Wandering Eyes

Romantic Warrior headlines the marquee race Nov. 17 at Sha Tin Racecourse as the local horses make their case for the Dec. 8 Longines Hong Kong International Races.View the full article

7th-DMR, 61K, O/C, 3yo/up, f, 6f, 6:33 p.m. TAMARA (Bolt d'Oro), the daughter of four-time Eclipse winner Beholder, makes her long-awaited return to the races Friday after a year-long absence following last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' in her summer debut over course and near distance, the Richard Mandella trainee gave visions of her illustrious mother when romping by 6 3/4 lengths in the GI Del Mar Debutante. Heavily favored to complete the hat trick at the Breeders' Cup, Tamara came home eased after setting the early pace and was found to have an injury prompting the time off. Her road back to the races hasn't been a smooth one but she draws the rail here and picks up Lasix with regular pilot Mike Smith aboard. TJCIS PPS Look at this girl go. Tamara & @mikeesmith10 could not be more impressive in the Grade I FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante. pic.twitter.com/CAMTpy2UGB — Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) September 10, 2023 6th-CD, 120K, Msw, 2yo, f, 5f, 3:26 p.m. Homebred Desert Adventure (Hard Spun) is a daughter of GISW Dubai Escapade, a $2,000,000 purchase by John Ferguson Bloodstock on behalf of Godolphin as a 2-year-old in 2004. From six foals to race, she's got six winners including the Gap Year (Bernardini), the dam of soon-to-be champion 2-year-old filly Immersive (Nyquist). Second dam Sassy Pants was a $4.5m buy for Hill 'n' Dale Bloodstock out of the 2006 KEENOV sale and her production record includes GISW and $3.1m FTKNOV broodmare buy Madcap Escapade (Hennessy), the dam of GISW Mi Sueno (Pulpit). T he family also includes SW/GISP Crystal Ball (Malibu Moon) and MGISP Clyde's Image (Get Stormy).TJCIS PPS The post Friday Insights: Tamara Makes Long-Awaited Return appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) (lot 50), a winner of the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, anchors the catalogue for the Tattersalls Online November Sale, which was released on Thursday. Featuring 109 horses in- and out-of-training, 42 broodmares, 28 yearlings, 11 foals, four stores, and breeding rights in Group 1 sire Ardad (Ire) (lot 194) and first-season sire Sergei Prokofiev (lot 195), the sale will be held on Nov. 20-21. A total of 196 lots will go under the hammer, a new record for the Tattersalls Online platform. King Gold is rated 113 on Timeform and will be sold as a racing or stallion prospect. Listed winner Cuban Tiger (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) (lot 29) is currently rated 102 by Timeform and will be offered, as will the Grade I-placed hurdler Forever William (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) (lot 35). The catalogue also features the Alne Park Stud Partial Dispersal, consisting of 12 broodmares and four foals. Among the broodmares is Robyn De Galles (Ire) (Robin Des Champs {Fr}) (lot 187), a half-sister to G2 Kingwell Hurdle winner Blue Heron (Ire) (Heron Island {Ire}), who placed at the highest level, in foal to Midnights Legacy (GB). On the Flat, the broodmare Lockerbie (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) (lot 179), herself a half-sister to multiple group winner and Group 1-placed Hamish (GB) (Motivator {GB}), will be consigned in foal to Cracksman (GB); while Cthulhu (Henrythenavigator) (lot 165), a half-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile second Gaming (Game Winner), is also part of the catalogue. A third Flat mare of note is G2 Ribblesdale Stakes-placed Sparkle Roll (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), a half-sister to G1 Derby winner Wings Of Eagles (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}) in foal to Kameko. The post Group 1 Winner King Gold Heads Tattersalls Online November Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two new slot races will make Show Day like none before it at Addington Raceway today. Both are for the three-year-olds and are worth $500,000 with the Majestic Horse Float LP THE ASCENT for the trotters going at 5.36pm and the pacing’s edition, the Hill Lee and Scott THE VELOCITY at 6.36pm. This is the first time slot races have been held at Addington with Chase A Dream the favourite in THE VELOCITY and Australian visitor Keayang Zahara dominating the market for THE ASCENT. The 13 race programme, which will feature four Group 1s as well as three Listed races, starts at 1.47 with the last due at 8.24pm. Entry is by gold coin donation, which will go to the Horse Ambulance Trust. There will also be a TAB Show Day Punter of the Year Challenge. To see details click here To see todays fields click here View the full article

By Michael Guerin There is no hiding from the reason for Merlin’s defeat in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup and he won’t be hiding in tonight’s Allied Security New Zealand Free-For-All at Addington either. The form New Zealand pacer of the year only battled into fourth in the Cup won by Swayzee on Tuesday and while there is no shame in being beaten by the winner the fact Merlin was run down for third by Republican Party made his performance clearly below par for co-trainer Scott Phelan. “He just didn’t finish the 3200m off as well as he would a shorter trip,” says Phelan. “That is not to say he won’t win a 3200m race in the future and maybe an Auckland Cup may suit him better than a New Zealand Cup. “But he wasn’t as good over 3200m and maybe he never will be. That’s just being honest.” Phelan and training partner Barry Purdon can turn the page quickly as Merlin is back to the more suitable 1980m mobile of the NZ Pacing Free-For-All at today’s reinvigorated Show Day twilight meeting. With two scratchings inside him he will start from barrier 5 and Phelan says he wants to see Merlin in front and feeling good to get his mojo back. “He came through the Cup well and we know he has gate speed so I’d like to see him lead, which might make Republican Party the danger if he sits on our back.” Crucial players in those that early burn could be the Australian pair Catch A Wave and perhaps to a lesser degree The Falcon, now trained by Jason Grimson. Phelan and Purdon have had a sometimes frustrating southern campaign, including Duchess Megxit getting run down late in her Group 1 on Tuesday after copping pressure. “Six months ago we were winning everything and now we aren’t but that is racing and we have some really good chances on Friday,” says Phelan. They include Jeremiah in the new $500,000 pacing slot race Hill Lee and Scott The Velocity, in which the stable also have Better Knuckle Up. “Jeremiah has some gate speed so he could go forward and even lead so he will be hard to beat. “Better Knuckle Up could need some luck from two on the second line but if Chase A Dream gets a good run through and has any luck I think we all might struggle to beat him.” Can Muscle Mountain challenge the champ? By Michael Guerin Punters can expect a refreshing change in the Livamol New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All today — a Kiwi horse actually taking it to one of the Aussies. That doesn’t mean a change of result as Victorian champion Just Believe should still win the Group 1 but it might at least make for a more interesting spectacle. Just Believe strode to the front effortlessly on his way to winning the $400,000 Dominion on Tuesday, hours before Swayzee did the same in the New Zealand Cup for the second year running. There were no drivers at fault in either, the Aussies had too much horsepower and that will likely be the case as Just Believe tries to remain unbeaten in New Zealand in today’s 1980m mobile. But rival driver Ben Hope on Muscle Mountain at least wants to stretch the little Aussie superstar. Muscle Mountain missed both the Dominion on Tuesday and the Flying Stakes at Ashburton after knocking a leg but has tangled with Just Believe before and come off second best. On two of those occasions though he was able to beat him off the mobile gate at the start and Hope says that will be his plan today. “I am confident I can get across him and if I do I want to stay in front,” says Hope. “I don’t see any point handing up because then we can’t beat him and they will be pretty confident they can sit parked outside us and beat us because they have done it before. “And that might be the case again because he could be an all-time great.” Hope says his father Greg, who co-trains Muscle Mountain with wife Nina, took Muscle Mountain to Addington for a private workout last Saturday and loved what he felt. “He has a real glint back in his eye and I feel like he is ready to go a big race.” View the full article

Selections for Show Day at Addington Race Michael Guerin Journalist/Presenter Matt Cross Commentator Race 1 1.47pm 12 Forgiveness 10 Freya 14 Tu Tangata 2 What The Bell 12 Forgiveness 10 Freya 14 Tu Tangata 5 Paris Prince Race 2 2.12pm 2 Rise Up N Dance 9 Terra Sancta 5 Itoje 6 Ultimate Challenge 2 Rise Up N Dance 9 Terra Sancta 12 Bobbies Rock 8 Still Rockin Race 3 2.47pm 10 Meant To Be 8 Habibti Pat 7 Atlantic City 9 Ya Rite Darl 10 Meant To Be 8 Habibti Pat 9 Ya Rite Darl 7 Atlantic City Race 4 3.22pm 2 Melody Banner 11 Miki Bennett 14 Salute 9 Dynasty 14 Salute 7 Mouton Cadet 1 Bettor Be Sharp 4 Commander Joe Race 5 4.00pm 9 Borrisokane 8 It’s Tough 12 Bazooka 14 Next Level 8 It’s Tough 9 Borrisokane 12 Bazooka 11 Miki’s Courage Race 6 4.35pm 4 Just Believe 5 Muscle Mountain 1 Mighty Logan 8 Oscar Bonavena 4 Just Believe 1 Mighty Logan 5 Muscle Mountain 8 Oscar Bonavena Race 7 5.02pm 3 Youretheonethatiwant 10 Captains Mistress 9 General Jen 4 Stella Rouge 4 Stella Rouge 1 Winelight 3 Youretheonethatiwant 9 General Jen Race 8 5.36pm 3 Keayang Zahara 1 Empire City 6 Tyron Eros 5 Father Time 3 Keayang Zahara 1 Empire City 6 Tyron Eros 7 Paramount Kiwi Race 9 6.06pm 6 Mantra Blue 8 Mr Kaplan 9 Princess Meritaten 3 Dance Till Dawn 6 Mantra Blue 9 Princess Meritaten 8 Mr Kaplan 1 Lakelsa Race 10 6.36pm 7 Chase A Dream 4 Jeremiah 11 Dreams Are Free 1 Coastal Babe 7 Chase A Dream 6 Renegade 1 Coastal Babe 2 Hes From Heaven Race 11 7.09pm 7 Gold Bullion 9 Aroha Kenny 2 Sheza Gift 12 Julie Jaccka 9 Aroha Kenny 7 Gold Bullion 2 Sheza Gift 4 Masterly Race 12 7.48pm 7 Merlin 2 Republican Party 5 Catch A Wave 9 Better Eclipse 5 Catch A Wave 2 Republican Party 7 Merlin 9 Better Eclipse Race 13 8.24pm 7 Vessem 6 Charlie Brown 9 Da Vinci 13 Smoke On The Water 6 Charlie Brown 2 Helium 7 Vessem 13 Smoke On The Water View the full article

Alphonse Le Grande (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has been reinstated as the winner of last month's Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket after his connections were successful in their appeal against his disqualification, with successful rider Jamie Powell also having his suspension reduced to 20 days. Apprentice jockey Powell was ruled to have used his whip 10 times in the closing stages, four more than the permitted allowance, and due to the value of the race the Whip Review Committee awarded the historic prize to the original runner-up, Manxman (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}). However, trainer Cathy O'Leary and owners the Bet Small Win Big Syndicate appealed that decision, as did Powell, who had originally been handed a 28-day suspension. An independent British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary panel has now concluded that one of Powell's strikes was not intentional, as he made contact with the horse whilst moving his whip from one hand to the other. Thriller! Irish challenger is given the verdict over Manxman in a cracking finish to the £175,000 Cesarewitch @NewmarketRace. pic.twitter.com/5dyEMs3Kb5 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 12, 2024 Panel chair Sarah Crowther KC said, “We find that his body position was different to the first nine strikes. It seems to us that he was somewhat crouched and off balance to his left and very low in the saddle. “Whilst his arm and hand were in the same angle as the previous strikes, the change in body position and the different stride of the horse had the effect of changing the angle of the strike. “It was common ground, that as Mr Powell retrieved his whip from that strike on the way back, pulling it back towards his right-hand side and bringing it forward, there was contact. It seemed to us the question for us was whether that contact constituted use of the whip.” Crowther added, “Adopting a pragmatic interpretation of the word 'use' in context of the rules as a whole and from our experience of panel of racing, we find it is not every single contact between a whip and a horse that will amount to a use. “We do find this is a fact sensitive question and specifically on the facts of this case we find the contact was made in circumstances where Mr Powell was retrieving his stick from the wrong side of the horse and it was effectively an unavoidable contact which could not have had any material impact on the performance of the horse. “Therefore, we find that in total there were nine uses, three above the permitted level. The horse will be reinstated and the suspension will be 20 days.” The post Alphonse Le Grande Reinstated as Winner of Cesarewitch on Appeal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While Dubai World Cup (G1) victor Laurel River retains the top spot as the world's highest-rated horse with 128, Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) hero Sierra Leone improved his rating to 125 from 120 with his 1 1/2-length score over Fierceness Nov. 2.View the full article

The first foal to be offered at public auction by Tally-Ho Stud's Persian Force (Ire) led the way at the Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Sale when selling to Nigel O'Hare for €50,000 on Thursday. However, a 44% clearance rate spoke to the struggles facing smaller breeders and consignors at present. Albeit the Sapphire Sale offering was down by 42% compared to 12 months ago, the majority of the key figures also fell, including the median, which was down by 31% to €2,750 and the average by 3% to €6,567. Understandably, the aggregate fell by 41% to €315,200. And while the majority of vendors struggled, there was still space for foals by the younger brigade of stallions to capture the imagination. Along with the Persian Force colt going the way of O'Hare for €50,000, Steve Parkin paid €43,000 for a colt by his own stallion Space Traveller (GB). Consigned by Kildallan Farm, the Persian Force was snapped up by the owner who is perhaps best known for his association with the Ado McGuinness-trained dual Group 1-winning sprinter A Case Of You (Ire). O'Hare, who also bought a Time Test (GB) filly on the day for just €2,500, commented on the top lot, “He will go to County Armagh and he will run alongside another colt. He has a lovely walk, he is strong boned, he has come well recommended and has a bit of size about him. We generally like to race all our horses and it is difficult to buy them as yearlings. We have horses with Natalia Lupini, Gavin Cromwell and Ado McGuinness.” Amo Racing recently announced King Of Steel, Bucanero Fuerte (GB) and Go Bears Go (Ire) would be taking up stallion duties in the new year and it was Persian Force who became the first horse owned by that powerful operation to join the stallion ranks. A speedy and precocious son of Mehmas, (Ire) Persian Force won the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket before chasing home Little Big Bear and Blackbeard respectively in a pair of Group 1s. All told, he placed three times at the highest level and wasn't beaten far when a rattling-home fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland. Meanwhile, the colt foal by a young sire Space Traveller met the requirements in the ring when selling to Micheál Orlandi of Compas Stallions on behalf of Parkin's Clipper Logistics. Space Traveller, winner of the Jersey and Boomerang Stakes, was famously moved to Orlandi's County Westmeath farm after Parkin split with long-time advisor Joe Foley last year. Michael Orlandi speaks to Robert Hall having purchased the first ever Space Traveller foal to go through the sales ring on behalf of owner Steve Parkin. Out of a Frankel mare, the colt was consigned by @Castledillon4.#SapphireSale pic.twitter.com/lgZJRer8mf — Tattersalls Ireland (@Tattersalls_ie) November 14, 2024 Orlandi was on hand to secure the first foal to go under the hammer by the stallion on behalf of the owner, and said, “Steve is keen to support the stallion, as he has always done with his stallions. The foal will go to Rathbride Stud and then possibly on to Branton Court Stud. Steve is hoping to buy a number by the sire this winter and I came here looking for the best of them-and this is it. He is out of a Frankel mare from a fast pedigree and comes from Castledillon Stud, Timmy Hillman's good nursery, and the mare is back in foal to the stallion.” Orlandi added, “The reports are very positive about the foals. We are looking forward to buying some more. He will probably be kept to race, at the end of the day, Steve is an end user. He is definitely going to have a number of the Space babies in training.” It wasn't just the progeny of young stallions that caught the imagination at Tattersalls Ireland on Thursday as Katie Walsh was busy getting some last-minute shopping done in time for the upcoming breeze-up season. The leading handler in that sphere, who operates under the banner of Greenhills Farm, admitted to finding the going tough at many of the European yearling sales this season and described herself as happy to have added a filly and a colt by Lope Y Fernandez (Ire) and Bungle Inthejungle (GB) respectively for a combined €38,000. Walsh said, “Every breeze-up handler seems to be down on numbers and I was lacking one or two so I said I'd come to this sale and see if I could get something I came last year but didn't buy anything. I bought a nice filly [for €20,000] off Denise [O'Brien, of Clonbunny Stud], who works the sales with me. She's a lovely individual and I was happy to chance her. I bought a fine Bungle Inthejungle colt off Rathasker Stud [€18,000] out of a mare who won a Listed race while the half-brother [Aleezdancer (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire})] is rated 91. I thought he was a nice fit to come back to the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up Sale next year. Bungle Inthejungle can get them and he's having a good time of it. I haven't had one for a long time but he looks to be a bull of the colt and, at that money, he fits the bill.” Looking back on the yearling sales as a whole, Walsh said, “We've 12 or 15 bought and I will go over to Newmarket for the December Yearling Sale to see if I can get my hands on something over there as well. I am very happy with the ones we do have. I'd love a few more but I think we shopped well overall. It was a very tough market and I was just conscious that we bought what we wanted. It was a difficult year all-round for breeze-up consignors but I am happy with the bunch that we have so far, so hopefully. Hindsight is a great thing and maybe we should have shopped harder at some of the earlier sales. But on the other hand, I am glad we didn't panic and start buying horses for the sake of it. I'm very happy with the horses that we have and that's what's most important.” The post Foal By Newbie Stallion Persian Force Stands Out At Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Four additional wildcards, led by a share (1/60th) in G1 Prix Jean Prat hero Puchkine (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) (lot 15), have been added to the Arqana November Online Sale. The sale will be held from 5-7 p.m. local time, excluding extra time, on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The share grants the purchaser two coverings a year in 2025, 2026, and 2027, and one covering per year beginning in 2028. A 1/50th share in Wooded (Ire) (lot 17) will also be offered, with the son of Wootton Bassett (GB) responsible for nine winners so far from his first crop. The share entitles the buyer to two coverings per year, as well as the Southern Hemisphere's pool when the stallion covers mares at Swettenham Stud in Australia. There is also a 1/50th share in Beaumec De Houelle (Fr) (lot 16) up for sale. The Haras de Montaigu resident is already the sire of black-type horse La Pinsonniere (Fr). The share gives the right to one covering a year. Rounding out the wildcards is a breeding right in lot 14, Paradiso (Fr). The only son of Kapgarde (Fr) at stud, the stallion is a group winner over hurdles. The buyer of the breeding right is allowed one covering per year. The post Share In Puchkine One Of Four Wildcards Added To Arqana November Online Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If it stays like this, a single maiden winner might settle it. Because all that separates McKinzie ($2,294,679) from current leader Tiz the Law ($2,339,575) in the freshman table is $44,896. But wait, there's more. McKinzie isn't even second. Between the pair lurks Vekoma ($2,306,457), ensuring a desperate three-way contest for the prized laurels of champion first-season sire. It's even closer than this time last year, when four stallions were divided by barely $200,000. In the end, Mitole actually extended his lead down the stretch. But the fact that the four protagonists increased their aggregate earnings by over a quarter, during these closing weeks, shows how much there is still to play for. An abundance of juvenile racing will allow less precocious stock to find their feet, while remaining graded prizes include the GII Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and GII Remsen Stakes. Nor is it just the still tighter margins that make things so much tenser this time round. In 2023, remarkably, the Spendthrift team knew by midsummer that they housed the champion freshman: all four contenders were on their roster. This time their hopes of a third consecutive title (Bolt d'Oro was tops in 2022) are vested in Vekoma, with Tiz the Law going out to bat for Coolmore and McKinzie for Gainesway. Two things leap out about Tiz the Law's position, precarious as it may be, at the head of the table. One is that his principal earner has contributed a good deal more to his bank than is the case for his rivals, thanks to the lavish endowment of the stakes he won at Kentucky Downs. Subsequently runner-up in the GIII Street Sense Stakes, Tiztastic accounts for almost precisely a third of his sire's total. Chancer McPatrick has earned 23 percent of McKinzie's, while fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Jonathan's Way chips in a mere 9 percent for Vekoma. Chancer McPatrick | Sarah Andrew But the other obvious remark about Tiz the Law redresses that imbalance impressively, in that he has had considerably fewer starters: he has fielded 43 to date, compared with 64 for Vekoma and 54 for McKinzie. (All data, incidentally, correct through Nov. 13.) Surprising as it may seem, given his farm's history, Tiz the Law is working from much the smallest debut crop of the trio. He has 88 named foals, against 147 for Vekoma (representing another operation notorious for volume) and 141 for McKinzie (whose farm strikingly appears to have released the brakes). For while he certainly covered fewer mares (159) than the other pair (Vekoma 222/McKinzie 214) in 2021, his available arsenal additionally reflects a somewhat lower final percentage of live foalings that first year (101, versus 174 for McKinzie and 161 for Vekoma). Tiz the Law has successfully ironed out that disparity since, however, and has a much bigger second book to launch next year (218 mares producing 154 live foals). In that context, he deserves particular credit for also heading the class as the only sire with five stakes winners; and for sharing with just McKinzie the additional distinction of four graded stakes performers. Two of those (Scythian, GII Miss Grillo Stakes; No Complaint, GII Oak Leaf Stakes) have won at that level, something matched only by the early trailblazer Complexity (who has faded to fourth, nonetheless an outstanding debut from 98 named foals) and again McKinzie. Tiz the Law's good start has earned him a hike to $30,000 for 2025, consecutive trims having previously halved his opening fee to $20,000. He's an easy horse to root for, his trajectory having crossed with that of the maturing Authentic during a controversial revision of the Classic schedule during the pandemic. He had certainly flaunted the precocity sought by commercial breeders, and his family has meanwhile continued to flourish: fourth dam Evil Elaine now has another GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile under her shade, besides her son Favorite Trick (Phone Trick), as she's the third dam of Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). Tiz the Law's expanded second book has been represented by a class-high 109 yearlings into the ring this year, 90 selling at a median $66,695-a heartening advance on the rather tepid $53,500 yield of his first yearlings. (His average, conversely, stands at $79,092 from $99,835.) He has a smaller third crop incoming (98 live foals) but with his sire Constitution now beyond most pockets, Tiz the Law is laying sustainable foundations whether or not he retains his lead. Vekoma | Autry Graham Vekoma has somewhat reversed Tiz the Law's experience: though he again covered 200 mares in 2022, it was his turn to achieve (temporarily, also) a somewhat lower ratio of live foals, producing “only” 128 in his second crop, down from 161. But these have proved big winners at the sales, where 65 sold (of 73 offered) to move his average up to $141,841 from $98,432, and his median to a cracking $110,000 from $60,000. He duly exemplifies the Spendthrift model. He was launched at $20,000, a fee that as usual traded accessibility for likely catalogue competition; and, sure enough, has had plenty of runners (albeit with plenty still to follow). As his perspiring neighbor Authentic can attest, however, that does not guarantee prolific success and Vekoma's ratio of winners–33 from 64 starters–is outstanding. Eleven have also reached a black-type podium, four of them making the winner's circle including Jonathan's Way, his first graded stakes scorer in the GIII Iroquois Stakes. Having taken a couple of clips to $15,000, Vekoma has climbed to $35,000 for 2025. He has a bumper third crop on its way, comprising 154 live foals, and while he managed no more than eight starts across three campaigns, his excellence at four–including in the commercially appealing GI Met Mile and GI Carter Handicap–augurs well for the continued development of his stock. Having majored in speed, not least by the standards of his sire (of sires) Candy Ride (Arg), it'll be fascinating to see how some of the later Vekomas may deal with longer distances. His mother (Grade I winner in the slop) was out of a half-sister to Mr. Greeley and theirs is also the family of Street Sense, so everything is in place for Vekoma to build on these auspicious foundations. Speaking of Street Sense, however, there's no mistaking a consensus that the biggest hitter of this intake will turn out to be his son McKinzie. In fact, his fee for next year has rocketed to $75,000 from $30,000. In fairness, even before his stock reached the track, the marketplace had paid McKinzie an unusual compliment. As a rule, the agents and managers dutifully ensure that first-crop yearling averages almost slavishly mirror the sequence of covering fees, and they duly paid much the most for the first crop of Authentic (retired at $75,000). But they had already made McKinzie something of a rockstar with his first weanlings ($132,500 median) and followed through with his class-high offering of 144 at the 2023 yearling sales. (As noted, Gainesway were not going to let other farms beat him with quantity.) These achieved 110 sales at an average $149,157, albeit a $90,000 median measured his good fortune in covering Puca (Big Brown), whose son Mage (Good Magic) had meanwhile made their colt worth $1.2 million. McKinzie | Gainesway Now it must be acknowledged that McKinzie has marshalled his resources quite ingeniously to this point. His 16 winners from 54 starters are pretty pedestrian (30%) relative not only to his big rivals (Vekoma 52%/Tiz the Law 42%) but also to several with lesser resources. Moreover, his two stakes winners similarly leave him behind that pair (and Complexity) and matched by a handful of others. But he has made his punches tell in crushing fashion: both his black-type winners (Chancer McPatrick, Hopeful Stakes/Champagne Stakes; Scottish Lassie, Frizette Stakes) have won Grade I races; while two others placed in graded stakes company, Quickick and McKinzie Street, have similarly done so at the elite level (actually twice apiece). These headline acts have helped McKinzie's second crop achieve a $156,159 average and $130,000 median from 88 sold (100 offered). Moreover 21 of 22 third-crop weanlings have sold for a stellar $150,000 median (and a remarkably similar average). The Gainesway team have been recruiting very purposefully as Tapit enters the evening of his career, and must be hugely excited by McKinzie's start. After all, he has shown less of his hand (has started 38 percent of named first-crop foals) than Tiz the Law (49 percent) and Vekoma (44 percent); and himself offers a wholesome template for continued progress as a Grade I winner at two, three and four, harvesting 11 triple-digit Beyers. That record demonstrated a genetic functionality that wouldn't have been obvious with his first three dams by Petionville, Houston and Navajo, but his mother Runway Model had done as much already, as a dual Grade II winner. McKinzie's physique has obviously been driving much of his auction vogue and, while he will have rather less volume through the next two crops (133/121 live foals), he covered 185 mares last spring and can now drool over a major upgrade in their caliber for 2025. Whether or not he can overtake his rivals by Dec. 31 feels pretty incidental, really: no horse in the intake has superior momentum. Granted that it is all a numbers game, we must beware of unduly exalting this trio when several others in the intake have punched well above weight. Some will doubtless feature in our upcoming Value Sires series, but for now we should reiterate the superb start of Complexity, plus some excellent work from limited mares by Thousand Words. As noted above, Complexity was working from a smaller arsenal than those above him. Those who nonetheless persevered (what courage, in this day and age!) for his second season, again at just $12,500, have been celebrating a six-figure average at the yearling sales. Complexity | Sarah Andrew Let's hope that some of the others to have outperformed more expensive start-ups will also be given the oxygen of opportunity. After all, the freshman title itself brings no guarantee of lasting stardom. Yes, it has been won over the past decade by the likes of Gun Runner, Nyquist, Uncle Mo and Quality Road. But you wouldn't want to be emulating Overanalyze, exported to Korea just a couple of years later. It is clearly premature to be judging the overall caliber of this intake. Given that the first book tends to be the biggest and best ever assembled by the majority of stallions, however, the self-fulfilling prejudices of the market should guarantee plenty of good first-crop graduates every year. To its credit, this lot have collectively mustered 11 graded stakes winners already, compared with the humiliating aggregate of three scraped together by the 2023 newcomers. It already feels clear that the 2022 table featured several that will last the course, and they duly managed 13. That laid the ground for a remarkable total of 37 graded stakes winners they compiled last year, between their first sophomores and second-crop juveniles, whereas last year's freshmen have only reached 10 in 2024 so far. Nowadays commercial judgements are made with ruthless haste. The theory goes that if you can't afford the big guns, you roll the dice on a rookie in the hope of landing on the next Gun Runner. If that were so, however, farms would not be experiencing so much difficulty in maintaining mare traffic through the three springs, often at diminishing fees, that divide first covers from a meaningful sampling of first runners. Many breeders just hop from one group of rookies to the next, determined to be safely out of range long before stock gets anywhere near the gate. History duly tells us that even the three contesting this race cannot be complacent of lasting success; but it also shows, perhaps even more clearly, that the writing must already be on the wall for many in their wake. The post Freshman Title Going to the Wire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

River Tiber (Ire) becomes the latest son of Wootton Bassett (GB) to join the stallion ranks and will stand in France at Haras de la Huderie in the Pays d'Auge having been bought by a collection of French breeders. His fee in his first year at stud will be €5,500. The group consists of Sebastien Desmontils, David Salabi, Guillaume and Camille Vitse, and Jean-Pierre and Guillaume Garcon, all of whom have had successful associations with the offspring of Wootton Bassett in the past in some shape or form. “River Tiber's arrival at stud in France is the result of a growing association of breeders who have already had success with his father,” said Desmontils. “The Vitses produced Unquestionable. The Garcon family sold me the excellent Topgear. David Salabi and I were both shareholders in Wootton Bassett when he was in France. So it's great to be able to roll the dice again all together.” Unbeaten in the first three starts of his career, the Pier House Stud-bred colt won last year's G2 Coventry Stakes before finishing third in the G1 Prix Morny, G1 Middle Park Stakes and G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas for the Coolmore partners. River Tiber is the real deal and wins the Coventry for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien! #RoyalAscot @Ascot pic.twitter.com/r8yQ2truYB — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 20, 2023 Bought from Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale for 480,000gns, River Tiber is out of a half-sister to the Group 3-placed sprinter Shermeen (Ire) (Desert Style {Ire}), who is in turn the dam of G1 Phoenix Stakes winner Sudirman (Henrythenavigator). Beranger Bussy of Haras de la Huderie said, “We are delighted to be able to welcome River Tiber to Huderie. He is a perfect stallion for French breeders who meets all the expectations of the market while offering the possibility of generating profit with his attractive fee.” King Of Steel and Bucanero Fuerte (Fr), both Group 1 winners by Wootton Bassett, have recently retired to Tally-Ho Stud in Ireland. The post French Collective Buys River Tiber; Fee Set at €5,500 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take 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 Tokyo and Kyoto Racecourses: Saturday, November 16, 2024 11th-TOK, Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai S.-G2 ($461k), 2yo, 1800mT DEL AVAR (c, 2, Frankel {GB}–Amour Briller, by Smart Strike) was impressively off the mark at first asking going this distance at Fukushima June 30, overcoming a slow start and a very wide passage on the second turn to graduate by a 1 1/2 lengths (see below, SC 4). The North Hills homebred has pedigree power to boot, as his six-times stakes-winning dam is a daughter of Tenno Sho victress Heavenly Romance (Jpn) (Sunday Silence), who is also responsible for MGSW/MG1SP Awardee (Jungle Pocket {Jpn}) and GSW/GISP Lani (Tapit). B-North Hills Co (KY) 2yo DEL AVAR (Frankel x Amour Briller) will line up in the highly sought Gr2 Tokyo Sports Hai this Saturday Race won by many Classic/Gr1 winners including World Best Racehorse EQUINOX, Triple Crown winner CONTRAIL, Japan Derby winners ISLA BONITA, WAGNERIAN etc in recent years. pic.twitter.com/Kh9lfeJbsu — Jess Samy (@FrankelWatch13) November 12, 2024 Sunday, November 17, 2024 4th-TOK, ¥13,720,000 ($88k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600m LAKE STRIPES (JPN) (c, 2, American Pharoah–Infartame {Arg}, by Equal Stripes {Arg}) is the first foal from his dam, upset winner of the 2020 G1 Estrellas Juvenile Fillies for Haras Abolengo before making her way to the US to be bred to this Triple Crown winner. A full-sister to Argentinian Group 3 winner Issa (Arg), Infartame has produced one foal since her import into Japan, a filly by Maurice (Jpn) born this past Apr. 25. B-Lake Villa Farm 4th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($88k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200m CHIANINA (f, 2, Take Charge Indy–Carpe Solis, by Carpe Diem) fetched $30,000 at last year's Keeneland September Sale, but improved into a $310,000 OBS March 2-year-old after breezing an eighth of a mile in a smooth :10 flat. The Feb. 9 foal, set to debut in the colors of Kazumi Yoshida and to be partnered by Christophe Lemaire, is out of a daughter of 2005 GI Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly (Summer Squall), who also serves as the second dam to the stakes winners Workaholic (Sky Mesa) and Legalize (Constitution), both from an A.P. Indy sire line. B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY) The post US-Bred Frankel Colt Del Avar Resurfaces In Group 2 Company at Tokyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple Group 1 winner Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is now the highest rated filly or mare in the world at 127 on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, which were released on Thursday. A winner of the G1 Turnbull Stakes and G1 Cox Plate in October, she added the G1 Champions Stakes in November and is equal to G1 Derby/G1 International Stakes/G1 Eclipse winner City Of Troy (Justify). The highest rated horse in the world is Laurel River (Into Mischief) at 128. Next in the rankings are the trio of Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) at 125. The last-named horse scored in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at the beginning of the month over Fierceness (City Of Light) at 123) with Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) (120) third. Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) has increased his rating to 124 after winning the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) (120), and he goes for the G1 Mile Championship on Nov. 17. New to the rankings are Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), and Rousham Park (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB) all at 122 after victories in the G1 Champion Stakes, G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and a second-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf to the 123-rated Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), respectively. Hong Kong's Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) is now also ranked at 120 after his win in the G2 Premier Bowl. The post Via Sistina Moves Up To Joint-Second On Longines WBRR appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Charlie Boss, the former chief commercial officer for the Jockey Club, is returning to take up the position of interim group chief executive. He starts his new job on December 9, ten days before the departure of the current chief executive Nevin Truesdale, who in June announced his intention to leave his role after 11 years with the organisation. Boss's previous tenure at the Jockey Club was between March 2021 and April 2023 and he has subsequently been chief commercial officer for Southampton Football Club. Baroness Dido Harding, senior steward of the Jockey Club, explained that the search for Truesdale's permanent replacement is ongoing. She said, “The role of chief executive of the Jockey Club is unique in British racing. It requires a broad range of expertise to run what is not only the largest commercial organisation and employer in horseracing in the UK, but also a 274-year-old membership organisation which aims to support the long-term future of British racing and in doing so provide the very best for a hugely diverse customer base, from participants and owners to racing fans and the local communities we operate in. “We have always been clear that finding the right person for the role was the most important priority, rather than appointing by a certain date. We are making good progress in this search but with most senior leaders at this level having substantial notice periods, appointing an interim CEO ensures that the organisation has clear leadership in place as we go into the busiest time of the year.” In welcoming Boss back to the fold, she said, “He did an outstanding job as a member of the Jockey Club's executive team, which led the organisation through the unprecedented challenges of COVID 19, and those who worked with him will know him to be an extremely talented and high energy commercial leader.” Harding added, “His deep understanding of The Jockey Club, our teams and the opportunities and challenges that we and the wider sport face will allow him to really hit the ground running. As a result, he is ideally placed to lead the executive team and the wider business through our biggest events of the year at Cheltenham and Aintree.” A board trustee of London Sport and a member of the Sports Steering Group for the children's charity NSPCC, Boss has also run Disney's sports businesses in Europe and Africa and has occupied senior marketing roles at the Rugby Football Union and the Football Association. He is a former board member of the pool betting operator Britbet. Boss said, “For me, racing remains a cherished and important part of British life. Not only is it an industry which contributes more than £4 billion to the British economy, it is the UK's second-most attended sport. “My time as chief commercial officer at the Jockey Club was one of the most enjoyable, challenging and rewarding of my career and I am both proud and excited to be returning.” The post Charlie Boss Returns to Jockey Club as Interim CEO appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who claimed the G2 Bahrain International Trophy a year ago for breeder Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and Peter Done, returns to Bahrain to defend his title on Friday. Worth $1 million, the 2000-metre race has attracted a contentious field of 12 from all corners of the globe. A winner of the G3 Strensall Stakes last year prior to his Bahrain heroics defeating among others the Coolmore partners' multiple group winner Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}), the 7-year-old gelding went on to take the G2 Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia in February. Unplaced behind Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March, he was last seen exiting the G3 Darley Stakes with a seventh-place finish behind the re-opposing John and Thady Gosden trainee Lead Artist (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who carries the Juddmonte silks. Fahey said, “He's in great form and he's a fresh horse who goes there in great order. He's always a horse that we feel runs a better race if he's had a race to bring him on and clear his wind and he's had that. He's travelled really well this year and he's eating and drinking loads and we're really pleased with him. It's a tougher race this year, but he did win well last year so we will see.” “We're looking foreword to seeing him run, it's another step up the ladder but he's had a good season and I though he was impressive in his last win,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte on Lead Artist. “He's taking on older horses which will be a challenge and he's the only three-year-old in the field, but he's in good form and he's a horse we have always liked a lot. We're hopeful of a good run.” The field also features 2024 GI Arlington Million hero Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) for Godolphin and Victorious's German Group 1 victor Calif (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), as well as dual G2 York Stakes hero Alflaila (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the colours of Shadwell. Japan's duo includes G1 Hopeful Stakes winner Killer Ability (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who was second to Spirit Dancer in the Neom Turf Cup last February, while G3 Prix Bertrand de Tarragon heroine Andromede (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is aiming to be the first filly or mare to take the Bahrain International Trophy for trainer Francis Henri Graffard. The post Spirit Dancer Faces 11 Rivals In Bahrain International Trophy Defence appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's back. Details of the hugely popular Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Stallion Trail, scheduled to take place on Friday January 10 and Saturday January 11, have been revealed with many of the country's top stallion farms set to open up to breeders, racing professionals and fans alike. ITM CEO Charles O'Neill commented, “Across the world Irish stallions are recognised among the global elite and continually produce winners in racing's most competitive events on the flat and over jumps. In 2025 the Irish stallion roster will once again be boosted with more top talent, offering breeders a diverse pool of proven producers, rising stars, and hot prospects to suit any mare or budget. The ITM Irish Stallion Trail is always a highlight of the year for breeders and fans alike and we are very grateful to participating farms for opening their doors and showcasing Ireland's exceptional thoroughbred breeding industry. Register now via the ITM website and we will see you on the Trail.” The ITM Irish Stallion Trail is a completely free event. Visitors are simply asked to register which studs they intend to visit via the ITM website. Visitors are then free to visit their chosen studs at the time of their choosing within the studs' advertised opening hours. Due to demand, it is mandatory to register for a specific date and time slot if planning to visit Coolmore Stud. Please note that due to evolving stallion vaccination and quarantine requirements, participating studs and available stallions may be subject to change. For further information and to register, visit www.itm.ie/stalliontrail. Further studs wishing to participate in the ITM Irish Stallion Trail 2025 can contact Alex Cairns at acairns@itm.ie or +353(0)87 791 5690. The post Leading Stud Farms To Open Up For Popular ITM Stallion Trail In January appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple Classic-winning trainer Pascal Bary has announced his retirement after 44 years in the French training ranks. The Chantilly trainer saddled the winner of the Prix du Jockey Club on six occasions, starting with Celtic Arms (Fr) in 1994 and most recently with Study Of Man (Ire) in 2018. Over the years, Bary, 71, has been associated with a stream of great equine names, most notably for the Niarchos family, for whom he won two further Jockey Clubs with the half-brothers Dream Well (Fr) and Sulamani (Ire), and the Prix de Diane with Divine Proportions and Six Perfections (Fr). The latter was also one of three Breeders' Cup winners for the trainer when landing the Mile in 2003, the year after he took the same race, for the same owner-breeder, with Domedriver (Ire). Further foreign victories included two successful raids on Newmarket with Natagora (Fr), who won the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes before going on to glory in the following year's 1,000 Guineas. That was not his sole Classic win outside his native France as Bary also won the Irish Derby with Dream Well, and he is the only French trainer to have won the Dubai World Cup, with Gloria De Campeao (Brz) in 2010. Bary told Jour de Galop that he had been preparing for his retirement since the 2023 Grand Prix de Paris victory of Feed The Flame (GB). The son of Kingman (GB), who has recently retired to Haras de la Hetraie, was his final Group 1 winner. “I was lucky to have a fabulous job, with magnificent horses that I loved and exceptional people that I would never have met in other environments,” he said. “I am retiring in very good spirits…Everything changes and all generations think that things were better before, but I refuse to think that way. I did not choose to retire to avoid the challenges of change. It is just the right time to do something else after having practiced a profession, we must not forget, which requires commitment seven days a week and 24 hours a day.” The post Classic-Winning Trainer Pascal Bary Retires appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ardad (Ire) will remain at a fee of £12,500 for the fourth consecutive season at Overbury Stud. The 10-year-old son of Kodiac (GB), whose first-crop son and treble Group 1 Perfect Power (Ire) is now on the Darley roster, has 153 two-year-olds to represent him in 2025. “They're by far his biggest and best-bred bunch so far, conceived on the back of that sensational start,” said Simon Sweeting of Overbury Stud. 'Trainers and agents seem to really like them – they are such good-walking, good tempered horses – and Ardad had half a dozen six-figure sales in England, Ireland and France, led by the filly bought by Amo Racing [for 420,000gns]. They averaged almost seven times his fee.” Ardad's fellow G2 Flying Childers winner Caturra (Ire) has his first foals for sale in the coming weeks and his fee is also unchanged at £5,000. “Caturra's first foals are strong, well-grown and athletic and buyers will I hope be impressed when they inspect them at the sales,” Sweeting added. The stud's versatile resident Golden Horn (GB), whose most recent group winner on the Flat came earlier in the week with the victory of Higher Leaves (GB) in the G3 Prix Fille de l'Air, will again cover at £10,000. The fees for Frontiersman (GB) and Jack Hobbs (GB) will be set at a later date but the veteran National Hunt sire Schiaparelli will remain at £2,000. The post Ardad Heads Overbury Roster at £12,500 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

G2 Sandy Lane Stakes winner El Caballo (GB) will stand for a fee of £5,000 next season, Culworth Grounds announced on Thursday. The son of Havana Gold (Ire) reportedly covered 100 mares when standing for £6,000 in his first season, including 25% black-type performers/producers. Culworth Grounds co-owner Sophie Buckley said, “We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of his first crop of foals. He was an outstanding two-year-old and proved tough, versatile and durable, winning six races in a row. At £5,000 he offers breeders exceptional value.” The post El Caballo to Stand for £5,000 in Second Season at Culworth Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Denise Martin didn’t need to be asked twice when Chris Waller called her about a potential yearling purchase out of New Zealand in early 2023. For starters, Waller and the Star Thoroughbreds managing director have formed a formidable combination on the track, teaming up with G1 winners Espiona, Foxplay and Invinciella. Incidentally, the filly in question was closely related to Star’s pin-up mare Invincibella and came highly recommended by Waller’s bloodstock consultant Guy Mulcaster. Lot 582 at the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale was a daughter of first-season sire Castelvecchio and out of the Star Witness mare Tremolie – a half-sister to Invincibella. Martin was sold on the idea before she’d opened the catalogue. On Saturday, the filly – now named Aeliana(NZ) (Castelvecchio) – will chase a G1 win at just her sixth start when she lines up as favourite in the Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield. For Martin, it’s a case of being rewarded for trusting her relationship with Waller and his faith Mulcaster. “Chris works with renowned yearling selector Guy Mulcaster and Chris phoned me to say that Guy had recommended this filly to the stable,” Martin said. “He said she was a close relation to Invincibella and I just said ‘yes please’. “Once I had a look at the catalogue and saw who she was, I was very keen to buy her. “She (Invincibella) was one of our great banner mares who did a great job for Star Thoroughbreds over several seasons. “Invincibella was quite a tall filly and developed throughout her three-year-old year and into the autumn as an imposing individual. “This filly wont eventually be that big but she certainly seems ot have a very similar motor. “I would say Aliana, although still a bit physically immature she seems to be able to handle the pressure mentally and she has progressed to this level at a quicker pace than what Invincibella did.” Invincibella won 12 races and more than $3 million in prizemoney for her connections, several of whom bought shares in Aeliana. The daughter of I Am Invincible broke her maiden as a spring three-year-old and was Stakes-placed twice in that campaign before really hitting her straps in her four-year-old season. Martin said she expected Aeliana to develop at a similar rate, given she is from the first crop of a 2000m G1 winner, although the filly is mentally more mature at the same stage of her career. Victory in the Saturday’s coveted three-year-old classic would be a quarter of a century in the making for Martin and Star Thoroughbreds. The syndicator’s original banner horse Danglissa started 13-4 favourite but was denied in a photo finish by Shizu in the 1999 Thousand Guineas and Martin has been keen to atone ever since. “On the day when Danglissa ran second, Gai and I landed at the airport in Melbourne and there’d been a really bad storm,” she said. “I remember Gai said to Chris Munce that it would probably be best to stay off the fence. “If I recall, it was Jim Cassidy who rode the winner and he hugged the fence and by the time Danglissa had balanced up and found the line, it was pretty close but she just missed. “It was the right call to want to stay off the fence because back then, the Thousand Guineas was still on the middle day of the three-day carnival so the track had already had plenty of use. “In the 32 years I’ve had my business I’ve never thought that a win was a fait accompli but there are a lot of reasons to think that Aeliana can go to Caulfield and run very well.” View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, November 16, 2024 First Race 2:46pm ACST Visit Dabble The Darwin Turf Club hosts a five-race meeting on Saturday with 40 horses accepting. The program features Heat 1 of the Lightning Wet Season Series with the $40,000 final scheduled for Australia Day. There has been no rain in the Top End since November 3, but the forecast for Saturday is for partly cloudy conditions and possible showers with a top temperature of 34C. The rail will be in the true position and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface. BEST BET AT DARWIN: MR HAVE A CHAT During the Darwin Cup Carnival, Mr Have A Chat was victorious over 1100m in 0-66 grade. The seven-year-old gelding then finished second at Katherine in August before returning to Fannie Bay for another two seconds in September and October. The son of I’m All The Talk finally saluted on October 19 when he sat off the pace before toppling Change Is Coming over 1200m at 0-70 level. The outside gate on Saturday is a minor hurdle, but Mr Have A Chat has the ability to overcome that and salute. Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Mr Have A Chat (6) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Nash | J: Sonja Logan (59kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST AT DARWIN: DEBATING Debating was a last start second behind Tricky Mikki over 1100m in Class 2 division on Melbourne Cup Day. With Tricky Mikki well clear, Debating bridged the gap in the home straight and the pair went toe to toe before Phil Cole’s horse edged clear in the final stages. With two wins and five seconds from 10 starts in the NT, Reward For Effort’s four-year-old gelding appears to be getting back to his best form and Jarrod Todd in the saddle is a bonus. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Debating (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Ella Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (60kg) Bet with Neds BEST VALUE AT DARWIN: ANKLE ROLEX In what shapes as an even contest, Ankle Rolex has produced respectable form since winning over 1300m against 0-58 opposition in August. The five-year-old gelding wasn’t far away during October over 1300m when finishing fourth and third. The son of Cable Bay was camped off the speed before lunging late over 1600m in 0-64 grade on November 5 to finish a close second behind A Big Chance. A repeat performance can see Ankle Rolex feature in the finish at an each-way quote with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 1 –#4 Ankle Rolex (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Patrick Johnston | J: Raymond Vigar (58.5kg) Bet with Unibet Darwin quaddie picks Fannie Bay quadrella selections Saturday, November 16, 2024 1-4-5 1-3-5-8-9 3-4 1-3-5 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Thousand Guineas Day 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, November 16, 2024 First Race 12:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble A 10-race meeting awaits punters at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday afternoon as Group 1 racing in Victoria comes to a close for another year. The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) take top billing, but is supported by a strong undercard throughout the day. An overcast, albeit clear day is forecast, with the track set to remain as a Good 4 the entire day. The rail comes out 6m the entire circuit, with the first race set to jump at 12:20pm AEDT. Race 1: BM74 Handicap (1700m) Sure has produced two strong runs since returning from a spell, albeit without winning. The four-year-old gelding should have won at Bendigo last time out having stalked the speed throughout, but was forced to come off heels and then surge home after his momentum had been halted. He was done by the barest possible margin, and his run prior fresh from a long spell indicates that third-up, the elusive win should be coming with even luck. Selections: 7 SURE 8 HIYAAM PROUD 13 RUAKAKA RAIDER 4 NOTABADBUY Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Sure (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Beau Mertens (58.5kg) +400 with Neds Race 2: BM74 Handicap (1100m) Tiffany Valentine went into everyone’s black book after her eye-catching return at Geelong on October 23. The five-year-old mare launched late from the rear of the field to take the progressive Romani Ite Domum to under a length after giving that runner a massive start. Tom Prebble hops on board once again, and with his 3kg claim, Tiffany Valentine looks set to get the break go her way to go one better on Saturday, and do so in impressive fashion. Selections: 16 TIFFANY VALENTINE 4 PLUS FOURS 14 HELIX 11 HARRY GOT STYLES Race 3: BM84 Handicap (1400m) First-up from a spell, the Patrick & Michelle Payne-trained Bigolino strikes a winnable race, especially if he can build on what he put forward when last work. When resuming from a spell last time in, the six-year-old gelding was only grabbed late by the classy Chorlton Lane, form that reads perfectly in a BM84 Handicap like this. Tom Prebble claims 3kg, which should suit the son of Good Journey as he looks to run his rivals off their feet. With a win and two seconds from four fresh runs, he comes to hand quickly, and if Bigolino is anywhere near his best, he will not be for catching. Selections: 2 BIGOLINO 14 THE SHAPER 4 BELLE SAVOIR 13 REGAL VOW Race 4: Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) The Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) is last-chance saloon for the Matt Laurie-trained Coleman. The three-year-old colt has not tasted success is nine starts, but is ultimately the class runner in the field. He was well beaten in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) last time out, but his run prior saw him finish two-lengths off Switzerland who subsequently took out the Coolmore. From barrier three, Ethan Brown will stalk the speed throughout, and once asked to quicken, Coleman should be putting this field away with relative ease. Selections: 1 COLEMAN 3 PISCES 7 I AM VELVET 4 CATOGGIO Blue Sapphire Stakes Race 4 – #1 Coleman (3) 3yo Colt | T: Matt Laurie | J: Ethan Brown (57kg) +170 with Dabble Race 5: Listed Village Stakes (1100m) Sparks are set to fly in the Listed Village Stakes (1100m) with plenty of early speed set to make this an intriguing battle. On paper, the race sets up perfectly for a runner like Kin, who will most likely sit just off the speed and look to capitalise on some vulnerable leaders. Despite drawing the widest barrier (9), Kin will be at the rear of the field when turning for home, but in the small field, she shouldn’t be too far from the pace throughout. With a strong finishing burst under her bonnet, as long as Kin does not get run off her legs early, she should prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 5 KIN 6 MIRAVAL ROSE 7 PHARARI 2 LEMPICKA Next Best Race 5 – #5 Kin (9) 5yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Jamie Kah (54kg) +300 with Playup Race 6: Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) She’s Got Pizzazz may have only broken maiden ranks last time out at Kilmore, but the way she went about it suggests she is a filly with a stack of ability. The Zoustar filly lines up in her toughest to date, the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m), but considering this is just a glorified BM64 with two or three high-raters, she doesn’t look too far out of her depth. Jamie Kah will need a touch of luck from barrier seven to avoid getting too far back in the field, but with a swift turn of foot, She’s Got Pizzazz can exert her class late. Selections: 7 SHE’S GOT PIZZAZZ 3 RICH DOTTIE 2 TOBEORNOTTOBE 1 ENEEZA Thoroughbred Club Stakes Race 6 – #7 She’s Got Pizzazz (7) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Jamie Kah (56kg) +550 with Bet365 Race 7: Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) The fillies are front and centre on Saturday when a field of 13 line up in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m). Chris Waller and James McDonald are chasing their third straight win in the race, but is it that straightforward? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Group 1 Thousand Guineas Race 8: Victorian Country Cups Final (2000m) As always, races like the Victorian Country Cups Final (2000m) are a genuine dartboard job, and this year’s edition is no different. Milford presents as great value wit horse racing bookmakers, considering his affiliation with the Caulfield track. The Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson-trained has not done much this time in, but considering he boasts two wins and two seconds at the track and trip, he clearly grows another leg. The son of Savabeel gets better as he gets the miles into his legs each campaign, and third-up from a spell, with even luck, Milford can salute at a big price. Selections: 3 MILFORD 1 ARRAN BAY 17 TORRANZINO 8 NEW YORK HURRICANE Best Value Race 8 – #3 Milford (8) 7yo Gelding | T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson | J: Declan Bates (58.5kg) +1700 with Marantelli Bet Race 9: Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) pits Jimmysstar and Another Wil against one another once again. Another Wil got the better of his stablemate quite convincingly when they clashed in the Group 2 The Damien Oliver (1400m) on November 2 and we expect a similar result on Saturday. The five-year-old gelding was held up for a run until the 200m mark on that day, and despite his main rival having momentum out wide, Another Wil exploded once clear. Barrier one is a touch sticky for Jimmysstar, whereas barrier five for Another Wil looks perfect. He should get the sit on a pretty genuine speed, and barring any bad luck, Another Wil should be clinching his maiden Group 1 success. Selections: 4 ANOTHER WIL 7 JIMMYSSTAR 8 KIMOCHI 15 WAR MACHINE Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Race 9 – #4 Another Wil (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jamie Kah (56kg) +280 with Picklebet Race 10: Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) She’s Bulletproof could not have ben any more impressive when saluting by six-lengths at Moonee Valley on October 25. Having settled midfield on that night, the Shooting To Win mare produced a stunning turn of foot to put the race away within a couple of strides. Much like her name, she is bulletproof from what she has put forward to start her career. Craig Williams sticks on board which is a massive bonus, because from barrier 11, the pair will need a touch of luck to find cover from the awkward draw. If She’s Bulletproof is anywhere near her best, the How Now Stakes (1200m) is a race she is more than capable of saluting in. Selections: 10 SHE’S BULLETPROOF 6 CIGAR FLICK 4 NIANCE 2 SANS DOUTE How Now Stakes Race 10 – #10 She’s Bulletproof (11) 4yo Mare | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Craig Williams (55kg) +400 with Boombet Saturday quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, November 16, 2024 2-4-7 Field 4-7 2-4-5-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Race 10 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 52ND NZ 2000 GUINEAS G1 1600m SO NAIVE (C Grylls) – Co-trainer Mr. G Cooksley reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the colt, however, SO NAIVE has now been sent for a spell. The post Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park, Saturday 9 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 8 DESERT LIGHTNING TAB CLASSIC 2023 1400m HERE I AM (W Kennedy) – Trainer Mr. M Pitman advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding and it is his intention to carry on with HERE I AM’S current preparation. The post Ashburton Racing Club @ Ashburton, Sunday 3 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article