Wandering Eyes

In what must be the understatement of the year, Tally-Ho Stud boss Tony O'Callaghan has described himself as “quietly delighted” to see Mehmas (Ire) make history for the number of two-year-old winners recorded in a season when Naughty Eyes, who was bred by the County Westmeath operation, delivered winner number 62 for the stallion at Wolverhampton on Monday. The previous record had been set by the daddy of Tally-Ho, Kodiac (GB), who O'Callaghan was keen to state is far from finished. But what Mehmas has achieved in setting the record number of two-year-old winners in a season has been on the cards for some time and even a man as understated as O'Callaghan could admit the emotion surrounding the changing of the guard at Tally-Ho. He said, “It's great that it happened. We were hoping that it would happen from an early stage in the season and thank God that it has. We were never expecting a horse to come along and break Kodiac's record. We're not ones to go jumping up and down about things like this. We're quietly delighted.” Asked to nominate his highlight of the year following the progeny of Mehmas, he responded, “Oh, Ger's [Lyons] horse [Magnum Force (Ire)] winning at the Breeders' Cup. That and the National Stakes [Scorthy Champ (Ire)] at the Curragh. They were the two highlights for me.” Mehmas has sired eight individual Stakes-winning two-year-olds this season. As a result of a stellar year, he had his fee bumped by €20,000 to €70,000. Meanwhile, Kodiac will stand for €25,000. O'Callaghan concluded, “Kodiac is going strong, too, and we'd be hoping to get another year or two out of him. Look, it's great that it has happened with Mehmas, but you have to keep looking forward in this game.” The post Tally-Ho Stud “Quietly Delighted” With Record-Breaking Stallion Mehmas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A pair of horses have been supplemented to the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will be held Thursday in Lexington. Supplemented to the one-session auction are: Rosato (Gift Box), a 2-year-old filly who scored a five-length victory at Churchill Downs six days ago in a starter allowance race and is consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent; and Sbagliato (Quality Road), a 4-year-old gelding who is a two-time winner and consigned by ELiTE, agent. Bidding on the Horses of Race Age sale begins Thursday at noon. To view the entire catalogue of 236 head, click here. The post Two Added to Keeneland Horses of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars ROMANTIC SON - R9 (8) Did everything but win on Hong Kong debut and can go one better tonight Jay Rooney THE PERFECT MATCH - R6 (4) Rocketed home impressively from last first up and can settle closer here Jack Dawling SHINKANSEN - R5 (11) Knocking on the door lately and looks ready to notch an overdue win Phillip Woo PRAWNS ELEVEN - R9 (5) Comes off an eye-catching second and should go one better Shannon (Vincent Wong) HAPPY DAILY - R3 (4) Has raced well in defeat last two starts and can go close here Racing Post Online SHINKANSEN - R5 (11) Loves this track and trip and can salute from a good barrier tonight Tom Wood TALENTS AMBITION - R8 (5) Raced too close to the pace last start, worth another look hereView the full article

Princess Zahra Aga Khan's triple group 1 winner Mandesha (Fr) (Desert Style {Ire}) has so far failed to produce anything of major note as a broodmare, but the performance of her debutante daughter Mandanaba (Fr) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) at Chantilly on Tuesday suggests there could be a long-overdue change in the conversation. Introduced in the 9 1/2-furlong Prix de la Voie du Garde on the Polytrack by Francis-Henri Graffard, the homebred who is the first TDN Rising Star of his sire's first crop was allowed to coast to the front from the break by Mickael Barzalona and set about carving out solid fractions in stark contrast to the colts' division won an hour earlier. Sending her peers packing passing the two-furlong pole, the 12-5 favourite hit the line strong with six lengths to spare over Roy Racing's Day Dreaming (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), the daughter of the dual group 3 winner and G1 Prix Rothschild and G1 Prix Jean Romanet-placed Siyoushake (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) in a time over seven seconds faster than that of Uther (GB) (Camelot {GB}). What was particularly striking is that whereas the colts' category winner Uther closed out in 34.37 for his final three furlongs having saved up energy in a stroll through the first 6 1/2 furlongs, Mandanaba managed the same final split in 34.48 despite having been far ahead of him in their virtual race. “In her home work, she looked like a one-paced filly and I wanted to see what she could show in the afternoon,” Graffard explained. “To avoid being caught for speed, leading was the right tactic but she also showed a good change of gear which is a good sign for the future.” We've just seen a very good filly! Mandanaba, out of multiple Group 1 winner Mandesha, bolts up on debut at @fgchantilly…@GraffardRacing @mickaelbarzalon @AgaKhanStuds pic.twitter.com/CHjYAiTBw2 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 12, 2024 Pedigree Notes Mandesha, who was the champion 3-year-old filly of 2006 courtesy of wins in the G1 Prix Vermeille, G1 Prix d'Astarte and G1 Prix de l'Opera and who was also second in the G1 Nassau Stakes, was off to a bright start to her second career when producing Smart Strike's G1 Prix d'Ispahan-placed sire Mandour. Subsequently without a black-type performer from five runners and eight foals, she has this talented juvenile and the unraced 3-year-old filly Manshina (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) to fly the flag. The family also features Doyoun's GI Manhattan Handicap and GI Turf Classic-winning sire Manndar (Ire). 3rd-Chantilly, €30,000, Debutantes, 11-12, 2yo, f, 9 1/2f (AWT), 1:58.57, st. MANDANABA (FR), f, 2, by Ghaiyyath (Ire) 1st Dam: Mandesha (Fr) (Champion 3-y-o Filly, MG1SW-Fr, G1SP-Eng, $974,461), by Desert Style (Ire) 2nd Dam: Mandalara (Ire), by Lahib 3rd Dam: Madiriya (Ire), by Diesis (GB) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €15,000. O/B-Princess Zahra Aga Khan (FR); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. *1/2 to Mandour (Smart Strike), SW-Eng & G1SP-Fr, $198,499. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. The post Daughter Of Mandesha Is Ghaiyyath’s First TDN Rising Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin The biggest gamble in New Zealand Trotting Cup history paid off at Addington on Tuesday. Just. Australian bully boy Swayzee outmuscled the locals to defend the title he won last year, fighting off Don’t Stop Dreaming in the iconic $1m IRT-sponsored race. The pair surged four lengths clear of Republican Party and a slightly disappointing Merlin, who after tracking the first two found this particular 3200m just a little outside his comfort zone. That Swayzee was in the race at all was a surprise and a stroke of genius, trainer Jason Grimson only deciding to pay the $28,000 late entry last Monday, hours before the deadline. “He worked so well last Monday I rang his owner [Mick Boots] and said I wanted to take him and I wanted him to back my judgement,” said Grimson. “He had that feel about him I didn’t want to miss this opportunity.” That opportunity came with a cost. The $28,000 free plus the trip across the Tasman and then straight back, as Swayzee isn’t staying for Friday’s NZ Free-For-All, means there would be no change out of $50,000 for a trip for one race. Let’s not forget, when Grimson placed those chips on the table the best pacer in Australasia in Leap To Fame was still coming to the NZ Cup, only to pull out on Friday with a poor blood report. Even more bizarrely Swayzee then raced at Young in New South Wales on Friday to stay eligible for a A$1m bonus, spent most of Sunday travelling from Sydney to Christchurch via Auckland and had barely had a nibble of Canterbury grass before he was off the races. At the top of the Addington straight that great gamble looked set to come up short. Swayzee’s driver Cam Hart had been able to work to the front inside a lap, as first Merlin then Don’t Stop Dreaming led but the respect Swayzee has garnered paid dividends when Hart needed it at the 2000m mark. But there is no respect once horses reach the home straight, then it comes down to speed or stamina. In Swayzee’s case, the latter. Hart had him rolling 800m from home to try and blunt the sprint of his rivals but when Blair Orange moved Don’t Stop Dreaming into the passing lane at the 200m he went straight past Swayzee. For about 100m. No sooner had that dream become reality that it turned into a nightmare as Swayzee kicked back. Don’t Stop Dreaming peaked and the Cup was defended. “He [Don’t Stop Dreaming] definitely got past us but I know how hard this horse tries,” said Hart. “To think I have just won two New Zealand Cups is amazing. He is an amazing horse.” For the beaten brigade there were reasons but no excuses and while in the glow of victory the Swayzee camp were planning their celebrations rather than their next race, they now have a shot at joining the most elite club in New Zealand racing. The first New Zealand Cup was run in 1904 and Swayzee is now one of the special horses to have won two of them. But only three horses in that 120 years have managed to win three New Zealand Cups: Indianapolis, False Step and Terror To Love. Swayzee is big and strong and built for races like the Cup. Hart knows what he wants. “When you hear only three horses have won three of these, to even think we could have a chance of doing that next year makes the hairs on the back of my next stand up,” says Hart, shaking his head. So expect Swayzee to be among the first entries for next year’s Cup. For a shot at history and to save $28,000. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Two great mates from Wyndham completed their climb to the top of New Zealand harness racing with Marketplace’s sensational win in the Group 1 Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes Series Final on New Zealand Cup Day. Marketplace proved himself to be a class above New Zealand’s two-year-old colts and geldings with his powerful winning performance for trainer Regan Todd and driver Craig Ferguson. Todd and Ferguson followed the same path into the harness racing industry, growing up in Wyndham and jumping the Menzies College fence to go and work horses at Young Quinn Raceway, before going on to employment with trainer Brendon ‘Snow’ McLellan. Fast forward around 15 years later and the pair combined for arguably the win of New Zealand Cup Day in an elite Group 1 event. As thrilling as it was to win, completing the feat with Todd made it doubly special for Ferguson. “To get my first Group One with Regan is extra special, you could probably see on TV after the race I was getting a bit emotional,” the reinsman said. “Regan was a few years older than me so we weren’t school friends but he kicked around with one of my cousins and I got to know him through the game and through working at Snow’s.” “When I started bringing my horses up to Christchurch we would stay at Regan’s and that is where the friendship has grown from really.” “He brings horses south and stays with me, so we actually end up spending a fair bit of time together during the year.” Ferguson and Marketplace have formed something of a rare partnership considering the driver is based in Southland and the horse is with Todd in Canterbury. But after getting a feel for the pacer earlier in his career on a trip south, Ferguson wasn’t letting him out of his sights. “When he came down south early on he was green but he gave me the feel of a really nice horse.” “At the time I thought this is the sort of horse I could win a Group One race with, so I tried to stick with him. “I am just grateful Regan and the owners have given me the opportunity.” Ferguson blasted Marketplace forward early in his Group 1 assignment, with the two-year-old working hard to find the lead. The reinsman then elected to take cover behind Rubira and Blair Orange at the bell, a move that may have raised a few eyebrows on a red-hot favourite. But when Marketplace dashed along the inner for his big win, he proved his driver had got his calculations spot on. “He came out of the gate hard, Regan had been pretty happy with him during the week, so I thought we would drive him like the best horse in the race. “I knew he would have to burn hard and to his credit, he has stuck on.” While Ferguson knew what he had in front of him, Todd was watching on nervously from the sidelines. The trainer admitted he was sceptical about Marketplace’s chances after he burnt so hard to find the early lead. “That was unreal after that lead time, I thought he was history but he’s a super horse,” Todd said. “He had every reason to get beat today but he showed how good he is.” “It is just unbelievable.” “It is hard to put into words, it is just such a special moment.” Marketplace’s brilliant performance handed a Group 1 breeding win to northern commentator George Simon and his wife Maryanne who own the pacer’s dam Cullen Who with Tony Barron, Gordon McKenzie, Tony Clark and Michelle Scanlon. The group purchased the mare from Dunedin breeder-owners Kevin and Patricia Court after she won her first race as a three-year-old. View the full article

It’s NZ Cup day – harness racing’s biggest and most important meeting of them all. Today there’ll be 12 races, starting at 12.08pm, and there will be race by race coverage of them all as they happen. Be sure to check out hrnz’s social media channels as well to keep up to date. RACE 1 : $30,000 SAUNDERS ROBINSON BROWN HANDICAP TROT (3200M) Cup day 2024 is underway with a big wide open field of trotters over 3200 metres and fittingly it was seven-time New Zealand Cup-winning driver Ricky May who took out the first with the Phil Williamson-trained Sheza Gift. “It’s a good start to be fair,” said May post race. Sheza Gift was parked for a time but still managed to overhaul a very game Mixed Faith who went clear turning for home. Masterly ran into second while favourite Tu Tangata stormed home into fourth. Both Masterly and Tu Tangata are trained by Paul Nairn. It was Sheza Gift’s fifth win in 25 starts. She paid $9.50 for the win. RACE 2 : $30,000 HYDROFLOW MOBILE PACE Dave Duley did it tough to win the second. After being three wide for a bit, driver John Dunn had the three-year-old gelding parked outside Commander Joe, with favourite Dynasty getting the sweet trip in the trail. But Dave Duley never flinched though he did look to be in serious strife when Miki Bennett flashed up with 100 or so to go, only to break into a gallop and lose all chance. Bettor Be Sharp held second, with Salute and that man Ricky May finishing third. Trained by Robert and Jenna Dunn, it was Dave Duley’s third win in 17 starts. RACE 3 : MITRE 10 HANDICAP TROT It was a lead-trail one-two in race 3 with southerner Julie Jaccka and Nathan Williamson getting the perfect trip before they scooted up the passing lane. Zoltan Boscik had led right from the start and was very game in finishing second, with Cody Banner capitalising on a cushy run three back the fence to hold third. Rush finished on well to nab fourth. Trained by Brett Gray it was Julie Jaccka’s fifth win in 27 starts. Julie Jaccka paid $15 for the win. RACE 4 : Group 3 $40,000 TAB JUNIOR FREE-FOR-ALL MOBILE PACE There were shades of Copy That as Blair Orange made his mark on Cup day and it came with The Big Lebowski in the first Group race of the day. The Ray Green-trained The Big Lebowski was in the one-one then three back the running line before Orange made his move at the 600 metre mark. They held off the challenges of a fast finishing Ohoka Connor and Sooner The Bettor, who got the perfect trip in the trail behind The Falcon. The Falcon finished fourth for new trainer Jason Grimson. Aussie star Catch A Wave was never a factor after going back from a wide draw. It was The Big Lebowski’s eighth win in 36 starts for owners Merv and Meg Butterworth. He paid $10 for the win. In 2021 and 2022 the Orange, Green and Butterworth combo had dual NZ Cup success with Copy That. RACE 5 : $200,000 Group 1 NEVELE R 3YO FILLIES SERIES FINAL (MOBILE PACE) The country’s leading reinsman Blair Orange completed a race to race Group-winning double when Treacherous Baby won the day’s first Group 1, wearing down hot favourite Duchess Megxit. Treacherous Bay went round the field to look for the lead but Duchess Megxit and Zachary Butcher were having none of it. Treacherous Baby then had to sit parked for a time before getting into the one-one. Orange then got the better of Duchess Megxit in the final 200. It was a gutsy effort, with a flourish of whip showing just how much it meant. Orange works for and is the go-to driver for winning trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon and said post race : “I got great enjoyment out of that.” It was Treacherous Baby’s sixth win in 19 starts. She paid $6. RACE 6 : $30,000 AOTEA ELECTRIC PACE Despite awkward draws, The Lazarus Effect and Rise Up N Dance dominated the market, and The Lazarus Effect lived up to the hype with an emphatic victory. With a lap to go Bob Butt made a three wide move and then went to lead with Rise Up N Dance in the trail. From there he never looked like losing as he made it two wins from two starts. Outsiders Tempo Warrior and Take The Deal filled the minors, with Rise Up N Dance finishing fourth. The Lazarus Effect paid just $1.95 to be the shortest priced winner of the day so far. The race had two false starts before finally getting underway. In one of the skirmishes Bob Butt was tipped out of the cart but clearly The Lazarus Effect was not phased as he again showed he has class to burn. RACE 7 : $400,000 Group 1 RENWICK FARMS DOMINION TROT Australian superstar Just Believe was all the rage to win trotting’s big race and that’s exactly how it turned out. Paying $1.60 the millionaire trotter started safely enough from his handy draw and was then eased into the lead. From there driver Greg Sugars never looked like being headed. Big local hope Bet N Win had a tough trip. He was eased back and then circled the field before fading to 12th. Mighty Logan meanwhile was three back the fence and rattled home to finish second, ahead of Oscar Bonavena. Just Believe is now unbeaten in five NZ starts this year. He has now won 38 from 82 starts. As he claimed trotting’s biggest prize commentator Matt Cross said “the pride of Australia becomes a legend of our sport”. RACE 8 : 3:53pm GARRARDS MOBILE PACE There was delight for young trainer Tom Bamford as Rakero Rocket capitalised on a great trip for driver Gavin Smith in Race 8. Aussie gun Cam Hart went straight to the lead with favourite Hadron Collider and tried to lead them all the way. But Rakero Rocket was in his slipstream and was good enough to wear down the leader for win number 5 at start number 12. The second favourite, Rakero Rocket paid $3.70. Pinseeker produced a huge effort to finish third. RACE 9 : $200,000 Group 1 WOODLANDS STUD SIRES’ STAKES SERIES FINAL Gun two-year-old Marketplace was the $1.55 favourite in a hot field and he had to call on all his speed and stamina to win it. Driver Craig Ferguson blasted to the lead from a wide draw. The pace was on. “A lead time of 23.1. I can’t believe it,” said commentator Matt Cross. Marketplace then took the trail behind Rubira only to make use of the passing lane and make it five wins in a row. “He had every reason to get beat the speed they were going,” said trainer Regan Todd, “I’m just a very lucky bloke to have him.” It was Ferguson’s first Group 1 victory as a driver. As Todd said post race “Mum and Dad will be going nuts”. The Purdon-trained pair of Rubira and Demon Blue finished second and third with northern hope Captain Sampson finishing eighth. RACE 10 : AVON CITY FORD TROT Blair Orange completed his third win for the day when Sunny Louis got home at generous double figures ($12). And it was a copybook drive. The combo were in a tricky position with 800 to go but Orange got out and was three wide turning for home before leaving the rest of them to it. Jordan Anne got out at huge odds for second for Nathan Williamson with brother Brad just holding on for third with Krackaling. Favourite Fear And Faith galloped and lost all hope. RACE 11 : $1m Group 1 IRT NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP Defending champion Swayzee has done it again. The champion Aussie pacer took out the country’s biggest race for the second year running after a powerhouse performance. He started slowly but surely then circled the field to take the lead with Kiwi stars Don’t Stop Dreaming and Merlin hot on his tail. In the run home Swayzee actually got headed by Don’t Stop Dreaming only to fight back and get the spoils for driver Cam Hart and trainer Jason Grimson. Swayzee only got into the field after his connections paid a late fee of $28,000 last week and only days ago he was winning a race in Young in New South Wales. It’s an extraordinary story. Swayzee was the favourite at $2.60. Don’t Stop Dreaming was second, with Republican Party finishing well at good money for third. “I had full confidence in the horse to run a full two miles,” said Cam Hart, “to come back and go back-to-back is unbelievable.” It’s Swayzee’s 25th win in 58 starts. RACE 10 : GOLD BAND TAXIS MOBILE PACE Regan Todd capped off a day to remember with his second training success of the day. Borrisokane, driven by Sheree Tomlinson, was back early then made his move. He was pushed to the lead and then it was a case of holding on. And he did, as the Steven Reid pair of Next Level and Bazooka grabbed second and third. Borrisokane was a $2.80 favourite. It was his fifth win in 23 starts. And that is Cup day 2024! View the full article

By Michael Guerin If you love a great horse the news out of the $400,000 Group 1 Renwick Farms Dominion Trot at Addington on Tuesday is good. If you have anything to do with New Zealand’s best trotters, not so much. Australian champion Just Believe came to Addington on Tuesday and did what he does, cruised to victory in another Group 1 for driver Greg Sugars. The hottest favourite of New Zealand Cup day was never in danger of defeat, having too easy a run but, more importantly, too large a motor for the locals. Just Believe had already danced his near unbeatable dance in the TAB Trot at Cambridge, the Rowe Cup at Alexandra Park and in two Inter Dominion finals in different states of Australia and most punters and bookies expect him to return to Australia to chase a third Interdom in Sydney next month. They are likely to be wrong. Sugars confirmed after the Dominion domination Just Believe will not only contest the New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All back at Addington on Friday but then head north to Auckland to start at least twice at Alexandra Park next month. “As much as we would like to win three Interdoms with him the stake money isn’t huge and he is already here [New Zealand],” he says. “So at this stage I’d say he is more likely to stay in New Zealand and miss the Inter Dominion.” While that will sink the hearts of those who own and train the other open class trotters targetting our Auckland summer trotting features, it will put a smile on the face of the connections of the Australian trotters set to tackle the Inter Dominions. And, if Sugars is right, cause a huge change in markets for the New South Wales-based series. View the full article

Go Bears Go (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), winner of the Group 2 Railway Stakes, has been retired by Kia Joorabchian's AMO Racing to stand in partnership with Reddy and Linda Coffey at Springfield House Stud in 2025. The third AMO Racing-owned horse to retire to stud this autumn, Go Bears Go will embark on his new career having raced with distinction across four seasons where he amassed almost £400,000 in prize-money. In addition to his Group 2 triumph in the Railway Stakes, Go Bears Go won twice at Group 3 level. He also achieved a career-high rating of 113 and placed at the highest level as a juvenile. “Go Bears Go was one of our early flagbearers and has long been held in high regard by AMO Racing. He has given us a number of memorable days, especially in the Railway Stakes and when narrowly touched off at the Breeders Cup,” commented Kia Joorabchian. “We are delighted to have entered into partnership with Reddy and Linda Coffey and we look forward to supporting Go Bears Go over the coming years. We have every confidence in his ability to make a notable impact at stud,” he added. Go Bears Go demonstrated precocity, speed, class and durability during his time on the track. He is the highest rated runner produced by his sire, Kodi Bear, whose representatives this season include the leading juveniles Leovanni and Cowardofthecounty. Go Bears Go will stand for a fee of €8,000 in 2025. Springfield House Stud's Reddy Coffey stated: “We are thrilled to be standing Go Bears Go in partnership with AMO. He's a quality, good-looking horse with the form to match and we believe that he will make notable appeal to the commercial Irish breeder.” The post Amo Racing’s ‘Early Flagbearer’ And Group 2 Winner Go Bears Go Retired To Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chantilly's Tuesday card opened with a fascinating newcomers' event and played host to a winner with considerable promise in the Wertheimers' Uther (GB) (Camelot {GB}–Sosia {Ger}, by Shamardal). A half-brother to this year's G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero and G1 Prix du Jockey Club third Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), the Christophe Ferland-trained homebred sauntered in behind the early leader for Maxime Guyon enjoying perfect cover. Taking control approaching the furlong pole thanks to a sharp 10.84 penultimate split, the 8-5 favourite finished off with a finale in 10.75 to wrap it up. At the culmination of the 9 1/2-furlong contest, there was a length between him and the Juddmonte representative Zatsgood (GB) (Frankel {GB}). One to look forward to next year! A Camelot half-brother to Sosie, Uther makes a stylish winning debut at @fgchantilly for @maximeguyon_off and @teamchferland! pic.twitter.com/kCryIfeUVR — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 12, 2024 The post Camelot Half To Sosie Scores On Debut At Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rich Hill Stud graduate Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) has ticked another box en-route to Saturday’s Gr.1 Thousand Guineas, working comfortably around the Caulfield circuit on Tuesday morning. After a three-and-a-half length demolition job in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes, the daughter of Castelvecchio has shot into $3 favouritism for this weekend’s feature, and Chris Waller’s stable representative Lizzie Collett said the filly’s first look at the track was a satisfactory one. “She was really good; we were really happy with her. Jye (McNeil) just took her around in company with her stablemate Cigar Flick, and they had a good look around,” she said. “Really strong through the line, but still on the bridle – really happy with how she worked. “Obviously she’s still a baby, only three. It’s good to get her out here, having the different experience. It’s a good day out for them.” Having only debuted in August, the rise to Gr.1 level and accompanying Sydney to Melbourne trip is a lot for the three-year-old to take in, but Collett said she has taken it all in her stride. Aeliana’s Carbine win also puts any queries about the 1600 metres to bed, while the same cannot be said for many of her rivals. “She’s going really well. She’s a very light looking horse, but she eats up really well – enjoys her work, quite settled in at home in her box, and she’s pretty straightforward,” she said. “Obviously she was very dominant last start in the Carbine at Flemington, so hopefully now she’s got that under the belt, she’ll be the same this weekend.” View the full article

Struggling to convert at Sha Tin, trainer David Eustace looks a chance to add to his impressive Happy Valley record on Wednesday night.View the full article

Dazzling Miss will contest the Group 3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on Wednesday. Photo: Race Images South Few horses are more deserving of a black-type success than Dazzling Miss, and she, alongside her classy stablemate Sir Albert, will chase their hometown feature on Wednesday in the Group 3 TAB Mile (1600m). A six-year-old by Proisir, Dazzling Miss has established an enviable record in the past 12 months in stakes company without coming out on top, placing in the Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m), Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), Group 3 Canterbury Gold Cup (1600m) and most recently, the Listed Sothy’s Spring Classic (2000m) on October 26. “She’s pretty versatile, she seems to go on any track and in nearly every black-type race she’s been in, she’s placed,” Rae said. “She’s putting together a very good page for down the track as a broodmare, she’s just super honest. “She’s had a couple of races now and is coming back from the 2000m, so she hasn’t had to do a great deal. She’s such an easy horse to have around and clean-winded.” That consistency has Dazzling Miss among the favoured chances for the TAB Mile as the current third-favourite at $6.50, and Rae has engaged northern jockey Masa Hashizume for the ride out of barrier nine. “She’ll go forward, she can run from anywhere but from that draw, she’ll be in a handy position,” she said. Sir Albert will also take his place in the feature, with the gelding flying slightly under the radar despite winning six of his 15 starts, including a 1400m victory over Dazzling Miss back in March. He has had one appearance this campaign in the torrid conditions at Riccarton on the 26th, finishing fourth in a race won by race rival Perfect Scenario. “We missed a trial going into that race and he can run a really quick sectional, it was just the wet track that day. But it didn’t really matter, he just needed a lead-in race and he had a good run,” Rae said. “He had a good gallop on the course proper, which was really good, it is helpful to go on there as you can have a nice hit-out. “We’re really happy with him, the draw may be a bit niggly as he does prefer to settle back and make one run, but it is what it is. He’s better in two than 12.” Rae will have three other runners through the undercard on Wednesday, including Full Moon Fever, who collected his maiden success at Ashburton last month. The U S Navy Flag gelding will contest The Grand Tour In Christchurch Premier (1000m), with the intention to then back-up on Saturday. “He is a pretty easy little horse, he had a niggly draw the other day so we scratched, but he’s pretty honest and will show a good account of himself,” Rae said. “Hopefully he’ll come through tomorrow well and then he can run over 1200 on Saturday. It works out well for him just running the 1000 tomorrow.” Aristocrat and Rocmont are set to take their place in the final event of the day, the Majestic Horsefloats Premier (1800m), with the latter coming off a narrow third behind TAB Mile contender Richard Stomper last start. “He (Rocmont) went really well stepping up in grade, he was only beaten a nose and a nose so that was a pretty good effort,” Rae said. “He’s got a bit of a gnarly old draw (13), but that’s the way it is. There does look to be a couple coming out of his race, so he’ll come in a couple of barriers anyway. It’s a nice big straight at Riccarton, so everyone should get their chance. “The step-up to 1800m will absolutely suit Aristocrat, being by Savabeel, he does like getting over ground. “Our only query is that he probably would’ve preferred even that little bit further, but he’s very honest and he likes Riccarton. He’s an on-tempo runner, whether that be setting a good pace himself or being on-speed.” Looking towards the final meeting of Cup Week on Saturday, Rae intends to back-up her Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) placegetter South Of Houston in the Listed Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m). “It would’ve been nice to have a trial going into the Pegasus, she had a bit of a huff and a puff, but she’s come through it really well,” Rae said. “She’s a good eater and doer and nothing seems to phase her, so she’ll back up in the Stewards.” Horse racing news View the full article

Third Decree will contest the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton on Wednesday. Photo: Race Images South Michael and Matthew Pitman have high hopes that Third Decree can go to the next level on her home turf on Wednesday. The Riccarton trainers have settled on the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) as a gilt-edged opportunity for the mare to add winning black type to her imposing record. The daughter of War Decree has won eight of her 18 starts, with one of her three runner-up finishes including a second in the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) over this course and distance in the autumn. Third Decree was unplaced when resuming after she was caught three wide without cover and then bounced back to her best last month at Ashburton where she coasted to an open handicap win over 1200m. “After her last run, we decided because of the weights that we would be better off having a crack at this race rather than the Stewards (Listed, 1200m),” Michael Pitman said. “She would have got a bit of weight in that, whereas this is set weights and penalties and she’s on the minimum. “She goes pretty well freshened, that’s why she hasn’t raced since Ashburton and she’s done well.” To again be partnered by Kylie Williams, Third Decree will have the outside barrier to contend with, but the conditions of the race are firmly in her favour. “She’d have to be our best of the day, she’s the highest rated horse in the race and some of those other horses around her would normally be giving her four or five kilos in a handicap,” Pitman said. “She’s pretty well in at the weights, the only worry is obviously that she’s drawn 10 of 10. “That’s for Kylie to work out, she knows the mare really well and has been on her in most of her wins and knows what she’s capable of. “She came in and galloped her on Saturday morning with Mystic Park and they both worked really pleasingly.” The stable will also take aim at the day’s other feature with lightweight contender Charbano in the Group 3 TAB Mile (1600m). The son of Vespa will drop back to the minimum after lumping up to 60kg in recent appearances. “It will be an uphill battle for him because it’s a very strong field, but he’s got no weight to carry and he’s been carrying plenty of late and drops to 53kg,” Pitman said. “We quinellaed it one year with two horses (Final Reality, Benelli) that had been running around in the South Island with 58 and 59kg and any horse can win a nice race if they’ve got no weight to carry and he’s in that category.” The winner of seven races, Charbano will be coming off a midfield finish at Wingatui earlier this month and improved underfoot conditions will also help his cause. “He never fired a shot the other day, the track was just too heavy for him,” Pitman said. Horse racing news View the full article

Following the completion of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, we look back at the four days of racing and select three runners that are worth following as we head deeper into the spring. You can add these runners to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and receive notifications when they accept for an upcoming race. Flemington Track rating: Good 4 (all four days) VCR Derby Day: Group 3 Belgonia Belle Stakes (1100m) | Time: 1:02.64 Horse to follow: Cigar Flick (4th) After she was scratched from multiple races earlier in the spring, Chris Waller entered Cigar Flick in the Belgonia Belle Stakes down the Flemington straight. The daughter of Churchill has never run a placing down the straight, but her slashing fourth-place finish on VRC Derby Day was her best effort by far. After being forced to change tracks due to heavy traffic, Cigar Flick got onto the back of Isthmus; however, she couldn’t go with the winner following a chequered run in transit. When to bet: Waller has nominated Cigar Flick in the Group 3 How Now Stakes at Caulfield this Saturday, and if they accept in that contest, she could be one of the major players. Melbourne Cup Day: Listed Batman Stakes (1800m) | Time: 1:50.86 Horse to follow: Statuario (2nd) Statuario produced one of the best runs of Melbourne Cup Day in the Listed Batman Stakes. The son of D’Argento settled at the back of the field in his first attempt at Flemington and over 1800m, but as the field hit the home turn, Damian Lane had him positioned perfectly to let down with a strong finish in the middle of the track. On a day where on-speed runners were favoured, Statuario made up significant ground in the worst part of the course. When to bet: As it was the sixth start of his career in his first racing preparation, Statuario may go out for a spell before returning in the autumn. Keep this guy in your blackbook, as he looks to be a talented stayer in the making. VRC Oaks Day: Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:24.10 Horse to follow: Vestas (2nd) Clinton McDonald chose to take Vestas from maiden grade to the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes on Oaks Day, and the three-year-old filly nearly maintained her unbeaten record. Ben Melham rode the daughter of Toronado on debut and stuck with her at Flemington, where they finished within a length of the winner, Amelita. Vestas was second last at the 250m mark, but once she got into clear air, she stormed home to nab second in the final strides. When to bet: With no nominations available yet, keep an eye out for where McDonald sends Vestas next. If they accept in a 1200m race in a weaker or similar grade, she will prove very hard to beat. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Recommended! The Better Bettors! Australian-owned and operated bookmaker! Join MarantelliBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Horse racing tips View the full article

Faraglioni during an exhibition gallop at Otaki last week. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Josh Shaw admits he is heading a long way this week for just the one run with his aptly named mare Predecessor, but he is hoping the trip pays dividends in the long run. The Horowhenua horseman has trekked down to Christchurch this week with his four-year-old mare, who will be vying to breakthrough for her maiden victory in the Haase Marshall Drainage Premier (2000m) at Riccarton on Wednesday. “The trip away will just bring her on,” Shaw said. “She will be one and done probably. I know it is a long way to go for one race, but it will be the making of her. If we put her aside for three weeks after the trip to just let her get over it, then we have got some nice racing over the backend of Christmas.” Predecessor heads into Wednesday off the back of a career best runner-up performance over 2100m at Otaki earlier this month and Shaw is hoping the daughter of Eminent can go one better this week. “She jumped from barrier 12 the other day at Otaki, got across and found one off, and it was a very good run,” Shaw said. Draws haven’t been in their favour throughout Predecessor’s five-start career, and that trend has continued this week where she has drawn the outside gate in the now 14-horse field. “I don’t know what I have done in a past life,” Shaw quipped. “She drew one in her first start and every other start it has been the outside barrier or second from outside.” Shaw is looking forward to testing his mare over 2000m once more this week on a better track, which was rated a Soft 7 on Tuesday. “Distance is going to be her friend,” Shaw said. “The whole time she has been in my stable that is what we have been aiming towards. She is taking a little bit of time to mature to get to the races.” Shaw purchased Predecessor as a weanling from Curraghmore for $1,200 off gavelhouse.com, and he said buying her was one of the best decisions he has made, as it directly resulted in him acquiring Group 1 performer Faraglioni. “There is a bit of a play in the name, she preceded Faraglioni,” Shaw said. “If it wasn’t for me buying her off gavelhouse, we probably wouldn’t have Faraglioni. That is why we named her the way we did. “I bought her (Predecessor) as a weanling. I had her half-sister, Amazing Team, and I thought to myself she would have been a nice horse had we had her a bit earlier. “I saw her (Predecessor) on gavelhouse and bought her and it was on the off chance that Gordy (Gordon Cunningham, Curraghmore principal) rang us up and said he had another lovely filly by El Roca that is a two-year-old who hadn’t done anything, but she needed to, and that ended up being Faraglioni. He sent me the pedigree and I said to chuck her on the float as well.” That decision has proven to be a masterstroke, with Faraglioni having gone on to win five and place in 10 of her 25 starts and accrued more than $400,000 in prizemoney. She has been a perennial bridesmaid, finishing runner-up in the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m), Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m), and Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m). The six-year-old mare put in an uncharacteristically poor performance last start when last in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m), but Shaw said subsequent blood work revealed she had picked up a virus. “It (Arrowfield) was very disappointing on face value, but I am picking she picked up a little bug somewhere along the line because when she got home she scoured quite badly,” he said. “We got her bloods done after that and everything was out of whack. We put her aside for 10 days and she has been on the up and up since she has been back in work. “We’ll just turn the page on that last run. If you didn’t turn the page, you wouldn’t be reading the book. That’s all we can do.” Faraglioni pleased in her exhibition gallop at Otaki last week and 1000m jump-out at Levin on Tuesday, and is set to return to Pukekohe next Saturday in a bid to go one better in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. Horse racing news View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong (Link if we have track page) When Wednesday, November 13, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Happy Valley is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-part program scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm local time. The rail is in the B position, and with no rain forecast on Monday and Tuesday, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. See our free Happy Valley racing tips below. Best Bet at Happy Valley: The Perfect Match The Perfect Match caught the eye when returning at this course and distance on October 27. The son of Complacent was near-last turning for home, making strong inroads towards the inside rail when it was all over. Punters should be willing to forgive that effort, and with gate five allowing Hugh Bowman to sit within stalking distance this time around, The Perfect Match should make amends at a good price with Neds. Best Bet Race 6 – #4 The Perfect Match (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Hugh Bowman (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Lucky Touch The Jamie Richards-trained Lucky Touch has been a costly commodity, having only found the frame twice in seven career starts. He’s been racing consistently, however, and appears primed to peak heading to Happy Valley for the first time. The 1650m should suit, and with Zac Purton likely to gain an economical run from stall seven, watch for Lucky Touch to be doing his best work late to shirk the maiden tag. Next Best Race 2 – #4 Lucky Touch (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Zac Purton (58kg) Bet with Unibet Best Value at Happy Valley: Golden Artie Golden Artie was no match for My Wish when returning at Sha Tin on November 3. He did, however, stick on gamely to get within five lengths of the progressive galloper, suggesting a return to his favoured Happy Valley circuit could pay dividends second-up. He will likely get back towards the rear of the field from barrier nine, but with a strong tempo engaged, watch for Golden Artie to put in the big strides late at a massive each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 8 – #9 Golden Artie (9) 5yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Jerry Chau (a1kg) (55.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Hong Kong quaddie tips – 13/11/2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, November 13, 2024 4-5-7-9 1-3-7-10 1-5-8-9-11 3-4-5-8 Horse racing tips View the full article

Promising filly Celestial Wonder (Xtravagant) left little to the imagination at Te Aroha on Wednesday, bolting to her maiden success in the KB Bloodstock 1150. After impressing at the trials, Celestial Wonder showed plenty of fight in the testing conditions on debut at the course on October 30, finishing a neck short of Honey Badger. Back on an improving Soft 5 surface, the three-year-old filly was heavily backed to go one better, closing at $1.40 over debutant She’s All That ($9.20). Sliding forward from a middle draw, Celestial Wonder settled outside of the leader through the running and looked the winner a long way from home, cruising into the straight and leaving the rest of the field in her wake by 4 – ½ lengths. The filly carried the colours of Te Akau Racing, who trained her Group One-winning sire Xtravagant, and her three-win dam Meteoric Lass. Mark Walker, co-trainer of the Matamata stable in partnership with Sam Bergerson, praised the ride of Michael McNab after the victory. “It was a positive ride by Michael, he cuddled her up on the pace and she won with a lot of authority,” he said. “It’s good to see she can handle better track conditions and, obviously, as a three-year-old we’re conscious of looking towards black type races. The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (Listed, 1340m) on 30 November at Wanganui could be a suitable race for her. “She’s taken a little while to come to it physically, but I still think there is further improvement now that she’s getting older and more mature.” Later on the Te Aroha card, McNab produced a similar ride aboard stablemate Ocean Miss (NZ) (Ocean Park) in the Riversley Park 1400, leading from the outset and finding plenty in the straight to score by 1 – ½ lengths to Eye Candy. By Ocean Park out of a Pins mare in Runway, the filly was a $60,000 purchase by David Ellis at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sales out of the draft of Carlaw Park. Her grand-dam, Double Elle, produced Te Akau’s four-time Group One winner Gingernuts. View the full article

Trainer Tony Gollan talks to Steve Hewlett about Queensland Horse of the Year Antino (NZ) (Redwood) competing at the International meeting in Hong Kong on December 8. Tony Gollan 12.11.2024 – Racing HQ with Steve Hewlett – Apple Podcasts View the full article

Kiwi-bred Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) has rapidly assumed chief position of Hong Kong’s sprinting ranks and on Sunday the 127-rater lines up in the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) as trainer David Hayes eyes a HK$26 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) challenge for his talented four-year-old next month. The Shamexpress gelding was arrogant when capturing October’s HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) as 1.3 favourite in 1m 07.57s – the third-fastest winning time in history over 1200m on the Sha Tin turf course – by a cosy one and a half lengths. Only Sacred Kingdom (1m 07.50s in 2007) and Lucky Sweynesse (1m 07.55s in 2022) have won quicker than Ka Ying Rising over the track and trip. Aethero (1m 07.58s in 2019) and Royal Delight (1m 07.60s in 2007) hold the fourth and fifth best times, respectively, while Lucky Patch (1m 07.61s in 2021) is the only other horse to break below 1m 07.70s. Ahead of his second Group Two test, Ka Ying Rising cruised through a barrier trial at Conghua last Friday (8 November), finishing an untested first in 1m 11.95s over 1200m on the grass. “Karis (Teetan) was very happy with him. He had a nice and smooth trial at Conghua. He wasn’t being tested but it was good, and it’s the same routine I’ve done with him for the last few races. I’d say he’s as good as his last run,” Hayes said. California Spangle, Victor The Winner, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You, Flying Ace, Howdeepisyourlove, Mugen, Helios Express, Beauty Waves, Copartner Prance and Majestic Knight also hold entries for Sunday’s dash at Sha Tin. “I think the conditions get better every time. He’s gone from carrying the big weight, giving 20 pounds to everyone, now to set weights – it’s more to his advantage now,” Hayes said. Ka Ying Rising is aiming to follow Lucky Patch (2021), Hot King Prawn (2018) and Mr Stunning (2017) as the fourth horse to complete the Premier Bowl-Jockey Club Sprint double in the same season since 2007, when the Jockey Club Sprint (formerly the International Sprint Trial) was extended in distance to 1200m. “I thought the trial looked a little bit better than his easy trial (on 10 October) before his last race. It’ll be the same group of horses, so he’ll be favourite and he should be,” Hayes said. Ka Ying Rising was last season acclaimed Hong Kong Champion Griffin and Most Improved Horse for Hayes – who is a two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer (1997/98 & 1998/99). An injured Lucky Sweynesse (132) is the only other Hong Kong sprinter to locally rate higher than Ka Ying Rising, while California Spangle currently boasts a mark of 126. The Hong Kong Sprint is run at Sha Tin on 8 December at the HK$126 million Hong Kong International Races. Hayes won the race in 2002 with All Thrills Too. View the full article

The Hottie (outside) has been scratched from the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton on Wednesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Robbie Patterson had hoped to have a two-pronged attack in Wednesday’s Group 3 Canterbury Breeders Stakes (1400m), but initial favourite The Hottie has been ruled out of the contest, leaving Tanzanite Rose to carry the stable’s hopes. The Hottie was a leading chance in the fillies and mares feature after a stunning victory fresh-up in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), and after travelling to Riccarton Park, she struck bad luck just a day out from the race. “She just pulled a plate working this morning (Tuesday) and stood on a toe clip. It is just one of those things,” Patterson said. “She was flying, but that is racing, I am used to it. She will live to fight another day. “We will bring her home and get her ready for the Manawatu Challenge Stakes (Group 2, 1400m) near Christmas time, that will be a nice race for her.” Meanwhile, stablemate Tanzanite Rose will take her place in the field coming off a luckless run fresh-up at Trentham last month, where she was badly checked on the outside rail, dashing any winning prospects. “The gates just shut on her at Trentham when she was going to storm into the race, but she’s taken no harm from that,” Patterson said. “We jumped her out last week as well and she was really good. Ciel Butler (jockey) does all of the work on her and she actually thinks she’s going better than The Hottie at the moment, and I don’t know what we can take out of that, because The Hottie has been there and done that. Either way, she’s going really well. “We always had an eye on this race for her, it was a shame about that hiccup the other day, but the owner was still keen to go down and we thought she was going to figure in that race anyway. “She’s a six-year-old mare now and we would like to get any black-type we can with her.” With the recent scratching of The Hottie and local mare Adannaya, the market has compressed with Third Decree now on top at $2.60, ahead of Acquarello ($3.60) and Goldie’s Chance ($4.60). Later in the week, Patterson will also be represented in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) by Mary Louise. A daughter of The Bold One, Mary Louise is proven at the two miles having won the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) in January, but Patterson had hoped to see a more forward showing from her of late leading into Saturday’s showpiece. “She’s been a bit plain this prep, we would’ve preferred to go into this race in better form really but after her last run, we got the vet to go over her and there were a couple of problems that we have treated,” he said. “She jumped out last week and was beside Ladies Man all the way up the straight and was going just as well, so we thought that was good enough form to warrant heading down. “She gets in well at the weights, a Wellington Cup winner getting in at 53kg, and there looks like there is a bit of rain about too. “There is a lot of things in her favour, but on the way she’s going this campaign, we’re just hoping.” Mary Louise is currently rated a $18 hope in the Cup, with Listed Metropolitan Handicap (2600m) runner-up Beavertown Boy atop of the market at $4. Horse racing news View the full article

Voyage Bubble has made HK$47.43 million across 20 starts. Versatility and consistency have been two hallmarks of Voyage Bubble’s career and the Ricky Yiu trainee is chasing a seventh career win in Sunday’s (17 November) HK$5.35 million Group 2 Jockey Club Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin. One of four entered for Yiu across this weekend’s trio of Group 2s, Voyage Bubble boasts wins at Sha Tin over distances ranging from 1200m up to the 2000m of the 2023 Hong Kong Derby. The six-year-old has 15 top-three finishes from 20 appearances. James McDonald rides Voyage Bubble this weekend – the last jockey to win aboard the Deep Field gelding in January’s HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), which came before the galloper embarked on a pair of overseas campaigns to Dubai and Japan, where he was twice unplaced. Voyage Bubble finished fifth in 1m 12.44s over Conghua’s 1200m turf course in a barrier trial last Tuesday. He has been at the facility following his second to Galaxy Patch in October’s HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m). “All my horses love being at Conghua. I went up to Conghua to see his trial and he did really well. He’s full of beans – I asked the rider just to give him a nice and easy trial because the main thing is to keep him happy and make sure he enjoys himself,” Yiu said. Yiu is targeting the HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) after the galloper’s gallant runner-up effort behind Golden Sixty in the 2023 renewal at odds of $30. “Same path – the plan is the Jockey Club Mile and the Hong Kong Mile,” Yiu said. A recent acquisition to Yiu’s stable, Straight Arron bolsters the trainer’s hand in the Jockey Club Mile as he hopes to upstage likely favourite Galaxy Patch on Sunday. The Fastnet Rock gelding is a Group 2 winner in Hong Kong over 2000m. He finished a closing fourth in his first run for Yiu in the Sha Tin Trophy. “He’s surprising. He’s in really good form and his preparation has been magnificent,” Yiu said. The 115-rater was pushed out to finish midfield in a recent barrier trial at Sha Tin under Brenton Avdulla, who retains the ride on Sunday. Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Happy Together, Red Lion, Taj Dragon and Chancheng Glory are also entered to run. Yiu has Nimble Nimbus and Awesome Fluke entered for the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Jockey Club Cup (2000m) on Sunday against the might of Hong Kong’s current champion – the eight-time Group 1-winning Romantic Warrior. Nimble Nimbus posted a career-best win last season in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) before finishing third behind Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble (second) in February’s HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m). Nimble Nimbus was fifth first-up in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) behind Ensued this month. “He ran a good race recently, finishing well. I think this race will bring him on and hopefully he’ll do well. He’s a horse who can always give you a bit of a surprise,” Yiu said. Awesome Fluke has finished third twice this term. The five-year-old has raced 13 times in Hong Kong for two wins – each over the Jockey Club Cup trip. Awesome Fluke was previously known as Awesome John when he raced in Australia, winning three times, including the 2023 Group 2 W.A.T.C Derby (2400m). Yiu has also entered Mega Bonus, Victory Sky, Gracious Express, Natural Storm, Newborn Miracle, Little Squid, Dragon Air Force and Chill Kaka for Sunday’s fixture, which also features the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint (1200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Gentian Blue (NZ) on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Evergreen Turf Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse on August 31, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) officials confirmed that Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) had found a banned substance in a race urine sample taken from the racehorse Gentian Blue trained by Maxim Van Lierde. Lignocaine is a type of anesthetic that is frequently administered to horses for localised pain relief and numbing purposes but is not allowed to be used on race day according to the Australian Rules of Racing. The report relates to a pre-race urine sample before Gentian Blue finished in fourth place at the Evergreen Turf Handicap BM78 at the Caulfield Racecourse on August 31, 2024. Evergreen Turf Handicap BM78 Race Replay – Gentian Blue (4th) Van Lierde was informed by the RV stewards about this issue on October 18, 2024, and has now been made aware of the confirmed results and the investigation that is currently in progress. The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected 3-Hydroxylignocaine and Norlignocaine within the reserve portion of the urine sample. Horse racing news View the full article

Showing continued overall strength through the middle of the market, Keeneland's seventh day of the November Sale extended the upward trend that it had shown through much of the first six days of selling. At the conclusion of Monday's session, gross sales (through the ring) reached $181,460,500, surpassing last year's gross of $176.5 million for the entire nine-day run. Highlighting Monday's action, a weanling colt by Upstart (Hip 2680) drew a session-topping $155,000 bid from Peter Pugh's Cherry Knoll Farm. A member of the Indian Creek consignment, the Jan. 15 foal is out of unraced Honey Muffin (Candy Ride {Arg}). Through the opening day of Book 5, Cherry Knoll secured nine head for a total of $1,760,000, including a colt by Life Is Good (Hip 135) for $300,000. A trio of horses realized 120,000 during Monday's session. Early in the day, a weanling filly by McKinzie out of Shop American (Quiet American) (Hip 2436) achieved the mark, and the very next horse through the ring, Silent Wings (Quality Road) (Hip 2437), equaled the mark. Rounding out the trio, Grade I winner Belle Gallantey (After Market) also brought the same figure from agent Chad Schumer signing on behalf of KGS. Consistently busy throughout the week, Schumer secured a trio of mares during Monday's session. All three mares were purchased for Libyan-based Khaled Salami's KGS. “[KGS] are really stepping up their investments here,” said Schumer, the second leading buyer by gross expenditures Monday. “There are a couple of other Libyan buyers here as well. There is quite a bit of racing there and the economy is starting to boom over there. They are ultra-competitive and are really stepping up the quality.” Offered as Hip 2556, the 15-year-old is out of Revealed (Old Trieste), also responsible for full-sister Revealing Moment, dam of MSW Avana (Vino Rosso). Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, who led Monday as the leading seller, the chestnut was sold in foal to hot sire McKinzie. “I know she has some age on her, but she is a Grade I winner and she is foal to a stallion that has proven to be a sensation,” said Schumer of Belle Gallantey. “It is a lot to pay for a mare that old, but she is beautiful. She's big and strong. With a cover like that–his fee has been moved to $75,000 and he's flying right now. You just have to pay for them.” A few hips earlier, Schumer secured Hip 2549, an unraced 5-year-old Arrogate mare out of GSP Jamyson 'n Ginger (Bernardini), for $50,000. Consigned by Warrendale Sales, Arromatic is a granddaughter of Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Ginger Brew (Milwaukee Brew). She sold in foal to Two Phil's. Also among buys during Monday's session, Grey Calla (Arrogate) (Hip 2666) was purchased on behalf of KGS for $97,000 while in foal to Tiz the Law. Consigned by Paramount Sales, the daughter of Misamerica Bertie (Quiet American) is a half-sister to GSP Carried Interest (Henny Hughes). Schumer confirmed that all three mares purchased Monday will be sent to the Salami's Libyan base. Leading Schumer's purchases at Keeneland this past week was Hip 120, Avant, who realized $400,000 in Book 1. Consigned by Four Star Sales, the Uncle Mo mare is out of Enth (Seeking the Gold), also dam of SW and MGSP Sower (Flatter). “She is a beauty and it is such an incredible family,” explained Schumer. “Sometimes if things aren't on the page, it isn't as apparent. Her third dam is Bound, it's the female family of Sadler's Wells. Nureyev, Blame etc. It's just one of the best families in the Stud Book. You just couldn't buy into a better family.” Also bidding for KGS, the Schumer team added Hip 2094, a daughter of GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Unbridled Elaine (Unbridled's Song). A daughter of Tapit, Valencia was sourced from the Godolphin consignment for $95,000. Already responsible for GSWs Etched (Forestry), Emotionless (Shamardal) and Out of Bounds (Discreet Cat), the grey was sold in foal to Enticed. While principally shopping for mares, Schumer also bought a pair of weanling fillies-Hip 1857, by McKinzie in addition to Hip 2233, by Vino Rosso. The former was consigned by Brookdale, while the latter was offered by Grovendale Sales. Schumer also purchased a Highly Motivated colt (Hip 2357) for $3,000 Monday, signing as Mary, Matt & Chad. According to Schumer, all three weanlings will head overseas, including the sole colt in the group who will be pinhooked in Europe. “We sold and bought in this weanling market and I think it is particularly strong,” he said when asked about this year's sale. Very robust here at Keeneland. As was the sale in October at Fasig-Tipton. The depth of demand is there.” Through seven sessions at Keeneland, Schumer signed for 25 head for total expenditures of $1,486,000. “We bought anywhere from $400,000 down to $3,000, so we are playing at all levels,” he said. “It really gives you a lot of insight to the market. I think the past two days were very strong. We bought a lot, but we have been outbid far more. A couple of the clients I have been buying for have been shut out. The clearance rate has been very good [the past two days], which really gives a broad look at the market.” At the conclusion of the Book 5 opener, a total of 283 horses, including post sales, generated $8,571,600, increasing $7,260,000 one year ago. Average for the group increased to $30,448, up 17% from 2023, while median rose 21% to $23,000. Gross expenditures through seven sessions topped $190,317,000 (including post sales), rising from $183,056,500 last season. The RNA rate through the ring Monday was 15.2%, rising from 13% in 2023. Cumulative RNAs dipped from 500 to 471 this term. Selling resumes Tuesday at 10a.m. The post Gross Surpasses 2023 Total with Two Days Remaining at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Prior to his time with Chad Brown, Combs ran his own barn from 2017 to early 2024 after working his way up to assistant trainer for Dallas Stewart.View the full article