Jump to content
Bit Of A Yarn

Wandering Eyes

Journalists
  • Posts

    124,910
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Everything posted by Wandering Eyes

  1. Breeders' Cup NotebookView the full article
  2. Ascot Park trainer Jo-Ann Gordon has taken a patient approach with giant gelding Polly’s Guru (NZ) (Gallant Guru), and she is hoping she can be rewarded when he lines-up in the Southland Honda Maiden (1600m) at her local meeting on Friday. The five-year-old son of Gallant Guru made his debut at Gore last week where he finished runner-up over 1335m, much to the delight of Gordon, and her only concern heading into Friday is his barrier draw of two. “I am really happy with him, he is just really green,” Gordon said. “The only thing that I am concerned about is the inside draw because he is about 18 hands with a very large stride. “Hopefully we can get off the fence and just let him get into a rhythm. “He is still pretty weak. He will start on Friday, we will see how he gets through that, and perhaps have one more start at Invercargill and then he will have a spell again. “He is a long way off, but he is a really nice horse with a really good turn of foot for a big fella.” Stablemate Small Town Belle was also runner-up at Gore last week and will be looking to go one better in the Southport Handicap (1400m) on Friday. Gordon bought the daughter of Belardo off Gavelhouse.com last year for $1,100 and said it has taken her a little longer than desired to strip into race condition. “I bought her last November off Gavelhouse and she was so fat it took me six months to get the weight off her, that is why she was a wee bit disappointing last campaign,” she said. “This campaign she has come up and she is fit, which makes a massive difference. She has worked on well after Gore, so I expect her to go well again.” Gordon will also line-up Sutherland in the Heineken Handicap (2200m). “Sutherland just hated that sticky track at Gore and when he doesn’t like something he doesn’t go, and that shows in his form, he looks like he runs a bit hot and cold,” Gordon said. “2200m is more his go anyway, and I think he will go 100 times better than he did at Gore. We are due for a bit of rain on Thursday night, so the track shouldn’t be sticky, it will be looser, which will be his cup of tea. Signwriter finished seventh on debut at Gore last week and Gordon is hoping the addition of blinkers will aid the gelding’s chances this week in the McCallums Group Maiden (1200m), “Because of the lack of trials here, Signwriter hadn’t been anywhere for two years. I thought his start at Gore wasn’t the worst for a very green horse that would have usually had a couple of trials,” she said. “He will definitely be an improved run than what he was at Gore, the blinkers will improve him straight away. “I worked him in blinkers and he worked really nice with them, he really got up on the bit. He seems to have woken up. “I initially had him in the 1400m, but I have cut him back to 1200m. Gordon’s contingent on Friday will be rounded out by Holy Snitz in the ILT Foundation Maiden (1400m), and she is hoping for more luck than her first-up run at Gore. “The start at Gore with Holy Snitz you definitely have to disregard, she was a victim of circumstance, and because it was her first start, I think she panicked when they came over on her, which made the situation even worse,” Gordon said. “Krishna (Mudhoo, jockey) was confident that she was going to run in the first three in Gore before she got cleaned up. “We would just like a clean run with her and she should go okay.” View the full article
  3. Stablemates Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer) and Prince Alby (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will end their northern tours of duty at Trentham before their focus switches to feature events closer to home. The Kelvin Tyler-trained duo will return to the South Island after Saturday’s meeting with major targets to chase during New Zealand Cup week at Riccarton. Master Marko will drop back in trip in the Courtesy Ford Redcraze Bowl (1400m) following his bold effort to finish fifth in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m). “I was really rapt and it did suit him with the style of racing at Te Rapa, which favoured on-pace runners and the back ones just couldn’t make ground,” Tyler said. “He goes forward and puts himself in the race, so I was thrilled with him.” Master Marko was given an easy time following the Livamol and the drop back in distance at Trentham will be a snug fit for the son of Contributer. “He had a quiet week after the Livamol and his next main target will be the TAB Classic (Gr.3, 1600m) at Riccarton, in my eyes his best distance is probably a mile,” Tyler said. “It will be a wet track on Saturday, it will be tough going so 1400m on that sort of going should be ideal. “He’s a tough horse and a really good eater who gets over his races well.” While the relocation of the Livamol to Te Rapa suited Master Marko, it didn’t favour Prince Alby who finished at the tail of the field and will bid to turn his form around in the Mode Technology Feilding Cup (2100m). “Both him and Lightning Jack went back and they just couldn’t make ground, it was a frontrunners’ track,” Tyler said. Prince Alby had previously finished out of the money in an open handicap at Matamata. “I tried to keep him a bit fresh for those races, but when they got transferred from Hastings to Matamata and Te Rapa it just changed the dynamic and I think he’ll be a different horse on Saturday,” Tyler said. Safely through the weekend, Prince Alby will head to the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton. Tyler will be represented by Radiant Reach and Zambezi Flyer at Friday’s Southland meeting at Ascot Park with the former his best chance of success. The daughter of Vadamos will resume in the Southport Handicap (1400m) and her previous success at Gore came off a spell. “It’s been quite hard to get horses ready in the deep south, we’ve had no jump-outs since May,” Tyler said. “It’s been pretty tough going but we’re on the other side of it now and Radiant Reach will be my best. “She’s a bit older now and very capable and won fresh-up last season. She’s been working well and I’d be disappointed if she wasn’t in for a good year.” View the full article
  4. As New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame trainer Graeme Rogerson prepares for his shot at again winning racing’s Holy Grail, he has revealed: “I’m just lucky to be alive”. Rogerson and his wife Debbie will produce three-time Group One winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood) in next Tuesday’s $A8.56 million Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington but the larger-than-life trainer has already tasted victory in a much bigger event. Earlier this year, Rogerson underwent life-saving cardiac surgery. It took months before he was fully recovered and while he still bears the scars of that ordeal, “Rogey” can’t help finding himself looking at the bright side of life. “Every day now is a good day,” he said. Rogerson revealed that his surgeon had told him his heart was operating at only 50 percent efficiency. “Now I’ve had the operation, I’ve got the other half working,” he quipped. “I didn’t know that when they saw you in half, it would cut you up so much. But I’ve got through it. They said (the recovery) would take six months and I’ve got two-and-a-half months to go. Then I’d like to think I might find another good horse.” That next good horse has a high bar to reach to compare with the Rogersons’ current star, Sharp ‘N’ Smart. A winner of the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in Sydney, the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa, Smart ‘N’ Smart was last year’s New Zealand Horse of the Year. While a bug prevented him from racing at his best as a four-year-old, he has returned as a stronger spring five-year-old, as demonstrated by his last-start third placing in last Friday’s Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), a performance that confirmed he was on song for the Melbourne Cup. “It was very good when you look at it from the sectionals, and you’ve got to remember he had 59 kilos. He’s only got 53 and a half in the Cup,” Rogerson said. “In racing, weights and measures mean a lot. He’s well off in the Cup, he’s got a lot going for him. He just needs an ounce of luck.” A 12-time New Zealand champion trainer with 55 Group One wins to his name, including Savabeel’s Cox Plate and Polar Success’ Golden Slipper, Rogerson has a proud history in the Melbourne Cup. Working closely with Lloyd Williams, Rogerson bought 1978 Cup winner Arwon and 1985 Cup winner What A Nuisance. And Rogerson got to hoist his own trainer’s Cup when he produced Efficient to win the 2007 feature in Williams’ colours. “When you win one, you want to win another, then another. Lloyd’s won seven,” Rogerson said. “You never know for two miles until they go up (in distance) but this horse shows every attribute needed to get it. He’s got to the stage now where he wants to relax. He reminds me of Arwon and What And Nuisance. “He’s going to have to be at his top of his game, but I think he’s not far from it. The only thing he doesn’t want is a wet track.” With Rogerson recovering from his heart surgery, Debbie has navigated Sharp ‘N’ Smart’s campaign, and her work has only earned accolades from one of racing’s most renown hard-markers. “She’s done a super job. He had a bad bacterial virus and while he showed glimpses, he never produced his best form from when he was a three-year-old,” Rogerson said. “But Debbie’s done a hell of a job to get him back. Now, he’s not far away. It would be lovely to win it. It would be good for New Zealand. But if not, we’ll be back again to try next year.” View the full article
  5. Via Sistina ridden by James McDonald winning the 2024 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Via Sistina, the dominant winner of the 2024 Cox Plate (2040m) will not line-up in Tuesday’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington. Despite the ease with which she disposed of one of the best Cox Plate fields, owners Yulong Investments confirmed the news on X on Tuesday morning that their star mare would bypass the race that stops the nation. “The Cox Plate has always been her main target, to win it is nothing short of a dream,” the tweet read from the official Yulong Investments account. “Following this peak performance and after much consideration, it has been decided she will not contest the 2024 Melbourne Cup. “We look forward to taking aim at the G1 Champions Stakes a week on Saturday (November 11).” The Chris Waller-trained mare will now head to the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) on November 11 as she looks to add a fourth Group 1 win this campaign. Prior to her withdrawal, Via Sistina was a $7 winning hope with horse racing bookmakers for the Melbourne Cup. Just 33 horses remain in contention for the Melbourne Cup following the withdrawal of market fancies Jan Brueghel and Via Sistina over the last 24 hours. Horse racing news View the full article
  6. The gates are scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Post time for the first race is 11:35 and the first Breeders' Cup race goes off at 2:45. But long before those bright-eyed Breeders' Cup attendees begin filling the grandstands of Del Mar, the backside will have been awake for hours. For those back in the barns as Breeders' Cup morning dawns, in many ways it's just like any other day. It is the same routine of raking barn aisles, topping off water buckets, checking temps, preparing feed, wrapping legs, walking hots and passing out peppermints. And in other ways, it is very much not like any other day. It's the grand finale of a year's worth of highs and lows, celebrations and disappointments, sweat, sore muscles and impossibly long hours, all to get a horse to the Breeders' Cup. “It's the pinnacle of the racing year,” said Lee Vickers, an assistant trainer for Christophe Clement who works with Breeders' Cup Turf starter Far Bridge (English Channel). “It's the culmination of the year. When you're going into these big races, that's where the year ends and that's where you want to go.” “Getting on a horse that's going into a big race like the Breeders' Cup, it's so exciting,” said Jeramie Fennell, the exercise rider of Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf-bound Minaret Station (Instilled Regard). “There are times that I'll think about it and I almost want to cry about it, you know? There are tears of joy because it's very exciting for this team to get to send a horse to a race like that.” The Arthur's Ride team includes exercise rider Damian Hinds and longtime Bill Mott assistant and groom Erma Scott | Sara Gordon The TDN's Breeders' Cup Connections project was about the horses, yes. But more than that, it was a tribute to the individuals behind the athletes. It was created to celebrate the horsemen who live for grandiose days packed with Grade I racing, but also quiet afternoons in sleepy stalls and an unexpected win from the barn's favorite claimer. “I love racing and I love everything about what we do, but I just really love horses,” said Katie Tolbert, an assistant trainer for Brad Cox who is also the exercise rider for Classic contender Highland Falls (Curlin). “It's fun just to be in the barn and see them grow and learn and be successful, to see them do what they're bred to do.” “One thing about me is I'm going to try to do my best, it doesn't matter what kind of horse you put me on,” said Carlos Rosas, the exercise rider for Turf Sprinter Cogburn (Not This Time) who has worked for trainer Steve Asmussen for the past 21 years. “It can be a really cheap horse, like a $5,000 claimer, or a stakes horse.” In an industry that can oftentimes appear rather uniform, this project organically wound up featuring people from a multitude of backgrounds. Jeramie Fennell and Lee Vickers are both former jockeys. While Fennell grew up in South Dakota and started riding Quarter Horse races at age 16, Vickers is from Yorkshire, England and followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in becoming a jockey in England before he moved to the U.S. to work for Christophe Clement in 2010. Carlos Rosas and Cogburn this summer in Saratoga | Sarah Andrew Exercise rider Damian Hinds and assistant trainer/groom Erma Scott have formed a fast friendship during their time working for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and that bond has only strengthened this year through their shared adoration of Classic contender Arthur's Ride (Tapit). While Hinds discovered a passion for the sport while attending the races in Jamaica with his uncle, Scott was working at a restaurant in New Orleans when she landed a job with Mott. Now in her 70's, she has been a beloved member of Mott's racing stable for decades. Then there was Byron López and Edgar Revolorio, both grooms from Guatamala who shared their story with us in Spanish, but the passion they have for their horses broke through any language barriers. “I am motivated by the horses,” said López, who is the groom of Classic contender Fierceness (City of Light) and has been responsible for other Grade I winners like Malathaat (Curlin) and Life at Ten (Malibu Moon) during his 24 years of working for Todd Pletcher. “They are so affectionate and I get along with my horses well. I never really liked to work, but I like working here. It has been a lot of years and I just got used to it. It became home. I feel good working at the stable with everybody around.” Of course, the thing that brings this wide assortment of horsemen and women together is their passion for the horse. At one point or another, every one of them discovered a love for the animal and never looked back. Carlos Rosas had just moved from his home in Mexico to work a landscaping job in Texas when he spotted horses grazing in nearby pastures. He asked his boss if he could stop trimming hedges and instead, start looking after the horses on the farm. Over the 30 plus years since, Rosas has ridden champions like Curlin, Gun Runner and Midnight Bisou. Katie Tolbert grew up in South Carolina looking for any opportunity she could find to get her hands on a horse. She never had one of her own as a kid, but would clean stalls in exchange for time on horseback. After working at Juddmonte Farm and Sagamore Farm, she landed a job with trainer Brad Cox and has ridden stars like Essential Quality, Cyberknife and Idiomatic. Jeramie Fennell knew he wanted to dedicate his life to the industry from a young age, but he came close to giving up his career because addiction was taking over his life. He learned about a program called Stable Recovery, where men in the early stages of recovery from addiction are placed in a supportive, therapeutic community that was centered around horses. “I talked to a guy there named Christian Counselor, and he asked me, 'Are you ready to change your life?' And I said, 'Yes, I am,'” recalled Fennell. “I said, 'I'm open minded and willing to do anything, go to any length, to change my life because I just want to be on the backside of a racetrack on a horse.'” Jeramie Fennell and Juvenile Turf contender Minaret Station | Katie Petrunyak Fennell graduated from Stable Recovery this spring and landed a job with Will Walden. Now, he is the exercise rider for Walden's first Breeders' Cup contender, Minaret Station. Getting a horse to the Breeders' Cup is no easy task and oftentimes, it takes a lot of luck. Some of the stars of this series will be snug in their stalls this weekend, but the stories of their caretakers are just as inspiring. Priscilla Schaefer, who grew up working cattle on horseback on her family's ranch in Idaho, rode this year's GI Belmont and GI Haskell hero Dornoch (Good Magic). Zurdo Estrada, the groom of GI Beholder Mile victress Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca), spends hours in the barn after morning training has wrapped up each day simply because he loves being around the horses. Taylor Cambra, an assistant for Richard Mandella who shares a bond with GI California Crown victor Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify), works every day towards his dreaming of becoming a trainer. Through this series, we've learned tiny details about each Breeders' Cup star that only those closest to the horse would know. Like how Minaret Station often teases Jeramie Fennell as he walks down the barn aisle, playfully nipping at the saddle Fennell is carrying. Or how Fierceness is always in a better mood if Byron López gives him a peppermint before he starts working with him each morning. And how Arthur's Ride can sometimes have some toddlerish tendencies, but loves when Erma Scott sings and dances with him. Lee Vickers and Far Bridge | Sarah Andrew “He's just like a baby,” Scott said. “He likes to play. He likes to eat his carrots. If I call him, he looks up at me. He's special. We all love him. We love all our horses and we take care of our horses. They're our hearts.” And that's the 'why' for each of these connections. The horse is at the heart of everything they do. “I think that's the only reason I do it,” said Katie Tolbert. “I mean, there are plenty of jobs where you can make more money or have a better schedule or whatever, but it's the only thing I want to do.” “This job is no days off,” said Carlos Rosas. “If you love it, you're going to do it. I want to do this for as long as I can. I just love racing, I love the horses and I don't want to do anything else.” So cheers to the connections of this year's class of Breeders' Cup performers. Through this project, hopefully you may know a few new names. More than likely there will be plenty of faces that you don't recognize, but if you look closely, you'll know where to find them. They'll be the ones sitting on a straw bale by a stall keeping their horse relaxed before they make their way to the paddock, the ones waiting anxiously with shanks slung over their shoulders as the field enters the starting gate, and ultimately, the ones who so graciously hand over the reins so that the owner can be in the spotlight as a champion stride into the winner's circle. Click here to view each feature from Breeders' Cup Connections. The post Cheers to the Connections appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  7. David Eustace has three wins through his debut Hong Kong season. Riding high after a breakthrough double in Hong Kong on Sunday afternoon at Happy Valley, trainer David Eustace returns to the iconic city circuit on Wednesday armed with a trio of runners as he aims to build on a productive weekend. “The support’s been quite good and thankfully they’ve ran well. It gives you encouragement that whatever you’re doing and the routines the horses are in are working,” Eustace said. All three of Eustace’s wins have come at the Valley. He arrived in Hong Kong at the start of this season after achieving enormous success in partnership with Ciaron Maher in Australia. Swift Ascend provided Eustace with his initial Hong Kong victory. The Lord Kanaloa gelding returns to Class 3 this week after resuming victoriously on October 9 in Class 4. “I’m very happy with him. He was pretty fit going into his first run, so it’s just been a case of keeping him fresh, well and happy,” Eustace said. “His gallops have been good and his appetite has remained the same, so hopefully he can make that step into Class 3.” Andrea Atzeni partners the five-year-old from gate two, assigned 126lb. Super Joy N Fun (132lb), Sugar Sugar (131lb), Divano (130lb), Gustosisimo (129lb), Happy Fat Cat (129lb), Magniac (128lb), Harmony Fire (127lb), Beauty Infinity (126lb), Scotch Tycoon (125lb), Sergeant Pepper (121lb) and Bits Superstar (120lb) also feature in the nightcap. “I’m probably encouraged by the fact that he was still a bit green and having a look around when he hit the front. That tells me there is still some improvement there with racing,” Eustace said. Eustace’s first double in Hong Kong came via Charity Gain and Young Emperor. Debutant Hailtothevictors represents the 32-year-old in the second section of the Class 4 Bedford Handicap (1650m) under Vincent Ho. Ho has nine wins from the past five fixtures. Hailtothevictors breaks from gate eight. Eustace said: “He’s a nice horse. I think the Valley will pose a challenge for him but the timing is right for him to run and he’s a horse that we like. I’m sure he will probably need the experience. I think he’s a horse with a future this season.” The three-year-old has trialled three times ahead of his first start with Ho, including once at Happy Valley. The bay made ground late in his most recent practice effort at Sha Tin. An off-season stable transfer, Speedy Fortune lines up for Eustace with Atzeni up from barrier one. “He ran great first-up and will definitely come on for the run. He was fresh, well and will definitely strip that bit fitter. This is a suitable race,” Eustace said. Defeated by Double Show last start on October 9 by one length, Speedy Fortune meets the Douglas Whyte-trained galloper again on Wednesday. Double Show will carry 125lb from gate 10, while Speedy Fortune lugs 135lb. Eustace is the nephew of former Hong Kong trainer David Oughton, best known for the heroics of sprinting ace Cape Of Good Hope – a winner at Royal Ascot (at York) in 2005. Oughton also handled San Domenico, Che Sara Sara, Idol and Precision. Eustace’s father James is a former trainer. His brother Harry also trains, recently contesting the Group 1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) with Docklands, who is entered for December’s HK$126 million Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin. Horse racing news View the full article
  8. Aidan O’Brien says Racing Victoria got Jan Brueghel decision wrong. Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien says his opinion and those of Racing Victoria stewards on unbeaten star Jan Brueghel differ wildly and he firmly believes he was the horse to beat in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. Racing Victoria made the tough decision to scratch the Melbourne Cup favourite on Tuesday morning, following scans, with the tough protocol surrounding international runners a major point of contention for O’Brien and other overseas trainers. O’Brien told Sky Sports said the ruling had been based off opinion, rather than fact, and he was confident the three-year-old could notch up a fifth successive victory. “No, everything was perfect,” O’Brien said. “He went through all the hoops, he had all the scans, and then there was another scan he had to do down there. Our vets looked at them and said they were fine, but the Australian vets weren’t happy with them.” O’Brien had been confident he could go one better than his two runner-ups in the Melbourne Cup with Jan Brueghel, with gun jockey Ryan Moore carrying just 54kg, but stewards ruled against the Irish stayer. “It’s unlucky for us, probably lucky for them because we think he’s a Group 1 horse proper,” O’Brien said. “An improving Group 1 horse in a handicap (carrying 54kg) with Ryan Moore on him… It’s easy to say it now but we thought he was a massive handicap blot. But that’s the way it is; they’re the rules and that’s what they decided.” O’Brien said Jan Brueghel may set his sights on Hong Kong racing, with several lucrative mile and half staying races coming up in the next few months, including the Hong Kong International Races. “We’ll get him back, regroup and we’ll see if we can take him to Hong Kong for the mile and a half and go from there,” O’Brien said. With Cox Plate winner Via Sistina also in doubt for the Melbourne Cup, Buckaroo ($6), Onesmoothoperator ($6.50) and last year’s favourite Vauban ($7) have been backed heavily. Horse racing news View the full article
  9. Carrying a foal by hot sire Justify on Southern Hemisphere time, stakes-placed April Vintage (Vino Rosso) topped the Inglis Digital USA October Sale Tuesday when selling to Widden Stud of Australia for $180,000. More details on the mare and her consignment by WinStar Farm are available here. “She is an outcross to our traditional Australian sire lines and the fact that she showed good, natural speed as a 2-year-old was important,” said Antony Thompson of Widden Stud. “Physically, she looks suitable to plenty of our own stallions, and buying through a digital platform is something we have become very comfortable with thanks to Inglis's platform in Australia. She made a bit more than we thought, but she was an appealing offering and it makes sense that there was good demand for her. We'll now be bringing down two mares in foal to Justify from America as we also bred to him.” WinStar's Elliott Walden added, “We're excited about the result and glad she's headed to Widden. It makes sense that the Australians wanted her. It is great to be able to market our horses to a global audience without them leaving their office.” Inglis Digital USA offered 67 horses in Tuesday's online auction, grossing $417,250 with an average of $16,990. The highest-priced horse of racing age was Wake Surf (Classic Empire), who was offered by Tareq Moubarak and sold to G.O.A.T. Racing Stables for $55,000. G.O.A.T. Racing Stables, a New York-based partnership managed by Shawn Klotz with trainers Robert Falcone, Jr. and Wayne Potts, bought six horses Tuesday for a total of $122,500. Among the purchases made by Craig and Carrie Brogden's Machmer Hall were a racing/broodmare prospect named Splashy (Flatter), who was sold by Adelphi Racing Club for $50,000. “October was our largest sale to date,” said Kyle Wilson, Inglis Digital USA Senior Director of Sales & Recruitment. “We had bidding from all levels and all corners of the globe. We appreciate the support from all our buyers and sellers. It's been great to be a part of the growth of Inglis Digital USA and I'm looking forward to our next sale in December.” Entries are now open through Monday, Nov. 25 for the Inglis Digital USA December Sale. The catalogue will be released Friday, Nov. 29 and bidding will open Wednesday, Dec. 4. For more information, visit inglisdigitalusa.com. The post April Vintage Tops Inglis Digital USA’s October Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  10. DEL MAR, CA – With the rising sun attempting to make its way out of a dense cloud cover, contenders for Saturday's $7-million GI Breeders' Cup Classic were out in force during about a 30-minute window following the renovation break at Del Mar Tuesday morning. 'TDN Rising Star' Newgate and Pyrenees, a pair of blaze-faced, 4-year-old sons of the all-conquering Into Mischief, both entered on their toes and filled the frame nicely while training with good energy. Newgate, listed at a very generous 20-1 on the morning-line, adds blinkers for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert following a fantastic third with a wide trip off the bench in the inaugural $1-million GI California Crown Stakes at Santa Anita. The Cherie DeVaux-trained Pyrenees was last seen finishing second behind Highland Falls (Curlin) in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup. Into Mischief has been represented by seven Breeders' Cup winners, led by 2020 Classic hero Authentic. Newgate making a very nice impression this morning. Live at a price in the Classic. pic.twitter.com/kv0nZZwsxt — Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) October 29, 2024 Mike Repole's homebred full-brothers 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) and Mentee (City of Light) (Juvenile Turf)–more on the Todd Pletcher-trained duo in a feature in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Preview Edition–hit the track together sporting their white bridles just before 8:00 a.m. The heart-stopping GI Travers Stakes winner seeks to become the first GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner to double up in the Classic. It is yet to happen from eight previous attempts. Speaking of white bridles, the aforementioned Highland Falls made a nice impression in his first local spin over the surface after arriving from Brad Cox's Churchill Downs base Monday. Fellow chestnut Rattle N Roll (Connect), the lone Classic entrant stuck on the also-eligible list, was under a snug hold by Danny Ramsey while galloping down the stretch. You didn't need need to wait to see their yellow Classic saddle towels to help identify stunning grays Arthur's Ride (Tapit) and Next (Not This Time) during their morning exercise. The runaway GI Whitney Stakes winner looks to bounce back after a disappointing fifth as the favorite in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The streaking marathon man will put his well-documented, seven-race winning streak on the line while cutting back to the 1 1/4-mile Classic distance. 'TDN Rising Star' and $2.3-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling topper Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), along for third in the Travers, was reaching out very nicely during his easy gallop for Chad Brown. Tacked up with no shortage of red-and-white equipment for Yoshito Yahagi, Sierra Leone's closely related, rail-drawn rival Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) wasn't far behind while breezing five furlongs in 1:04 (5/8). The two finished just noses apart in second and third after racing shoulder to shoulder in the GI Kentucky Derby. Up close with Classic contender Forever Young pic.twitter.com/Woduz1ilSj — Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) October 29, 2024 Yahagi put on a show winning two Breeders' Cup races with Marche Lorraine (Jpn) (Distaff) and Loves Only You (Jpn) (Filly & Mare Turf) the last time the Championships were held at Del Mar in 2021. And how about this to close out the morning? Classic morning-line favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' City of Troy (Justify) left the quarantine area and followed his GI Breeders' Cup Turf-bound stablemate Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) as part of an 11-deep brigade from trainer Aidan O'Brien, who was on hand to watch. Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) (Mile), trained by Aidan's son Donnacha, capped the group to make it a dozen. The team walked and jogged one clockwise lap before having an easy gallop of the same mile circuit. The G1 Epsom Derby winner did get a bit warm, but not at all uncommon for O'Brien's runners, especially during their first morning of trackwork. Classic ML favorite City of Troy and the Aidan Army pic.twitter.com/5Imq0x5vdR — Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) October 29, 2024 Editor's Note: Last year's Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) worked a bullet five furlongs in :59.40 (1/8) over the main track at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. He is listed at 20-1 on the morning-line for Saturday's renewal. The post Tuesday’s Breeders’ Cup Report: Classic Contenders Take the ‘City’ by Storm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  11. Finger Lakes-based trainer James Acquilano, who has been training at the Farmington, New York track since 1981, won the 2,000th race of his career Tuesday when Jersey Gregg (Uncaptured) captured the 4th race, a six-furlong maiden claimer. Acquilano not only trains, but also owns, the 4-year-old gelding, who won by five lengths. All but 39 of Acquilano's 2,000 wins have been at his home track. The post Trainer James Acquilano Hits 2,000-Win Milestone appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  12. Stay and Scam will take on stablemate Just Nails and stakes winner Kissed by Fire Nov. 1 in the $200,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes.View the full article
  13. Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway have announced that grade 1 winner and classic-placed Tapit Trice will enter stud at Gainesway upon his retirement from racing.View the full article
  14. GI Blue Grass Stakes winner Tapit Trice (Tapit–Danzatrice, by Dunkirk) will return to his birthplace, Gainesway Farm, to enter stud upon his retirement from racing, the Central Kentucky nursery and stud farm announced Tuesday afternoon. Tapit Trice's next scheduled engagement is Saturday afternoon in the $7-million GI Breeders' Cup Classic, where he will break from post 10. He races for the partnership of Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, LLC and Gainesway Stable. “Winning the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes in partnership with Gainesway has been a real highlight for our racing stable,” said Pope. “We are extremely excited about Tapit Trice's potential at stud and will be supporting him with some of our best mares.” Bred by Gainesway, the 4-year-old gray is out of a half-sister to 2018 champion 2-year-old filly and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Jaywalk (Cross Traffic). He realized $1.3 million as a yearling at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. Although he was a 2-year-old winner at Aqueduct, it was in the first start of his 3-year-old year he captured the collective imagination, romping by eight lengths at Gulfstream to earn 'TDN Rising Star' honors. Victories in the GIII Tampa Bay Derby and the aforementioned Blue Grass followed. Although he didn't win as the favorite in the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby, he placed in both the GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers Stakes to close out his sophomore campaign. He's won two of three as a 4-year-old this year, including the GII Woodward Stakes and GIII Monmouth Cup Stakes. Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher has campaigned Tapit Trice to three triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures, earnings of more than $1.7 million to date, and six wins from 12 career starts. “I could not be prouder or more excited to partner with Mandy [Pope] and bring this exciting homebred son of Tapit back to Gainesway Farm,” said Gainesway's Antony Beck. “Tapit Trice is line-bred 3×4 to both A.P. Indy and Unbridled, two of the most influential stallions of this era. Our hope is he follows in his father's footsteps.” Gainesway stands Tapit Trice's perennial leading sire, Tapit. A stud fee for Tapit Trice will be announced at retirement. The post GISW and BC Classic Contender Tapit Trice to Gainesway Upon Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  15. Japan’s prospects of going back-to-back in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill were dealt a blow when the favourite Ascoli Piceno drew barrier 17. View the full article
  16. Aidan O'Brien's hopes of winning the Melbourne Cup (G1) for the first time have been dashed as leading contender Jan Brueghel has been dramatically ruled out of this year's race after failing a vets check.View the full article
  17. GII Oak Leaf Stakes winner Non Compliant (Tiz the Law) and Skidmore Stakes winner Out On Bail (Tiz the Law) were both declared from their respective Breeders' Cup engagements on Tuesday afternoon. Non Compliant, unbeaten in two starts and 9-2 on the morning line, was slated for the GI Juvenile Fillies, while Out On Bail, winner of two of six and never off the board, was scheduled to run in the GI Juvenile Turf Sprint and was tagged at 20-1 on the morning line. Campaigned by Georgia Antley Hunt, Jeff Giglio, and John L. Rogitz, Non Compliant is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. Antley Hunt took to Facebook to announce the scratch, saying, “Well, the highs are like mountains in this game, and the lows are pretty low. We're going to scratch Non Compliant from the Juvenile Fillies. Something came up on a pet scan that wasn't right, and her safety is the most important thing! She'll get 60 days of vacay, and then we'll embark on the KY Oaks trail. Thank you to everyone for the well wishes and loving support.” The Breeders' Cup entries page also listed Out On Bail as scratched Tuesday afternoon, although details on his situation were not yet forthcoming. Trained by Mike Maker, Out On Bail runs for Case Chambers, Paradise Farms Corp., and David Staudacher. Tiz the Law, sire of both Non Compliant and Out On Bail, currently leads the first-crop sire list. He has two more chances in Friday's Breeders' Cup races with Scythian and Tigerish, both in the GI Juvenile Fillies Turf. The post Non Compliant, Out On Bail Scratch from Friday’s Breeders’ Cup Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  18. Maiden Watch: Breeders' Cup 2024View the full article
  19. Group winner Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}), third in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris this year, brought a record 1,300,000gns to take the lead late during the second session of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale. The Coolmore-consigned 3-year-old colt was purchased by De Burgh Equine, McKeever Bloodstock, Go Bloodstock, Waterhouse, and Bott Racing. Lot 749G is out of the placed Daylami (Ire) mare Whatami (GB) and he is a half-brother to stakes winner Nkosikazi (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and a full-brother to stakes winner and multiple group placed Juan Elcano (GB) (Frankel {GB}). His dam is a half-sister to another pair of stakes winners, including the dam of G2 Mill Reef Stakes winner and G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest second James Garfield (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). Bred by Mr. and Mrs. David Brown, he was purchased for 675,000gns by MV Magnier out of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale in 2021. The post Frankel’s Delius Headed Down Under After Australian Partners Pay Record 1,300,000gns At Tattersalls Autumn HIT Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  20. There are six horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, October 30. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Bendigo, Randwick-Kensington & Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – October 30, 2024 Bendigo Racing Tips Randwick-Kensington Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top horse racing bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on October 30, 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? 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
  21. Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Wednesday, October 30. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for October 30, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Bendigo R1-4 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Back a runner in races 1-4 Bendigo this Wednesday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Bonus Cash expires 24 hours from issue. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Bendigo R1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Bendigo on Wednesday and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 25% Winnings Boost – Bendigo Get 25% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First bet only. Cash bet only. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to pickleBet to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting! Bet & win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to pickleBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for October 30, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article
  22. This day 30th October in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Horse Racing Tips 58 mins ago Today’s horse racing tips & quaddie selections | Wednesday, 30/10 Six horse racing meetings are scheduled for around Australia today, on Wednesday, October 30. Check out HorseBetting’s free betting tips … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Happy Valley racing tips & quaddie picks | Wednesday, November 1 Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday evening for a massive nine-race program. See HorseBetting’s top tips and … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Randwick-Kensington races preview & tips | November 1, 2023 Royal Randwick is the destination for NSW metropolitan racing on Wednesday afternoon as the Kensington circuit gets set to host … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Bendigo Cup Day preview & quaddie | Wednesday, November 1 HorseBetting.com.au brings you free tips, top odds and quaddie picks for Bendigo Cup Day, kicking off at 12:30pm AEDT this … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 1 year ago It’s Business Time extends winning run It’s Business Time extended her winning sequence to five with another star turn in Saturday’s Coupland’s Bakeries Mile Trial (1400m) … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 1 year ago Eulogy Show impresses at Riccarton Eulogy Show has enhanced her prospects of getting a start in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) next month … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 1 year ago Wallace & Cooksley juveniles impress at Pukekohe Byerley Park trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley produced their promising contingent of juveniles to an impressive quinella at Pukekohe … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 1 year ago Purton rides quartet, Seasons Wit extends winning streak at Happy Valley Seasons Wit went a long way to confirming some of his early promise as he romped to a fourth straight … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | October 30, 2023 Three horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Grafton Tuesday races preview & betting tips | October 31, 2023 NSW country racing heads to Grafton Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. See our … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Newcastle Monday racing tips & quaddie | October 30, 2023 NSW racing heads to the Hunter on Monday afternoon for an eight-race program at Newcastle Racecourse. See our free betting … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Jye McNeil won? Jye McNeil ranks among the best young jockeys in Australian racing, but how many times has he won the Group … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Mark Zahra won? As the 2024 Melbourne Cup approaches, HorseBetting.com.au takes a look at star jockey Mark Zahra achievements on the first Tuesday … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Dean Holland won? Did Dean Holland win the Melbourne Cup? HorseBetting.com.au answers that question following the death of the Group 1 winning jockey … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has James McDonald won? James McDonald is widely regarded as the best jockey in Australia racing at the moment, but how many times has … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Jamie Kah won? As the 2024 Melbourne Cup approaches, HorseBetting.com.au takes a look at star jockey Jamie Kah and her record in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Craig Williams won? As the 2023 Melbourne Cup approaches, HorseBetting.com.au takes a look at star jockey Craig Williams’ record in the race that … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has John Allen won? As the 2023 Melbourne Cup approaches, HorseBetting.com.au takes a look at star jockey John Allen and his record in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Teo Nugent won? Can Teo Nugent win the 2024 Melbourne Cup? Has he done it before? HorseBetting.com.au takes a look at Nugent’s record … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Damien Oliver won? As the 2023 Melbourne Cup approaches, HorseBetting.com.au takes a look at star jockey Damien Oliver’s achievements on the first Tuesday … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Craig Newitt won? Craig Newitt is one of the most prominent jockeys to emerge from Tasmania, but how many times has he won … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | October 30, 2022 Five horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Michael Dee won? Michael Dee is one of the lighter jockeys in the 2023 Melbourne Cup field, but what is his career record … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Daniel Stackhouse won? Daniel Stackhouse will ride in 2023 Melbourne Cup, but has he won the great race before? Let’s take a look … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Rachel King won? Has Rachel King won the Melbourne Cup? HorseBetting.com.au brings you the lowdown on the sole female rider in the field … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Big Dance betting preview, best bets & odds | Randwick | 1/11/22 For the first time ever, we have a feature race on the first Tuesday of November in NSW with the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Ballina races betting tips & best bets | Monday, October 31 Country racing heads to the Ballina Jockey Club on Monday afternoon for a seven-race card. Nathan Keven brings you the … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago How many Melbourne Cups has Kerrin McEvoy won? As the 2024 Melbourne Cup approaches, HorseBetting.com.au takes a look at star jockey Kerrin McEvoy and his record in the … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Alexis Badel hoping to extend strong seasonal start Alexis Badel hopes to capitalise on a positive start to the 2021/22 season when the Frenchman reunites with in-form Everyone’s … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago John Size trio limbers up with leisurely trials Emerging sprinter Courier Wonder shrugged off the disappointment of a luckless first-up run by cruising through a 1050m trial at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | October 30, 2021 Horse racing around the country sees 15 meetings being held on this Saturday afternoon, headlined by the Group 1 VRC … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Luce the Bella of the Ball You could hear the cheers at Haunui Farm a mile away on Thursday afternoon. Not only did their shuttle stallion … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Tauranga and Rosehill focus for Collett Richard Collett has two strong winning chances at Tauranga, including Sweet Clementine in the feature event on the card, and … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Richards hoping to have his timing right with Synchronize Having readjusted to the South Island pace of life, Jamie Richards is banking on having the final piece of his … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Hong Kong International Races attracts a bounty of nominations The 2021 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races has attracted a galaxy of global and local stars with 135 world-class horses … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Te Akau tackle Flemington features Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards has a big Saturday to look forward to on a marquee day at Flemington where … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Aigne on trial for The Jericho Aigne finished sixth in the Jericho Cup (4600m) two years ago and owner and former trainer Neil O’Dowd is keen … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Heavyweight test for Tavi Mac You would be forgiven for thinking Tavi Mac had found himself in a Highweight at Awapuni on Saturday. The son … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Talented Tannahill a quality addition to Phelan stable Tannahill was a special horse to former trainer Andrew Campbell and he hasn’t taken long to endear himself to his … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Lyrical Girl Poised To Tick Wet Track Box Lyrical Girl has swept all before her this campaign on dry tracks and the prospect of rain-affected going at Doomben … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago RV Vets Inspect Melbourne Cup Entrants The majority of the top 35 horses still in contention for the Melbourne Cup have been passed fit to start … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cannons Adds Overseas Element To Cup Sound Of Cannons will bring some strong international formlines to Rosehill when he makes his debut for Sydney trainer John … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Jordan Childs Gains Cup Ride On Raider Jordan Childs’ spring began with a blow when he found out he had lost the Melbourne Cup ride on Surprise … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Eduardo In Bid For Everest Redemption Trainer Joe Pride’s first instinct was to spell Eduardo after his deflating Everest performance but the horse has convinced him … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Mornington racing tips & best odds – Sunday, 1 November 2020 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the best odds, value bets and quaddie selections for Sunday’s meeting at Mornington, Victoria … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Rosehill racing tips & value bets – Saturday, 31 October 2020 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the best odds, value bets and quaddie numbers for Saturday’s meeting at Rosehill Gardens … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Hotham Runners In Race For Final Cup Spot Nine of the 10 starters in the Hotham Stakes will be chasing the last place in the Melbourne Cup field, … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Godolphin Trio Ready To Fly In Eagle James Cummings can make a case for each of his Golden Eagle runners and says all three of them head … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Cantala Stakes 2020 runner-by-runner betting guide HorseBetting.com.au brings you the latest odds and betting predictions for every horse in Saturday’s Group 1 Cantala Stakes at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Former AFL Coach Excited Over Derby Runner Denis Pagan wasn’t known for getting emotional when he was an AFL coach but he is struggling to contain his … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Empire Rose Stakes 2020 runner-by-runner betting preview HorseBetting.com.au brings you the latest odds and best bets for Saturday’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Doomben racing tips & value bets – Saturday, 31 October 2020 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the best odds, value bets and quaddie selections for Saturday’s 10-race card at Doomben in Brisbane, Queensland … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Hotham Handicap 2020 betting tips & best odds HorseBetting.com.au brings you the latest odds and best bets for Saturday’s Lexus Hotham Stakes on Derby Day at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Rich Hill graduates chasing feature prizes A trio of New Zealand’s Rich Hill Stud graduates will be vying for top honours in Group 1 features in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Princess Rihanna ready for Pukekohe sprint Matamata training partners Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott will have just the two runners at Pukekohe on Saturday, headed by … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago London Banker primed for Feilding Gold Cup Progressive Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained stayer London Banker is primed for the Listed Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Evergreen Sampson continues to please Sampson may be 11-years-old but trainer Howie Mathews said he doesn’t know it. The son of Dubai Destination recorded his … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Oceanex in doubt for Cup Oceanex was the first horse to book her ticket to the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after winning the ballot-exempt … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Morrison to appeal Marmelo Cup withdrawal English trainer Hughie Morrison will appeal the Victorian stewards decision to rule last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up Marmelo out on … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Marmelo, Ispolini ruled out of Cup by vets Victorian stewards have ruled English horses Marmelo and Ispolini cannot run in the Melbourne Cup after both failed veterinary scans … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago NSW appeal panel to decide Boss Cup fate Glen Boss will have an appeal hearing against the severity of a careless riding suspension heard on the eve of … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Top Of The Range wins Group 3 Bendigo Cup Under Perth jockey William Pike, Top Of The Range has finished too strongly on the inside of Brimham Rocks to … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Aristia aims for another Flemington Group 1 win Four-year-old mare Aristia will be striving to add the Group One Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington to her win in … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Keys with two Group 1 contenders on Derby day Ken Keys will be hoping either Soul Patch or Spanish Reef can provide the trainer with his first Group One … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Chris Waller well represented in Cantala Recent Group One placegetters Night’s Watch and Star Of The Seas feature among trainer Chris Waller’s chances in the Group … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Matt Dunn’s hard work pays with Ashman Trainer Matt Dunn has put a lot of hard work into Ashman and it continued to pay off when the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sacked rider’s parting shot for Derby pick Linda Meech will be watching the Victoria Derby from the jockeys’ room hoping Thought Of That is beaten in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Cosmic Force in accepted route to Coolmore The Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes has been the spring target for talented colt Cosmic Force who heads into the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jarrod McLean hit with further RV charges Racing Victoria stewards have charged suspended trainer Jarrod McLean after receiving information from Victoria Police … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Foreign raiders target Golden Eagle coup Golden Eagle contenders Never No More, I Am Superman and Beat Le Bon are plotting an international coup in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Michelle Payne fined $1k over Twitter post Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne has been hit with a $1000 fine for a comment made on social media … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Marmelo on target for Melbourne Cup start Trainer Hughie Morrison insists Marmelo is in good order as he strives for his first Melbourne Cup victory at his … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Doomben in twilight trial for night move Doomben will host five twilight meetings in the first step to introducing racing under lights at the track … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago New trainer feeling Lucky about old stager Trainer David Murphy has been riding Mighty Lucky in trackwork as the veteran gelding prepares for his return to Brisbane … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Injury ends Red Galileo Melbourne Cup bid Godolphin’s international stayer Red Galielo has had his spring campaign ended after suffering a leg injury during trackwork … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Capacity field for Group 1 Cantala Stakes A full field of 16 plus four emergencies has been declared for the Group One Cantala Stakes at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Wide draw for Melody Belle in Empire Rose Nine-time New Zealand Group One winner Melody Belle has drawn barrier 13 of 16 in the Group One Empire Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Field of 15 for Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes A field of 15 has been declared for the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes for three-year-olds at Flemington … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 5 years ago Jeremy Irons to play Sir Henry Cecil Jeremy Irons will play legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil in a film about champion Frankel’s unbeaten career … Read More Horse Racing Tips, Japan horse racing news 6 years ago Japan Racing: Form & Tips for the Grade 2 Copa Republica Argentina There’s a slight gear change this week, with a brief pause in the Grade 1 action in Japan, but Tokyo … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Brothers set to fight over Ladies’ Purse at Sha Tin on Sunday Sibling rivalry will come to a head at Sha Tin on Sunday when two of Hong Kong’s most exciting gallopers … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Callan is back and ready to score again after Ted’s Excellent Adventure One look at the current standings shows just how tough it can be for jockeys trying to make a mark … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cup hopeful Duretto to undergo more tests Bone scans taken from stayer Duretto have not shown any identifiable issues and he will have further tests to determine … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Jaameh out to boost Lindsay Park Cup team Jaameh narrowly missed out on a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption when finishing second last start but he gets another chance … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Craig Williams tests Melbourne Cup mount Star jockey Craig Williams has ridden Youngstar in a gallop for the first time as he prepares to partner the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cross Counter moving well ahead of Cup bid The Charlie Appleby-trained Godolphin import Cross Counter has overcome an injury scare as he continues a build-up towards the Melbourne … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Waller to have strong chances in Coolmore Trainer Chris Waller has won three of the past five Coolmore Stud Stakes and is confident he has two strong … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Last-ditch Cup bid for A Prince Of Arran International raider A Prince Of Arran will attempt to gain a Melbourne Cup start by winning the Lexus Stakes at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Racing authorities resolve Cup names issue Having already competed in Australia, international contenders Yucatan and Sound Check can keep their names for the Melbourne Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Hartnell in great shape for Mile: Cummings Hartnell has a big weight in the Kennedy Mile but trainer James Cummings is thrilled with the eight-year-old’s condition ahead … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Thinkin’ Big remains clear Derby favourite Thinkin’ Big will start from a middle barrier in the Victoria Derby and co-trainer Gai Waterhouse says the favourite is … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Williams Cup squad light on for numbers Lloyd and Nick Williams will have Yucatan Ire and The Cliffsofmoher as their only likely runners in the Melbourne Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cup favourite in stylish Werribee gallop Melbourne Cup favourite Yucatan Ire has galloped with his Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate The Cliffsofmoher in preparation for the Melbourne Cup … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Cup beckons He’s Cavalier Ruakaka Cup (2200m) winner He’s Cavalier is in fine form of late and he could add another Cup to his … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Bendigo launching pad for Sir Charles Road Trainer Lance O’Sullivan is confident Sir Charles Road can get his Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) campaign back on track … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Star sprinter Julius retired after injury Ace sprinter Julius has been retired. A scan has revealed the Swiss Ace gelding has a hole in his near … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Can Yucatan break the Melbourne Cup favourites curse? LLOYD Williams-owned Yucatan is set to jump as the shortest priced favourite for the Melbourne Cup ($4.50 at Sportsbet) since … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Attention turns to Cup carnival for Waller After training Winx to an historic fourth Cox Plate win, Chris Waller is now focused on the Melbourne Cup carnival … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Midfield barrier for Thinkin’ Big Favourite Thinkin’ Big has drawn barrier nine in the Victoria Derby for three-year-olds at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 6 years ago World-Class Flemington’s new facilities set to be unveiled Thursday THE Victorian Government has committed to ensuring that Flemington Racecourse remains one of the world’s leading tracks after allocating $150,000 … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Redzel wins trial ahead of G1 Sprint Dual Everest winner Redzel has won a Randwick barrier trial as part of his preparation for the VRC Sprint at … Read More USA horse racing news 6 years ago Thunder Snow ready for Breeders’ Cup Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor is looking to Thunder Snow to continue his recent run of international wins in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cup favourite gallops at Werribee Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemates Yucatan and The Cliffsofmoher have galloped at Werribee in preparation for the $7 million Melbourne Cup at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Thinkin’ Big spot-on for Victoria Derby Thinkin’ Big has tuned up for the Victoria Derby with a gallop at Flemington alongside Shumookh … Read More Horse Racing News, New Zealand horse racing news 7 years ago Te Akau pondering jockey moves RIDING engagements for Te Akau’s assault on the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas will be decided later this week … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Dettori gets Almandin Cup ride, Oliver out Damien Oliver has lost an appeal over his improper riding suspension that ruled him out of the ride on defending … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Sense Of Occasion freshened for G1 mile Doomben Cup winner Sense Of Occasion will be out to bounce back to his best form in the Group One … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Frankie Dettori to ride Almandin in Cup Frankie Dettori has been snapped up to ride the Lloyd Williams-owned Almandin in the Melbourne Cup with Damien Oliver failing … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Oliver to miss Melbourne Cup ride Damien Oliver has lost an appeal against an improper riding suspension that rules him out of the Melbourne Cup … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Ace High dealt new plan for Derby David Payne has modified his Victoria Derby race plan for Group One-winning colt Ace High … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Cool Passion steps up to mile in G1 Myer Cool Passion is set to be tested over 1600 metres for the first time in the Group One Myer Classic … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Lupton yearning for stakes success with in-form mare A VISIT to Auckland next week for Yearn could be the forerunner to the first black type challenge of the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Wohler says Red Cardinal better than odds Red Cardinal is a better chance of winning the Melbourne Cup than his odds suggest, German trainer Andreas Wohler says … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Cup another dream come true for Parish Jockey Cory Parish has never been to a Melbourne Cup but now has a ride on Caulfield Cup winner Boom … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Weather With You on target for Vic Derby Co-trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will have Weather With You in the Victoria Derby but have decided against running … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Kaonic to make stakes debut at Flemington Like he has done with Kermadec and Comin’ Through in recent seasons, Chris Waller will use the Carbine Club Stakes … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago 2017 Bendigo Cup free betting tips, form and odds, November 1 THE $300,000 Bendigo Cup is one of the premier midweek cup races in Australia and it has big Melbourne Cup … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago One more Melbourne start for Sold For Song Brisbane mare Sold For Song will have one more Melbourne start this spring in a 1200m-Group Two race at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Qewy among field of seven for Bendigo Cup The Charlie Appleby-trained Qewy is among a field of seven for the Bendigo Cup for which the Darren Weir-trained Kiwia … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Hartnell still in Melbourne Cup mix Hartnell remains in contention for the Melbourne Cup with last year’s third placegetter among 36 second acceptances … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Fifth Qld jockey out on handling charge Apprentice Rebecca Goldsbury has become the fifth Queensland jockey suspended on a handling charge in the past two months … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Carbine Club Stakes next up for unlucky colt Levendi LUCK isn’t something that has been in favour of Levendi this spring, but that could all change this Saturday in … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Saint-Cloud races off because of protest Racing at Saint-Cloud in France has been called off after a protest by trainers, owners and breeders against France Galop … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Hong Kong Mile aspirations for former Australian Southern Legend SOUTHERN LEGEND was a four-time winner in Australia for trainer Les Bridge, but it’s now starting to make headway into … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Ryan Moore wins Tenno Sho on Maurice Ryan Moore has prepared for his ride on Bondi Beach in the Melbourne Cup by steering Maurice to win the … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Godolphin primed for first Cup win Hartnell and Oceanographer headline a five-pronged attack on the Melbourne Cup for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Darren Dance looking for elusive Cup Darren Dance’s Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock is back having another crack at the Melbourne Cup with Heartbreak City … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Williams and Sheikh dominate Cup field Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed has been trying to win the Melbourne Cup for two decades and takes five chances into … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Big Orange ready for second crack at Cup Big Orange is back for another crack at the Melbourne Cup and his trainer Michael Bell is confident he’s ready … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Appleby with two Melbourne Cup chances Charlie Appleby has been delighted with how his runners have performed during the spring carnival in Victoria and is excited … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Cumani out to better his dad’s Cup efforts England-born and Australian-based trainer Matt Cumani will be claiming a victory for the Aussies should he win a Melbourne Cup … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Curren Mirotic to ensure strong Cup tempo Japanese trainer Osamu Hirata has indicated Curren Mirotic’s best chance to win the Melbourne Cup is to make it a … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Ciaron Maher happy to fly under the radar Jameka is an easing third favourite as she attempts to take out the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double … Read More Horse Racing Tips 8 years ago 2016 Melbourne Cup Day betting, form and free tips MELBOURNE Cup Day might be all about the $6 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup, but there are nine other races … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Mallyon hopes Lloyd’s Cup charm rubs off Katelyn Mallyon is the only female jockey with a ride in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, but isn’t feeling any pressure after … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Some memorable Melbourne Cups Looking back at some memorable Melbourne Cups ahead of this year’s race … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Some memorable Melbourne Cups. Looking back at some memorable Melbourne Cups ahead of this year’s race … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Some notable Melbourne Cup winners Some of the history around the Melbourne Cup winners … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Martin hoping for no heartbreak in Cup Irish trainer Tony Martin says Heartbreak City is in really good form heading into the Melbourne Cup … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Punters swap the city for the outback Thousands of racegoers will give up city cocktails and canapes and head to the outback to celebrate this year’s Melbourne … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Cup win would be extra special for Hayes David Hayes says a UK training program may just bring out the best in imported stayer Almoonqith in the Melbourne … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Buick to ride Scottish in Emirates Stakes William Buick will come to Melbourne to ride the Charlie Appleby-trained Scottish in the $2 million Emirates Stakes at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Queenslanders to celebrate Cup in style A record 14 racetracks will have meetings in Queensland to celebrate Melbourne Cup day … Read More Horse Racing Tips 8 years ago 2016 Melbourne Cup free tips, betting guide and form THE Melbourne Cup is the pinnacle of Australian horse racing and a great field of 24 runners will take their … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Team Williams with four-horse charge in Melbourne Cup WINNING the Melbourne Cup is the constant target for Team Williams and this year the Cups powerhouse brings a team … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Saeed bin Suroor and Godolphin nearing first Melbourne Cup win GODOLPHIN is longing for its first Melbourne Cup win at Flemington and Saeed bin Suroor will have two runners in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago I dream of Jameka – Maher looking for the Cups double IT’S not often a Caulfield Cup winner will drift in the market after receiving barrier three for the Melbourne Cup, … Read More View the full article
  23. 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. Wednesday's Observations features Dramatic (Medaglia d'Oro). 15.44 Dundalk, Mdn, €15,000, 2yo, f, 7f (AWT) Aidan O'Brien trainee DRAMATIC (Medaglia D'Oro), who topped the weanling section of Keeneland's 2022 November sale when knocked down for €1.5 million, is kin to three black-type winners headed by dual Grade I-winning sire Honor Code (A.P. Indy). Her 13 rivals include once-raced stablemate Takemetothemoon (Ire) (Uncle Mo), a half-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Classic contender City Of Troy (Justify); and Lynne Lyons's €155,000 Keeneland September graduate Ethical Code (Justify), who is a Ger Lyons-trained daughter of G1 Phoenix Stakes heroine Damson (Ire) (Entrepreneur {GB}) and thus a half-sister to dual Group-winning sire Requinto (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). 13.05 Nottingham, Mdn, £8,000, 2yo, c/g, 8f 75yT Wathnan Racing's 475,000gns unraced Tattersalls October Book 1 acquisition OPPORTUNITY (GB) (Frankel {GB}), representing the William Haggas stable, is kin to three black-type performers out of G1 Pretty Polly Stakes and G1 Prix Jean Romanet heroine Izzi Top (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). He is opposed by eight and makes his debut in a contest won in 2020 by subsequent G1 Derby and G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). The post Keeneland November Sale Topper Encounters City Of Troy Sibling At Dundalk appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  24. DEL MAR, USA — October 2001 was a sobering time to be in New York. Some seven weeks on from the devastating attack on the World Trade Center, the city was shrouded in sadness and America was a nation united in grief for the thousands who lost their lives on 9/11. Horseracing, often referred to as the great triviality, doesn't usually feel like that to those who work in the sport, but it did feel trivial, almost intrusive, to be at Belmont that year for what was a first visit to the Breeders' Cup for this correspondent. There arguably could not have been a more emotive race call than “Tiznow wins it for America” as that great horse claimed, by a nose, his second Breeders' Cup Classic, seeing off the British-trained Sakhee, who had won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe just three weeks earlier. The year before, Tiznow had thwarted the efforts of Giant's Causeway, who would have given his trainer Aidan O'Brien the most audacious entrance to Breeders' Cup folklore had he not gone down by just a neck that day. Instead, on October 27, 2001, Johannesburg became the first Breeders' Cup winner for both O'Brien and jockey Mick Kinane when winning the Juvenile on dirt, with the widely-touted odds-on favourite Officer some five lengths behind him in fifth. Only one horse in the first three generations of Johannesburg's pedigree had been bred outside North America, but this was an Irish victory, and one which set the tone of what was to come from Ballydoyle. Eighteen Breeders' Cup wins later, we find O'Brien again seeking that elusive victory in the Classic, this time with Johannesburg's great grandson, City Of Troy, who is just one of 11 runners for the trainer at this year's championship. O'Brien has trained one member in each of the first three generations of City Of Troy's family, Johannesburg being joined by the colt's dam Together Forever (Ire) and her sire Galileo (Ire). The latter was of course present the day of Johannesburg's great triumph, finishing sixth of 13 in the Classic behind Tiznow. It was the last time we'd see Galileo on the racecourse but, boy, have his exploits since then ensured that he will never be forgotten. What, then, does O'Brien recall about that first triumphant Breeders' Cup meeting, with two horses who would become so genetically entwined in one of this year's most intriguing runners? “It was very special, and that was the most incredible of all,” he said of that breakthrough win. “Johannesburg was the most unbelievable horse because he ran in four countries and won four different Group 1s, and to come out here and win on the dirt first time was amazing. And he dropped in, and they said you couldn't drop in and come from where he did, but he followed them round and Mick [Kinane] gave him an incredible ride. He just quickened past them.” Twenty-three years later, O'Brien and the Ballydoyle first eleven are back at the Breeders' Cup and the questions in most minds are how well City Of Troy will break to handle the early pace and, if needing to be dropped in, how he will cope with the kickback on his first time racing on dirt. Tuesday morning saw the O'Brien squadron unleashed from quarantine to trot a lap of the dirt in their customary snake-like fashion before turning for a steady canter back round the other way. Though the team includes the Group 1 winners Luxembourg (Ire), Content (Ire), Ylang Ylang (GB) and Whistlejacket (Ire) there is of course the greatest focus on City Of Troy. The son of Justify was easy to pick out, not just because of his yellow saddle cloth but for the branded jacket carried by rider Rachel Richardson. He has one race left to run but the stallion campaign is already under way. “He's just had his first vet check and everything seems to be fine,” O'Brien reported after watching his team exercise, and that's more than can be said for his erstwhile favourite for the Melbourne Cup, Jan Brueghel (Ire), who has been withdrawn by Racing Victoria stewards on veterinary advice. Of the situation in Australia, he said, “There comes a point when it becomes ridiculous. The horsemen and women have been taken out of the picture. In this part of the world, it's horsemen who decide.” Returning to the Breeders' Cup Classic, O'Brien said that bringing City Of Troy to America had been the plan before he had ever set foot on a racecourse. “That was always the dream,” he said. “It was the dream about getting Justify originally. The dream for us was to have a dual-purpose stallion, who could produce runners on grass and dirt.” In that regard Justify has justified the outlay, though he was himself untried on grass. The question now will be how City Of Troy can cope with racing on the surface on which his father landed his Triple Crown. Justify's best turf son will attempt to do what no Derby winner has done before from stall three. “In is probably better than out,” said his trainer of the draw. “I suppose the danger when you are in is are you going to be quick enough away? We don't know that. We have done everything we can do. When he ran the way he did in the Guineas, we had to go back and restructure a lot of stuff. We had to go back up slowly through the gears because we were thinking of the Derby. We had to get him to relax and slow down and, at the same time, we had to be preparing him for the Classic for the whole year.” He continued, “At York, we went a little bit forward with him. He is very happy to be forward but we knew if we did that in the Derby, we would have been in trouble. We were very happy with what he did at York but he still wasn't opened up properly. That's why we went to Southwell, rather than an Irish Champion. We wanted the pace to be very strong but we didn't want him to be in front. Southwell was all about the first part of the work rather than the second. He was very comfortable following a very strong pace. “We think we have him prepared to go forward. Whether he is quick enough to go forward from that slot, in this type of race – I'm not sure. “He can only break as quick as he is prepared to break, and when that happens Ryan will make his own mind up where is going to sit. We think we have done as much as we can to ask him to break well, it's going to be very interesting.” Out on the track in second place in the Ballydoyle string behind Luxembourg, the trace-clipped City Of Troy sweated up a little, as did Diego Velazquez behind him, but O'Brien was not concerned. “I'd rather they were sweating than not because it means they're up for it, rather than coming here and floating around,” he noted. “The Classic is going to be ferocious and he is going to have to be on his game. If he is in any way laidback you'll get wiped out, so I'd rather he was a little bit edgy. “It won't be a problem. His canters will ramp up a little bit each day – they'll never really open up but they will ramp up a little bit more. I'd be very happy with what we saw today.” And after Giant's Causeway's near miss almost a quarter of a century ago, how much does it remain a burning desire to add that particular Grade I race to the many that have already been ticked off around the world by O'Brien? “If we didn't do it we'd probably say forever 'why didn't we do it?'” he said. “Obviously we fail all the time but if we don't fail we don't get better, and you always learn more from your failures than your wins.” The post O’Brien Back on Dirt to Attempt Another Breeders’ Cup Breakthrough appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  25. Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Seize the Grey, owned by about 2,500 people through MyRacehorse, will head to the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) rather than the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) for his first try against older runners.View the full article
×
×
  • Create New...