Wandering Eyes

It’s 10 days to the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 12 so why not look back at the winner of the great race 10 years ago. In 2014 it was Adore Me By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk What a New Zealand Cup it was in 2014. The build-up was dominated by Terror To Love’s quest to become the ever to win four consecutive New Zealand Cups. The aftermath was dominated by glamour mare Adore Me and her world record-breaking in 3:54.6. At the time it was deemed “the greatest performance ever from a pacing mare in the Southern Hemisphere.” Adore Me stepped well from her second line draw and settled midfield on the outer. But the champ was leaving nothing to chance. Terror To Love went to the front a lap out. The crowd wanted to be a part of history. Down the back straight Mark Purdon pulled Adore Me out four wide and they just kept coming. When she have got to the end of her run she just keep finding to triumph by half a head in front of a fast finishing Franco Nelson. Terror To Love wilted to fourth. Her winning time was 1.8 seconds inside Changeover’s record set in 2018. In fact the first 10 runners home were all inside his old mark. It remains the second fastest Cup win ever, only to beaten by the great Lazarus’ 3:53.1 in 2016. It was her 21st win in 27 starts, and Mark Purdon’s first winning drive in the Cup for 18 years. His previous win was his second Cup success with Il Vicolo in 1996. Despite her undoubted ability and a win in the Ashburton Flying Stakes in the build up to the Cup she still ended up paying $7.20 for the win. It was the first Cup triumph by a mare since Mainland Banner in 2005. Other mares like Armalight, Bonnies Chance, and Blossom Lady had also won the great race – but not like this. Adore Me’s win was one of seven the Mark Purdon – Nathan Rasmussen stables had on racing’s biggest day – a phenomenal achievement. Known as the world’s fastest mare, Adore Me retired to the broodmare paddock the winner of 26 races from 36 starts and earnings of $1.67m. Aong her progeny have been Darling Me (13 wins) and All You Need Is Me. Her last race was close to a fairytale. She was a nose second to Christen Me in the 2015 Auckland Cup. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukushima Racecourses: Sunday, November 3, 2024 4th-TOK, ¥13,720,000 ($90k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400mT CARAVAGGISTI (c, 2, Caravaggio–Tonahutu {Ire}, by Sir Prancealot {Ire}) is out of a mare who was placed twice in graded turf events for Chief Stipe O'Neill and who was purchased by Shadai Corp. for $350,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. A daughter of Really Polish (Polish Numbers), a Grade III winner and third in the 1998 GI Kentucky Oaks, Tonahutu was exported to Japan after foaling this colt in Kentucky and did not produce a foal in 2023, but is represented by a weanling colt of this year by leading sire Kizuna (Jpn). B-Shadai Corporation (KY) KAFUJI UVA (c, 2, English Channel–Over Served, by Black Minnaloushe) is set to become just the third Japanese starter for his late sire, but packs some pedigree power, as he is a full-brother to Last Call, winner of the 2022 GI Natalma Stakes and a an allowance winner at Woodbine Oct. 26; and to the Grade III-placed English Tavern. An $85,000 Keeneland September yearling, the Mar. 21 foal is out of a half-sister to GSW/MGISP Yearly Tour (Half a Year) and MGSW Victor Avenue (Avenue of Flags). B-English Channel Co-Owners & Jodi Cantwell (KY) 5th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($90k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800mT DACITAPIT (c, 2, Tapit–Dacita {Chi}, by Scat Daddy) is the fourth foal and second to race from his dam, champion 2-year-old filly and a treble Group 1 winner in her native country and later victorious in the GI Diana Stakes and GI Beverly D. Stakes while under the care of Chad Brown. Don Alberto Corp. paid $1.85 million for Dacita at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton November Sale days after she finished a close fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar. Dacitapit was purchased for $210,000 at KEESEP in 2023. B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY) 6th-FKS, ¥13,720,000 ($90k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1700m BLESSED NILE (f, 2, Gun Runner–Pioneer Queen, by Pioneerof the Nile) races as a homebred for Dr. Masatake Iida's Chiyoda Farm, who acquired this dam–herself a $500,000 KEESEP yearling–for $475,000 pregnant to Street Sense at the 2019 KEENOV sale. Pioneer Queen is a half-sister to seven winners, including 2010 GI Travers Stakes hero Afleet Express (Afleet Alex); 2015 GI Alabama Stakes victress Embellish the Lace (Super Saver) and SW/MGSP Reporting For Duty (Deputy Commander). B-Chiyoda Farm (KY) The post Tapit Colt Out of Dacita On Debut at Kyoto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) fourth-choice Ramatuelle has been withdrawn just a day before the race as a precaution, following a PET scan.View the full article

Owner Clark Brewster of Tulsa, Okla., wanted to name his superstar sprinter Rooster Cogburn because of actor John Wayne's eye patch in his portrayal of that character in the movies.View the full article

DEL MAR, CA – Maiden Special Weight, for 2-year-old fillies that sold or RNA'd for $45,000 or less in their most recent sale. British Idiom (Flashback), a $40,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling graduate, met that criteria and successfully kicked off her career with a stylish, 3 1/2-length debut victory as the 7-2 favorite for trainer Brad Cox at Saratoga in the summer of 2019. The Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb and The Elkstone Group colorbearer, of course, followed up with a win in the GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland and concluded her three-for-three championship campaign with a dramatic win in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita. “We're very fortunate to have some high-priced horses, but when you see a horse get off the van and walk into your barn, one of the first things you do is check Equibase or check with the owner,” Cox said. “Where did you get the horse and what did you pay for them? And when you see $50,000 or less, I immediately perk up and think to myself, 'Alright, mental note, horse is eligible for an auction race.' It's very nice to have that. And it doesn't mean anything in regards to what they're gonna end up being.” Cox continued, “British Idiom, I could remember her working out of the gate with an older horse and holding her own and feeling very confident about shipping her to Saratoga and being competitive in that race. I will tell you this, I do think people really do look for it now when buying horses.” “A lot of good horses have found their way through those auction races,” Cox concluded. Champion British Idiom winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita | Horsephotos Trainer Kenny McPeek would certainly concur. Four-time Grade I winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), the 4-5 morning-line favorite for Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, also launched her career with a win in a maiden-auction race at Keeneland last fall. She romped by 8 1/2 lengths that day at odds of 4-1. McPeek purchased Thorpedo Anna for just $40,000 out of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling sale. The GI Kentucky Oaks heroine is campaigned in partnership by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and McPeek's Magdalena Racing. “The foundation of my business has been middle- and lower-market buyers,” McPeek said. “My first yearling purchase was $8,500 back in the late '80s. I try to do the best I can with sometimes modest budgets, but I've been able to sharpen my eye doing it. I think I'm unique in that because I like picking my own horses and I get to see what works and what doesn't work.” The 2020 champion 3-year-old filly Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil), a $35,000 Keeneland September Yearling purchase by McPeek on behalf of owner Peter Callahan, also debuted with a victory in a maiden-auction race at Churchill Downs in the fall of 2019. The chestnut's stacked resume was headed by wins in the GI Preakness Stakes and GI Alabama Stakes. “I'm thrilled they invented those races because it does make sense to give those owners and those horses an opportunity,” McPeek said. “I like those races, and when we have one that fits it, great. I do wish they'd raise the level a little bit because I do think those races would fill even more if they raised it to $75,000. It's a unique place to start a horse and like I said, it's worked out well.” McPeek added with a laugh, “I think I won three out of the first four of them they ever ran. And the only reason I didn't win the fourth one was that I didn't have one in it.” Saturday's Breeders' Cup program also includes Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), a 30-1 longshot for Wathnan Racing and trainer Brian Lynch in the Dirt Mile and maiden-auction graduate at second asking at Churchill Downs back in 2022. Tumbarumba, runner-up in the GIII Ack Ack Stakes last time, brought $30,000 as a Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall yearling. The post From Maiden-Auction Winner to Breeders’ Cup Champion, British Idiom May Have Company Soon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge presented by GaineswayView the full article

Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony outlined his concerns arising from the government's budget announcement when reflecting on what proved to be a memorable Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale that saw a record-high price paid for the 1.3 million gns Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}) earlier in the week. That Coolmore-owned three-year-old was sold on Wednesday to continue his career in Australia for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and Mahony praised the large cohort of international buyers who made the trip to Tattersalls for what has been another successful sale at Park Paddocks. Despite a smaller [86] offering of horses, turnover climbed 6% to 35,654,200gns. In fact, Tattersalls had already surpassed last year's turnover by close of play on Thursday. The average also climbed by 13% to 34,955gns, the median by 7% to 16,000gns while the clearance rate didn't budge at 88%. The top price on the final day of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale was the three-year-old gelding Melon (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who will stay in training with Ollie Greenall and Josh Guerriero, but was bought by different owners within the yard at 68,000gns to go hurdling. Reflecting on trade this week, Mahony said, “As ever this unique fixture, the largest and most popular of its type in the world, has attracted an extraordinarily diverse collection of buyers from all corners of the world. Australian buyers have enjoyed outstanding success purchasing at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale with graduates winning 48 Group/Listed races in the last three years, and they have again played a significant role, buying in excess of 30 lots for more than 6,000,000 guineas. “They have been joined by the typically enthusiastic group of buyers from the Gulf region whose respective carnivals have buoyed the market in the Middle East for quality tried horses from Britain and Ireland. We have also welcomed a large contingent of European buyers, especially from Spain and Italy, who have made a significant contribution to the sale, and it was equally encouraging to see such strong domestic demand from both the Flat and National Hunt fraternities. “A record price at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale for Delius and sale turnover that has only narrowly fallen short of the wide margin record set in 2022, have provided a fitting finale to what has been a remarkable month of sales at Tattersalls in October.” He continued, “However, against this backdrop of positivity we can only express concern regarding the government's budget announced on Wednesday. The implications of it will have far reaching effects not only on all businesses in the racing industry but more long term on breeders and trainers who could now be liable for inheritance tax on their assets. The effects of these changes are surely going to have a negative impact on the whole racing and breeding sector in this country.” “We now look forward to the Tattersalls December Foal and Breeding Stock Sale, which annually showcases the very best of European bloodstock to a global audience.” The post Tattersalls Boss Outlines Concerns Arising From The Budget Following H-I-T Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin People kept telling George Breckon he should do something to get young people involved in harness racing. So he did. And at Alexandra Park on Friday night it paid a very noisy dividend. Breckon is one of those Breckons, the oldest son of Ken and Karen of Breckon Farms fame so he has been around horses since before he was allowed to bet. The 26-year-old was constantly being told he should “get your mates involved” and having always been a go getter he was keen, he just didn’t know how. “I want to buy a horse and syndicate it among some mates but I had never bought one before,” says Breckon. “So Phil and Glenys Kennard said they would help so they choose a horse, bought him and told me I could syndicate as much as I want.” The Kennards stayed in for a third while George syndicated the $50,000 Karaka yearling between 24 of his young mates and a couple of Dads (long story, lets not get into that part). Named Double Parked he left maidens at start three on Friday night in the Lather Up Tender Closes Tonight Mobile Pace. He sat parked for trainer-driver Tony Herlihy before holding out a good filly in Tytate. Pacing a 1:59.6 mile rate for the 2200m, his last 800m in 56.1 seconds Double Parked looks a five race winner in waiting at least, which means the people running the Alexandra Park Winner’s Circle Bar might need to stock up. Because 15 of the pacer’s young owners were there with 15 more mates on Friday night and they went, in George’s words, “Off, it was crazy and everybody got into it.” For I think 23 of the 27 people in our syndicate it is there first horse and they are loving it. “The celebrations were posted on the Boys Get Paid social pages and our guys loved. “And it looks like he is not finished winning so we are stoked.” At the other of the racing experience spectrum comes Maria Perriton, owner-trainer-driver of Dolly P, who finally left maidens at start 60 in the race immediately after Double Parked. The little mare who turns up in most Alexandra Park maiden races will have to find a new grade to haunt after cracking her first win as a rising eight-year-old, matching her dam Rocket, who won once in 21 starts. It was Perriton’s first training win since 2017 and while it couldn’t have been more different from the Young Wons Syndicate who own Double Parked, it was satisfying to watch all the same and commentator Aaron White captured the moment with appropriate drama. Later in the night a genuinely good trotter in Dream Of You made it back into the winner’s circle when he overcame a 25m handicap to win the main trot over 2200m for trainer-driver Derek Balle. His case was aided by favourite Pantani galloping, but is was still good to see a lovely horse back in form and if he stays sound Dream Of You is a Rowe Cup contender. View the full article

A raft of new horses have been confirmed for the two new slot races at Addington Raceway’s Show Day Twilight meeting on Friday, Tuesday November 15. Dreams Are Free, Coastal Babe and Renegade will take their place in the $500,000 Hill, Lee and Scott THE VELOCITY while Bounce N Beyond, Judy J and Princess Sadie have all been confirmed for the $500,000 Majestic Horse Floats LP THE ASCENT. The winner of this month’s Southern Trotting Oaks, Princess Sadie replaces the Pukekohe Punter’s original selection, Cyclone Zion W. Trained by Ken Ford and Amanda Tomlinson, Judy J will take up the slot owned by Bond Racing (Greg and Skye Bond) from Western Australia while the Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained Bounce N Beyond will be Small Car World’s representative. The Majestic Son gelding was back in winning form at Addington last Friday. Only one spot remains in THE ASCENT while THE VELOCITY has now had seven places taken, with three remaining. Dreams Are Free, an impressive last start winner at Ashburton in the Garrard’s Sires’ Stakes Sophomore Classic, has taken up the slot purchased by Brendan Fahy along with Nathan Williamson Racing and the Dreams Are Free Syndicate. Renegade was fourth in the same race at Ashburton and will take up the slot bought by Australian Diane Reilly, a hugely successful owner who won the 2022 Melbourne Inter Dominion with I Cast No Shadow. Renegade is trained by Brendon Hill and has won two of his last three starts. Coastal Babe will race for slot-holders ABR and Summit Bloodstock. The multiple Group 1 winner is part owned by the Queensland-based Summit Bloodstock and will head back this side of the Tasman after winning two from two in Australia, including the Victoria Oaks at Melton on October 12. Overall she has won seven from 14. View the full article

Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, has welcomed Oct. 30 MSW Noble Drama (Gone Astray), according to a press release early Friday. The 9-year old dark bay gelding arrived at the farm courtesy of his owner and trainer, David Fawkes. Noble Drama earned his ticket to Old Friends when he won the 2018 FTBOA Silver Charm Florida Sire Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, which had been designated as a “retirement for life” at Old Friends race. “From the day we presented Noble Drama with his Old Friends for Life certificate in 2018, we've cheered his racing successes, and hoped this day would come,” said John Nicholson, CEO of Old Friends. During his 48 races, Noble Drama won five black-types, and the Florida-bred earned $876,562 over the course of his career. “He was a great horse to have in the barn,” said David Fawkes. “He never had a soundness issue. He was very readable. You knew when he was doing good and when he wasn't. He was just so easy to have in the barn. Anybody could ride him. He was a very, very kind horse. The post MSW Noble Drama Comes To Old Friends appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After celebrating a big race day Oct. 6 at Santa Anita Park, the many common connections behind 2-year-old turf standouts Thought Process and Iron Man Cal will aim to add to that success Nov. 1 at the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar.View the full article

Much-loved racing journalist Alastair Down has died, the Racing Post reported on Friday. He was 68 and recently attended the Showcase Meeting at his beloved Cheltenham for a ceremony to mark the renaming of the press room in his honour. Speaking in an interview with ITV Racing on the day of the ceremony, Down said of that tribute, “It's a cliched way to put it, but it's very moving. By the end of the day I may have had a cup of coffee and a glass of champagne, and I may even shed a tear or two–or a bucket. “I'm incredibly lucky to be able to write from a slightly different angle. Some people can run four-minute miles. I can't do that, but what I can do is bring events alive and say 'this is what it felt like to watch it and this is what it sounded like'. Because the noise here is just the greatest symphony in sport.” Down's self-professed ability to “bring events alive” was honed across four decades of writing professionally, initially for The Sporting Life and latterly for the Racing Post. His achievement in being crowned HWPA Racing Writer of the Year on five occasions sees him rightfully stand alone as the most successful member of the racing media in that category, having been awarded the Clive Graham Trophy in 1994, 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2018. Down also became a familiar face on terrestrial television for much of the Channel 4 Racing era and was the lead presenter for over a decade from when he started in 2001. Among those to pay tribute on Friday was Down's Channel 4 Racing colleague Mike Cattermole, who said on X, “So pleased Alastair Down was able to be there for the opening of “his” press room. A giant in our sport, admired and revered by all. A genius with words, both written and spoken, passionate, very funny and yet vulnerable and complicated. We all cared about him. Love to his family.” Derek Thompson, another member of the Channel 4 Racing team, said in his own statement on X, “Just a week ago Alistair Down was honoured in the most fitting way at @CheltenhamRaces and shared his sentiments so succinctly here [in the interview with ITV Racing]. No one could bring racing alive in print in such a tangible and electrifying way. I'm sure Big Mac will have one ready for you in that bar in the sky – RIP big fella. We'll miss you.” The post Tributes Flow For Legendary Racing Writer Alastair Down, Who Dies Aged 68 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading European contender Ramatuelle (Justify) has been withdrawn from Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Mile on veterinary advice. Trained by Christopher Head for owners including NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker, Ramatuelle was last seen making the breakthrough at the top level with an emphatic victory in the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp, impressing with her turn of foot as she powered clear in the closing stages to win by three lengths. Connections had been confident of a bold bid at Del Mar after being handed an inside draw but have now been forced to scratch the three-year-old. A statement issued on behalf of Ramatuelle's connections posted on X said, “We are deeply disappointed that Ramatuelle has been withdrawn from the Breeders' Cup, especially with the anticipation surrounding her as a leading contender in this prestigious event. “She has been moving beautifully all week at Del Mar and is in peak physical condition, making today's outcome understandably frustrating for our team. “We have immense respect for the Breeders' Cup's rigorous protocols and the dedicated veterinary team, whose responsibility to protect equine athletes is essential to our sport. “Although Ramatuelle's PET Scan report stated 'no definitive major concern for breakdown was identified', it showed signs of bone remodelling. While this is common in three-year-olds, it prompted the decision to proceed with an abundance of caution and withdraw her from the race.” The statement added, “As a Group 1-winning daughter of Justify, Ramatuelle remains nominated for the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, and we will take a day to carefully consider her next steps.” Head was quoted as saying, “Ramatuelle arrived in good order, she's been training well, and she's been eating up every day. “This is obviously a disappointment and a bit of a shock for all of us, but at the end of the day, she's healthy and well, and that's what really matters. There will be more Breeders' Cups for the stable, and we'll look forward to those opportunities.” The post Ramatuelle Withdrawn from Breeders’ Cup Mile on Vet’s Advice appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australian tasted success for the same connections with Sangster in the 2011 running of the Flemington feature.View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Sunday, November 3, 2024 First Race 1pm AEDT Visit Dabble Mornington Racing Club will host a nine-race card on Sunday afternoon, where the first event will kick off at 1pm AEDT. With perfect weather forecast across the weekend in Mornington, the track is expected to remain in the Good range after being rated as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Mornington: Placentia Bay Placentia Bay has raced over 1600m in all three of his career starts, with his last start fifth at Cranbourne being the worst of his results to date. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was made to travel three-wide without cover on that occasion, but even with the torrid run in transit, he still battled on gamely to just miss the top four. Ben Allen has retained the ride for this contest, and from barrier two, he will be able to find the rail and lead on Placentia Bay before kicking clear on the home turn. Best Bet Race 7 – #6 Placentia Bay (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ben Allen (59kg) +200 with Neds Next Best at Mornington: I Am Piki Anthony & Sam Freedman sent I Am Piki to Echuca to debut over 1000m, where the three-year-old filly found the trip too short and finished a strong second behind De Luca. The daughter of I Am Immortal settled midfield and tracked into the race nicely on the home turn before letting down with a good turn of foot to run through the line strongly. Rising to 1200m and striking a Good track second-up will be positives for this girl, and if Ethan Brown can find a back to follow from the 400m mark, I Am Piki should have no trouble breaking her maiden. Next Best Race 3 – #6 I Am Piki (7) 3yo Filly | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Ethan Brown (57kg) +220 with Playup Best Value at Mornington: Tsarina Diamonds Tsarina Diamonds was able to put an underwhelming debut run behind her to run a strong race on speed at Warrnambool over 1400m second-up. The Shane Nichols-trained used her good barrier speed to push forward, settle outside the leader, and take over in the final 200m before being nosed out on the line to finish second. If Zac Spain can find the lead and pinch a cheap sectional down the side of the track, Tsarina Diamonds can spring a surprise at double figures odds with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #14 Tsarina Diamonds (14) 3yo Filly | T: Shane Nichols | J: Zac Spain (56kg) +900 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Sunday, November 3, 2024 1-4-7-10-11 4-6 1-2-4-6 1-3-4-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

There are 16 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, November 2. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Flemington, Rosehill, Eagle Farm, Ascot & Alice Springs. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – November 2, 2024 Flemington Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Eagle Farm Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on November 2, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting pickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Former jumps jockey Cyrille Leveque made his mark in a new role on Friday when Saviour (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) won the ILT Foundation Maiden (1400m) at Ascot Park. Saviour delivered a first training success for Leveque, who is based at Otautau. The same horse, who was previously trained by his part-owner Rebecca Bevin, had been Leveque’s very first runner when he was unplaced at Wingatui on October 18. “Getting that first win today was very good, and from only two starts, so I’m very happy,” the 40-year-old said. “One of the owners used to train this horse, but they were having a bit of trouble with him when he was young. At one stage they sent him to me for about a month to do some pre-training. “Now they’re moving to Australia around Christmas time, and they said that since I seemed to get on well with the horse, they wanted to offer me the opportunity to train him. It’s great to get this win for them in quite a short space of time.” Saviour, who was bought on Gavelhouse.com for $2,900 as an unraced two-year-old in May last year, has now had seven starts for a win and a placing, earning $13,370 in stakes. The four-year-old Echoes Of Heaven gelding is currently the only racehorse in Leveque’s Southland stable, but he is keen to expand that side of his business in the future. “I’ve got one that I’m pre-training and one that I’m breaking in, but he’s the only racehorse I’ve got in work at the moment,” he said. “Training is something that I’d like to get into a bit more if I can. I’m not planning to ever have a very big team, but a few more horses to train would be good.” Originally hailing from France, Leveque is best known for his successful stint among New Zealand’s jumps riding ranks. He racked up 30 winners between the 2004-05 and 2012-13 seasons, forming particularly successful associations with Kevin Hughes (five wins), Jane Hunt (three wins), Ralph Manning (three wins) and Mark Walker (three wins). “I enjoyed my riding career and had some good luck with 30 wins from only about 250 rides,” he said. “Winning a steeplechase at Ellerslie (on the Rudy Liefting-trained Shooting Daggers in June of 2012) was probably the main highlight for me. That was a special track to ride on.” Leveque also partnered Shooting Daggers in a number of feature jumps races, finishing third in the Wellington Steeplechase (5500m), third in the McGregor Grant Steeplechase (4150m), fourth in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4900m) and fifth in the Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m). Leveque has kept himself busy throughout the 11 years since he hung up his race-riding boots. “I’ve been to a few different places since I stopped riding,” he said. “I worked for John Sargent and Lance Noble, and I also spent nine years with Te Akau. I got on very well with Jamie Richards while he was there, and then Mark Walker after that as well.” View the full article

The Melbourne Cup Carnival holds special memories for both Te Akau Racing and Fortuna Racing, and there could be more to come with five black-type contenders on Derby Day at Flemington on Saturday. Te Akau basked the carnival spotlight 12 months ago with their sensational sprinter Imperatriz, who won the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m) with a performance worthy of the race’s name. That was one of five Group One wins in Melbourne last season for the incomparable mare, whose all-conquering campaign earned her New Zealand Horse of the Year honours. Fortuna’s carnival highlight came in 2019 with the greatest horse to race under their banner, Melody Belle. After jumping from gate 13 among a 16-horse field, she and jockey Opie Bosson stormed home over the top of their rivals to land the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1200m). Melody Belle would go on to set a New Zealand record with her total of 14 wins at the elite level. Imperatriz, Melody Belle and fellow trans-Tasman star Probabeel have combined to deliver five Horse of the Year titles in the last six years for horses bought by David Ellis as yearlings. Imperatriz and Melody Belle are a hard act to follow, but Te Akau, Fortuna and their trainer Mark Walker are heading to Flemington on Saturday with both quantity and quality on their side. Their five-strong contingent is headed by high-flying Fortuna filly Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Star Witness was bought by David Ellis and Fortuna for $80,000 as a yearling at Karaka, and she showed real promise as a two-year-old with two wins in New Zealand including the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m). But she has gone to a whole new level in Melbourne this spring, stringing together increasingly impressive victories in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m), Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) and against older sprinters in the Gr.2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m). Bellatrix Star will come up against an elite field of three-year-olds in Saturday’s Coolmore, for which the TAB rates her an $8.50 chance. She is the fifth favourite behind Growing Empire ($3.50), Traffic Warden ($4.20), Switzerland ($6.50) and Lady Of Camelot ($8). “She’s just gone from strength to strength in this campaign and we’ve been very proud of her,” Walker said. “It’s another step up in class on Saturday, but we couldn’t be more pleased with her build-up. She’s done everything right since the Schillaci. She deserves this opportunity.” Bellatrix Star will attempt to become the fourth filly to win the Coolmore in the last decade, joining Sunlight (2018), September Run (2020) and In Secret (2022). Walker will be represented by new recruit West Indies (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) in the Gr.1 Penfolds Victoria Derby (2500m). Previously trained by Ciaron Maher for a maiden win at Kembla Grange and a last-start fourth in the Gr.3 Caulfield Classic (2000m). “He’s an interesting new addition to the stable,” Walker said. “He’s got a very difficult draw (gate 17), so we’re probably not going into the Derby with a huge amount of confidence. But he seems to have the makings of quite a nice horse. He’s still fairly lightly framed, so he’s probably going to be better in the autumn.” Flemington specialist Sans Doute (Not A Single Doubt) will line up in the Gr.3 Furphy Sprint (1100m). Her five starts down the famous ‘Straight Six’ chute have produced four wins, with the only defeat being a seventh on Heavy9 ground in the Gr.2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) in September. “She has a great record at Flemington, which stands her in good stead,” Walker said. “She just needs a dry track, and it looks like she’s going to get it on Saturday. I’d say she’s our best chance of the day.” The stable’s five Derby Day entries are rounded out by promising fillies Our Paramour (NZ) (Contributer) in the Gr.2 HKJC World Pool Wakeful Stakes (2000m) and Stage ‘N’ Screen (NZ) (Ace High) in the Gr.3 TAB Vanity (1400m). “Our Paramour has done a good job in her short career to date and has trained on nicely from her last-start win at Cranbourne,” Walker said. “She’s proven up around that 2000m, having already won over a similar distance last time out. She’s just got a bit of a tricky draw (gate 13), so we might need to ride her for luck. “I think she’s a nice prospect for the Oaks (Gr.1, 2500m) on Thursday. Her preparation has been aimed towards that, and everything’s gone to plan so far. “Stage ‘N’ Screen won quite impressively in her only start and is a filly that we really like. She’s also entered for a race on Tuesday, so we’ll just weigh up a few things like draws and strength of opposition before deciding which way she’ll go. But either way, she should be in for a nice season.” View the full article

Cody Cole is eyeing up a Group One assignment in January for emerging sprinter Navigator (NZ) (El Roca), who will contest the Financial Services (1300m) at Tauranga on Saturday. Cole is working backwards from the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 4. Navigator was a winner of his only previous start at the Wellington course, taking out a Rating 75 over the Telegraph distance on April 6. “This race on Saturday is really just a run to shorten the gap leading into the Telegraph,” Cole said. “He’ll go into the paddock for a couple of weeks after this race. “He runs his best races fresh, so our plan is to head into the Telegraph in that state. We know he handles the Trentham chute, and he’s proven that he’s up to the level of some of the best sprinters from last season, so there’s no reason not to have a go.” Navigator established those big-race credentials with his last-start second placing in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua on October 13. He finished two and three-quarter lengths behind Luberon, while the third, fourth and fifth placegetters were all Group One-winning sprinters last season – Waitak in the Railway (1200m), Mercurial in the Telegraph (1200m) and Bonny Lass in the BCD Group Sprint (1400m). “He ran a great race in the Sweynesse,” Cole said. “Weight-for-age may not have been the best placement for him, but I just thought it might be a better option than the 1400m handicap at Te Rapa the day before. “I was very happy with his performance, and he’s been super ever since. He’s flying and I can’t fault him at all. He’s really improved this season. He was probably still a bit immature before, but now he’s doing everything a lot better than he ever has previously.” Navigator drops sharply in weight on Saturday and will carry just 54kg in a field headed by dual Group One winner La Crique. Navigator will be ridden by Michael McNab, who is making a welcome return to riding ranks from injury. “Having La Crique in that line-up means we get in quite nicely at the weights,” Cole said. “It’s a good drop from the 59kg he had to carry under the weight-for-age conditions at Rotorua.” The TAB rates Navigator a $4.20 chance for Saturday’s race, sharing second favouritism with Wild Night. La Crique holds favouritism at $4. Further down the track, Navigator is rated a $21 chance in a Telegraph market that is headed by Crocetti ($4), Grail Seeker ($6) and Australian raider Uncommon James ($6). Cole paid $110,000 at Karaka 2021 to buy Navigator, whose 11-start career has so far produced four wins, four placings and $168,540 in stakes. Navigator headlines a five-horse contingent at Tauranga on Saturday for Cole, who also has debut fourth placegetter Bradley (NZ) (Belardo) in the Armory Standing at Mapperley Stud 3YO (1200m), last-start second placegetter Four Square Pete (NZ) (Zed) in the Saddlery Warehouse Cambridge & Tauranga Maiden (1600m), and promising mares Scouser and Mesa Verde later in the card. Scouser and Mesa Verde filled the quinella when they kicked off their new preparations in a 1215m Rating 65 at Rotorua on October 13. Scouser beat Mesa Verde by a long head, with the rest of the field more than two lengths adrift of the first pair. Scouser (NZ) (Contributer) will step up into Rating 75 company for Saturday’s Tauranga Crossing (1200m), while Mesa Verde (NZ) (El Roca) looks well placed in the New World (1300m). “They ran good races first-up and they both seem to have come through it well,” Cole said. “They’ve both drawn nice gates this weekend. Mesa Verde has won at Tauranga previously. “Scouser’s performances in her last couple of runs as a three-year-old last season are probably not a fair reflection of her ability. She just had a couple of niggles that were affecting her, but she’s over those now and is in really good order.” View the full article

Group One-winning mare Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) will be seeking redemption in Saturday’s Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington after finishing runner-up in the race last year to Pride of Jenni. She backed up a week later to win the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) in the hands of leading hoop James McDonald, who will don New Zealand syndicator Go Racing’s silks once more and reunite with Atishu this weekend. The Chris Waller-trained mare has been building towards a peak performance in the race, having finished unplaced in her first three starts this preparation before running third in the Gr.1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) last month. Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt has received positive reports from Waller in the lead-up to Saturday and is excited about her prospects in the Flemington feature, for which she is a $4.40 favourite with TAB bookmakers. “She finished second in this race last year and ran really well that day and made up a lot of ground in the straight after Pride of Jenni split the field,” Allnutt said. “Her last run for third was very good and we think she has been building nicely. She has got the right type of form going into the race tomorrow. The draw (9) is a bit awkward, but James McDonald is in the saddle and he has won a Group One on her before at this time of year. “He gets on with Atishu and knows her really well, and it just increases the confidence levels having James there. “She came through her last race really well and she galloped on Tuesday morning at Flemington and her work was super. She looks to be peaking nicely for Saturday’s race and Chris is more than happy.” After posting 10 victories, two of those at Group One level, Atishu was set to be sold earlier this year, however, her ownership group voted to carry on racing her for another year, and they are hoping their decision pays off this weekend. “It was a big decision (not to sell her),” Allnutt said. “I know a lot of the owners ummed and ahed and changed their mind two or three times a day, but the decision was made and here we are as favourite in a A$1 million race. “This was part of why the owners decided to carry on, just the excitement and being involved in these massive racedays with such good horses in Group Ones. “It wasn’t so much about the money, it was more about the excitement and ride Atishu has taken them on in her career, and tomorrow hopefully she writes another chapter and proves it was the right decision. “There are a group of them (owners) going over tomorrow, and there will be more of them on course next Saturday when she races in the Champions Stakes.” View the full article

Race 2 KEVIN COYLE MEMORIAL HANDICAP 2000m THE TUI TOILER (B May) – Co-trainer Mr. G Eade reported to Stewards, that on Wednesday 30 October, THE TUI TOILER was examined by a chiropractor and was treated for general soreness. G Eades further advised it is the stables intention to continue on with the gelding’s current preparation. Race 5 HOKONUI RURAL TRANSPORT MAIDEN 1200m THE REAL TREASURE (T Comignaghi) – Trainer Mr. R Dennis advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the gelding’s post-race condition however, in his opinion THE REAL TREASURE may not have been suited to the Heavy 8 track conditions. R Dennis further advised it is his intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation The post Gore Racing Club @ Gore, Wednesday 23 October 24 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Atishu will contest the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Group One-winning mare Atishu will be seeking redemption in Saturday’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington after finishing runner-up in the race last year to Pride of Jenni. She backed up a week later to win the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) in the hands of leading hoop James McDonald, who will don New Zealand syndicator Go Racing’s silks once more and reunite with Atishu this weekend. The Chris Waller-trained mare has been building towards a peak performance in the race, having finished unplaced in her first three starts this preparation before running third in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) last month. Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt has received positive reports from Waller in the lead-up to Saturday and is excited about her prospects in the Flemington feature, for which she is a $4.40 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. “She finished second in this race last year and ran really well that day and made up a lot of ground in the straight after Pride of Jenni split the field,” Allnutt said. “Her last run for third was very good and we think she has been building nicely. She has got the right type of form going into the race tomorrow. The draw (9) is a bit awkward, but James McDonald is in the saddle and he has won a Group One on her before at this time of year. “He gets on with Atishu and knows her really well, and it just increases the confidence levels having James there. “She came through her last race really well and she galloped on Tuesday morning at Flemington and her work was super. She looks to be peaking nicely for Saturday’s race and Chris is more than happy.” After posting 10 victories, two of those at Group One level, Atishu was set to be sold earlier this year, however, her ownership group voted to carry on racing her for another year, and they are hoping their decision pays off this weekend. “It was a big decision (not to sell her),” Allnutt said. “I know a lot of the owners ummed and ahed and changed their mind two or three times a day, but the decision was made and here we are as favourite in a $1 million race. “This was part of why the owners decided to carry on, just the excitement and being involved in these massive racedays with such good horses in Group Ones. “It wasn’t so much about the money, it was more about the excitement and ride Atishu has taken them on in her career, and tomorrow hopefully she writes another chapter and proves it was the right decision. “There are a group of them (owners) going over tomorrow, and there will be more of them on course next Saturday when she races in the Champions Stakes.” Horse racing news View the full article

Keeneland will contest the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Trent Busuttin believes the stars have aligned in his quest for a second Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) title at Flemington. The expatriate New Zealand horseman prepared Sangster to win the Blue Riband staying feature in 2011, and a case of déjà vu beckons on Saturday with another Kiwi-bred contender in Keeneland. There are an uncanny number of similarities between the pair, serving to boost confidence around the successful Cranbourne stable Busuttin operates with Natalie Young. “We’ve got the same ownership group, the same colours, the same jockey and I think if the emergencies don’t get a run, then we’ll jump from the same barrier,” he said. Long-time client Tommy Heptinstall was involved with Sangster and his silks will again be donned by the now Hong Kong-based Hugh Bowman on Saturday. “Hugh had been watching the horse and got in touch with Tommy after his last run at Caulfield,” Busuttin said. “I think Keeneland is a great chance, he can win the race for sure. “He’s had a trouble-free preparation and he’s got the right profile. The track will be firm which will suit him, I can’t see it being wet.” Out of a mare by Sangster’s sire Savabeel, Keeneland was a minor placegetter in his first two appearance before he broke his maiden at Benalla in early September. He then bridged the gap to black type company to win the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) on a good track at Flemington before finishing third in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) on soft going. “Sangster got beaten in the Caulfield Classic and so did this horse,” Busuttin said. “Surprisingly, with his pedigree Keeneland didn’t enjoy the cut out of the ground the other day. “He sat outside the leader and got beaten on his merits and is simply a genuine tempo horse so the 2500m at Flemington won’t be a crawl. “We will certainly be happy to see a good, solid tempo and I imagine that is what we’ll get.” Keeneland is a son of Almanzor, who sired 2022 Derby winner Manzoice, and was purchased out of Kiltannon Stables’ draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $80,000 with Heptinstall, Busuttin Racing and Andrew Campbell Bloodstock signing the ticket. “The Almanzors are great staying horses and doing a good job so we’re certainly happy to see our bloke at the 2500m,” Busuttin said. Horse racing news View the full article

Race 7 SISTEMA 1300m MY ANNIE BELLE (M Hashizume) – Co-trainer Mr. K Kelso reported to Stewards, that on Monday 21 October, MY ANNIE BELLE, underwent a veterinarian examination which included blood tests with no abnormalities been detected. K Kelso further advised it is the stables intention to continue on with the mare’s current preparation and may look to nominate MY ANNIE BELLE at the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing meeting on Saturday 9 November. The post Auckland Racing Club @ Ellerslie, Saturday 19 October 24 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

La Crique will kick-off her spring preparation at Tauranga on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Dual Group One-winning mare La Crique bypassed the spring features this season, and looking to the summer period, Katrina and Simon Alexander are excited to get their star mare back on track at Tauranga on Saturday. Now a six-year-old, La Crique has had just 20 starts, with eight of those coming in her highly successful three-year-old term. Since then, the Alexanders have navigated a series of hoof issues with the mare, and despite this, she has still managed to pick up the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Group 1 Otaki-Māori WFA Classic (1600m). Another interrupted campaign last season finished on a deserved high when La Crique won the $500,000 Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June, and following the race, she enjoyed the warmer climes of Queensland. “She’s going really well, she had a spell in Queensland after racing and went into pre-training there, so she got a good base of fitness,” Katrina Alexander said. “She’s come back here and it’s quite nice to have her on the backburner for a little bit, keeping her strong. “It was a conscious decision (to miss the spring), also aided by the fact that we had a mucked-up prep last season and she ended up going over to Brisbane later in the carnival than we had intended, which therefore put her back for her spelling period. “Getting her ready for the spring, both here or in Australia, was never logistically going to be the best thing for her. “We were also very conscious of the fact that we didn’t want her going around on wet training surfaces, she cops a wet track but getting her ready to race in the winter months has been the hardest thing in the past. “I’m pleased to say at this stage that we don’t have any issues with her, she’s coming along very happily and is a fit and well horse.” The daughter of Vadamos will line-up as a clear top-weight in the Financial Services 1300 on Saturday, carrying 60.5kg with Ngakau Hailey’s three-kilogram claim. “She had an exhibition gallop at Ellerslie, albeit just a fairly casual one, and has worked well since then,” Alexander said. “She’s more than ready to have a step out, we’re going in without a trial this time which we haven’t done before. We pinpointed this race thinking that there wouldn’t be a big field, which traditionally it hasn’t been, but with the abandonment at Te Rapa, a lot of the open class horses have transferred over to this race. “She has drawn well (2) and probably does need to go around, we were always conscious of the fact that she was going to carry a bit of weight. So, there is a couple of factors with a do we or don’t we, but at this stage, she will be lining up. “She’s lost a little bit of her barrier brilliance, I do put that down to the foot issues she’s had. She just takes that little bit longer to warm up in the running, so it will be very interesting to see her in a very fresh state in how she goes about things on Saturday, also with Ngakau who has never ridden her before. “We don’t want to knock the stuffing out of her in the run, she’s got a nice draw if she can use it well and not have to do too much.” Beyond the weekend’s assignment, La Crique will be set for the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) on November 23, with the Champion Middle-Distance Series races then on the radar. “She’ll go straight into the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders, then we’ve got a couple of races earmarked for her prior to Christmas,” Alexander said. “As we know with horses of this age, and when they have had a few issues, it’s very much race by race, but it’s lucrative for her if she can take part in some of these middle-distance series races with the bonuses up. Those are the types of races we will be looking at for her this side of Christmas.” A trip back to Australia is also a possibility for La Crique, with Alexander indicating she would likely only compete at distances beyond a mile. “She’ll let us know, we’ve seen her perform here up to a mile and because of her issues, we’ve never really got up beyond that 2000m mark terribly often,” she said. “We are conscious that if and when we go back to Australia, we need to be up over that distance to be competitive. The sprinter-milers are too strong and powerful for her now, and we’re usually going at a time of her prep when she’s a bit seasoned and is looking for further. “It’ll be quite exciting to see her get over further distance.” Horse racing news View the full article