Wandering Eyes

King Of Thunder. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) It’s been over eight years since trainer John O’Shea and jockey James McDonald last secured a top-level victory together, but the pair will join forces again when King Of Thunder takes on Saturday’s $2 million Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m). “We’re due to have another nice race win,” O’Shea, who co-trains with Tom Charlton, told Racing.com. “We’re pleased to get him (McDonald) as I think he was holding out for the Godolphin horse (Broadsiding), and when it was announced he wouldn’t run, we picked him up. “We ran the gauntlet a bit, but it all turned out well.” McDonald got his first feel for King Of Thunder during a fast-finishing third place in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) last Saturday. “He’s a genuine mile-and-a-half horse that would be best suited by a good tempo,” O’Shea added. “That run was that last step towards the Derby, and he performed really well. “We’ll have no problems with the trip, so you’d expect him to go well.” Set to break from the inside barrier, King Of Thunder currently holds the third line of betting at $7.50 with horse betting sites for the Victoria Derby. Horse racing news View the full article

Derby Day. The first of the four-day Flemington Spring carnival and for the punting purist, it’s akin to Christmas. View the full article

Breeder's Cup NotebookView the full article

Trainer Kevin Attard has been one of the most successful trainers in Canadian racing over the last decade, but one of the boxes on his résumé remains unchecked: a Breeders' Cup victory.View the full article

The Melbourne Cup — the race that stops the nation — is here again with a field of 24 local and international horses racing over 3200m for a whopping $8 million in prizemoney. View the full article

Zardozi. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Zardozi is set to make her return to Flemington, the scene of her Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) victory last year, when she competes in Tuesday’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Trained by James Cummings, the four-year-old will make her sixth start of the season after placing second in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick and fourth in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in her latest outings. “Her run in The Metropolitan was outstanding against Land Legend,” Cummings told Racing.com. “Her fourth in the Caulfield Cup wasn’t as good as I hoped, but she still beat most of the field home. It was a gallant fourth in her first look around Caulfield. “I would imagine that [her] form is going to read a lot better at Flemington. “She’s a better horse at Flemington than Randwick and she’s probably a better horse at Flemington than Caulfield.” Cummings is confident Zardozi’s Melbourne Cup prospects are strong, particularly with Andrea Atzeni set to ride her at 51 kilograms. “There’s a lot to be said for getting her back to the scene where she was an exhilarating winner of the VRC Oaks 12 months ago. “She’s got the turn of foot that Melbourne Cup winners in more recent years have needed to win the race.” Zardozi is currently rated a $23 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Melbourne Cup. Horse racing news View the full article

Joao Moreira. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Joao Moreira, the celebrated Brazilian-born jockey, has expressed his interest in making Australia a more permanent base—if he can secure his family’s approval. In recent months, Moreira has been frequently traveling between Brazil, Australia, and Japan. After working with his Golden Eagle (1500m) ride, Ascoli Piceno, at Canterbury on Wednesday, he shared his enthusiasm for a possible move to Australia but noted that his family’s consent remains uncertain. “If I was going to make the call right away, I’d be making Australia my home by now,” Moreira stated. “Don’t forget, I’ve got a family and I’ve got to make sure I can convince them this would be the best place for them to live. “I have been trying and so far, it is just conversations and discussions, but nothing has been confirmed so far.” Horse racing news View the full article

Following another hugely successful edition of The Everest at Randwick a fortnight ago, it’s now Rosehill’s time to shine this spring, with Sydney’s second biggest racetrack to hold the $10 million Golden Eagle on Saturday. View the full article

What 2024 Victoria Derby Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, November 2, 2024 Prizemoney $2,000,000 Distance 2500m Conditions Set Weights | Three-Year-Olds 2023 winner Riff Rocket (5) | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) Visit Dabble The time-honoured Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) headlines the opening day of the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington on Saturday, with a capacity field of 16 set to duke it out for the $2 million prize. Can El Castello complete the Spring Champion Stakes and VRC Derby double? Or will there be another three-year-old who claims Group 1 glory for the first time? 2024 VRC Derby odds On the back of a smart win in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes, the Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello has opened as the $3.60 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. On the quick backup after winning the Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) last weekend, Nick Ryan’s Red Aces ($6.50) holds the second line of betting, just in front of King Of Thunder ($7.50), who finished third in the same race. Outside of those three, $10 or better is available for every other runner in 2024 VRC Derby betting markets. 2024 Victoria Derby speed map Traditionally in the VRC Derby, the speed is on early — especially for those drawn wide looking to hold a spot approaching the first turn — but then the race tends to be a real sit-and-sprint affair after the first 600m. This year should be no different, with runners like El Castello, Hot Too Go, Oxford Blue and West Indies all looking to hold a prominent position from a wide barrier. A horse like Red Aces may kick up from barrier four, but expect the likes of Politely Dun, King Of Thunder and Saint Emilion to be in the second half of the field before making their runs late. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 VRC Derby. Recommended! The Better Bettors! Australian-owned and operated bookmaker! Join MarantelliBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Victoria Derby 2024 preview & form Politely Dun may have been beaten by three lengths in the Moonee Valley Vase a week ago, but that race was really set up for those up on speed. The son of Dundeel made a mess of maiden company the start prior over 2000m, and everything this bloke has shown in his career thus far suggests 2500m will be right up his alley. Damian Lane will need to navigate a few speed humps from the rear of the field when entering the home straight, but if the breaks go Politely Dun’s way, the $15 on offer with horse betting sites seems ludicrous. King Of Thunder was massive in defeat in the Moonee Valley Vase, finishing third despite being forced to sustain a long run from about 600m out. From barrier one, James McDonald will need to be at his world-class best to avoid any of those vulnerable at the staying trip, considering this bloke likes to get back and run on in recent times. Should the gaps come, however, King Of Thunder cannot be taken lightly. El Castello is obviously the one to beat, but he will need to do some work from barrier 18 to find the speed and could be vulnerable late. The three-year-old colt held out Henlein in last weekend’s Spring Champion Stakes to bring up a fourth straight win this campaign. Josh Parr makes the trip to ride the son on Castelvecchio, and if the pair are afforded any luck early, El Castello may just put a space on his rivals. At $3.60, however, he is a favourite punters can take on. From there, pick your poison for the back end of your exotics. Red Aces draws to gain an economical run in transit, Saint Emilion was impressive when winning the Geelong Classic (2200m), and Keeneland cannot be dismissed — especially with Hugh Bowman on board. VRC Derby 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 7 POLITELY DUN 8 KING OF THUNDER 1 EL CASTELLO 2 RED ACES $100 betting strategy $50 each way Politely Dun (#7) @ +1400 / +260 with Neds VRC Derby 2024 final field 1. El Castello (18) T: Anthony Cummings J: Joshua Parr W: 57kg F: 1111x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Castelvecchio Dam: Word Games +250 -142.86 2. Red Aces (4) T: Nick Ryan J: Jamie Mott W: 57kg F: 120×1 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Cardiac +600 +140 3. Keeneland (11) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Hugh Bowman W: 57kg F: 31124 Age: 3YO Colour: Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Savabeel Star (NZ) +900 +188 4. Goldrush Guru (15) T: Andrew Gluyas J: Jamie Kah W: 57kg F: 12211 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: American Pharaoh Dam: Glam Guru +1200 +260 5. Saint Emilion (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Tim Clark W: 57kg F: 1173x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Kylikwong +1300 +260 6. Kingofwallstreet (10) T: Matt Cumani J: Michael Dee W: 57kg F: 127 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Our Girl Raquie +1700 +320 7. Politely Dun (5) T: Danny O’Brien J: Damian Lane W: 57kg F: 41332 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Politeness +1600 +300 8. King Of Thunder (1) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: James McDonald W: 57kg F: 37132 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tivaci Dam: Sheezababe (NZ) +650 +160 9. Tenbury Wells (14) T: Tenbury Wells J: Blake Shinn W: 57kg F: 51162 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Dowager Queen (NZ) +1700 +320 10. Peru (2) T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson J: Declan Bates W: 57kg F: 66638 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Brazen Beau Dam: Salamati (GER) +12500 +2025 11. China Sea (7) T: John Sargent J: Mark Zahra W: 57kg F: 269×0 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Rippled (GB) +1500 +275 12. Hot Too Go (13) T: Danny O’Brien J: Jordan Childs W: 57kg F: 2227x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Gogo Grace +4500 +775 13. Scary (8) T: Emma-Lee & David Browne J: Luke Nolen W: 57kg F: 53120 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Shocking Dam: Never Ever (NZ) +3400 +600 14. Oxford Blue (16) T: Julius Sandhu J: Ethan Brown W: 57kg F: 313 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fiorente (IRE) Dam: Stockpin (NZ) +2500 +475 15. West Indies (17) T: Mark Walker J: Craig Newitt W: 57kg F: 414x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Anchovy (IRE) +8000 +1250 16. Autumnheat (12) T: Matt Cumani J: Eoin Walsh W: 57kg F: 53944 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Autumn (NZ) +10000 +1550 17 (1E). War Ribbon (3) T: David Payne J: John Allen W: 57kg F: 1223x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Calyx (GB) Dam: Motion of Power +1900 +350 18 (2E). Cecchetti (9) T: Matt Cumani J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 57kg F: 437x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Fiorente (IRE) Dam: Vandancer (NZ) +10000 +1550 Horse racing tips View the full article

DEL MAR, CA – The 'Grizzly' is sitting on go. After a light training session on Tuesday, 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) turned in her first local gallop in the pre-dawn hours at Del Mar on a brisk Wednesday morning. The GI Kentucky Oaks heroine and GI Breeders' Cup Distaff 4-5 morning-line favorite displayed her typical high energy and was an absolute handful beneath exercise rider Danny Ramsey throughout her powerful 1 1/2-mile gallop. “Good?,” trainer Kenny McPeek asked Ramsey as Thorpedo Anna was heading off the track. “Better than good,” Ramsey replied. “She looked great. She looked like she owned it out there,” McPeek said in return. Thorpedo Anna took to the @delmarracing track early this morning! #BC24 pic.twitter.com/xPW3VNuc79 — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 30, 2024 With temperatures hovering in the low 50s and the sun now shining brightly over the main track, there were plenty of 'Future Stars' in action after the break. Hall of Famer Bob Baffert's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile trio of GI American Pharoah Stakes one-two Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) and 'TDN Rising Star' Getaway Car (Curlin) and unbeaten GI Del Mar Futurity winner Gaming (Game Winner) were among the first to catch the eye. Baffert won't have the favorite for this year's race, however, while seeking a record sixth victory. The morning-line maker thinks it will be unbeaten 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) (and so does this writer), who made it a perfect two-for-two with a spectacular victory over 'TDN Rising Star' Ferocious (Flatter) in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland. The Godolphin homebred has won his two career starts for Brendan Walsh by a combined 13 1/4 lengths and has been giving every indication (what a treat to watch him train this week) that something special may be coming Friday. East Avenue ready to roll for ⁦@brenpwalsh⁩ pic.twitter.com/blU08nl00W — Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) October 30, 2024 You can certainly see why they spent $1.3 million at OBS March on the previously mentioned Claiborne Breeders' Futurity runner-up Ferocious after watching him gallop just for a few strides. He was also second-best behind the three-for-three 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie) (he's also made quite a nice impression in the a.m. like so many of the Chad Brown-trained runners) in the GI Hopeful Stakes. 'TDN Rising Star' Jonathan's Way (Vekoma), a fantastic winner of the GIII Iroquois Stakes and one of five entered in the Juvenile with unblemished records, has also made his presence felt amidst the chaos ahead of his two-turn debut. We can't sign off without mentioning last year's Juvenile winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light), who has also been training smartly during this same window ahead of his showdown with City of Troy (Justify) in Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Classic. This weekend can't get here soon enough. The post Wednesday’s Breeders’ Cup Report: Thorpedo Anna ‘Owned it Out There’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Officials outlined procedures Oct. 30 that have led to increased equine safety and explained why Breeders' Cup provides limited or no health information when horses are announced as scratched or withdrawn for physical reasons.View the full article

The Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar will be run in accordance with the industry's most comprehensive safety and integrity protocols, developed in conjunction with leading experts in the field. View the full article

Saffie Joseph Jr. discusses the Breeders' Cup Distaff and his two runners in the race, Honor D Lady and Batucada. The latter eventually was scratched from the race.View the full article

Juveniles with form as good as La Bellota (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), a fine winner of a Listed contest at Doncaster less than a week ago, don't come around very often and it was Blandford Bloodstock agent Tom Biggs who landed the gelding for a session-topping 425,000gns on Wednesday at Tattersalls. Biggs was bidding on behalf of fellow Blandford agent Richard Brown, who, by the time La Bellota went through the ring on Wednesday evening, was halfway across the Atlantic Ocean en route to the Breeders' Cup. Of course, La Bellota is a horse that Brown knows well, given the John Ryan-trained runner accounted for Wathnan Racing's Diego Ventura (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) at Doncaster. Like Diego Ventura, La Bellota was brought through the ranks by Tally-Ho Stud, with Ryan sourcing the horse at the Guineas Breeze-Up Sale earlier in the season for 52,000gns. “He is the best freelance two-year-old on the market at the moment and is 105 rated,” the trainer said. “He has performed better than most out there. To be honest, it is bitter-sweet to lose him. But, at the end of the day, we bought him well and have sold him well.” Ryan added, “He is a superstar-a lovely horse to train and anyone would love to have this horse in their yard. But he will carry the name La Bellota and we can follow him. I think he is a very special horse. I hope he goes on to be what I think he could be.” Overall, the Wednesday session failed to live up to what has been otherwise another very strong sale at Park Paddocks. Wildcard Square d'Alboni (Fr) Zarak {Fr}), a recent Listed scorer offered by Alex Elliott's Imperium Sales, failed to find a suitor at 950,000gns on a day when some of the key figures took a hit. Despite a slightly bigger catalogue, turnover dipped by 16% to 9,935,000gns while the average dropped by 22% to 37,633gns and the median dropped by 6% to 22,000gns. The clearance rate dropped by 1% to 90%. Boman Bags Hawk Power For Annabel Neasham One of the more interesting bidding wars of the day took place between Ryan McElligott and Stuart Boman over Hawk Power (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who went the way of the Blandford Bloodstock agent for 300,000gns. Like a lot of the bigger lots this week, Hawk Power was purchased by Boman to continue his career Down Under, with Annabel Neasham set to take charge of the Listed-placed Godolphin runner. Boman said, “Lovely horse. When buying off Godolphin, obviously there is no reserve and that attracts quite a lot of people initially. Very consistent horse and was the one horse I wanted to buy when I went through everything. He's been bought for Annabel Neasham and we bought a couple of others along the way. I think he's going to be better on top of the ground.” The agent continued, “He has been running on soft ground and ran in a bog when third to Fast Tracker, who was sent off favourite for the French Derby, on his last start in the Listed race at Chantilly. It was bottomless ground that day and he had had a long year. He is a very well-bred horse from a pedigree that has worked in Australia. And he is out of a Street Cry mare, which was attractive, too.” Najd Stud Corners Juddmonte Draft Whether it's the December Mares Sale or horses-in-training, the Juddmonte drafts always attract huge attention. It was no different on Wednesday when Najd Stud and bloodstock agent Nico Archdale spent 640,000gns on highly-rated performers Amphius (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Task Force (GB) (Frankel {GB}). A brother to three black-type runners, including Group 3 scorer Sangarius (GB) (Kingman {GB}), the 95-rated Amphius landed a Beverley maiden on his penultimate start and was last seen finishing second in a Newmbury handicap. He fetched 380,000gns while Task Force, who boasts a rating of 109, was knocked down for 260,000gns. “They are lovely horses,” said Saud Al Qahtani. “It was more than we expected to pay, but when you buy quality you have to stretch. They have both been bought with the King's Cup in mind.” Mullins Big On Golden Horn Dominant National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins doubled down on Golden Horn's progeny when snapping up his second son of the dual Derby winner in as many days for a six-figure sum. Poniros (GB), who won over an extended mile on debut as a two-year-old and boasts rock solid handicap form at three, was sold for 200,000gns. Mullins had already added Too Bossy For Us (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) to the stable 24 hours previously for 330,000gns through his right hand man Harold Kirk. “I am collecting them now,” Kirk joked. “This lad has a bit more class than yesterday's horse and he could even be a sort to drop back in trip. He is very light on his feet, a good mover and he has again been bought as a dual-purpose type.” Mullins and Kirk also went to 200,000gns to secure Pappano (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), bringing the total spend this week to 730,000gns. Buy of the day In his role buying for Lady Bamford and Tony Elliott of the Rogue's Gallery, bloodstock agent Henry Lascelles has been making waves at some of the major sales in recent times. But Lascelles may have sniffed out a bit of a bargain on Wednesday in the shape of 1,000gns buy Nartaji (GB). The daughter of Iffraaj (GB) has not shown much ability in two starts for Roger Varian, but she is a half-sister to impressive maiden scorer Waardah (Ire) (Postponed {Ire}), who does not look out of place in Saturday's Montrose Stakes at Newmarket. If that 1,000gns entrant can get black-type, the 1,000gns Lascelles parted with for Nartaji will look very shrewd indeed. Thought for the day A quick scan through the list of horses that made around 200,000gns or more this week, and some trends stick out a mile. For starters, there's no law to it at times, with some obscure sires well able to get a good one. But most interestingly, it seemed to be the mile-plus horses who made the most money in the ring. The reality is, at any yearling sale in Britain and Ireland, it's the earlier, sharper types that prove most popular around that 200,000gns marker compared to the horses that take a bit of time. This week's results could provide food for thought for buyers—and even breeders—that have a bit of patience. Quote of the day “Who is Mohammad?” On a much lighter note, there was reportedly some comedy in the Tattersalls office on Wednesday when one of the buyers simply signed the docket as Mohammad. Given the huge amount of Middle Eastern buyers who shop the horses-in-training sales, you can imagine the confusion that ensued at Tattersalls when the clipboard landed back at the office. The post Recent Listed Winner La Bellota Highlights Trade At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The "Future Stars Friday" card at Del Mar offers racing fans a glimpse of the next generation of Thoroughbreds and the gravity of the $2 million grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) extends beyond race day.View the full article

The Iroquois Steeplechase announced Oct. 30 a partnership with the Jockey Club UK that brings together two of the most prestigious racing organizations in the world.View the full article

By Adam Hamilton It now looks a real longshot Great Southern Star winner Callmethebreeze will head across for NZ Cup Week. The star French import is a $5 second favourite for the $400,000 Renwick Farms Dominion Trot behind fellow Aussie Just Believe ($1.60). Trainer Andy Gath confirmed Callmethebreeeze would not race at Swan Hill as planned tomorrow (Friday) night. “He’s not running, but there’s some good news to that because we’ve found out what’s been causing him to trot roughly,” he said. “When he went to NZ earlier this year he developed a quarter crack and that same hoof has flared-up again, but hopefully it’s not too bad and some remedial shoeing can quickly do the trick. “It’s good to find out what we’re dealing with. “While it’s unlikely he’ll be on the plane next Tuesday (to Auckland), we’re not giving up yet. “We’ll do some work over the next few days and see how he is by the end of the weekend. We’ll make a final decision then. “We’d love to go, but he’ll have to show us he’s ready to go.” Callmethebreeze brilliantly won his first three starts for Gath, but it all went wrong when trotted roughly at a crucial and galloped in the Group 1 Bill Collins Trotters’ Sprint at Melton on October 12. View the full article

By Jonny Turner After starring on the big stage, Clark Barron and Brent Barclay will try to keep their winning form going at Winton on Thursday. The training and driving combination produced one of the most impressive victories on Labour Day at Ashburton when Bring On The Muscle powered home from off the speed to win the Group 3 Hambletonian Classic. Trainer and driver knew they had always had a serious horse on their hands, but for the three-year-old to prove it in the best possible circumstances brought plenty of satisfaction. “He went super, he has really turned the corner,” Barclay said. “He looked great, he had dapples in his coat and he was strong down the straight and strong right through the line.” The epic win, coming from the unruly to beat a classy field, has earned Bring On The Muscle a shot at the $500,000 Majestic Horse Floats LP The Ascent on Show Day during the New Zealand Cup Carnival. Slot-holders were quick to try to snap the brilliant southerner up, with the New South Wales-based Tumby Park Trust winning out. Barclay and Barron will be back in action at Winton on Thursday, combining with Raknruin in Race 5, The Pasture/The Finish Line Mobile Pace. The three-year-old has been running on from hopeless positions in her recent starts, but she gets the chance to settle handier from one. At least Barclay hopes that is the case. “We have put the blinds on her this week which I do think will help.” “The main issue is there is a heap of gate speed outside us.” “We will have to see where we end up, but if she gets a handy enough trip she could be in it.” Barclay rates Jovial Jay his best drive at Winton on Thursday in Race 9, The Rump/ Prime Cut Mobile Pace. The pacer has placed in all three of his starts this time in and looks to be closing in on a win. “He’s got all the form and he’s drawn 1,” Barclay said. “We will be trying to use the draw, whether he can lead up I don’t know.” “But he can follow speed well too, so if he can get out well and follow the right horse he would be a chance.” On Thursday, Barclay will reunite with Julie Jaccka, a mare he drove to a Group 1 placing in the New Zealand Trotting Oaks as a three-year-old in Race 8, the Ironman / Beef and Lamb Handicap Trot. Though class is bound to take the mare close, the reinsman is wary about his horse’s lack of recent racing. “She won her last trial but it was just OK and I definitely think she is still on the way up.” “It is a handy enough field and Moment Of What trialled very well the other day.” Barclay combines with another of the Brett Gray stable in Madison’s Moon, who starts in Race 1, the Farmers’ Trot, after a second at Ascot Park. “If she trots all of the way she can run in the first four, she has to get away and do things right.” Barclay also links up with Sidorova and Ted at Winton on Thursday. View the full article

Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey has won 15 Breeders' Cup races and has watched hundreds more in person as a commentator for NBC Sports. Always on top of things and not afraid to voice his opinions, Bailey joined the TDN Writers' Room Podcast sponsored by Keeneland to discuss Breeders' Cups past and present. When asked who would most want to ride in this year's Classic if he were to come out of retirement, the answer was somewhat of a surprise. He picked GI Whitney S. winner Arthur's Ride (Tapit), who is 15-1 in the morning line. “One of the most interesting horses to me is Arthur's Ride,” Bailey said. “I think he turns into a very quality horse when he can be comfortable on the lead, and I think he might have a comfortable lead this year. With Skippylongstocking going to the Dirt Mile, with Dornoch leaving the picture a month ago, the speed of the race is Arthur's Ride. I don't think anybody with the early speed to challenge him will really want to, thinking he may not be a threat. I think he will get a comfortable lead.” Like most everyone else, Bailey doesn't quite know what to make of European superstar City of Troy (Justify), who will start in the GI Breeders' Classic in what will be his dirt debut. But after observing the horse in person he said there were some things not to like. “I was more convinced about City of Troy's chances in the Classic this year before I saw him this morning,” Bailey said Tuesday. “He still is a good-looking horse but he's more feminine than I thought he would be…more long and lanky, more turfy, if you will. He's built like a turf horse. Believe me, I love the horse. I think it's a great story and I would love to see him win. But I think the biggest question anybody has is will he dirt? Seeing him, I didn't get the answer I was looking for.” The Breeders' Cup win he is most proud of? “I think it's probably Six Perfections in the (2003) Mile,” Bailey said. “There was one thing I wanted to know because she had drawn the 12 post. I asked (trainer) Pascal Bary is her first step from the gate decent? And if I ask her leaving the gate, can I turn her back off again and get her to relax during the middle part of the race? And he said, 'yeah, no problem. She'll break quick enough.' “He said that you can do what you want early and she'll still relax for you. I said that's all I need to know. And my good friend, Gary Young, after the drew called and said, 'I'm sorry.' He calls me 'Beetle Bailey.' He said, “Beetle, I'm sorry about your post. I said, don't feel bad for me. Feel bad for the guy inside me, because I'm going to shut him off the first jump to get over and save some ground.” And what did Andre Fabre tell him before his historic win aboard Arcangues at 133-1 in the 1993 GI Breeders' Cup Classic. With Bailey, knowing nothing about the horse, he was hoping that Fabre could give him some useful tips. I didn't exactly happen that way. “I was always a student of the past performances and the video,” he said. “I really didn't think I was quite as physically gifted as some of my contemporaries, like Angel (Cordero) and Laffit (Pincay Jr.) and guys like that. But I thought I could out prepare them and out think them in a race. So I was heavily dependent on PPs and video, of which there were really none available for Arcangues . At that time, you couldn't get videos. So I thought I'll just ask Andre Fabre, the trainer. He should know exactly where he wants to be, where he's most comfortable and how much of a pace I can ask him to keep during the middle of the race. I walked into the paddock, there's like a thousand people in there at Santa Anita, and you can't find anybody. So I couldn't find him. And I was kind of beginning to panic a little bit. I thought I'll just go to the horse. I'll ask the assistant or the groom the questions I need answered. And so I get there and I'm asking them all these questions and they speak nothing but French. So I don't know jack about this horse when I'm getting on him. We go around the ring and head for the tunnel and all of sudden I hear the trainer. He says, 'Jerry, Jerry.' And I thought, great he can give me some instructions. He said, 'good luck.' That's all he said.” In our breeding spotlight section we took a look at the Winstar stallion Life is Good (Into Mischief). Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, XBTV.com, and 1/ST Racing, the team of Randy Moss, Zoe Cadman and Bill Finley handicapped all 14 Breeders' Cup races and, hopefully, picked a lot of winners. To listen to the podcast as an audio show, click here. The post Jerry Bailey Talks All Things Breeders’ Cup on TDN Writers’ Room appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He's been on board for both her Group 1 wins and on Wednesday morning Frankie Dettori was reunited with Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) for a spin on the grass track at Del Mar ahead of lining up for the Breeders' Cup Turf. It has been exactly a year since Europe's most recognisable jockey signed off with a Champion Stakes triumph in Britain before jetting to his new life in California. This new chapter started in the best possible way with another top-flight win, in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf aboard another of the Gosden stable's star mares, Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Now, trainer and jockey have teamed up again at an old stomping ground for which both John Gosden and Dettori have genuine fondness. “The only thing that hasn't changed is John. He's still bossing me around, wanting me in to work at 6.45am,” said Dettori of his past 12 months across the Atlantic. “It has been a challenge but it was what I needed. It has gone better than I thought it would. Coming to America and taking on the Americans in their own backyard, not many people have done that. But my agent has done a great job. I've ridden for everyone, not just one single stable. It has been a very successful year.” He continued, “The only place I get recognised now is on the racetrack. It's nice when you step away and you are just left to be a normal person. I don't have to wear sunglasses and a hat like when I am walking through customs. It has been a lot of fun because it's all new to me. I've been to New York, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Toronto. I've seen so much in the space of nine months. It has been great. “It's a challenge because we are moving around with eight suitcases but it's been a challenge more for Catherine, rather than myself. I've got less clothes than her. But apart from Saratoga, where I was for six weeks, I don't think I've been in the same place for more than a week. It's fun, fun, fun.” A former resident of California in his early years of training, Gosden oversaw Emily Upjohn being given a “leisurely look” at the turf on Wednesday and said afterwards that the five-year-old mare had enjoyed her spin under Dettori. That certainly looked to be the case as she wandered around casually waiting for the turf track to open, towering over her pony with imperious elegance. “It's great to be back here at Del Mar. We used to have a lot of fun here in the old days,” Gosden said. “[Emily Upjohn] likes faster ground and obviously it's going to be quick ground here which will suit. We got quite a bit of rain in Ireland when she was second in the Pretty Polly, and she ran a great race the other day in the Vermeille when it was good to soft, but she's a better filly on softer ground. She's got a decent draw and now you're just hoping she can capitalise on it.” Emily Upjohn had been also been entered for the Filly & Mare Turf, but Gosden opting for the extended distance of the Turf in mixed company. Explaining that decision, he said, “A mile and a half round here is like running a mile two and a half in Europe. It's sharp, it's quick, it's fast ground, three bends, short straights, so she needs every inch and that's one of the reasons she is running in the mile and a half. The other reason is that the starting stalls in the mile and a half are not close to the far bend. If you get a wide draw and you are that close to the bend you are seriously disadvantaged. I didn't want to come all the way here and get a wide draw going a mile and three-eighths, so we'll run against the colts, get a better run down the back stretch before you hit the first bend, because she's a big filly, she's not a neat little thing.” Gosden cited the “harsh workload” on jockeys in Britain and Ireland as one of the reasons for Dettori's move to the States. “Jockeys are not riding every day over here,” he said. “People underestimate how hard it is on jockeys in the UK and in Ireland. They're riding seven days a week. They can be riding at 8.30 at night on some all-weather track. Then, getting home when it's dark and getting up in the morning at 5am to ride work. It's the same in the summer. The workload on jockeys in our country is much too harsh. They're phenomenal athletes and a lot of them aren't able to eat or drink a normal amount of food. They can't sweat at the races anymore. I think they have a really, really tough time and that is underestimated by our authorities.” After Andre Fabre, Gosden is one of only two European trainers to have won the Breeders' Cup Classic, and he also offered his view on one of the week's main talking points: can City Of Troy win? “Actually, I talked to Aidan [O'Brien] about it at York,” he said. “You get a good run up the straight before the first bend – I won the mile-and-a-quarter race here that used to be called the Del Mar Handicap – and if you're down on the inside you've got to break alertly because if they come across you get the kickback, and that's the problem, the kickback is the thing. A horse like that, if you get a clear run to the first bend and he was travelling well then I doubt they'd catch him. I think he would outclass them. But from where he's drawn it's a matter of how alertly he jumps.” He continued, “I've had many good turf horses, you put them on the dirt and they could work a mile in 1m 36 and change, and then you go and put them on the dirt in the afternoon and they get the kickback and lose their rhythm, because they are not used to that amount of dirt hitting them in the face. Ryan [Moore] will be very aware that he has to try to avoid that scenario, but it is easier said than done. “But is he the best horse, on quality? Yes, he is.” The horse in question, City Of Troy, was back out just after 8am with his team of workmates which had been reduced by one. Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who had been an intended starter in the Filly & Mare Turf along with stable-mate Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), was withdrawn late on Tuesday after the three-year-old was found to be running a slight fever and off her food. With Rachel Richardson in the saddle, City Of Troy had a smooth session in the stalls and a canter round, up in gear from his first appearance on Tuesday but still only a steady exercise. Appearing each day just behind the Ballydoyle battalions but at one cool remove has been one of Europe's smartest three-year-old fillies, Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio). In the half-siblings Iridessa (Ire) and Order Of Australia (Ire) Annemarie and Aidan O'Brien have already bred a pair of Breeders' Cup winners, and Porta Fortuna, trained by their son Donnacha, could be next. She lines up for the Mile for what will be her second Breeders' Cup start, having finished a close second to Hard To Justify (Justify) in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. She has done little to disappoint her trainer since then. “Everything has gone perfectly. She travelled over good and is moving well,” said O'Brien. “I don't think you can ever expect a filly who was as busy as she was at two to progress as well as she has but she's a fantastic filly and we're lucky to have her. She's very professional.” That professionalism has carried her to victory this season in three consecutive Group 1s, the Coronation, Falmouth and Matron Stakes, and she was runner-up to Elmalka (GB) in the 1,000 Guineas on her three-year-old debut. Her trainer added of the next challenge, “It's a very deep race; it probably has the most depth of any of the races that I've looked at anyway. The form looks very strong and she will probably have to step up on what she's done to win it but I think she's got a good chance.” Porta Fortuna is owned by the American partnership of Medallion Racing, Barry Fowler, Steven Weston and Reeves Thoroughbreds, a group which has since expanded its involvement in O'Brien's stable. He said, “I think the plan is to keep going next year but there are a lot of partners so we'll see first how she runs and then take it from there. “It's not always that if someone has success they'll put money back in but everyone has been fantastic to us and bought yearlings the last two years to give to me and we're super-appreciative of that.” The post Fun, Fun, Fun as Frankie and Friends are Reunited appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a round-up of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings are two steep suspensions. Trainer Francisco Ramos has been banned a total of 10 years and fined a combined $125,000 for five out-of-competition medication violations for Clenbuterol, a substance that is banned outside of very specific circumstances. According to HIWU's final ruling, HIWU representatives collected blood samples from the horses Scat Shack and Cindy's Storm, and a hair sample from Jim's River Runner, at Belterra Park May 8. HIWU rep's collected hair samples from Tequila Flats and Total Smokescreen at Belterra Park June 1. Ramos repeatedly failed to respond to deadlines throughout the adjudication process for these five separate cases, the final ruling states. And so, the penalties were reportedly issued by default. Trainer Adolfo Macias has seen an earlier 18-month ban for possession of Levothyroxine extended another 18 months. HIWU has not yet posted a detailed explainer on the decision, but it relates to HISA rule 3229, which pertains to permitted professional activities during a provisional suspension or ban. Macias's latest 18-month suspension begins May 2, 2025. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/“resoloved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 10/28/2024 Licensee: Adolfo Macias, trainer Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on May 2, 2025. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Related to HISA rule 3229, which pertains to a covered person's status during provisional suspension or ineligibility. Macias is currently in the middle of an 18-month ban, starting Nov. 2, 2023, for a case related possession of Levothyroxine, a banned substance. Date: 10/25/2024 Licensee: Daniel Hurtak, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Hosel Rocket on 9/11/24. Date: 10/24/2024 Licensee: Francisco Ramos, trainer Penalty: 10-year combined period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on May 30, 2024, and a combined $125,000 fine; 14-month periods of Ineligibility for the relevant Covered Horses. Explainer: Out-of-competition medication violations for the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance except in specific circumstances—in samples taken from Scat Shack, Cindy's Storm and Jim's River Run on 5/8/24, and from Tequila Flats and Total Smokeshow on 6/1/24. Date: 10/23/2024 Licensee: Edmund Davis, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Drinking Solo, who finished third at Finger Lakes on 9/4/24. Pending ADMC Violations 10/30/2024, Juan Rizo Patron, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Bestial on 10/4/24. 10/28/2024, William Martin, trainer: Use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Super Model Stroll during the race period. 10/24/2024, Bennie Woolley, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Clear the Coast, who finished third at Canterbury Park on 9/21/24. Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Keeneland Tyler Gaffalione – violation date October 24; Five-day suspension, $2500 fine The post Weekly Rulings, Oct. 24-30: Lengthy Bans for Trainers Ramos, Macias appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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The New York Racing Association today announced a partnership with Caymanas Park, Jamaica's premier horse racing venue, establishing FOX Sports as the television home of the Mouttet Mile Invitational in 2024.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a full-sister to G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}). 12.15 Halle, Mdn, €9,000, 2yo, 7 1/2fT Gestut Schlenderhan's GO FLYING (IRE) (Adlerflug {Ger}) is a homebred daughter of Listed Hoppegartener Stutenpreis victrix Gouache (Ger) (Shamardal) and thus a full-sister to this year's G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Goliath (Ger). The Peter Schiergen-trained newcomer encounters nine rivals in this low-key introduction. They include Gestut Auenquelle's once-raced homebred Vitalia (Ger) (Best Solution {Ire}), whose three black-type siblings include multiple Group-winning G1 Preis von Europa runner-up Vif Monsieur (Ger) (Doyen {Ire}). The post Full-Sister To Goliath Set For German Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article