Wandering Eyes

She needed wings to do it. Soul of an Angel (m, 5, Atreides–Factor One, by the Factor), dead last by open lengths from the first jump, stormed up the outside to secure an upset victory at odds of 19-1 in the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Double-digit lengths behind the field nearly the entire way up the backstretch, the GIII Princess Rooney winner found momentum around the far turn and just kept coming up the outside as a host of rivals battled it out in in a driving finish. Best only in the final strides, Soul of an Angel nailed Society (Gun Runner) and Pleasant (Munnings) completed the trifecta. Lifetime Record: 40-5-7-5. O-C2 Racing Stable LLC, Agave Racing Stable and Reimer, Ken T.; B-Westbrook Stables, LLC; T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. Sales History: $3,000 ylg '20 FTKOCT The post Soul of an Angel Opens Breeders’ Cup Action With Huge Price In F&M Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) sired a new stakes winner on Saturday with Dantsu Elan (Jpn), who clawed out a nose victory in the G3 Fantasy Stakes at Kyoto. Fourth choice, the filly was under a tight hold and raced just behind the first flight as the field raced right-handed down the backstretch. Mozu Nana Star (Jpn) (Mozu Ascot {Jpn}) held a clear advantage, but was under fire from Bel Be Stallone (Jpn) (Strong Return {Jpn}), just off of her shoulder. The tightly bunched field fanned out once they hit the straight. Dantsu Elan ranged up with long strides inside the final furlong and just pipped Mozu Nana Star by a nose, with a like margin back to Bel Be Stallone in third in a three-way blanket finish. Voulezvous (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}) was a half-length behind that trio in fourth. Dantsu Elan, a winner of a newcomers race over 1600 metres at Niigata in August, entered the Fantasy off a third-place run in the Rindo Sho at Kyoto over this trip on Oct. 5. Pedigree Notes Japan's 2012/2013 champion sprinter and miler and 2013 Horse of the Year, Lord Kanaloa now has 55 stakes winners, 36 of them at group level internationally. Sent to Japan after selling for $120,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale to JS Company in foal to Omaha Beach, Mischievous Misty (Into Mischief) delivered that resulting filly on Apr. 2, 2020 who is unnamed. The latest foals out of the stakes-placed mare are a yearling filly by Contrail (Jpn) and a weanling colt by Saturnalia (Jpn). This is the extended family of American Champion Sprinter Kona Gold (Java Gold), who won the 2000 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Saturday, Kyoto, Japan KBS KYOTO SHO FANTASY STAKES-G3, ¥56,370,000, Kyoto, 11-2, 2yo, f, 1400mT, 1:22.80, vsf. 1–DANTSU ELAN (JPN), 121, f, 2, by Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) 1st Dam: Mischievous Misty (SP-US), by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Kona Kat, by Mountain Cat 3rd Dam: Double Sunrise, by Slew o' Gold 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Tetsuji Yamamoto; B-Miyauchi Farm (Jpn); T-Masaru Honda; J-Taisei Danno; ¥29,539,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1, ¥39,472,000. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Mozu Nana Star (Jpn), 121, f, 2, Mozu Ascot–Grand Prix Angel (Jpn), by Agnes Digital. 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Capital System; B-Kiyoshi Uemura (Jpn); ¥12,154,000. 3–Bel Be Stallone (Jpn), 121, f, 2, Strong Return (Jpn)–T M Nadeshiko (Jpn), by Zenno Rob Roy (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (¥3,410,000 Ylg '23 JBBAHOK). O-Toshiya Miyazaki; B-Taniguchi Farm (Jpn); ¥7,377,000. Margins: NS, NS, HF. Odds: 8.50, 18.50, 84.70. Also Ran: Voulezvous (Jpn), Kawakita Mana Lea (Jpn), Sourire Mignon (Jpn), Castle Lake (Jpn), Water Airy (Jpn), Nishinocoupdecoeur (Jpn), Tamamo Tea Cup (Jpn), Karpuz Pelus (Jpn), Gorgeous (Jpn), Water Gerbera (Jpn), Lavendel (Jpn), Hi Fi Speed (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post Fantasy Stakes For Lord Kanaloa’s Dantsu Elan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Most recently promoted to the victory in the G3 Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood on July 31, Shadwell homebred RAQIYA (IRE) (f, 3, Blue Point {Ire}–Rihaam {Ire}, by Dansili {GB}) was beautifully rated from the front by Frankie Dettori and had plenty left for the dash to the wire, registering a 5-1 success in Saturday's GIII Goldikova Stakes at Del Mar. The well-backed East Coast raider Sacred Wish (Not This Time) was first away from her low draw, but the typically aggressive Paco Lopez took a tug to get her off the speed, and Dettori took full advantage, sending Raqiya along to lead more or less crossing under the wire for the first time as fellow European-based galloper Kathmandu (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and Hollie Doyle prompted from second through an opening section of :23.04. The race was won, for all intents and purposes, down the back through the middle furlongs, as Dettori steadied the tempo noticeably, and though Doyle continued to shadow Raqiya around the turn, the Italian was taking confident looks behind, knowing he hadn't spent a penny in the lead. Thrown a few crosses in upper stretch, Raqiya responded beautifully and was never in danger as longshot Uncorked (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) emerged out of the pack for second. Sacred Wish was home third. Raqiya is the second U.S. graded winner for her young sire, joining last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint hero Big Evs (Ire). Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng, 8-5-0-0. O/B-Shadwell Estate Company Limited; T-Owen Burrows. #10 RAQIYA ($12.20) got to the lead easily and had plenty left in the stretch to win the $300,000 Goldikova Stakes (G3). @FrankieDettori was in the irons for Owen Burrows. Watch more on @FanDuelTV and wager here https://t.co/GFVAAW6Sp7 pic.twitter.com/mFOkz5JnFJ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 2, 2024 Saturday, Del Mar GOLDIKOVA S. PRESENTED BY YAAMAVA'-GIII, $302,500, Del Mar, 11-2, 3yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:36.09, fm. 1–RAQIYA (IRE), 118, f, 3, by Blue Point (Ire) 1st Dam: Rihaam (Ire), by Dansili (GB) 2nd Dam: Wissal, by Woodman 3rd Dam: Wasnah, by Nijinsky II O-Shadwell Stable; B-Shadwell Estate Company Limited (IRE); T-Owen Burrows; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $180,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng, 8-5-0-0, $319,581. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Uncorked (Aus), 121, m, 5, Pierro (Aus)–Piaf (NZ), by Iffraaj (GB). (130,000 Ylg '21 MMGYRL). O-The Elkstone Group LLC (Stuart Grant); B-Mr. A Galbraith (AUS); T-Philip D'Amato. $60,000. 3–Sacred Wish, 121, f, 4, Not This Time–Indian Wish, by Indian Charlie. ($80,000 Wlg '20 KEENOV; $70,000 RNA Ylg '21 KEESEP; $50,000 2yo '22 EASMAY). O-Black Type Thoroughbreds, Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson, Christopher Dunn and Anthony Spinazzola; B-John R. Penn (KY); T-George Weaver. $36,000. Margins: 1HF, HF, 3/4. Odds: 5.10, 29.70, 2.30. Also Ran: Mouffy, Lucky Girl (Ire), Aspen Grove (Ire), Kathmandu (Ire), Fluffy Socks, Omaha Girl, Fuente Ovejuna (GB). Scratched: Nadette (Fr). Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Dettori Makes All On Blue Point’s Raqiya In the Goldikova appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 20-1 shot Panja Tower (Jpn) (Tower Of London {Jpn}) defended his unbeaten record with a neck score in the G2 Keio Hai Nisai Stakes at Tokyo on Saturday. The Deep Creek runner won a newcomers' affair at Chukyo on Sept. 8. Away without incident, the bay drifted back through the field to sit in seventh as rail-runner Marino Tonitrus (Jpn) (Thunder Snow {Ire}), Craspedia (Jpn) (Mr Melody {Jpn}) to her outside, and Shin Forever (Complexity), three deep, battled for supremacy during the early stages and approaching the turn. On the bend, Marino Tonitrus and Shin Forever continued to slug it out with Craspedia stalking them. At the quarter pole, Panja Tower was rallying strongly up the center of the course. Just a quarter-mile from home, he continued to close relentlessly to just nail new leader Meiner Ticket (Jpn) (Danon Ballad {Jpn}) on the wire. Yankee Barows (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) closed from well off the pace to take third, 1 1/2 lengths back. Pedigree Notes Japanese first-crop sire Tower Of London, who's biggest claim to fame was a tally in the 2019 G1 Sprinters Stakes, sired his first stakes winner and group winner with Panja Tower. Seventeen of his 57 runners have won to date, with Arlington Row also third in the G3 Kokura Nisai Stakes. The first winner for his unraced dam Clarksdale (Jpn) (Victoire Pisa {Jpn}), Panja Tower is her second foal. She has a yearling filly by Declaration Of War and a weanling Pyro colt still to come. Japanese stallion and 3-year-old champion Logi Universe (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}), who won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) prior to the race receiving international Group 1 status, is a half-brother to Clarksdale. Globetrotter and multiple Group 1 winner Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), named the Japanese Champion Miler and Older Mare in 2023, is under the third dam. Saturday, Tokyo, Japan KEIO HAI NISAI STAKES-G2, ¥72,700,000, Tokyo, 11-2, 2yo, 1400mT, 1:21.20, gd. 1–PANJA TOWER (JPN), 123, c, 2, Tower of London (Jpn) 1st Dam: Clarksdale (Jpn), by Victoire Pisa (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Acoustics (Jpn), by Cape Cross (Ire) 3rd Dam: Soninke (GB), by Machiavellian 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Deep Creek; B-Champions Farm (Jpn); T-Shinsuke Hashiguchi; J-Kohei Matsuyama; ¥38,490,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, ¥45,690,000. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Meiner Ticket (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Danon Ballade (Jpn)–Entry Ticket (Jpn), by Matsurida Gogh (Jpn). O-Thoroughbred Club Ruffian; B-Big Red Farm (Jpn); ¥15,126,000. 3–Yankee Barows (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Epiphaneia (Jpn)–Candy Barows (Jpn), by Deep Impact (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Hirotsugu Inokuma; B-Tomita Farm (Jpn); ¥9,563,000. Margins: NK, 1HF, NK. Odds: 20.00, 6.80, 6.60. Also Ran: Hishi Aman (Jpn), Craspedia (Jpn), Shin Forever, Bunny Rabbit (Jpn), A Shin Wand (Jpn), Kitano Kunikara (Jpn), Endless Summer (Jpn), Marino Tonitrus (Jpn), Lemon Balm (Jpn), Kaga Babel (Jpn), Real Shot (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post First Stakes Winner For Tower Of London appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Kaikoura View the full article

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1st-BAQ , 90K, Msw, 2yo, 1m, 12:10 p.m. UNCLE HULKA (Uncle Mo), a $750,000 OBS March grad who worked in :10.2, debuts Sunday to open the closing day card at Belmont's Aqueduct meet for trainer Chad Brown and the partnership group of Spendthrift Farm, Big Easy Racing, Titletown Racing Stables, Rick Kanter, Golconda Stable, Ali Goodrich and Mark Parkinson. Bred by White Birch Farm, the colt is the second foal out of a winning Candy Ride (Arg) first dam who has already produced one winner from one to race. Making his second start is Whisper Hill Farm's Fun to Tap (Tapit), a $1.2m FTSAUG buy who came home fifth after hitting the gate in his debut going 6 1/2 furlongs over the local track Sept. 21. Todd Pletcher puts blinkers on this half-brother to MGSW/GISP Mr. Money (Goldencents). TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: $750k Uncle Mo Colt Headlines BAQ Closing Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Takingtimeoff (Curlin–Gap Year, by Bernardini), a half-sister to Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and certain Eclipse Award winner Immersive (Nyquist), has been added to Monday's Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Offered by Hunter Valley Farm, agent, in foal to Yaupon, the mare is cataloged as hip 318. The first produce for her dam, a daughter of GI Ballerina Breeders' Cup Stakes winner Dubai Escapade (Awesome Again), Takingtimeoff amassed a record of 1-2-0 from six starts for Godolphin and trainer Mike Stidham and produced a colt by Frosted in 2023 before selling to Sean S. Perl Bloodstock for $20,000 in foal to Midshipman at this year's Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale in February. The mare foaled a filly by the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Mar. 26 and subsequently visited Yaupon. The Spendthrift sire's first yearlings were warmly received at auction this year, with a colt selling for $900,000 and four other youngsters changing hands for better than $500,000. Like Nyquist, Yaupon is a son of champion and fellow Juvenile winner Uncle Mo. The Fasig-Tipton November Sale begins Monday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at the auction house's Newtown Paddocks. The post Immersive Half-Sister Added To 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

Awesome Result, the Japan-based daughter of Justify and the third choice (4-1) in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) was scratched Nov. 2. Cherie DeVaux trainee Pipeline, slated to run in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), is also out. View the full article

Sam Agars SOARING BRONCO - R3 (11) Unlucky when racing wide last start and could be underrated here Jay Rooney MARKWIN - R5 (4) Big run on debut when held up several times but looks well placed to atone Jack Dawling MASSIVE SOVEREIGN - R7 (3) Derby winner has been trialling well and looks poised to progress this term Phillip Woo BEAUTY MISSILE - R2 (3) Is an attractive runner off his current mark and can score Shannon (Vincent Wong) MASSIVE SOVEREIGN - R7 (3) Trialled well and should be ready to run a big race in his much-anticipated return Racing Post Online GENEVA - R2 (1) Won well last start and looks to have found a winnable race again Tom Wood CHEERFUL WORLD - R4 (4) Unlucky at his last start, definitely worth following todayView the full article

What 2024 Melbourne Cup Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Tuesday, November 5, 2024 Prizemoney $8,560,000 Distance 3200m Conditions Handicap 2023 Winner Without A Fight (16) | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (56.5kg) Visit Dabble The race that stops the nation, the 2024 Melbourne Cup (3200m) is finally here. A capacity field of 24 runners will fight for the $8,560,000 on offer in the marquee race on the Australian horse racing calendar. Top horse racing bookmakers have opened with joint favourites for the 2024 Melbourne Cup, with Vauban and Buckaroo holding a +500 quote post barrier draw. Last-start Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator (+700) and Bendigo Cup victor Sea King (+850) are the only other runners at a single-figure quote. Outside of those top four, upwards of +900 is available for runners like Absurde (+900), Zardozi (+1300) and Land Legend (+1800) with all other runners at +1900 and longer. The 2024 Melbourne Cup is set to jump at 3pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 5. Keep reading for our full runner-by-runner preview of the 2024 Melbourne Cup. Vauban T: Willie Mullins J: William Buick Age: 7YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galiway (GB) Dam: Waldfest (GB) Vauban 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +500 Place: +130 Best odds at Playup 1. Vauban (11) 7yo G | T: Willie Mullins | J: William Buick (55.5kg) Willie Mullins brings 2023 Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban back for another crack at the great race, and following a rough showing 12 months prior, could it be a second time lucky for the European gun? Since his run in last year’s Cup, the son of Galiway has hardly run a poor race back home and has chased home superstar stayers Kyprios in two of his last four starts. He was last seen finishing second, beaten 2.3 lengths behind Kyprios in Group 1 company, which stands out like a sore thumb here. He only carries 0.5kg more than last year and from barrier 11, look for William Buick to have him settled midfield with cover throughout. He would prefer a Soft track, but on class alone, he is a deserving favourite and will be hard to beat. Buckaroo T: Chris Waller J: Joao Moreira (54.5kg) Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Roheryn (IRE) Buckaroo 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +700 Place: +180 Best odds at Picklebet 2. Buckaroo (21) 6yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Joao Moreira (54.5kg) Buckaroo brings obviously the best form to the Melbourne Cup in terms of the local brigade, but the real question will be whether he can see out the two miles? He answered the queries around his ability to see out the 2400m when running on strongly to finish second behind Duke De Sessa in the Caulfield Cup. His chances were dealt a massive blow on Saturday though when drawing barrier 21, so ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira will need to be at his best to make sure he isn’t too far back in the field and forced to sustain a long sprint. Because of that, he is one of the easiest Melbourne Cup favourites in recent times to take on, in fact, a top-four finish looks unlikely. Circle Of Fire T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Fiery Sunset (GB) Circle Of Fire 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +4000 Place: +1000 Best odds at Neds 3. Circle Of Fire (24) 5yo Horse | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (54.5kg) Circle Of Fire could be poised to strike in this year’s Melbourne Cup. The Ciaron Maher-trained stayer won the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) fourth-up into his autumn campaign early this year and comes to this fourth-up some seven months later. He was arguably going better back then than what he is at the moment, but his proven ability to stay the trip cannot be underestimated in a field like this. Barrier 24 is offset by his want to settle towards the rear of the field, but Mark Zahra will need a back to follow into the race approaching the 800m mark. If the pair are afforded that luxury, you could do worse than to have something each-way at the +900 quote with Playup. Warp Speed (3) T: Noboru Takagi J: Akira Sugawara Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Drefong (USA) Dam: Deep Love (JPN) Warp Speed 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +2600 Place: +650 Best odds at Neds 4. Warp Speed (3) 6yo H | T: Noboru Takagi | J: Akira Sugawara (54.5kg) The sole Japanese runner in the race, Warp Speed, will appreciate getting back on top of the ground after seemingly struggling on a softer surface in the Caulfield Cup. He has been aimed at the Melbourne Cup for some time, and Noboru Takagi and his stable will have him raring to go on the first Tuesday in November. He draws barrier three and will gain a cosy run in transit, but it all depends whether he can compete with some of the more fancied runners here and there is doubts. Kovalica T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane (53.5kg) Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Vitesse (NZ) Kovalica 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1600 Place: +400 Best odds at Bet365 5. Kovalica (17) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (53.5kg) Chris Waller opts to put the blinkers on 2023 Queensland Derby winner Kovalica and they should be the ideal gear change for him. Since his win in the Derby of May last year, the son of Ocean Park has yet to find his way into the winners stall since. He hardly runs a bad race, and his closing sectionals in the Cox Plate when well-beaten and everything else he has shown suggests he will see out the 3200m. He has become a bit of a non-winner and he will be hitting the line strongly, so perhaps throw him in a trifecta or first-four bet. Sharp ‘N’ Smart T: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson J:Michael Dee Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Redwood (GB) Dam: Queen Margaret (NZ) Sharp ‘N’ Smart 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +7000 Place: +1750 Best odds at Neds 6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (15) 5yo G | T: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson | J: Michael Dee (53.5kg) Sharp ‘N’ Smart is a ridiculous price with horse betting sites. The Graeme & Deborah Rogerson-trained Kiwi has had plenty of excuses this campaign, but can turn it all around at a +7000 quote on Tuesday. He struggles on wet ground, which is what he faced at his first three runs this campaign, before finding the bright lights at Moonee Valley a bit too much in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. It could all be coming together nicely at Flemington. A NZ Derby winner at three over 2400m, he seemingly will get the trip and has the ability to settle closer to the speed than some. He may not win necessarily, but a top five or six bet with certain bookmakers could be the play at the right price. Just Fine T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Jye McNeil Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Bint Almatar Just Fine 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Unibet 7. Just Fine (13) 7yo G | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Jye McNeil (53kg) Just Fine booked his spot in the Melbourne Cup when running his rivals off their feet in The Bart Cummings (2520m) two runs ago when just hanging on and will look to do lead from the outset once again. He then backed it up with a stinker in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup when failing to beat a runner home. He is proven at 2400m and did win at 2520m two starts back, but the 3200m against some top-class stayers looks a stretch too far for Just Fine in the 2024 Melbourne Cup. Land Legend T: Chris Waller J: Zac Purton (53kg) Age: 5YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Landikusic (IRE) Land Legend 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1200 Place: +300 Best odds at Bet365 8. Land Legend (18) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Zac Purton (53kg) Land Legend was victorious in the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap two runs back and backed it up with a third-place finish in the Caulfield Cup last time out. He simply never settled when racing along the rail with Zac Purton forced to come off the rail 900m to give him the clear air he desired. He should race much nicer on Tuesday having drawn barrier 18, and should have clear air whenever he pleases. Despite needing to make up five-lengths on Buckaroo, he looks more likely to see out the two miles, and is another who can be in the finish. Absurde T: Willie Mullins J: Kerrin McEvoy Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Incroyable (USA) Win: +1600 Place: +400 Best odds at Dabble 9. Absurde (7) 7yo G | T: Willie Mullins | J: Kerrin McEvoy (52.5kg) The second of Willie Mullins’ pair, Absurde, also returns to Flemington chasing Melbourne Cup glory. The seven-year-old son of Fastnet Rock has been racing inconsistently in the UK with a win over the hurdles back in March and a win in Listed company on August 31 his best efforts. In between those runs came a 31-length defeat to Grosvenor Square who was expected to be hard to beat if he came to Flemington. There isn’t much star power in this year’s Cup field, so a forward showing is expected, and despite being a +900 fancy, he is another punter should be looking to take on. Athabascan T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd (52kg) Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Alzubra (GB) Athabascan 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Bet365 10. Athabascan (2) 6yo G | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Zac Lloyd (52kg) Athabascan has eight lengths he needs to make up on the like of Land Legend and Zardozi from when they clashed in The Metropolitan two starts back and despite winning at Group 3 level last time out, the +4000 is far too short a quote for such an inconsistent runner. Knight’s Choice (6) T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon J: Robbie Dolan Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Extreme Choice Dam: Midnight Pearl Knight’s Choice 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2000 Best odds at Bet365 11. Knight’s Choice (6) 5yo G | T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon | J: Robbie Dolan (51.5kg) Knight’s Choice is +15000 for a reason. He has struggled massively throughout his four starts in Melbourne this time in and will be lucky to be beat a runner home in this year’s Melbourne Cup. Okita Soushi T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Kah Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Amicus More Felons 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1600 Place: +400 Best odds at Bet365 12. Okita Soushi (10) 7yo H | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jamie Kah (51kg) Last-start Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Okita Soushi beat a handful of his rivals when they last clashed and has to be respected on that fact alone. However, a deeper dive will see he gained every favour in running that night and was aided by a gun ride from Billy Egan. He will likely roll forward under Jamie Kah and will look to settle alongside Just Fine on just off him. The 3200m might see him out if forced to do all the chasing, but a top-four finish wouldn’t shock entirely. Onesmoothoperator T: Brian Ellison J: Craig Williams (51kg) Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dialed In (USA) Dam: Sueno D’oro Onesmoothoperator 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +550 Place: +140 Best odds at Picklebet 13. Onesmoothoperator (12) 7yo Gelding | T: Brian Ellison | J: Craig Williams (51kg) Onesmoothoperator was utterly dominant in his Australian debut when saluting in the Group 3 Geelong Cup on October 23. The seven-year-old gelding was forced to sustain a long run and did so with ease going on to win by 2.3 despite pulling up lame post-race. With that in mind and a cut heel almost derailing his Melbourne Cup hopes, Onesmoothoperator could be a bit vulnerable on Tuesday. Having said that, if he produces anything close to what he put forward at Geelong, then the 3200m should not be an issue and his turn of foot will take him a long way in this year’s Melbourne Cup. Zardozi (4) T: James Cummings J: Andrea Atzeni Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) Zardozi 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1400 Place: +380 Best odds at Dabble 14. Zardozi (4) 4yo M | T: James Cummings | J: Andrea Atzeni (51kg) Our on top selection for the 2024 Melbourne Cup is Zardozi. The James Cummings-trained mare should have won the Metropolitan three runs back when nosed out of it by Land Legend, and then had plenty of excuses when finishing fourth in the Caulfield Cup. She seemingly didn’t handle Caulfield and copped an almighty bump just as she building through her gears. James Cummings has undertaken his grandfather Bart’s theory in racing Zardozi on a three-day backup after an eye-catching run in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). She will be rock-hard fit and Sydney Cup-winning hoop Andrea Atzeni sticking on board will be given every chance in running from a midfield spot from barrier four. If Zardozi brings her best, she is the one to beat. Sea King T: Harry Eustace J: Hollie Doyle (50kg) Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Pamona (IRE) Sea King 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +800 Place: +200 Best odds at Boombet 15. Sea King (1) 6yo G | T: Harry Eustace | J: Hollie Doyle (50.5kg) Sea King could not have been anymore impressive when saluting in the Bendigo Cup and on the six-day backup cannot be dismissed in the Melbourne Cup. Harry Eustace has had this race pencilled in a long way out for this son of Sea The Stars and the ease of which he disposed of a strong Bendigo Cup field has him right in the mix on Tuesday. Barrier one is a slight concern considering how keen he was underneath runners on his Australian debut, but if Hollie Doyle can have him one off the rail as they leave the home straight, Sea King will be in this for a long way. Valiant King T: Chris Waller J: Craig Newitt Age: 5YO Color: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Assembly Valiant King 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Bet365 16. Valiant King (22) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Craig Newitt (50.5kg) Valiant King simply is not going good enough this campaign to be featured in the finish on Tuesday. He finished 16/16 first-up defeated 13.8 lengths, finished seven lengths off Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes and finished midfield beaten 13.2 lengths in a Caulfield Cup. Group 1 company over 3200m hardly looks like his recipe for success. Fancy Man T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Ron Stewart Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride Of Dubai Dam: Fancy (IRE) Fancy Man 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2500 Best odds at Neds 17. Fancy Man (19) 7yo G | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Ron Stewart (50kg) Fancy Man is another at a big price who is set to struggle on Tuesday. The seven-year-old gelding was defeated 9.7 lengths in the Caulfield Cup when given every chance from a low draw. He draws out wide in barrier 19 and risks being caught three wide the trip. Expect a bigger price than +8000 to be bet on Tuesday. Interpretation T: Ciaron Maher J: Teo Nugent Age: 7YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Daldiyna (FR) Interpretation 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1000 Place: +250 Best odds at Picklebet 18. Interpretation (14) 7yo G | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Teo Nugent (50kg) Back for his third crack at the Melbourne Cup, Interpretation is arguably going as well as ever. He hit the line powerfully in The Bart Cummings and backed it up with a similar performance in the Geelong Cup to suggest he is ready for the two-mile trip once more. Teo Nugent will likely need a touch of luck to find some cover from barrier 14 and attempt to find a midfield spot, because the son of Galileo only has a short sharp sprint. If he can gain a tow into the race, the +1600 looks a juicy price, but if he has to sustain a long run, others will prove strong late in the piece. Manzoice (8) T: Chris Waller J: Declan Bates Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Choice (NZ) Manzoice 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +6000 Place: +1300 Best odds at Dabble 19. Manzoice (8) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Declan Bates (50kg) Much like his stablemate Kovalica, the Chris Waller-trained Manzoice has found winning hard in recent times. The five-year-old has not won since his 2022 VRC Derby win and has struggled in similar company to this field. He needs to overturn a 4.7 length defeat in The Bart Cummings and a 3.6 length defeat in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, and despite being in the right barn, it is still to big of an ask. Mostly Cloudy (16) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Karis Teetan Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Harzand (IRE) Dam: Clarinda (FR) Mostly Cloudy 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2000 Best odds at Picklebet 20. Mostly Cloudy (16) 6yo G | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Karis Teetan (50kg) Mostly Cloudy hardly runs a poor race, but that is exactly what he put forward in The Bart Cummings when finding a truly run 2520m a bit too hard. This is likely going to be a stronger test and despite just 50kg on his back, Mostly Cloudy will be gasping for air a long way out. Positivity (20) T: Andrew Forsman J: Winona Costin Age: 4YO Color: Bay/Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Pussy O’Reilly (NZ) Positivity 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2000 Best odds at Boombet 21. Positivity (20) 4yo M | T: Andrew Forsman | J: Winona Costin (50kg) Since stepping up past 2000m, the Andrew Forsman-trained Positivity has struggled to have much of an impact. She showed some good signs when chasing home Just Fine in the Bart Cummings, but was beaten a long way when disappointing in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on October 25. A sharp form reversal is required, so the +10000 on offer looks about right. Saint George (9) T: Ciaron Maher J: Tyler Schiller Age: 5YO Color: Grey Sex: Horse Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Lady Dragon (IRE) Saint George 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +3000 Place: +750 Best odds at Neds 22. Saint George (9) 5yo H | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Tyler Schiller (50kg) Saint George has continually put in eye-catching performances in his four runs this campaign, and despite not winning, cannot be discounted in the 2024 Melbourne Cup. The five-year-old trainer by Ciaron Maher was hitting the line as well as anything in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and seemingly would have finished closer if it wasn’t his first look at the track. He returns to Flemington, albeit the track he put in his worst performance at this campaign, but the step up to 3200m at this stage of his prep looks perfect. Tyler Schiller will have him settled midfield with cover and if he can replicate his finish from last time out, he is certainly a trifecta hope at a big price. The Map T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray J: Rachel King Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Alpine Eagle Dam: This Moment The Map 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Boombet 23. The Map (23) 6yo M | T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray | J: Rachel King (50kg) When The Map booked her ticket into the Cup when winning the Ramsden Stakes earlier in the year, the world was her oyster. However, the six-year-old mare has hardly caught fire in four runs this campaign and was well held when beaten five-lengths in the Geelong Cup by Onesmoothoperator. Barrier 23 is far from ideal as well, and it would be a surprise if The Map started shorter than the +4000 she opened at post barrier draw. Trust In You T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley J: Mark Du Plessis (51kg) Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sweynesse Dam: Shinko Bay Trust In You 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +20000 Place: +5000 Best odds at Unibet 24. Trust In You (5) 6yo G | T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley | J: Mark Du Plessis (50kg) Despite an eye-catching run in the Metropolitan two runs back, Trust In You is a deserved rank outsider in the Melbourne Cup. He finished 2.4-lengths off Athabascan last time out and simply needs everything to go his way if he is to be fighting out for even a top 10 finish. Melbourne Cup 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 14 ZARDOZI 1 VAUBAN 3 CIRCLE OF FIRE 6 SHARP ‘N’ SMART $100 betting strategy $100 win Politely Dun (#17) @ +1500 with Neds Horse racing tips View the full article

Irish raiders dominated the turf races at the Breeders' Cup on Friday and on Saturday morning it was the turn of William Haggas to strike for England with a “mind-boggling” win in Sydney's $10 million Golden Eagle with Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never). Fellow European challenger Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) was half a length back in second for Jerome Reynier and Nurlan Bizakov after making the running. Owned by Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, Lake Forest continued a phenomenal run of success for the Newmarket trainer with his Australian raiders, Addeybb (Ire) having won three Group 1 races there in 2020 and 2021 followed by the victories of Dubai Honour (Ire) in last year's G1 Ranvet Stakes and G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Haggas has now notched 10 wins in Australia from 22 starts. “That was great, absolutely amazing. We love our little raids,” said Haggas after watching the Rosehill action from Italy. Dropped out early by Cieren Fallon, Lake Forest was toward the rear of the 20-runner field for much of the race before launching an audacious run down the rail to claim victory within a few strides of the line. “It was mind-boggling,” Haggas said. “We've never sent a three-year-old [to Australia] before, so for me that was an experiment, to see how he could cope with it. But we hope that he can come back and be a nice horse next year in England. He'll wait there for 10 days and then come home.” The winner of the G2 Gimcrack Stakes last year, Lake Forest was bred at Newsells Park Stud by John and Tanya Gunther under the banner of Sahara Group Holdings. The colt took second in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June and was also runner-up in the G3 Hackwood Stakes before his trip to Australia. His victory provided a first major international success for Fallon, though it was bittersweet as the jockey was later handed a month's suspension and record $10,000 ban for careless riding for allowing Lake Forest to drift left into Lazzat. The latter's rider Antonio Orani was also suspended for a month and fined $30,000 for causing interference to fifth-placed Stefi Magnetica (Aus). Haggas said that Fallon plans to appeal the punishment. “The French weren't very pleased because we crossed him at the end but it was all over,” Haggas said. “To beat Lazzat was a pretty impressive effort, I thought, because he's a [G1] Maurice de Gheest winner.” He added, “From a publicity point of view it's all about the Breeders' Cup today but what this horse has achieved is fantastic.” The post ‘It Was Mind-Boggling’: Haggas Hails Lake Forest’s A$10m Golden Eagle Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Melbourne Cup is set to be a thrilling contest, with a field of 24 top-class stayers ready to tackle the iconic two-mile journey at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday November 5. Chris Waller Dominates the Field Trainer Chris Waller has a strong hand in this year’s race, with five runners in the official Group […] The post 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Field, Barriers & Betting Update appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The all-important 2024 Melbourne Cup (3200m) barrier draw has been revealed on Saturday evening at Flemington Racecourse, with a capacity field of 24 set to line up in the race that stops the nation. Australia’s greatest race is set to be run and won at 3pm on Tuesday afternoon, and the Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo may have it all to do after drawing out in barrier 21. Despite the awkward draw, Marantelli Bet haven’t hesitated to install the six-year-old as the $5.50 favourite with for the event, with plenty of early money keeping Buckaroo solid in the market. The ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira is set to take the reins aboard the son of Fastnet Rock and will need to lug 54.5kg to victory after finishing runner-up in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup on October 19. The first of two Willie Mullin-trained gallopers Vauban will need to lug the top-weight of 55.5kg to victory in this year’s edition after coming up short 12 months ago, however, will be aided by barrier 11 and William Buick in the saddle. Kerrin McEvoy is booked to ride stable companion Absurde and has firmed into $10.00 after drawing barrier seven. Fellow European imports Onesmoothoperator ($8.00) and Sea King ($9.00) should get lovely runs in transit after drawing gates 12 and one respectively, with the pair sure to have plenty of admirers having tasted victory on Australian shores heading into Tuesday. Craig Williams is booked to maintain his association with Onesmoothoperator, while Hollie Doyle will make the trip down under to partner Sea King. Hong Kong-based hoop Zac Purton will return to Australia to partner Land Legend ($15.00) from barrier 18, while Teo Nugent will be legged aboard Interpretation ($15.00) to disengaged from stall 14. There should be a genuine tempo in this year’s Cup, with the likes of Just Fine ($34.00) and Okita Soushi ($23.00) likely to be roused along in the early stages. Meanwhile, The Map ($41.00) and Circle Of Fire (34.00) could have it all to do drawn out in the car park. The chances don’t end there, and with so many different form-lines to dissect, this may be one of the most wide-open Melbourne Cup’s in recent years with plenty of value available in Melbourne Cup betting markets with Playup. The Melbourne Cup is scheduled to get underway at 3pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 5. 2024 Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw 1. Vauban (11) T: Willie Mullins J: William Buick W: 55.5kg F: 21342 Age: 7YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galiway (GB) Dam: Waldfest (GB) +500 +125 2. Buckaroo (21) T: Chris Waller J: Joao Moreira W: 54.5kg F: 22118 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Roheryn (IRE) +400 +100 3. Circle Of Fire (24) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 54.5kg F: 098×1 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Fiery Sunset (GB) +3300 +750 4. Warp Speed (3) T: Noboru Takagi J: Akira Sugawara W: 54.5kg F: 0x523 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Drefong (USA) Dam: Deep Love (JPN) +4000 +900 5. Kovalica (17) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 53.5kg F: 6243x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Vitesse (NZ) +2500 +600 6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (15) T: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson J: Michael Dee W: 53.5kg F: 3020x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Redwood (GB) Dam: Queen Margaret (NZ) +7000 +1500 7. Just Fine (13) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Jye McNeil W: 53kg F: 01050 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Bint Almatar (USA) +3300 +750 8. Land Legend (18) T: Chris Waller J: Zac Purton W: 53kg F: 3160x Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Landikusic (IRE) +2000 +500 9. Absurde (7) T: Willie Mullins J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 52.5kg F: x14x1 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Incroyable (USA) +1000 +250 10. Athabascan (2) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd W: 52kg F: 1008x Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Alzubra (GB) +4000 +900 11. Knight’s Choice (6) T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon J: Robbie Dolan W: 51.5kg F: 5009x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Extreme Choice Dam: Midnight Pearl +15000 +3300 12. Okita Soushi (10) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Kah W: 51kg F: 1208x Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Amicus +1600 +400 13. Onesmoothoperator (12) T: Brian Ellison J: Craig Williams W: 51kg F: 1471x Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dialed In (USA) Dam: Sueno D’Oro (USA) +700 +180 14. Zardozi (4) T: James Cummings J: Andrea Atzeni W: 51kg F: 54256 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) +1300 +320 15. Sea King (1) T: Harry Eustace J: Hollie Doyle W: 50.5kg F: 1×631 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Pamona (IRE) +850 +210 16. Valiant King (22) T: Chris Waller J: Craig Newitt W: 50.5kg F: 906×6 Age: 5YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Assembly (USA) +6000 +1300 17. Fancy Man (19) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Ron Stewart W: 50kg F: 635×0 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Fancy (IRE) +10000 +2000 18. Interpretation (14) T: Ciaron Maher J: Teo Nugent W: 50kg F: 26800 Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Daldiyna (FR) +1800 +450 19. Manzoice (8) T: Chris Waller J: Declan Bates W: 50kg F: 7032x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Choice (NZ) +8000 +1800 20. Mostly Cloudy (16) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Karis Teetan W: 50kg F: 044×2 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Harzand (IRE) Dam: Clarinda (FR) +2000 21. Positivity (20) T: Andrew Forsman J: Winona Costin W: 50kg F: 8712x Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Pussy O’Reilly (NZ) +10000 +2000 22. Saint George (9) T: Ciaron Maher J: Tyler Schiller W: 50kg F: 5948x Age: 5YO Colour: Grey Sex: Horse Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Lady Dragon (IRE) +3300 +750 23. The Map (23) T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray J: Rachel King W: 50kg F: 6509x Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Alpine Eagle Dam: This Moment +2500 +600 24. Trust In You (5) T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley J: Mark Du Plessis W: 50kg F: 44036 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sweynesse Dam: Shinko Bay (NZ) +15000 +3300 Horse racing news View the full article

Chris Waller enjoyed a successful Derby Day with a Flemington treble two Group 1s but luck deserted the champion trainer in the Melbourne Cup barrier draw. View the full article

Isthmus ridden by Blake Shinn wins the Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Anthony & Sam Freedman had to wait until the last race on VRC Derby Day at Flemington, but they claimed their first victory of the day in the Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes with their speedy mare, Isthmus. The daughter of I Am Invincible was given a perfect front-running ride by Blake Shinn, who also didn’t claim his first win of the day until the final race, as she proved way too fast for her rivals over 1100m. After jumping quickly from barrier eight, Shinn had to ask Isthmus to come back underneath him, and once she did, she settled nicely in the first four. With the field spread across the Flemington track, Scuderia ($151) and Pharari ($8) pushed forward to shade the eventual winner and take up a slender lead. However, as the field hit the course proper, Shinn asked for the ultimate effort, and Isthmus took over before taking off to put up a three-length margin on the rest of the field. Kundalini ($16) and Danny’s St Darci ($23) made some ground late in the piece, but it was all honours to the winner as she kept pulling clear in the final 200m, recording a dominant 2.5-length victory paying $9 with the top Australian bookmakers. 2024 Begonia Belle Stakes replay – Isthmus Sam Freedman represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “She was terrific. She copped a decent hip and shoulder last start and sort of sapped her confidence a bit, but the farriers have done a great job,” Freedman said. “She took a few days to get over it, and she’s bounced back in great form. “You watch them closely for a few days and make sure that they’ ve taken no ill harm from it. “She was very sound,but you can tell she was a little bit flat afterwards, and she obviously didn’t finish off the race as well as we would have hoped. “Our farrier flies under the radar a little bit. “She’s not been the easiest to manage with her feet, and he’s done a terrific job, and our vet, Tom Brennan, so a big team effort. “Paula, who looks after her, she gets quite emotional and looks after her very well. “Being a stakes winner now makes a big difference to her page. And she’s certainly a valuable mare. “So she’s capable of getting to the top level, we feel. And maybe it’s a Sangster in the Autumn.” Blake Shinn was just as happy with the win. “It’s been a good day. We’ve hit the crossbar quite a few times, but this is the best of the best, and to end it on a really good note is wonderful,” Shinn said. “She’s possessed a lot of ability from day one. “I rode her at first start. She’s always had a lot of ability. I take my hat off to Anthony and Sam Freedman. “They’ve really managed her education and planning of her career really well, and to win a race on Derby Day is an indication of her ability, and I think she’s got a lot more to come. “So great to ride a winner in these colours. There’s Jonathan Munz, Rocket Douglas. They put a lot of money into the game, and to win a race on Derby Day. “She’s a lovely mare.” Horse racing news View the full article

Fawkner Park after winning the Rosehill Gold Cup. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Fawkner Park ($4.60) has held off the fast-finishing Wyclif ($26) to claim victory in the Group 3 Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) on Saturday afternoon. The son of Zoffany was on the one-week backup after finishing mid-field in the Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick last Saturday, proving a masterstroke from connections to race again, storming away with the prize courtesy of a classy ride by Tyler Schiller. There was a muddling tempo thanks to the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Bear On The Loose ($10), with Regan Bayliss attempting to do no work aboard the four-year-old gelding from barrier 12. It gave Hinged ($5.50) and Nonconformist ($7.50) the saloon passage turning for home, but it was a mid-race move by Tyler Schiller paying the ultimate dividends, taking off with 600m left to travel. Fawkner Park still had plenty of work to do fighting off the challenge of Wyclif and even Stockman ($41) making strong inroads at a monster price with the top Australian bookmakers, with Schiller throwing Fawkner Park over the line to get his preparation back on track. 2024 Rosehill Gold Cup Race Replay – Fawkner Park Co-trainer Rob Archibald was on course to speak post-race and credited his team on getting Fawkner Park back to his brilliant best. “Full credit to the team at home, they’ve worked very hard to get him right,” said Archibald. “He just wasn’t appreciating Melbourne way, for whatever reason. And he’s just gradually building confidence since he’s come back (to Sydney). “I thought Tyler (Schiller) made a brave decision to make a move early in the race but he just summed it up that there was no speed on. He got outside leader and he was just strong late. It’s just a big effort from everybody and I’m very pleased. Schiller spoke to the positive tactics being a major reason for the success as well. “I tried to be a touch more positive on him,” said Schiller. “He’s not an overly blessed horse with gait speed but he did jump well today which surprised me. I thought he loved the ground. “It’s just got a little bit of moisture in it but he seems to still love the firm base. And he’s just awfully tough. I put him into the race when I needed to. He’s run 2400m up in Queensland so no doubt why he couldn’t do it today. ““All the congrats go to Rob and Annabel and the team. He liked Melbourne way but he just wouldn’t quicken that way. “I think he just likes getting onto his Melbourne leg up here when he goes quicker in the straight. When he changes from his right lead to his left lead, he finds that extension. Whereas in Melbourne he goes from his left to his right and it just doesn’t seem to suit him. He’s a strange horse but he’s got plenty of ability.” Horse racing news View the full article

Affable jockey loving life as he keeps working hard for winners.View the full article

Lake Forest after winning the Golden Eagle. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The European raider Lake Forest ($18.00) has come with a withering burst to claim victory in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with William Haggas and Cieren Fallon combining to secure victory for the UK. The Northern Hemisphere three-year-old come through some quality form heading into Saturday, but was relatively unwanted in the market, starting at a good each-way price with the top Australian bookmakers. It was race full of hard-luck stories, as fellow European contender Lazzat ($4.80) led them out at a strong clip throughout, while the team Hawkes-trained Makarena ($51.00) continued to press on from a wide draw. Well-supported favourite Ascoli Piceno ($3.20) didn’t have much luck from barrier 17, with Joao Moreira being cast wide throughout the journey, while the likes of Stefi Magnetica ($12.00) and Tom Kitten ($10.00) cut the corner looking for a run in the home straight. Lazzat was second past the post, however, Stefi Magnetica copped a severe check in the concluding stages with Lazzat rolling significantly in the final furlong, resulting in a protest fifth v second. 2024 Golden Eagle Race Replay – Lake Forest (1st) Stewards reviewed the footage and elected to dismiss the claim due to the margin between the pair. There was no doubt about the winner, however, as Lake Forest produced a stunning turn-of-foot to secure victory in the $10 million Rosehill feature. Stable representative Isabella Paul was on course to break down the victory and couldn’t hide her excitement. “We knew he has an explosive turn of foot,” said Paul. “If you watch some of his other races, he’s so fast towards the end. And Cieren (Fallon) has ridden that so beautifully, and that was the plan, sit back, let them all kill themselves in front and come through to finish. But a really brave ride from Ceiren. And Oh my God, how exciting. “If you look at the way he runs, with that fast finish etc, that’s the way he goes. And he looked like he wasn’t necessarily crying out for the step up in trip but that it would suit and it was only kind of misfortune that he didn’t get that. “Sydney is like a second home now, I hope we might get citizenship at some stage. No, it’s great to be back down here and it’s phenomenal to have another winner.” Ceiren Fallon was elated with the win and put it amongst some of his career highlights as a jockey. “Unbelievable. Wow, I can’t believe it. Lost for words,” said Fallon. “Everything went to Plan A. Tuck in, we knew we had a lot of speed and had to save his turn of foot. “I thought if we used too much energy early on we’d have been taking away our turn of foot. So I had to ride him quite brave and hope we got a bit of luck. And we got a few gaps up there. Obviously Stefano helped me get a few gaps there and, you know, what a horse. “I had a lot of belief in him. In all of his races he’d been crying out for a bit further. I knew with the bend it would allow us to fill him up around the bend. “It got a bit tight and I saved as much ground as I could up the inside and he showed his turn of foot towards the end and hit the line very strongly. “This is remarkable. Money-wise, you can’t beat it. It’s definitely up there. Obviously my first time out here, to be able to be part of such a strong stable, obviously the boss has been sending horses out here for the last few years and they’ve been coming out on top. So I was very confident. “But in terms of career, this probably would be up there.” Horse racing news View the full article

It’s here again, not just Australia’s greatest race but our greatest and most enduring cultural institution - the Melbourne Cup! View the full article

The 2024 Golden Eagle at Rosehill delivered a thrilling upset, with the UK raider Lake Forest claiming victory in a thrilling finish. Trained by William Haggas and ridden by Cieren Fallon, Lake Forest defied the odds to secure the $10 million prize. “Unbelievable. Wow, I can’t believe it. Lost for words,” Fallon said. “Everything went […] The post UK’s Lake Forest Springs a Surprise in Golden Eagle 2024 Result appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Jamie Kah‘s stellar Melbourne Cup Carnival got off to a flying start as she guided Goldrush Guru to a dominant victory in the Group 1 Victoria Derby. The Andrew Gluyas-trained colt, coming off a strong win in the Listed Hill Smith Stakes, showcased his immense potential on the Flemington track. Kah’s masterful ride was crucial […] The post Goldrush Guru Strikes Gold in Victoria Derby 2024 Result appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Go Racing’s pin-up girl Atishu takes out the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli A year after flying home for second behind Pride Of Jenni in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), Go Racing’s pin-up girl Atishu returned to Flemington on Saturday and went one better for the Kiwi syndicators. Last year’s edition of the A$1 million fillies and mares’ feature was a difficult one to watch for Atishu’s connections. The Savabeel mare found herself near the tail of a strung-out field and rounded the home turn in a near-hopeless position more than a dozen lengths from the leader. Atishu ran the fastest last 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race and got within a length of Pride Of Jenni, who went on to win another two Group 1 races in that same tearaway style and was named Australia’s Horse of the Year. Saturday brought sweet redemption. This time Atishu and jockey James McDonald took up a closer position in ninth as the field kept front-runner Grinzinger Belle firmly in their sights. McDonald brought Atishu out to the centre of the track at the top of the straight and began to move her through her gears. Amelia’s Jewel swept to the lead with 200m remaining in what looked like a winning move, but then Atishu went into full flight and drew up alongside her. Despite a determined fightback from a brave Amelia’s Jewel, Atishu slowly but surely got the upper hand and snatched victory by a head. Atishu’s Empire Rose triumph capped a special day for the expat New Zealand combination of trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald, who also combined to win the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes with Switzerland and the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) with the Kiwi-bred Aeliana. “What a mare she (Atishu) is,” McDonald said. “She just turns up and performs. I’m incredibly proud of her. The team have presented her in immaculate order and she’s done the job. “Her performance in this race last year – I couldn’t believe that she got beaten. But then, as it’s turned out, Pride Of Jenni became an absolute star. “She’s just a quality mare. I’m really proud of her.” Atishu has now had 46 starts for 11 wins, 15 placings and A$5,094,620 in stakes. This was the third Group 1 victory for the seven-year-old, who had previously captured the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) as well as the Champions Stakes (2000m) on the final day of last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. Flemington has been a particularly happy hunting ground for Atishu, with nine starts at the famous Melbourne track for victories in the Empire Rose, the Champions Stakes, the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m). Atishu has become a mainstay of Waller’s stable in the three years since Go Racing transferred her across the Tasman. She had previously recorded multiple stakes wins in New Zealand as a three-year-old for Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh. “She’s a beautiful mare,” Waller said. “She’s been here a long time, and horses like her are so special. When they’ve been with you that long, they’re certainly a big part of the team. They continue to fly the flag and make you proud. “We thought she was building up well towards this, and knowing how well she goes at Flemington gave us confidence more than anything. She’s a year older, so she just takes that bit longer to find a grand final. We had a little bit of confidence today that the grand final was here this week.” Waller will strongly consider backing Atishu up for a defence of her title in the Champions Stakes next Saturday, where her opposition will include her Cox Plate-winning stablemate Via Sistina. “There’s a pretty good chance she’ll be back next week,” Waller said. “She’ll have some good opposition there, but she won’t be worried about them. She’ll be saying ‘look out for me’.” Horse racing news View the full article

Goldrush Guru ridden by Jamie Kah wins the Penfolds Victoria Derby at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Goldrush Guru ($8.50) has produced an outstanding performance to claim the feature Group 1 VRC Derby at Flemington on Saturday afternoon, as Andrew Gluyas combined with Jamie Kah. The South Australian galloper only won his maiden earlier this year in August, and he has progressed from that to win a Group 1 classic three months later. After jumping from barrier 13, Kah pushed forward and eventually settled in the one-one position behind Hot Too Go ($71), Oxford Blue ($51) and Keeneland ($10). As expected, the race favourite with horse racing bookmakers El Castello ($3.90) settled back in the field while the second favourite, King Of Thunder ($6), received a perfect run on the rail in sixth position. Rounding the home turn, the leaders started to tire and Goldrush Guru was left out in front, a long way from home, but Kah hadn’t moved on him. Once Kah unleashed the brakes on the son of American Pharoah, he bounded clear to put three lengths on her rivals, while Scary ($41) began to finish off strongly down the middle of the track. However, the chasers were doing just that, as Goldrush Guru kept up a strong gallop in the concluding stages to record a 1.5-length victory over Scary and China Sea ($11), who poked through along the inside. 2024 VRC Derby replay – Goldrush Guru Andrew Gluyas was on course to speak about the victory. “I’m speechless, overwhelmed, proud, satisfied. Great moment. I’ll be celebrating in South Australia tonight,” Gluyas said. “We often talk about Derbies. “Leon won the SA Derby with French Cotton. That’s the name for the French Cotton Lodge at home. “We had a great run of horses running in the derby. Gold Guru won the AJC Derby. “Rebel Raider then stood up in ‘08 and won the VRC Derby and then won our Derby. We had a few near misses with Hydrometer. It’s folklore. “We often talk about Derbies. When we prepare them and you get a good result like this, it’s great that we can talk about Goldrush Guru again. “Just with the programming back home, last year was a three week break, this year was two, so I guess that forced our hand a little bit. “Initially, Jamie did jump well, she was posted wide. “Then she finally settled into a beautiful spot, sort of a pair back. “She was travelling into the corner beautifully and I thought, oh, we’re a good crack here; you always look for those horses that are full of the bridle and coming at you. “But he was too strong. It was a great staying effort by Goldrush Guru.” Jamie Kah was very happy with the win post-race. “It means everything to us. Obviously we love riding group 1 winners, but it just makes it so much more special when it’s for some fantastic people like Andrew (Gluyas),” Kah said. “I used to ride for Andrew and Leon. I rode some shockers back in the day for them, so it was nice to repay them on the big stage on Derby Day. “My plan was to get back on him. Couldn’t hold him early. I was going to be wide and somehow found a little gap to slot into. “Once I found the gap, he just fell asleep and gave me a beautiful run throughout. “He won it a long way out and I could have stopped him for another lap, but he wanted to keep going. They’ve trained this horse to perfection, he’s looked good winning in Adelaide but obviously the class is a bit different. “I didn’t know how we was going to measure up but they’ve done a good job.” Horse racing news View the full article

Wild Night winning Saturday’s OPN HCP (1300m) at Tauranga. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A powerhouse performance in Saturday’s Financial Services (1300m) at Tauranga proved that former star three-year-old Wild Night is right back at the top of his game. Te Akau Racing’s flashy chestnut strung together five wins in succession two seasons ago, including the Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). Wild Night followed up that winning sequence with a second placing in a star-studded Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), chasing home Prowess and finishing just in front of Desert Lightning and Legarto. In his next start, he ran third behind Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Campionessa in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). A series of setbacks stopped Wild Night from performing anywhere near his best as a four-year-old last season, but he made a promising return with a first-up win at Matamata on October 2. Saturday’s $50,000 open handicap was a tougher test for the Vanbrugh gelding, but he passed with flying colours. Jockey Vinnie Colgan put Wild Night in a handy position, sitting in third along the rail as Blissful Belle set the pace in front of Branciforti. Colgan moved Wild Night up alongside the leader at the home turn, and then he bounded clear with giant strides down the straight. Group One mare La Crique burst out of the pack and ran home strongly in the final 100m, but Wild Night was home free. He won by two and a quarter lengths, clocking a quick 1:15.98 for 1300m. La Crique edged out Navigator by a nose in a tight photo for second. “He’s in fantastic form,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “A massive thank you to all our team, especially at the colt barn, and the owners have been very patient as well. It hasn’t been an easy ride with him. He’s been through plenty of adversity. “But we gave him a long break at the end of his last campaign, then brought him back up nice and slowly. He seems to be back at his best now. He’s a sound, happy horse and in great form. “He had the trip to Te Rapa on Monday, where the meeting was abandoned. Coming here today instead and staying at 1300m second-up was a bit of a worry, plus he’s probably better left-handed – he just got on the wrong leg there at one stage. But it was awesome to see him stretch out the way he did down the straight.” Walker and Bergerson are now likely to step Wild Night back up on to the big-race stage. “We’ll work through some possible targets with the team,” Bergerson said. “But one option might be to bring him back here for the Tauranga Stakes (Group 2, 1600m) in a couple of weeks before carrying on down to Trentham for the TAB Classic (Group 1, 1600m).” Wild Night kicked off a successful hour for the Walker-Bergerson team, with stablemate Bellatrix Star running an enormous race for second in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington not long afterwards. Meanwhile, La Crique’s trainers Katrina and Simon Alexander were more than satisfied with the six-year-old’s first-up performance under 60.5kg at Tauranga. Saturday’s race was her first start since she won the A$500,000 Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) in Brisbane in June, and she went into the race without any trials. “I thought that was a cracking run under the weight,” Katrina Alexander said. “She tends to put in a good performance first-up without quite winning, and it was more of the same today. “She’ll go to Pukekohe next for the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Group 2, 1400m). It was an improver’s run today, and hopefully she can build on that.” Horse racing news View the full article