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Wandering Eyes

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  1. 2024 Karaka Millions 2YO winner, Velocious. Photo: Race Images The lucrative Karaka Millions is finally here, with one of the richest race days in New Zealand set to take place at Ellerslie on Saturday, January 25. For fans who want to relive the excitement or catch up on the action they missed, we’ve got you covered with replays of all the key races. Whether it’s the electrifying victory of an up-and-coming star or needing to relive a breathtaking victory, our free replays of Karaka Millions 2025 brings you front-row access to all the highlights from Ellerslie in New Zealand. Ellerslie Race Replays & Results 1 2 3 4 5 6 Race 1 – Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200 METRES) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ellerslie-2025-Group-3-Almanzor-Trophy-25012025-Ardalio-Stephen-Marsh-Michael-McNab.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 10 Ardalio Stephen Marsh Michael McNab $8.00 $2.40 2nd 12 Vegas Queen Kenny Rae Jasmine Fawcett $9.00 3rd 4 Cheaha Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott Rory Hutchings $6.00 4th 2 Poetic Champion Tony Pike Matthew Cartwright Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 10-12 $185.90 Exacta 10-12 $291.90 Duet 10-12 $30.30 Duet 10-4 $34.60 Duet 12-4 $76.20 Trifecta 10-12-4 $3,622.50 First Four 10-12-4-2 $13,684.60 Race 2 – Aotearoa Classic (1600 METRES) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ellerslie-2025-Aotearoa-Classic-25012025-Orchestral-Roger-James-Robert-Wellwood-Craig-Grylls.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 10 Orchestral Roger James & Robert Wellwood Craig Grylls $2.40 $1.30 2nd 12 Mary Shan Andrew Forsman Michael McNab $2.20 3rd 8 Mosinvader Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott Kevin Stott $8.00 4th 6 You Say D’orsay Chris Wood Sam Spratt Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 10-12 $11.20 Exacta 10-12 $12.90 Duet 10-12 $3.30 Duet 10-8 $21.40 Duet 12-8 $47.80 Trifecta 10-12-8 $346.20 First Four 10-12-8-6 $4,552.40 Running Double (1,2) 10-10 $28.90 Horse racing news View the full article
  2. Shining Smile ridden by Daniel Stackhouse winning the Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) at Sandown. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Lindsay Park and Daniel Stackhouse have combined with Shining Smile ($1.65) to claim the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (C/G) (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday afternoon, justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers in stylish fashion. The Spirit Of Boom colt was the only runner in the field of six with race-day experience, and it proved to be a clear advantage amongst the group of two-year-old, winning comfortably despite some nervous moments at the start. Shining Smile was slow away and was forced to muster from barrier one under Stackhouse, and with no other runner electing to take initiative in the early stages, the team Hayes galloper was allowed to stride forward making a line of three as they turned for home. Redders ($5.00) and Olatunde ($6.50) simply couldn’t match motors when the whips were cracking, as Shining Smile put two lengths on the leading division, leaving Yamashita’s Gold ($23.00) and Menshevik ($7.50) to do the chasing in the concluding stages. It was to no avail in the end, however, with Shining Smile off-and-gone with the prize, producing his second career victory, and putting his hand up for Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) contention next month. Click here for Sandown race replays. Ben Hayes was on course to discuss the victory, suggesting the race-day experience was a big advantage on Saturday. “He jumped a little slow and Stacky (Stackhouse) gave him a little dig and we were lucky they didn’t go to cross him,” said Hayes. “I think you could see he’s had three starts, he just went through his gears nicely, didn’t over-race which is good because sometimes they can when they miss the start. “Stacky rode him beautifully and he won accordingly, and it was really nice to see. “He’s the ultimate professional. It was really small field today with a heap of horses on debut, so we’ll get a better idea of how that race actually was over the next couple weeks when those horse come out and run again, but he’s done everything right. “He’s right on track and he’s an ultimate professional.” Daniel Stackhouse has ridden Shining Smile on all four occasions and believes the two-year-old has come on nicely this preparation. “He feels a lot stronger,” said Stackhouse. “He was a lot cheekier today, that’s why he missed the kick. He was throwing himself around and was a little bit anxious and ready to go, but he gathered himself up enough to travel behind the speed. “I just wanted to hold my position, didn’t want a hard luck story or anything like that. He went through his gears once we went down the dip and just powered away. “He’s strengthened up a lot both physically and mentally, and he’s always shown that he would do that. He’s such a beautiful strong little bugger, but he’s going the right way about things.” Shining Smile is currently a $21.00 chance with for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 22. Horse racing news View the full article
  3. Trainer believes his five-year-old is poised to get back to winning ways from the inside gate on Sunday.View the full article
  4. Clouding up now. Might rain before the night is over.
  5. The Mafia mightn't be here but....
  6. Beaten a nose on spin the BETCHA Spin the Wheel.
  7. Waiting for @curious and @Thomass .
  8. There are three screens. The look small because the pictures were taken from Floor 5 of the Ascot Stand right outside the commentators box.
  9. Half the old public carpark from the Novotel down to the main entrance has been a construction site for quite a few months.
  10. Brave Mead winning the 2024 Manfred Stakes. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Racing returns to Sandown on Saturday, January 25, 2025 with black-type racing littered throughout the meeting. From the Blue Diamond Preview’s, to the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m), if you are chasing free replays of the Sandown races today, then look no further! Free Sandown Race Replays & Exotics Dividends 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Race 1 – ti Home Improvement Centre Handicap (1400 METRES) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sandown-Race-1-BM70-Handicap-25012025-Porter-Danny-OBrien-Damian-Lane.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 8 Porter Danny O’Brien Damian Lane $4.40 $1.75 2nd 7 Liberami Robbie Griffiths Ethan Brown $2.10 3rd 4 Hola Amigos Wendy Kelly Ben Allen $1.55 4th 3 Eugenius Shane Nichols Tom Prebble Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 8-7 $14.20 Exacta 8-7 $23.80 Duet 8-7 $5.70 Duet 8-4 $3.10 Duet 7-4 $4.80 Trifecta 8-7-4 $71.50 First Four 8-7-4-3 $288.70 Race 2 – More PLaces Handicap (1600 METRES) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sandown-Race-2-BM70-Handicap-25012025-Revelare-Robert-Hickmott-Ryan-Hurdle.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 7 Revelare Robert Hickmott Ryan Hurdle $1.80 $1.22 2nd 1 Sir Atlas Lindsey Smith Ryan Houston $1.75 3rd 9 Brooklyn Boss Shannon Roughan Jett Stanley NTD 4th 10 Grand Sage Reg Manning Joe Bowditch Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 7-1 $2.80 Exacta 7-1 $4.40 Trifecta 7-1-9 $17.50 First Four 7-1-9-10 $50.70 Running Double (1,2) 8-7 $8.10 Horse racing news View the full article
  11. Trainer Danny Shum unsure exactly when brilliant Jebel Hatta winner will arrive in Saudi Arabia.View the full article
  12. With the scratch of her stablemate Brilliantly from the race, Maysam (Game Winner) carried the load for the Bob Baffert alone Friday and clearly needed no additional help, cruising to an open-lengths win to become the first 'TDN Rising Star' for her young sire. Bet down to 1-2 facing five rivals, the $500,000 OBS March grad was initially outrun from her rail draw but content to sit back behind the speedier Frog (Frosted) to her outside. Still a comfy second as the field swung into the far turn, Maysam was ready to move and tipped outside of the pacesetter, drawing alongside with ease past the half in :45.15, turning for home already clearly in front and opening up on the field inside the final furlong to lead in Surf Song (Maclean's Music) by six lengths. It was a further 13 lengths back to Mad Pursuit (Upstart) in third. Trainer Bob Baffert has had his hands all over this family, training not only Maysam's sire to an Eclipse Award as a champion juvenile but also broodmare sire American Pharoah to a Horse of the Year, Triple Crown-winning 3-year-old season. Notably, American Pharoah was also the broodmare sire of Supa Speed (Justify) who won an allowance race just one race earlier. Maysam is the first foal out of $575,000 OBS April purchase Sefani who has since produced a 2-year-old Silver State filly purchased by Hoolie Racing/Blue Mist for $100,000 at KEESEP last year and a 2024 Epicenter filly. Game Winner was a top-10 freshman sire by earnings last year with 12 winners in his debut crop led by GISW Gaming who is entered in Saturday's GIII Southwest Stakes. 8th-Santa Anita, $60,500, Msw, 1-24, 3yo, f, 6 1/2f, 1:17.88, ft, 6 lengths. MAYSAM, f, 3, Game Winner 1st Dam: Sefani, by American Pharoah 2nd Dam: Seacrettina, by Sea of Secrets 3rd Dam: Sha Hearah, by Dehere Sales History: $140,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL; $500,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $36,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree. O-Michael Lund Petersen; B-Seclusive Farm LLC, Chester Prince & Anne Prince (KY); T-Bob Baffert. The post Game Winner’s Maysam Puts In ‘Rising Star’ Debut At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  13. With the news of the passing of industry titan James E. “Ted” Bassett III, tributes from the Thoroughbred industry recount the enormous impact Bassett had in shaping the sport for generations to come. Elected president of the Breeders' Cup four years after the inaugural running in 1984, Bassett spearheaded the organization's growth and making the World Championships into the global affair it's known as, today. “Mr. Bassett served the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland, and a multitude of Thoroughbred racing industry organizations with magnificent honor and distinction, and his legacy will continue to make an impact for generations to come,” said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “Our thoughts are with the many people whose lives he touched as we honor his memory.” Chauncey Morris, the executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, had similarly high praise. “Unequaled. Magnanimous. Marine,” said Morris. “These words are the very definition of Ted Bassett, his service to the United States, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and its world-class Thoroughbred industry. His leadership of Keeneland was transformational. Our deepest condolences to his family.” The post Racing Industry Pays Tribute to Ted Bassett appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  14. There’s plenty of excitement building towards this evening’s TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie, which has been further enhanced by an NZB Kiwi slot announcement on a leading contender in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Undefeated three-year-old Dealt With (NZ), who is a $6.50 third favourite for tonight’s mile feature, has been secured for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) by Slot Holders Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing. The son of Ace High has made a monumental rise in the last month, winning on debut at Te Aroha over 1150m on January 4 before extending his unbeaten run, and securing his spot in the Karaka Millions 3YO, with a three-quarter of a length victory at Pukekohe on Sunday. Shaun Clotworthy, who trains Dealt With’s Karaka Millions race rival Billy Blinx, said the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has been on his radar for some time and he is excited his group has been able to secure him for the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. “He looks a really exciting horse,” Clotworthy said. “Everybody in the team that is involved in our slot are really excited to be able to secure a horse like him. “I saw him trial at Ellerslie on the day that Willydoit (New Zealand Derby favourite) won his trial, and I thought he was more impressive than Willydoit at the trials. “After his win at Counties (last Sunday) he came into contention. He is a horse with a tonne of potential. “Hopefully between now and the NZB Kiwi he keeps on improving. He is a real contender.” Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing’s announcement is timely, given tonight’s TAB Karaka Millions 3YO is one of the NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible races, with the winner qualifying for a share of $1 million in bonuses if they run in the first three in the NZB Kiwi (1st – $600,000, 2nd – $250,000, 3rd – $150,000). “Most of the people in the slot will be at the races. They will be cheering on my stable but also have the bonus of having a real contender for the NZB Kiwi $1 million Bonus Pool in the Karaka Millions to cheer for as well,” Clotworthy said. Clotworthy said it’s great to be a part of the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi, with excitement noticeably building towards the rich feature. “I have been around the sales for the last couple of days and everyone has been talking about it (NZB Kiwi),” he said. “There’s starting to get a fair bit of hype around it now and there is a real vibe that it is going to be a great day. It’s a great initiative, so to be a part of the first one is awesome.” Clotworthy is enjoying being joined on the NZB Kiwi journey by several good friends and clients in their Slot Holder syndicate, and he said that has been the making of the experience so far. “That’s half the fun,” he said. “It’s a bit nerve-racking trying to secure a horse, but now we have secured a horse we can sit back and watch it unfold.” View the full article
  15. As first reported by the DRF's David Grening, MGSW & MGISP Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}), one of the likely favorites for the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Saturday at Gulfstream Park, has been retired due to injury. Speaking to the DRF, owner Sol Kumin said Chad Brown informed him Thursday that Fluffy Socks was off in her left hind leg, and that X-rays showed a faint line which could lead to a condylar fracture. The decision was made to retire her, and she will be a scratch out of Saturday's contest. Kumin also added that she will ship to Dell Ridge Farm to await a stallion selection for her. “I'm bummed, but she did us right,” he told the DRF. The DRF report included that also expected to scratch are GSW Ocean Club (Curlin) and SW, SW & GSP-Fr See You Around (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), leaving a field of 11. The post Fluffy Socks Retired Due to Injury, Scratched from Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  16. Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Saturday, January 25. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for January 25, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Sandown & Ellerslie (NZ) | Same Race Multi – 3+ Leg Bonus Back Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Sandown and Ellerslie (NZ) this Saturday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo Randwick & Sandown R1-5 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-5 at Randwick & Sandown on Saturday and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 25% Boosted Winnings! – Sandown & Randwick Get 25% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First bet only. Cash bet only. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-5 at 2 Metro Meetings Randwick & Sandown. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Punters Toolbox! Supersized Saturday helps you Bet it Out with neds! Get MORE Price Boosts, MORE Bet Backs, MORE Fluc Ups, MORE Back Ups & MORE Extra Nudge tools! Available to use on ANY races of your choice. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo 10 Again! – Ascot & Wanganui Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Max bonus $100. First bet only. Paid in bonus cash. Cash Bets Only. T&C’s apply. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses copy bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any runner. Any odds. Get a bonus back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Best Tote and Starting Price Guarantees a dividend equal to the highest of the official win dividend paid by the three Australian TAB pools or the official starting price. Maximum stake: $2,000. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for January 25, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article
  17. Grade I winner 'TDN Rising Star' Doppelganger (Into Mischief) was represented by his first foal, a filly out of Saucy Dame (Distorted Humor), at David Perrine's Perrine Time Thoroughbreds Friday morning, announced Pleasant Acres Stallions via a press release. The filly was born 9:30 a.m. and is reportedly healthy and strong. Described as 'blessed with exceptional bloodlines' by Christine Jones, the director of stallion services, the foal is out of a winning half-sister to MSW & GSP Stormy West (Gone West) and GSW Buffum (Bernardini). Another of the dam's half-sisters, GSP Renaissance Lady (A. P. Indy), is responsible for GSW Oxy Lady (Oxbow) as well as MSP Elusive Schemes (Elusive Quality). The second dam is the venerable Stick to Beauty (Illustrious), responsible for the likes of champion sprinter MGSW Gold Beauty and MGISW Maplejinsky (Nijinsky II)–in turn the dam of champion older mare and Filly Triple Crown victress MGISW Sky Beauty (Blushing Groom {Fr}) and the granddam of MGISW Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat) as well as GI Breeders' Cup Distaff heroine Pleasant Home (Seeking the Gold). The female line is active on both hemispheres and in several countries. Doppelganger won the GI Carter Handicap in 2023 and was multiple graded-placed as a sophomore in 2022 as well. He stands at Pleasant Aces Stallions for $10,000 in 2025. The post First Foal for Grade I Winner Doppelganger is a Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  18. Edited Press Release The board of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association met to discuss the recent statements made by Keith Brackpool on behalf of the Stronach Group, 1/ST Racing, and Gulfstream Park. According to the press release sent Friday, all discussions with Gulfstream to date had been premised on continued racing, not shutting down Gulfstream Park with or without decoupling. The statement continues that when representatives of Gulfstream Park approached the FTHA last summer, they proposed how to best save racing in South Florida as part of an overall plan. Closing Gulfstream in 2025, or at the end of 2028, was never mentioned or suggested, nor is that consistent with saving racing in South Florida. As a result, the FTHA will immediately undertake steps to do the following: Reassess the agreement entered with Gulfstream Park given the recent statements. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of all alternatives for continued racing in South Florida. Closely monitor all legislative or other steps that could put long-term racing in Florida at risk. The FTHA has already reached out to Gulfstream to have further dialogue. The organization is planning another general meeting in the near future and will announce details soon. The post FTHA Statement on South Florida Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  19. The English polymath John Ruskin, who was always hard at work scribbling a well-timed observation for some future generation to co-opt, said when it came to the weather, “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” Well, bully for you Mr. Ruskin! Send him a going stick and put him to work on the nearest turf course. Some might care to offer quite a different observation after recent events. What we do know about the state of the weather is it has been rough across the lower 48. In an attempt to focus on sunnier times ahead, if we are speaking of things delicious and exhilarating, how about the pending graded stakes slate on Saturday? Leading off on a 'refreshing' afternoon, my colleague Christina Bossinakis brought us some well-timed historical perspective concerning Saturday's renewal of the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. Reporting from Hallandale's backside, her story behind 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher tells us why the signature race for older horses was designed as such some nine years ago and how it has become a jumping off point for stallion prospects. Of course we know this Pletcher's entry is not a lock. The 4-year-old is up against some formidable opponents in GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero White Abarrio (Race Day), Derby victor Mystik Dan (Goldencents), GISW Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) and GISW Mixto (Good Magic). Look for Locked's stablemate Crupi (Curlin), GI Santa Anita Derby hero from last year Stronghold (Ghostzapper) (covered yesterday by Bossinakis in TDN) and layoff runner Newgrange (Violence) to make some noise at odds in the double digits. Nations Pride wins the Arlington Million at Colonial | Coady Media If that forecast does not cheer you up, then do not forget about Gulfstream's undercard. The schedule is brimming with six other graded races. The GI Pegasus World Cup Turf issued an invite to Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) and the 6-year-old Godolphin homebred accepted. The potential race time favorite has a trio of Grade I wins in North America for trainer Charlie Appleby. The only question mark is his fitness level. If the homebred is ready to fire, then his class could win the day. “He's [Nations Pride] always shown a good level of ability, progressing from 2 to 3 and from there on, he sort of progressed throughout his career,” Appleby said. “We found that the conventional tracks, the flat tracks of America and Dubai, suited him. So that's why he's mainly been internationally campaigned, really. I think 10 furlongs is probably his most ideal trip if you want to pigeonhole him into something like that, but I see no reason why the nine should be an inconvenience.” There are others drawn in here with more than a fighting chance. Integration (Quality Road) will look to avenge his loss to Nations Pride that he suffered in the GI Arlington Million at Colonial Downs in August. He too has not been seen since the fall when he won the GII Red Smith Stakes at the Big A. Trainer Shug McGaughey entered Integration in this race last year and after going off as the favorite he finished fifth. “I think he's [Integration] done well,” McGaughey said. “The Pegasus last year was kind of a last-minute thing. I had planned to give him some time off and run him at Keeneland and we decided to run here for the money. He didn't get the best of trips. Tyler [Gaffalione] rode him. He had him down inside and just couldn't get him out when he wanted to. I think with all the trouble he was in, it was a credible race.” If you fancy a longshot in the Pegasus Turf who is getting a cutback in distance, then give Balnikov (Ire) (Adaay {Ire}) the once over. Conditioned by Phil D'Amato, the 6-year-old has raced mainly on the Southern California grass courses. However, last May he thoroughly enjoyed a soft turf course at Pimlico and won the GII Dinner Party Stakes. Sticking with the same surface, the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf promises to offer some real value when it comes to wagering because there is not a prescribed deserving favorite. Certainly, Shadwell Stables's Raqiya (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) has some English form that is inviting and Sacred Wish (Not This Time) boasts a win last out in the GI Matriarch Stakes at Del Mar Dec. 1. Dona Clota in the Gulfstream paddock schooling | Lauren King However, more intriguing is an entry like Dona Clota (Chi) (Ivan Denisovich {Ire}), who won a pair of Grade 1 races in her native Chile. Now she joins trainer Ignacio Correas's outfit for Resolute Racing. One other name to remember is See You Around (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}). The filly began her career in France, shipped to race for the live barn of Christophe Clement and she took home a black-type over this course last month. The rest of the Gulfstream undercard includes a bout between MGSW Mystic Lake (Mot Town) against MGSW Emery (More Than Ready) in the GII Inside Information Stakes, and a rematch ensues between the 1-2 finishers from the GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes, Rocket Can (Into Mischief) and Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance). They square off once more in the GIII Fred W. Hooper Stakes. Finally, a couple of turf distance tests will be administered in the GIII La Prevoyante Stakes and the GIII W.L. McKnight Stakes. Returning to issues skyward of the inclement variety, Oaklawn Park regularly deals with what Ruskin would call “different kinds of good weather.” Arkansas is particularly susceptible to a cold blast in January and Hot Springs was certainly on the receiving end of another good socking this time around. The Derby and Oaks series in 'The Natural State'–which both offer 20-10-6-4-2 on the path to Churchill in May–is back on track Saturday with the GIII Southwest Stakes and Martha Washington Stakes, respectively. First, the Southwest has drawn a field of 10, and blowing into town for Bob Baffert is Eclipse nominee & GISW Gaming (Game Winner). Finishing in early November as the runner-up in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile to newly-minted champion 2-year-old male & stablemate Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), the dark bay is looking to get back on track after he ran a distant third in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 14. Gaming working for the first time over the local strip at Oaklawn | Coady Media “He [Gaming] went from the top 12 to nowhere,” said Baffert. “That's the way it is in this business. You're only as good as your last race. He ran a big race in the Breeders' Cup. I might have been a little too easy on him for the Los Al. I wasn't sure if I was going to run in there and then at the last minute decided I was going to run him there. He just didn't bring his 'A' game that day. Just got a little bit worked up in the paddock. He was too fresh. He didn't bring it and that's what happens.” Gaming will have to contend with a pair of tough customers in GSP Sandman (Tapit) and Patch Adams (Into Mischief). The former–a $1.2-million OBS March buy–tuned for this spot by clearing an optional claimer at Oaklawn Dec. 13, while the latter earned a 'TDN Rising Star' at second asking when he won by an eye-catching 10 1/2 lengths at Churchill Downs in late November. As for the Martha Washington, look for 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) to take care of business for Shortleaf Stable and trainer John Ortiz. The graded weekend also includes the salty GIII Houston Ladies Classic Stakes for older females at Sam Houston Race Park and at Santa Anita we have the GII San Pasqual Stakes going for older males. In the spirit of Mr. Ruskin, here's to different kinds of good graded racing on Saturday. The post Graded Forecast Calls For Loaded Pegasus, Southwest Winds ‘Point’ To Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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