Wandering Eyes

It was a battle down to the wire, but class prevailed as MGISW Far Bridge (English Channel) made a successful 2025 seasonal bow in the GIII Pan American Stakes. Content to watch Corruption (Medaglia d'Oro) as that one put up all the fractions on the front end, he had to muscle his way to clear racing room on the second turn, but managed to secure his lane for a ground saving trip. On the attack coming off the final turn as the longtime leader tried to give them the slip entering the homestretch, the pair locked horns down to the wire in a race neither deserved to lose, but one which ultimately had to be decided as Far Bridge got the better of Corruption. Padiddle (Empire Maker) claimed third as a massive 43-1 longshot. Far Bridge was last seen fading to ninth in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf but had come into that championship race with back-to-back elite victories under his belt in the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes and the GI Sword Dancer Stakes, both in New York. The final time was 2:22.73 for the mile and a half marathon. O-LSU Stables; B-Calumet Farm; T-Christophe Clement. What game efforts from FAR BRIDGE ($3.80) and runner-up Corruption in the $215,000 Pan American Stakes (G3) at @GulfstreamPark. @clementstable conditions the 5YO horse for owners @lsu_stables. @JRosarioJockey was in the irons. White Abarrio in the next: https://t.co/n8J7Nf7oIJ pic.twitter.com/LUqyxtBewg — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 29, 2025 The post Ever Classy Far Bridge Returns with Hard-Fought Victory in Pan American appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Racing Initiative is sponsoring a bus trip for members of the Thoroughbred community in Ocala to travel to Tallahassee Tuesday for the Florida Senate Committee hearing on the decoupling bill. The hearing on Senate Bill 408, which eliminates the minimum racing requirements and funding for purse and breeder awards in the statutes that Gulfstream Park supported when the original approval of slots was granted in 2005, goes before the regulated industries committee in a two-hour meeting set to begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Pat Thomas Committee Room, 412 Knott Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The bus is limited to 50 people and will depart from the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company grounds at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday with an expected return of approximately 9:30 p.m. There is no cost for individuals wishing to make the trip to support the fight against the decoupling bill. To reserve a spot on the bus, contact Meg Miranda by noon Monday at meg@obssales.com or call 352 237-2154. The post TRI to Sponsor Tallahassee Bus Trip to Fight Decoupling Bill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Luxor Cafe earned a guaranteed bid to the Kentucky Derby (G1) with a five-length victory March 29 in the final leg of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.View the full article

Godolphin's East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro), winner of last year's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity, tuned up for next Saturday's GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes with a four-furlong work in :47.00 (7/106) at Keeneland Saturday. With Stephen Dolan aboard for trainer Brendan Walsh, East Avenue started two lengths in front of workmate Gosger (Nyquist), a 3-year-old maiden winner, and was three lengths in front at the wire. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.40. “It was just a maintenance work; he did all of his major work at Fair Grounds,” said Paul Madden, assistant to Walsh. “I got his last quarter in :23 and 4. He picked up a little company [from two other workers] at the top of the stretch, but Stephen said he didn't mind it at all.” With Walsh scheduled to fly into Kentucky Saturday night, the work had been penciled in for Sunday, but with stormy weather forecasted for the next few days in the Lexington area, it was moved up a day. Since winning the Breeders' Futurity in his second lifetime start last October, East Avenue has disappointed as the favorite when ninth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 10th in the Feb. 15 GII Risen Star Stakes. With regular pilot Tyler Gaffalione sidelined by a broken ankle, East Avenue will need a new rider for the Blue Grass, but that decision is still to be announced. Also working toward a possible Blue Grass start Saturday at Keeneland was Render Judgment (Blame), who went five furlongs in 1:02.20 (17/31). Trained by Kenny McPeek for the partnership of Baccari Racing Stable, Dream Walkin Farms, MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing, Render Judgment was most recently second in the Mar. 15 Virginia Derby. The post East Avenue Works for Blue Grass appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

2nd-GP, $94,000, Msw, 3yo, 1mT, 1:23 p.m. ET E Five Racing's NEMO (Into Mischief) gets a start for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Bred by Fifth Avenue Bloodstock, the colt is out of New Money Honey (Medaglia d'Oro), winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita in 2016 followed by the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational at Belmont the next season. Nemo is the $1.4-million earner's first foal to race. TJCIS PPs 5th-TAM, $53,000, Msw, 3yo, f, 9fT, 2:12 p.m. ET Michael Warden's Mimzy (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is unveiled by trainer Chad Brown in this route turf test. The sophomore filly is out of Galileo's Was (Ire), who recorded her most important career victory in the 2012 G1 Investec Epsom Oaks. A half-sister to GSW and G1SP Concert Hall (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the bay was purchased for €280,000 at Goffs in September 2023. TJCIS PPs The post Sunday’s Insights: Son of GISW New Money Honey Debuts at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Twelve months on from Kempton playing host to Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Saturday's card produced another new TDN Rising Star in Peter Winkworth's deeply promising homebred filly Glittering Surf (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Off the mark in style over the same mile trip and track in December, the Owen Burrows-trained relative of the G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Kitesurf (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) had to pass most rivals en route to a smooth length success from the strongly-fancied 6-5 favourite Bermuda Longtail (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}). Burrows has a plan for the 8-1 winner of this fillies' conditions race, formerly known as the Masaka Stakes when it carried listed status as an early 1,000 Guineas trial. “She had been pleasing us at home before her debut, but she surprised us with how well she did win and the boot she showed that day,” he explained. “I felt that whatever she did today she was going to take a nice step forward and interestingly Peter wanted to go slowly with her as she's a big girl.” “We have six weeks for her to flourish with a bit of Spring warmth before the [Listed] Michael Seeley [Memorial Stakes] at York and I can't wait to see her on the turf. If that went well, she'll have the [G1] Coronation [Stakes] entry. Today she was drawn seven of seven and so we had to take her right back–she did well to win from where she was, as it wasn't an overly-quick gallop so she has a lot of tactical speed and is pretty smart.” Glittering Surf picks up well to score at @kemptonparkrace & make it 2-2 in her career pic.twitter.com/OyUWEc9je7 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 29, 2025 The post Oasis Dream Filly A New TDN Rising Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A very impressive winner of the Listed Hyacinth Stakes going Tokyo's one-turn mile on Feb. 23, Koichi Nishikawa's Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah) was even more eyecatching when taking out Saturday's $228,217 Fukuryu Stakes (allowance) at Nakayama by five dominating lengths over the metric nine furlongs. The 40 points earned for the victory took his Kentucky Derby points total to 70, good for the automatic berth on the first Saturday in May, should connections opt to take up the assignment. Favored at 3-10 with Joao Moreira taking over from the record-setting Rachel King, the full-brother to dual G1 February Stakes hero Cafe Pharoah bounced well from the outside alley in the field of 11 and it appeared as if the instructions from trainer Noriyuki Hori were to ride him like he was the proverbial best horse in the race. Three deep and in no apparent hurry into the first turn as Isana (Jpn) (Declaration of War) showed the way, Luxor Cafe raced under an easy hold from the 'Magic Man' and came into the race nicely while scarcely being asked passing the 600-meter pole. Despite covering a stack of ground on the bend, Luxor Cafe raced up to the leaders five deep at the final corner and when popped the question by Moreira, quickened up in spectacular fashion to put the result beyond any doubt. The winner covered his final 600 meters in a race-best :36.3, pulling well clear of Meisho Zuiun (Jpn) (Hokko Tarumae {Jpn}) and fellow American-bred Golden Cloud (Cloud Computing). “He was always in a good rhythm, his response and reaction were good,” said Moreira. “He is a really good horse.” Luxor Cafe was winning his fourth race in a row and opted for the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby over next weekend's G2 UAE Derby, which has attracted the horses that finished third, fourth and fifth behind him in the Hyacinth–Don in the Mood (Jpn) (Asia Express), Admire Daytona (Jpn) (Drefong) and Dragon (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), respectively. Luxor Cafe, who races in the colors of Cafe Pharoah's owner Koichi Nishikawa, is one of three full black-type winners for his outstanding dam, a number that also includes champion Regal Glory (Animal Kingdom), who has a date with Gun Runner this year. Regal Glory topped the dispersal of the late Paul Pompa, Jr. on Peter Brant's bid of $925,000 and she was the joint-highest priced offering overall at Keeneland January in 2021. Luxor Cafe is the seventh winner from eight starters for Mary's Follies, who made $500,000 from the BBA Ireland at the same auction. Mary's Follies has a 2-year old colt by Into Mischief and is due to Flightline this term. Saturday's Results: FUKURYU S. (Allowance), ¥34,200,000 ($228,217), Nakayama, 3-29, 3yo, 1800m, 1:52.1, gd. 1–LUXOR CAFE, 128, c, 3, American Pharoah–Mary's Follies (MGSW, $338,889), by More Than Ready. O-Koichi Nishikawa; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland ULC (KY); T-Noriyuki Hori; J-Joao Moreira; ¥18,000,000. Lifetime Record: SW, 6-4-1-0, $377,323. *Full to Cafe Pharoah, Ch. Dirt Horse, MG1SW-Jpn, G1SP-KSA, $5,447,518; half to Regal Glory (Animal Kingdom), 'TDN Rising Star', Ch. Turf Mare, MGISW, $2,619,134; and Night Prowler (Giant's Causeway), MGSW, $475,682. 2–Meisho Zuiun (Jpn), 126, c, 3, Hokko Tarumae (Jpn)–Aqua Blue Heart (Jpn), by Empire Maker. O-Yoshio Matsumoro; B-Kosho Bokujo; T-Masuru Honda; J-Yutaka Yoshida; ¥7,200,000. 3–Golden Cloud, 126, c, 3, Cloud Computing–Seoul Gold, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($20,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $17,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $60,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Silk Racing Co Ltd; B-Todd Sheehan & Burton Johnson (KY); T-Shinya Kobayashi; J-Keita Tosaki; ¥4,500,000. Margins: 5, NK, 2HF. Odds: 0.30, 12.60, 23.60. The post American Pharoah’s Luxor Cafe Smashes Rivals in Fukuryu S., Earns Derby Spot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars KA YING GLORY - R3 (7) Has impressed at the trials and can make an impact on debut Jay Rooney WITH A SMILE - R4 (4) Drawn to get a sweet run and Purton can take advantage Trackwork Spy ANOTHER WORLD - R10 (8) Continues to race in good form and looks ready to salute today Phillip Woo WITH A SMILE - R4 (4) Looks very much ready to win on the back of two unlucky runs Shannon (Vincent Wong) MISSION STRIKE - R1 (5) The step up in trip to 2,000m looks ideal and he can break through today Racing Post Online CROSSBORDERPEGASUS - R9 (5) Exciting sprinter looks primed for a bold run Tom Wood MISSION STRIKE - R1 (5) The step up to 2,000m looks ideal for this son of DundeelView the full article

Francis-Henri Graffard can do no wrong at present and his irresistible run continued into the early Classic trials as Tajlina (GB) (Kingman {GB}) struck in Saturday's G3 Prix Penelope. A seven-length winner at Chantilly in mid-October before flopping in the Listed Prix Isonomy later that month, the Al Asayl homebred was slowly away for Mickael Barzalona after rearing in the stalls ahead of the 10 1/2-furlong Saint-Cloud prep. Staying on strongly in the style of her high-class dam Bateel (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the 9-5 favourite asserted inside the final furlong for a 1 1/2-length success from Jones (Fr) (Elarqam {GB}). Another talented type for @GraffardRacing at Saint-Cloud! Bred to be very useful, Tajlina missed the break but quickened up smartly to land the Prix Penelope under Mickael Barzalona! pic.twitter.com/Cayi6K6Ygn — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 29, 2025 The post Graffard Streak Continues With Kingman Filly In The Penelope appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Four-year-old gelding Codigo notched a hard-fought victory in the Glorious Goodwood Handicap (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday for trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman. Ridden by Blake Shinn, Codigo narrowly defeated La Defense and Shirshov as the son of Ardrossan made it back-to-back metropolitan victories in a new campaign. Codigo started his career with trainer Stephen Marsh in New Zealand, where he was the first winner for his sire Ardrossan when successful on debut, before becoming the Waikato Stud stallion’s first stakes winner when landing the Listed Wellesly Stakes (1100m) at start two. Marsh opted for a hit-and-run raid across the Tasman with the promising galloper who placed in a Listed race at Flemington behind Steparty as a juvenile. Following an unplaced two-start spring campaign as a three-year-old, Codigo transferred to the Moody and Coleman stable, where he took a while to find his groove. “He just took a little while to acclimatise. Whether we rushed him a little bit in his first Australian preparation, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but he’s had a good break since then and this preparation he’s just come back a different horse,” Coleman said. “He looks really furnished, his coat’s been immaculate, and he’s just improved with racing. “He’s done that in really nice style and it was a tough win in the end.” Winning jockey Blake Shinn said Codigo fought hard to get past the second horse in the on-pace dominated contest. “He just presented really well. He was off the back of a nice first-up win at Sandown, the race set up today on-pace and he had all favours but I loved his determination late. He changed legs inside the 100m and I think that helped him get over the line and find that extra gear. It was a good effort,” Shinn said. Codigo sports the colours of Waikato Stud, who bred the talented sprinter in conjunction with Dame Lowell Goddard. The attractive bay is out of the winning Per Incanto mare Sophia Magia. View the full article

Matamata trainers Ken and Bev Kelso have once again come up trumps at Flemington with quality sprinting filly Alabama Lass successful in Saturday’s A$500,000 Listed HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic (1100m). Two years after landing the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at the premier Melbourne track with stablemate Legarto, the astute Kiwi conditioners again plotted a successful hit-and-run with another quality three-year-old. Ridden by Craig Williams, Alabama Lass showed her customary early speed to lead throughout down the Flemington straight and when challenged dug in to hold off the challenge of Gallant Son and Rich Dottie. “Full credit to her trainers Bev, who can’t come over today, and Ken Kelso, they do such a great job with these horses,” Williams said. “She’s really shown how good she is over there (New Zealand) beating one of their best older horses (Crocetti) in the King’s Plate (Gr.3, 1200m), and she’s only a three-year-old filly and I was really fortunate and delighted to get the call up and ride her.” Williams said the roar of the crowd spurred on the well-supported favourite in the concluding stages. “It might have been what inspired her too because she went from not spending any energy, I thought, ‘this is perfect, she’ll just pick up’, but she just seemed to be so lost and she wanted competition, she wanted energy from the crowd and that’s obviously what go her over the line in the end,” he said. Trainer Ken Kelso was delighted to see the filly win in uncomplicated fashion. Connections of Alabama Lass savour Flemington triumph Photo: Scott Barbour (Racing Photos) “I thought she was stunning. She’s just a very fast filly. She just puts herself there and keeps going, she’s pretty special,” Kelso said. “She tries really hard and she relaxes early in her races. She’s really fast but she just drops the bit and just lobs along so she doesn’t exert a lot of energy.” The daughter of Alabama Express will now return to New Zealand to spell before a possible return to Melbourne for sprint targets in the spring. “We’ll get her home and she deserves a little spell, she’s been up for a while,” Kelso said. “There could be some nice sprint races here (Victoria) in the spring, but we’ll take a breath and just get her home.” Kelso was keen to acknowledge wife Bev, who couldn’t make the trip across the Tasman but is an integral part of the training partnership. “It’s a shame Bev can’t make it now, she’d love to have been here like she was Australian Guineas. It’s just a shame she can’t make trips now but I’m sure she gave that couch a bit of a hiding,” Kelso said. Kelso paid A$120,000 to buy Alabama Lass from the Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne in March of 2023, having celebrated Legarto’s Group One triumph a day prior. She is a half-sister to Kiwi Group Three performer Bad ‘n’ Bouj. A Group Two winner in her homeland and multiple Group One placed, Alabama Lass is now the winner of six of her nine starts, having finished runner-up on the other three occasions and advanced her career earnings to A$867,360. View the full article

A sparkling performance by La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) in Saturday’s Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) completed another Te Akau clean sweep of New Zealand’s biggest two-year-old prizes. La Dorada had previously won the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), while her unbeaten stablemate Return To Conquer strung together four black-type successes including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Since the inception of the Karaka Millions in 2008, Te Akau Racing is the only stable to win the Karaka Millions, Sistema and Sires’ Produce Stakes in the same season. They have now achieved this remarkable feat four times – in 2018 (Avantage in the Karaka Millions and Sires’ Produce Stakes, Sword Of Osman in the Sistema), 2019 (Probabeel in the Karaka Millions, Yourdeel in the Sistema and Sires’ Produce Stakes), 2021 (On The Bubbles in the Karaka Millions and Sires’ Produce Stakes, Sword Of State in the Sistema) and 2025. La Dorada’s chance of winning all three races by herself was extinguished by a temperature spike that forced her to be scratched on the morning of the Sistema Stakes. But she secured Group One redemption in Saturday’s $550,000 feature at Trentham. She was given a perfect ride by Michael McNab, who slotted her into fourth spot and one off the rail as War Princess and Too Sweet set a breakneck speed out in front. La Dorada cruised up behind the leaders coming up to the home turn, then pounced at the 300m mark. A brilliant burst of speed carried her well clear, racing away to win by three and a half lengths. Adding to the Te Akau dominance, the winner’s lightly raced stablemate Hostility produced a strong finish to fill the runner-up spot. Landlock was third, but was subsequently relegated after a successful protest by the connections of the fourth-placed Tajana. La Dorada became Te Akau’s ninth winner of the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, joining Maroofity (2003), Kindacross (2005), Melody Belle (2017), Avantage (2018), Yourdeel (2019), On The Bubbles (2021), Maven Belle (2022) and Move To Strike (2024). Almost all of those previous winners were purchased by David Ellis, who paid $190,000 to secure La Dorada from the Book 1 draft of her breeders Waikato Stud at Karaka 2024. La Dorada has now had five starts for four wins and a second, earning $1.06 million in stakes for the Te Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership. “She showed her class today and she’s just so tough,” said Mark Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson. “She’s been up for a while. She’s had quite a long season. But Sam and the team have done a great job keeping her going so well for that long. “She had that setback with the Sistema, but we didn’t panic. It’s great to see her get a Group One win. She’s a very tough filly and is going to make a lovely three-year-old as well. She’s not very big, but she’s all heart. “She wasn’t expensive, costing less than $200,000, and you can’t go wrong buying the Waikato Stud product. I think Super Seth is the next big thing in New Zealand.” La Dorada became second-season sire Super Seth’s third Group One winner in the month of March, following on from Feroce in the Australian Guineas (1600m) and Linebacker in the Randwick Guineas (1600m). Walker was also delighted with Hostility. The blue-blooded colt by I Am Invincible out of multiple Group One winner Shillelagh was a record-breaking $1.65 million purchase from the Ready to Run Sale in November. The Sires’ Produce Stakes was only his second start, having run second on debut earlier this month. “His run was full of merit too,” Walker said. “To have your second run in a Group One race and put in a performance like that, he’s a special horse in the making. “We’ll have some decisions to make around the three-year-old plans for La Dorada, Hostility and Return To Conquer, but we’ve got all winter to do that. It’s a big team effort with David, Karyn (Fenton-Ellis), Sam, Reece (Trumper) and Nicole (Shailer). We’ll sit down over the winter and work it all out. They’re beautiful horses.” The Sires’ Produce Stakes brought Walker and Bergerson back level with Stephen Marsh in terms of Group and Listed winners this season. The rivals went into Saturday’s meeting tied on 13 stakes wins each, and Marsh briefly moved ahead with Kiwi Skyhawk’s victory in the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m). Meanwhile, Saturday’s Group One triumph was a welcome breakthrough for McNab, who has endured a run of second placings at the elite level with La Criquein the Zabeel Classic (2000m), Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), plus Dubai Gold in last week’s New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “It’s a good feeling,” McNab said. “It’s been a bit of a frustrating, heartbreaking run. The season’s been going really well, but those Group One races and million-dollar races are the ones you really want to win. It’s nice to do that today. “This filly is an absolute star. There’s not much of her, but she has great ability, great heart and just a great will to win. “She’s not the best at cornering. She sort of pops herself out. She did that at Matamata and again today. She got lost for a little bit, but then she was brilliant down the straight. To get across the line for David and Te Akau today is very special.” View the full article

Unheralded four-year-old Doctor Askar (NZ) (Derryn) has proved himself one of the finds of the summer as he completed his fifth win from just six starts since breaking maidens in December when taking out the Listed Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Trainer Joanne Moss, who bred and co-owns the son of Derryn in partnership with her mother Jill, had thought she had a handy horse on her hands when he showed plenty of ability by placing in five of his first eight starts before that maiden victory over 1400m at New Plymouth. Another placing at Trentham was followed by three successive victories, with two of them in premier day company, before Moss decided to tackle stakes racing and test a statement made by rider Joe Doyle after the horse scored easily in a rating 75 1400m at the venue last weekend. “Joe said to me last week when he got off that we need some faster horses and I was thinking I will fix you,” Moss said. “But he was right and it’s really exciting as we bred him and I race him with Mum, I’m just really proud.” Moss also revealed the background to the naming of the horse which will further endear him in the eyes of true racing fans due to the heartwarming nature of the tale. “I named him after a Doctor at Waikato Hospital, Doctor Askar, who saved my sons life,” she said. “When I talked to him about naming the horse after him he said he had had some funny requests but never one like this. “I have emailed him a couple of times and he has said he has been watching and he wants a photo, so this one might be a good one. “My son is really good and just like any other normal child now. “When I was talking to the Doctor, I didn’t have a Savabeel to name after him but a Derryn, so never mind as he has turned out good.” Doyle was quick to pay tribute to the horse and to his trainer after he sat outside leader Mr Mojo Risin’ (NZ) (Deep Field) throughout and then fended off the challenges of Cambridge visitor December (NZ) (Shamexpress) to take out his first victory at stakes level. “He has gone from strength to strength and fair play to Jo as she has done some job with him,” Doyle said. “When I first rode him when he won at New Plymouth he was very green, very awkward and just a tough ride. “Whatever she (Moss) is doing is working and this is one of those great racing stories. “When I came back in last time I said he would be better in a better race and it’s nice to be right sometimes. “He needs a bit of ringcraft still but he is improving the whole time and he can take the next step up.” Doctor Askar is out of the St. Petersburg mare Petipas Delight and comes from an extended family that includes black type performer River Queen and her stakes winning son Te Akau Prince. He has now won five of his 14 starts and just under $185,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

La Dorada winning Saturday’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A sparkling performance by La Dorada in Saturday’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) completed another Te Akau clean sweep of New Zealand’s biggest two-year-old prizes. La Dorada had previously won the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), while her unbeaten stablemate Return To Conquer strung together four black-type successes including the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Since the inception of the Karaka Millions in 2008, Te Akau Racing is the only stable to win the Karaka Millions, Sistema and Sires’ Produce Stakes in the same season. They have now achieved this remarkable feat four times – in 2018 (Avantage in the Karaka Millions and Sires’ Produce Stakes, Sword Of Osman in the Sistema), 2019 (Probabeel in the Karaka Millions, Yourdeel in the Sistema and Sires’ Produce Stakes), 2021 (On The Bubbles in the Karaka Millions and Sires’ Produce Stakes, Sword Of State in the Sistema) and 2025. La Dorada’s chance of winning all three races by herself was extinguished by a temperature spike that forced her to be scratched on the morning of the Sistema Stakes. But she secured Group One redemption in Saturday’s $550,000 feature at Trentham. She was given a perfect ride by Michael McNab, who slotted her into fourth spot and one off the rail as War Princess and Too Sweet set a breakneck speed out in front. La Dorada cruised up behind the leaders coming up to the home turn, then pounced at the 300m mark. A brilliant burst of speed carried her well clear, racing away to win by three and a half lengths. Adding to the Te Akau dominance, the winner’s lightly raced stablemate Hostility produced a strong finish to fill the runner-up spot. Landlock was third, but was subsequently relegated after a successful protest by the connections of the fourth-placed Tajana. 2025 Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes Replay – La Dorada https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trentham-2025-Group-1-Manawatu-Sires-Produce-29032025-La-Dorada-Mark-Walker-Sam-Bergerson-Michael-McNab.mp4 La Dorada became Te Akau’s ninth winner of the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, joining Maroofity (2003), Kindacross (2005), Melody Belle (2017), Avantage (2018), Yourdeel (2019), On The Bubbles (2021), Maven Belle (2022) and Move To Strike (2024). Almost all of those previous winners were purchased by David Ellis, who paid $190,000 to secure La Dorada from the Book 1 draft of her breeders Waikato Stud at Karaka 2024. La Dorada has now had five starts for four wins and a second, earning $1.06 million in stakes for the Te Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership. “She showed her class today and she’s just so tough,” said Mark Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson. “She’s been up for a while. She’s had quite a long season. But Sam and the team have done a great job keeping her going so well for that long. “She had that setback with the Sistema, but we didn’t panic. It’s great to see her get a Group One win. She’s a very tough filly and is going to make a lovely three-year-old as well. She’s not very big, but she’s all heart. “She wasn’t expensive, costing less than $200,000, and you can’t go wrong buying the Waikato Stud product. I think Super Seth is the next big thing in New Zealand.” La Dorada became second-season sire Super Seth’s third Group One winner in the month of March, following on from Feroce in the Australian Guineas (1600m) and Linebacker in the Randwick Guineas (1600m). Walker was also delighted with Hostility. The blue-blooded colt by I Am Invincible out of multiple Group One winner Shillelagh was a record-breaking $1.65 million purchase from the Ready to Run Sale in November. The Sires’ Produce Stakes was only his second start, having run second on debut earlier this month. “His run was full of merit too,” Walker said. “To have your second run in a Group One race and put in a performance like that, he’s a special horse in the making. “We’ll have some decisions to make around the three-year-old plans for La Dorada, Hostility and Return To Conquer, but we’ve got all winter to do that. It’s a big team effort with David, Karyn (Fenton-Ellis), Sam, Reece (Trumper) and Nicole (Shailer). We’ll sit down over the winter and work it all out. They’re beautiful horses.” The Sires’ Produce Stakes brought Walker and Bergerson back level with Stephen Marsh in terms of Group and Listed winners this season. The rivals went into Saturday’s meeting tied on 13 stakes wins each, and Marsh briefly moved ahead with Kiwi Skyhawk’s victory in the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m). Meanwhile, Saturday’s Group One triumph was a welcome breakthrough for McNab, who has endured a run of second placings at the elite level with La Crique in the Zabeel Classic (2000m), Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), plus Dubai Gold in last week’s New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “It’s a good feeling,” McNab said. “It’s been a bit of a frustrating, heartbreaking run. The season’s been going really well, but those Group One races and million-dollar races are the ones you really want to win. It’s nice to do that today. “This filly is an absolute star. There’s not much of her, but she has great ability, great heart and just a great will to win. “She’s not the best at cornering. She sort of pops herself out. She did that at Matamata and again today. She got lost for a little bit, but then she was brilliant down the straight. To get across the line for David and Te Akau today is very special.” Horse racing news View the full article

Waitak winning the Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Last year’s Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) winner Waitak has showcased his versatility and class this autumn with a dominant double over 1600m and 2100m. The son of Proisir was a three-length winner of the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga on March 15, and on Saturday he stepped up over even further and won the Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham with similar ease. Waitak has joined a rare club, becoming only the second horse to win both the Railway and the Awapuni Gold Cup. The first was Stretto, who won both races in 1938. This month’s feature double has been a welcome turnaround for Waitak, who went winless for more than a year after his Railway triumph but was close up in fourth in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), fifth in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), third in the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m), third in the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m), second in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), sixth in the Railway, fourth in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) and sixth in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott had no fears about stepping Waitak back up in distance this autumn. Waitak had previously proven himself over more ground as a three-year-old, finishing a close second in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) in February of 2023 and fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) that March. Scott has taken special satisfaction from seeing the five-year-old back in the winning groove this month. 2025 Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup Replay – Waitak https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trentham-2025-Group-2-Awapuni-Gold-Cup-29032025-Waitak-Lance-OSullivan-Andrew-Scott-Ryan-Elliot.mp4 “It’s been a wicked team effort,” he said. “He’s been running so well all season, including running the fastest last 600m in three Group One races in a row, but things just haven’t quite worked out for him. After a frustrating run through the spring and summer, it’s great to see him performing like this in the autumn. “The quick pace at Tauranga last start really set it up for him to boom home. He’s done it again today and it’s just really good to see him successfully stepping up over ground. It opens up so many more options for him next season, with a lot of races we can aim at around the 2000m mark. “When they learn to relax and settle, they can run out the longer trips much stronger. He’s a big horse that’s only just learning. The penny is still dropping in terms of him relaxing and quickening, and that’s what the game is all about. He’ll be a big, sound six-year-old next season and could be in for a very good year.” Ryan Elliot rode Waitak for the first time in the Japan Trophy and produced a masterful ride, guiding the gelding through along the rail to charge home from last and score a dominant win. The same partnership struck again on Saturday, this time coming from midfield with a barnstorming finish down the outside. Elliot pushed the button at the top of the straight and Waitak went into overdrive, bursting to the lead and going clear to win by two and a quarter lengths. Manifique produced a big late finish for second, with front-runner Town Cryer holding on bravely for third. “He’s a lovely horse,” Elliot said. “If you present him at the right time, he takes you a long way. “It’s a big trip down here, and stepping up over this sort of distance for the first time in a couple of years isn’t easy. But he’s done it very well today. If he can keep going like this, he could step up to some of those 2000m races at Ellerslie next season. He’s got an electric turn of foot. “They ran along at a decent tempo today and he’s done it easily.” Horse racing news View the full article

Velocious winning the Manco 1150 (1150m) at Te Aroha on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Last season’s boom two-year-old Velocious made her raceday return after a tie-back wind operation in stunning fashion when she stormed home from a clear last on the home bend to take out the Manco 1150 (1150m) at Te Aroha. The Stephen Marsh-prepared daughter of Written Tycoon had been off the scene since finishing near last in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September, where she was immediately operated on to alleviate her breathing issues. Given a long and slow build-up that saw her trial on three occasions before stepping out on Saturday, the winner of the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) had been expected to perform at a high level upon return with the caveat being whether she could recapture her best after the throat surgery. Ridden by Courtney Barnes, who had piloted five of the nine winners on the card at Wingatui twenty-four hours earlier, Velocious settled a clear last in the open contest as Miss Bo Peep set up a steady pace in front with topweight Lhasa alongside her throughout. That pair turned in front and looked set to fight out the finish as Barnes drew Velocious to the outside to make her finishing run. Just as Lhasa edged clear and looked set for victory, Velocious put in several huge bounds to hit the lead inside the 50m and draw away for a comfortable 1.5 length victory. Stable representative Rhys Mildon echoed the sentiments of many when he welcomed the filly back with a mixture of joy and relief. “It’s an amazing job that Stephen has done by bringing her very slowly with three trials after the wind op,” Mildon said. “He was confident she could return in good style and when she let down it almost brought a tear to the eye. “You can trial all you like but it’s about raceday and she gave them a start and a beating today. “It was awesome to see.” Barnes admitted that her race plans had changed dramatically once the filly was slow away from the starting gates. “Stephen told me not to panic and not to get her pulling and I definitely did that,” Barnes laughed. “She had been in the gates a little bit and was rocking around, standing awkwardly and didn’t get away the best. “She came up onto the bridle and trucked around the corner and I felt she was definitely going to let down. “It’s great to see a good horse back.” Horse racing news View the full article

Kiwi Skyhawk winning Saturday’s Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) After a series of highly creditable performances against some of the best of his age group, Kiwi Skyhawk broke through for his first feature-race success in Saturday’s Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) at Trentham. The Contributer gelding was a third placegetter on debut at Te Rapa on July 27 last year, then scored a 1400m maiden victory at the same venue a fortnight later. Kiwi Skyhawk had gone winless through the seven months since then, but ran third in the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1400m), fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), seventh in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and a last-start fifth in Willydoit’s Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). On paper, Saturday’s $150,000 Manawatu Classic appeared to be a big step down for the Stephen Marsh-trained Kiwi Skyhawk, who jumped as a $2 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. Ridden for the sixth time in his career by Matt Cartwright, Kiwi Skyhawk settled near the tail of the field as Shockabella set a strong pace and strung the field right out along Trentham’s back straight. Cartwright never panicked, even when he dropped out to a clear last and more than a dozen lengths from the lead coming down the side of the track. He allowed Kiwi Skyhawk to warm into his work while waiting for the leaders to feel the effects of the torrid early pace. The race changed rapidly coming into the home turn as the front-runners faded out of contention, and Cartwright brought Kiwi Skyhawk with big bounds down the outside. The favourite strode to the lead at the 150m mark and kicked away from a tightly bunched group of chasers, going on to win by a length. 2025 Group 3 Manawatu Classic Replay – Kiwi Skyhawk https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trentham-2025-Group-3-Manawatu-Classic-29032025-Kiwi-Skyhawk-Stephen-Marsh-Matt-Cartwright.mp4 Kiwi Skyhawk has become a real favourite for Cartwright, who celebrated his black-type breakthrough with a fist pump just after the finish line. “I actually love riding this horse,” the Australian jockey said. “He’s the kindest horse in Marshy’s stable. That’s why I was a bit excited going past the line – just because I really like this horse and it was good for him to get this win. Hopefully he can go on with it from here. “They rolled along for the first part of the race and I was a fair way off them. But I had a bit of trust in the horse Craig Grylls was riding, Way Out West, who was one of the favoured runners. I knew Craig was going to have to make a move at some stage to get into the race, so I followed him. “I really just trusted my horse as well. I have a lot of faith in him and a lot of time for him. He proved the talent that he’s got. I’m hoping he gets some good confidence out of this win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Italian jockey attacks Group Two feature with confidence after gelding’s fast-finishing fourth behind Ka Ying Rising last start.View the full article

Ciaron Maher‘s highly anticipated Pride Of Jenni failed to deliver in Saturday’s Australian Cup 2025 at Flemington, with stablemate Light Infantry Man producing a stunning upset. The $2.5 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) saw Light Infantry Man ($9) storm to a two-length victory, leaving Pride Of Jenni ($3.80) trailing as the mare crossed over […] The post Australian Cup 2025 Winner is Light Infantry Man for Maher appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, March 30, 2025 First Race 12:45pm HKT (3:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) and Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) share top billing for the meeting, while the undercard oozes quality throughout the afternoon. The rail moves into the A+3 position, and although some rainfall is predicted to hit the course proper, it shouldn’t have any effect on the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. Racing is set to commence at 12:45pm HKT. Sprint Cup Tip: Ka Ying Rising Three-time Group 1 winning sprinter Ka Ying Rising steps out in the Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) and should have no issues adding a seventh win to the tally this preparation. He was perhaps softened up in his latest effort over 1400m in the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, but a return to 1200m should allow the son of Shamexpress to return to his brilliant best. He’ll be winning again; it’s simply a matter of ‘how far’. Sprint Cup Race 7 – #1 Ka Ying Rising (6) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (58kg) Chairman’s Trophy Tip: Galaxy Patch It was ugly viewing for Galaxy Patch backers in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), where Voyage Bubble proved far too classy. The son of Wandjina had excuses, however, unable to show his devastating turn of speed in a slowly run 2000m contest. The booking of Zac Purton shows intent from the Pierre Ng barn, and although he’ll be getting back from barrier nine once again, watch for Galaxy Patch to be surging down the centre of the course to get his preparation back on track. Chairman’s Trophy Race 5 – #3 Galaxy Patch (9) 5yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Zac Purton (56kg) Best Bet at Sha Tin: Ka Ying Glory David Hayes & Zac Purton combine with Ka Ying Glory and appear to have a smart debutant stepping out in this Class 4 contest. The Turn Me Loose gelding has impressed in back-to-back barrier trial wins, with his latest piece of work catching the eye at Happy Valley on March 14 as the three-year-old made every post a winner. Expect similar tactics in his first attempt under race-day conditions, and with this Class 4 affair lacking depth, Ka Ying Glory should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 3 – #7 Ka Ying Glory (2) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (57.5kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Mission Strike After back-to-back minor placings at Happy Valley, the Mark Newnham-trained Mission Strike appears set to peak stepping out to the 2000m for the first time. The Dundeel gelding savaged the line in his latest outing over 1800m on March 5 but simply had too much work to do from the rear of the field when trying to chase down Beauty Alliance in the shadows of the post. Luke Ferraris must take advantage of barrier two and sit handy to the speed and provided Mission Strike is in striking distance at the turn, this guy should surge clear to claim his first Hong Kong win. Next Best Race 1 – #5 Mission Strike (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Luke Ferraris (59kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Little Paradise Little Paradise debuts on the back of a strong barrier trial win on the all-weather surface at Sha Tin on March 18 and warrants respect in this wide-open Class 4 contest. The son of Toronado was fast away on that occasion before fending them off under his own steam in the final furlong, suggesting the unraced gelding still had plenty left in the tank. Luke Ferraris will go searching for the lead from gate 13, and although he’s unlikely to get it all his own way, expect Little Paradise to give a bold sight at the each-way price with . Best Value Race 4 – #8 Little Paradise (13) 3yo Gelding | T: Jimmy Ting | J: Luke Ferraris (58kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections March 30, 2025 1 1-2-3-7 1-2-5-6-8 1-2-5-8-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Wellington Races Where Wellington Race Club – Bushrangers Creek Rd, Mount Arthur NSW 2820 When Sunday, March 30, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing returns to Wellington Race Club on Sunday afternoon, with a massive eight-part program lined up for their marquee day on the calendar. The $200,000 Wellington Boot Showcase (1100m) headlines the action, with a capacity field of 14 two-year-olds set to step out, while Big Dance (1600m) eligibility is up for grabs in the Wellington Cup (1700m). The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with heavy rain forecast on Friday and Saturday, punters can expect a genuine wet track for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:50pm local time. Wellington Boot Tip: Invincible Phantom Invincible Phantom couldn’t have done much more debuting on the Kensington circuit at Randwick on March 13, being pestered throughout the 1000m journey before being swallowed up in the shadows of the post. The I Am Invincible colt appears well placed back to country grade after a testing first-up effort, and with a lack of speed engaged, Dylan Gibbons should have no issues sending the two-year-old to the top in the early stages. He’ll strip fitter second-up, and with an element of class on his rivals, expect Invincible Phantom to prove too strong in the Wellington Boot. Wellington Boot Race 7 – #2 Invincible Phantom (7) 2yo Colt | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Dylan Gibbons (56kg) Wellington Cup Tip: Cliff House The Tim Donnelly-trained Cliff House came within a whisker of claiming the Listed National Sprint at Canberra on March 9 at a massive price with horse racing bookmakers despite suffering a torrid run in transit. The Starcraft gelding travelled at the back half of the field and didn’t get much cover, still whacking away to close within a nose of Zouatica. The 1700m third-up should be an ideal setup for success, and although barrier 15 means he’ll likely get back in the ruck again, Cliff House should simply prove too classy for this lot. Wellington Cup Race 6 – #2 Cliff House (15) 6yo Gelding | T: Tim Donnelly | J: Nick Heywood (61kg) Best Bet at Wellington: Jolly Good Fellow Jolly Good Fellow joins the Dean Mirfin stable after six winless efforts for Chris Waller in metro company. The son of Zousain had his chances as well, with the three-year-old gelding well supported with Dabble in his latest effort at Canterbury on November 29. He simply lacked the quality to get the job done in town, and with this country maiden the perfect kick-off point for the new stable, it should be an easy kill for Jolly Good Fellow to get his confidence back. Best Bet Race 3 – #5 Jolly Good Fellow (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Dean Mirfin | J: Braith Nock (58.5kg) Next Best at Wellington: Navy Steel Navy Steel returns after a 102-day spell and couldn’t have been more impressive claiming a recent barrier trial victory at Scone on February 28. The Merchant Navy gelding led every step of the way, putting his rivals away by 2.3 lengths and was hardly asked to extend in the concluding stages. Watch for this guy to ping the lids from barrier 11 and dictate from the jump, and provided he can give his rivals the slip at the top of the straight, the $5 with will seem a big price. Next Best Race 1 – #4 Navy Steel (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Brett Cavanough | J: Braith Nock (58.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Wellington Wellington quadrella selections March 30, 2025 1-3-5-6-7 2-3-4-5 2-5 1-3-5-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Daniel Stackhouse returns to the mounting yard on Deakin after winning the Roy Higgins at Flemington Racecourse. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Phillip Stokes will have a runner in the 2025 Melbourne Cup, thanks to Daniel Stackhouse’s perfectly timed ride aboard Deakin in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. The son of Australia was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers, and he jumped at -125, which was the shortest favourite on the program. In a race that changed speed multiple times, Smokin Romans (+1100) took up the lead early ahead of Newfoundland (+1500) before Mostly Cloudy (+600) took off to challenge for the lead at the 1400m mark. The tempo of the 2600m contest lifted, which allowed the eventual winner, Inevitable Award (+4000) and Berkshire Breeze (+500), to get going at the 600m mark and chase down the tiring frontrunners. Turning for home, Mostly Cloudy started to take smaller steps and the runs started to come from Berkshire Breeze and Deakin. Those two settled down to fight out the finish in the final 150m, but it was the favourite on the inside who continued to find late and claimed a tough victory by just under a half-length. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Phillip Stokes spoke of the importance of the win and securing a spot in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup. “It’s a very important win, just to see the progression the horse has made from when he came to us,” Stokes said. “He’s been in work a long time now, we skipped the Adelaide Cup to come here, it was a big call and he’s been four or five weeks between runs now. “He’s got very good staying ability, and Stacky rode him beautifully. “He’s probably come to the end of if it now, he’ll look very good in my paddock in front of the house in the morning, but big thanks to Terry Henderson and all the team there, they’ve backed us the whole way. “He’s got a start in the Melbourne Cup, that’s great, and we’ll just have to plot a path towards it. “Which way we go is probably through a Caulfield Cup I would have thought, but he’s a very exciting horse, and it’s a credit to train him.” Daniel Stackhouse was elated with the win post-race. “How exciting! He’s such a cool horse, this,” Stackhouse exclaimed. “I can’t thank Terry (Henderson) and all the owners and Stokesy and the team (enough), they do such a fantastic job and just to be riding him and have a fantastic association with him and getting the job it’s a big thrill. “The pace wasn’t very quick from get-go and he just got a little bit keen being a bit fresh between runs, it’s been over a month now. “He just wanted to get the job over and done with a little bit, he didn’t really settle that well but it was nice with (Mostly) Cloudy put some speed into the race and he actually relaxed really nicely. “He had to dig deep for it, and he showed a good turn of foot, and he can stay.” Deakin is rated as a +1400 chance with Picklebet in the 2025 Melbourne Cup futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article

Light Infantry Man ridden by Ethan Brown winning the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Light Infantry Man ($9.50) has stormed over the top to claim the 163rd running of the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday afternoon, with the former UK galloper securing his second Group 1 victory since arriving to the Ciaron Maher stable. The son of Fast Company was an impressive winner of the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at the end of last preparation and has seemingly gone to a new level in the autumn, with the six-year-old peaking third-up after finding the minor money behind Tom Kitten in the Group 1 All Star Mile (1600m) last time out. It was a race that panned out perfectly for star hoop Ethan Brown, lobbing into the ideal stalking position mid-field with cover as stable companion Pride Of Jenni ($3.50) rolled along at a fast tempo under the urgings of Craig Newitt. Deny Knowledge ($10 with BlondeBet) missed the start, but there was no panic by Craig Williams, allowing the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained mare to settle in the one-one throughout the journey. Zardozi ($4.80 with Dabble) and Atishu ($5.50) both settled worse than mid-field and appreciated the fast-run affair, while Middle Earth ($6) never looked likely to figure after getting back to last in the bunching field of 10. It became a real slog as the leaders turned for home, with Pride Of Jenni quick to throw in the towel after setting a strong tempo, leaving Light Infantry Man to take over in the final 300m. He had Zardozi, Atishu and Deny Knowledge breathing down his neck, but the trio simply couldn’t reel in the margin, leaving Light Infantry Man to secure his first weight-for-age Group 1 win down under. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Ciaron Maher was on course at Flemington to assess the performance post-race. “I was pretty confident actually,” said Maher. “I knew he’d enjoy that good tempo because of his races in Europe and he’s just in career-best form. “The team have done a great job with him, Browny rode him beautifully. When he ran first-up I said if he rides Flemington like he rode him at Caulfield (it would be good). He’s a strong horse and can sustain it. “I’m so rapt for the ownership group, John and Ozzie. Will Bourne just keeps finding these horses. Big thanks to him and just to the team. “He just keeps improving, he put the writing on the wall in Perth. It’s fantastic, He won quite well.” Ethan Brown was delighted with the performance and was quick to credit the Ciaron Maher stable for a wealth of opportunities. “It was sedate early but, as Jenni does, she picked it up a long way out,” said Brown. “He was always going to relish it this bloke. 2000 metres was never a worry for him, but all the cards fell our way today. “It’s a long straight that Flemington straight, but he really appreciates being ridden like that and I’m super rapt to get the job done today. “It’s unreal, it means a lot to me and I do go on about it a lot but I just continue to get good support from Ciaron and this ownership group. “They really batted for me the last 6-12 months and put me on their good horses and it’s just so rewarding to deliver them results.” Light Infantry Man has now firmed into for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 12. Horse racing news View the full article

By Michael Guerin Reminders don’t come much more timely than what Mark Purdon unleashed at Cambridge on Friday night. Here we were, a week out from the mega money slot races and with the Australian barbarians at the gate and the locals with all sort of issues and question marks. For much of the last decade when he needed a harness racing Superman to restore Kiwi pride he came in a blue cape with silver stars. But there is no hiding from the fact Mark Purdon is kinda semi retired, son and training partner Nathan is in the throes of moving north and what has been our go-to Group 1 stable for so long is in a transition. They have not been as scary as they were five years ago and definitely not as fearsome as Leap To Fame, Don Hugo or The Locomotive have been this season. Those Aussies, one of them already a champion, the other two their places in history yet to be written, may still be too big and fast in the $1million Race by Betcha and the $600,000 TAB Trot next Friday. But their trainers would be a lot happier coming to Cambridge knowing the Purdons weren’t going to be there with two huge last start winners, maybe even horses peaking at the right time. Mark (with Nathan’s help, of course) didn’t really need to remind us that he is the best we have ever produced but Chase A Dream needed to remind us he is a class pacer. Or in fact interested in being a pacer at all. After two poor runs so far this campaign, he looked a different horse in the $60,000 Garrard’s Flying Mile and he reminded us in graphic style, smashing the track record with a 1:51.4 mile beating a charging Merlin, the favourite too far back and with no easy way to get into the race. Sure, the race was set up for the swoopers when Rakero Rocket and Sooner The Bettor got busy early but Chase A Dream won like the horse we all hope and wish he might be. “Maybe he had been a bit fat inside being a stallion and tonight was crucial for him,” says Purdon, indicating another poor run and Chase A Dream could have missed next week. “But he will definitely be starting next Friday now.” Can Chase A Dream really beat the Aussies, or a fitter Merlin or even former stablemate Don’t Stop Dreaming? Well, he has a lot better shot than he did before Friday night, of that there is no doubt. Pinseeker was great in third and Rakero Rocket incredibly brave after one of the fastest first 400m in New Zealand history. Maybe they can’t win next Friday. But they showed on this Friday they belong. Then it was Oscar’s turn for a little reminder, which seems to have been the story of the last year of his life. He is stunning about 30 per cent of the time these days and Friday night fell into that right percentile. He settled third in a race turned on its head when hot favourite Bet N Win couldn’t cross Not As Promised, who lead with Bet N Win forced back to fourth, following Oscar in single file. Oscar peeled, Oscar won in 1:55.7 and Oscar reminded everybody that if things gets hectic next Friday he is still quick enough to punish the over-aggressive. His 33rd career win saw him move into $3 equal favouritism for the TAB Trot, alongside The Locomotive and while his draw may not be as crucial as early race pressure for Oscar Bonavena, he could still profit from his key rivals drawing to make each other lives difficult. So we move on to Tuesday and the barrier reveal. By then the Australians will be here, the vet checks, blood reports and penultimate workouts will be done. Numbers will be assigned, the chat will start. But one thing won’t change. That on the Friday before the Friday that matters, we all got a reminder or three. View the full article