Wandering Eyes

'TDN Rising Star' Sand Devil (Violence) had his first work back since a runner-up effort in the GIII Gotham Stakes Mar. 1, covering a half-mile in 49 seconds flat in company on Saturday over the Belmont Park dirt training track. Trained by Linda Rice, Sand Devil is targeting the nine-furlong GII Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack Apr. 5–a 100-50-25-15-10 qualifier for the GI Kentucky Derby. “He went nice, went out five-eighths in 1:01 and 2, galloped out three-quarters in 13 and 3–we were very happy,” Rice said of the work. “He stayed with the company for about a half-mile and then went on by himself. We are headed towards the Wood Memorial, and things are going the right way.” The chestnut was handed his first career defeat by Flood Zone (Frosted) in the one-turn mile Gotham, where he stumbled at the break under regular pilot Jose Lezcano and rushed up to engage in a three-way battle for the lead with Flood Zone and Normandy Coast (Omaha Beach). Sand Devil stuck his head in front at the three-quarters call before being collared by Flood Zone heading into the stretch, and was defeated by 3 1/4 lengths. Sand Devil was awarded 25 Kentucky Derby qualifying points for the effort. “We felt like things didn't unfold perfectly for him, but there's no shame in being second in the Gotham,” Rice said. “He stumbled at the break and then rushed up and was head-and-head for the lead. Nothing went perfectly, but we still got 25 points.” Sand Devil entered the Gotham undefeated in three starts against state-breds at the Big A, beginning with a debut graduation Dec. 8. He then romped by 12 1/2-lengths in a one-turn mile optional claimer on Jan. 2, which netted him a 'TDN Rising Star' for the effort. Sand Devil aced his first stakes test in the Damon Runyon Feb. 8. NY-bred SAND DEVIL is now 2-for-2 after an impressive win in Race 2 with Jose Lezcano aboard for trainer @LindaRiceRacing. Keep an eye on this one! pic.twitter.com/CIAIF99vSJ — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) January 2, 2025 The colt's trainer said she is cautiously optimistic Sand Devil will relish a stretch-out to two turns in the Wood Memorial. “You have to wait and see. We're hopeful it will suit him and that the easier fractions might be helpful, but you never know until you send them out there,” Rice said. Statesman Politickin' To Get On Wood Ballot West Point Thoroughbreds, Woodford Racing and CJ Stables's Statesman (Constitution) is under strong consideration for the Wood Memorial. Trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, the bay won his last two starts traveling one mile and 40 yards at Tampa Bay Downs, graduating at fourth asking Jan. 17 and defeating optional claiming company Feb. 26. Statesman scores at Tampa | SV Photography “Well, Shug is obviously the leader of the band, but I know he is very, very intrigued by the Wood Memorial,” said Terry Finley, CEO of co-owner West Point Thoroughbreds. “We talk quite a bit and he thinks that surface up there is going to fit this horse very well. Shug didn't expect this, he sent him to Tampa for kind of a confidence boost and he ran really well, then came right back and put a good second effort in and ran a big number, so who knows?” Finley believes Statesman deserves a shot in the Wood off a career-best 78 Beyer. “Of course he has to step his game up and will have to beat better horses in the Wood than he did at Tampa, but I think he's in the zone,” said Finley. “He is a horse who seems to be getting better and better, and has a really, really good turn of foot.” The co-owner credits McGaughey's patient approach for allowing Statesman to develop. He was third in his off-the-turf one-mile debut in early August at Saratoga Race Course before finishing a well-beaten seventh over the grass upstate later that month. He was fourth going one mile at Gulfstream Park in November. STATESMAN ($17.40) and @JOCKEYSMARIN kicked it into overdrive to rally and nail Majorca on the line in the 8th at @TampaBayDownsFL. Shug McGaughey trains the son of Constitution (@WinStarFarm). Play the lucky last: https://t.co/3V0lqf7sit pic.twitter.com/H3sUSS8g9B — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 17, 2025 “He is a horse that wouldn't have benefitted from being rushed. We ran him last year in his first start in an off-the-turf race, and he finished a decent third,” he said. “We thought he would be a work in progress and a project-type horse. Then all of a sudden that project turned favorable right at the beginning of the year. They are not all cut out to win at Saratoga as 2-year-olds.” Statesman worked a half-mile for McGaughey in 49.93 seconds on Sunday at Gulfstream Park. The post ‘Rising Star’ Sand Devil, Statesman Prep For Potential Wood Start appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's canceled card due to a power outage at Fair Grounds will be moved in its entirety to Tuesday, Mar. 18, according to a Sunday press release from Churchill Downs Inc. First post is set for 12:45 pm CT. The track will conduct a six-day racing week culminating with the Louisiana Derby Day card on Saturday and closing day is Sunday, Mar. 23. The post Fair Grounds To Run Canceled Saturday Card On Tuesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The opening Castle Star At Capital Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh on Sunday saw Darley's first-season sire Space Blues (Ire) get off the mark as Power Blue (Ire) ran out an emphatic three-and-three-quarter-length winner in the hands of David Egan. It was also a third consecutive win in the race for trainer Adrian Murray after those of Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in 2023 and Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev) last year. Representing the LNA Racing Syndicate, Power Blue was a £44,000 purchase at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale, having initially sold for €30,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale. He was bred by Finanza Locale Consulting and is the first foal out of the G3 Premio Elena e Sergio Cumani third Visions (Ire) (Worthadd {Ire}) who, in turn, is out of the G3 Premio Tudini winner Charming Woman (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). The dam also has a yearling colt by Starman (GB). “He was the ultimate professional really,” Egan told Racing TV. “For a horse who travels with such ease, he showed a little bit of greenness but really quickened up in the last 100 yards and galloped out all the way to the boards afterwards. He'll be getting a bit further than five furlongs, that's for sure. He won by a wider margin today than Arizona Blaze, who is a Breeders' Cup-placed horse. Bucanero Fuerte probably won it in similar fashion, but he's a nice horse who is sure to make plenty of improvement.” The three-time Group 1 winner Space Blues, who is based at Kildangan Stud in Ireland, was out of luck with his first runner earlier on Sunday as Amelia (Fr) brought up the rear in Lyon Parilly's Prix du Premier Pas. Déjà vu @AMurrayRacing won the season opener 12 months ago with Arizona Blaze and he's gone and repeated the trick with Space Blues colt Power Blue, who looks VERY promising.@DavidEgan99 | @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/xcu5Au0d12 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 16, 2025 The post Freshman Sire Space Blues Off The Mark in Curragh Curtain-Raiser appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The fresh is best mantra will again be enacted for the Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) when he tackles Saturday’s Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley. Maher’s national assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said it worked to perfection when Jimmysstar stormed over the top of his rivals to win the Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 22. He said a month between the Oakleigh Plate and the William Reid Stakes was an ideal time gap to freshen him up and then prepare him for his first run in a Gr.1 weight-for-age event. “If you keep him fresh in high-intensity sprint races, he can sit off them and make a long-sustained run which he did the other day,” Turnbull said. He said Jimmysstar had the stamina to run over longer trips, but they were prepared to back in his turn of foot in sprint races for the moment. “He’s got a bit of stamina, but he’s quick. There’s no doubt he will get back up to 1400m,” Turnbull said. He said Jimmysstar’s last-start win was in a handicap, but his rating of 103 justified taking on Gr.1 weight-for-age sprints. “He’s come back how he ran last spring and stayed to that rating. We’ve kept him fresh, and we’ll keep him to shorter trips. If he was to win, we would consider the T.J Smith Stakes for his next start.” Maher is looking for his second win in the William Reid Stakes having won with Loving Gaby in 2020. Jimmysstar hasn’t started at The Valley and will acquaint himself with the track when he works there on Tuesday morning. Sportsbet has Jimmysstar as a clear favourite at $3.50 to win the William Reid Stakes. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Dual NZ Cup winner Swayzee banked a $500,000 bonus for connections when he demolished his rivals in last night’s Group 3 Renshaw Cup at Penrith. On the quick back-up after a luckless fourth in the Miracle Mile, Swayzee made it four wins and a close second in the five-race NSW Carnival of Cups when Hart let him show off for the packed crowd and win racing away by 20.6m at Penrith. His blistering 1min54.3sec mile rate for the gruelling 2525m trip took almost a second off Tiger Tara’s track record set in the same race in 2017. “He’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime horse. The resume he’s got and the ride he’s taken Jase (Grimson, trainer) and the owners has been amazing for our careers,” Hart said. “It was an incredible atmosphere and to have such a great horse here (Penrith), I wanted to open him up and put on a show for the big crowd. “Jase said he was in unreal order since the Miracle Mile and ready to run a great race. “I have to pinch myself every time I drive him, he’s such an amazing animal, nothing like I’ve driven before. “It’s such a great ride when you’re sitting behind him. He’s such a powerhouse and it’s such a privilege to drive him.” Swayzee joined Grimson’s stable in mid-2023 and has raced 29 times for him for 22 wins, four seconds, a third and two fourths. Including last night’s bonus, he has won $2,645,793. The seven-year-old’s major wins have been the past two NZ Cups, last year’s Victoria Cup, this year’s Hunter Cup and the 2023 Blacks A Fake. Owner Mick Boots said Swayzee would have a short let-up before chasing another first in his career, a trip to Perth for the $1.25mil Group 1 Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 25. X X X X Top Aussie trainer Andy Gath’s on-again, off-again trip to New Zealand is back on. While his stable star and eight-time Group 1-winning pacer Catch A Wave isn’t going to the $1mil Race by betcha, Gath will have a runner on the night. Classy mare Im Ready Jet’s winning return at Melton last night (Saturday) was enough to book her a run in the $600,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge on April 4. “Pat (Driscoll, owner) has a slot and has always been keen for the mare to go, but we just needed to get her back racing and see how she was going,” Gath said. “The signs had been encouraging at home, especially in the past couple of weeks, and it was great to see her come back with a win. “We were helped by Queen Elida running below her best, but our mare still did a good job to win. “She’s got the (Group 1) La Coocaracha for mares’ only next Saturday and then there’s a flight to Auckland on March 27. “She’ll just have that one run in NZ because there’s a $100,000 Group 1 race for mares’ (Macarthur Mile) at Menangle in May. “This will be her last campaign before going to stud, so we’ll keep her going as long as her form is good.” Im Ready Jet has raced 77 times for 27 starts, 27 placings and banked $727,775. Queen Elida, who worked around the field early to take the lead, was struggling on the last bend and tired to finish fourth, beaten six metres. She will get the chance to bounce back in next week’s La Coocaracha as she also prepares for the TAB Trot. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Southern reinswomen showed off their skill when sweeping the harness racing programme at Sunday’s dual-code meeting at Wingatui. Harness racing historians were sent scrambling when women drove the winners of each event on the four-race harness racing card. The accomplishment is not thought to have been completed in New Zealand harness racing previously. Kerryn Tomlinson started the reinswomen’s winning run when driving Don’t Look Kobe to victory in Race 1, the Dunedin City Ford Handicap Trot. To notch just the second career victory of her short career, Georgia Goodman produced a well-judged front-running drive to take out Race 2, the Brett Reid Electrical Mobile Pace, with Itsallaboutthemoney. Fellow junior driver Mia Holbrough found clear air up the rising Wingatui straight for Normie Stead who burst between runners late to win Race 3, the Taieri Excavation Mobile Pace. . Dunedin-born horsewoman Kirstin Green sealed the clean sweep for female drivers on her home patch when Bismarck Du Plessis cleared out to win Race 4, the Icon Interior Construction Mobile Pace. Most appropriately, the accomplishment came on the final day of Harness Racing New Zealand’s Team Teal campaign. Each reinswoman wore teal-coloured driving pants as a part of the campaign which raises funds for ovarian cancer research. Harness Racing New Zealand, the host club and each driver’s sponsors donate funds to the cause during the campaign. Tomlinson was a Team Teal ambassador and wore team colours throughout the fundraising effort. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 (Link if we have track page) When Tuesday, March 18, 2025 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing returns to Hawkesbury on Tuesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program set for decision. The rail moves out +4m between the 1100m to 450m markers, while the remainder is in the true position throughout. The track is rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances; however, with drying conditions on Monday and Tuesday, punters can expect an upgrade into the Good range at some stage. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:50pm local time. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Sosueme Sosueme appears ready to strike as she debuts for the Nathan Doyle barn. The daughter of Capitalist couldn’t have been more impressive in her most recent barrier trial at Hawkesbury on February 24, cruising through the line under her own steam as she hit the line locked together with Nymphadora. Ashley Morgan will go in search of cover from stall six, and provided Sosueme can show a similar turn-of-speed when asked for the ultimate effort, she will prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 3 – #5 Sosueme (6) 3yo Filly | T: Nathan Doyle | J: Ashley Morgan (56.5kg) Next Best at Hawkesbury: Manukau Manukau got a pass mark debuting at Rosehill on February 26. The Godolphin filly was last in the small field of six and was unable to make inroads when attempting to sprint off a moderate tempo. She never shirked the task, however, closing off to finish within 4.2 lengths of Kilonova who appears to have plenty of upside. Expect a change of tactics from barrier four as Zac Lloyd tries to find cover in the front half of the field, and with a genuine tempo engaged in this maiden contest, watch for Manukau to be surging over the top in the concluding stages at a good price . Next Best Race 2 – #5 Manukau (4) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (57kg) Best Value at Hawkesbury: Amplify The Ciaron Maher-trained Amplify looks set to peak third-up into the campaign after being ridden out of her comfort zone at Rosehill on February 26. She jumped too well on that occasion and was forced to sit out the lead before being swamped in the final furlong. She was still in for the fight and showed good tenacity to get within 4.4 lengths of Deal N’ Dash; however, she will be much better ridden with cover stepping out to the 1800m for the first time. She should get every chance to take down Polymnia, and at the each-way price with horse racing bookmakers, she gets the verdict. Best Value Race 4 – #10 Amplify (5) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Tommy Berry (55.5kg) Tuesday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury Hawkesbury quadrella selections March 18, 2025 10-13 1-2-7 1-4-6-8 4-8-9-13-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Gallant Star photo: Bradley Photos. Gallant Star proved why he was the dominant bookmaker favourite, delivering an emphatic victory in the Coonamble Country Championships Qualifier (1400m) on Sunday for trainer Brett Robb and jockey Jason Collett. The son of Zoustar controlled the race from the outset, showing early speed before settling comfortably on the pace. He surged clear in the straight, putting his rivals away with ease to secure his spot in the $1 million Country Championships Final at Randwick on April 6. Stablemate Rouge Moulin () finished second, giving Robb a stable quinella, while Poison Point () rounded out the trifecta in a strong showing. Coonamble Championships Country Qualifier Race Replay – Gallant Star https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Coonamble-2025-Country-Championships-Qualifier-15032025-Gallant-Star-Brent-Robb-Jason-Collett.mp4 Trainer Brett Robb was relieved to see his star galloper justify the heavy market support with the top online betting sites, admitting there were some nervous moments when his price kept shortening. “When he got into $1.20, I got real nervous, but I knew he was the best horse in the race,” Robb said. “He’s been jumping well in his trials and showing that he wants to race forward, but I didn’t expect him to lead like that.” “I’ve been riding all his work myself this prep, so I was confident he was fit and ready to go. “He’ll have three weeks between runs now, which is perfect for him heading into the final.” Jockey Jason Collett was full of praise for Gallant Star’s professionalism and versatility, noting that he was happy to take luck out of the equation. “He was just a class above them today,” Collett said. “He’s been jumping cleanly in his trials, so I wanted to make sure we stayed out of trouble. He relaxed beautifully and had plenty left when I asked him to go.” “He doesn’t have to lead, but it’s nice to know that he can if needed. He’ll be right in the mix at Randwick.” Gallant Star now firms as one of the leading contenders for the Country Championships Final, where he is currently the $3.20 favourite with . Horse racing news View the full article

The well-performed Go Lotte (NZ) (Telperion) appreciated the step-up over ground in Sunday’s RMG Publicans Beaumont Cup (1500m), picking up the ninth win of her career in the Wingatui feature. A mare by Telperion, Go Lotte had been restricted to six furlongs in her last three starts and was well-weighted in the race, carrying just 51kg in the hands of apprentice jockey Abdul Najib. Riviera Rebel started favourite at $3.40, and while he was expected to be a pace influence in the race, the gelding settled in midfield while Zadane powered to the front to set up a strong tempo. Go Lotte and her stablemate King Of The Castle travelled five lengths adrift of the leader, and passing the 600m, Najib pressed on to sit outside of the Zadane and hit the front early in the straight. The gusty mare pinned her ears back and kept finding, holding off a charging The Hangover and Adiktiv Passion to score by a long neck. Tyler was rapt with the performance after identifying the race for his mare earlier in her campaign. “I had this race targeted probably for the last six weeks, it’s the only race that really suited her and the 1200m has just been far too short,” he said. “Back up to her favourite distance around that 1500-1600m, with a bit of cut in the track, it was a great effort. “At 1200, they are sharper horses and she’s been struggling a bit early, but she’s got up there easily today and the young fella rode her really well. With three kilos off her back, which she always loves, I thought she would be tough to beat really.” Following the effort, Tyler is not ruling out a trip to Riccarton Park for next Saturday’s Gr.3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). “We may see how that fillies and mares race stacks up at Riccarton, with a bit of rain about the track may be bit off and she could be a chance,” he said. “I’ll see how strong the noms are and take it from there.” Purchased by Tyler for just $1,500 at the 2020 National Yearling Sales, Go Lotte has made a healthy return on that investment, earning over $185,000 with nine wins and 15 minor placings from 53 starts. “She’s just a kids pet, everyone loves her,” Tyler said. “If I had a stable full of her, it would be quite easy to train horses. “She just tries hard and does everything you ask of her, she eats, sleeps and enjoys her work. She’s a happy racehorse, it would be great to have a couple more of her and especially at that price.” Out of a Red Giant mare Ashima, Go Lotte was bred by Gerry Harvey. View the full article

A brilliant mind, a love of animals and a massive contribution to many facets of the racing and breeding industry are being recalled following the death of Matamata equine veterinarian Dr Bill Ewen. His sudden death at his home last Tuesday aged 68 followed a period of poor health. After growing up in Auckland and studying at Massey University’s School of Veterinary Science, Ewen was an honours with distinction graduate in 1979 and put his degree to good use with one of the country’s eminent equine veterinary practices, Thompson and Marks. In due course he became a partner and was to forge his career in both the breeding and performance sides of the industry. “After completing his secondary education at King’s College, Bill was accepted for both the Auckland and Otago University medical schools as well as Massey University,” his wife Jane recalled. “I suspect his parents would have preferred him to become a doctor, but his love of animals won over and while he did qualify as a doctor, it was as a veterinarian.” Another aspect of Ewen’s formative years included attending race meetings at nearby Ellerslie racecourse, which was another seed that led to specialising in equine medicine. Colin Thompson’s son John, best known now as the principal of Rich Hill Stud, remembers Ewen’s arrival in Matamata off the back of a phone call to the Thompson residence seeking employment. “Two things from the call that my mother took stood out – Bill’s polite request for my father to call him back at his convenience, and to make it a collect call. “Then when Colin did call him back, he was further impressed by Bill’s qualifications, which led to him getting a job at Thompson and Marks and eventually becoming a partner in the practice.” The younger Thompson was to form a lasting relationship with Ewen, initially in his role as broodmare manager at Blandford Lodge and then when he established Rich Hill Stud. “While Colin and Jim were his seniors, in breeding matters as new technologies developed, Bill became something of the breeding guru of the practice. “The biggest change was the ultrasound scan in the late 1980s, which revolutionised the assessment of mares in their breeding cycles. “One of his skills at the vet bail was his ability to remember a mare’s follicle from one day to the next and using that knowledge to determine optimum covering times. “Bill had that unique ability to explain things in layman’s terms and he was always the same mellow guy, no matter how hectic his schedule might be during the peak of the breeding season.” Cambridge veterinarian Dr Paul Fraser, one of Ewen’s contemporaries over many years, remembers him for not only his professional skills but also the other facets of his persona. “Bill was one of those guys who was always seeking knowledge and involvement, not just as a vet but also fully immersing himself in so many aspects of racing as an owner and breeder and as an administrator. “He had this passion for sport, just about every sport. With all respect I have to say that with Bill’s passing, the world has lost one of its greatest sports observers. “Amongst his veterinary colleagues he was so popular, a really good guy who will be missed.” On both a professional and personal level, few were closer to Ewen than former Matamata, now Karaka, trainer Lance Noble. “From the time I arrived in Matamata as a 17-year-old to work for Jim Gibbs, Bill became one of my mentors,” Noble said. “I was keen to learn as much as I could and he was the perfect guy to explain things. “He became my stable vet when I went training on my own, which included helping with my yearling selections. He worked alongside two of the best equine vets of that era and like Colin and Jim, Bill bred, sold and raced his own horses, which made him very well-rounded as far as practical knowledge and understanding went. “He became a very loyal friend, which included our mutual love of sport. Rugby union and cricket were his favourites, and in his mind there were only two rugby teams – the All Blacks and the Blues. “He would have been pretty niggly after the Chiefs beat the Blues so narrowly in Hamilton on Saturday night, but no matter what, he never lost that great sense of humour. “Our many trips to his favourite sports ground, Eden Park, were just the best fun as the carload debated team selections on the way north and even when the All Blacks invariably won, the drive home was all about what they could have done better.” In racing administration, Ewen gave more than 25 years’ service to the Matamata Racing Club, beginning as a steward, then as a committee member and in the final nine years as a director, after which he was accorded life membership in 2023. Bill Ewen’s funeral service is scheduled for 11am this Thursday at the All Saints Anglican Church in Matamata, followed by a gathering at the Matamata racecourse. View the full article

The fast-improving You Say D’Orsay (Under The Louve) indicated he is a serious contender for the upcoming Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) with a gusty victory at Tauranga on Saturday. An Australian-bred son of Under The Louvre, You Say D’Orsay has been lightly-raced by Cambridge trainer Chris Wood, with just four starts as a three-year-old resulting in two wins and two runner-up finishes. The gelding has continued his upward trajectory at four, placing fourth in the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) and was deservedly among the favourites in Saturday’s St Cundy Bayleys Country and Lifestyle (1400m). In the hands of apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll, You Say D’Orsay tracked up on-speed in his usual pattern, finding a good position outside Sako who maintained a solid tempo mid-race. The pair drew level at the top of the straight and neither horse would give an inch, with You Say D’Orsay finding the extra kick in the closing stages to score by a short neck. “Everything panned out well, Ace rode him nicely,” Wood said. “He jumped well and when Stephen Marsh’s horse (Sako) wasn’t going to hand up (the lead), we just sat on the outside of him. “In the first two races, it looked like it was going to be a bit of an on-pace day so I thought if I had one that was going to handle it for the day, it was him. He kicked well when he came up to the other horse and pulled away in the last little bit. “It was a game effort with plenty of weight on board, I thought it was a good, strong win.” All roads now lead to the Easter for the gelding, who will have another run before the mile feature at Ellerslie on April 19. “I’ll have to have a good look at the book in the next 24 hours, we probably do need a stepping stone to get to the Easter, it just depends which race that is,” Wood said. An earner of over $185,000, You Say D’Orsay was identified and purchased for $50,000 by Wood, Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. In 12 starts, the gelding has never finished out of the first six, with four wins and four minor placings to his credit. “He was a nice horse, Paul Moroney bought him for me and he came with nice credentials and a good walk on him,” Wood said. “Paul did a good job to find him for not a lot of money and since he’s arrived here, he’s just taken every step and not put a foot wrong really. “He can get a little bit tender in his feet, but that’s the only problem we’ve had with him. “Apart from that, he’s just a dream to have around the stables. He’s the loveliest, kindest horse you could ever deal with.” View the full article

Northern apprentice jockey Sienna Brown earned a fitting first victory in the saddle aboard Hadid (NZ) (Charm Spirit) at Tauranga on Saturday. The 19-year-old had ridden the daughter of Charm Spirit on four previous occasions, including at the trials in the early stages of becoming an apprentice. Prepared by Hanna Orting, Hadid is owned by Brown’s parents Tony and Nikki, who were on course to witness a very special moment in the Larissa Reid Bayleys Whakatane Commercial (1600m). Having observed the pattern of the day, Brown took initiative from the jump, utilising her lightweight to press forward and put the pressure on her rivals. At the 800m, she extended the margin and had an eight-length buffer on Monday Melody, and turning for home, she had the winning break, holding off the late closing favourite to score by 2 – ¼ lengths. Brown was delighted with the result, particularly on a horse that means so much to her family. “They had all been coming off the front and on the rail, so from that gate on this track, everything was really set out for her,” she said. “It is really special, especially because this horse has been with me since the start. She was my first trial winner and I helped name her as well.” Coming from an equestrian background, making a career out of the horse industry appealed to Brown and racing was the obvious choice, with her parents also breeding a number of quality horses, including recent $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) contender Hankee Alpha (NZ) (Proisir). “I did a bit of show jumping and dressage, and I thought it would be cool to be able to make money out of riding,” Brown said. “Racing came naturally with Mum and Dad and I’m really enjoying it. “I’m apprenticed to Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, Maryanne and George Simon recommended them to us and I went and gave it a go, and they’ve been very good to me. My riding has really improved since I’ve been with them. “I’ve had so many opinions from other jockeys and they’ve been really helpful in helping me improve, giving me tips and things like that. “I’m going to try to travel around as much as I can and get as many rides as I can.” View the full article

Syndicator Joe O’Neill has enjoyed the results over summer with his two-year-olds, but it’s the prospect of having a champion hurdler with The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Reliable Man) which is whetting his appetite for the future. O’Neill watched the undefeated jumper trial at Cranbourne on Thursday when he finished second in a 2400m hurdle trial to Dashing Willoughby. “He trialled brilliantly at Cranbourne on Thursday. We thought he was extraordinary,” O’Neill said. The Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained jumper won his three hurdle starts last season, with his final win coming in the J.J. Houlahan Hurdle at Ballarat. O’Neill said The Cunning Fox will return to jumps racing in the M.J Bourke Hurdle at Pakenham on Sunday, April 13, which will be his lead-in to the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool on April 30. “He’s a very good jumper. A lot of people think he’s the best jumper around. He won his first two hurdle races easily and then at Ballarat he wasn’t suited by the rock-hard track and he still won,” he said. The Cunning Fox resumed from a spell with an eighth placing at Sandown on February 26 and O’Neill said he will have another run on the flat before Pakenham. Meanwhile, O’Neill said his smart Tom Dabernig-trained two-year-old filly Cavalry Girl has gone to the spelling paddock after her disappointing seventh behind Shining Smile in the Festival Stakes at Flemington. “She did a great job running second in the Geelong Diamond and then winning at Flemington before she got that cold before the Inglis Millennium. She pulled up a little bit short the other day,” he said. “She’ll have a couple of months off. We’re in no hurry to get her back.” He said she could even be back to contest two-year-old races at the end of the season. View the full article

Now that Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote) has ticked off the 1600 metres box she will return to that trip in next Saturday’s Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at The Valley. After Wrote To Arataki won the Gr.3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 15, Trainer Matt Williams gave the six-year-old mare her first opportunity over 1600 metres when she finished third in the Gr.3 Matron Stakes at Flemington. In that race, she took up the running and was still in front with 50 metres to go, before she was overhauled by Jennilala and Charisse. Williams said that effort gave him confidence heading into the Sunline Stakes as it proved she could handle the trip. “I thought she was really good at the mile for the first time. Dean (Yendall) felt that she was a little bit keen in the run for her first attempt at the mile,” Williams said. “Plus, she had gone three weeks between runs as ideally two weeks would have been perfect, but that’s just the way the calendar unfolded. She now has two weeks between runs for the Sunline, which will also be her first run at The Valley.” Williams said Wrote To Arataki wasn’t a great traveller and as a result she will miss the Sydney carnival. “We will give her the run in the Sunline and then a couple of weeks in the paddock, then we will look to the spring with her.” Williams said 1600-metre races such as the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield and the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes would be target races. “It would be great for her value if she could place in a Gr.1,” Williams said. The under-rated mare already has a Gr.2 win and two Gr.3 wins to her credit. View the full article

The Team unearth some great stories from what on paper looked like a quiet week in racing. They cover everything from Waitak returning to the winners circle, exceptional Australian racing, international jockeys and retired ones. That and plenty more on this weeks Weigh In. Weigh In, March 16 View the full article

What Taree Races Where Manning Valley Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Taree NSW 2430 When Monday, March 17, 2025 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Manning Valley Race Club is the destination for country racing on Monday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program lined up at Taree. The rail moves out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with the track rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances and more light rainfall forecast across the weekend, punters can expect that rating to hold on race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm local time. Best Bet at Taree: Mindspace The Sally Taylor-trained Mindspace looks a big price at the as he gets set to peak third-up into the campaign. The son of So You Think hit the line well in his latest effort at Tamworth on February 14, with the five-year-old building the revs at the end of 1600m. He will be aided by the 4kg claim of apprentice hoop Nick Palmer taking the reins for the first time, and with the 2000m a perfect trip for Mindspace to recapture his best, this guy must be considered the one to beat. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Mindspace (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Sally Taylor | J: Nick Palmer (4kg) (62kg) Next Best at Taree: Tsunoda The trio of Tsunoda, Highly Tempted and Toy Story all meet again after clashing at this course over 1400m last time out, and it appears advantage Tsunoda as they step up to the mile. He was too far back in a slowly run affair on that occasion; however, he worked through the line nicely to suggest he’s ready to fire fourth-up into the preparation. Aaron Bullock elects to stick, and with gate five allowing him to navigate his way to the one-one, expect Tsunoda to turn the tables at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 5 – #3 Tsunoda (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Marc Quinn | J: Aaron Bullock (61kg) Best Value at Taree: Aquafire Aquafire ran into a smart one in the form of Éclair Vitality when returning at Port Macquarie on March 3 and should take big improvement heading into this second-up assignment. The Headwater gelding was victorious second-up last preparation and should appreciate the sting out of the ground this time around. Luke Rolls appears set to stalk his rivals from barrier seven, so with even luck, watch for Aquafire to be barrelling down the centre of the course at a terrific each-way price with Dabble. Best Value Race 6 – #5 Aquafire (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Stephen Farley | J: Luke Rolls (58kg) Monday quaddie tips for Taree Taree quadrella selections March 17, 2025 1-2-3 1-2-5-6-9 1-3-9-10-11-12 5-6-8-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip (Quaddie Link from Boombet needed^) Horse racing tips View the full article

The Yarra Valley Cup has been abandoned due to heavy rainfall. The Jack Hirsch Memorial Yarra Valley Cup meeting has been abandoned after the running of the first race due to heavy rainfall making the track unsuitable for racing. Racing Victoria (RV) confirmed that 22mm of rain had fallen since 7:30 am, leading to surface water forming on the Bet365 Yarra Valley track. Stewards made the decision to call off the meeting at 1:18 pm, prioritizing the safety of horses and jockeys. With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting continued rainfall throughout the afternoon, officials determined that there was no chance of the track drying sufficiently to resume racing. RV’s Racing Operations team will assess upcoming race programs to determine potential adjustments for horses affected by the abandonment. Trainers with runners engaged at Yarra Valley have the option to nominate their horses for Wednesday’s Sandown meeting by submitting extended entries via email before 4:00 pm today. Horse racing news View the full article

Rising jockey Zac Lloyd has once again found himself in the hot seat after copping a five-meeting suspension for careless riding at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, triggering a heated exchange with chief steward Steve Railton. Lloyd, who will now miss the prestigious Group 1 Tancred Stakes, meeting was charged with shifting in aboard Willaidow in the early stages of the Group 2 Ajax Stakes, causing interference to Pericles and Just Fine. The young rider pleaded guilty but was quick to argue the charge’s specifics, insisting that Pericles had moved away from him rather than him causing interference. Ajax Stakes race replay https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rosehill-2025-Group-2-Ajax-Stakes-15032025-Iowna-Merc-Bjorn-Baker-Joshua-Parr.mp4 “This is every week,” Lloyd vented in frustration, as Railton reminded him that such debates should be reserved for a not-guilty plea. The two-time Sydney champion apprentice was urged to give sufficient clearance in future rides to avoid repeated run-ins with the stewards. Meanwhile, apprentice Bailey Wheeler also endured a tough day at Rosehill, missing out on his maiden Group 1 opportunity after failing to make weight on multiple rides. Forced to forgo his Coolmore Classic booking aboard Elettrica, Wheeler not only lost his chance on the big stage but also copped a $500 fine for the blunder. With Lloyd now sidelined until April 3, his absence will be felt as the Sydney Autumn Carnival heats up, while Wheeler will need to reassess his weight management as he chases a breakthrough moment in the top grade. Horse racing news View the full article

The D. Wayne Lukas entry in the March 15 Virginia Derby, American Promise, delivered a career-best effort to finish 7 3/4 lengths ahead of Render Judgment and set a track record for 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Colonial Downs.View the full article

Lady Claypoole is a new lady in this relatively new year. She is 3-for-3 in 2025 after winning the March 15 Santa Ana Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

The D. Wayne Lukas entry in the March 15 Virginia Derby, American Promise, delivered a career-best effort to finish 7 3/4 lengths ahead of Render Judgement and set a track record for 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Colonial Downs.View the full article

Mr Brightside (NZ) ridden by Craig Williams wins the VRC Champions Mile at Flemington Racecourse on November 09, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Champion galloper Mr Brightside will not contest the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, with Lindsay Park electing to take a more cautious approach following his bruised heel setback. The nine-time Group 1 winner, who finished second in the All-Star Mile last start, is now being considered for either the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes next month or a direct trip to Hong Kong for the Group 1 Champions Mile. “Our campaign is probably going to be set between two races,” co-trainer Will Hayes said. “We’re going to have a look at the All-Aged Stakes or go straight to Hong Kong. That’s the logical path we’ll plan back from on Monday, given we are happy with how he’s now pulled up after the run.” Mr Brightside, who placed second in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes before winning the Group 1 Futurity Stakes, endured a challenging run in the All-Star Mile, narrowly beaten by Tom Kitten. Despite initially being on the third line of betting for the George Ryder Stakes at $6, the decision was made to prioritise his recovery and long-term goals. “Off the way he pulled up (after the All-Star Mile), we decided not to go to the George Ryder,” Hayes said. “We wanted to get him right … we wanted to cruise around on it (the bruised heel) and not gallop him and make it worse. We just did the right thing by the horse, and after a quiet week, he’s come good.” Meanwhile, Lindsay Park could still be a key player on Saturday, with Tycoon Star set to line up in the Group 1 Golden Slipper who opened betting at . The promising two-year-old, who finished third in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes and fourth in the Group 2 Todman Stakes, is rated a $21 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the pre-final-field market. “He’s in terrific order, and we think it was a great practice run on the Sydney leg,” Hayes added. “It’s a very open Golden Slipper.” Horse racing news View the full article

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In the Saturday finale on the turf at 'The Great RIP' first timer Misleading (Not This Time–Heart of Paradise, by More Than Ready) executed a perfectly-timed rush to graduate in-style. A 10-1 shot here, the Keeneland September grad was in no hurry when it came to exiting the gate. Biding her time at the back of the field, the filly seemed out of it by the far turn, but the 3-year-old was gearing up for a late push. Misleading tipped towards the center of the course at the top of the lane and uncorked a furious rally. With one big gulp and some impeccably-crafted late heroics, the John Shirreffs trainee was up in time to walk the stage. Longshot Prestige Fungson (Always Dreaming) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:10.39. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $270,000 '22 KEENOV; $550,000 '23 KEESEP. O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich lll & John D. Fielding (KY); T-John A. Shirreffs. The post Not This Time’s Misleading Comes From The Clouds In Santa Anita Finale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Taking charge from the start, Booth became a graded stakes winner in capturing the $250,000 Whitmore Stakes (G3) March 15 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article