Wandering Eyes

The spate of bad luck with New Zealand tracks continued at Te Rapa on Monday, with the abandonment of racing at the Hamilton venue following several slips. Jockey Sam Weatherley reported his mount, Ess Vee Are, had slipped prior to entering the straight before going on to win the opening race of the card, while Joe Doyle and Warren Kennedy reported that their horses, Oppenheimer and Sabrina Hall, had also slipped in race three, resulting in a decision to abandon the meeting. “We had the report from Sam Weatherley following race one regarding his horse moving around the final bend. An inspection was carried out following that race and all parties were happy to continue on,” stipendiary steward Brady Jones said. “Prior to race three we had a brief shower of rain and we had reports from Joe Doyle and Warren Kennedy that both of their horses had moved rounding that final bend, probably from the 500m right through to the 400m, and they felt their mounts were shifting. “We conducted a further inspection following that and found little pieces of movement, nothing glaringly obvious. The riders went back and had a meeting amongst themselves, and they reported to stewards that they didn’t have the confidence in the track to ride competitively on it, so the meeting has been abandoned.” Te Rapa had recently been the saviour of the Livamol Classic Day, which was transferred to the track after Hastings was deemed unsuitable for racing following the abandonment of the Arrowfield Stud Plate Day, and its subsequent transfer to Matamata. A date has yet to be confirmed for the transfer of the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), which was set to take place at Te Rapa on Monday, with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing to make an announcement in due course. View the full article

Summer Cups targets are on the horizon for stakes winner Ess Vee Are following his bold win in the SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Prelude (2400m) at Te Rapa on Labour Day. In a small but select field, jockey Sam Weatherley took Ess Vee Are straight to the front where they were able to dictate terms throughout. The pair started to apply pressure from the 600m mark and opened up several lengths on their rivals turning for home, and Ess Vee Are was able to hold onto his advantage, running out a 1-3/4 length victor over Canheroc, with Diamond Jack a further four lengths back in third. Darryn Weatherley, who trains the six-year-old gelding in partnership with his daughter Briar, was pleased with the winning performance. “Before legging Sam on I said just make sure he is in a nice rhythm,” Darryn Weatherley said. “My old boss Jim Gibbs used to tell me, if they are in a good rhythm they are happy horses. “He executed it perfectly, he skipped off the corner and held on. It was nice to see.” There were a few anxious moments post-race, with Ess Vee Are having slipped and lost a shoe at the top of the straight. However, following a track inspection, the decision was made to proceed with racing. “We went out with the Stewards, Bart (Cowan, track manager), and a few of us jockeys,” Sam Weatherley said. “You could see a couple of little marks (on the track), which happened after he lost his shoes. We put our heads together and made a decision that with the drying weather that there was no real concern going forward and we are happy to race. “He is such a big gangly horse, and he has never led in his life, so as soon as he got let off the bridle his legs went everywhere. Losing the shoe and putting it altogether, he has moved a little bit and probably made it look a little worse than what it actually was. “With the protocols now, we all come together and if one person is not happy then we are not happy, but everyone is sweet and ready to go.” Weatherley was impressed with Ess Vee Are’s performance, and said he could have won by more if it wasn’t for the slip. “It was a good win,” he said. “If that (slip) didn’t happen, he could have maybe made it a little more impressive, but he was still impressive enough and it was good to see a good horse back to his best. He lost his way a bit last season, he went to Australia and a few things didn’t go quite right. Today with the small field, he was able to jump and dictate, and bring back his old form.” Initially nominated for next month’s Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton, his Matamata-based trainers have opted to keep the son of Shocking closer to home, eyeing the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (3200m) and Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) over summer. “We won’t have to hammer him, he is a horse that keeps himself pretty fit,” Darryn Weatherley said. “Between now and the Waikato Cup I don’t know what we are going to do, but that is the plan – Waikato Cup and then Wellington Cup.” Out of O’Reilly mare Reiveke, Ess Vee Are has now won five of his 26 starts, including the Listed New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham, and earned more than $200,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Emerging three-year-old He’s Lucid provided Mapperley Stud’s Simms Davison with a bittersweet result when he downed a competitive age group line-up at Riccarton. The Kevin Myers-trained representative’s timing was faultless to break his maiden in Saturday’s Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) and is now a $10 equal fourth favourite for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Davison bred and sold He’s Lucid, a son of the late Contributer who tragically passed away at the Matamata nursery last month. “Contributer had been a big part of our lives and our stud for many years,” he said. “It was a tough one to swallow, very difficult. “From limited numbers, he’s performed incredibly well as a sire. I think you’ll see more winning in the next six months, he’s got a lot of smart young horses coming through.” He’s Lucid won at his fifth appearance after earlier placings in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) and the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m). The gelding accounted for Tony Pike’s dual black-type winner Raziah and Kiwi Skyhawk, another highly rated son of Contributer with Stephen Marsh, in the War Decree. He’s Lucid was bought out of Mapperley’s New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale draft last year by Myers for $40,000. “He was a really nice horse and it will be exciting to see what he can go on and do,” Davison said. “He’s a big horse and what he’s done so early is quite surprising really for such a raw-boned type, he’s showing a lot of ability and when he strengthens further, he’s going to be even more impressive.” He’s Lucid is the first foal bred by Davison from the No Excuse Needed mare Big Dreamer, who was purchased off Gavelhouse in 2020 for just $600. “I had a mate, Johnny Orr, who rang me up and said that I should be buying No Excuse Needed mares to go to Contributer,” he said. “Johnny is a client and a pedigree buff who has mares with me, he’s from the South Island and was on my case and kept saying buy No Excuse Needed mares.” Big Dreamer was a five-time winner and showed her quality with placings in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) and the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m). She was trained by Paul Mirabelli, who secured He’s Lucid’s brother for $20,000 at Karaka earlier this year and as Shoma produced a tidy debut performance to finish fourth at Ellerslie on Saturday. Big Dreamer is due to foal to Profondo and will then make a return visit to the Group One-winning son of Deep Impact. View the full article

What Grafton Races Where Clarence River Jockey Club – Powell St, Grafton NSW 2460 When Tuesday, October 29, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Grafton on Tuesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. The rail is out +3m the entire circuit, and with some scattered showers forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect the surface to fall somewhere in the Soft range for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm local time. Best Bet at Grafton: Written Fame The Matthew Dunn-trained Written Fame has proven to be a model of consistency this preparation, with four starts for a win and two more minor placings to his name. The son of Winning Rupert is always figuring in the finish, and punters can expect that continue as he gets back on firmer going for the first time since resuming on July 26. He’s well-weighted after the 3kg claim of Claire Ramsbotham, and with barrier two allowing Written Fame to stalk his rivals from the one-one, this guy should prove hard to hold out in the opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Written Fame (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Claire Ramsbotham (a3kg) (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Grafton: My Mum’s Toyboy After having his first test at metro company at Doomben on October 5, My Mum’s Toyboy looks well-suited dropping back to country grade. The four-year-old gelding has had four consecutive runs between the 1100m-1200m to start the preparation and looks ready for a step-up in trip, which is exactly what he gets in this BM66 contest. He boasts two wins across his three starts at Grafton, and provided he can lob into a handy position from barrier eight, punters can expect My Mum’s Toyboy to add to his tally. Next Best Race 8 – #1 My Mum’s Toy Boy (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Brett Dodson | J: Claire Ramsbotham (a3kg) (63kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Grafton: Righteous Brother Righteous Brother looks too big a price with horse racing bookmakers heading into this third-up assignment. The Rubick gelding hit the line well over 1300m at Ballina on October 6, and although he got his chance, the four-year-old appeared to hit a flat spot in a slowly run affair. The extra 100m should be ideal, and although he may be getting back from barrier 11, the $41.00 available seems too big for a horse on the brink of his maiden victory. Best Value Race 7 – #3 Righteous Brother (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Stephen Bennett | J: Jon Grisedale (59kg) Bet with Dabble Tuesday quaddie tips for Grafton Grafton quadrella selections October 29, 2024 2-6-7 3-4-5-7 2-3-4-11-13 1-2-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Photo: Nicole Troost The spate of bad luck with New Zealand tracks continued at Te Rapa on Monday, with the abandonment of racing at the Hamilton venue following several slips. Jockey Sam Weatherley reported his mount, Ess Vee Are, had slipped prior to entering the straight before going on to win the opening race of the card, while Joe Doyle and Warren Kennedy reported that their horses, Oppenheimer and Sabrina Hall, had also slipped in race three, resulting in a decision to abandon the meeting. “We had the report from Sam Weatherley following race one regarding his horse moving around the final bend. An inspection was carried out following that race and all parties were happy to continue on,” stipendiary steward Brady Jones said. “Prior to race three we had a brief shower of rain and we had reports from Joe Doyle and Warren Kennedy that both of their horses had moved rounding that final bend, probably from the 500m right through to the 400m, and they felt their mounts were shifting. “We conducted a further inspection following that and found little pieces of movement, nothing glaringly obvious. The riders went back and had a meeting amongst themselves, and they reported to stewards that they didn’t have the confidence in the track to ride competitively on it, so the meeting has been abandoned.” Te Rapa had recently been the saviour of the Livamol Classic Day, which was transferred to the track after Hastings was deemed unsuitable for racing following the abandonment of the Arrowfield Stud Plate Day, and its subsequent transfer to Matamata. A date has yet to be confirmed for the transfer of the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), which was set to take place at Te Rapa on Monday, with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing to make an announcement in due course. Horse racing news View the full article

After receiving windburn from Via Sistina in the Cox Plate, champion jockey Jamie Kah winced at Flemington on Monday before letting out a nervous laugh when asked if she would be concerned if the superstar mare started in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Dexter Dunn’s incredible year in North America has just gone next level. The 10-time former Kiwi champion set a new Breeders Crown record at the Meadowlands in New Jersey over the weekend and in the process become the first driver in North America to win more than $15m in 2024. Over the weekend Dunn was at his best in the Breeders Crown series. There were 12 races at The Big M with Dunn taking out half of them. That beat the previous record of five set by David Miller at Woodbine in Toronto in 2015. He started with two wins on Friday before four more on Saturday, including the $400,000 Mare Pace with Twin B Joe Fresh in 1:49, a horse Dunn part owns along with trainer and fellow ex-pat Kiwi Chris Ryder. Twin B Joe Fresh has won 10 from 12 starts this year and is ranked the top horse in the USA. “It’s a thrill,” Dunn told the US Trotting Association, “not in my wildest dreams did I think that this weekend would happen when I moved over here. I’ve had so much support, so many good horses to drive. It’s just been a great ride.” Dunn, a four-time US Driver of the Year, has now won 21 Breeders Crown events. Dexter Dunn’s Breeders Crown wins at the Meadowlands, October 25 and 26 : Miki and Minnie (2YO female pacer) Maryland (2YO male trotter) My Girl EJ (3YO female pacer) Mirage Hanover (3YO male pacer) Winner’s Bet (4YO male trotter) Twin B Joe Fresh (4YO female pacer) In terms of winners Dunn’s 283 this year puts him 23rd over all, with Aaron Merriman at the top with 700 wins for the year! But in the money stakes Dunn is way out front. Dunn, who moved to the US in 2018, is the highest earning driver in North America this year with stakes of $15,030,026. He has accrued nearly $2m more than his closest rival, Yannick Gingras ($13.1m). Dexter Dunn’s stats for 2024 : Starts : 1295 Wins : 283 Placings : 370 Earnings : $US15,030,026 UDRS (strike-rate) : 0.346 View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Awesome young trotting filly Keayang Zahara overcame a tricky draw to stretch her unbeaten record to 11 wins in Sunday’s $75,000 Group 1 Victoria Trotters’ Derby (2690m). It capped her preparation for a New Zealand trip where the first target will be the inaugural $500,000 The Velocity at Addington Raceway’s Show Day Twilight races on November 15. Five of Keayang Zahara’s wins have been at Group 1 level and she only started racing in April. The daughter of Volstead drew inside the back row, but driver Jason Lee quickly extricated her and made a move from midfield to take the lead with a lap to the run. She cruised to victory without being extended. If things go to plan in The Velocity, Keayang Zahara is likely to stay in Christchurch for the NZ Trotting Oaks and Trotting Derby. X X X Champion trotter Just Believe will head to New Zealand on Tuesday in peak form. The rising nine-year-old cruised to victory and ran slick time winning Sunday’s $30,000 Maryborough Gold Trotters’ Cup. His 2min0.6sec mile rate was just 1.7sec outside Cravache Dor’s track record and driver Greg Sugars never let the champ go. Just Believe strolled home by 6.5m over Parisian Artiste with Mufasa Metro third. Classy mare Queen Elida galloped before the start and lost all hope. Just Believe has won 19 of his 21 starts since returning home late last year from a Swedish campaign. Four of those wins came in NZ, including the TAB Trot and Rowe Cup, earlier this year. X X X The New Zealand flavour ran deep at Maryborough’s biggest day. Former Kiwi father-and-son, Richard and Emmett Brosnan, combined to win the $75,000 Group 1 Redwood Classic with Vytis. The two-year-old son of Volstead led early, took a trial and used the sprint lane with Emmett Brosnan aboard to beat favourite Gatesys Gem by 3.6m in a 2min1.6sec mile rate for the 2190m standing start. It was only Vytis’ second win, but he has been one of Australia’s top juvenile trotters with five second placings, two of them in feature races. X X X Former Kiwi gelding Mister Smartee looks the horse to give champion trainer Gary Hall Sr a staggering 14th win in Western Australia’s biggest race. The four-year-old son of Always B Miki firmed to $2.30 favourite for the $450,000 Group 1 WA Pacing Cup when he cruised to another feature win at Gloucester Park last Friday night. It was his 13th win from just 15 starts and revealed another terrific weapon. Driver Gary Hall Jr timed his run at the mobile gate to perfection from gate two and was able to win a vital early burn for the lead from one of WA’s fastest beginners, Pinny Tiger. Once in front, Hall Jr turned the race in a dawdle with a 63.3sec middle half before ripping home in 55.2 and 27sec flat. It was a Hall Sr quinella with the Stewie McDonald-driven Jumpingjackmac finishing second after making an early move to sit outside the stablemate, while Mighty Ronaldo was third after trailing the leader. Pinny Tiger’s effort to finish fourth after the early burn and galloping briefly was also terrific. The X factor for the WA Cup with former Victorian poster pacer Captain Ravishing, who is in Perth and will open his campaign with a lead-up run at Gloucester Park next Friday night. The WA Pacing Cup is on Friday week. X X X Leap To Fame was Grant Dixon’s most important Menangle winner on Saturday night, but certainly not his biggest. The champion Queensland horseman snared two Group 1 NSW Breeders Challenge final wins on the card, too. First came outstanding juvenile Fate Awaits, who returned to his best form at the right time to brilliantly win the $150,000 2YO colts and geldings final in a slick 1min50sec mile. It was the son of Always B Miki’s fifth win from nine starts and he’s banked $394,832. After defeats in his heat and semi-final, some doubted Fate Awaits, but he made the most of gate one to sit behind the leader and stablemate Path To Greatness before getting clear and pacing a 55.2sec last half to win by 5.1m over Sanchez. Just 30 minutes later, Dixon trained and drove Sweet Lou gelding Air Express to cause a minor upset in the 3YO colts and geldings final. Dixon used gate one to lead, while favourite War Dan Buddy sat one-one, but Air Express dictated terms and zipped home in 26.9sec to win by 2.3m over the favourite in a steady 1min51.7sec mile. Leap To Fame won the NSW Breeders 3YO final in 2022. The other star of Menangle was classy pacer Captains Knock, who smashed the clock winning the $50,000 Group 3 NSW Breeders Challenge 4YO final. Trained and driven by Brad Hewitt, Captains Knock posted a scorching 1min48.4sec mile and 53.9sec last half to win by 16.2m. On the same card, the much travelled and classy trotter Aldebaran Zeus cruised to victory in a 1min54.4sec mile. And star mare Eye Keep Smiling won a stirring duel with Ludacrous to win the 4YO Mares’ Breeders Challenge final by a nose in a 1min51.4sec mile. X X X What an old marvel former classy Kiwi pacer Triple Eight is. The rising 10-year-old posted his 27th win from 147 starts when scored an upset victory in the Argent free-for-all at Melton. The race was supposed to be a “warm-up” win for stablemate, Auckland Cup winner Better Eclipse, but he tired after doing the work outside the leader to finish fifth in a slick 1min53.2sec mile rate for 2240m. The other Melton feature saw talented two-year-old Hesitate return to form with a sparkling win in the Tatlow Stakes for colts and geldings, X X X Victorians dominated the feature races at South Australia’s biggest meeting on Saturday night. The Sam Barker-trained Ultimate Vinnie beat fellow Victorian Hector in a hotly-contested $60,000 SA Pacing Cup final. Ultimate Vinnie’s driver Allan McDonough also won the $30,000 SA Derby aboard the Emma Stewart-trained Meteor Moth. While Michael Bellman trained-and-drove Jazspur to an easy win in the $40,000 SA Trotters’ Cup. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Nothing went right for Smoke On The Water in the Tuapeka Lodge Tuapeka Cup except his winning result. The Canterbury pacer made a successful southern raid when digging in bravely to win after sitting parked for much of the Ascot Park feature. Smoke On The Water’s victory was a family affair with Matthew Williamson doing the driving for his brother-in-law Matt Purvis. The pacer is also raced by Williamson’s father-in-law John Purvis, alongside Graeme McMaster and David Lawn. While hopeful he had earned the position of favourite in-law in the Purvis family, Williamson admitted he isn’t banking on getting any special Christmas presents just yet. “I’ll be the favourite after that win, but it doesn’t take me long to fall off the perch,” the reinsman quipped. “But I am absolutely rapt to get the win for them, John is a big breeder and he has put a lot into the game and it is great to see him with a lovely horse, winning a nice race.” “Matt is doing a great job with his team, too.” Williamson was given what was supposed to be a vital instruction from before the Tuapeka Cup – avoid sitting parked. But the reinsman had no option but to do exactly that when he risked being pocketed on the markers. In the end, it was the right move and Smoke On The Water overcame sitting in a position he’s not a fan of in great style. “Matt said one thing – don’t end up parked – but he was just too strong for them that last 100m, just too gutsy,” Williamson said. Smoke On The Water has raced in strong company throughout the spring, making appearances in several New Zealand Cup lead-up events, running strong races. “John was telling me his sectionals have been sensational at Addington,” Williamson said. “When you get back at Addington and come wide it is so hard, but he has been going really good on the clock.” “He is a lovely horse to drive.” Williamson wrapped up Tuapeka Cup Day in the best possible style, winning its last three races. The Oamaru horseman trained Flying Bird to win Sunday’s penultimate event with Kerryn Tomlinson weaving a winning passage for the mare to score a penalty-free victory. Williamson was back in the winner’s seat to take out the Tuapeka Cup Day finale with Terra Sancta, who put two frustrating recent performances behind her with a dominant front-running victory. View the full article

Racing Victoria Head of Handicapping, David Hegan, has announced that Friday night’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) winner Okita Soushi has received a 1kg penalty in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). The Ciaron Maher-trained import, who will be ridden by Jamie Kah in the Melbourne Cup, has been lifted from his original weight of 50kg to 51kg. It is 0.5kg less than the horse carried to 11th place in the 2023 Melbourne Cup when trained by Joseph O’Brien. Hegan explained: “Okita Soushi enjoyed the strongly run Moonee Valley Gold Cup and produced a sustained run to take control of the race at the turn before holding off the fast-finishing Serpentine who is not in the Melbourne Cup. “Under the set weights and penalty conditions of the Moonee Valley Gold Cup Okita Soushi carried the minimum weight, but the commanding nature of the win and his performance rating dictates a penalty must be allocated. “The 1kg penalty is all about where it takes Okita Soushi in the weights order relative to those who he’s competing against. Friday night’s third placegetter Sharp ‘n’ Smart will receive a 1.5kg swing to his advantage in the Melbourne Cup as a result.” CLICK HERE FOR THE 2024 MELBOURNE CUP ORDER OF ENTRY The penalty issued to Okita Soushi is 0.5kg more than that afforded to last year’s Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Cleveland, with the previous two winners not entered in the Melbourne Cup. The last Moonee Valley Gold Cup winners to receive a 1kg penalty were Precedence in 2013 and Vatuvei in 2012. Third acceptances for the Melbourne Cup were taken at 10am (AEDT) on Monday. A total of 35 horses remain in contention, with final acceptances to be taken at 4.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday, November 2. The Melbourne Cup Order of Entry has been updated following third acceptances, with Okita Soushi moving to 17th position following his penalty. Horse racing news View the full article

Stan Tsaikos, a well-known jockey in Victoria and Tasmania, continues to boot home the winners in the Northern Territory. (Brendan McCarthy/Racing Photos) He earned the wraith of the stewards a few weeks ago when he missed three NT meetings through suspension, but Stan Tsaikos starred in the saddle at Alice Springs on Sunday. Tsaikos ended the day with a winning treble after guiding Terry Gillett’s stablemates Brat and Floral Code home, as well as Barry Cooke’s Chief White Sock. With seven wins for the season, Tsaikos now leads the Alice Springs and Provincial jockeys’ premiership. Tsaikos, Paul Denton, Sonja Logan and apprentice Hannah Le Blanc had previously shared the lead with four wins. Brat, a six-year-old gelding by Reward For Effort, boasts a decent record in the Red Centre, and although his form can fluctuate at times, he proved too good for his rivals in open company over 1100m. A last start sixth at 0-70 level over 1100m three weeks ago after returning from a four-month spell, Brat – starting at $11 with horse racing bookmakers – settled third before winding up in the home straight prevailing by just under a length. Ray Viney’s Kickatorp and Dan Morgan’s Boy Big rocketed home from the back of the pack to fill the minor placings. Floral Code, a four-year-old gelding by Encryption, got to an early lead over 1100m at a Class 2 level before edging clear at the 600m to eventually overcome stablemate Little Ditty and Viney’s Beep Test by five lengths. For the $1.75 favourite with Marantelli Bet, it was his first win after two seconds from four starts since debuting in June after arriving from Queensland. Chief White Sock, a five-year-old gelding, debuted in Alice Springs in May and failed to make an impression in three starts at Pioneer Park and on Tennant Creek Cup Day. Two weeks ago, the son of Headwater finished second behind Greg Connor’s in-form Quanapirri Bay over 1000m at 0-58 level, but on Sunday the former NSW galloper outclassed his BM54 opponents over 1000m. Starting at $5.50, Chief White Sock was leading by the 800m and was never headed when downing Morgan’s $3.40 favourite Arrogant Miss and Quanapirri Bay by 3.3 lengths. For Cooke, it was his first win since Jewel Roca saluted on February 25. Horse racing news View the full article

It was the first stakes race—and win—for Watchtower, the first graded stakes win for her sire Demarchelier (GB), and the first graded stakes win for jockey Diego Herrera. View the full article

Multiple Group 1 winner 'TDN Rising Star' City of Troy (Justify) was the first horse into the quarantine barn from the 11-horse Saturday evening ship-in for Ballydoyle at Del Mar, as per a Breeders' Cup release, which references information from the International Racing Bureau. The Aidan O'Brien-trained star is scheduled to make a first appearance on track Tuesday morning. Many of the European horses used the weighing scale in the quarantine barn and connections are reporting positive prognoses for their runners. The arrivals will remain in quarantine until Monday afternoon and most are expected to be on track Tuesday. Many owners and trainers will begin arriving at Del Mar after the weekend with the master of Ballydoyle himself scheduled to land Monday evening ahead of overseeing his several-strong team Tuesday. Among those still waiting to clear quarantine is Charlie Appleby-trained multiple Group 1 winner Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The European Classic hero comes into the GI Breeders' Cup Mile as a looming figure to accompany his trainer's 50% World Championship win rate en route to attempting a four-peat in the Mile. “If he ticks all the boxes this week and gets a good draw, he's going to be dangerous,” Appleby said. “That's a word that I use and that's a word that's been documented, but I can't get away from it. He's a Guineas winner, he's a Sussex winner and he's probably one of the most high-profile horses to ever turn up at a Breeders' Cup Mile in what he's achieved in his 3-year-old career. He deserves to be favorite, in my opinion, and has produced a tremendous turn-of-foot in his Group 1 wins.” Charlie Appleby runners are among several European hopefuls awaiting release from quarantine | Benoit Appleby continued, “He's traveled well today to California, so the next few hours will be crucial to see how he's adapted to it all. I'm pleased with his training. He had a racecourse gallop last week and I was delighted with it. He came out in good order and then on Thursday, he worked really well before he jumped on the plane. If you have a good draw, you ideally want a nice run around there and to be able to pounce. He travels so well in his races and we've always had this in the back of our minds that the Breeders' Cup would suit him.” After her Saturday morning work was cancelled due to fog, Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), who is pre-entered for the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, was able to get one in Sunday morning on the turf. She was clocked going three furlongs over firm going in :39.60. Charles Eddery was in the saddle and was very happy with the work. “Soprano has done everything right since landing in Del Mar,” Eddery said. “We were hoping to go on the turf yesterday but unfortunately the mist meant we had to wait until today. She felt in good shape this morning and I'm very happy with her.” Domestic Hopefuls Go Through Their Paces Didia was out on track this morning at Del Mar | Jon Durr/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup The American-based hopefuls were out Sunday morning as well with MG1SW-Arg & GISW Didia (Arg) (Orpen) working four furlongs in :50.80 over the main track with Geovanni Vences in the irons for trainer Ignacio Correas IV, who also sent out GSW Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke) to a four panel work in :47.80. Multiple Grade I-winner War Like Goddess (English Channel) worked four furlongs on the dirt in :48.60 under assistant trainer Neil Poznansky for Bill Mott. “She is the same now as she was three years ago. Her workout today was as good as her best workout,” said owner George Krikorian. “She is right on the top of her game and she has not regressed at all. She has done everything you could expect and more. She has been a gift and I'm grateful to have her.” “She is 7 and we are keeping our options open [for racing next year]. We have not made a decision yet.” Likewise for Mott, MGSW & MGISP 'TDN Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit) also worked four panels with Poznansky in the irons in :50.80 while GSW Scythian (Tiz the Law) went four furlongs on the turf in :49.40. From the Steve Asmussen barn, MGSW & GISP Skelly (Practical Joke) went three furlongs in :38.80; MGISW Society (Gun Runner) also went three in :36.40 as did GSW Zeitlos (Curlin), who clocked in at :36.80. The post City of Troy Leads Ballydoyle Ship-Ins to Del Mar, Domestic Runners Go Through Paces appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup Notebook: works and activity reports from across the country.View the full article

The Hastings backstretch community is in mourning this week, following news of the untimely passing of this year's leading owner, Dairen Edwards, who has died suddenly at the age of just 59.View the full article

One week before sending out one of the favorites in both dirt Breeders' Cup juvenile races, Godolphin swept the Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps held at Churchill Downs Oct. 27 with Sovereignty and Good Cheer.View the full article

Tasracing has announced that the Hobart and Launceston Cups will see a prize money reduction, reverting to their pre-COVID level of $250,000. This move redirects $100,000 into the Tasbred bonus scheme, a boost aimed at supporting grassroots racing initiatives across the state. The changes, effective from November 1, come as part of the 2024/25 Code Funding Allocation, established in partnership with the Thoroughbred Advisory Network. The reshuffle is expected to balance investment between marquee events and local racing development. Alongside the prize adjustment, Tasracing has revealed a 2.5% increase in overall prizemoney for Thoroughbreds, now totaling $20,397,045 for the year. Trainers will also see additional support, with their Workers Compensation subsidy rising from three to four percent, while jockeys benefit from an increase in Riding Fees, up from $225 to $230 per race ride. The changes to the Hobart Cup and Launceston Cups have received strong support from Tasbreeders and the Australian Trainers Association (Tas). TasRacing also announced some changes to harness racing funding in the state, with these including base stakes for secondary meetings being raised to $8,000 permanently. The funding for harness racing will also include prize money increases for three country cups, the North Eastern Pacing Club Cup, Burnie Cup and Carrick Cup, with these lifted to $20,000. They also confirmed funding increases for two selected 2-year-old races and the continuation of the Dynamo Sprint Series. New Tasmanian racing base prize money levels /h3> CL1 increased from $25,000 to $26,000 CL2 increased from $25,000 to $27,000 CL3 increased from $27,000 to $28,000 CL4 increased from $27,000 to $29,000 CL5 increased from $27,000 to $30,000 BM72 and greater increased from $27,000 to $30,000 Age MDN increased from $27,000 to $30,000 Age HCP increased from $30,000 to $35,000 BM62 and less decreased from $25,000 to $20,000 0-66 and less decreased from $25,000 to $20,000 Horse racing news View the full article

With a strong turn of foot late in the game, Watchtower (Demarchelier (GB)–Zloty, by Exchange Rate) won the GIII Autumn Miss Stakes at Santa Anita, and in the process handed her second-crop sire his first black-type score. An 8-1 shot here, the 3-year-old filly waited until the top of the lane to do her best running. Flashing speed after getting clear with a furlong left, Watchtower rolled late and caught favorite Medoro (Honor Code) just before the wire. The final running time was 1:34.35. Demarchelier has 99 foals of racing age. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-1. Sales History: KEEAPR '24 $310,000. O-Abbondanza Racing, LLC, Aldabbagh, Omar and Iavarone, Michael; B-White Birch Farm; T-Richard Baltas. #10 WATCHTOWER ($19.80) gets her nose down to win the $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes at @santaanitapark. The three-year-old Demarchelier (@ClaiborneFarm) filly gets her first stakes victory for trainer @TeamBaltas under jockey @JockeyHerrera. pic.twitter.com/FI8BsvkHl4 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 27, 2024 The post Watchtower Drops The Hammer Late To Give Sire Demarchelier His First Stakes Winner In GIII Autumn Miss appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Via Sistina could attempt the Cox Plate-Melbourne Cup double. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Cox Plate sensation Via Sistina has soared to the top of Melbourne Cup betting markets, claiming outright favouritism despite her connections yet to confirm her spot in the race that stops the nation. Via Sistina is now paying $5.50 to win the Melbourne Cup after Ladbrokes shaved her in from $22 following the dominant performance in the Cox Plate on Saturday. But connections are yet to confirm whether Via Sistina will contest the 3200m feature, with some queries surrounding whether she can go the distance. Yulong Investments’ general manager Vin Cox, who purchased Via Sistina for $5.5 million last December, said they would “let the dust settle” before making any decisions on a potential Melbourne Cup run. “We’re not going to rule anything out at this stage … we’re just going to enjoy the moment,” Cox said post-race. After the stunning victory at Moonee Valley on Saturday, the Chris Waller-trained mare appears primed for Flemington’s gruelling 3,200m test on November 5. Via Sistina smashed Winx’s race record in the 2,040m Group 1 Cox Plate, crossing the line a remarkable eight lengths ahead of pre-race favourite Prognosis. The seven-year-old, who jumped as the third favourite, could now attempt to emulate the great Makybe Diva, who won the Cox Plate-Melbourne Cup double in 2005. Via Sistina would become just sixth horse in history to achieve the feat, with these including Nightmarch (1929), Phar Lap (1930), Rising Fast (1954), and Saintly (1996). Jockey James McDonald, celebrating his 100th Group 1 victory with this Cox Plate win, was full of admiration for the mare’s dominant performance. “She won like Winx … it was just a phenomenal performance,” McDonald said post-race. This marks McDonald’s third consecutive Cox Plate triumph, following wins with Romantic Warrior last year and Anamoe in 2022. The road to victory wasn’t without drama; just four days prior, Via Sistina threw McDonald during trackwork, putting her Cox Plate run in doubt and forcing Waller to quickly re-evaluate her preparation. Via Sistina sits ahead of Buckaroo ($7.50) and Jan Brueghel ($7.50) in Melbourne Cup betting, while Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator ($8) and Vauban ($10) are also receiving some hype. Horse racing news View the full article

Tuned up for a big first out performance and well-supported at the windows by the betting public, it was Cipriani (Bernardini–Salamera, by Successful Appeal) who burned a trail home to graduate at the 'Great RIP' on Sunday afternoon. The $875,000 OBS March grad was shuffled back after the break, but she got down to business by the time the top of the lane arrived. Running up the score, the filly was home by at least 15 lengths in the end. American Blessing (American Pharoah) was second. The final running time was 1:18.68. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: OBSMAR 2yo $875,000. O-Speedway Stables LLC; B-EICO Ventures; T-Bob Baffert. #1 CIPRIANI ($2.60) impresses in her career debut, winning the 6th race at @santaanitapark with ease. @JJHernandezS19 was aboard the two-year-old Bernardini filly for trainer @BobBaffert. pic.twitter.com/OQ9YEOHMzl — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 27, 2024 The post Cipriani Speeds Her Way To ‘TDN Rising Stardom’ After Blowout Debut At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With Kentucky Derby points up for grabs on Sunday, it was Sovereighty (Into Mischief–Crowned, by Bernardini) who took home 10 points on the road to May by kicking home strongly in the GIII Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sunday. The homebred at odds of 7-5 was dead last into the first turn and through the backstretch. However, tipping to the outside around the far turn and coming with a run down the center of the course the juvenile began to gain on the leaders. Looking every bit a winner, Sovereighty scored by five lengths in geared down fashion. Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) was second and garnered five Derby points. The final running time was 1:43.86. Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Bill Mott. Sovereignty goes from last to first in the G3 Street Sense and picks up 10 #KentuckyDerby points! pic.twitter.com/gQVsGcm2Uh — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 27, 2024 The post Top Derby Points Go To Into Mischief’s Sovereighty In The Street Sense Stakes Under Twin Spires appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a strong stride down the lane in front of the historic Twin Spires, it was Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) who took home her first black-type score on Sunday afternoon. A heavy favorite as the gate opened, the juvenile did not have the best of starts, but heading into the first turn she was hardly out of it. Claire's Charm (Violence) continued to set the pace up the backstretch, but Good Cheer started to ramp up the pressure around the far turn. Scampering down the lane, the homebred grabbed the lead and never looked back as she won by four lengths. Good Cheer broke her maiden by 8 1/4 lengths at Horsehoe Indy in early August and then cleared the allowance condition by 17 lengths in Louisville at the end of September. The final running time was 1:44.00. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad Cox. GOOD CHEER ($3.48) earned points towards a start in the 2025 Kentucky Oaks with her win in the $200,000 Rags to Riches Stakes at @ChurchillDowns. @bradcoxracing trained the daughter of @DarleyAmerica's Medaglia d'Oro. @luissaezpty was on board for owners @godolphin. pic.twitter.com/C4ohfCPTab — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 27, 2024 The post Good Cheer Stays Perfect In Rags To Riches Stakes At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Meanwhile, it took the Joseph O'Brien-trained odds-on favorite a long time to finally get on top of Green Storm, who led from the start and was only just run out of it inside the final furlong. View the full article

Double Major defeated the Cadran runner-up Trueshan and Sevenna's Knight in the group 1 Prix Royal-Oak Oct. 27. View the full article

GI Breeders' Cup Classic contender 'TDN Rising Star' GISW Newgate (Into Mischief), along with three other horses pre-entered in this weekend's championships at Del Mar, worked Sunday morning at Santa Anita. Firing his second bullet in a row going five furlongs, this time in :58.80, the Bob Baffert-trainee shared the top ranking on the morning with John Sadler runner GSP-Arg & GISP Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast). In the Classic, Newgate will be making his second start since returning from a six-month layoff after a ninth-place finish in the G1 Dubai World Cup. He was last seen running third in the GI California Crown Stakes. Full Serrano is an Argentinian import turned Grade I-placed runner in North America after he came within a half-length of winning the GI Pacific Classic Stakes in just his second U.S. start for Hronis Racing. He is pre-entered in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. MyRacehorse's MGSW Straight No Chaser (Speightster) went to the track for Dan Blacker, working four furlongs in :47.20 (2/62). Pre-entered in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, he was last seen exiting a stylish 6 1/2-length win in the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship. Rounding out the Breeders' Cup workers was MGSW & GISP Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile), who is an also-eligible for the GI Breeders' Cup Turf but expected to get in. Trained by George Papaprodromou, he worked five furlongs in :59.80, the sixth fastest on the morning. The post-position draw for the Breeders' Cup is Monday, Oct. 28 at 4:00 p.m. PT, and will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV. The post Newgate Among Four Breeders’ Cup Contenders on Santa Anita Tab appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article