Wandering Eyes

Outgoing Kentucky State Senator Damon Thayer has been named the recipient of the 2024 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award by the Louisville-based Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners (KTO), which will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the organization said via a release Thursday morning. The KTO's Warner Jones award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to Kentucky racing and sharing the passion exemplified by Jones, who spent 50 years on the Churchill Downs board, including eight as chairman during the track's resurgence in the late 1980s. Jones was the inaugural award winner in 1988, six years before his death. Thayer, who announced last December that he was not running for re-election, has advocated for the horse racing, breeding and overall equine industries throughout his time in the state senate, representing his home county of Scott, Grant and parts of Fayette and Kenton. “It's a great honor to win an award named for Warner Jones, who was a legendary horseman and had the respect of so many people from various facets of the industry,” Thayer said. “To be on the list of those who have been honored with the award is a real privilege to me. Next to my two adult children, Daniel and Katie, horse racing is my first love. I'm just an old 4-H horse-club kid. To be honored by this group and to be considered a horseman is pretty special.” The cost to attend the event is $150 per person, with cocktails at 6 p.m. ET and dinner at 7 p.m. ET. The deadline for reservations is Nov. 14. For more information, call Marlene Meyer at (502) 458-5820 or email nanainky@att.net. The post KTO’s Warner Jones Awarded To Damon Thayer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1-winning two-year-old Bucanero Fuerte (GB) has been retired to stand at Tally-Ho Stud next season, owners Amo Racing announced in partnership with the County Westmeath operation on Thursday. Bucanero Fuerte, who was bred by Gestut Zur Kuste AG from the Elusive City mare Frida La Blonde (Fr), was bought by Robson Aguiar for €165,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale and subsequently won four of his nine career starts for trainer Adrian Murray. Following a successful debut at the Curragh when winning the first two-year-old race of the Irish Flat season, the son of Wootton Bassett (GB) was sent to Royal Ascot where he finished third in the G2 Coventry Stakes, before returning to the Curragh to gain the two most significant victories of his career. After beating the subsequent GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) by a short head to win the G2 Railway Stakes, Bucanero Fuerte then made the breakthrough at the top level when winning the Phoenix Stakes by four lengths from top-class filly Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio). He also won the G3 Lacken Stakes on his return to action as a three-year-old, lowering the six-furlong track record at Naas. “Bucanero Fuerte is a hugely important horse for Amo Racing,” said founder Kia Joorabchian. “His Group 1 win in 2023 where he dominated the Phoenix Stakes was a truly outstanding moment for us all. “We are proud to retire him alongside King Of Steel at one of Europe's premier nurseries. As a top-class two-year-old who showed he had trained on superbly when breaking the track record at Naas on his comeback in May, we feel he has the requisite blend of qualities to excel in his new career. “Significantly, he is the first Group 1-winning juvenile by his sire to retire to stud in Ireland and we are committed to supporting him fully on all fronts over the coming years.” Roger O'Callaghan of Tally-Ho Stud added, “Bucanero Fuerte possessed huge class, pace and durability. Few two-year-olds are able to win on the first day of the season and then go on to Group 1 success; Bucanero Fuerte was an easy winner on both occasions, especially when scoring so emphatically over a top-class field in the Phoenix Stakes. “We are delighted to be standing such a talented two-year-old and look forward to working with Amo Racing in supporting him strongly at stud.” One of four winners from five runners out of Frida La Blonde, Bucanero Fuerte is a full-brother to the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye hero and first-season sire Wooded (Ire), as well as the G3 Sovereign Stakes runner-up Beat Le Bon (Fr). Frida La Blonde, in turn, is out of the Listed winner and G2 Premio Regina Elena runner-up Firm Friend (Ire) (Affirmed), whose other notable offspring include the Listed winners Fred Lalloupet (GB)–also by Elusive City–and Mon Pote Le Gitan (Thunder Gulch), both of whom were also placed at Group 3 level. A stud fee for Bucanero Fuerte will be announced at a later date. The post “Top-Class Two-Year-Old” Bucanero Fuerte Retired to Tally-Ho Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1-winning stayer Technician (Ire) has moved from Manton Park to stand in Ireland at Knockmullen House Stud in Co Wexford for 2025. The son of Mastercraftsman (Ire) will stand for €2,000 alongside fellow Group 1 winner Mekhtaal (Ire), also at €2,000, and Silas Marner (Fr), a Group 3-winning son of Muhtathir (GB), at €1,200. “I am extremely grateful to Martyn Meade and the team at Manton Park for sending the horse to us,” said Gordon Doyle of Knockmullen House Stud. “Technician was a top-notch, Classic-winning racehorse of the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak. He completed the Prix Royal-Oak and Prix Chaudenay double at Longchamp, a notable achievement also completed by top sire Turgeon. He was undefeated at Longchamp in three races and he loved soft ground, an attribute that is so important in National Hunt racing.” Now eight, Technician spent his first two years at stud in France at Haras de Montaigu before returning to the stallion operation of his former trainer Meade. His eldest crop will be two-year-olds in 2025. Doyle said, “Technician has a wonderful pedigree to match, being out of a stakes-winning daughter of Sadler's Wells, the most important National Hunt influence of the last 20 years. It's the family of Group 1 winner Recoletos and top stayer Crimson Tide and further traces back to the Aga Khan family of Derby winner Shahrastani.” He added, “I hope our fees set for 2025 are very competitive as it gives breeders access to two Group 1 winners and a unique opportunity to access the Doctor Dino sire line.” The post Group 1 Stayer Technician Joins Knockmullen House Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Matt Laurie‘s talented filly Treasurethe Moment continued her impressive run of wins this spring, claiming the 2024 VRC Crown Oaks with a dominant performance at Flemington on Thursday to salute for the punters in style. Ridden by Damian Lane, the daughter of Alabama Express extended her winning streak to four, showcasing her class and potential. […] The post 2024 VRC Crown Oaks Results: Treasurethe Moment Salutes for Punters appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Treasurethe Moment ridden by Damian Lane winning the Group 1 VRC Oaks at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) After claiming the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) on Saturday, the Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment ($3.10) has backed it up five days later to secure victory in the $1 million Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) on Thursday afternoon. The daughter of Alabama Express is the first horse since Willowy (2021) to do the Wakeful/VRC Oaks double and did so in relatively painless fashion thanks to an expert steer by Damien Lane. The star hoop was able to lob the $3.10 favourite with Marantelli Bet into the one-one throughout the journey, landing in an almost identical position as he did in the Wakeful on Saturday. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Killcare Beachgirl ($21.00) was the lamplighter and strode out at a moderate clip under Tim Clark, with Inevitable Truth ($34.00) and Too Darn Discreet ($11.00) landing in the trail. Powers Of Opal ($3.70) had no luck early in the race, being forced to sit three-wide without cover for the first 1000m of the journey before slotting in the back-half of the field. Inevitable Truth was first to mount a challenge and gave a strong kick under Jye McNeil, attempting to give the well-supported favourite with horse racing bookmakers the slip at the top of the straight. Lane was always in striking distance aboard Treasurethe Moment, however, and once popped the question, the three-year-old was happy to oblige as the pair bolted clear to claim the 163rd edition of the time-honoured VRC Oaks. 2024 Group 1 VRC Oaks Replay – Treasurethe Moment Matt Laurie was emotional as he spoke post-race and couldn’t believe how well things panned out on Thursday. “I can’t really put it into words. I’m still shaking,” Laurie said. “It was a painless watch. It is a dream to win a Group 1 in this week. “It is 20 years of work really trying to achieve something like this. I’m just so grateful to my team at home and to Team Yulong. They have supported me. This is a home–bred. To watch her progress to win a G1 is incredible. “She is obviously very talented. She just aids herself in the way she just goes to sleep in the run. She conserves all her energy. She lets down. It was very painless. “I’m still shaking a little bit. I will enjoy it. It’s a dream. We will celebrate long and hard I can guarantee that.” Damien Lane was elated with the win and was quick to credit the Laurie camp. “She is a beauty,” he said. “Just kept improving this preparation. Matt said to me before I rode her last start he thought that she was a really good horse in the making. She has proved them right. She is a bloody ripper. “I just whipped her into the three back, one off position as you do. She jumps well so it gives you a good option in the first part of the race. I got a nice bit of speed where I could tuck in. Travelled perfectly throughout the run. “It is a tried and tested method (the Wakeful). I did the same on Aristia. I was confident that was the right form. A couple of other horses coming through which you weren’t sure of – the Spring Champion and the Ethereal. “I was as confident as you can be.” Horse racing news View the full article

Amelita ridden by James McDonald winning the Red Roses Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Chris Waller & James McDonald combined with Amelita ($10.00) to claim victory in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on Thursday afternoon, with the daughter of Zousain producing a stunning turn-of-foot to secure her second career win. The three-year-old filly, who was sent out as an each-way hope with Marantelli Bet, initially seemed to have it all to do after drawing barrier one on the unfavourable far side of the straight course. However, ‘J-Mac’ had other plans, deliberately manoeuvring his mount to the grandstand side of the course in the first 200m. It proved to be a crucial decision by the star hoop, with Amelita latching onto the back of a genuine speed, courtesy of the Lindsay Park-trained Bold Bastille ($4.60), rolling forward under Mark Zahra. The well-supported favourite with horse racing bookmakers was fading quickly in the final 400m when pressured by a wall of horses, allowing the likes of Tobeornottobe ($19.00) and Bridal Waltz ($13.00) to cruise on by to fight out the finish. It was Amelita surging through a gap in the final furlong that got the upper hand, however, with the fast-finishing Vestas ($7.00) settling for second-place honours after producing a barnstorming finish. 2024 Group 3 Red Roses Stakes Replay – Amelita Chris Waller was on course to breakdown the win post-race and was quick to praise the tactics of McDonald. “It looks like it could be a little bit better out wider,” Waller said. “Whether it is wind related, I think more than anything. He (McDonald) made a beeline straight for it after the jump to get himself set out wider, then had to aim towards a few gaps. “We drew barrier one on the furthest part of the track and James said to be pre-race, ‘I think it is better out wider and I’m going to try and come across’. “He did exactly what he said. Found his way through. “Fortunately he had the horse under him to take those gaps. A little bit of buffering with 100 (metres) to go and she was too strong. Dug deep. “There was enough confidence to down come here with her and pick up a nice race to up her value and most importantly to give her some confidence. We see her as a nice filly going forward by Zousain who I trained – a son of Zoustar. It is a bit of a family affair. “She’s come of age. Still a three-year-old filly.” James McDonald spoke to the tactics and suggested the hot tempo played into his mounts favour. “Not really a plan (to come to the outside),” he said. “Just go with the flow with her. She wasn’t best to step away. So I reverted to just going back and following them through. The pace was strong and she was electric. “She didn’t leave us with many options, to be fair. She wasn’t really quick away so we just bided our time and the pace was nice and strong. She finished really well. “She trialled in those jumpouts with the Coolmore horses (Switzerland that morning) and she went terrific. The writing was on the wall.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Champions Stakes Day 2024 Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, November 11, 2024 First Race 12:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble VRC Champions Stakes Day brings to a close an action-packed Melbourne Cup Carnival on Saturday at Flemington, where a nine-race card is set to kick off at 12:40pm AEDT. The Group 1 events, each worth $3 million, headline proceedings with a competitive undercard set to farewell Cup week in style. Perfect conditions will once again be the theme of the day, with the track rated a Good 4 and the rail out 8m for the entire circuit. Race 1: BM84 Handicap (1600m) Angland simply does not know how to run a bad race, and brought up a third career win at start six at Murray Bridge last time out. Having settled closer to the speed with blinkers on for the first time, the son of Ace High never looked like losing when saluting by two lengths. Whether Mick Dee opts to ride him close to the speed or just off it, Angland has gears that some of his rivals simply cannot match. Selections: 9 ANGLAND 4 FIRE OF ETNA 5 PRICE ERIC 7 ANAHITA Next Best Race 1 – #9 Angland (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Damian Lane (54.5kg) +250 with Playup Race 2: Inglis Banner (1000m) It took a barnstorming finish from Miss Celine to roll Bubion on debut at Caulfield, and race experience could be key in the two-year-old race on Saturday. The filly was next to last when turning for home last time out but produced a strong turn of foot to reel in the leaders, only to be bloused late. Craig Williams sticks on board, and as long she handles the straight at the first time of asking, Bubion can go one better. Selections: 5 BUBION 8 CHISHOLM 11 WITHIN THE LAW 3 LATIN BOSS Race 3: Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2800m) Serpentine was taking ground of Okita Soushi in impressive fashion last time out in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500) when second, and he can go one better in the 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The eight-year-old’s form was franked when Okita Soushi ran third in the Melbourne Cup, and despite needing to lug 58.5kg, he has the class to be able to handle the top weight. James McDonald on is an added bonus, and if race favourite Kinesiology shows any chinks in its armour, Serpentine will pounce on the opportunity. Selections: 1 SERPENTINE 7 KINESIOLOGY 3 AMADE 2 BERKELEY SQUARE Queen Elizabeth Stakes Race 3 – #1 Serpentine (7) 8yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) +400 with Dabble Race 4: Listed Always Welcome Stakes (1200m) Rey Magnerio has been beaten a combined half-length in his last three starts, with his last two coming by the barest of margins. His run two back was massive behind the classy Estriella when held up at a crucial time before missing to Maharba in a driving finish. He draws out wide in barrier 15, which seems perfect this week at Flemington down the straight, and with a bit more luck on Saturday, Rey Magnerio should go one better this time. Selections: 4 REY MAGNERIO 1 FRONT PAGE 9 NADAL 6 BARBER Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Rey Magnerio (15) 5yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Jye McNeil (55kg) +380 with Neds Race 5: Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) Punters are getting a massive price from Bet365 about Molly Bloom. The four-year-old mare had her first start the Victorian way at Moonee Valley when defeated 1.6 lengths behind some horses she meets again, but at a track that should better suit her racing pattern, she will no doubt improve for the outing. If Molly Bloom is within striking distance on the turn, she can launch down the heart of the track to score in the 2024 Matriarch Stakes. Selections: 2 MOLLY BLOOM 4 LADY JONES 7 HINGED 11 LIEVORE Matriarch Stakes Race 5 – #2 Molly Bloom (16) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (59.5kg) +1600 with Bet365 Race 6: Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) Overpass may just have won The Everest had he gained a slot. Already a winner down the ‘Flemington Six’, the son of Vancouver put a space on his rivals in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) first-up from a six-month spell. He has won his last three in fine style, albeit spaced over the last 11 months, but if Overpass produces anything near his best, the likes of Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick struggle to run him down in the 2024 Champions Sprint. Selections: 2 OVERPASS 5 BELLA NIPOTINA 1 GIGA KICK 12 BELLATRIX STAR Champions Sprint Race 6 – #2 Overpass (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Joshua Parr (58.5kg) +450 with Picklebet Race 7: Group 1 VRC Champions Mile (1600m) The 2024 Champions Mile may just be the race of the spring, and Fangirl looks the goods as she returns to Flemington. The six-year-old mare runs into Pride Of Jenni once again, and with others peppering the champion a long way out, Fangirl may just get the last look at her. This girl is electrifying on her day, and back on firmer going, she could prove too hard to hold out this time. Selections: 10 FANGIRL 1 MR BRIGHTSIDE 13 BROADSIDING 4 ANTINO VRC Champions Mile Race 7 – #10 Fangirl (9) 6yo Mare | T: Trainer | J: James McDonald (57kg) +650 with Boombet Race 8: Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) Punters need a sure thing after somewhat of a tough week, and in the 2024 Champions Stakes, Via Sistina is just that. She embarrassed her rivals in the Cox Plate (2040m), and as long as that hasn’t knocked the stuffing out of her, Via Sistina’s rivals will not see which way she goes when asked for the ultimate effort. Moral. Selections: 10 VIA SISTINA 6 ELIYASS 11 ATISHU 3 ARAPAHO Champions Stakes Race 8 – #10 Via Sistina (4) 7yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) -142.86 with Marantelli Bet Race 9: BM80 Handicap (1100m) Fresh from a spell, the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Keenan looks the best way to round out the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The four-year-old has been gelded during his seven-month spell and returns after a couple of handy jumpouts. He is drawn perfectly out in barrier 16 down the straight, and with plenty of pressure expected throughout, look for Keenan to be storming home down the outside rail. Selections: 5 KEENAN 10 PISANELLO 16 TRAPEZE WARRIOR 12 KIKO Saturday quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, November 9, 2024 1-2-4-5-6-12 1-4-6-9-10-13 10 5-10-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Saturday, November 9, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Saturday afternoon, with a competitive 10-part program set to get underway at 1pm local time. The rail is in the A+3 position for the meeting, and although some rainfall is expected on race-day morning, punters should be safe doing the form for a genuine Good 4 surface. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Charity Gain The David Eustace-trained Charity Gain appears poised to claim back-to-back wins after dismantling his rivals at Happy Valley on October 27. The son of Twilight Son rounded them up stylishly to score by two lengths and looked to be travelling even stronger at the end of 1800m. Back to Sha Tin shouldn’t be an issue for this lightly raced five-year-old, and provided Vincent Ho can gain an economical run from gate four, Charity Gain should prove too strong for Class 4 company. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Charity Gain (4) 5yo Gelding | T: David Eustace | J: Vincent Ho (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Voyage Samurai Voyage Samurai is yet to miss the frame in six career starts and punters can expect that trend to continue in the Sha Tin finale. The Dissident gelding was brave, clinging onto a second-place finish at this course and distance on September 28, sticking on gamely after setting a strong tempo throughout. Derek Leung should have no issues sliding across to lead from stall four, and with less pressure drawn around him, watch for Voyage Samurai to drop his rivals turning for home to secure his first win of the season. Next Best Race 10 – #3 Voyage Samurai (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Derek Leung (59.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sha Tin: Magic Control Magic Control beat home all but one rival in the Group 3 National Day Cup (1000m), with Beauty Waves getting the upper hand in the concluding stages. The son of Sioux Nation was gallant in defeat, however, fending off the remaining six rivals with relative ease. Matthew Chadwick has the option to lead or take a sit behind Wunderbar as Zac Purton looks to cross to the front, and with the likely favourite with horse racing bookmakers some query stepping back in trip, Magic Control should be able to take advantage of the ideal setup. Best Value Race 6 – #6 Magic Control (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Cody Mo | J: Matthew Chadwick (57.5kg) +400 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections November 9, 2024 1-6-7-8-11-12-14 1-5-7-14 2-3-4-5-6-12 3 Horse racing tips View the full article

Crocetti and Sacred Satono during an exhibition gallop at Pukekohe Park on Thursday. Photo: Trish Dunell Group 1 star Crocetti moved a step closer to his return to racing with a pleasing exhibition gallop between races at Pukekohe on Thursday. The son of Zacinto was one of the standouts of New Zealand’s three-year-old crop last season, winning six of his seven starts including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m), Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). His only defeat in that campaign was a runner-up finish behind Bonny Lass when he took on older horses in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m). Trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata were initially aiming Crocetti towards a shot at last Saturday’s A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) in Sydney, but he was instead sent for a three-week spell after a disappointing seventh as favourite in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 7. Crocetti’s stylish hitout on Thursday indicated that he is building nicely towards feature targets on New Zealand’s late spring and summer calendar. “He went very nicely today,” Walker said. “I was really happy with him and he seems to be coming up well ahead of a summer campaign. “We’ll possibly look to kick him off in the Counties Bowl (Group 3, 1100m) later this month and then take it from there. With that in mind, it was a good chance for him to have a bit of a look around Pukekohe today.” The Counties Bowl will be run at Pukekohe on November 23 and is the first qualifying race for the new Champion Sprint Series, which also comprises the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie, the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui, the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham, the Group 1 Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie, the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa and the Group 3 King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie, along with four races in Australia. Points will be allocated to the first four placegetters in each race, with a bonus pool of $500,000 to be shared amongst the owners of the three highest point-scorers of the series. Bookmakers expect Crocetti to be a significant player in that series, currently rating him a $4 favourite for the Telegraph on January 4 and a $4 equal favourite for the Railway on January 25. He shares Railway favouritism with three-year-old filly Alabama Lass. Horse racing news View the full article

Well-known racing photographer Trish Dunell had a day to remember on Tuesday, recording success as a breeder on racing’s biggest stage at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day. Following a busy day plying her trade at the Ellerslie races, Dunell was able to watch Fancify take out the Gr.3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) in the hands of Joe Bowditch for trainer Michael Hickmott. Dunell had raced the daughter of Niagara up until recently before selling to a client of Hickmott’s, and while disappointed she wasn’t able to enjoy the success as an owner, breeding a stakes winner on Melbourne Cup Day is something she will never forget. “I don’t own her anymore, which is a bit sad, but I still have her mum (Laced Up), and she is due to foal next week to Ocean Park,” Dunell said. “I have never had one race at Flemington on Cup Day, so that is an achievement, let alone win a black-type race.” Dunell bred Fancify out of Keeninsky mare Laced Up, who she purchased for $5,000 out of Lime Country Thoroughbreds’ 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale draft. Dunell was a shareholder in Lime Country’s freshman sire Niagara and was looking for mares to send to the Group Two winner, and was put onto Laced Up by farm principals Greg and Jo Griffin. “Laced Up had been in work and she had only had two starts,” Dunell said. “She was a half-sister to Jimmy Choux, and then Miss Wilson popped up and won a Group One as well, so she is a half-sister to two Group One horses. “I have to thank Jo and Greg (Griffin) because they put me onto her.” Dunell said Laced Up is a quirky mare, but luckily Fancify hasn’t inherited that family trait. “She (Laced Up) is a bit of a trick, she is quite antisocial and hard to catch. She lives at Haunui Farm and they know her well,” Dunell said. “She (Fancify) looked really nice. She was with Ilone Kelly and won a trial and beat a horse (Rockburn) that ended up racing in the (New Zealand) Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) for John Bary. “She was always an angel to do anything with, she was just lovely.” Impressed with her trial performance, Dunell elected to test Fancify’s talent across the Tasman and sent her to be trained in South Australia by good family friend Michael Hickmott. She won five races before her sale, and she has since gone on to win two of her following three starts, including Tuesday’s Group Three. “Michael has always had a good opinion of her,” Dunell said. While no longer racing Fancify, Dunell has a couple of her younger siblings to look forward to, including a three-year-old Belardo gelding called Talk About Bruno, and a yearling full-brother to Fancify. “The Niagara yearling is a really nice colt, he is lovely,” Dunell said. “He has got all the white that Fancify has got as well. She (Laced Up) seems to throw a lot of white.” Tuesday’s win was also a tonic for Fancify’s sire Niagara, who stands at Vicki Wilson’s Hau Ora Farm in Kahuranaki, south of Hastings, for a fee of $2,500. The son of Encosta de Lago has now sired six stakes winners, with his daughter Raziah also being a timely boost, with the Tony Pike-trained filly scoring victory in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) and Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) ahead of next week’s Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Dunell has been an active breeder, with both thoroughbreds and standardbreds, over several decades and said Tuesday’s win is amongst her biggest highlights. “Currently she is number one, but Spalato (Singapore Champion 4YO and Champion Polytrack Horse) will always be pretty huge,” Dunell said. “Even back in the trotting days, Silver Wheels won 10 races, and he was really special. “Every now and then you get a special one that spoils you, which means you have to keep on breeding.” View the full article

Group One star Crocetti(NZ) (Zacinto) moved a step closer to his return to racing with a pleasing exhibition gallop between races at Pukekohe on Thursday. The son of Zacinto was one of the standouts of New Zealand’s three-year-old crop last season, winning six of his seven starts including the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m), Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). His only defeat in that campaign was a runner-up finish behind Bonny Lass when he took on older horses in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m). Trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata were initially aiming Crocetti towards a shot at last Saturday’s A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) in Sydney, but he was instead sent for a three-week spell after a disappointing seventh as favourite in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 7. Crocetti’s stylish hitout on Thursday indicated that he is building nicely towards feature targets on New Zealand’s late spring and summer calendar. “He went very nicely today,” Walker said. “I was really happy with him and he seems to be coming up well ahead of a summer campaign. “We’ll possibly look to kick him off in the Counties Bowl (Gr.3, 1100m) later this month and then take it from there. With that in mind, it was a good chance for him to have a bit of a look around Pukekohe today.” The Counties Bowl will be run at Pukekohe on November 23 and is the first qualifying race for the new Champion Sprint Series, which also comprises the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie, the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui, the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham, the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie, the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa and the Gr.3 King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie, along with four races in Australia. Points will be allocated to the first four placegetters in each race, with a bonus pool of $500,000 to be shared amongst the owners of the three highest point-scorers of the series. The TAB expects Crocetti to be a significant player in that series, currently rating him a $4 favourite for the Telegraph on January 4 and a $4 equal favourite for the Railway on January 25. He shares Railway favouritism with three-year-old filly Alabama Lass. View the full article

New Zealand-breds finished first, second and third in the A$150,000 Good Friday Appeal Trophy (2000m) on the Crown Oaks undercard at Flemington on Thursday, headed by a lightly raced mare whose star is on the rise. The aptly named Alma Rise(NZ) (Almanzor) recorded her third win from only a six-start career in Thursday’s Benchmark 80 handicap. The Almanzor mare has placed in all of the other three, including a runner-up finish in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) in April, and has now earned A$203,125 in stakes. Alma Rise was sent out as favourite on Thursday on the strength of her last-start success at Moe in mid-October, but the four-year-old’s prospects looked less rosy when she was trapped behind a wall of horses at the top of the straight. Jockey Luke Nolen eventually found a way through with around 250m remaining and Alma Rise took care of the rest, pulling clear to win by two and a quarter lengths from fellow Kiwi-breds Le Zeba and Flamin’ Romans. “I was just glad they stayed on their feet,” said Katherine Coleman, who trains in partnership with Peter Moody. “It got pretty tight, but Luke is very competitive and this is a very good mare. “She’s really classy. She’s been a bit immature, both physically and mentally, so we’ve taken our time with her. We’ll see how she comes through this one and then take it step by step, but she is a really exciting horse to have in the stable.” Nolen now boasts a perfect two-from-two record on Alma Rise, having ridden her for the first time at Moe last month. “I had to fold the mirrors back today and slide through,” he said. “I had a lap full of horse and we got through them pretty well. She won convincingly in the end. “She wasn’t that impressive or dynamic at Moe last start. She probably should’ve run last. She came off the bridle and was floundering in the wet going. She was far more effective on top of the ground today and is a mare with nice scope. She’ll be better even further out in trip. She’s a stayer with nice class. “An inexperienced horse in the wide open spaces here at Flemington is pretty daunting. While she put a gap on them, I think she could be more brilliant with the benefit of experience. “Off-season stakes races are probably the next port of call, and next year she’ll be in the thick of it.” Bred by Ed Calvert and raced with his family, Alma Rise is a daughter of the Bertolini mare Fashion Black, who won six races. Fashion Black is a half-sister to the dual Group One winner and sire Xtravagant, whose brother He’s Remarkable won at Group Three level and was Group One-placed on both sides of the Tasman. View the full article

Hi Yo Legacy(NZ) (Per Incanto) is the latest success story for Kim Reid out of her family’s late broodmare Hi Yo Wassup, with the five-year-old producing an impressive victory on debut at New Plymouth on Wednesday. A quiet trial at Foxton prepared Hi Yo Legacy for his first raceday appearance over a mile, where he settled back in the field early under George Rooke. The gelding loomed into contention turning for home and kept finding in the closing stages, powering away from the remainder of the field by 3-3/4 lengths. Reid was delighted with the performance, which rewarded plenty of perseverance with the son of Per Incanto. “He went super, really nice and it was great to see him come home so well,” she said. “It was very encouraging. “He’s been an interesting horse, a work in progress and has had a lot of issues along the way that we’ve had to work through. “He’s such a big horse, just under 17 hands and he showed a lot early on, so it has been a case of working through his issues. Even though he’s five, he’s very mentally and physically weak.” While the victory came at the first time of asking, the road has been far from smooth for Hi Yo Legacy, beginning at birth when Hi Yo Wassup, owned by Reid’s parents Josephine and Graeme Reid, sadly passed during foaling. “It’s quite a story, Mum and a good friend bought the mare from the sales and she was a very special horse, being the original mare,” Reid said. “When she went to Per Incanto, it was something a bit more fancy compared with some of the others she went to, but she actually died while giving birth to him which was quite sad. “He was raised by a surrogate mother, but that obviously hasn’t affected his size, he grew to be a big, rangy type and needed a lot of time. “Mum has always been a big believer of this horse, he’s been her pride and joy, and they’ve had the patience to persevere with him which has been really good. A lot of owners probably wouldn’t be, as he’s been a long time coming, so it’s great to be able to reward them. “Jess Mangan from ESI (Equine Sports Institute) and her husband Dave have been amazing in working through all of his issues, we’ve really problem-solved together.” Hi Yo Legacy was the final foal of eight out of the Al Akbar mare, who also produced five-win mare Hi Yo Soo, the dam of Reid’s Group One performer and Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) winner Hi Yo Sass Bomb. “They are totally different horses, he’s about the same weight as Sass Bomb, and she’s about 15.3 hands and a solid little nugget,” Reid said. “He’s actually going out for three weeks now, I know he’s five, but I’d like to see him fill out a bit more and hopefully he’ll come back stronger both physically and mentally. “I think he’ll get over a bit more ground, but as he strengthens up, I think he’ll make the shorter distances as well. He’s got such a big stride on him.” Back at Reid’s local base, Hi Yo Sass Bomb is back from a short holiday and preparing for some major targets through the summer, with options including the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) and Gr.2 Cal Izuzu Stakes (1600m). “She’s going super, she had two weeks in the paddock after the Livamol and put on 10 kilos,” Reid said. “She’s come back and is working really well, we’ll definitely be going for one of the miles in December, whether we run before that, I’ll just see how she goes in her next few gallops. She’s starting to lose that weight again which is good. “She’s just a happy little horse, such a cool customer.” View the full article

Dear Trainers and Owners, The NZB Kiwi (1500m) is set to introduce a new era in New Zealand racing. With over $4.5 million in stakes and bonuses, the race aims to boost domestic racing with a significant prize pool and attract international attention. Alongside the base prizemoney of the NZB Kiwi, an additional $1 million in bonuses is up for grabs each year across several iconic New Zealand and Australian lead-up races, with allocations for the bonus pool split as follows: $600k for 1st, $250k for 2nd and $150k for 3rd. With this added bonus, the NZB Kiwi winner could claim up to $1.8 million in total prizemoney next March. Four qualifying races have been run to date for the $1 million NZB Kiwi bonus pool, which requires that a horse wins one of the designated New Zealand or Australian races and places in the top three in the NZB Kiwi. Notably, any horse can participate in these Bonus Eligible races without being nominated for the NZB Kiwi, making this pathway especially attractive for Trainers or Owners who may look to partner with one of the 14 NZB Kiwi Slot Holders. BONUS ELIGIBLE RACE SCHEDULE Saturday 6 April 2024: Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at RACE Trentham – Won by Move To Strike (AUS) [Not eligible] Saturday 26 October 2024: Gr.2 Callander Presnell Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick – Won by Prost (AUS) [Not eligible] Wednesday 30 October 2024: Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Aroha Racecourse – Won by Savaglee (NZ) Saturday 2 November 2024: Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington Racecourse – Won by Aeliana (NZ) Saturday 9 November 2024: Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park Saturday 16 November 2024: Gr.1 Barneswood Farm One Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park Saturday 11 January 2025: Gr.2 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1400m) at RACE Trentham Saturday 25 January 2025: L. TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie Racecourse Saturday 25 January 2025: Gr.2 Cambridge Stud Alamanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie Racecourse Saturday 8 February 2025: Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa Racecourse o far, qualifying bonuses have been run on both sides of the Tasman, with top-performing three-year-olds Savaglee (NZ) and Aeliana (NZ) winning their respective races. Savaglee indicated he is right on track with a stunning performance in the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Aroha for Trainer Pam Gerard and Owner The Oaks Stud. Meanwhile, Chris Waller-trained filly Aeliana now has the NZB Kiwi bonus in her sights after kicking off the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a dominant performance in the Gr.3 Channel 9 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. Looking ahead, Canterbury Jockey Club will offer the winning connections of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas® the first option to negotiate use of its slot in the 2025 NZB Kiwi. If they decline, the option will pass to the connections of the eligible winner of the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas®. WANT TO BECOME A PART OF NEW ZEALAND RACING HISTORY? To offer Trainers or Owners of top-tier three-year-olds a chance to participate in the NZB Kiwi without a three-year commitment, NZTR will auction a single slot for the 2025 edition of the race. The auction will be held on Tuesday 19 November, on the eve of NZB’s 2024 Ready to Run Sale, with 50% of the Above Reserve Fee ($125k) donated to charity (Rodney Animal Rescue). The slot will go up for bidding at 5pm during NZB’s welcome party at the Karaka Sales Centre. For more information about the slot auction or general NZB Kiwi enquiries, contact emma.thompson@nztr.co.nz or visit thekiwirace.nz. View the full article

An online purchase over COVID-19 lockdown is proving fruitful for a group of Otago mates. Four years ago, Craig Hunter was perusing New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale on gavelhouse.com, and a Per Incanto weanling filly piqued his interest. Under his pseudonym Wagonwheel, Hunter went to $11,000 to secure the half-sister to stakes performer Princeton Spirit, and put a small syndicate together to race her with Wingatui trainer Steven Prince. Hunter subsequently named his filly Tikki(NZ) (Per Incanto) and she has become an astute buy, recoding four wins and two placings from 10 starts to date, and accrued more than $80,000 in prizemoney. Prince has been impressed with her development, particularly over the last 12 months, and is now wanting to test her talent against stakes company for the first time at Riccarton on Saturday in the Listed Donaldson Brown Pegasus Stakes (1000m). She has won four of her last five,” Prince said. “She is going well. “It is a big step up for her, but we thought we would come up and test the water and see where she is at.” Prince will have the services of leading northern hoop Craig Grylls aboard, with Tikki set to jump from barrier nine in the sprint feature. “Niranjan Parmar was originally going to ride her, but he decided to ride at Te Rapa, and Craig is a good booking,” Prince said. “She is pretty easy to ride, she has got amazing gate speed, she’ll put herself up there, and she has only got 53kg. The only question is if she is up this next level, but I think she is.” Tikki takes a last start winning performance into the weekend and Prince has been pleased with the way she has progressed since that victory over 1200m at Wingatui last month. “She got a bit leg weary in the last 50m, but the track was a Heavy8,” he said. “She is naturally fit and pulled up great. She is better from the run and she worked exceptional on Wednesday morning.” It will be a hit-and-run mission for the five-year-old mare, with Prince eyeing local targets with his charge following Saturday’s run. “She is booked to come home on Sunday, she won’t stay up for the Stewards (Listed, 1200m),” he said. “There are some nice races down here, but we will see how she is on Saturday and then we will make some plans.” Tikki will be joined on the float trip north to Christchurch this week by stablemate Bellano, who was also victorious over 1200m at Wingatui last start. The five-year-old daughter of Savabeel will contest the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series Premier (1400m) on Saturday, and could be in line for some rich local features next March. “She was pretty impressive the other day over 1200m, she has gone to another level,” Prince said. “The big track will suit her because she gets back a wee bit. “She will come home on Sunday. The Southern Mile is down here worth $200,000, and the White Robe (Gr.3, 1600m) is $220,000. I think she has gone to another notch this prep.” View the full article

Australian handler bids for breakthrough success with in-form four-year-old in Saturday’s feature.View the full article

Hi Yo Legacy winning at New Plymouth on Wednesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Hi Yo Legacy is the latest success story for Kim Reid out of her family’s late broodmare Hi Yo Wassup, with the five-year-old producing an impressive victory on debut at New Plymouth on Wednesday. A quiet trial at Foxton prepared Hi Yo Legacy for his first raceday appearance over a mile, where he settled back in the field early under George Rooke. The gelding loomed into contention turning for home and kept finding in the closing stages, powering away from the remainder of the field by 3-3/4 lengths. Reid was delighted with the performance, which rewarded plenty of perseverance with the son of Per Incanto. “He went super, really nice and it was great to see him come home so well,” she said. “It was very encouraging.” “He’s been an interesting horse, a work in progress and has had a lot of issues along the way that we’ve had to work through. “He’s such a big horse, just under 17 hands and he showed a lot early on, so it has been a case of working through his issues. Even though he’s five, he’s very mentally and physically weak.” While the victory came at the first time of asking, the road has been far from smooth for Hi Yo Legacy, beginning at birth when Hi Yo Wassup, owned by Reid’s parents Josephine and Graeme Reid, sadly passed during foaling. “It’s quite a story, Mum and a good friend bought the mare from the sales and she was a very special horse, being the original mare,” Reid said. “When she went to Per Incanto, it was something a bit more fancy compared with some of the others she went to, but she actually died while giving birth to him which was quite sad. “He was raised by a surrogate mother, but that obviously hasn’t affected his size, he grew to be a big, rangy type and needed a lot of time. “Mum has always been a big believer of this horse, he’s been her pride and joy, and they’ve had the patience to persevere with him which has been really good. A lot of owners probably wouldn’t be, as he’s been a long time coming, so it’s great to be able to reward them. “Jess Mangan from ESI (Equine Sports Institute) and her husband Dave have been amazing in working through all of his issues, we’ve really problem-solved together.” Hi Yo Legacy was the final foal of eight out of the Al Akbar mare, who also produced five-win mare Hi Yo Soo, the dam of Reid’s Group 1 performer and Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) winner Hi Yo Sass Bomb. “They are totally different horses, he’s about the same weight as Sass Bomb, and she’s about 15.3 hands and a solid little nugget,” Reid said. “He’s actually going out for three weeks now, I know he’s five, but I’d like to see him fill out a bit more and hopefully he’ll come back stronger both physically and mentally. “I think he’ll get over a bit more ground, but as he strengthens up, I think he’ll make the shorter distances as well. He’s got such a big stride on him.” Back at Reid’s local base, Hi Yo Sass Bomb is back from a short holiday and preparing for some major targets through the summer, with options including the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) and Group 2 Cal Izuzu Stakes (1600m). “She’s going super, she had two weeks in the paddock after the Livamol and put on 10 kilos,” Reid said. “She’s come back and is working really well, we’ll definitely be going for one of the miles in December, whether we run before that, I’ll just see how she goes in her next few gallops. She’s starting to lose that weight again which is good. “She’s just a happy little horse, such a cool customer.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Lee Steere Stakes Day 2024 Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, November 9, 2024 First Race 12:34pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes will headline a massive nine-race card at Ascot this Saturday afternoon, where the first event is scheduled to jump at 12:34pm AWST. Although there is rain forecast on Friday, it is expected that the track will remain in the Good 4 rating that was posted at the time of acceptances. The rail will go back into its true position for the entire circuit. Lee Steere Stakes tip: Magnificent Andy Magnificent Andy has continued to improve this preparation, and his last start placing in the Eurythmic Stakes showed that he is nearing peak fitness. The Stephen Miller-trained gelding pushed through a gap at the top of the straight and finished off strongly with Super Smink, who has gone on to win since. After drawing barrier one, Brad Parnham will be able to settle a lot closer to the speed, and if he gets the breaks early in the straight, look for Magnificent Andy to be finishing off strongly on the outside of runners. Lee Steere Stakes Race 8 – #7 Magnificent Andy (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Stephen Miller | J: Brad Parnham (59kg) +360 with Bet365 Fairetha Stakes tip: September Born It was hard to dislike the run of September Born first-up in the Listed Belgravia Stakes, when the Neville Parnham-trained colt flashed home down the outside to finish second behind West Star. The son of Playing God settled at the rear of the field from his wide barrier before unleashing with a strong turn of foot down the middle of the track late. In what looks to be a weaker contest, Brad Parnham will seek to replicate last starts run on September Born, but go one better this time. Fairetha Stakes Race 7 – #5 September Born (13) 3yo Colt | T: Neville Parnham | J: Brad Parnham (55kg) +150 with Picklebet Luckygray Stakes tip: Currimundi Currimundi arguably should have beaten Buckets Ridge in the Northam Cup last start, after the Steve Wolfe-trained galloper was held up for a run at a crucial stage in the home straight. After being held up, the son of Playing God burst through a gap at the 150m mark and let down with a blistering turn of foot to finish second. Considering the price discrepancy between Buckets Ridge and Currimundi with horse racing bookmakers, $11 is a great price to find out if he can turn the tables here. Luckygray Stakes Race 6 – #4 Currimundi (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Steve Wolfe | J: Shaun McGruddy (56.5kg) +1000 with Dabble Best Bet at Ascot: Richanco It took a great ride from William Pike on Regal Statue to defeat Chris Parnham on Richanco to deny the Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained gelding his fourth win from five starts. This son of Rich Enuff led every step of the way over the 1200m journey before being nabbed on the winning post. Although this guy has drawn barrier eight, there doesn’t appear to be any other speed influences, and Parnham will be able to cross the field and lead. If Richanco gives a strong kick at the top of the home straight, he will prove extremely hard to beat. Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Richanco (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Chris Parnham (58.5kg) +180 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Antique Miss Antique Miss put a poor fresh run behind her second-up when she finished second behind Cosmic Crusader over 1400m at this track. Michael Grantham has chosen to drop this daughter of Domesday back in trip to 1200m for her third run of the preparation, and he looks to have found the ideal race for her to record a victory. William Pike has never missed the placings from six rides on this girl (6:3-2-1), and if he can settle in the first six from barrier two, Antique Miss can return to the winners circle. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Antique Miss (2) 5yo Mare | T: Michael Grantham | J: William Pike (58.5kg) +300 with PlayUp Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, November 9, 2024 2-3-4-9 5-7 4-7-8-11 1-8-9-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Tikki will contest Saturday’s Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton Park. Photo: Monica Toretto An online purchase over COVID-19 lockdown is proving fruitful for a group of Otago mates. Four years ago, Craig Hunter was perusing New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale on gavelhouse.com, and a Per Incanto weanling filly piqued his interest. Under his pseudonym Wagonwheel, Hunter went to $11,000 to secure the half-sister to stakes performer Princeton Spirit, and put a small syndicate together to race her with Wingatui trainer Steven Prince. Hunter subsequently named his filly Tikki and she has become an astute buy, recoding four wins and two placings from 10 starts to date, and accrued more than $80,000 in prizemoney. Prince has been impressed with her development, particularly over the last 12 months, and is now wanting to test her talent against stakes company for the first time at Riccarton on Saturday in the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m). She has won four of her last five,” Prince said. “She is going well. “It is a big step up for her, but we thought we would come up and test the water and see where she is at.” Prince will have the services of leading northern hoop Craig Grylls aboard, with Tikki set to jump from barrier nine in the sprint feature. “Niranjan Parmar was originally going to ride her, but he decided to ride at Te Rapa, and Craig is a good booking,” Prince said. “She is pretty easy to ride, she has got amazing gate speed, she’ll put herself up there, and she has only got 53kg. The only question is if she is up this next level, but I think she is.” Tikki takes a last start winning performance into the weekend and Prince has been pleased with the way she has progressed since that victory over 1200m at Wingatui last month. “She got a bit leg weary in the last 50m, but the track was a Heavy8,” he said. “She is naturally fit and pulled up great. She is better from the run and she worked exceptional on Wednesday morning.” It will be a hit-and-run mission for the five-year-old mare, with Prince eyeing local targets with his charge following Saturday’s run. “She is booked to come home on Sunday, she won’t stay up for the Stewards (Listed, 1200m),” he said. “There are some nice races down here, but we will see how she is on Saturday and then we will make some plans.” Tikki will be joined on the float trip north to Christchurch this week by stablemate Bellano, who was also victorious over 1200m at Wingatui last start. The five-year-old daughter of Savabeel will contest the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series Premier (1400m) on Saturday, and could be in line for some rich local features next March. “She was pretty impressive the other day over 1200m, she has gone to another level,” Prince said. “The big track will suit her because she gets back a wee bit. “She will come home on Sunday. The Southern Mile is down here worth $200,000, and the White Robe (Group 3, 1600m) is $220,000. I think she has gone to another notch this prep.” Horse racing news View the full article

Is That So will contest the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Clinton Isdale will be represented by two strong chances at Riccarton on Saturday and he’ll also be keeping a close watch on a pair of other runners on the program. The Cambridge trainer’s prospects are headed by Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) contender Is That So, with Mahoe to tackle the Gold Club Premier Handicap (2000m). Isdale also shares in the ownership of Words Of Mine, who runs in The Ned Fashions 13 & 16 Premier (1600m), with trainers John and Karen Parsons and also races stablemate and Scenic Hotel Group Premier (1200m) hope Funfetti. Short course performer Is That So has won five races up to 1200m, finished runner-up in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m) and was luckless when unplaced in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) earlier this year. “He was just chiming in when he got taken out by a riderless horse, but that’s racing,” part-owner Isdale said. “He doesn’t really like going around a bend and with how wet Trentham has been lately we thought we’d send him down (to Riccarton) for a better track. “He travelled nicely and has been eating well, the travel was the least of my worries with him.” To be ridden by Michael McNab, Is That So will go into the Pegasus second-up following his resuming effort for fifth at Ellerslie last month. “He had a nice blow after that run and he’s improved quite a bit since,” Isdale said. He expects Is That So to take further benefit from this outing and will then back up seven days later in the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m). The eight-year-old son of Sufficient has been patiently handled with just 24 starts on the board. “I actually got him thinking he’d make a jumper, so he’s made a fool of us,” Isdale said. “I never broke him in until he was a four-year-old and then when he did have his first start he went shin sore, so I gave him another three or four months off.” Meanwhile, travelling partner Mahoe was unplaced two runs back before an improved effort for third at New Plymouth and is expected to give Englishman Kevin Stott a good ride. “He needs a decent track and in the Waverley Cup (2200m) he led and couldn’t quicken, it was a bit wet and not as good as we thought it would be,” Isdale said. “He was a lot better last time and he’ll be thereabouts on Saturday and it’s the first time he’s had a strong senior rider on him in a while.” Isdale has also been encouraged by reports from the Parsons stable on the chances of Words Of Mine, to be partnered by Tina Comignahi, and Funfetti, the mount of Leah Hemi. “Words Of Mine’s last run was good, she got home well and she’ll be hard to beat,” he said. “Funfetti trained off a bit and then had a good spell and Karen and John said she’s been working well, so she’ll give a good account of herself.” Horse racing news View the full article

The third edition of the $2 million Five Diamonds race promises a thrilling battle of the five-year-olds at Rosehill on Saturday. With a field of fourteen top contenders and several late scratches, the now Listed race is wide open. Territory Express, trained by Paul Niceforo at Kembla Grange, is the current favourite at $4.60 in […] The post 2024 Five Diamonds Heats Up at Rosehill: Wide-Open Race for $2 Million Prize appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The last day of the four-day 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival reaches a fever pitch at Headquarters for Stakes Day with the Group 1 $3 million Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington one of the features at the meeting. This year’s edition boasts a field of twelve elite horses, with the Sydney raider Bella Nipotina the clear […] The post Bella Nipotina Leads the Charge in Champions Sprint 2024 Field & Odds appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, November 9, 2024 First Race 12:07pm AEST Visit Dabble The Keith Noud Quality at Listed level will headline the 10-race card at Doomben this Saturday afternoon. With rain being forecast on Friday, the track is expected to remain in the Soft range after being rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in the +2.5m position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 12:07pm AEST. Keith Noud Quality tip: Bubba’s Bay Bubba’s Bay will get her second crack at Listed level in the feature event following back-to-back victories over 1200m at this track and Eagle Farm. The Kris Lees-trained mare has gone through her grades nicely, recording dominant wins after settling on speed on both occasions. This daughter of Cable Bay will appreciate a softer surface this weekend, and if Andrew Mallyon can settle in the first four from barrier seven, Bubba’s Bay will give a strong kick on the home turn to give her rivals something to chase late. Keith Noud Quality Race 7 – #3 Bubba’s Bay (7) 5yo Mare | T: Kris Lees | J: Andrew Mallyon (56.5kg) +300 with Dabble Best Bet at Doomben: Kronenbourg Tony Gollan and Ryan Maloney will combine with Kronunbourg for the second straight start as they seek to record another win after his strong performance second-up. The son of Vadamos led from start to finish over 1600m at Eagle Farm last start, and Maloney was very kind to him late, even though the margin was small on the line. With more speed expected in this contest, Maloney can settle in the one-one position from barrier two before peeling off the leaders heels to finish off strongly. Best Bet Race 8 – #1 Kronenbourg (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Ryan Maloney (60kg) +190 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Acres Away Acres Away recorded an impressive win first-up over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast before finishing second in both of his next two starts after unlucky runs. The Mark Currie-trained gelding settled in the box seat behind the speed in her most recent start but was held up for a run before shifting back to the inside to run home nicely behind Taltarni Fields. Now that he has drawn a wide barrier (11) and Cody Collis will take 2kg off his back, Acres Away can return to the winners circle with a much clearer run in transit. Next Best Race 6 – #1 Acres Away (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Mark Currie | J: Cody Collis (a2) (62.5kg) +450 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Majorian The form guide doesn’t read great for Majorian in his previous three starts; however, the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained gelding will appreciate a softer track on Saturday. With two wins and two placings from five starts on a Soft track, expect a form reversal here. Jag Guthmann-Chester will push forward from barrier 10 to settle on a slow speed, and if Majorian can give a strong kick on the home turn, the $11 on offer with online racing betting sites will look like a great price. Best Value Race 2 – #7 Majorian (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Jag Guthmann-Chester (55kg) +1000 with Picklebet Doomben quaddie tips – 9/11/24 Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, November 9, 2024 1-3-5-7 1-2-7 4-5-7-8 3-7-8-9-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival culminates with a triple shot of Group 1 racing at Headquarters including the Group 1 Champions Mile, a race that shapes up as a very close affair. A field of top-class horses, including several Group 1 winners, will battle it out for the $3 million prize, and […] The post 2024 Champions Mile: A Stellar Clash of Champions on Stakes Day at Flemington appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival promises more thrilling racing actioned including the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. This year’s edition boasts a field of twelve elite horses, headlined by the dominant mare Via Sistina. Chris Waller‘s champion mare Via Sistina is the clear favourite at a short $1.70 in […] The post Via Sistina Leads Star-Studded Lineup in 2024 VRC Champions Stakes Field appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article