Wandering Eyes

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, November 6, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to the bright lights of Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday evening, with a competitive nine-part program lined up. The rail is in the A position, and with pristine conditions forecast in the lead-up, participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm HKT. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Storming Dragon The Jamie Richards-trained Storming Dragon has finished in the minor money five times across his six starts. The son of Star Turn was no match for Spicy Gold at this course and distance on October 16, although he was clearly finishing off best of the rest along the inside rail. Zac Purton can sit closer from barrier two this time around, and provided he can lob into the one-one throughout, Storming Dragon should finally shirk the maiden tag. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Storming Dragon (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Zac Purton (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Yee Cheong Spirit Back-to-back minor placings should have Yee Cheong Spirit set to peak third-up. The lightly raced five-year-old was sensational in his most recent effort at this track and trip on October 9, powering through the line from an awful position after drawing gate 12. He should get the ideal run in transit from stall one this time, and provided Vincent Ho can get off the rail at a crucial stage, watch for Yee Cheong Spirit to explode through the gap and claim his first career victory. Best Bet Race 6 – #8 Yee Cheong Spirit (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Vincent Ho (57kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Happy Valley: Illuminous The Frankie Lor-trained Illuminous should relish the step up to 1800m on his first look at Happy Valley. The son of Rock Sturdy was the flashing light behind Bravehearts at Sha Tin on October 20, making significant inroads from the rear of the field. Hugh Bowman can sit handy from gate one, and with Illuminous at peak fitness third-up, he will be hard to hold out at an nice each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 7 – #4 Illuminous (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Hugh Bowman (58kg) Bet with Dabble Happy Valley quaddie predictions – 6/11/2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, November 6, 2024 1-3-5-8 1-4-5-9 1-3-4-10 1-3-4-6-7 Horse racing tips View the full article

Fancify ridden by Joe Bowditch wins the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) The Michael Hickmott-trained Fancify ($7.00) has made every post a winner in the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Tuesday afternoon, justifying the strong support with horse racing bookmakers prior to the jump. Punters identified the son of Niagara as the logical leader in the event, and with on speed gallopers gaining an advantage throughout the day, it was no surprise to see Joe Bowditch storm across to the early lead from barrier 11. Tiz Invincible ($19.00) was quick to lob onto the leaders back from gate six, while James McDonald and Konasana ($8.50) got the run of the race after crossing into the one-one from stall 10. The race never really changed complexion, with Fancify giving a bold kick at the top of the straight, and although Tiz Invincible and Konasana were making strong inroads late, they were simply no match for Fancify who kept on kicking in the concluding stages. 2024 HKJC Stakes Replay – Fancify Michael Hickmott made the trip to Flemington to represent the stable and spoke post-race. “I’m not going to apologise for getting excited,” Hickmott said. “If you can’t get excited watching your horses win, you shouldn’t be doing it.” “Geez that’s a thrill. We’ve got some wonderful owners in the horse, Mr Andy Yao purchased the horse before she won at Flemington a few runs ago and he’s a new investor in my stable. “It’s going to be hopefully a beautiful building partnership when we go forward together. “We gave her (Fancify) a relatively wide order and gave her a good spell. I elected not to bring her here on Guineas Day, and really just thought stay at home, give her a good run there and she’ll peak second up. “Shout out to my entire team at home. We’ve got a big property there that we’re building into a private training centre and taking a lot of work. “Big shout out to everyone right from the ground up who does all the work at home for us to come here on days like today because, jeez, that’s a bloody thrill.” Joe Bowditch was quick to praise the Hickmott stable and suggested ridding a winner on Cup Day will go down as one of his career highlights. “It was a good win the other day and I said to Michael (Hickmott) that it was my feeling that she still had plenty of improvement in her,” he said. “Michael agreed and said she had trained on really well even though she set a track record, I still thought she’d improve. “Very good trainer, Michael. He obviously identified that she could improve. Probably needed the run the other day, a bit, as well. Very good today. “I’ve ridden at the highest level before and won Group Ones, but it’s nice to come here and do it in front of 90,000 people, especially in Group racing and especially for Michael, who I’ve known since he was probably 12 or 13 years old. “We’ve been mates all that time; I’ve ridden winners for him, his dad, his brother. So, to get one for him on Cup day, it just means the world.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Kyneton Cup Day Where Kyneton Racing Club – 44 Campaspe Pl, Kyneton VIC 3444 When Wednesday, November 6, 2024 First Race 12:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble The $125,000 Kyneton Cup (2006m) headlines a bumper nine-race program in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges on Wednesday. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with no rain forecast on Monday and Tuesday, punters can expect the surface to be upgraded to the Good range on race-day morning. Kyneton Cup Day racing is scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. Kyneton Cup Tip: Mankayan Mankayan looks set to peak third-up after a grinding performance behind Kingswood in Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on October 10. The son of Intello was unsuited to the slow tempo on that occasion but continued to whack away gallantly in defeat. There should be a genuine tempo in this courtesy of Keats and Too Close The Sun, and with Mankayan likely to lob into the one-one under John Allen, this guy should prove hard to hold out in the 2024 Kyneton Cup. Kyneton Cup Race 8 – #2 Mankayan (2) 9yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (59.5kg) +650 with Neds Best Bet at Kyneton: Sir Woodpecker The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Sir Woodpecker debuts in the opening event and looks to have stacks of ability. The three-year-old made a mess of his rivals in a jump-out at Ararat on September 30, bursting clear under minimal riding to score by eight lengths. Harry Coffey should have every available option from barrier one, and whether he elects to lead or take a sit, Sir Woodpecker may prove too classy regardless of tactics. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Sir Woodpecker (1) 3yo Colt | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Harry Coffey (58kg) +290 with Picklebet Next Best at Kyneton: Master Montaro With a strong first-up record of three wins from six fresh starts, Master Montaro looks poised to strike after an eye-catching jump-out victory at Pakenham on October 22. Expect Daniel Stackhouse to lob into a mid-field position with cover from barrier five, and provided he gets clear running in the home straight, watch for this eight-year-old gelding to blouse his rivals at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 7 – #5 Master Montaro (5) 8yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (60kg) +650 with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Kyneton Kyneton quadrella selections November 6, 2024 2-5-6-8-9 1-4-5-6 1-2-4 1-2-3-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

by Jessica Martini, Christina Bossinakis, & Jill Williams LEXINGTON, KY – The Fasig-Tipton November Sale failed to continue its streak of $100-million plus gross results, but did produce a day of vibrant trade from a diverse international buying bench Monday in Lexington. Twenty-five mares sold for $1 million or more during the auction, matching the figure from 2023. Nine sold for $2 million or more and four sold for $3 million or over, compared to 16 and 10, respectively, a year ago. “It was another tremendous November sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. “There was very, very competitive bidding and obviously tremendous support from an international buying base. Our friends from Japan continue to be major supporters of this sale. We also saw European participation. We saw Australian participation. And we saw strong American participation. It was a very broad market.” From a catalogue of 321 head, 172 horses sold for a gross of $93,948,500. The average was $546,212 and the median was $250,000. With 64 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 27.1%. Those figures showed slight declines from the 2023 auction, which saw 154 horses sell for $101,281,000 for an average of $657,669 and a median of $295,000. The buy-back rate a year ago was 24.9%. “The market is certainly not easy and it's discriminating should you have what is viewed as–I'm not even going to call it a hole–but if you might have a little age on a mare or you might have a little questionable produce, if you give them a reason not to bid, they don't bid,” Browning said. “That's just the reality and that's what we've seen. It's a selective marketplace at all levels in everything we do. But when the stars line up, when you lead a beautiful one in there and she has a good race record, and she's carrying a first or second foal and she's the right type, those horses were zooming past their reserves. And other times, it was very sticky to get to the reserve.” Emmanuel de Seroux's Narvick International, acting on behalf of Yoshiyuki Ito's Grand Stud, made the highest bid of Monday's sale, going to $6 million to purchase McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) from the Elite consignment. It was one of three seven-figure purchases for Narvick and was at the top of a powerful Japanese buying bench responsible for nine of the 25 million-dollar mares. Eight of the million-dollar offerings were consigned by Hill 'n' Dale. The November sale opened with an offering of 159 catalogued weanlings and action was slow to pick up with a number of buy-backs in the first grouping of foals. “After about the first 15 foals, it kind of found its feet,” Browning said of the weanling market. “The trade was good, but there were no 'Wow' moments in the weanling market. It was very, very good for the quality weanlings, too.” The first weanling by champion Flightline to be offered at auction in the U.S. was the day's top-priced foal when selling for $675,000 to the bid of bloodstock agent David Ingordo. “The foal market was spotty,” admitted bloodstock agent Ben McElroy. “There were a lot of RNAs. But I think quality sells and obviously, the quality is selling with these top mares.” The Fasig-Tipton November sale grossed over $100 million for the first time in its history in 2021 when 149 horses sold for $103,699,000. It reached that level again in 2022 and in 2023, but just failed to keep the streak going for a fourth year. “Three years ago, we hit $100 million for the first time and had $100 million last year,” Browning said. “Now we have a goal for next year because we just missed the $100 million mark, which will keep us humble and hungry.” Grand Stud Goes Back to Klaravich Well for $6-Million McKulick Yoshiyuki Ito's Grand Stud secured Grade I winner McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) for $6 million late in Monday's Fasig-Tipton November sale. Ito sat alongside bloodstock agent Emmanuel de Seroux during a prolonged bidding duel and saw off persistent challenges from a stubborn online bidder, as well as Kia Joorabchian of Amo Racing. “She is a beautiful filly and she is by Frankel, the best stallion in the world,” de Seroux said after signing the ticket on the racing/broodmare prospect. “She is a Grade I winner. She is fantastic.” Asked if had considered quitting at any point in the bidding, de Seroux said with a smile, “Yes. Several times. Mr. Ito made the decision. He was next to me. Several times he stopped, but then he came back.” The $6-million purchase was the second big ticket item of the sale that Grand Stud purchased from the roster of Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables after de Seroux signed for Surge Capacity (Flintshire {GB}) for $3.6 million earlier in the sale. Bloodstock agent Mike Ryan purchased McKulick on behalf of Klaravich Stables for 180,000gns at the 2020 Tattersalls October sale. Shipped stateside to the barn of trainer Chad Brown, the bay mare won the 2022 GI Belmont Oaks Invitational, as well as five other graded events. On the board in 15 of starts, she won seven times and earned $1,955,290. McKulick was consigned Monday by Elite Sales. “I wasn't expecting that,” Elite's Brad Weisbord admitted after watching the mare sell. “The reserve was half that. All the credit goes to Seth Klarman, Chad Brown and Mike Ryan. They went over to Tattersalls and bought a beautiful filly. She won a Grade I and we got a chance to sell the only Grade I winner by Frankel. Chad and Seth have been our number one supporter since we started Elite. We have been waiting a long time to get a break out sale for them. We are really happy for Seth and Chad.” Earlier in the boutique auction, Grand Stud went to $3.6 million to secure Surge Capacity (hip 197), also from the Elite consignment. In foal to Into Mischief, the mare is a Grade I winner herself and a half-sister to Grade I winner Ways and Means (Practical Joke). “She was a collection item in our minds,” de Seroux said. “She's a fantastic race mare with a fantastic pedigree. She's young and she's in foal to a great horse. She has everything going for her.” Bred and raced by Klaravich Stables and trained by Brown, Surge Capacity won last year's GI Matriarch Stakes, as well as a pair of Grade III events. Surge Capacity followed her dam Strong Incentive (Warrior's Reward), also in foal to Into Mischief, into the sales ring Monday. Strong Incentive had been purchased by Jon Clay's Alpha Delta for $2.15 million at last year's Fasig-Tipton November sale and was re-offered this year following the exploits of her daughter, Ways and Means, who won the GI Test S. over the summer. The mare was originally led out unsold at $2.7 million Monday, but was later listed as a $2.75-million sale to Coolmore's M V Magnier and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm. “It's a tremendous privilege to be associated with a mare of her class and quality,” said Price Bell of Mill Ridge, which consigned Strong Incentive on behalf of Clay. “For Surge Capacity to sell for $3.6 million reinforces that this may be the most exciting pedigree in the American Stud book. Full compliments to Chad Brown and Mr. Klarman for developing it from the beginning. She has been purchased by the best in the business and we look forward to their continued success.” Klaravich Stable purchased Strong Incentive for $200,000 at the 2014 OBS April sale. She sold again to dissolve Klarman's partnership with William Lawrence for $40,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November and she is also the dam of graded winner Highly Motivated (Into Mischief). @JessMartiniTDN Japanese Buyers Stay Strong at Fasig-Tipton Yoshiyuki Ito's Grand Stud purchased two of the top four lots at the Fasig-Tipton November sale Monday, going to a sale-topping $6 million to secure McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and $3.6 million for Surge Capacity (Flintshire {GB}). The pair of seven-figure mares were at the top of a string of high-priced mares to sell to Japanese interests at the auction. Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm purchased five mares, led by Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) for $2.8 million and Queen Goddess (Empire Maker) for $1.5 million. Shadai Farm purchased four mares, led by a pair of seven-figure purchases: the $1.75-million Flying Connection (Nyquist) and the $1.1-million Daddysruby (Frac Daddy). Japan's Lake Villa Farm purchased the first mare through the ring Monday, Neecie Marie (Cross Traffic), for $1 million. Ramatuelle | Fasig-Tipton From Breeders' Cup Scratch to $5.1-Million Filly Group 1 winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Ramatuelle (Justify) has had an eventful 30 days. After romping over older males in the G1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp Oct. 6, she was supplemented to Fasig-Tipton's 'Night of the Stars' and routed to the G1 Breeders' Cup Mile as one of Europe's stronger hopes. However, the day prior to the Breeders' Cup, a PET scan showed bone remodeling, forcing a scratch. She looked like a million bucks in the sales ring, or more appropriately, like $5.1 million. Her connections didn't get a chance at a Breeders' Cup trophy, but they did get a hefty consolation prize after she sold to Coolmore's M.V. Magnier late Monday night. Consigned by Bedouin Bloodstock as Hip 310, the 3-year-old filly was trained by Christopher Head for a large partnership and is out of GSW Raven's Lady (GB) (Raven's Pass). “She's a lovely filly and in fairness to Christopher Head, he's done an incredible job with her,” said Magnier. Ramatuelle had been through the ring once previously, when selling for €100,000 as a yearling at the Arqana August sale. Magnier tipped his hat to Arthur Hoyeau, who had purchased her as agent for MyRacehorse, Monceaux, Hollymount Stud, and partners. “Arthur Hoyeau spotted her as a yearling and everybody else didn't,” said Magnier. “She's a very good filly and well done to them.” In addition to her Prix de la Foret, Ramatuelle captured the G2 Prix Robert Papin and the G3 Prix du Bois Longines Fonds Europeen de L'elevage, as well as placing in three additional Group 1s. “We'll send her to [exceptional Coolmore sire] Wootton Bassett next. That's what the guys want to do at the moment anyway, so that's most likely what will happen.”–@JillWilliamsTDN 'Marvelous' Moira sells for $4.3M at Fasig-Tipton The racing world is chocked full of epic highs and lows and Donato Lanni has surely seen plenty of both. Always sure to be front and center buying many of the nation's elite bloodstock, Lanni latest masterpiece is none other than a Canadian bred that was purchased for what now seems like a bargain-basement $150,000 as a yearling. Now four years removed from that fateful day in September, the 2022 Canadian Horse of the Year Moira (Ghostzapper), a well-time winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare at Del Mar last weekend, capped what started off as a 'little Canadian experiment' to reel in a $4.3 million final bid from Bayles, bidding online, at the tail-end of the Fasig-Tipton November Sale Monday. “It was just time to move on and let her go,” said Lanni, briefly overcome with the raw emotion of the moment. “She is a special filly. She brought us a lot of joy.” Offered as Hip 293 and sold as a racing or broodmare prospect, the Canadian-bred mare was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa acting as agent on behalf of the partnership of Madaket Stables, SF Racing LLC in addition to X-Men Racing, a collection of Lanni's friends and family that the filly was initially purchased for at Keeneland in 2020. “We went in thinking she would be a little Canadian experiment, never thinking that she would take us on a wild ride,” said Lanni. “She is owned by some of my closest friends and family and she gave us a hell of an experience that we'll never forget.” Bred by Frank Stronach's famed Adena Springs, the 5-year-old is out of MSW and GSP Devine Aida (Unbridled's Song), also the dam of SW Jungle Cry (Animal Kingdom). Lanni added, “She was bred by the great Frank Stronach. Adena Springs is such a great breeding operation.” “She was a COVID year yearling, so I think we got lucky buying her at the price we got her for because she was a beautiful filly.” Moira | Fasig-Tipton Sent to Kevin Attard at two, Moira, named after the quirky character Moira Rose on the hit show Schitt's Creek, won Woodbine's Princess Elizabeth in her career debut before finishing runner-up in the GIII Mazarine. At three, she won three of five starts, highlighted by runaway score in the Woodbine Oaks and the Queen's Plate, the first leg of Canada's Triple Crown. Runner up in the GI E.P. Taylor, the bay rounded out the season with a fifth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland, earning Canada's Sovereign Award as the Champion 3-year-old Filly in addition to her Horse of the Year honors. While her 4-year-old year was her least prolific, winning a single race in six starts, she did in fact finish runner up in a trio of Woodbine stakes before taking the GII Canadian. Third behind the 2023 Horse of the Year Fev Rover (Ire) while taking another run at the E.P. Taylor, she filled the same spot in the 10-furlong Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita. Run through Fasig's ring in 2023, she realized a $3 million final bid, however, was ultimately retained by her owners. That proved to be a very wise decision. “Last year, I took a chance and bought her back because I felt she had another year in her,” he admitted. “We got lucky. It doesn't always work out that way.” A close-up second in her 5-year-old bow in the GI Diana in July, she turned the tables on Fev Rover in the GII Beverly D at Colonial this summer before finishing second in her penultimate start in the E.P. Taylor. Sent off at 5-1 for her career finale on last weekend's Breeders' Cup card, she came from just off the pace to triumph by a half-length over Cinderella's Dream and Didia. “I am happy for Kevin and for everyone involved,” he said. “She is a horse of a lifetime.” For a man who has purchased so many top-level horses that have competed at the highest level throughout the continent, he was pragmatic when asked whether the sale was bittersweet. “It's a sad day but it's good for her. She needs to move on and be a broodmare,” he concluded as an elated Tom Ryan from SF Racing walked up and engulfed Lanni in a bear hug for the ages. “This is my man!” Ryan said. Clearly, Lanni fills that bill for a great many in the industry.–@CbossTDN Adare Manor to Japan After Michael Lund Petersen Does It Again One of the more anticipated offerings of the evening was the recently retired broodmare prospect Adare Manor (Uncle Mo). Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, agent as Hip 214, she'll be headed to Japan after Shingo Hashimoto bought the multiple Grade I winner from Bob Baffert's barn for $2.8 million for Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm. “She looked gorgeous,” said Hashimoto immediately after signing the ticket. “I thought she was one of the best fillies in the market this time, so we're very excited. We're going to take her back to Japan.” When asked if Adare Manor would remain in Kentucky to be bred before shipping to Japan, he added, “We haven't decided that yet. We'll see how it goes after we buy everything.” Before the night was done, Hashimoto and Yoshida also bought GI American Oaks winner Queen Goddess (Empire Maker) (Hip 179) for $1.5 million and an additional three mares for total receipts of $6,350,000. It was the third consecutive year Michael Lund Petersen, who campaigned Adare Manor, sold a multi-million dollar offering and Grade I winner at Fasig-TIpton's 'Night of the Stars' Sale. Last year, he parted with Faiza (Girvin) for $4 million and the year prior, it was champion Gamine (Into Mischief) for $7 million.–@JillWilliamsTDN Spendthrift Extends to $2.8M for daughter of Into Mischief With Fasig-Tipton's November Sale already in full swing, Into Mischief's Denim and Pearls brought $2.8 million from Spendthrift Farm, who stands the powerhouse sire. Victorious in the GII Beaumont Stakes, the 3-year-old, who was bred by Town & Country Horse Farms, is out of Majestic Presence (Majestic Warrior), making her a full-sister to GI Santa Anita Handicap hero Newgate. Offered as Hip 240, the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga purchase was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency. “She is a great looking filly,” said Spendthrift's Ned Toffey, who was bidding from the back of the main pavilion. “She is talented, great family and we obviously love the sire.” He added, “What's not to like. She will be a nice addition to the broodmare band.” The mare represented the sole purchase by Spendthrift Monday. “The competition has been strong,” he said when asked about Monday's actiity. “We have been outbid on two so far. But for this caliber mare, the market has been very strong.” When asked who the mare might visit at Spendthrift, he said, “We're not sure what the plan is right now but we have lots of options.” Outlining the game plan for this week, he concluded, “We'll sell a few mares [this week] and try to add a few to the top of our broodmare band. She's a really nice filly that could go to several of our stallions.”–@CbossTDN Lyon Looks to Replenish at FTNOV Monday Summer Wind's Jane Lyon has assembled a broodmare band that many in the breeding industry would give their right arm for. Already responsible for producing the likes of Horse of the Year and the highly in-demand sire Flightline, Lyon arrived at Fasig-Tipton looking to add a mare or two to her broodmare band. Early in the broodmare session, Lyon extended to $2.6 million for Hip 177, Private Mission (Into Mischief), in foal to stalwart Curlin. “I hoped I wouldn't have to spend that much. We never do. But Bobby [Spalding] was in favor of her too. He'll tell me real quick if I like one and he doesn't,” she added with a laugh. Out of the multiple graded stakes-winning mare Private Gift (Unbridled), herself a $2.3 million FTKNOV purchase in 2008, the 6-year-old mare is a half-sister to MSW Secret Someone (A.P. Indy) in addition to Gift List (Bernardini), the dam of GI Alabama Stakes heroine Dunbar Road (Quality Road). Private Mission realized $750,000 at Fasig-Tiptin Saratoga Sale in 2019. This represents the family of Grade I winner Secret Status (A.P. Indy). “A lot of my really good mares are aging out,” explained Lyon. “For instance, I have retired Littleprincessemma [dam of Triple crown winner American Pharoah and GISW Chasing Yesterday who Lyon purchased for $2.1 million at this venue in 2014] and some of my other mares are getting some age on them. I came looking for a horses with a lot of pedigree, that wasn't too old and preferably in foal.” According to Lyon, her latest acquisition will be bred to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero. “The ride with Flightline was a dream and that I never expected and will never be repeated in my lifetime. So I am looking for good mares to go to him too,” she said. “In my broodmare band, I have a lot of Tapit mares and Tapit young mares and obviously they can't go to him. So I have to find some others for him.” Amo Buying Spree Continues with $2.55M Eda Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing continued its worldwide buying spree with a pair of seven-figure acquisitions at Fasig-Tipton Monday. The Amo team went to $2.55 million to purchase Grade I winner Eda (Munnings) (hip 244), in foal to Justify, from the Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa consignment and purchased Agartha (Ire) (Caravaggio) (hip 215), in foal to Frankel (GB), for $1.4 million from the Hunter Valley Farm consignment. Eda, purchased by Charles and Susan Chu's Baoma Corp. for $550,000 at the 2021 OBS March sale, won that year's GI Starlet Stakes and added three additional graded victories to her career before being bred to Justify last year. “She was a Grade I-winning 2-year-old with a tremendous physical and she's in foal to a stallion who is going from strength to strength,” bloodstock agent Ben McElroy said after signing the ticket on the mare. “She fits the bill for a good long-term investment for Amo.” As for plans for Eda, McElroy added, “We are all going to sit down as a team and decide what the plans for her are. She will stay in the U.S. and we will figure out who she is going to go to next year. We think she is going to have a lot of options.” While Eda will be staying in the U.S., McElroy said Agartha, a three-time group winner in Ireland, will be heading back to Europe. “Kia has some horses racing at the moment and he obviously has some stallions in Europe,” McElroy said. “The plan is, as we go along, we will have some nice horses to retire here. I think getting our foot in the door with mares like this is good to have so they are already in the system.” Rounding out a trio of purchases by Amo Racing Monday was Kaufymaker (Jimmy Creed) (hip 277) who was purchased for $300,000 from the Paramount Sales consignment. Seeing action at the yearling sales, Amo Racing purchased 17 head for over 19.5-million guineas during Book 1 at the Tattersalls October sale and purchased eight head for $5,710,000 at the Keeneland September sale. @JessMartiniTDN HIP 26 – Flightline colt | Fasig-Tipton 'Can't Be Happier with What We're Getting' Ingordo Strikes for $675k Flightline Colt The first weanling by champion Flightline (hip 26) to be offered at auction in the U.S. sold for $675,000 to the bid of bloodstock agent David Ingordo Monday at Fasig-Tipton. The colt, who was consigned by Lane's End, was bred by Jan Vandebos's Ran Jan Racing and is the first foal out of Star of India (Medaglia d'Oro). That mare is a daughter of Up (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was purchased by Vandebos for $2.2 million at the 2015 Keeneland January sale. “I got to watch that horse grow up on the [Lane's End] farm,” Ingordo said of the weanling. “I really liked him. We really like the stallion. We believe in Flightline. So when there is a good one, we are going to try to buy them. And that horse fit what we wanted.” Ingordo is a bloodstock advisor at Lane's End, which stands 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Flightline. “I bought him for a partnership I put together,” Ingordo said of Monday's purchase. “We are going to buy a number of them, if we can, and some of them might come back next year [to resell] and some may go racing.” Flightline had three weanlings go through the sales ring in Japan earlier this year for an average of $974,057, with a top price of $1,305,651. A share in the stallion sold for $2.5 million to top Keeneland's inaugural Championship Sale last week at Del Mar. “They all look like him,” Ingordo said of Flightline's first foals. “I am obviously partial to him. But they are a uniform bunch, with plenty of size, scope, and stretch. I don't think they will be 4 1/2-furlong horses, but they have these big hind ends. Like that horse looks like he will have some get up and go, as do a lot of them. All in all, I couldn't be happier with what we are getting. If we didn't like them, we wouldn't be buying them.” @JessMartiniTDN Logan Saratoga Scheming with Justify Colt Darby Dan Farm's Renee Logan picked up a Justify colt from the Eaton Sales consignment in the name of her Logan Bloodstock for $550,000 about mid-way through the weanling session Monday afternoon. “He'll go to Saratoga,” she said, indicating Fasig-Tipton's Select Yearling Sale slated for next August. “It's for a small group of people that have been clients of the farm for a long time,” continued Logan. “He's just a lovely colt. He's got stretch and scope, he's got the right sire, a nice pedigree, a beautiful neck and shoulder. It was just everything about him; he's a really, really a nice horse.” The Feb. 15-foaled colt is out of unraced Black Valentine (Cindago), herself a half to MGISW Evening Jewel (Northern Afleet), and is a half-brother to SW Rod's Valentine (Vronsky) and two other stakes performers. Bred by Athens Woods, Galtmore Bloodstock, Petaluma Bloodstock, and Kim Valerio in Kentucky, Hip 77 was an $180,000 in utero purchase by St. Ventures at the 2023 Keeneland November sale. “We knew we were going to have to pay for him. Actually, we went a bit over budget,” Logan said with a smile, “but we're okay.”–@JillWilliamsTDN The post $6-Million McKulick Tops Competitive Fasig-Tipton November Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lightly-raced four-year-old meets a strong Class Three field in Wednesday’s Plover Cove Handicap (1,200m).View the full article

Jockey for Melbourne Cup favourite Buckaroo Joao Moreira believes the distance was too much for his horse, while Vauban jockey William Buick also spoke after another disappointing ride. View the full article

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Talented New Zealand-bred gelding Gringotts(NZ) (Per Incanto) delivered a big payday for his connections with victory in Tuesday’s A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick. The lucrative race was the eighth win of a 16-start career for Gringotts, who has placed on another seven occasions. He has now banked A$2.48 million for an ownership syndicate headed by Ozzie Kheir and John O’Neill. A creditable second placegetter in the Gr.3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) and the A$1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) in his two lead-up runs, Gringotts was sent out as one of the favourites in a highly competitive third edition of the Big Dance. A horror draw of 19 in a 20-horse field added to the challenge, but jockey Tommy Berry pushed forward and was able to move across to the rail and settle in second behind runaway leader Zouatica. Gringotts dragged the field up behind that tiring front-runner coming up to the turn, and then he took command in the straight. Gringotts kicked more than two lengths clear with 200m remaining, and the five-year-old had more than enough up his sleeve to repel the late-finishing Vivy Air and Suparazi and win by three-quarters of a length. “I hate being in front that far out,” Berry admitted. “We’ve spoken about how many seconds I’ve had in big races over the last 12 months, but I just held my nerve and just got him to get the job done. It’s a nice feeling. “He’s going to be better again next preparation. He’s still learning his craft. Last start he wanted to go a little bit keen, but they put a bit more work into him this time and had him primed for the day. “It’s nice to get one for this team and this ownership group, Ozzie and everyone else that’s involved there. They’re great supporters of mine.” Gringotts is trained by Ciaron Maher, who was represented at Randwick on Tuesday by Johan Gerard-Dubord. “That’s a huge, huge effort,” he said. “Obviously the barrier was always going to be a concern, but we were very confident in where he was going. “Tommy was happy to do a bit of work early. He travelled well and then kicked, and he was just too good for them. Great to get a win for those owners. Ozzie is a great supporter, and there are some very good people in the horse.” Gringotts was bred by Totara Park Stud and is by Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding sire Per Incanto out of the Savabeel mare Miss Bluebell. Herself unraced, Miss Bluebell is a daughter of Operavega, whose half-sister Vegas Showgirl was the dam of the legendary Winx. Miss Bluebell is the dam of two stakes performers from three foals to race. The other is Millefiori, who has won seven races for Te Akau Racing and placed in the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m). Gringotts was offered by Archer Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2021, where Kasa Bloodstock bought him for $100,000. He was re-offered at the Ready to Run Sale later that year, but failed to meet his $450,000 reserve. He was subsequently sold privately after winning a trial at Waipa for Simon and Katrina Alexander. View the full article

New Zealand-bred gelding Cloudland(NZ) (Swiss Ace) proved a handful for James McDonald at Flemington on Tuesday, but the champion jockey was in a forgiving mood after they had claimed top honours in the Subzero Handicap. The Gerry Harvey-bred son of resident Westbury Stud stallion Swiss Ace downed his fellow greys in the 1400m event after giving McDonald a hard time before barrier rise. “He’s a quirky bugger and he was pretty hard work going down to the gates,” he said. “He tried to buck me off, which I wasn’t pleased about this early in the carnival, but I managed to stay on.” The Kris Lees-trained Cloudland was all business once the gates opened and showed early speed from a wide gate to enjoy a soft run in third spot away from the fence. The six-year-old ambled to the front 300m from home and held a strong gallop to win by three-quarters of a length. The well-travelled Cloudland has been a five-time winner in New South Wales and his Flemington victory came off the back of two placings during a three-start Queensland campaign. “It looked the right race for him, so it’s a really pleasing result,” stable representative Cameron Swan said. “He can be a bit erratic and did wander around a bit, but he is very consistent and Kris has placed him really well.” Cloudland was purchased by OTI Racing after winning a trial on the all-weather track at Cambridge for trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray. He is out of the stakes performed Congrats mare Commiserate, who is from the family of the Group Two winners Sarson Trail, Arinosa, Sweet Sherry and her daughter Eneeza. Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood went to $240,000 to secure Cloudland’s half-sister by Tarzino, since named Honor Mission, at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale in 2023. Earlier this year at Karaka, Ontrack Thoroughbreds secured another half-sister by Tarzino for $140,000 and Commiserate is again due to foal to Westbury’s dual Group One-winning son of Tavistock. View the full article

Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray had hoped to be chasing the Flemington riches on Tuesday, but after the Melbourne Cup dream was dashed, their promising filly Costae(NZ) (Ribchester) provided a nice consolation with an impressive victory in the TAB 1400 at Ellerslie. The Cambridge training partnership had a runner in the A$8 million staying showpiece until last Friday, when their Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) and Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Mahrajaan was vetted out of the Melbourne Cup. Turning their focus to the domestic meeting, Costae was having her first run on turf, after two placings and a maiden victory on the Cambridge and Awapuni Synthetic tracks through the early stages of her three-year-old term. There was plenty of faith in the daughter of Ribchester in the TAB market, backing her from $21 into $12, while she was still well-adrift of race-favourite Altari ($3.20) and Hitabell ($3.50.) Altari showed intent early to take over the role as pacemaker, while Michael McNab found the one-one comfortably aboard Costae. The favourite held the lead to the 200m, before the filly came surging down the centre of the track and was never in doubt, holding off a game Bourbon Proof to score by three-quarters of a length. McNab praised the filly’s performance, which continued a phenomenal return to the saddle after several months off the scene for the top hoop, riding six winners from just 14 rides. “She bought different form lines, but all you can do is run well in what you’re placed in and she’d been doing that,” he said. “She travelled beautifully, it was a bit of a pedestrian speed which helped and I was comfortable where I was. “She’s stepped up to a really competitive field today and she won well.” Murray had a similar sentiment following the race, indicating Costae may now head south for next Saturday’s Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), where she currently sits a $21 chance with the TAB futures market. “We’re very happy with her, she’s a filly that is improving with every start,” he said. “She was a little bit weak earlier on, but she’s getting stronger and stronger. “We’ll just see where she pulls up, she still holds a nomination for the Guineas, so if she pulls up well and eats up in the next couple of days, we might put her on the plane next Wednesday. “If not, there’s the Eulogy (Gr.3, 1600m) and some other races up here, so we may look at those.” Ritchie purchased Costae for $55,000 out of Seaton Park’s draft at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sales, and he races her in an ownership group that includes Craig Baker, the Executive General Manager of Racing and Operations at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing. Baker was delighted to be on-course for the victory, particularly with Costae racing in the colours of his home region. “It’s a great thrill, to win a race at Ellerslie is fantastic and in my father’s colours as well, the black and white for Hawke’s Bay,” he said. “We’ve got a group of first-time owners in the horse as well, it’s a great result. “It’s always a big step-up when you come off the synthetic on to the turf, especially at Ellerslie in a good field, but she just keeps improving.” View the full article

The Listed TAB Trophy (1800m) on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington has been a good race for emerging Kiwi-breds, and Opening Address(NZ) (So You Think) continued that trend in the A$175,000 feature on Tuesday. Last year’s edition of the three-year-old race was won by Warmonger, who was having just the third start of his career. That son of War Decree went on to win the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) by 10 lengths in June, and he was also runner-up in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m). Opening Address, meanwhile, was bred by Ben Kwok and races in the colours of part-owners Windsor Park Stud. The son of So You Think was a maiden winner in his second start in September, then stepped on to the black-type stage with a promising second in the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) on October 26. Trainer Liam Howley had the option of taking a shot at the big time in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) on Saturday, but he favoured a more patient approach and was rewarded with black-type success three days later. Rider James McDonald had Opening Address stalking the leader up to the home turn, then pushed the button and went to the lead. Challengers lined up across the track and briefly looked like they might swamp the favourite, but Opening Address changed gears in the final 200m and kicked away again. He still had three-quarters of a length up his sleeve when he reached the finish line. “It was nice to get the phone call to ride this horse,” McDonald said. “He was either going to go to the Derby or this race, and I could ride him if he started here, so it worked out really well. Obviously we’ve got good connections with the Schick family and Windsor Park Stud, and I grew up right next door, so it’s nice to get a winner for them on such a big day. “This horse is still learning his craft. He’s probably a bit better than that. He’s only scratching the surface. He just felt like he had plenty in the tank, and he was never going to get beaten from the 400m onwards. Even though they probably looked like they would come at him, he was holding them at bay. “He’s just got raw ability, and what he’s doing now is just a bonus, because as a four-year-old, he’ll come into his own.” Opening Address has now had five starts for two wins, two placings and A$198,900 in stakes. He was bought for $160,000 by Liam Howley Racing, Andrew Williams Bloodstock and Bevan Smith Bloodstock at Karaka 2023. “Just a really proud day, to be honest,” Howley said. “Proud of the team at home. They’ve done a super job. “I thought his run in the Vase was enormous. He seemed to get forgotten out of it, because we didn’t go to the Derby, but he freshened up really well and the team’s done a super job with him. So I’m very proud. “Just walking in today was pretty exciting, especially having J-Mac on. For my family and all the friends who have supported the journey, it’s just exciting. The amount of messages this morning was unbelievable, so to get a win like that with a nice horse is pretty special. “He’ll head straight to the paddock now. He’s done. Five runs in, and we avoided the Derby – we wanted to look after him, and he’s returned the favour, so off to the paddock and back for a big autumn hopefully.” Opening Address is the first foal out of the Kingman mare Royal Welcome, who is a half-sister to the British stakes winners Haddaf and Lamar. Royal Welcome was bought by Kwok’s Lionrock Bloodstock for A$120,000 from the 2021 Inglis Sydney Broodmare Sale. “ View the full article

Cambridge gelding Witz End(NZ) (Savabeel) booked his plane ticket south to Christchurch later this week following victory in the Powerturf 1500 at Ellerslie on Tuesday. The Savabeel gelding jumped well and was taken straight to the front by jockey Matt Cartwright and the pair didn’t relinquish their advantage, holding on for a half-length victory over the fast-finishing Skyman. The four-year-old has swiftly made his way through the grades, having now won four of his eight career starts, and was runner-up in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) last season, and trainer Tony Pike said he still has plenty of maturing to do. “He still wants to do a hell of a lot wrong in his races,” Pike said. “He is just really new and green still off the bridle. He is lightly raced and came through to open handicap pretty quickly, so you would think he will continue to improve as he goes forward.” A Group assignment now awaits Witz End, who is set to head to Riccarton Park next Wednesday to line-up in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m), and Pike believes he will take plenty of improvement from Tuesday’s run. “We will just get him home and give some thought about getting him on a plane on Sunday down to Riccarton,” Pike said. “There was a little hiccup at Te Rapa (abandonment) and he might have needed today, it has been a long time between runs,” Pike said. “He is a big, strong, burly horse, so I think he will improve off today. “He will get in nicely at the weights (for the TAB Mile) so we might have a roll of the dice if he pulls up well.” Cartwright echoed Pike’s comments on Witz End’s greenness, but said he was impressed with the horse’s presence on Tuesday and is excited about what lies ahead for the gelding. “He had good form, and he jumped clean and put himself there,” he said. “One thing that I really noticed today was that he was quite a different horse, he was a lot stronger and up and about. It’s probably the way he needs to be, on the fresher side, but he put them away, it was a good win. “He is still a green product, but he has got ability, and I am sure he will be winning a Group race in time. “He should take good improvement, but I am happy with the way he is going.” View the full article

Gringotts, with Tommy Berry onboard, wins the $3million Big Dance. Picture: Bradley Photos. The Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts ($5) has come with a withering burst to claim the Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Tuesday, courtesy of an expert steer from star hoop Tommy Berry. The son of Per Incanto lobbed into the perfect stalking position throughout the 1600m journey, with Berry electing to take all luck out of the equation from gate 19. He sent the five-year-old gelding forward from the outset, getting on the back of Zouatica drawn to his inside ($101.00), as Molly Bourke crossed to the lead aboard the rank outsider. WATCH: BIG DANCE AND RANDWICK RACE REPLAYS It gave Gringotts the perfect cart into the race as they turned for home, with the likes of race favourite Tavi Time ($3.60) giving chase in the final 400m. Vivy Air ($26.00) and Superazi ($14.00) were putting in the big strides late at massive odds with horse racing bookmakers, but it was to no avail, as Gringotts surged away from his rivals to claim the $3 million feature. Stable representative Johann Gerard-Dubord was on course at Randwick to dissect the win and credited the entire team involved for the success. “That’s a huge, huge effort, huge team effort,” he said. “Obviously Gringotts has been the target since Tamworth. We had him right today. Obviously the barrier was always going to be a concern, but we were very confident in where he was going. “Tommy (Berry) was happy to do a bit of work early. He travelled well and then kicked and it was just too good for them. “Great to get a win for those owners. Ozzie, a great supporter, some very good people in the horse. And the second horse, Vivy Air, she is improving at every start. Obviously it’s the first prep for us.” Tommy Berry was elated with the win, and although it’s not the Melbourne Cup, suggested it could prove to be a terrific consolation prize for the stable as he praised his mount in the aftermath. “Well, done to Ciaron (Maher). I know it’s not the Melbourne Cup mate, but you’ve still got that to come,” he said. “I hate being in front that far out, so I was too busy trying to get him home and we spoke about how many seconds I’ve had in big races over the last 12 months, so I just held my nerve and just got him to get the job done and it’s pleasing. But yeah, it’s a nice feeling again. “He’s going to be better again next preparation. He’s still learning his craft. Last start he wanted to go a little bit keen, but they put a bit more work into him this time and had him primed for the day, but it’s nice to get one for this team and this ownership group, Ozzie, and everyone else that’s involved there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Knight’s Choice, ridden by Robbie Dolan, wins the Melbourne Cup at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos). Knight’s Choice has stunned Flemington to win the 2024 Melbourne Cup, with the $91 John Symons and Sheila Laxon-trained outsider producing on the big stage. Knight’s Choice held off the sole Japanese runner Warp Speed ($26) and Okita Soushi ($17) as jockey Robbie Dolan proved he is more than just a great voice. Favourite Buckaroo ($7), Vauban ($8) and Onesmoothoperator ($7) all failed to fire a shot. More to come…. View the full article

The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been won by Knights Choice in a stunning upset, with jockey Robbie Dolan and the horse — which was $101/1 — going on to win the race that stops the nation. View the full article

Knights Choice came home to win the 2024 Melbourne Cup with jockey Robbie Dolan as surprised as anyone as he processed the shock win in the race that stops a nation. View the full article

Race 1 VALE TOM FRASER FJC LIFE MEMBER MAIDEN 1600m TOWROPE (H Grace) – Trainer Mr. W Thurlow reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, however, TOWROPE has now been sent for a spell. The post Feilding Racing Club @ Trentham, Saturday 2 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won with Knight’s Choice taking out the race that stops a nation. View the full article

The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won by outsider Knight’s Choice. View the full article

The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won by outsider Knight’s Choice in a photo finish. View the full article

French Group 1 winner Ramatuelle (Justify) sold late in the Fasig-Tipton November sale Monday for $5.1 million to Coolmore's M.V. Magnier. Consigned by Bedouin Bloodstock as Hip 310, the 3-year-old filly was trained by Christopher Head for a large partnership and was a controversial scratch from Saturday's Breeders' Cup Mile after a PET scan showed bone remodeling. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' at two, Ramatuelle is out of GSW Raven's Lady (GB) (Raven's Pass). The post M.V. Magnier Goes to $5.1M for Ramatuelle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Moria (Ghostzapper), Canada's Horse of the Year and Queen's Plate winner who is just over 48 hours removed from a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, brought $4.3 million to the bid of Bayles Monday night at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa consigned the 5-year-old, who is just shy of $3 million in earnings. Sold as Hip 293, Moira is out of MSW & GSP Devine Aida (Unbridled's Song) and campaigned for Madaket Stables LLC, SF Racing LLC, and X-Men Racing. The post Oh Canada! Moira Sells for $4.3M to Bayles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I winner McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}), recently featured in TDN, sold Monday evening at the Fasig-Tipton's 'Night of the Stars' sale for $6 million to top the session. Emmanuel de Seroux signed the ticket on behalf of Grand Farm. The 5-year-old mare, consigned by Elite, agent as Hip 289, holds the distinction of being the first Grade I-winning daughter of super sire Frankel to sell at public auction. The half-sister to multiple European group winner Just Beautiful (Pride of Dubai) sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. The post McKulick Hammers for $6 Million, Emmanuel de Seroux Buys for Grand Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Garachico has stunned the Flemington crowd to win the Australian Heritage Cup as an $81 shot with Ladbrokes Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Garachico has saluted at cricket score odds in the $250,000 Australian Heritage Cup (2800m), with the $81 shot stunning the Flemington crowd on Tuesday. The Dominic Sutton-trained six-year-old timed a run perfectly to beat home Newfoundland ($9.50) and Whisky On The Hill ($6), with Quantam Cat running on for fourth. With plenty of money coming for Whisky On The Hill late, nobody expected Garachico to challenge in this competitive staying contest, restricted to Australian and New Zealand horses, but Billy Egan rode it to perfection. Victorian Racing Club announced the new $250,000 Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) would be run on Melbourne Cup day in September, replacing the traditional 2800m Benchmark 96 race on the same program. Remarkably Garachico finished third in this race last year as a $7 chance, but has done very little since switching from the Leon and Troy Corstens stable to Sutton. 
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The race that stops a nation is here and Australian sports stars have stepped out in their Flemington best. View the full article