Jump to content
Bit Of A Yarn

Wandering Eyes

Journalists
  • Posts

    128,417
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Everything posted by Wandering Eyes

  1. 2nd-GP, $94k, Msw, 3yo, f, 7 1/2fT, 1:20p.m. ET Debuting on the Gulfstream grass for Bregman Family Racing, Athaliah (Gun Runner) will go to post from the George Weaver barn. The $480,000 KEESEP grad is out of graded-placed Divine Elegance (Uncle Mo), a half-sister to the dam of multiple Grade I-placed Standard Deviation (Curlin). This is the extended female family of GI Kentucky Oaks victress Believe You Can (Proud Citizen). To her outside is Uncommon (Quality Road), a half-sister to MGSW Fast Boat (City Zip), who hails from a busy, extended French Group 1-winning and placed family. The Robert Evans homebred will head out for trainer Christophe Clement. The farthest out is Theravada (Tapit), racing in the colors of Winter Quarter Farm and Allen Schubert. She is out of MGSW & MGISP Cambodia (War Front), who is a half-sister to the dam of MGSW Danse Macabre (Army Mule) and SP Pretty Liam (Liam's Map). This is the immediate family of three-time South African champion sprinter MG1SW-SAf Overarching (Arch), herself dam of G1SW Lady of the House (SAf) (Dynasty {Saf}). TJCIS PPs 5th-OP, $110k, Msw, 3yo, 6f, 3:02p.m. ET A $1.1-million KEESEP purchase, Cornucopian (Into Mischief) goes to post here for trainer Bob Baffert. A half-brother to a fleet of accomplished siblings, namely 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW Guarana (Ghostzapper), GSW Beatbox (Pioneerof the Nile), and 'TDN Rising Star' SW & GSP Magic Dance (More Than Ready), the colt hails from the line of GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Pleasant Home (Seeking the Gold). This is the immediate female line of MGISW Point of Entry (Dynaformer) and MGISW Pine Island (Arch). The morning line has him tabbed at 2-1 odds. TJCIS PPs 4th-FG, $52k, Msw, 3yo/up, f, 6f, 3:15p.m. ET Unveiling for Qatar Racing in this Fair Grounds maiden is HEAVENLY SUNSET (Constitution), a three-quarter sister to GISW Valiance (Tapit), and who is herself out of a Grade I winner named Last Full Measure (Empire Maker). She is an $850,000 KEESEP purchase in 2023 and brings a steady worktab at Payson Park for trainer Brad Cox. The morning line has her tabbed at 7-2 odds. To her inside is Mostly Mischief (Into Mischief), a $550,000 KEESEP pick up by MKW Racing and Breeding, trained by Michael Stidham. Though late to the party, she has been showing encouraging signs in the morning, including a co-bullet move Feb. 15 over the surface when she went four furlongs in :47 flat (1/129). Her unraced dam is a half-sister to MGSW Seductively (Thunder Gulch), the dam of Japanese group winner Mitono O (Jpn) (Logotype {Jpn}). TJCIS PPs 10th-GP, $94k, Msw, 4yo/up, 1 1/16mT, 5:20p.m. ET Bred as royally as royalty tends to go, Richly Deserved (Justify) is by a Triple Crown winner and out of GI Belmont Stakes heroine Rags to Riches (A. P. Indy) and who will debut from the far outside in this Florida nightcap. While late to get going, his last six works have shown promise as four have been bullets on both surfaces at Palm Meadows Downs. He is a half-sibling to a two-time champion in Hungary named Rhett Butler (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). The June foal goes to post wearing the colors of Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor for trainer Todd Pletcher. To the inside of that one is $450,000 KEESEP buy Chandigarh (Speightstown), who goes to post for trainer Chad Brown and owners Peter Brant and Robert LaPenta. TJCIS PPs The post Feb. 23 Insights: Son of Rags to Riches Debuts in Florida, Elite Pedigrees on Display appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  2. In a race worthy of its title as the richest Thoroughbred horse race in the world with a $20 million purse, a resilient Forever Young edged Romantic Warrior in a thrilling Saudi Cup (G1) Feb. 22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.View the full article
  3. RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA — Susumu Fujita's FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (c, 4, Real Steel {Jpn}–Forever Darling, by Congrats) grabbed Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the shadow of the winning post to win a spine-tingling renewal of the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, a race that did not deserve a loser. Forever Young was part of a four-way scrum for the early lead with anticipated front-runners Walk of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Al Musmak (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) as James McDonald tucked Romantic Warrior–having his first go on a dirt track–just in behind. With positions mostly unchanged approaching the end of the back straight, McDonald took the bold decision with fully half the distance yet to cover of angling out around longshot Defunded (Dialed In) and was consigned to a five-wide run around the turn. Nevertheless, Romantic Warrior traveled on the steel, quickly moved up to them and poked his head in front, with Ryusei Sakai and Forever Young left a bit flat-footed one off the fence at the head of the lane. Romantic Warrior went clear and they were partying in Wan Chai, but as he displayed when blousing out Book'em Danno (Bucchero) at the finish of last year's G3 Saudi Derby, Forever Young loves a fight, and he began pegging back the margin with time ticking away. James McDonald was hard at work on Romantic Warrior and said post-race that the 7-year-old 'was not stopping', but Forever Young proved narrowly better on the day in a race that won't soon be forgotten. Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), last down the back, picked up the pieces late for third, picking up more Saudi prizemoney after just losing his own heartbreaker 12 months ago. The final time for the 1800 meters was 1:49.12, which breaks the previous record of 1:49.50 set by Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) in 2024. Japanese runners swept the last four races on the card. Sales history: $720,603 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL. Lifetime Record: 10-8-0-2, $14,248,207. O-Susumu Fujta; B-Northern Racing; T-Yoshito Yahagi. FOREVER YOUNG #フォーエバーヤング!!! He let Romantic Warrior go by and then ran him down late in the $20,000.000 @TheSaudiCup (G1)! The Real Steel colt takes the #WAYI @BreedersCup Classic race for trainer Yoshito Yahagi. Jockey Ryusei Sakai brings the big one home for Japan! pic.twitter.com/cEBhyw8g5Z — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 22, 2025 The post Forever Young Nips Romantic Warrior In An Epic Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  4. In racing as in life, good things come to those who wait. And while we have had to endure an extra 24 hours for Sunday's rescheduled GII Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, the wait may just prove worth it as a full, competitive field of 3-year-olds line up with 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby on the line. The top three runners from the GIII Southwest Stakes face each other once again Sunday with Speed King (Volatile) taking top billing back on Jan. 25 over a hard-closing Sandman (Tapit) who caught the eye with his runner-up finish after breaking sideways and nearly dropping jockey Christian Torres at the start. “Take nothing away from the winner, but, yes, I think we would have won with a clean break,” trainer Mark Casse told the TDN Writers' Room this week of Sandman. “I knew going in that we were going to find out whether he was a man or a boy. I think he proved he was a man. We all know that a lot of horses, even a lot of good horses, are not able to be to overcome what he was able to overcome. So I don't know about everybody else, but I came away from the race extremely impressed.” The trio rounds out with Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) who also came running at the end to earn his third straight graded stakes placing after coming second in the GIII Street Sense and third in the GII Kentucky Jockey Club last year. Trainer Bob Baffert ships in Madaket Road (Quality Road), a runner he thought so highly of that he debuted him in the GIII Bob Hope Stakes where he ran a game second to 'TDN Rising Star' Bullard (Gun Runner) (who will scratch from this spot due to a fever) before breaking his maiden next-time out and running third to Eclipse-winning stablemate Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). Rail-drawn Coal Battle (Coal Front) comes in off three straight wins including the first of the local preps at Oaklawn in the Smarty Jones Stakes Jan. 4 along with the Springboard Mile where he defeated Speed King Dec. 13. “After the (Smarty Jones), we go to the test barn, get back to the barn with him, and he's bucking and kicking down the shed row,” trainer Lonnie Briley said of Coal Battle. “Next day, it was like he didn't even run.” Another on a three-race streak is Louisiana-bred Smoken Wicked (Bobby's Wicked One) for Dallas Stewart while 'TDN Rising Star' Hypnus (Into Mischief) makes just his second start for trainer Kenneth McPeek after impressing over the Fair Grounds slop at long odds Jan. 18 while Brad Cox, who won the Rebel last year with 'Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief), brings out another 'Rising Star' in Admiral Dennis (Constitution). Muhimma | Sarah Andrew Cox also features strongly in the GIII Honeybee Stakes, a Kentucky Oaks points race, earlier in the card with 'TDN Rising Star' Muhimma (Munnings) drawing the rail in an attempt to stay perfect off her win in last year's GII Demoiselle Stakes Dec. 7. “Super talent,” said Cox. “Been good from Day 1. We'll see where she takes us, but she's obviously shown the ability to win from the 1 hole already, in a large field at Aqueduct.” The top two finishers of Oaklawn's local prep, the Martha Washington Stakes, also reappear here as Kenneth McPeek's Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) led in 'TDN Rising Star' and MGISP Quietside (Malibu Moon) over course and distance Jan. 25. Talented juvenile Quickick (McKinzie), last seen third behind Eclipse-winning filly Immersive (Nyquist) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar, reemerges here off two straight Grade I placings to round out 2024 (she was also second to Immersive in the GI Darley Alcibiades). Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro) makes her third start for Michael McCarthy after debuting for the late Ben Cecil at Del Mar in November. She took the Santa Ynez Stakes Jan. 5 after running second to Tenma (Nyquist) in the GII Starlet Stakes last year. Older horses feature in the GIII Razorback Handicap which includes the return of Godolphin homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' First Mission (Street Sense {Ire}) for Brad Cox. The 5-year-old last trailed home seventh in the GI Whitney Stakes at Saratoga last summer but previously took both the GIII Essex Handicap at Oaklawn and the GII Alyshebe Stakes at Churchill last year. “He's training really well,” Cox said. “Obviously, he's proven over the racetrack. I'm excited about getting him started.” He's drawn inside of Baddest Good Boy (Bernardini) for Norm Casse who makes his stakes debut Sunday and brings a perfect two-for-two record in both over the local surface. Readers will recognize plenty of familiar names in the field including: MGSW/GISP Red Route One (Gun Runner), GI Preakness third Creative Minister (Creative Cause), GSW/MGISP Skinner (Curlin) who makes his second start for Cherie DeVaux, and GSW/MGISP Crupi (Curlin) for the partnership of Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable. First Mission | Horsephotos “He's doing really well,” DeVaux said of Skinner. “Came out of his last race and trained forwardly. We didn't have him all that long, prior to his start. Hoping he puts in another good effort for us. His (speed) figures are kind of steady where they are, but I think there's room for improvement as he matures and he has matured.” The post Weather-Delayed Rebel Promises Southwest Rematch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  5. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article
  6. Straight No Chaser's brilliance, on display in winning the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) last fall at Del Mar, shone similarly in the Saudi Arabia desert when he romped in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saudi Cup day.View the full article
  7. Jastar Capital, Polivka Equine Holdings, and Timothy Madden's White Rocks grabbed the lead at the break and never looked back, securing a victory in the $175,000 Cincinnati Trophy at Turfway Park Feb. 21 on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks (G1).View the full article
  8. RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA — Recently crowned champion sprinter STRAIGHT NO CHASER (h, 6, Speightster–Margarita Friday, by Johannesburg) was forced to absorb plenty of pressure from his outside in the form of the fleet Japanese galloper Jasper Krone (Frosted), but looked to have his measure at every stage, put him away approaching the stretch and powered home to take out Saturday's G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint. The victory earns the 6-year-old a fees-paid berth into the 2025 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, a race in which he capped his championship campaign in 2024. Away alertly from a high gate, the handsome dark bay led through the opening strides, but the bald face of Jasper Krone pressed forward to make the lead, as expected, with Straight No Chaser stuck down inside for the run to the turn. A horse with a well-documented 'light mouth', Straight No Chaser was under a light hold traveling extremely well passing the 400-meter pole and kept on very well for the victory. The locally based Muqtahem (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}) raced reasonably handy to the pace and claimed second ahead of Japan's Gabby's Sister (Jpn) (Apollo Kingdom) in third. Sales history: $110,000 2yo '21 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: 11-7-0-1, $2,616,300. O-MyRacehorse; B-John Eaton & Steve Laymon (KY); T-Dan Blacker. Saturday, King Abdulaziz (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia RIYADH DIRT SPRINT-G2, $2,000,000, King Abdulaziz, 2-22, NH/SH3yo/up, 1200m, 1:11.16, ft. 1–STRAIGHT NO CHASER, 125, h, 6, by Speightster 1st Dam: Margarita Friday, by Johannesburg 2nd Dam: Smile Maker, by Capote 3rd Dam: Desireux, by Fappiano ($110,000 2yo '21 FTIMAY). O-My Racehorse; B-John Eaton & Steve Laymon (KY); T-Dan Blacker; J-John Velazquez; $1,200,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. Male Sprinter-US, GISW-US, 11-7-0-1, $2,616,300. *1/2 to Hangover Saturday (Pomeroy), SW-US, $106,875. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Muqtahem (Ire), 125, g, 4, Soldier's Call (GB)–Smooth Sailing (GB), by Bated Breath (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (£27,000 Ylg '22 GOFAUG; £60,000 2yo '23 GOFAPR). O-Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah; B-Ballyhane (Ire); T-Thamer Aldaihani; J-Muhammad Aldaham; $400,000. 3–Gabby's Sister (Jpn), 121, f, 4, Apollo Kingdom–Ange d'Etoile (Jpn), by Special Week (Jpn). O-Kazuhiko Nagashima; B-Apollo Thoroughbred Club (Jpn); T-Kazutomo Mori; J-Christophe Lemaire; $200,000. Margins: 3 3/4, HF, 3. Also Ran: Halaa, Saodad (KSA), Ancestral Land (GB), Remake (Jpn), Power Of Beauty (Ire), Jasper Krone, Chikappa (Jpn), Igniter (Jpn), Nonesense. VIDEO. HOW IMPRESSIVE WAS STRAIGHT NO CHASER?!?! He did not mess around in the $2,000,000 Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) at @TheSaudiCup. @dan_blacker trains the @MyRacehorse stallion. @ljlmvel piloted him perfectly. Congrats to all the connections! Play the next: https://t.co/ebKi95dING pic.twitter.com/dvbN7cO4Z7 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 22, 2025 The post Champion Straight No Chaser Far Too Classy In Riyadh Dirt Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  9. Sam Agars YEE CHEONG GLORY - R10 (14) Impressed in his debut win and can salute again Jay Rooney JUNEAU PRIDE - R8 (8) Consistent type who looks hard to beat on his laststart second Trackwork Spy SKY JEWELLERY - R3 (2) Looks to be spot on for his Sha Tin debut and should be too strong late Phillip Woo SKY JEWELLERY - R3 (2) Has shown very good potential in his two runs and is the one to beat Shannon (Vincent Wong) SHAMUS STORM - R1 (7) Ran well for second place on debut and will be hard to beat from a good draw Racing Post Online JUNEAU PRIDE - R8 (8) Progressive youngster who should continue his climb up the ratings Tom Wood SHAMUS STORM - R1 (7) Impressive run on debut, looks tough to roll this weekendView the full article
  10. He required most of the long straight at King Abdulaziz Racetrack, but in the end, GOLDEN VEKOMA (c, 3, Vekoma–Sticks Wondergirl, by Stevie Wonderboy) called on his class to grab Japan's dirt debutant Shin Forever (Complexity) with just under 100 meters to race and inched away to add Saturday's $1.5-million G3 Saudi Derby to his prior success in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas across in Dubai Jan. 24. Settled midfield through the early exchanges as the undefeated Japanese filly Myriad Love (Jpn) (New Year's Day) and Shin Forever made the running, Golden Vekoma was sent in between Japanese runners at the 600 meters and had the now lone leader Shin Forever within his sights approaching the straight. The Japanese galloper, a grass maiden winner at first asking last year, had a kick and carried a clear advantage into the final furlong, but, racing on his incorrect lead, Golden Vekoma grabbed him with time ticking away and went on to prevail. Sales history: $145,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $90,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1, $1,068,145. O-Mohammed Ahmed Ali Al Sabousi; B-Woods Edge Farm LLC (KY); T-Ahmad Bin Harmash. He had to dig deep but GOLDEN VEKOMA was able to grind out the win in the $1,500,000 Saudi Derby (G3) at @TheSaudiCup. The three-year-old son of Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm) is trained by A Bin Harmash. @connorbeasley9 gave a brilliant ride. pic.twitter.com/hc3FR4XwfZ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 22, 2025 The post Vekoma’s Golden Vekoma Guts It Out in Saudi Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  11. Former Kiwi galloper Jimmysstar scored a stunning win in the Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday under a brilliant Ethan Brown ride. The son of Per Incanto stalked eventual runner-up She’s Bulletproof and launched from the rear of the field to record an emphatic length and a quarter victory in a slick 1:02.25. The winner of two of his three starts in New Zealand for Hastings trainer Guy Lowry, a majority share in Jimmysstar was sold to clients of Ciaron Maher following a Rating 65 win at Hawke’s Bay. Maher has subsequently placed the now five-year-old to perfection with Jimmysstar having a particular affinity for Caulfield, where he has won four of five starts, with his only unplaced effort at the venue when luckless in the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at the end of last campaign. “He is a very special horse,” Maher said. “Ozzie Kheir and the team of owners, they’re great people. He’s got such a following does Jimmy. I’ve been patient, he has always shown that sort of ability and Ethan did say to me ‘it’s about time’, before the race.” Maher said winning fresh-up last campaign over the course and distance had given him the confidence to thrust the exciting talent into the Group One short-course contest fresh-up. “I think Ozzie thought I was crazy when I ran him over 1100m the first time,” he said. “He’s a special horse. He’s always shown that bit of X factor and I can’t thank Ozzie, John and the whole ownership group enough. They’re fantastic to train for, he’s got a knack of finding the best horses. “It’s huge for Sam (Williams) at Little Avondale. He is just a great advertisement for what patience can do. He was very well managed in New Zealand and came over after only a few starts.” Rising star Ethan Brown has seven Group One victories to his name and six of those have come for Maher. “I take a lot of pride in the fact we have built a good relationship and you can see he is just so confident to ride a horse like that in a Group One, it was beautiful,” Maher said. Jimmysstar was bred by Wairarapa couple Pete and Chrissy Algie in partnership with Masterton’s Little Avondale Stud. Stud proprietors Sam and Catriona Williams along with the Algies remain in the ownership of the star galloper. The chestnut gelding is by Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding stallion Per Incanto out of Anniesstar. The Zed mare won five races including the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m), while her full-brother Jacksstar was a seven-time winner up to Group Two level and also placed in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) and her half-brother Bourbonaire was runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Anniesstar is the dam of three named foals, and all of them have been winners, including Charms Star, winner of the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m), and she was also runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Queensland Oaks (2200m) as a three-year-old. View the full article
  12. Champion galloper Mr Brightside notched his ninth Group One victory when winning the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes under a positive Craig Williams ride. The son of Bullbars displayed all his fighting qualities as he made it back-to-back Futurity Stakes, defying his widest draw and a strong head-wind as he raced outside the leader Private Life, with that rival trailing the field home. Mr Brightside scored by the barest of margins as Tom Kitten swooped late, while I Wish I Win turned in a strong performance for third fresh-up. “To see him win like that and just get in, it’s not good for the heart, but we’re so proud of him,” Ben Hayes said. “It’s a long week but we’re just so passionate about this guy and we know he’s good enough and he’s shown it here and he’s the most important horse that we’ve ever been involved with. “For him to continue and keep winning – that’s his ninth Group One victory – and he’s also won an All-Star Mile and that’s a Group One now so you could technically say 10.” Mr Brightside has now surpassed Better Loosen Up as the most successful Group One winner produced by Lindsay Park and is nearing on A$17 million in prizemoney. That tally can be added to as he heads to the A$2.5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8. “He’ll improve a lot from today and all he needs is a nice barrier,” Hayes said. “He’s due one, he’s drawn wide both runs this prep. If he gets a soft run where he doesn’t have to roll forward and lead, he’s a much better chaser and he’ll be right in it.” The Gr.1 Hong Kong Champions Mile (1600m) on April 27 is also a longer range target for the venerable seven-year-old. Mr Brightside was bred by Ray Johnson in partnership with his late wife Martha. He was sold as a yearling for $22,000 via Janine Dunlop’s Phoenix Park at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock May Sale, where he was bought by Phill Cataldo. He then failed to meet his $50,000 reserve when re-offered at the Ready to Run Sale. An opportunity later arose for Johnson to buy him back on gavelhouse.com for just $7,750, in conjunction with Cambridge trainer Ralph Manning and good friend Shaun Dromgool. Mr Brightside finished a luckless fifth in his sole New Zealand start at Matamata for Manning, having previously won a trial. He was subsequently sold privately to clients of the Hayes stable via Australian agent Wayne Ormond. View the full article
  13. Coeur Volante delivered a commanding performance at Caulfield on Saturday, securing her third Stakes victory in the Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) under the guidance of jockey Blake Shinn. Prepared by Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson, the talented Proisir mare overcame a challenging run at Sandown in her previous start, showcasing her class this time around. Grinzinger Belle set a brisk early pace, allowing Coeur Volante to find the trail from a wide barrier. As the leader’s momentum waned rounding the final turn, Coeur Volante surged clear for a comfortable four length win from So Glamorous and Quintessa. Moroney was full of praise for his four-year-old mare and said the decision to be patient through last year’s Queensland Carnival was now paying dividends. “She’s a very classy filly. It’s just a matter of getting the gear [right],” Moroney said. “We had her in the Tatts Tiara (Gr.1, 1400m) and I had the blinkers on her that day and then we scratched because we weren’t happy with her and saved her for now. “She had a nice long break up there in Queensland and it’s going to pay off. Her whole demeanour is starting to change now she’s accepting racing. She went through a bit of a funny stage when she went off the boil – I think she’s back now.” Moroney also acknowledged the teamwork behind the stable’s success given the experienced horseman’s health challenges in the past 12 months. “Between me, Glen, Anthony, my partner Karen, I keep the business and the stable going. I’ve not been there a lot of late but I’m getting there,” he said. Looking ahead, Moroney confirmed that Coeur Volante is likely to head to Sydney next. “We’ll probably go up to Sydney with her now for the Coolmore (Gr.1, 1500m). We think she’s Group One class and she ran a good race here in the Thousand Guineas, probably on pretty tired legs, so I’m pretty sure that she’ll handle 1500m no problems.” Bred by Fairdale Stud, Coeur Volante is one of 21 stakes winners by Rich Hill Stud stallion Proisir. Out of the Testa Rossa mare Shanina, Coeur Volante was purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock in conjunction with Ballymore Stables for $90,000 out of the Prima Park draft during the Book 1 Yearling Sale at Karaka in 2022. She is the younger half-sister of stakes placed filly Hasstobemagic and comes from a family that includes multiple Australian Group Two winner Rose O’ War and outstanding race mare Savana City who included the Gr.1 AJC Oaks (2400m) amongst her eight career victories. View the full article
  14. Four confirmed candidates for the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) had their final dress rehearsal in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, and a classy performance by Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) put a spring in the step of her connections and slot-holders. Bred and raced by Waikato Stud patriarch Garry Chittick, Sethito was selected to represent Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s slot after an impressive run of form that started with a six-length Rotorua maiden win in November. She followed that up with another win in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and a second placing, beaten by a half-head, in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). The Super Seth filly had a 58-day gap between the Eight Carat on Boxing Day and Saturday’s Uncle Remus, but trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott had her spot-on for the $110,000 assignment. Sethito added a new string to her bow in the Uncle Remus Stakes, settling further back than usual in fourth place for jockey Sam Spratt as Vegas Queen, Dealt With and Archaic Smile showed the way. Dealt With cruised past Vegas Queen at the top of the straight and took command, opening up a clear lead with 200m to run. But Spratt went to work on Sethito and she responded, accelerating smartly and eating into Dealt With’s advantage. Even though Dealt With showed no sign of stopping, Sethito drew alongside him and collared him in the final 50m to win by a long neck. Dealt With took second by a nose from Tardelli, with another length back to the winner’s stablemates Checkmate and Hankee Alpha. “Sethito hadn’t been anywhere for a little while, so it was very good to see her do that today,” O’Sullivan said. “Shortly after straightening for home, I thought she might be struggling to catch the leader, but then she really picked up and found the line well. “We’re certainly well pleased with how she’s tracking. She looked reasonably forward today, forward enough that the run wasn’t going to hurt her, but she should certainly go on from this. “Heading into the NZB Kiwi, I think she has a couple of factors in her favour. She’s got good tactical speed, and also she gets around Ellerslie particularly well. So that’s a couple of very strong points for her.” Sethito is by exciting Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth, who was New Zealand’s leading first-season sire last season and tops the second-season standings in 2024-25. His daughter La Dorada has recently won the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and last Saturday’s Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The dam of Sethito, meanwhile, is the two-time Melbourne Group One winner Suavito. From six starts, Sethito has now recorded three wins, two second placings and $194,595 in stakes. She is poised to add significantly to that total on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8, with the TAB now rating her an $8 chance for the richest three-year-old race in the southern hemisphere. Australian raider Evaporate is the $2.80 favourite after a bold fourth in Saturday’s Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) against older horses at Caulfield, where he was beaten by less than two lengths by Mr Brightside. The others in single figures are Damask Rose ($6), Checkmate ($8) and Perfumist ($8). O’Sullivan was also more than satisfied by Saturday’s strong-finishing efforts by Checkmate and Hankee Alpha. Checkmate will represent O’Sullivan and Scott’s Wexford Stables slot in the NZB Kiwi, while Hankee Alpha was on Saturday announced as Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s runner. “Both Checkmate and Hankee Alpha ran super races,” O’Sullivan said. “Hankee Alpha got home very well late. We’re very pleased with all of those three heading towards the big one, so now we’ve just got to hang in there for another two weeks.” Spratt was impressed with Sethito’s versatility. “That was a really good performance,” she said. “She has a lot of speed, but I said to Lance before the race that we probably don’t have to lead. She jumped quite well, but I quickly decided that I’d have to do too much work to try to cross them and get to the front. She’s very tractable. “I got her out into the clear at the top of the straight and I wasn’t sure whether we’d be able to catch Dealt With, but then she quickened and got there easily. I think going a bit further in the NZB Kiwi is going to suit her even better. Hopefully we can come away with the same result – we’ve just got to hope for a decent draw.” View the full article
  15. Smart four-year-old mare Firestorm snared a well-deserved Group Two victory when getting the better of her rivals in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Prepared by Chris Waller and ridden by Jason Collett, Firestorm was resuming from a spell and got the better of her rivals late to defeat Dark Glitter and stablemate Scarlet Oak. The daughter of Satono Aladdin commenced her career in New Zealand when prepared by Paul Mirabelli and finished sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before joining Waller. She has subsequently won four races for Waller and had been around the mark in stakes company, finishing fourth in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), third in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m), third in the Gr.3 Drinkwise Mile (1600m) and midfield in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). Firestorm has now only been beaten once fresh-up and Waller is keen to focus on sprint-mile distances. “Each time she’s stepped out first up basically she’s won,” Waller said. “It was a lovely ride from Jason, she was well prepared for the race today, two trials and we expected her to show something but to win a Group Two it was quite a step up. “It puts a lot of value on her. She has come back really well. “It was a lovely patient ride from Jason. There wasn’t a lot of speed. He didn’t panic and got her out at the right time. “I don’t think she gets too far. Maybe she gets a mile, but beyond that I wouldn’t, so I think now we have learnt to keep her a bit shorter and sharper, probably a race like the Coolmore Classic (Gr.1, 1500m) will suit.” Firestorm was bred and originally owned by Carl Ferguson and is by Rich Hill Stud’s boom sire Satono Aladdin, becoming the stallion’s 11th Southern Hemisphere bred stakes winner from just 88 runners or a remarkable 12.5 percent stakes winners to runners. She is one of three winners from five foals to race out of the Istidaad mare Dancing Embers who herself won three races and placed in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton. Now the winner of five of her 19 starts, Firestorm has amassed A$441,803 in prizemoney and sports the colours of for bus transport magnate Glenn Ritchie, who recently purchased the regally-bred yearling full-sister to glamour mare Orchestral for $2.4 million at Karaka. View the full article
  16. El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking), or the big EV as he is becoming affectionately known, continued his career-best form with another superb victory at Ellerslie in Saturday’s Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki-Māori WFA Classic (1600m). The gelded son of Shocking sat three back off the pace set by Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) and looked to be travelling like a winner throughout for rider Wiremu Pinn. Given his head rounding the home bend, the Stephen Marsh-trained runner charged to the front at the 200m and never looked like being denied as he went to the line powerfully to head Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) (Almanzor) with Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) making up good ground in the straight to finish an eye-catching third. Once considered by Marsh as a sprinting type only, El Vencedor has come into his own in the last two seasons with Marsh and owners Mark Freeman and David Price enjoying the ride of their life as he has taken his record to eleven wins from 40 starts, including three at Group One level in his last nine runs. Marsh couldn’t contain his smiles as he described just what the horse has done for his Cambridge stable. “I said to Wiremu to ride him where he is happy, get him into a rhythm and ride him like the best horse,” Marsh said. “I thought he rode him perfectly as he started to get him to travel coming to the top of the straight. He just keeps raising the bar and he is just a phenomenal horse. “I’m happy for Wiremu as he has been doing a lot of work for us around the stable and this meant a lot to him and to us as well.” Marsh indicated that his charge would return to Ellerslie in a fortnight to tackle the Gr.1 Bonecrusher Stakes (2000m), a race he won in 2024, before preparing for a trip to Hong Kong to contest the Gr.1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April. “It is the Bonecrusher in two weeks’ time and then get the passport ready for Hong Kong,” he said. “We definitely want to get him to the Bonecrusher in tip-top condition. “You just can’t dent him at the moment, so that’s why we came here before the Bonecrusher. “He is becoming the people’s horse as the big EV, and we just love that. He is a stable favourite and it may have just been another day at the office for him.” Pinn was thrilled to claim his second Group One win in the saddle and was quick to thank Marsh and the owners for trusting him with the ride. “This means a lot as I have been battling a bit in the last three weeks without much luck,” he said. “I’m just so grateful to Stephen, Mr Freeman and Mr Price for having me on the horse. “Anyone could have won on him today. He is such a good horse and makes me look good. “He didn’t have that much early speed today, so I let Qali Al Farrasha cross me as I knew she would get me to the point I needed to get to before peeling off her back and letting him go. “Once he saw clear air he was very electric and will be very hard to beat in the Bonecrusher.” Bred and raced by Freeman and Price, El Vencedor has now had 40 starts for 11 wins, 14 placings and more than $1.529 million in prizemoney. View the full article
  17. Australian raider Thedoctoroflove bursts into New Zealand Derby contention with victory in the Avondale Guineas. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Visiting three-year-old Thedoctoroflove sounded an ominous warning to his Kiwi rivals heading towards the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) with a stunning victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie. Prepared by expat Kiwis Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, the gelded son of champion galloper So You Think only arrived in New Zealand last Friday but showed no effects of that travel as he capitalised on a magical ride by Daniel Moor to close off powerfully in the final 150m and claim a narrow but comprehensive victory. Moor used plenty of initiative to send his mount forward in the early stages and after 500m had secured a perfect position one out from the rail and just a few lengths off a muddling pace set up by Bourbon Proof. In contrast the $1.50 favourite Willydoit, who was shooting for his fourth consecutive victory, was back near last in a strung out field and a conservative fifteen lengths from the leaders. After being allowed to dictate proceedings Bourbon Proof had a good kick in the home straight and with 200m to run seemed to have most of his rivals covered. Not so Thedoctoroflove, who was winding up in the middle of the track. He joined and headed Bourbon Proof at the 100m before easing to a long neck victory over the gallant pacemaker, who shaded the fast-finishing Oceana Dream for second. 2025 Group 2 Avondale Guineas Replay – Thedoctoroflove https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ellerslie-2025-Group-2-Avondale-Guineas-22022025-Thedoctoroflove-Trent-Busuttin-Natalie-Young-Daniel-Moor.mp4 With both Busuttin and Young still at home in Australia and travelling stable representative Brendan Hawtin not on track due to illness, it was left to Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie to speak on behalf of the winner as he has had the horse staying at his Cambridge property. Ritchie made light of that situation as he and training partner Colm Murray prepare New Zealand Derby second-elect Tuxedo and had chosen to bypass Saturday’s contest with their charge. “Geez we can improve them can’t we and I hope Trent is listening to this as he is going to have to find another box for him, because he’s not staying with us,” said Ritchie with tongue firmly in cheek. “He was impressive today and these Aussie riders are good as he (Moor) got him into the one-one from looking like getting caught wide and he has attacked the line hard. “They do know how to find the right horse, do Trent and Natalie. They had one that sat three wide a few years ago and ran second in the Derby. “We gave him a little bit of work on Tuesday morning and it was lovely gallop. He is very laid-back. He is in superb order, his coat is great and he will improve from here, which is a warning for us all.” Ritchie was referring to Rising Red, who finished in the runner-up position in the 2017 New Zealand Derby behind Gingernuts. Moor was suitably impressed although thankful he got the win after his mount didn’t really handle going the right-handed way around for the first time. “He showed me he could race closer, which is very handy, as he began so well but didn’t really go right-handed,” he said. “Around every bend he was all over the place. He took a bit of riding and will benefit from that experience. “He is a pretty cool customer although he was a little on edge, but he raced forward and was impressive at the end.” The victory of Thedoctoroflove and the relative failure of the pre-post New Zealand Derby favourites Willydoit (10th) and Hinekaha (11th) has seen the Fixed Odds market for the Group One feature on 8 March turned upside down, with Thedoctoroflove and Willydoit now both sitting at a $4 quote while Oceana Dream and Tuxedo are at $5 and Hinekaha $21. Horse racing news View the full article
  18. Blue Sky At Night finishes over the top of About Time to win the Avondale Cup. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Blue Sky At Night has defied double-digit odds to win both of New Zealand’s biggest 2400m handicaps this season, adding Saturday’s Group 3 Avondale Cup at Ellerslie to her victory in the Group 3 Waikato Cup in December. The Shamexpress mare landed a $13 upset with her Te Rapa triumph three starts ago, but subsequent unplaced finishes in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) and Group 3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) saw those odds balloon to $34.70 with horse racing betting sites on Saturday. But under a well-judged ride from Tayla Mitchell, Blue Sky At Night settled into a smooth rhythm in eighth place and in the slipstream of the $3 favourite with Neds, About Time. Despite the race being run at a stop-start pace, both of those mares warmed into their work stylishly coming up to the home turn and began to gain ground on the leaders. About Time pounced at the 300m mark and looked the winner, but then Mitchell brought Blue Sky At Night home with big bounds down the outside. She charged up alongside About Time, and when that rival lifted again, Blue Sky At Night found that little bit more and edged ahead to win by a neck. 2025 Group 2 Avondale Cup Replay – Blue Sky At Night https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ellerslie-2025-Group-3-Avondale-Cup-22022025-Blue-Sky-At-Night-Shelley-Hale-Tayla-Mitchell.mp4 “It’s great to win another big Cup with this beautiful mare,” trainer Shelley Hale said. “I was a bit surprised that she was at such big odds. I suppose her last two runs weren’t that flash on paper, but she’d been hitting the line well in both of those races. When she gets the right run, 2400m is really her sweet spot. “She was so bright and well coming into this race. She’s a fabulous mare and I just love her.” About Time and the Australian raider Tajanis remain the $4 equal favourites for the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day on March 8, but Blue Sky At Night has moved into third favouritism at $8. “I’m pretty hopeful that she can run a strong two miles,” Hale said. “She gives us the impression that she will. The progeny of Shamexpress are quite remarkable, they can win over 1200m to 2400m, and now we’re going to try to win one over 3200m!” Blue Sky At Night has formed a special bond with Mitchell, who has now won five times from 12 rides on the mare including the Waikato and Avondale Cups. Horse racing news View the full article
  19. El Vencedor adds another Group One win to his career-best run of form. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) El Vencedor, or the big EV as he is becoming affectionately known, continued his career-best form with another superb victory at Ellerslie in Saturday’s Group 1 Otaki-Māori WFA Classic (1600m). The gelded son of Shocking sat three back off the pace set by Belclare and looked to be travelling like a winner throughout for rider Wiremu Pinn. Given his head rounding the home bend, the Stephen Marsh-trained runner charged to the front at the 200m and never looked like being denied as he went to the line powerfully to head Qali Al Farrasha with Orchestral making up good ground in the straight to finish an eye-catching third. Once considered by Marsh as a sprinting type only, El Vencedor has come into his own in the last two seasons with Marsh and owners Mark Freeman and David Price enjoying the ride of their life as he has taken his record to eleven wins from 40 starts, including three at Group One level in his last nine runs. 2025 Group 1 WFA Classic Replay – El Vencedor https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ellerslie-2025-Group-1-WFA-Classic-22022025-El-Vencedor-Stephen-Marsh-Wiremu-Pinn.mp4 Marsh couldn’t contain his smiles as he described just what the horse has done for his Cambridge stable. “I said to Wiremu to ride him where he is happy, get him into a rhythm and ride him like the best horse,” Marsh said. “I thought he rode him perfectly as he started to get him to travel coming to the top of the straight. He just keeps raising the bar and he is just a phenomenal horse. “I’m happy for Wiremu as he has been doing a lot of work for us around the stable and this meant a lot to him and to us as well.” Marsh indicated that his charge would return to Ellerslie in a fortnight to tackle the Group 1 Bonecrusher Stakes (2000m), a race he won in 2024, before preparing for a trip to Hong Kong to contest the Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April. “It is the Bonecrusher in two weeks’ time and then get the passport ready for Hong Kong,” he said. “We definitely want to get him to the Bonecrusher in tip-top condition. “You just can’t dent him at the moment, so that’s why we came here before the Bonecrusher. “He is becoming the people’s horse as the big EV, and we just love that. He is a stable favourite and it may have just been another day at the office for him.” Pinn was thrilled to claim his second Group One win in the saddle and was quick to thank Marsh and the owners for trusting him with the ride. “This means a lot as I have been battling a bit in the last three weeks without much luck,” he said. “I’m just so grateful to Stephen, Mr Freeman and Mr Price for having me on the horse. “Anyone could have won on him today. He is such a good horse and makes me look good. “He didn’t have that much early speed today, so I let Qali Al Farrasha cross me as I knew she would get me to the point I needed to get to before peeling off her back and letting him go. “Once he saw clear air he was very electric and will be very hard to beat in the Bonecrusher.” Horse racing news View the full article
  20. Jimmysstar produced a barnstorming finish to win the 2025 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday, claiming his maiden Group 1 victory in the process. The Ciaron Maher-trained five-year-old son of Per Incanto delivered a stunning first-up performance in the $750,000 sprint feature. “I haven’t had a horse probably go as quick, ever. I’d love to […] The post Oakleigh Plate 2025 Winner Jimmysstar Claims Maiden Group 1 Victory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article
  21. A stunning upset unfolded in the 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, with the Hawkes Racing-trained outsider, Devil Night, defying the odds to claim victory in the prestigious two-year-old feature. The son of Extreme Choice, a $1.4 million purchase for Yulong, entered the race as a $16 chance despite an impressive debut performance when runner-up […] The post 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes Results: Devil Night Wins in Narrow Upset appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article
  22. Mr Brightside reaffirmed his champion status with a gritty victory in the 2025 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, successfully defending his title in the Group 1 feature. The seven-year-old son of Bullbars, trained by the formidable Hayes team, demonstrated his resilience and class, bouncing back from a narrow defeat in the CF Orr Stakes to claim […] The post Mr Brightside Wins Futurity Stakes 2025 for a Second Time appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article
  23. What Hong Kong Gold Cup Day 2025 Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, February 23, 2025 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-part program set for decision. The Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) share top billing, with the latter headlined by the worlds’ best sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Participants will be racing on the A course for the meeting, and although there is some rainfall expected to hit the track across the weekend, it shouldn’t affect the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Hong Kong Gold Cup Tip: Galaxy Patch Voyage Bubble and Galaxy Patch go head-to-head once again after meeting in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on January 19. The pair step out to 2000m this time around, and while it may be advantage Voyage Bubble, Galaxy Patch should get every chance to turn the tables. Blake Shinn will attempt to stalk the four-time Group 1 winner every step of the way, and provided this guy can produce his elite turn-of-foot in the concluding stage, Galaxy Patch should finally crack his first Group 1 success in the 2025 Hong Kong Gold Cup. Hong Kong Gold Cup Race 7 – #2 Galaxy Patch (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup Tip: Ka Ying Rising The 1400m is the only box Ka Ying Rising must tick off heading into the 2025 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. He’s been breaking track records over the 1200m and toyed with his rivals in his most recent victory in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), suggesting the son of Shamexpress should have no issues extending out in trip. Helios Express appears to be the only danger on recent form, so expect Ka Ying Rising to justify the short price with horse racing bookmakers once again as he claims his third Group 1 success. Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup Race 5 – #1 Ka Ying Rising (9) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Karis Teetan (57kg) Best Bet at Sha Tin: Shamus Storm Shamus Storm was impressive debuting at this course and distance on December 29, and although he was no match for Endeared, he cleared out by 2.3 lengths on his remaining rivals in his runner-up performance. The Shamus Award gelding hasn’t been sighted on race-day since, however, produced a comfortable piece of work on the all-weather circuit on February 13 in preparation for this second-up assignment. He maps to get the perfect run from barrier one with Andrea Atzeni in the saddle, and with no Endeared in her to spoil the party, expect Shamus Storm to go one better in the opening event. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Shamus Storm (1) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Andrea Atzeni (58kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Yee Cheong Glory Yee Cheong Glory put them away stylishly debuting at Sha Tin on January 31, sitting mid-field with cover before exploding down the centre of the course. He steps up to Class 3 company in the final event and looks well placed with 54.5kg on his back as Karis Teetan gets legged aboard in place of the injured Zac Purton. Gate three should allow him to take a similar stalking run in transit, and provided he can stretch out to the 1400m second-up, Yee Cheong Glory must be considered the one to beat in the Sha Tin finale. Next Best Race 10 – #14 Yee Cheong Glory (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Karis Teetan (54.5kg) Next Value at Sha Tin: Dilbagh Dilbagh hasn’t fired a shot in four Hong Kong starts but should appreciate dropping back into Class 4 company for the first time. His best performance of the preparation came at this track and trip two starts back, with the son of Akeed Mofeed working through the line nicely in a high rating contest. Keagan De Melo will look to be positive from barrier three, and provided he can find the top turning for home, Dilbagh presents at a massive each-way price with horse racing betting sites. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Dilbagh (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Douglas Whyte | J: Keagan De Melo (61kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections February 23, 2025 1-2 3-5-8-9-10-11-14 2-3-5-6-7-8-10-11-12 5-8-13-14 Horse racing tips View the full article
  24. Broadsiding cruised to victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Godolphin three-year-old Broadsiding ($2.70) has made a triumphant return from a 105-day spell, storming to victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. The son of Too Darn Hot couldn’t have been more impressive surging to victory in the $400,000 feature, with Zac Lloyd producing a stellar ride to find the one-one from barrier six. The James Cummings-trained colt had already stamped himself as a first-up performer in the past, claiming the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at this course and distance to kick-off last preparation before going off the boil against the older horses in the spring. He appears back to his brilliant best, however, sitting off the likes of Mayfair ($14.00) and Public Attention ($4.20) before exploding down the centre of the course with a superior turn-of-foot. Swiftfalcon ($11.00) and Aeliana ($9.50) appear on song for a big autumn preparation after hammering the line from the rear of the field, but it was all about the winner as Broadsiding added a sixth win to the resume at start 12. Click here for all of the Rosehill race replays. James Cummings was on track to speak post-race and is excited by the potential of his lightly raced three-year-old. “We’re pretty excited about having him back and we’ve been confident all over the summer that he’d come back in good shape,” said Cummings. “We thought it would be a matter of good luck for them beating him in a race like this, Set Weights, 1400m at Rosehill. “But I’d love to see him derive good benefit from this and build up nicely for the Randwick Guineas in a fortnight. Dominic Beirne was all over it. He thought with a horse fresh up that he could be there. The map looked good from Wednesday night. I think it’s worked out well. “Zac Lloyd has just delivered, the pressure goes on him when James McDonald is in Saudi Arabia to ride the good Horse Romantic Warrior. Zac has done a great job here on Broadsiding just like he did on Traffic Warden last year. “Back against the three-year-olds is going to suit him nicely after doing battle against those weight-for-age horses, his last couple. “And look, that has been our focus for a while. But it’s a matter of continuing to convert that and keep him up there because it’s not an easy thing to do as these others emerge and get better over the break.” Zac Lloyd chalked up his fourth win of the afternoon at Rosehill and couldn’t have been more impressed with the first-up performance of Broadsiding. “He’s very special, obviously, he’s a very valuable colt to the team and yeah, he’s getting better with age,” said Lloyd. “Never in doubt, never in doubt. Once he’d begun like that, I had to give him a bit of a squeeze to just get in front of the runners underneath me, and once I got there, he just fell right back asleep. “Obviously, Mayfair was making it a genuine 1400m for him first up, but perfectly prepared and yeah, he’s just a very, very good colt. “At the 500m, I just went through my gears, and he didn’t really need it. He knows his job.” Broadsiding has now firmed into a $2.00 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Randwick Guineas on March 8. Horse racing news View the full article
  25. What Nowra Races Where Shoalhaven City Turf Club – 96 Albatross Rd, South Nowra NSW 2541 When Sunday, February 23, 2025 First Race 12:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Nowra is the destination for country racing on Sunday afternoon, with the Shoalhaven City Turf Club set to host a competitive eight-part program. The $150,000 Country Championship Qualifier headlines the action, with a capacity field of 14 attempting to book their spot in the final at Randwick on April 5. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit for the meeting, and with mostly sunny conditions forecast across the weekend, punters can expect the surface to be rated somewhere in the Good range. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:55pm local time. Country Championship Qualifier: Tavolo Tavolo was held up behind a wall of horses first-up at Randwick on February 8, failing to hit top gear as she managed to close within two lengths of Dark Glitter. That appears to be the strongest form heading into this $150,000 feature, with current favourite, Kimberley Secrets, coming through the same race. Tavolo isn’t weighted to turn the tables; however, she should’ve beaten home her key rival last time out with even luck, so with a change of fortune at a crucial stage, punters can be happy to side with Tavolo at the appealing each-way price with Neds. Country Championship Qualifier Race 7 – #6 Tavolo (10) 6yo Mare | T: Rob Potter | J: Brodie Loy (57kg) Best Bet at Nowra: Rose Aye The Matthew Dale-trained Rose Aye couldn’t have been more impressive breaking her maiden at this course and distance on February 9. The Supido filly put six lengths on her rivals in a stunning display after lobbing into the one-one, suggesting the lightly raced three-year-old still had plenty more wins coming her way this preparation. Ashley Morgan should gain an economical run from stall six, and provided she can show a similar turn-of-speed in this Class 1 contest, Rose Aye should take a power of beating in her quest for back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Rose Aye (6) 3yo Filly | T: Matthew Dale | J: Ashley Morgan (56.5kg) Next Best at Nowra: Airliner Airliner appears set to peak heading into start five of the campaign after a forgivable performance at Goulburn on February 11. The son of Starcraft didn’t go a yard on the Heavy ground and was unable to justify a wealth of support with horse racing betting sites, falling back in the field to be untested in the home straight. Getting back on top of the ground should be ideal, and although it’s been over two years since Airliner has tasted success, this looks like a perfect opportunity to get back into the winners’ enclosure. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Airliner (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Terry Robinson | J: Nick Heywood (60kg) Best Value at Nowra: Common Goal Common Goal seems an overs price at the $26.00 with Dabble as he debuts for the Joseph Ible barn. He caught the eye in a recent barrier trial at Kembla Grange on February 10, with the son of Unite And Conquer cruising to victory by a half-length under minimal riding. There’s plenty of classy types engaged in this maiden contest, however, with the market seemingly missing this guy, Common Goal warrants an each-way ticket at the odds. Best Value Race 5 – #1 Common Goal (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Joseph Ible | J: Brodie Loy (58.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Nowra Nowra quadrella selections February 23, 2025 1-2-6-8-11 1-2-4-5-9 6-10 1-2-3-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article
×
×
  • Create New...