’ factor. It sounds crazy coming from a supermodel, but there has to be something that when you look at that horse, it just says ‘choose me.’ You don’t know why.” Bax’s parents bred and consigned Danzdanzdance (Aus) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) to the 2016 Select Sale at Karaka, where she fetched NZ$5,000. Bax’s B.A.X. (Bloodstock Achieving Xcellence) races the filly in partnership and she has punched well above her weight, with third placings in the G1 Vodafone NZ Derby and in the G1 Livamol Classic for earnings north of NZ$140,000. Similar to the colt that became Beauty Generation, Bax connected with the grey filly on a more intangible level “When I saw her, it was just like, ‘how can anybody not see what I see?’ she said. “‘How can anybody not see that there’s a star quality here and she’s saying look at me!’ It was exactly the same with Beauty Generation. There was something that when you looked at him, you just could not look away.” It would be nearly two years before the horse, raced initially as Montaigne, found his way to the races. Connections were cautiously optimistic and there seemed to be a buzz, albeit a fairly muted one. “A lot of trainers don’t like to talk about their horses until they get onto the track,” Bax said. “When [Anthony] would talk about this horse, you could actually hear the excitement in his voice. If you just listen to the inflections in peoples’ voices and the trainers’ voices, you can tell there’s a little something going on that may be a little more special than the horse next to it.” Montaigne was a 50-1 roughie for his career debut over a heavy 9 surface at Warwick Farm, but defied the tote and the underfoot conditions to be a good second. “It was quite surprising that he gained a placing in that heavy track and when he got a better track the next start out [at Warwick Farm 13 days later], it was an easy kill,” she said. Third in the G2 Hobartville S., Montaigne continued his over-achieving ways with a runner-up effort to Tarzino (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) in the G1 Rosehill Guineas and backed up on seven days’ rest to finish a close fourth behind fellow Kiwi-bred Preferment (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) in the G1 The BMW S. About 48 hours later, Montaigne was off to Hong Kong to join the formidable stable of John Moore. Derby Dreams… The deal struck meant no trip to the G1 AJC Derby, but now named Beauty Generation and owned by Patrick Kwok, the prestigious BMW Hong Kong Derby became the objective. The bay performed admirably in the 4-year-old series, finishing third to his ill-fated and exceptionally talented stable companion Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss) in the Hong Kong Classic Mile and in the Derby itself. Though he bested stablemate and top G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase hopeful Eagle Way (Aus) (More Than Ready) in a 2200m handicap following the Derby, a new horse was born the following season. Moore opted to cut Beauty Generation back to 1400m to 1600m at the beginning of his 5-year-old campaign and his rise to stardom has since been meteoric. The all-the-way winner of the 2017 Hong Kong Mile, Beauty Generation added the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and the G1 Champions Mile, then outpointed the mercurial Pakistan Star (Ger) (Shamardal) to be named Hong Kong Horse of the Year and no-brainer champion miler. He is perfect in three tries this term, including a sensational three-length success in the G2 BOCHK WM Jockey Club Mile Nov. 18. “When you see how Zac Purton rode him the last start, it was like he was driving a Ferrari, it wasn’t like he was riding a horse,” Bax said. “He was able to shift gears, not compete with the front-runners when they jumped away. He took him back, waited for them to ease off the pace at the front and then went forward. They were all on the back foot when he started to make his forward movement. Purton was obviously confident that he had such an incredible horse that he could do that with, because not that many horses are able to do that.” Bax always believed that Beauty Generation was the perfect type of horse for Hong Kong. “From the first time that he paraded in New Zealand in front of prospective buyers as a yearling, he was cool, calm and collected,” she said. “He traveled on a float for an hour to get where he needed to be. When you take a horse up there, you need a horse that able to be calm in the box, settle well and not be flighty or highly strung, not be hot. You need a lot of attributes to be able to travel and to live in Hong Kong. Obviously this horse is thriving in that environment, which is absolutely fantastic.” Kiwi Power… Beauty Generation joined fellow New Zealand-breds Vengeance of Rain (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) and Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) in being named Horse of the Year in Hong Kong and Bax makes no effort to conceal her Kiwi pride. “In New Zealand, we do our best to be able to supply Hong Kong with some of our best equines,” she said. “Obviously it’s a very proud moment and I couldn’t be happier for all the connections, past and present. I know that past owners are watching with great excitement every time he runs. It’s just a thrill for everybody. He’s a great flag-bearer for New Zealand.” And on a rating of 126, Beauty Generation is the best miler in the world according to the most recent Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, another feather in Bax’s cap. “I am very proud to have done that,” she commented. “It’s like a child, all my horses are like my babies and it’s absolutely a thrill.” View the full article

DEAUVILLE, France–The 2018 European breeding stock sales season comes to a close this weekend in Deauville with four days of selling at the Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale. While the seaside town and all its Christmas cheer is an attraction in itself, savvy shoppers will be well aware there are still plenty of gifts of the equine variety up for grabs. While inspections at the Deauville sales grounds were blighted on Friday by periods of heavy rain and wind, buyers from all corners of the globe were still out inspecting mares, fillies and foals, giving reason to believe that the strong international participation witnessed at both Goffs and Tattersalls in recent weeks will continue at the final sale of the year. And such participation would certainly be merited; the Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale has been advertised on a global scale this year, with mares purchased from the sale having produced top-class winners all across Europe, in the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Africa. Fierement (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who in October became a Classic winner in Japan’s G1 Kikuka Sho, is out of a mare bought by Katsumi Yoshida for €750,000 in 2018. On the other end of the scale, Australian agent Sheamus Mills purchased Suspicieuse (Fr) (Elusive City), the dam of exciting Australian 2-year-old Dubious (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}), for €55,000 in 2013. Other progeny of mares purchased at Arqana in recent years to win major stakes in 2018 include Nyaleti (Ire) (Arch) and Well Timed (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), winners of the G2 German 1000 Guineas and G1 German Oaks; G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil winner and G1 Melbourne Cup runner-up Marmelo (GB) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}); G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern winner Iquitos (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}); G3 Prix de Saint Georges winner City Light (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}); G3 Prix de la Rochette winner The Black Album (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and G3 Prix de Royaumont winner Pollara (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). They join a list that includes Group 1 winners like La Cressonniere, Vadamos, Suedois, Danedream, Almanzor, Brametot, Capri, Signs of Blessing and Toronado, whose dams were all purchased at Arqana December. Pollara’s dam, Brooklyn’s Storm (Storm Cat), was bought for €70,000 in 2011 and, on the back of Pollara’s Group 3 win earlier this year, the mare’s Galileo filly foal sold for 1-million gns. In fact, each of the mare’s four yearlings to go through the ring since her purchase has reached six figures. A Raving Beauty (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) was bought privately by Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables and Bethlehem Stables from the Monceaux consignment at last year’s sale for €230,000, and less than a year later after adding the GI First Lady S. to her resume she was bought by Haruya Yoshida for $2-million at Fasig-Tipton November last month. Another Arqana December graduate to perform well of late for the same Chad Brown stable is Rymska (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), who was a €35,000 foal in 2014 and sold privately to American interests after winning a listed stake in France. She won four straight races in the U.S. including the Oct. 21 GIII Athenia S. at Belmont-not bad for a €35,000 foal out of a mare that had cost €10,000 carrying her at the same sale the year before. Arqana released a fine catalogue for the December Breeding Stock Sale in early November, and its quality has since been bolstered by the addition of several well-qualified wildcards. Those include Lily’s Candle (Fr) (Style Vendome {Fr}) (lot 160), who returns to the ring where she was scooped up for €15,000 as a foal a year ago. In the interim, she visited Arqana’s Arc Sale in October after winning a listed race at Vichy and was bought by Oceanic Bloodstock for €390,000, and she boosted her value even further a day later when winning ParisLongchamp’s G1 Prix Marcel Boussac. Team Valor’s G3 Prix Miesque winner Devant (Fr) (Showcasing {GB}) has been supplemented as lot 170, as has Noblesse Oblige (Ity) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) (lot 180), the G3 Premio Dormello winner and one of Italy’s top juveniles whose dam was bought for €4,500 carrying her at the Arqana December sale three years ago. The other wildcards include the multiple group-placed 4-year-old Diana Storm (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) (lot 150), a full-sister to German champion and Group 1 winner Dschingis Secret (Ger); and the Group 3-placed Moonlight In Paris (Fr) (Literato {Fr}) (lot 120), in foal to Siyouni (Fr). Just last week, Issam Fares-the owner of Fares Farm in Kentucky and the breeder of the likes of Da Hoss and Curlin-announced that he will disperse his stock at Arqana’s December and February Sales, and four of his young mares have been supplemented to the December sale: the G3 Prix Vanteaux winner Zghorta Dance (Fr) (Le Havre) in foal to Muhaarar (GB) (lot 140); G2 Prix de Pomone winner Baino Hope (Fr) (Jeremy) in foal to Kingman (GB) (lot 190) and her winning half-sister Roman Ridge (Fr) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) in foal to Wootton Bassett (GB) (lot 110); and listed winner Wedge Trust (Ire) (Zamindar {Fr}) in foal to Gleneagles (Ire). These late entries bolster a catalogue that includes the typically intriguing consignments of the likes of Wertheimer et Frere and the Aga Khan Studs. The former includes Tiberias (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}), a winning half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Silasol (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}) from the family of G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Solemia and Classic winner The Gurkha (lot 50); Desertiste (GB) (Green Desert), a stakes-producing half-sister to the dam of G1 Prix du Jockey Club winner Intello (Ger) in foal to New Approach (Ire) (lot 112) and, from the same family, the 5-year-old Gravitee (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}), a full-sister to Intello in foal to Wootton Bassett (lot 159). The Aga Khan’s consignment includes the 5-year-old Talisa (Ire) (Pour Moi {Ire}), a half-sister to Group 1 winner Fidelite (Ire) (In The Wings {GB}) in foal to Shalaa (Ire) (lot 5); and Zerkeriya (Ire) (Soviet Star), a half-sister to Zarkava (Fr) (Zamindar) in foal to Ulysses (GB) (lot 67). Perennial leading Arqana consignor Ecurie des Monceaux supplies a typically strong draft, including Ma Cherie (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), a winning half-sister to GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Zagora (Fr) (Green Tune) in foal to Caravaggio (lot 168); Let’s Misbehave (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), an unraced three-quarter sister to High Chaparral (Ire) in foal to War Front (lot 188); and Nepali Princess (Ire) (Mr. Greeley), an unraced half-sister to Shalaa (Ire) (lot 139). Ronald Rauscher (featured in Friday’s TDN) brings a draft of 14 from Germany, including triple Group 3 winner Delectation (GB) (Delegator {GB}) (lot 192) and another Group 3 winner in Peace In Motion (Hat Trick {Jpn}) (lot 163). Stall Salzburg offers two black-type fillies including Night Music (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), a dual Group 2-winning half-sister to German Oaks winner Night Magic (Ger) (Sholokhov) (lot 195). Guy Pariente’s Haras de Colleville offers a reduction sale that includes the well-bred stakes-producer Cherriya (Fr) (Montjeu {Ire}) in foal to Kingman (GB) (lot 185), and G3 Prix Miesque winner Sweety Dream (Fr) (Dream Ahead) in foal to Kendargent (Fr) (lot 218). La Motteraye Consignment offers the largest consignment on quantity with 27 foals, 19 mares and 16 fillies, and the draft is also big on quality, its foals including the Dubawi filly who is the second foal out of Classic winner Just The Judge (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}) (lot 175). The G1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner’s first foal, a full-brother to this filly, topped the most recent Arqana August yearling sale when sold by La Motteraye and bought by Ballylinch Stud for €1.4-million. La Motteraye’s Gwenael Monneraye said that the filly is more forward than her elder half-brother. “They are both nice horses, but the filly may be a bit more sharp than the colt–she’s all quality,” he said. “She’s very much like a Dubawi filly and we are very excited to have her. “She’s a nice filly, she walks well. I saw her in the spring and she developed well through the summer. She’s a beautiful filly; David [Redvers] said she was one of the best-looking foals he had at Tweenhills. Even here she stands out in the draft we have.” The filly is bred by Qatar Racing and China Horse Club, which partnered on the mare at 4.5-million gns at Tattersalls in 2014 when she was offered to dissolve the partnership between Qatar Racing and the Sangster family. “The partnership is a commercial association; they are willing to sell all the progeny of the dam and they thought this year was a good year to sell as a foal, so we’ll see if they’re right,” Monneraye said. He added that his team is very grateful to have the support of the breeders. “We have worked with David Redvers right from the beginning of La Motteraye, and he has always supported us really well,” he said. “We can’t thank him enough for letting us sell such good horses. We’ve been working together since the beginning and it’s always worked well.” Just The Judge’s daughter will face some competition from another well-bred filly: lot 113, who is from the second crop of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah out of the Group 3-placed Desiree Clary (Ger) (Sholokhov {Ger}). The dam was bought by Chantilly Bloodstock carrying this filly at this sale last year for €210,000. Colleville offers lot 138, a Frankel (GB) colt out of the stakes-winning Restiana (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), and there are also foals by the likes of Camelot (GB), Gleneagles (Ire), Intello (Ger), No Nay Never, Showcasing (GB), Siyouni (Fr) and Wootton Bassett catalogued. The other breeding stock sales this season have been selective at a possibly unprecedented level, and Arqana President Eric Hoyeau said that while the company is confident the sale’s top-of-the-market mares and foals will reward their sellers, the state of the lower tiers of the market is worrisome. “It is going to be selective; there is no reason to think it will be any different,” he said. “Certainly there is growing interest at the top level and it’s more difficult at the lower level.” Arqana Executive Director Freddy Powell added, “The only difference that we have here compared to the other breeding stock sales [in Europe] is that we’ve segmented each day. So we start with the best and each day is segmented. We’re hopeful that the people who come to buy the first day will buy the second day, and the people that come for the second day will buy the third day. “We just hope things will go the right way, especially in the middle market. We can be quite confident the high end will go well but the rest will be difficult. We saw the last few weeks that only a few foals were making their nomination price and a lot of mares and foals the last few weeks didn’t match the nomination price or just matched it, which is a scary place for breeders.” The sale begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Monday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Tuesday’s session, which begins at 11 a.m., is reserved for National Hunt stock and is headlined by the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede breeding stock dispersal. View the full article

It was great to have a three-timer at Musselburgh during the week and the horses seem to be in very good form. I hope we can keep the ball rolling this weekend with runners at Wetherby and Aintree on Saturday. We head to Kelso on Sunday with 3 runners. Saturday Katachenko Track: Aintree – 12:25 Jockey: Brian Hughes He’s been a bit frustrating, we’ve gone from a hood over two miles to blinkers over two and a half miles. The ground would be plenty soft enough for him but he should have won this race last year, he whipped around at the start and got left, only to hit the front 50 yards before the line and get chinned. I’m not convinced he’ll be in love with this ground but time will tell. Tawseef Track: Aintree – 1:00 Jockey: Abbie McCain We bought him form Colin Bowe in Ireland to have some fun with and after a good season he ended up on a mark of 137 which I think is going to make life tough for him. He had an injury after his last run and the ground will be lovely at Aintree, so we will just get him started. Quids In Track: Wetherby – 1:10 Jockey: Lorcan Murtagh He gave me the impression that he wants three miles, his first couple of runs have been fine but suggest he needs a bit further, so tomorrow we will try it out. The race doesn’t look the strongest which will give him every chance of getting the trip. Federici Track: Aintree – 1:30 Jockey: Brian Hughes He was fourth in the race last year and picked up a knock after running in Cheltenham. Prior to that, he’d been running well all season, he may not be quite up to winning this but Brian will get a good spin off him and that alone will give him a live chance. His work has been good and he likes the fences, so we are looking forward to running him. Raise A Spark Track: Wetherby – 2:50 Jockey: Will Kennedy He’s probably not that well handicapped, but he’s won his three chases so he has to go handicapping. The ground and track should be fine but it’s his highest ever mark which may just catch him out. Artichoke Heart Track: Wetherby – 3:25 Jockey: Lorcan Murtagh She is a tiny filly that myself and Richard Kent bred together, she has taken all her work well but I’d be surprised if she was good enough to win a juvenile bumper. We are looking forward to giving her a run and we will see where we are afterwards. Sunday Armattiekan Track: Kelso – 12:00 Jockey: Brian Hughes He’s been a little bit disappointing, it’s a lesser race than he has been running in but he wouldn’t want too much rain. I quite like him as an individual but he’s got to start showing it on the track. Valleyofmilan Track: Kelso – 2:10 Jockey: Brian Hughes He ran OK at Southwell and we think it is worth taking a chance a nice pot with the horse. He’s got a lovely racing weight and it’s worth a punt. Whiteoak Fleur Track: Kelso – 2:40 Jockey: Brian Hughes She’s a big hardy girl that ran well in some bumpers last year, she was a little disappointing in a good bumper at Aintree at the start of the year but looked like she wanted further. She is fit, she’ll appreciate the trip, she has schooled well and she should run well. Best Chance: Quids In The post Donald McCain Blog appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

The Hong Kong International Races are one of the most prominent events in the Asian Sports calendar and take place at Sha Tin Racecourse. The race meeting welcomes a total of ten races to its race card. Longines is the official sponsor and timekeeper of this year’s races, which take place on the second Sunday in December. The Hong Kong International Races are loaded with excitement as befits the world’s top racehorses and jockeys, the whopping HK84.5 million purse which is at stake, and not to mention the incomparable prestige of winning a coveted Group 1 race. Longines Hong Kong Vase The Longines Hong Kong Vase is the fourth race on the card and kick starts the thrilling Group 1 action. Set to run over one mile and four furlongs, it welcomes a field of fourteen runners with HK 18 million in prize money awarded to its prestigious winner. French trainer Andre Fabre runs Waldgeist who is set to be partnered by Pierre-Charles Boudot and will be a big player in this competitive Group 1. The son of Galileo had an excellent run in the Arc at Longchamp Racecourse in October, which was his second last outing. The four-year-old also put on a good show in the Breeders’ Cup where he finished fifth. William Buick takes the ride on Anthony Cruz-trained Pakistan Star. The five-year-old is another hot contest to go to post and connections of the duel Group 1 winner hope the son of Shamardal will bounce back to his original form and he will be one to keep a close eye on. The Irish are of course represented by the Ballydoyle father and son trainers, Aidan and Joseph O’Brien. Rostropovich is set to represent Aidan O’Brien with Wayne Lordan on board. The son of Frankel was a very respectable second in the Irish Derby at Leopardstown in October. The three-year-old finished fifth in the Melbourne Cup on his last outing but will have his work cut out for him in this challenging one mile and four furlongs contest. Young Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien runs Latrobe off the back of his run in the Group 1 Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington Racecourse last month where he finished a respectable second. The three-year-old is set to be partnered by James Mc Donald and connections will be hopeful to see an improvement from his last outing. The son of Camelot won the Irish Derby at the Curragh last summer and the good ground conditions will suit him. Selection: Latrobe Longines Hong Kong Sprint Mr Stunning is a strong contender in this six furlong contest. The six-year-old won this race in 2017 and is set to be partnered by jockey Karis Teetan. The son of Exceed and Excel’s recent efforts in the C&D to finish second to D B Pin and suggests that he will be a major force to be reckoned with as a horse that also has much experience under his girth to include a successful previous form at the Sha Tin track. D B Pin runs under Sam Clipperton for trainer John Size. The six-year-old has been well drawn, and although the son of Darci Brahma disappointed on his seasonal debut he has a good form record prior to his last outing. Certainly D B Pin is one to watch on the betting market. John Size also runs Beat The Clock and Hot King Prawn in this Group 1 contest, both of whom are horses to keep an eye on in terms of the betting market. Selection: D B Pin Beat The Bank – Oisin Murphy win at Newmarket in 2017Hong Kong Mile Worth HK 23 million in prize money, the Hong Kong Mile welcomes a field of fourteen runners set to go to post. The name on the tongues punters and racing fans alike for this one mile contest is the John Moore-trained Beauty Generation. Set to be ridden by Zac Purton the six-year-old has not put a hoof wrong this season, winning on all three starts, with a consistent form last season. With a lot of experience under his girth, the son of Road To Rock will be the one to beat. English trainer Andrew Balding’s Beat The Bank is among entries. Set to be partnered by Oisin Murphy the four-year-old is a duel Group 2 winner this season winning at both Ascot and Goodwood. Connections of the son of Paco Boy will be hopeful that the sounder surface at Sha Tin will also suit him. Fifty Fifty is a name that racing fans became familiar with last season as the son of Thorn Park had a cracking season, scoring four times. The six-year-old has only ever run at Sha Tin Racecourse and although he has not quite come back on his original form since returning to the track this season, connections will be hopeful the Lee Wan Keung and Lee Wong Wai Kuen-owned gelding can bounce back to return to the winners’ enclosure. Selection: Beat The Bank Longines Hong Kong Cup The Hong Kong Cup is worth HK 25 million in prize money and open to horses three years and older. The one mile, and two furlongs challenge is set to welcome a field of nine runners to go to post in this thrilling Group 1. Trainer Hidekazu Asami is set to send off the ante-post favourite for the race, Sungrazer. The four-year-old comes off the back of finishing second in the Newcomers maiden at Toyko last month. This slight step up in trip may suit the son of Deep Impact to allow him to keep punters happy. He is set to be partnered with Joao Moreira. Time Wrap who is trained by English based trainer Anthony Cruz is another strong contender. The five-year-old son of Archipenko is set to be ridden by Zac Purton and will certainly be one to give it a good go, although the Group 1 company could prove too much. Mitsuru Hashida-trained Deirdre is another strong contender and the daughter of Harbinger is set to be ridden by Christophe-Patrice Lemaire. A classy mare, she keeps on improving and has won seven of her nineteen starts. The four-year-old will be one to keep a close eye on. Selection: Deirdre The post Weekend Preview: Hong Kong International Races appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

DEAUVILLE, France-Lebanese politician and businessman Issam Fares has gained recognition in the Thoroughbred business globally, most notably as the breeder of American Horse of the Year, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup winner Curlin (Smart Strike). He has also, however, developed high-class families at his Haras de Manneville in France, and he will offer four mares for sale at Arqana on Saturday as part of a dispersal that will continue at Arqana’s February sale. The 81-year-old Fares, who has been involved in the civil engineering and construction businesses and has owned racehorses for almost 40 years, conducted an 80-horse American dispersal at Keeneland November in 2013 but retains to this day his Fares Farm in Lexington, the birthplace of Curlin. Haras de Manneville was Fares’s first farm, purchased in 1982, and all four of the mares he sells on Saturday were born there: Wedge Trust (Ire) (Zamindar), a listed-winning and Group 3-placed 8-year-old who is offered carrying her fourth foal, by Gleneagles (Ire) (Lot 100); half-sisters Roman Ridge (Fr) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (Lot 110) in foal to Wootton Bassett (Fr) and Baino Hope (Fr) (Jeremy) (Lot 190) in foal to Kingman (GB); and the Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Zghorta Dance (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), in foal with her first foal to Muhaarar (GB) (Lot 140). Zghorta Dance descends from one of Fares’s best racehorses; her third dam is the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Miss Alleged. “These are four young, top mares,” said Manneville Farm Manager Adrien Rambaud. “We have Zghorta Dance, who was the last top mare on the racetrack for Issam Fares. She won the Prix Vanteaux and ran in the Prix de Diane, and she was second in a Group 1 in Italy, so she’s a top mare.” Baino Hope and Roman Ridge both descend from another of Fares’s foundation mares, the three-time stakes producer Baino Bluff (Be My Guest). “This is a historic family of Manneville,” Rambaud said. “We have about five mares from this top family and she gave us really top representatives on the racetrack. “We also have Wedge Trust, who comes from a top Niarchos family,” he added. “The dam is by Storm Cat and she is by Zamindar, and in foal to Gleneagles. She was a really nice filly and the winner of a listed race in foal with her first foal.” In addition to Curlin and Miss Alleged, Fares is also the breeder of two-time GI Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Da Hoss, and raced Group 1 winner and sire Highest Honor (Fr). He has had success both buying and selling at Arqana, so Rambaud said it was a natural fit to place the dispersal in Deauville. “We’ve had a lot of success with Arqana,” he said. “We’re in France, so we think it’s good to work with the French company for selling our horses. Historically, Mr. Fares has always had a lot of success with Arqana. He has bought a lot of horses through Arqana and he has sold yearlings every year through Arqana. He knows Arqana very well and has had a lot of success with them.” The Fares dispersal will continue at Arqana February with 14 short yearlings by the likes of Anodin, Charm Spirit (Ire), Dabirsim (Fr), as well as fillies out of training. View the full article

If the entirely unconventional rise to stallion stardom of Kendargent (Fr) is anything to go by, Haras de Colleville is an operation to pay close attention to and the Normandy stud reaches out to prospectors at the upcoming Arqana Breeding Stock Sale. With a notable draft of foals and broodmares, Guy Pariente’s Pays d’Auge establishment offers the opportunity to acquire some of the raw material which has raised the farm to a level to compete effectively with its long-established neighbours. Kendargent’s ascent from the most humble beginnings is well-documented, but Colleville is not solely about that phenomenon. Having bred the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains hero Style Vendome (Fr) (Anabaa), the runner-up in that Classic Prestige Vendome (Fr) (Orpen) and other Group 1 performers by Kendargent in Restiadargent (Fr), Kendam (Fr), Kenhope (Fr) and Goken (Fr)–the latter of which now stands alongside his sire–Colleville is outperforming for a relatively new set-up. This auction sees the stud, which is a strong supporter of its own trio of stallions Kendargent, Goken and the ex-Wertheimer Galiway (GB), stripping down in a bid for a higher-quality broodmare band. As a result, the 10-year-old black-type producer Cherriya (Fr) (Montjeu {Ire}) is available. Offered as lot 185, she is already the dam of the G3 Prix de la Grotte runner-up Kenriya (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) and G2 Diana-Trial third Cheshmeh (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) and is in foal to Kingman (GB). Lot 218 is the 3-year-old Sweety Dream (Fr) (Dream Ahead), who was successful in last year’s G3 Prix Miesque and is in foal to Kendargent. A descendant of As You Desire Me (GB), she is connected to the GI Garden City Breeders’ Cup heroine Luas Line (Ire) (Danehill). As expected, Kendargent’s influence is keenly felt throughout most of the consignment and he also has a colt foal offered as lot 304, a son of the listed-winning and dual group-placed Stormyra (Fr) (Stormy River {Fr}), whose own half-sister was Kendargent’s listed scorer Onedargent (Fr). He is responsible for the foal carried by lot 332 Dalawysa (Fr) (Dalakhani {Ire}), a 10-year-old from the superb Aga Khan family of the G1 Prix de Diane heroine Valyra (GB) (Azamour {Ire}) and top-class Val Royal (Fr) (Royal Academy) and Valixir (Ire) (Trempolino), and the 6-year-old Onyx (Fr) (Orpen). Lot 237https://www.arqana.com/lots/breeding_stock_sale/243/74993https://www.arqana.com/lots/breeding_stock_sale/243/74993 is a half-sister to the useful listed winner Meneas (Fr) (American Post {GB}) from the family of the amazing Occupandiste (Ire) (Kaldoun {Fr}). Lot 212 is the 13-year-old Bedford Hope (Ger) (Chato {Fr}), who is carrying a full-sibling to the G3 Prix de la Grotte winner and G1 Coronation S. runner-up Kenhope (Fr), another of the star cast by Kendargent. Lot 138 is a colt foal by Frankel (GB) out of the listed-winning and group-placed Restiana (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), whose own full-sister was the aforementioned dual group winner Restiadargent who went so close to upsetting Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}) and Moonlight Cloud (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in that epic G1 Diamond Jubilee S. in 2012. Lot 132 is the 13-year-old Damdam Freeze (Fr) (Indian Rocket {GB}), dam of Kendargent’s G1 Prix de la Foret third Kendam and the useful black-type performer Kenfreeze (Fr), also by Kendargent who is in foal to Goken. Lot 515 is the listed-placed Revedargent (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), a full-sister to the group-placed Batwan (Fr) and a half to the G2 Prix du Muguet runner-up Matorio (Fr) (Oratorio {Ire}) in foal to Galiway. If Guy Pariente has taught the Thoroughbred industry anything, it is that taking chances based on genuine faith can pay off and over the next few days at Deauville there are abundant opportunities to buy a piece of that dream. View the full article

Becher Chase This is our first taste of the Grand National fences of the season and is always an enthralling contest. Don Poli tops the weights here and is returning to the track for the first time in two years following a tendon injury. When last seen in competitive action he finished third behind subsequent Gold Cup winner Sizing John and if Gordon has him fit enough he could take the prize back across the Irish Sea. Nigel Twiston-Davies holds a very strong hand in this with Blaklion and Ballyoptic, the former is the choice of his son Sam and must have a big chance. He has a great record over these fences having finished fourth in the National two season ago behind One For Arthur and winning this race last year. He runs off a five pounds higher mark this time around but has had a wind op since that win and looks sure to run well. Ballyoptic was a Grade 1 winner over hurdles and was a fine second in the Scottish National. This will be his first attempt over the National fences and if taking to them, then he will take all the beating. Vieux Lion Rouge won this back in 2016 and now races off only a four pound higher mark. If you also take into consideration that he has had a wind op since his last run, then he could outrun his odds and reward his followers. Selection: Ballyoptic Tingle Creek The Tingle Creek is shaping up to be one of the best races of the season as the reigning Champion Chaser Altior makes his eagerly anticipated seasonal debut. Nick Henderson’s inmate is unbeaten in his last fourteen starts and if he jumps a clear round then a fifteen straight win looks on the cards. Sceau Royal and Saint Calvados have both had the benefit of a winning run this season which connections will be hoping will give them an edge over the favourite Altior. Sceau Royal has only tasted defeat once over fences and was a Grade 1 winner last season. Although he is undoubtedly a talented horse, I can’t see him being up to winning this. Saint Calvados has only had five runs for current connections having made the move from his native France. He was sent off at 11/4 to land last season’s Arkle but trailed in a disappointing fourth of five behind Footpad. Harry Whittington sent him to Ireland on season debut where he won a Grade 3 at Naas. This was an impressive performance and although Footpad fell at the last, he was already well in command at that stage. If he can build on that then a fruitful season lies ahead. Un De Sceaux makes the trip over from Wille Mullins’s yard and this mud loving front-runner won the race back in 2016. He may not be quite as good as he once was but this 22-time winner will put it up to them. Selection: Altior Many Clouds Chase Definitly Red won this race season en-route to finishing a creditable sixth in the Gold Cup behind Native River. He made a winning reappearance in the Grade 2 Charlie Hall at Wetherby most recently and will be put away until the Gold Cup(Insert link) after this. Brian Ellison really believes in this horse and thinks he should get more credit but credit is earned and the truth is he’s never won a Grade 1 race and must improve. Former Grand National winner, One For Arthur makes his eagerly anticipated return following a 609-day break. In fact, Lucinda Russell’s stable star hasn’t been in action since that memorable win. Although everyone is looking forward to seeing him run, a watching brief is best advised. Double Shuffle only made it as far as the first in the Charlie Hall but has some good form to his name including a runner-up finish in the King George last season. There may be further improvement to come from Tom George’s charge and I for one am excited to see him. The field is completed by Acdc who in all reality will need his three rivals to come to grief is he is to win this. Selection: Double Shuffle Henry VIII Novices Chase This race revolves around the popular Lalor, who was responsible for one of the most emotional moments of the season when winning the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April for Kayley Woollacott. Lalor was very impressive on his first run over fences when proving seven lengths too good for his closest rival Dynamite Dollars. He is one of the most exciting novice chasers in training and should enhance his already tall reputation. Dynamite Dollars had an excellent start to the season when cosily winning a novice event at Market Rasen. He beat Highway One O One by nine lengths that day and the runner-up franked the form during the week by land a Graduation chase from the smart Dolos. Paul Nicholls’ five-year-old is a nice type and although he was comprehensively beaten by Lalor most recently, he could be one to follow for the season over fences. Pingshou hadn’t been seen for 570 days prior to an encouraging reappearance behind Lalor at Cheltenham last month. Colin Tizzards inmate was a winner of the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree back in 2017. This victory was followed by a third-place finish in another Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival. He looks sure to come on for his reappearance and should finish a lot closer to Lalor Diakali has already proved to be a very shrewd acquisition for the Moore team. This former Willie Mullins inmate was a Grade 1 winner as a four-year-old and has won all three starts since being sent over fences. He may have been slightly fortunate to keep this record intact last time but should still run well in this. Selection: Lalor Grand Sefton Chase This is another race to savour for those who love the national fences. Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Little Josh to take this back in 2012 and is he represented by Crievehill this time around. Highclere racings six-year-old has been very consistent and progressive in recent runs, including a runner-up finish in a decent handicap at Haydock at the end of last season. He kicked off the current campaign with a respectable second behind Jarvet and looks to have a live chance. One of the youngest horses in the field is Catamaran Du Seuil, who hails from the Grand National winning yard of Dr Richard Newland. The French-bred son of Network has reached a new level of form in his last three starts, with a runner-up finish in the Tommy Whittle and two impressive wins both at Wetherby. He is on a real upward curve and may be hard to contain here. Captain Redbeard finished sixth in this contest twelve months ago behind Gas Line Boy off a mark of 137. He was second in the Peter Marsh later that season but only got to the seventh fence in the Grand National. Stuart Colthred’s nine-year-old now races off 144 and although he should run well, he may come up short against some less-exposed rivals. Former Galway Plate winner Shanahan’s Turn may be running off a nice mark here and is from the bang in form stable of Colin Tizzard. He runs off only one-pound higher than when finishing second to Ultragold in the Topham last season. A disappointing run at Cheltenham when last seen has to be forgotten but a return to these fences may spark a revival. Paul Nicholls’ is represented by Warriors Tale, who pulled up in the Grand National after being hampered at the chair when last seen over these fences. Trevor Hemmings who is synonymous with Aintree owned Warrior Tale and he may run well but again, I find it hard to see him winning. Selection: Shanahan’s Turn The post Saturday Preview – Early Christmas Cracker In The Tingle Creek appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Leading Japanese trainer Yasutoshi Ikee will be doing a rain dance ahead of Sunday’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile because he thinks a softer track will suit his stable star Persian Knight. The two-time Japan Racing Association champion trainer is delighted with how the horse is ticking along ahead of the big day. “It was absolutely fabulous work on Thursday, I was very happy with it,” Ikee said through an interpreter. “He raced in the Mile Championship three weeks... View the full article

Irish Derby winner Latrobe adds an intriguing dimension to Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong Vase, as only the second winner of that Irish classic winner to participate on Hong Kong’s feature day. That intrigue spilled over to Friday’s trackwork session, when Latrobe worked a steady 1,200m on the all-weather track. His times may have been unspectacular but the fluency and athleticism of the colt was on display for all to see. The full gallop took 1:23.4, the last 400m in 26.8... View the full article

Leading Irish jockey Oisin Murphy would love nothing more than to fulfil a lifelong ambition of billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha when he rides Beat The Bank in Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong Mile. Srivaddhanaprabha, the former owner of Leicester City Football Club who died in a helicopter accident outside his beloved team’s stadium in October this year, was also a keen horse owner, with his King Power empire owning hundreds of horses throughout Europe. Murphy, who rode frequently... View the full article

Ed Walker has the sort of profile that makes him an ideal candidate to join the training ranks at Sha Tin – and he can further bolster his CV if Stormy Antarctic can take out the Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup on Sunday. The Jockey Club currently has two vacancies for expatriate trainers and the preference is for a northern hemisphere flavour so someone like Walker should be right in the frame. The Englishman has the right mix of attributes – he is young, talented, personable, has... View the full article

He’s built a name as a first-class trainer in his own right but still you get the feeling Charlie Fellowes is on the ride of his life with Prince Of Arran, who runs in Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong Vase (2,400m). The five-year-old comes to Hong Kong on the back of a superb performance in Melbourne’s spring carnival that included a third in the Melbourne Cup and victory in the Group Three Lexus Stakes, both at Flemington. Fellowes, who is based in Newmarket in the United Kingdom... View the full article

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