Wandering Eyes

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk On the North Canterbury property that she bankrolled former star filly Under Cover Lover turned 30 earlier this week. “She’s in terrific order,” says Graham Pearson, “there was a time 10 years ago when she didn’t winter very well but ever since then she’s looked great.” Pearson and Jeremy Tulley bred and raced the multiple Group 1 winner who raced in Australasia and the United States, with 21 wins in 70 starts in the late 1990s – early 2000s. “She always wanted to race, she was very determined,” recalls Pearson. “In the early days as a young foal we called her “Wee Racer” because she just tore up and down the place. She was a bit uncontrollable.” That would later be shortened to her stable name of “Race”. If Christian Cullen was the poster boy for superstar stallion In The Pocket at the time then Under Cover Lover was the poster girl. In 1998 as a three-year-old she won 14 from 19 starts both here and in Australia, including victories in the Nevele R 3YO Fillies Series Final, the New Zealand Oaks, the Great Northern Oaks and the NZ Sires’ Stakes Fillies Championship. “In the Great Northern Oaks she was the only one in the photo,” Pearson beams. Officially her winning margin that day was seven lengths. Other highlights, according to Pearson, included her win in the then Group 2 NZ Sires’ Stakes Fillies Championship. “Chief Stipe Gale had a good horse (Chapel Magic) that was the hot favourite and but she won easily .. that was her first Group win.” Between 1998 and 2000 she had 20 starts in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, winning six times. She also raced 12 times in the United States in 1999, with three wins and a best time of 1:51.8 and an “unlucky” third in the Breeders Crown. “We paid $45,000 US to get into the race and in those days you could buy a house in New Zealand for that.” “We were ahead a slight bit in the end, the third placing was worth 50 something (thousand).” Since returning from North America Pearson says one of her best runs was her fourth in the 2000 New Zealand Cup won by Yulestar. “We began best and handed up to Facta Non Verba which had won the Easter Cup the previous season, and it stopped on top of us. We were last at the 600, and got up for fourth.” Under Cover Lover’s last race was a triumph, a six length win in the 2000 Queen Of Hearts at Alexandra Park. She then retired to the broodmare paddock, producing 13 foals including two-race winners Exotic Lover and High Valour. “No-one was anywhere near as good as her but some of those daughters are producing some really nice winners.” Under The Odds (Bettor’s Delight – Under Cover Lover), for example, produced 2019 Western Australian Derby winner Major Trojan (6 wins), Undrthsouthrnsun who won 13 races and over $300K in the USA, pacing 1:47.8, and also the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained Artisan, the winner of nine races. Exotic Lover meanwhile left 15-race winner Abraxas (Big Abraxas NZ in Australia) and high class Australian filly Match In Heaven (24 wins), while Art Lover produced a very good mare in Classical Art, and the unraced Fortune Lover left Vampiro who had 29 wins. In 2001 Pearson purchased part of a sheep farm at Waipara in North Canterbury and then completed a Post Grad Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. “She basically paid for the vineyard, it wasn’t planted at the time, we had to do the planting but it paid for the land and the house,” says Pearson, “she basically owns the place!” The 2.2 hectare vineyard, at the entrance to Weka Pass in North Canterbury, is planted with pinot noir and a small amount of riesling. Their wine label is aptly named Mon Cheval (my horse in French). It’s not a bad place to see out your final years. “There’s no doubt 30 is a great age,” says Pearson, “and hopefully she’ll last a bit longer.” “We are like best mates.” View the full article

He’s had a career full of ups and downs, but the rider is back and on track for his best season to date.View the full article

Puntura (NZ) (Vespa) will get his chance to defend his crown in Saturday’s Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham, something he wasn’t assured of just a month ago. The son of Vespa had been out of form since his breakthrough elite-level victory last year, and retirement was looming for the seven-year-old, but he was given one last chance to prove himself in last month’s Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham, and he duly delivered. He pleased when finished fourth in the feature mile, and he continued his form revival when he returned to the Upper Hutt venue a fortnight later to finish sixth in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m). “He was out of form for three or four starts, and it was good to see him back,” trainer Robbie Patterson said. “When we went to the Mufhasa, that was nearly D-Day if he didn’t do something, and he went a blinder, so he got a reprieve. “He is still looking for gaps in his last race. He has only got to bring that form on Saturday to be competitive.” Puntura will be ridden by Craig Grylls, who partnered with him in last year’s running, which kicked off a memorable day for Patterson. “It was a big thrill (to win the Thorndon Mile), and we won the Wellington Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) three-quarters of an hour later, so it was a pretty fantastic day,” he said. Patterson is pleased with Puntura heading into the weekend, where he will be ridden cold from barrier five. “The horse is very well, he has done well since his last run, so fingers-crossed,” he said. “It has taken us seven years to work him out, but you have just got to ride him cold and he will be finishing it off.” Puntura will be joined in the race by his Group One-winning stablemate One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One), who will be ridden from gate three by Joe Doyle. Victorious in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Plate (1600m) at Matamata in October, the son of The Bold One was given a freshen-up following his subpar showing in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa 10 days later and returned to finish eighth in the Mufhasa Classic last month. Patterson said the extra travel in spring as a result of Hastings’ abandonment took its toll on the gelding, and he has finally got him back to his old self ahead of Saturday’s target. “He won the Arrowfield and then he sort of dropped away,” Patterson said. “He lost 10-15 kilos and could never really regain it. I think the travelling with the muck up at Hawke’s Bay just knocked him around a little bit and he jumped out of his skin that day (at Matamata) and I think it took the edge off him. “I have freshened him up a little bit and he has put the weight back on. He would probably prefer a bit more sting out of the track than we will probably get, but he is a happy horse.” Further Group One targets await One Bold Cat following the weekend, but plans are still up in the air for Puntura. “The Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) is the obvious one for One Bold Cat,” Patterson said. “Puntura, a mile is his go, so it gets a bit sticky where we go with him after that.” Meanwhile, Patterson will also be looking for another back-to-back crown on Saturday, but this time at Kumara where Regal Dice will be seeking consecutive victories in the Vernon & Vazey 0800 Truck Parts Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m). “She is there to defend her title,” Patterson said. “She had a blowout last Sunday. She was a tad disappointing and got ridden a tad handier than we would have liked. She is going to be ridden cold on Saturday and hopefully she can replicate her win from last year. “It is a unique day, and that meeting should be on the bucket list for everyone. I would have loved to have made it this year, but I have got bigger targets to fry.” View the full article

A series of outstanding performances at Ellerslie last summer underpinned an award-winning three-year-old season for Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel), and trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood hope Sunday’s Auckland Co-Op Taxis (1400m) will set her up for more of the same in 2025. The top-class daughter of Savabeel scored a stunning Ellerslie treble in last year’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). She powered home from the back half of the field to win each of those features with ease, racking up a combined winning margin of more than 11 lengths. Orchestral carried on to Sydney and added the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), which James and Wellwood had also won the previous year with Prowess. Orchestral’s exceptional three-year-old season came to an end with a third placing in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m). James and Wellwood went into Orchestral’s four-year-old spring with high hopes, but she was unplaced in all of her three appearances. She resumed with an eighth over 1400m at Ellerslie in September, followed by a strong-finishing sixth in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and a very disappointing 12th in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). “For whatever reason, she didn’t show her best form in that spring campaign,” James said. “She had a hard run first-up, and then to be fair to her, she was very unlucky in that second run. But her performance in that last race was a bit of a head-scratcher. “We gave her a break after that and I’m super happy with her in the lead-up to Ellerslie this weekend. She’s looking great. “The 1400m will absolutely be short of her best distance this weekend and there’s a fair bit of improvement left in her. We don’t need her to be peaking for this race.” James is looking forward to taking Orchestral back to Ellerslie’s Karaka Millions meeting again on January 25 in search of another million-dollar prize. “She’ll go to the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) next,” he said. “After that, she’ll probably continue to race in New Zealand through until the autumn. We can race for such incredibly good money on home soil now, with the stakes and bonuses, that there’s no need to look further afield.” The TAB rates Orchestral a $3 favourite for the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic. She is also prominent in the market for the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 8, where she sits on the second line of favouritism at $6 behind dominant $1.70 favourite Snazzytavi. Orchestral is at the same $6 quote for the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), which is one of four Group One races run on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. The Aotearoa Classic, Herbie Dyke Stakes and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes are all qualifying races for the Rich Hill Champion Middle Distance Series, which will award bonuses of $300,000, $150,000 and $50,000 for the three highest point-scorers at the conclusion of the 12-race series. Orchestral’s return headlines an exciting weekend for Kingsclere Stables, who will also be represented by last-start Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final (1500m) winner Hasstobeawinner in the NZB Karaka 2025 (1500m) at Ellerslie on Sunday. The form out of that Stella Artois 1500 victory on Boxing Day has already received a notable boost, with runner-up Bourbon Empress going on to win the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) on New Year’s Day. “He won that race very well and the form has stacked up,” James said. “That looks to me to be the most competitive race of the day on Sunday, there’s a lot of form in that line-up. It’s not a given that he can win again, but we have been very happy with the horse in between times.” On Friday at Tauranga, James and Wellwood will be represented by resuming runners Arabian Songbird in the MJ @ Ray White Greerton (1400m) and December in the Social Club Greerton (1200m). “I think Arabian Songbird’s last race at Pukekohe in November was a real ‘forget’ run,” James said. “She won both of her starts before than in very good style. She’s had a little freshen up and has pleased us with her work. She can run a bold race on Friday. “December is a pretty fair sprinter and is coming up really well. He’s still on the way up, so he’ll take some good improvement out of whatever he does on Friday.” View the full article

Promising juvenile Tale Of The Gypsy (NZ) (Written By) will head to Ellerslie on Sunday for the first time with an aim to return to the venue later this month for a shot at a million-dollar prize. The Written By filly entered her debut last Saturday at Te Aroha with no trials, but for a lack of experience she made up in raw talent, overcoming the outside barrier draw and a three-wide trip to score comfortably over her stablemate Miss Moet All. Tale Of The Gypsy earned $10,360 in prizemoney for the victory, placing her currently at 22 on the order of entry (18 on conditional entry) for the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), to be run at Ellerslie on January 25. A strong result in Sunday’s Trackside.co.nz (1200m) would greatly enhance her chances of contesting the race, and her trainer Stephen Marsh is hopeful she can secure her spot despite the quick back-up. “That is very much our aim, I thought she was very good on debut,” Marsh said. “They haven’t looked after us and she’s got another outside gate again being seven of seven, and she’s going to need a bit of luck being her first time at Ellerslie. “It’s a big ask backing up after eight days, but she’s got the right temperament and she’s a strong filly. “We’ll just need some luck from the draw.” Marsh will have a number of other runners at the Ellerslie meeting, but prior to that his focus will be at Tauranga on Friday, where last-start Taupo Cup (2000m) winner Doddle will take her place in the Ray White Greerton (2100m). “She was brilliant at Taupo, she enjoyed a good solid speed and she’s beaten a nice field,” he said. “The small field here will suit, she’s trained on well and gets in nicely at the weights again so she should be right in it. “I think the more she matures, she may get further. She used to go quite hard in her races, but she’s slowly getting better and better and is really learning her trade. She’s a mare that will continue to improve with time and more racing.” Talented pairing Glamour Tycoon and C’est Moi will both feature in the Social Club Greerton (1200m), with the former coming out of a sizzling Ellerslie field on Boxing Day where she finished third to Grande Gallo and Irish Legacy. “I thought her two runs this time in have been great, it’s a shame about the sticky draw, but I’ve got Michael McNab in the saddle,” Marsh said. “She’s going great guns, so any amount of luck would see her very hard to beat. “I’ve been thrilled with the way C’est Moi is coming up, 1200 will be short of her best and I certainly don’t expect her to win, but I think she’s in for a good preparation.” Skyman will step down in class after running seventh in a top-flight edition of the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) last start when taking on the Simply Law Greerton (1600m). The highly-rated nine-year-old will benefit from apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey’s two-kilogram claim, but he will still give away a minimum of six kilograms to every other horse in the race. “His run was okay (in the Zabeel Classic), he got back and never really got in the race,” Marsh said. “He may be better suited to a shorter trip these days, so bringing him back to a mile really suits. “He’s got to carry a decent weight which won’t make it easy, but he’s trained on well and he should find the class in the race more to his liking.” View the full article

Puntura winning the 2024 Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Puntura will get his chance to defend his crown in Saturday’s Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham, something he wasn’t assured of just a month ago. The son of Vespa had been out of form since his breakthrough elite-level victory last year, and retirement was looming for the seven-year-old, but he was given one last chance to prove himself in last month’s Group 1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham, and he duly delivered. He pleased when finished fourth in the feature mile, and he continued his form revival when he returned to the Upper Hutt venue a fortnight later to finish sixth in the Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m). “He was out of form for three or four starts, and it was good to see him back,” trainer Robbie Patterson said. “When we went to the Mufhasa, that was nearly D-Day if he didn’t do something, and he went a blinder, so he got a reprieve. “He is still looking for gaps in his last race. He has only got to bring that form on Saturday to be competitive.” Puntura will be ridden by Craig Grylls, who partnered with him in last year’s running, which kicked off a memorable day for Patterson. “It was a big thrill (to win the Thorndon Mile), and we won the Wellington Cup (Group 3, 3200m) three-quarters of an hour later, so it was a pretty fantastic day,” he said. Patterson is pleased with Puntura heading into the weekend, where he will be ridden cold from barrier five. “The horse is very well, he has done well since his last run, so fingers-crossed,” he said. “It has taken us seven years to work him out, but you have just got to ride him cold and he will be finishing it off.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Ascot races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 12:26pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Miss Andretti Stakes will headline the nine-race card at Ascot this Saturday afternoon. With perfect weather forecast in the lead-up and during the meeting, the track is expected to stay in the Good 4 rating that was posted at acceptances. The rail will move back into its true position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 12:26pm AWST. Miss Andretti Stakes tip: Twain’s Angel Twain’s Angel was very unlucky when she finished second behind Keep Attacking in a Benchmark 72+ Handicap over 1200m last start. The Sean & Jake Casey-trained mare was travelling nicely into the home straight but was strung up behind a wall of runners at the 300m mark. The daughter of Toronado had to switch back to the inside, and she flashed home to just miss in a close finish. With a better run and more luck, Twain’s Angel can go one better in the feature. Miss Andretti Stakes Race 8 – #8 Twain’s Angel (1) 4yo Mare | T: Sean & Jake Casey | J: Madi Derrick (54kg) +400 with Dabble Best Bet at Ascot: Papavero Princess Papavero Princess has been impressive in each of her three straight wins this preparation, and her last-start victory over 1400m at Pinjarra was one of her best. The Summer Dickson-prepared mare will rise in grade slightly, but that will be offset by her carrying less weight. From barrier one, Steven Parnham can settle in the box seat behind the speed, and with even luck, Papavero Princess will prove too good for this small field. Best Bet Race 1 – #4 Papavero Princess (1) 5yo Mare | T: Summer Dickson | J: Steven Parnham (55kg) +120 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Citino After struggling to run down a leader that got everything his own way in front last start, Citino will be on the quick backup this Saturday. The Michael Grantham-trained gelding settled behind the leading duo and was given a perfect ride by Steven Parnham; however, the speed was sedate, and the leader gave a big kick on the home turn. Now that he rises to 1800m at peak fitness fourth-up, expect Citino to put his run of outs behind him with a good victory. Next Best Race 7 – #3 Citino (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael Grantham | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (55.5kg) +380 with PlayUp Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 5-6-7 2-3-5-7 6-7-8 1-2-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 2:37pm ACST Visit Dabble There might be only 34 horses on deck, but it won’t be an easy day for punters when the Darwin Turf Club hosts its five-race program on Saturday afternoon. Heat 7 of the Wet Season Series takes place before the $40,000 Final on Australia Day, and there’s Heat 2 of the Summer Sprint Series. Over 130mm of rain has fallen in the Top End since Monday, but come Saturday the showers are tipped to ease with a top temperature of 34C. The rail will be in the true position, and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface. Best Bet at Darwin: Rhesus Rhesus, who won a 1200m maiden on his Darwin debut in June, was a late scratching last Saturday. On December 14, the four-year-old gelding was a distant third over 1300m at 0-58 level after missing the start and travelling wide throughout. In seven NT starts, the son of Lonhro has finished in the top three on six occasions. Rhesus, third in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) and sixth in the NT Derby (2050m) last July, suffered two narrow defeats in November after returning from a four-month spell. At his best, Rhesus should account for his rivals in the penultimate event. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Rhesus (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Wayne Davis (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Darwin: Queen In The North Queen In The North has struck form and will be aiming to make it three wins in succession. The five-year-old mare, who finished second on four straight occasions from December 2023-February 2024, had 12 starts in the Top End before finally tasting success. A first-up fourth over 1200m in Class 2 in November was followed by two wins over 1300m at 0-58 level in December and on January 4 with the daughter of Headwater settling midfield before producing strong finishing bursts over the final 200m. A repeat effort should see Queen In The North salute again. Next Best Race 2 – #5 Queen In The North (5) 5yo Mare | T: Tom Logan | J: Sonja Logan (57kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Darwin: Ny Kee Ny Kee has done little wrong since winning a 1200m maiden on her NT debut in September. That was followed by a second over 1200m and a fifth over 1000m at Class 2 level. The four-year-old mare was solid when second to the fast-finishing Hachiman over 1100m in October and then stormed home to win over 1000m on December 6 in 0-58 grade. Back to Class 2 on December 14 over 1100m, the daughter of Merchant Navy was slow away and last at the 400m before powering home late for third. Best Value Race 5 – #1 Ny Kee (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Wayne Davis (60kg) Bet with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Darwin Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 3-4-5 1-2-4-5-6 1-2-7 1-2-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What 2025 Magic Millions Raceday Where Gold Coast Turf Club – Racecourse Drive, Bundall QLD 4217 When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 12:30pm AEST Visit Dabble The 2025 Magic Millions Raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club will feature a 10-race card this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, and with rain forecast on each of the days leading up to the meeting, the track will remain in the Soft range. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race set to jump at 12:30pm AEST. Race 1: Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1100m) General Boom has been impressive in two barrier trial victories in readiness for his first-up start on Saturday afternoon. The Tony Gollan-trained gelding is a lightly raced five-year-old who has not finished outside the placings in both of his career starts. With the speed he showed in his trial wins over 1000m, expect Mark Zahra to push forward, settle on speed and run the race to suit General Boom. Selections: 1 GENERAL BOOM 9 KING OF DRAGONS 11 SHALAA GOLD 5 CAPITALEX Race 2: Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) In what will be his third attempt at winning the Country Cup, King Gutho will head to the Gold Coast to try and better his two third-place finishes in 2021 and 2023. The Joe Cleary-trained gelding has a booming finish, and even though he failed to beat a runner home over 1000m at Moruya last start, a rise to 1200m will suit him much better. Tommy Berry can settle closer to the speed from barrier seven, and if he gets the breaks, King Gutho can finally claim victory in the Magic Millions Country Cup. Selections: 5 KING GUTHO 7 SLIPPIN’ JIMMY 4 LOST HIS BEANS 6 QUADE Best Value Race 2 – #5 King Gutho (7) 6yo Gelding | T: Joe Cleary | J: Tommy Berry (57.5kg) +1800 with BlondeBet Race 3: Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Plate (1000m) Steel Knight looked to be the most race-ready runner in The Debut, following his dominant 3.8-length barrier trial victory at this track on December 31. The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-prepared colt showed an impressive turn of foot to sprint away from his rivals and cruise over the line. From barrier 10, Chad Schofield will push forward to settle in the first four on Steel Knight before lifting the ante on the home turn to sprint clear in the final 300m. Selections: 1 STEEL KNIGHT 9 DARN HOT LADY 2 AMOSU 10 SAYTARA Race 4: Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) Following two impressive wins over 2000m at Eagle Farm and Rosehill, Belvedere Boys appears to be one of the better bets on Magic Millions Raceday. The son of Maurice has shown a good ability to make up ground in the final 600m and run away with the victory. Matthew Dunn has engaged Blake Shinn for the ride, and if Shinn can settle this talented stayer in the middle of the pack with cover, Belvedere Boys can bring up the hat-trick. Selections: 5 BELVEDERE BOYS 4 MISS JOELENE 11 ENCODER 6 TANHAUSER Best Bet Race 4 – #5 Belvedere Boys (12) 5yo Gelding | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Blake Shinn (56kg) +320 with Neds Race 5: Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) It is hard to go past the Kris Lees-trained Bubba’s Bay in the Fillies & Mares contest after she claimed her fourth win in five starts in the Listed Nudgee Stakes. The daughter of Cable Bay has been racing in career-best form this preparation, and her tough victory in the Nudgee Stakes showed how well she is going. With only one other speed influence engaged in the race, Andrew Mallyon can settle Bubba’s Bay outside the leader, go for home at the 400m mark, and get her rivals chasing. Selections: 5 BUBBA’S BAY 1 REVOLUTOINARY MISS 6 MISS ROUMBINI 13 LEFT FIELD Race 6: Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) Ciaron Maher and Damian Lane will combine with Semana who will be returning from a 13-week spell with only one barrier trial under her belt. The daughter of Winning Rupert is a multiple Group 1 placegetter, and even though her best performances have come over 1400m or further, she has two wins and two placings from four starts at 1200m. From barrier four, Semana will receive the run of the race, and if she can sprint with the leaders, she will prove hard to hold out late. Selections: 5 SEMANA 6 HARD TO SAY 3 STEADY READY 8 HEDGED Race 7: Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) The Magic Millions 2YO Classic will feature 16 runners in 2025, and of those runners, the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans-trained Invincible Woman has opened as the $5.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. Read HorseBetting.com.au’s free betting preview and tips for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic here. Race 8: Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) The second of the feature races will be the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, and a full field of 18 runners is expected to clash in the 1400m contest. Much like the 2YO Classic, the 3YO Guineas betting market is an open one, with the Ciaron Maher-trained Snitzanova opening as the $5.50 favourite with Picklebet. Read HorseBetting.com.au’s free betting preview and tips for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas here. Race 9: Magic Millions Cup (1400m) Abounding will return to the Gold Coast for the first time since winning the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in 2024. The Robert Heathcote-trained mare was impressive when winning her first-up start over 1200m at Doomben before a torrid run in the Listed Nudgee Stakes. Although the daughter of Rich Enuff travelled three-wide for the entire trip, she still battled on gamely to finish sixth. Martin Harley will settle her worse than midfield with cover, and if she lets down like she did first-up, Abounding can bounce back. Selections: 2 ABOUNDING 6 CHARM STONE 19 REDFORD 13 ARTS OBJECT Magic Millions Cup Race 9 – #2 Abounding (14) 4yo Mare | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Martin Harley (57.5kg) +1000 with Boombet Race 10: Magic Millions QTIS Open (1300m) Rex Lipp has Cifrado firing on all cylinders this campaign, as the four-year-old gelding is yet to miss the placings from four starts, including his win in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes. The son of Encryption enjoys all surfaces, and it is expected that he will appreciate a drop back in distance from 1400m to 1300m for this contest. After drawing barrier four, Cifrado will receive a much better run than his main market rivals, which will prove pivotal to his winning chances. Selections: 2 CIFRADO 6 BOOM TORQUE 3 HIDDEN WEALTH 15 BUSTING Next Best Race 10 – #2 Cifrado (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Rex Lipp | J: Boris Thornton (58kg) +500 with Playup Gold Coast quaddie tips for the Magic Millions Day Gold Coast quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 2-6-9-10-17 1-6-13-14-18 2-5-6-19 2-3-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Flemington Races Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 12:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Group racing returns to Flemington on Saturday afternoon, where the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) headlines a competitive 10-race meeting. A summer scorcher is forecast for Melbourne on Saturday, with a top of 33 degrees forecast, and with similar conditions in the lead up to the meeting, the Good 4 track rating will likely see an upgrade to a Good 3 at some point. The rail will be out 4m the entire circuit, with action commencing at 12:20pm AEDT. Standish Handicap Tip: It’sourtime It’sourtime finished second in the Standish Handicap three years ago, and in the 2025 edition, he looks well-placed to go one better. The seven-year-old gelding simply settled too far back in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield Heath last time out when running on strongly to be beaten a length, and considering he brings some genuine Group 1 form lines to this, he is sure to take some beating. With Joyful Fortune set to make this a genuinely run affair, the race sets up perfectly for It’sourtime to absorb the pressure at the rear of the field and be charging down the grandstand side late on. Standish Handicap Race 8 – #4 It’sourtime (10) 7yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Billy Egan (58kg) +600 with Picklebet Best Bet at Flemington: New York Lustre New York Lustre deadset smacked her rivals first-up from a five-month spell, and as she comes to Flemington for the first time, she looks like the good thing on the card. Enver Jusufovic’s mare settled outside lead at Seymour and went on to score by over five lengths and having drawn barrier nine under Jamie Kah, she looks to gain a similar run on Saturday. This field lacks a lot of depth, so if New York Lustre is anywhere near her best, the $2 quote with Neds looks about the right price. Best Bet Race 5 – #5 New York Lustre (9) 5yo Mare | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Jamie Kah (56kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Flemington: Xarpo Xarpo could not have been more impressive when winning at Cranbourne two starts ago by five-lengths and then backed it up with a win at the Flemington 1400m on January 1. The three-year-old filly was given a perfect steer when stalking the leaders throughout at her first look at the track, and from barrier seven, Ryan Houston should be able to slot into a similar position. With Houston’s 3kg claim getting her in with 56.5kg, Xarpo looks well-placed to continue her winning run. Next Best Race 1 – #3 Xarpo (7) 3yo Filly | T: Simon Zahra | J: Ryan Houston (a3) (59.5kg) +190 with BlondeBet Best Value at Flemington: Delta Sky Delta Sky is chasing a fourth straight win, and despite not winning by big margins, the five-year-old mare clearly has a strong will to win. She strung together consecutive wins at Geelong before a convincing Moonee Valley triumph. Rose Hammond will look to hold a midfield position from barrier eight, and if the pair can land in the moving line with cover, Delta Sky possess a strong finish. Rose Hammond’s 3kg claim will ensure she is fighting out the finish at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #7 Delta Sky (8) 5yo Mare | T: Lee & Shannon Hope | J: Rose Hammond (a3) (56kg) +800 with Playup Saturday’s quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, January 11, 2025 4-5-8-13-15 3-4-5 4-8-10-11 3-9-10-16-18 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Saturday, January 11, 2025 First Race 12:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble Wyong is the destination for metro racing on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program lined up for The Lakes Race Day. The $500,000 feature has been built as a celebration of 150 years of racing in the Wyong district, with a classy field of 12 engaged for the milestone contest. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit for the meeting, and with significant rainfall forecast to hit the course proper leading into the weekend, punters can expect a Heavy track throughout the afternoon. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 12:35pm local time. The Lakes Tip: St Lawrence The Ciaron Maher-trained St Lawrence returns from a 41-day freshen and appears set to strike in the inaugural running of The Lakes (1600m). The son of Redwood was a shade disappointing in his latest outing at Rosehill on November 30, proving no match for Private Eye in the Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) after positioning worse than midfield throughout. Getting back on significantly rain-affected ground should be ideal, with the six-year-old only missing the frame once in nine career starts. Expect Billy Loughnane to press forward from the wide draw (9), and provided St Lawrence can find cover throughout, this guy should give a bold sight at the each-way price with Neds. The Lakes Race 8 – #4 St Lawrence (9) 6yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Billy Loughnane (56.5kg) +900 with Neds Best Bet at Wyong: Excelladus Excelladus is on the one-week backup after suffering defeat at the hands of Accredited at Randwick on January 4 and gets conditions to suit third-up into the campaign. He grows another leg on wet surfaces, with a formidable record of 14 starts for five wins and three more minor placings on rain-affected ground, giving the tried-and-tested So You Think gelding a significant advantage heading into this competitive BM100 contest. Alysha Collett can be positive drawn in gate five in this small field of eight, and provided Excelladus can pinch a break turning for home, the $6.50 available with BlondeBet will seem good value. Best Bet Race 4 – #6 Excelladus (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Alysha Collett (53kg) +550 with BlondeBet Next Best at Wyong: Zaphod Zaphod was an impressive winner last start at Eagle Farm on December 21 and seems to be a big improver in his second Australian preparation. The Zarak gelding has only missed the quinella once in his five Australian starts since joining the Kris Lees stable and gives the impression he could be a stayer on the rise as he tackles the 2100m for the first time in his seven-start career. He should land near the one-one from stall five and only needs to hold his form to figure in the finish. Next Best Race 7 – #4 Zaphod (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Benjamin Osmond (a3kg) (57kg) +280 with Picklebet Best Value at Wyong: Sir Ravanelli Sir Ravanelli produced a barnstorming win at Muswellbrook on November 29 and seemed to relish the worsening Soft conditions, bounding clear to score by three lengths in open company. The Terry Evans-trained gelding returns to metro company seeking redemption after a first-up failure at Rosehill on November 9, and with similar conditions on offer to his last start romp, watch for Sir Ravanelli to flash home at a terrific each-way price with horse racing bookmakers in the penultimate. Best Value Race 9 – #4 Sir Ravanelli (7) 7yo Gelding | T: Terry Evans | J: Madeline Owen (a3kg) (60kg) +1200 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Wyong Wyong quadrella selections January 11, 2025 1-4-6-8 1-4-9-12 1-4-5-11-12-13 4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The age group finalists have been found for the NZB Standardbred 2024 Harness Racing New Zealand awards. The “Top Horse” contenders include eight categories, for both the trotters and pacers. In some categories the finalists have been short-listed to four while in the 3YO Pacing Colts and Geldings, for instance, there are as many as nine. For the first time Australian horses who have excelled on this side of the Tasman are eligible. This year that includes the likes of Renwick Farms Dominion Trot winner Just Believe and unbeaten superstar filly Keayang Zahara. The categories will now be voted on by a specially-appointed judging panel. To see the Top Horse contenders click here Other award finalists, including the Owner and Breeder of the Year and the Stallion and Broodmare of the Year, will be released on Monday. The HRNZ awards will be held in the Christian Cullen Lounge at Addington Raceway on Saturday, February 8. Tickets are on sale now. They are $130 each (complete with food and beverage package). To purchase tickets click here Doors open at 5.15pm with the awards getting underway at 6 pm. For more information contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

Gun speedster sends ominous warning to rivals with effortless victory over Voyage Bubble in star-studded dirt heat on Thursday.View the full article

Wonder Boy. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The Jerome Hunter-trained Wonder Boy is set to make his return to the track this Saturday in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington. The three-year-old gelding made a strong impression on debut at Flemington in June, securing a convincing win before placing third in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) and second in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) behind Growing Empire, who has since placed three times at Group 1 level. Wonder Boy was last seen finishing fifth in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington on September 14. “He’s come back really well, he’s had a few trials,” Hunter told Racing.com. “Hopefully, the penny’s dropped the way he’s been trialling, he’s been jumping out a lot better. I couldn’t be happier with him. “Physically, he’s always sensational, he’s such a big, strong horse. The biggest thing with him is trying to keep the weight off him because he’s such a big, heavy horse. “I think he’s trimmed up a lot better this campaign, he’s lost a bit of that puppy fat, he seems like he has a more mature physique about him.” With all of his starts so far coming at Flemington, Hunter believes the track suits Wonder Boy perfectly. “He knows the track really well, he loves straight running, so it just helps him, I think. He’s definitely fit enough to win but I’m hoping we’ve got plenty to improve as well. “I want him to hopefully go through an autumn campaign, so we’ve got to make sure he’s not rock-hard fit leading into the autumn.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Southside Racing Pakenham – 420 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3810 When Friday, January 10, 2025 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Friday night racing returns to Pakenham on January 10 where a competitive eight-race meeting awaits punters. With clear skies and high temperatures on the forecast, the track will likely end up as a Good 3 at some stage, while the rail comes out 9m the entire circuit. The first race is set to jump at 6:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Pakenham: Untapped The Greg Eurell-trained Untapped has not been seen under raceday conditions since being beaten 10 lengths behind Traffic Warden in Group 2 company on March 9. The three-year-old gelding had been racing competitively in much harder races than what he faces for his fresh assignment on Friday. On debut, he was beaten less than three-lengths behind the likes of Bodyguard and Stay Focused, and if he has held that type of form or even improved, anything better than even money with Neds will be worth taking up. Untapped looks to be just that, and should have a class edge on his rivals. Best Bet Race 2 – #11 Untapped (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Greg Eurell | J: Zac Spain (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Hello Mary Hello Mary was not beaten far in Class 1 company at Caulfield Heath on December 4, and despite being five weeks between runs, she looks the one to be with in the penultimate. The four-year-old mare finished 2.2 lengths of Ersa despite doing plenty wrong when racing up on speed. Having drawn barrier three under Thomas Stockdale for this assignment, the pair look set to have a camp on the leaders throughout this 1400m affair. When asked for the ultimate effort, Hello Mary has the ability to put a field like this away. Next Best Race 7 – #5 Hello Mary (3) 4yo Mare | T: Greg Eurell | J: Thomas Stockdale (58.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Pakenham: Octrain Octrain has been racing exclusively at Moonee Valley in all four starts this campaign, for a win and a second over the 955m. He was last seen finishing 2.3 lengths off the in-form Apache Song over 1200m in BM78 company, but dropping back to a BM70 on Friday night looks ideal. From barrier 10, Teo Nugent will have the son of Swear settled towards the rear of the field, but with the long home straight set to aid his ability to build through the gears and run a big race at an each-way price with horse betting sites. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Octrain (10) 6yo Gelding | T: Monica Croston & Gerrad Gilmour | J: Teo Nugent (60.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections January 10, 2025 7-10-11 5-10-11-12 3-5-8 1-2-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Gentian Blue (NZ) on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Evergreen Turf Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse on August 31, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have charged trainer Maxim Van Lierde with two breaches of the Australian Rules of Racing, following their investigation into matters concerning his horse, Gentian Blue. The charges relate to the detection of a prohibited substance and a failure to maintain treatment records as required. Charge One: AR 240(2) – Prohibited Substance Detected Under Australian Rule of Racing 240(2), it is an offence if a horse brought to a racecourse for a race is found to have a prohibited substance in its system, either before or after competing. The particulars of this charge are as follows: On 31 August 2024, Gentian Blue was brought to Caulfield Racecourse and ran in Race 3, the Evergreen Turf BM78 Handicap over 1800 metres, finishing fourth. A pre-race urine sample taken on the same day revealed the presence of 3-Hydroxylignocaine and Norlignocaine, metabolites of Lignocaine. Lignocaine, a prohibited substance under Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (Prohibited List B) of the Australian Rules of Racing, is commonly used as a local anaesthetic and for its analgesic and antiarrhythmic properties. The analysis of the sample was conducted by Racing Analytical Services Limited and confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory. Charge Two: AR 104(1) – Failure to Record Treatment Australian Rule of Racing 104(1) requires trainers to maintain accurate and timely records of any medication or treatment administered to horses in their care. The particulars of this charge are as follows: On 27 and 28 August 2024, Gentian Blue was treated with a topical cream, SOOV, for a recurring leg wound. Mr. Van Lierde failed to record these treatments by midnight on the day of administration, as stipulated by AR 104(1). The charges will be heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date yet to be determined. This matter serves as a reminder of the importance of strict compliance with the Australian Rules of Racing, both in maintaining treatment records and ensuring that horses presented for racing are free of prohibited substances. Horse racing news View the full article

Domain Ace will line-up in Saturday’s Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m) at Trentham. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson were left perplexed following Domain Ace’s subpar performance at Ellerslie last month, and they are hoping their $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) contender can return to form at Trentham on Saturday. The three-year-old son of Swiss Ace was announced as the Canterbury Jockey Club’s NZB Kiwi slot runner last month, and he didn’t reassure their selection several weeks later when beating just the one runner home in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day. He was given a full veterinary examination following the race, but nothing untoward was found, and the Rogerson’s are trying to put that run behind them. “He didn’t hit-out on Ellerslie that day, a lot of them didn’t,” Graeme Rogerson said. “The vet came out and we couldn’t find a thing wrong with him after his last run. Craig (Grylls, jockey) said he asked him to quicken up and he didn’t respond. I don’t know what to put it down to, but we will see and hopefully he is back on track.” Domain Ace will face a daunting task this weekend in the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m) where he will come up against dominant three-year-old Savaglee. “That Savaglee is a very good horse, he has certainly got all the attributes of Savabeel,” said Rogerson, who trained his Champion sire. “But you can’t win if you are not in. We are hoping that he gets back on target for the NZB Kiwi.” Stablemate, and former New Zealand Horse of the Year, Sharp ‘N’ Smart will also head south to tackle Saturday’s Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). “He looks tremendous,” Rogerson said. “He has been a work in progress but I thought his run the other day (third in the Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes, 1400m) was very good. “He is well-weighted with 55kg on his back, and I think it is a nice race for him.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Newcastle Races Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling St, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Friday, January 10, 2025 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing returns to Newcastle Racecourse on Friday afternoon, with a competitive seven-race program scheduled to hit the hunter region. The rail moves out +10m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with the track already rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances along with more consistent rainfall in the lead-up, punters can expect a downgrade into the Heavy range for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:50pm AEDT. Best Bet at Newcastle: Summer Soiree Summer Soiree finally secured her maiden success at Wyong on December 21, booting clear to score by an impressive 8.3-length margin. The daughter of Russian Revolution led every step of the way on that occasion, with Mollie Fitzgerald pressing the button mid-race to ensure a dominant victory. This BM64 is much deeper on paper, but provided Fitzgerald can adopt similar tactics, Summer Soiree should have no issues claiming back-to-back wins Best Bet Race 7 – #3 Summer Soiree (1) 4yo Mare | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Mollie Fitzgerald (a3kg) (60.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Newcastle: Rockbarton Flash Rockbarton Flash justified the short price with BlondeBet impressively at Port Macquarie on December 29 and appears geared up for back-to-back victories. The Sooboog gelding sustained a long run alongside The Bentley, with the pair putting 2.3 lengths back to third in a competitive maiden contest. He should gain an economical run in transit in this Class 1 affair, and provided he can handle the testing conditions, Rockbarton Flash will prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Rockbarton Flash (3) 3yo Gelding | T: David Atkins | J: William Stanley (a3kg) (57.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Newcastle: Elle Hudson The Joseph Pride-trained Elle Hudson looks set to peak fourth-up into the campaign and should appreciate stepping out to the 1900m for the first time this preparation. The son of Tarzino chased gallantly behind How Much Better at Wyong last time out but couldn’t reel in the margin on the tight-turning circuit. Newcastle should be an ideal stomping ground for the lightly raced four-year-old, and provided Alysha Collett can stalk her rivals from the one-one, Elle Hudson should be hitting the line well at a good each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Elle Hudson (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Alysha Collett (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Newcastle Newcastle quadrella selections January 10, 2025 1-2-7 1-4-5 2-3-5 1-2-3-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The New York Racing Association has canceled live racing Jan. 9 at Aqueduct Racetrack due to high winds forecast to impact the New York City area throughout the day.View the full article

Race 2 ENTAIN/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES MAIDEN 1600m CAMDEN (C Grylls) – Trainer Mr. C Cole advised Stewards, Camden was examined by the stable’s veterinary on Thursday 2 January with no abnormalities being detected, however, Camden has been sent for a spell. The post Taranaki Racing Inc @ New Plymouth Raceway, Tuesday 31 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 2 BRANDLAB 2YO MAIDEN 1100m PINK GIN (L Allpress) – Trainer Mr. T Pike reported to Stewards, PINK GIN pulled up shin sore and has now gone for a spell. The post Taranaki TRI at New Plymouth, Friday 27 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 5 SHERLOCK CONTRACTING 1560m OVERRATED (A Lawson-Carroll) – Trainer Mr. M Garrett advised Stewards, that on Monday 30 December, OVERRATED, underwent a veterinary examination which included blood tests and an endoscopic examination with no abnormalities being detected. M Garrett further advised OVERRATED has now been sent for a spell. The post Racing Rotorua at Arawa Park, Saturday 28 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 3 SKYCITY FIREWORKS 1200m HAPPY MISSION (T Mitchell) – Trainer Mr. D Wiles advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, and it is his intention to continue on with the current preparation, where he may look to nominate HAPPY MISSION for the Wellington RC meeting on Saturday 18 January. Race 7 SHAW’S WIRE ROPES AUCKLAND GUINEAS 3YO 1400m (G2) DAMASK ROSE (B Shinn) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of DAMASK ROSE, and it is the stables intention to carry on with the current preparation, where they may look to trial the filly at Matamata on the 14 January. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing @ Ellerslie, Thursday 26 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) hopeful Tale Of The Gypsy. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising juvenile Tale Of The Gypsy will head to Ellerslie on Sunday for the first time with an aim to return to the venue later this month for a shot at a million-dollar prize. The Written By filly entered her debut last Saturday at Te Aroha with no trials, but for a lack of experience she made up in raw talent, overcoming the outside barrier draw and a three-wide trip to score comfortably over her stablemate Miss Moet All. Tale Of The Gypsy earned $10,360 in prizemoney for the victory, placing her currently at 22 on the order of entry (18 on conditional entry) for the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), to be run at Ellerslie on January 25. A strong result on Sunday would greatly enhance her chances of contesting the race, and her trainer Stephen Marsh is hopeful she can secure her spot despite the quick back-up. “That is very much our aim, I thought she was very good on debut,” Marsh said. “They haven’t looked after us and she’s got another outside gate again being seven of seven, and she’s going to need a bit of luck being her first time at Ellerslie. “It’s a big ask backing up after eight days, but she’s got the right temperament and she’s a strong filly. “We’ll just need some luck from the draw.” Horse racing news View the full article

Helene Feeling steams to Group 3 January Cup victory. Photo: HKJC Danny Shum surged to the top of the 2024/25 Hong Kong trainers’ championship with a quartet at Happy Valley on Wednesday, crowned by Helene Feeling’s triumph in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 January Cup Handicap (1800m). Shum dominated the undercard with Judy’s Great, Happy Soul and Eternal Fortune, rising to the top of the trainers’ standings with Helene Feeling’s (117lb) victory under Harry Bentley, who drove the former British galloper to victory in Happy Valley’s only Group contest of the season. With 27 wins, Shum leads Pierre Ng (26), Mark Newnham (24) and David Hayes (23) after 36 of 88 scheduled meetings. “It’s just amazing, I’m very happy,” Shum said. “All four horses ran great races and the jockeys did a brilliant job. “Helene Feeling likes Happy Valley more than Sha Tin, but unfortunately there aren’t many races for him here. I had to run him back at Sha Tin otherwise he would have had a big break and lost his fitness.” Second to Helios Express in last season’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), Helene Feeling settled in ninth place in a moderately-run race behind pace-setters Flamingo Trillion (117lb) and The Golden Scenery (127lb) before Bentley made his move approaching the home turn, fanning into clear running. Driven to the line, the Sioux Nation gelding prevailed by half a length over last year’s January Cup winner Happy Together (135lb) and La City Blanche (128lb), who charged from the tail of the field to claim third. The overall time was 1:49.19. Bentley said: “They’re (Group 3 wins) not easy to come by and really glad to take the opportunity and kick him home. He’s a very good horse. He was a real contender for the (Hong Kong) Derby not so long ago, so clearly he has that natural class and he’s run a couple of really good races here before, finishing third in this race last year. “So, we know he goes around the track. The wide draw (barrier nine) was always going to be a little bit tricky just get a nice position through the race and we were going very slowly early doors. He probably didn’t come around the bend all that well but fair play to the horse, he really knuckled down in the straight.” Shum combined with Dylan Mo and rank outsider Judy’s Great, Vincent Ho and Happy Soul and Hugh Bowman and Eternal Fortune. Bowman and Vincent Ho both slotted doubles. Bowman combined with Caspar Fownes and Mighty Commander. Formerly trained by Lucinda Boyd in Australia, the Artie Schiller gelding prevailed at his eighth Hong Kong start. Ho completed his brace aboard Francis Lui’s Speed Dragon. Zac Purton moved to within seven wins of equalling Douglas Whyte’s record mark of 1,813 victories in Hong Kong as a jockey with Chris So-trained Firefoot’s success. “Things haven’t gone that smoothly tonight. I had to wait for this winner and he just got into a race where there wasn’t much speed with a light weight (120lb). I was able to control things and he deserved to win, he’s been quite honest,” said Purton, who has 66 victories for the season. Pegasus General scored his first win since March, 2023 when Derek Leung lifted the Brazilian Group 1 victor to success. Having his first start for Cody Mo, the seven-year-old had dropped from 78 to 38 in the ratings, but showed plenty of fight for Leung. David Eustace-trained Fortune Whiskey, a three-time winner as a two-year-old in New Zealand, notched his first victory in Hong Kong by triumphing under Matthew Poon. Horse racing news View the full article