Wandering Eyes

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Trent Busuttin will treat Emphasize’s (NZ) (Embellish) last-start effort in the Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield as a complete forget run as the plan to get him to the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) next month remains. The stable could have two runners in the race with the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) runner-up Thedoctoroflove (So You Think) also likely to head to that race at Randwick on April 5. Busuttin said Emphasize will have his next start in the Gr.2 Alister Clarke Stakes (2040m) at The Valley on March 22 and he expects him to return to his best. The co-trainer said Emphasize’s last-start fourth in the Autumn Stakes behind Shanwah (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) at Caulfield had to be forgiven. “He’s always been a horse in his work and in his trials that’s had the tendency to grab the bridle and he took hold of Craig (Williams) as he saw clear air early in the race and he started charging,” Busuttin said. “We’ve always been mindful of this habit and we’ve tried to get cover, which is what he needs otherwise when he sees clear air he charges into the bridle.” “The race was over for him with 1200m to run as he was charging into the bridle.” “The effort to finish where he did was solid enough.” Busuttin said the lightly raced galloper had won his previous two previous starts as he managed to get cover in the run. “He will head to the Alister Clarke Stakes and we’ll make sure he gets cover and he’ll turn it around quickly,” he said. View the full article

The beaten Blue Diamond Stakes favourite Field Of Play (Deep Field) will continue his racing career in Hong Kong. Co-trainer Trent Busuttin confirmed on Monday the Blue Diamond Prelude winner was going into quarantine ahead of his flight to his new base in Hong Kong instead of heading up to Sydney for a potential tilt at the Golden Slipper Stakes. “We’d like to have him around, but when they are owned in Hong Kong it’s always on the cards one way or the other,” Busuttin said. “It looked like we might get to Sydney, but the owner decided to go up to Hong Kong. He’s a very good horse and he’ll go well there.” It is understood Field Of Play will be trained in Hong Kong by Ciaron Maher’s former training partner Dave Eustace. Field Of Play won his first two races at Moonee Valley and then in the Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield, where he beat the ultimate Blue Diamond winner Devil Night (Extreme Choice). Connections paid a $55,000 late entry fee for him to race in the Blue Diamond, where he finished sixth as the $4 favourite after failing to cope with the hot conditions. “On the day, he just couldn’t cope with the heat,” Busuttin said. “He was beautiful and relaxed when I saddled him up, but as soon as he got out in the sun and the heat and away from the fans set up in the stables, he was really sweating, and he was like he’d already run his race.” The Blue Diamond form looks the strongest juvenile form of the season, with the runner-up Tentyris (Street Boss) since winning Gr.2 Todman Stakes (1200m) in a race where the third horse from the Diamond in Tycoon Star, ran a close-up fourth in his Sydney debut. Field Of Play is by three-time champion Hong Kong sire Deep Field and out of a winning I Am Invincible mare. He was sold by Nick and Nicky White’s Kaha Nui Farm in Book 1 of Karaka 2024, where he was knocked down to Jamie Richards and Andrew Williams Bloodstock for $500,000. View the full article

Hours after Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) dazzled in the $3.5m NZB Kiwi (1500m) and Jedibeel (NZ) (Savabeel) won Sydney’s Group Two Challenge Stakes (1000m), the A$150,000 Listed Swan Draught Bunbury Cup (2019m) produced Saturday’s third stakes-winning Karaka graduate by Savabeel. Captain Pluto (NZ) (Savabeel) was offered by Rich Hill Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2021, where he failed to meet his $150,000 reserve. He has now earned A$358,765 from a 25-race career that has produced six wins and 10 placings. Captain Pluto went into Saturday’s Bunbury Cup with admirably consistent form this preparation. His eight starts this season had produced two wins, two seconds and three thirds, all over distances ranging from 1400 to 1600 metres. On Saturday he stepped up to a middle-distance for the first time in 12 months, and his stamina and quality shone through. Jockey William Pike settled Captain Pluto in midfield and had him travelling sweetly all the way. Pike pushed the button at the top of the straight and Captain Pluto quickly burst into contention, surging to the front and pulling away to win by just over a length. “He’d previously run a lot of good races for me without quite getting a win on the board,” Pike said. “This is nice and rewarding, and the horse really deserved that win. I was glad to get the ride right today, after a bit of trial and error. “He travelled really well the whole way today and I was following the right horses. I was always happy. When I clicked him up around the 600, he really hit the bridle hard. I made sure I popped him into the clear nice and early. He was filling me with a lot of confidence. “He could very well be a Perth Cup (Group Two, 2400m) horse. He’s getting up in distance now and he’s in his element. Once they start getting up over these staying trips, you never really know where they’ll end up.” Captain Pluto is trained by Grant and Alana Williams for breeders Ultra Thoroughbreds, who share ownership with Ms S J Leury. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Matron Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1600m The Matron Stakes is a Group 3 race for fillies and mares, run over 1600m under set weights and penalties at Flemington by the Victoria Racing Club. Introduced in 1994, the Matron Stakes was a Listed race until 2005 before gaining Group 3 status in 2006. The 2024 Matron Stakes, worth $200,000, was won by Eternal Flame, defeating Running By and Foxy Cleopatra. Notable past winners include Response, Noble Protector, Flying Mascot, and Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) winner Pinker Pinker (2011). 2025 Matron Stakes betting odds Eternal Flame ridden by Damian Lane winning the 2024 Matron Stakes. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Odds for the Matron Stakes as of March 5 – Courtesy of Neds Molly Bloom Win $5.00 Place $1.95 Smokin’ Princess Win $5.00 Place $1.95 Miraval Rose Win $5.50 Place $2.05 Wrote To Arataki Win $6.00 Place $2.20 So Glamorous Win $8.50 Place $2.70 Jennilala Win $9.00 Place $2.90 Wishlor Lass Win $10.00 Place $3.10 Alma Rise Win $17.00 Place $4.50 Eternal Flame Win $31.00 Place $7.00 Charisse Win $31.00 Place $7.00 Fearless Writer Win $46.00 Place $9.50 Bon Mistress Win $51.00 Place $10.00 How to bet on the Matron Stakes All of the trusted betting sites listed below offer markets on the Matron Stakes, including all-in and fixed-odds options. Due to the popularity of betting on marquee races in Melbourne, horse racing bookmakers frame markets as early as possible as soon as nominations are in for the Matron Stakes. The top online bookmakers for Matron Stakes betting include: Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! 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What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Matron Stakes News Jennilala returns with strong victory in Matron Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 days ago Jennilala has kicked off her career under new trainer Gavin Bedggood in the best possible way by taking out the … Read More Flemington free race replays & results | All-Star Mile Day 2025 Australia horse racing news 2 days ago Check out the full race replays, results and exotic dividends for All-Star Mile Day 2025 at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, … Read More Flemington race-by-race tips & quaddie | All-Star Mile Day 2025 Horse Racing Tips 4 days ago A massive 10-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington for All-Star Mile Day 2025 on Saturday, March 8. Check out HorseBetting’s … Read More Eternal Flame edges clear to claim Group 3 Matron Stakes Australia horse racing news 1 year ago Mick Kent and Damian Lane have combined with Eternal Flame to take out the Group 3 Matron Stakes on Newmarket … Read More Sirileo Miss leads from start to finish in Group 3 Matron Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Ben Melham and Simon Wilde have combined with Sirileo Miss to take out the Group 2 Matron Stakes at Flemington … Read More Flemington full racing tips & quaddie | Newmarket Handicap Day Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Nine races are set down for decision on Saturday at Flemington for Newmarket Handicap Day, and HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents … Read More 2025 Matron Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Molly Bloom Chris Waller Damian Lane 9 58kg 2 Eternal Flame Michael Kent Daniel Stackhouse 11 58kg 3 Wrote To Arataki Matthew Williams Dean Yendall 6 57kg 4 Miraval Rose Grahame Begg Craig Williams 3 56kg 5 Wishlor Lass Symon Wilde Ms Jamie Melham 4 55kg 6 Jennilala Gavin Bedggood Craig Newitt 8 55kg 7 Smokin’ Princess Patrick & Michelle Payne Billy Egan 12 55kg 8 So Glamorous Grahame Begg Ethan Brown 1 55kg 9 Bon Mistress Ken & Kasey Keys Zac Spain 10 55kg 10 Fearless Writer Adrian McGregor Luke Currie 2 55kg 11 Alma Rise Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Jye McNeil 5 55kg 12 Charisse Gerard Moloney Patrick Moloney 7 55kg Previous Matron Stakes Fields 2024 Matron Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Foxy Frida Andrew Noblet Craig Williams 10 57kg 2 Rebel Rama Marc Conners Harry Coffey 7 55kg 3 Unusual Culture Ciaron Maher Jamie Kah 6 55kg 4 Rumbled Again Michael Trotter Ms Carleen Hefel 2 55kg 5 Running By Ciaron Maher John Allen 3 55kg 6 Foxy Cleopatra Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Blake Shinn 9 55kg 7 Belle Savoir Nick Ryan Luke Currie 8 55kg 8 Pioneer Lass Matthew Smith Jye McNeil 5 55kg 9 Arale Benjamin Smith Fred Kersley 1 55kg 10 Eternal Flame Michael Kent Damian Lane 11 55kg 11 Rivaport Grahame Begg Michael Dee 4 55kg 2024 Matron Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flemington-2024-Goup-3-Matron-Stakes-09032024-Eternal-Flame-Michale-Kent-Damian-Lane.mp4 1st – Eternal Flame (+320) 2nd – Running By (-125) 3rd – Foxy Cleopatra (-125) Recent runnings of the Matron Stakes: 2024: Eternal Flame finishes best Eternal Flame ($4.20) finally received some luck as she claimed the 2024 Group 3 Matron Stakes. Damian Lane gave the four-year-old mare a prefect ride from barrier nine, getting her into a nice spot behind the speed before allowing the daughter of Sacred Falls to work through her gears in the final 300m. After Running By ($4.80) took over from the tiring leader, the Mick Kent-trained mare starting to lay in slightly but when Lane switched the whip into his left hand, she straightened and let down with a very strong finish to win the 1600m contest. 2023: Sirileo Miss dominant from the front Sirileo Miss led from start to finish in the 2023 Group 3 Matron Stakes, bringing up the five-year-old mare’s third Group 3 victory. Ben Melham pushed Sirileo Miss out of barrier one to take the lead inside of Barb Raider, and he was able to control the pace and allow his mare to settle into a rhythm with little to no pressure from the second horse. As the field rounded the home turn, this daughter of Pride Of Dubai was still going strong, and as soon as Melham pushed the button, the mare kicked clear to put up two or three lengths, and the race was over by the 200m mark, as nothing was making ground from the back to cause the leader any concern. Sirileo Miss was a $12 outsider with online bookmakers, with the race favourites, including Barb Raider, Excelida, and So You See, no match for the winner. 2022: Flying Mascot a class above Race-favourite Flying Mascot was too good for them in the 2022 Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. The win came after the daughter of Tavistock was able to take out the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in his previous outing. Jockey Blaike McDougall was able to give his mount a nice run in behind the leaders before peeling out coming around the home turn ensuring the mare was able to keep her momentum going. Flying Mascot hit the front early in the straight to go on to score by two lengths Previous winners of the Matron Stakes Matron Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Eternal Flame Damian Lane Michael Kent 2023 Sirileo Miss Ben Melham Symon Wilde 2022 Flying Mascot Blaike McDougall Tom Dabernig 2021 Sovereign Award Damian Lane Danny O’Brien 2020 Paint The Town Two Jamie Kah Bevan Laming 2019 Spanish Reef Mark Zahra Ken Keys 2018 Spanish Reef Craig Williams Ken Keys 2017 Circular Joao Moreira John O’Shea 2016 Felicienne Harry Coffey Darren Weir 2015 Noble Protector Craig Williams Robert Smerdon 2014 Bonaria Michael Rodd Pat Hyland 2013 Bonaria Tim Clark Pat Hyland 2012 Spirit Song Ben Melham Aaron Purcell 2011 Pinker Pinker Dwayne Dunn Greg Eurell 2010 Response Craig Williams Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra 2009 Fifth Avenue Lady Damien Oliver Danny O’Brien 2008 Translate Craig Williams David Hayes 2007 Like It Is Damien Oliver Darren Weir 2006 Umber Craig Williams Kelvin Smith 2005 Uprize Greg Childs Lee Freedman 2004 Ruling Eyes Luke Currie Greg Eurell 2003 Lady Knockout Steven King Tony McEvoy 2002 La Zoffany Damien Oliver Danny O’Brien 2001 Lady Marion Brett Prebble Dean Lawson 2000 Dance The Night Michael Evans Daryl Brown Matron Stakes winners pre-2000 Matron Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Noircir 1998 Miss Tessla 1997 French Resort 1996 Jadeva Belle 1995 Aunty Mary 1994 Excited Angel Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Wanted – a slot in the $1 million Race by Betcha at Cambridge on Friday, April 4. That’s the call from Tact McLeod’s driver and caretaker trainer Anthony Butt after the emerging Kiwi pacer ran a slashing third in Saturday night’s stellar Miracle Mile behind Don Hugo. “That’s where we want to go,” Butt said. “It would be a perfect race for him with his gate speed around the Cambridge track. “I’m so proud of how well he’s stepped into the big league with those big runs in the Hunter Cup and now the Miracle Mile. “I’m not sure who or what the situation is with slots, but if someone is looking for a serious winning chance at Cambridge, this horse has the form on the board.” Tact McLeod blasted off the gate as expected and dashed to the lead early before Butt sensibly took a sit on Don Hugo. The Mark Jones-trained pacer stuck on well for a close third, beaten just 4.8m in a slick 1min48.4sec mile. “They ran home in 26.3sec which made it hard to make any real ground on the two in front, but he stuck at it really well,” Butt said. “We’ll get him back home now and just keep training him as though he’s going to race at Cambridge. “If he doesn’t get a slot, then he can go back to NZ and have a good spell. “There’s a flight (Melbourne to Auckland) eight days before the Cambridge race and he’ll be on that either way.” Meanwhile after Leap To Fame’s second in the Miracle Mile owner Kevin Seymour has confirmed the trip is a goer and Leap To Fame would, as previously indicated, go early to have a lead-up run in the Waikato Flying Mile at Cambridge on March 28. “We have had a bit to weigh-up, but he’s going to NZ,” Seymour said. “We’d originally planned to get him back home for a few days after the Miracle Mile, but he came through it well and Grant (Dixon) decided to keep him in Sydney at Robbie Morris’ place. “He’ll stay there and fly from Sydney to Auckland in plenty of time to settle in and get ready for that lead-up race at Cambridge.” Leap To Fame’s NZ trip is much-anticipated after two previous trips across the ditch – for last year’s Race by Grins and the NZ Cup – were both aborted. “It’s important to us he goes to NZ and people get to see him in the flesh over there,” Seymour said. “We were especially disappointed when we had to cancel that NZ Cup trip so close to him going across late last year. “Yes, it’s a big trip, but now he’s come through the Miracle Mile well, our focus turns to Cambridge.” Leap To Fame narrowly failed to successfully defend his Miracle Mile crown last Saturday night. The six-year-old did the work outside leader and winner Don Hugo and went down fighting by 1.2m in a slick 1min48.4sec mile. It’s his second defeat in as many big major races so far in 2025. Don Hugo and luckless Miracle Mile fourth placegetter Swayzee are heading to Perth later next month for the $1.25mil Group 1 Nullarbor at Gloucester Park. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Heading into the West Coast circuit Mid Canterbury trainer David Mitchell thought Deceptive Lee was his best chance of victory. As it turned out the best he could manage was one third while unfancied stablemate Sinai Sermon won at Westport on Friday and then again at Reefton yesterday, both at big odds. “To be honest I didn’t back him either day, usually I put something on as an interest,” says Mitchell, “I would have at Westport but didn’t get to the tote on time and then I looked him at Reefton and thought they’d be too good for him at this stage.” On Friday at Patterson Park Sinai Sermon and Gemma Thornley had the oddest of runs. They were three back the fence initially in the John Reedy’s 80th Mobile Pace only to get shuffled back to last at around the 750 metre mark. Their plight looked tricky to say the least but gaps opened up at crucial times and they got the perfect passing lane to win by a neck, paying $26 for the win. Reefton yesterday was a big step up in class as the same pair tackled the day’s feature pace, the Recreational Hotel Inangahua Grey Valley Cup. At a quote of $42, he was 12/13 in the betting. This time, from a stand, Thornley made a flier with the five-year-old before handing up to the favourite Kourtney Kardash. It was then just a waiting game as Thornley once again took advantage of the passing lane to win by a length. By Bettor’s Delight out of Bethany, Sinai Sermon is a full brother to the great Lazarus and has now won five from 30. It was just his second standing start, having won his first one at Timaru in April last year as well. “He’s a lovely horse with a nice attitude and very kind around the stables,” says Mitchell, who trains a team of 12 at Elgin, just outside Ashburton. With six wins Deceptive Lee has been a good performer for Mitchell as has four-race winner Song Sung Blue (Sweet Lou – Cracklin Rosie). While the latter is currently spelling his half brother Crackle N Crunch (Captain Crunch – Cracklin Rosie) is not far from resuming, after having three unplaced starts as a two-year-old last campaign. “We quite like him … he’s just come back in and will be racing in the next six weeks.” View the full article

The Breckons were winners even before Friday night’s Ford New Zealand Rural Sports awards got underway in Palmerston North. A number of high profile harness racing figures were at the annual awards at Awapuni Racecourse with Ken and Karen Breckon being named joint winner of the TAB Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Awards and young gun Carter Dalgety winning Fonterra Rural Young Sportsperson of the year. History-making driver Sam Ottley, the first woman to rein 100 winners in this country in a 12 month season, also made the RX Plastics Rural Sportswoman of the Year finals, as did the country’s top driver Blair Orange in the PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year. That was taken out by world class wood chopper Jack Jordan while one of the world’s best tree climbers Steph Dryfhout won Sportswoman of the Year before taking out the ultimate accolade, the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Supreme Award. In accepting his award Dalgety described it as a “massive thrill” and a “big privilege”. Carter Dalgety had a breakout year in 2024, making history as the fastest junior driver ever to reach 100 career wins and clinching his first Junior Drivers’ Premiership with 67 wins. His success came despite spending three months overseas after winning the $15,000 Valachi Downs Young Scholarship, which allowed him to visit and race in the United States. His international experience included a win at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Upon returning home, Carter secured two major Group 1 victories, the $100,000 Invercargill Cup and the $250,000 Auckland Cup with Republican Party. Renowned as breeders as well as owners, syndicators, and sponsors, the Breckons had 83 individual Breckon-bred winners across New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, including four Group 1 winners in 2024. Their commitment to the industry was further demonstrated by opening a state-of-the-art, multi-million-dollar complex at Breckon Farms in the Waikato. In 2024, Ken and Richard Cole also won the first-ever $500,000 THE ASCENT slot race at Addington with unbeaten sensation Keayang Zahara. Breckon told the audience how his involvement in the sport has snowballed over the years. “This is very humbling .. back in 1996 I bought my first horse with my late brother (Peter) and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be standing here today.” “What started off as one horse turned into two and then four and we bred a good horse called I Can Doosit and he won 18 in a row and after that I really got the bug.” As the Breckons were heading into the function they paused to watch Race 2, the Phil Witcombe – Retiring After 52 Years at Alex Park Mobile Pace. In what was a very encouraging start to the evening Mediator, bred by Breckon Farms, won for trainer-driver Matthew White. The Captaintreacherous colt was on debut after being purchased for $95,000, with the Breckon Racing Syndicate part of a high profile ownership group. “We won!” said Karen Breckon. It would be that sort of night. View the full article

Queensland’s thoroughbred racing schedule has been heavily impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with multiple meetings either cancelled or rescheduled due to ongoing weather and track conditions. Racing Queensland has confirmed a series of changes to the calendar as race clubs work to recover. The Eagle Farm meeting originally set for Tuesday, March 11, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 12, replacing the Doomben meeting, which has now been abandoned. The cancellation of Doomben Racecourse has led to three additional races being added to the Eagle Farm program, meaning an expanded 11-race card will take place on Wednesday. Similarly, Saturday’s Eagle Farm meeting on March 15 will also feature 11 races, providing more opportunities for connections affected by the disruptions. Meanwhile, the Ipswich Turf Club meeting on Thursday, March 13, will proceed as scheduled, though conditions remain a concern. Gold Coast Turf Club, which had been set to race at Beaudesert this week, will not be hosting any rescheduled meetings at this stage, with Racing Queensland opting to focus on keeping existing scheduled venues operational. Horse racing news View the full article

Morphettville track. Taylor Johnstone has produced a brilliant front-running ride to guide Sir Sway ($4.60) to victory in the Listed Manihi Classic (1100m) at Morphettville on Monday, securing a significant black-type success for Sue & Jason Jaensch. The four-year-old gelding showed his customary early speed before digging deep in the straight to hold off the fast-finishing bookmaker favourite Prairie Flower ($2.90), with Extremely Lucky () flashing home for third. Sir Sway’s victory was all the more impressive given he was first-up without an official trial or jumpout, showing his natural fitness and raw ability to prevail in a tight finish. Prairie Flower came from midfield along the rail but couldn’t quite get past the winner, while Extremely Lucky stormed home late after being near the tail early. Taunting () battled on bravely for fourth, while The Great Baby () was also competitive in fifth. 2025 Morphettville Mahini Classic Replay – Sir Sway https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Morphettville-2025-Listed-Manihi-Classic-10032025-Sir-Sway-Sue-Jason-Jaensch-Taylor-Johnstone.mp4 Co-trainer Jason Jaensch praised the gelding’s toughness, highlighting his ability to handle any challenge thrown at him. “He came up quicker than we thought, but we gave him a solid track gallop at Naracoorte on Cup Day, and that had him right,” Jaensch said. “He’s a quirky horse, but once he’s settled, he knows his job, and Taylor gave him the perfect ride today.” Sir Sway’s victory also opens the door to bigger targets, with Jaensch confirming The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville in May as the ultimate goal. “We’ve mapped out a plan, and if he keeps progressing, the Goodwood is the dream target,” he said. “He’s earned his chance at that level.” Johnstone was thrilled post-race, describing the victory as one of the most rewarding moments of her career. “He’s a super little horse. He does it all himself,” Johnstone said. “We were drawn wide, but we were able to get cover behind Taunting, and that was the key. I knew he’d fight them off in the straight—he’s as tough as they come.” Sir Sway has now won eight of his 14 career starts, continuing to build an outstanding record as a progressive South Australian sprinter. Horse racing news View the full article

Silent Surrente (Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Rochelle Milnes has secured the biggest victory of her career, guiding Silent Surrente ($10) to an all-the-way win in the Group 2 Sportsbet Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville on Monday afternoon for the Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea stable. The six-year-old Fiorente mare delivered a masterful front-running display, overcoming an early wide position to roll to the lead mid-race before defying all challengers in the straight to claim South Australia’s biggest staying race. Silent Surrente’s win was a testament to Milnes’ composure, as she took on some of Australia’s top riders, including Jamie Mott and Blake Shinn, but never wavered under pressure. Newfoundland () loomed as the major danger in the straight, having enjoyed the perfect run in transit, while Grand Pierro () ground home strongly into third. The well-backed equal bookmaker favourites, Golden State Warrior ($3.60) and Taramansour ($3.60), were unable to match Silent Surrente’s sustained run, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. 2025 Adelaide Cup replay – Silent Surrente https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Morphettville-2025-Group-2-Adelaide-Cup-10032025-Silent-Surrente-Will-Clarken-Niki-OShea-Rochelle-Milnes.mp4 A visibly emotional Milnes struggled to contain her excitement post-race, calling it a career-defining moment. “I’m absolutely breathless. This means the world to me,” Milnes said. “The team has been so supportive, and this mare was just incredible today. She travelled beautifully, and I knew she’d keep kicking in the straight. I just can’t believe we’ve won the Adelaide Cup.” It was a hometown victory for Clarken & O’Shea, with Clarken heaping praise on his co-trainer Niki O’Shea, who has played a major role in Silent Surrente’s transformation into a staying force. “Niki deserves so much credit for this. He’s done all the work with her and has just nurtured her to peak at the right time,” Clarken said. “She’s a tough mare. Once she found that rhythm, I didn’t think she’d get run down. Rochelle rode her perfectly – she’s got serious ability, and this is just the start for her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $300,000 Distance: 1400m The VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes is a Group 2 race for two-year-olds, run over 1400m at Flemington by the Victoria Racing Club. First held in 1862 as the Flemington Stakes, the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes has undergone several name and distance changes before settling at its current format in 1920. Previously a Group 1 race (1979-2004), the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes has been Group 2 since 2005. Traditionally Melbourne’s first juvenile Group race beyond 1200m, the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes has produced future elite winners. Six horses have completed the VRC Sires’–Golden Slipper double, most recently Canny Lad (1990), while the last VRC–AJC Sires’ double winner was Full On Aces (1981). The Blue Diamond–VRC Sires’ double has been achieved by three horses, including Street Café (1984). Notable past winners include Pago Pago, Vain, Century, Canny Lad, Testa Rossa, Shamrocker, All Too Hard, Jameka, and Veight. The 2024 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, worth $300,000, was won by Traffic Warden, defeating Rue De Royale and Busustow. 2025 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes betting odds Traffic Warden ridden by Jamie Kah winning the 2024 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Odds for the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes as of March 5 – Courtesy of Neds Tycoon Star Win $2.80 Place $1.45 Vinrock Win $5.50 Place $2.10 Steel Trap Win $9.00 Place $3.00 Brave Design Win $10.00 Place $3.20 Algorithmic Win $12.00 Place $3.60 Heavenly Conquest Win $12.00 Place $3.60 Eden Rose Win $19.00 Place $5.00 Tom Win $23.00 Place $6.00 Ohope Win $23.00 Place $6.00 Sunlit Serenade Win $23.00 Place $6.00 Arcora Win $31.00 Place $7.00 Hiatus Win $31.00 Place $7.00 Miewa Win $31.00 Place $7.00 Onavuitton Win $35.00 Place $8.00 Siriusly Hot Win $41.00 Place $9.00 Pafitis Win $46.00 Place $9.50 Stamped Win $201.00 Place $27.00 How to bet on the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes All of our top horse betting sites have odds for the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes well in advance of the race jumping each year. Most of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival races have markets opened well in advance and the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes is no exception. 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VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes News Vinrock makes all in Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 days ago Matt Laurie and Mark Zahra have combined with Vinrock to take out the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes on … Read More Flemington free race replays & results | All-Star Mile Day 2025 Australia horse racing news 2 days ago Check out the full race replays, results and exotic dividends for All-Star Mile Day 2025 at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, … Read More Flemington race-by-race tips & quaddie | All-Star Mile Day 2025 Horse Racing Tips 4 days ago A massive 10-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington for All-Star Mile Day 2025 on Saturday, March 8. Check out HorseBetting’s … Read More Traffic Warden runs his rivals ragged in VRC Sires’ Produce win Australia horse racing news 1 year ago James Cummings and Jamie Kah have combined with Traffic Warden to take out the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes … Read More Flemington full racing preview & quaddie tips | March 9, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago A stacked eight-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington on Saturday for Newmarket Handicap Day. Check our free race-by-race preview for … Read More Veight shows his massive motor in explosive VRC Sires’ win Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Damian Lane and Tony & Calvin McEvoy have combined with Veight to take out the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at … Read More 2025 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Tycoon Star Ben, Will & JD Hayes – 8 57kg 2 Tom Phillip Stokes Lachlan Neindorf 11 57kg 3 Vinrock Matt Laurie Mark Zahra 5 57kg 4 Pafitis Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown 7 57kg 5 Brave Design Danny O’Brien Craig Williams 3 57kg 6 Algorithmic Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes John ALlen 2 57kg 7 Arcora Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Jamie Mott 15 57kg 8 Siriusly Hot Ciaron Maher Ben Allen 17 57kg 9 Ohope James Cummings Ben Melham 13 57kg 10 Onavuuitton Simon Zahra Thomas Stockdale 1 57kg 11 Stamped Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Luke Currie 9 57kg 12 Eden Rose Jason Warren Daniel Stackhouse 12 55kg 13 Steel Trap Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray Jye McNeil 10 55kg 14 Hiatus Tony & Calvin McEvoy Harry Coffey 6 55kg 15 Heavenly Conquest Ciaron Maher Ms Jamie Melham 4 55kg 16 Sunlit Serenade Tony & Calvin McEvoy Damian Lane 16 55kg 17 (E) Miewa Nick Ryan Rhys McLeod 14 57kg Previous VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Fields 2024 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Rue De Royale Tony & Calvin McEvoy Blake Shinn 2 57kg 2 Stay Focused Phillip Stokes Mark Zahra 6 57kg 3 Traffic Warden James Cummings Jamie Kah 17 57kg 4 Aardvark Leon & Troy Corstens Damian Lane 4 57kg 5 Vianarra Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young John Allen 13 57kg 6 Peru Michael Moroney Rhys McLeod 11 57kg 7 Evaporate Ben, Will & JD Hayes Michael Dee 10 57kg 8 Untapped Greg Eurell Daniel Moor 15 57kg 9 Bosustow Annabel Neasham Jye McNeil 9 57kg 10 Cheers John McArdle Jamie Mott 1 57kg 11 Ponte Arcobaleno Ben Brisbourne Declan Bates 14 57kg 12 Shaalute Liam Howley Jason Maskiell 12 57kg 13 Flyer Jason Warren Luke Currie 5 55kg 14 Altermatum Tony & Calvin McEvoy Harry Coffey 8 55kg 15 She Smashes Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Carleen Hefel 16 55kg 16 La Bella Bondi Benjamin Smith Fred Kersley 3 55kg 17e Puissance Power John Leek (Jnr) Connor Murtagh 7 57kg 2024 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flemington-2024-Group-2-VRC-Sires-Produce-Stakes-09032024-Traffic-Warden-James-Cummings-Jamie-Kah.mp4 1st – Traffic Warden (+400) 2nd – Rue De Royale (-250) 3rd – Bosustow (+170) Recent runnings of the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes: 2024: Kah and Traffic Warden a perfect match After suffering a horrible fall in the same race 12 months ago, Jamie Kah experienced a completely different result as she guided Traffic Warden ($5.00) to an all-the-way win in the 2024 Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes. The James Cummings-trained colt jumped well from the wide barrier, took up the lead and ran the race to suit himself, before kicking clear at the top of the home straight to put up a significant margin by the 200m mark. The race favourite and heavily backed Rue De Royale ($3.70) was one of the better runs in defeat as he snuck up the inside rail to finish second, ahead of Bosustow ($7.00) who ran third in his first run in Melbourne. 2023: Veight roars to victory After a massive win on debut at Pakenham, Veight from the Tony & Calvin McEvoy yard went on to record another big victory in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes over 1400m at Flemington, defeating Apulia by two lengths eased down. Ganbare and Sassy Boom set up a solid tempo for the 1400m event and as the field rounded the home turn, Damian Lane on Veight looked to be in a sticky position on the inside of horses a behind some slowing runners. However, as Amur went past Lane and the eventual winner, Lane was able to push his horse into the clear and once he pushed the button, this very smart colt exploded and took off to put a space on his rivals in the final 100m and the race was over within a few strides. 2022: Let’srollthedice hits the jackpot The Danny O’Brien-trained Let’srollthedice took out the 2022 Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. The son of Dundeel made it two wins from as many starts after he was well-backed on debut when winning a Bendigo maiden by 3.5 lengths over 1100m. Jockey Damian Lane had his mount three-wide with cover in a midfield position early in the race before hooking out to the middle of the track in the straight. The colt then worked home strongly for an impressive victory beating the Annabel Neasham-trained Man In The Mirror by three-quarters-of-a-length. Previous winners of the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Traffic Warden Jamie Melham James Cummings 2023 Veight Damian Lane Tony & Calvin McEvoy 2022 Let’srollthedice Damian Lane Danny O’Brien 2021 Lightsaber Luke Nolen Peter Moody 2020 Lunar Fox Brett Prebble Terry & Karina O’Sullivan 2019 La Tene Dwayne Dunn James Cummings 2018 Not A Single Cent Mark Zahra Aaron Purcell 2017 Sirccconi Linda Meech Peter Morgan 2016 Seaburge Mark Zahra David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2015 Jameka Nicholas Hall Ciaron Maher 2014 Zululand Stephen Baster David Hayes 2013 Twilight Royale Michael Rodd Bjorn Baker 2012 All Too Hard Dwayne Dunn Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes 2011 Running Tall Ben Melham Danny O’Brien 2010 Shamrocker Glen Boss Danny O’Brien 2009 Rostova Steven King Steve Richards 2008 Von Costa De Hero Craig Williams David Hayes 2007 Incumbent Damien Oliver Graeme Rogerson 2006 De Lago Mist Paul Gatt David Hayes 2005 Danger Looms Brad Rawiller John McArdle 2004 Barely A Moment Greg Childs Tony McEvoy 2003 Winestock Brett Prebble Terry O’Sullivan 2002 Pillaging Patrick Payne Lee Freedman 2001 Spectatorial Patrick Payne Mathew Ellerton 2000 Preserve Neville Wilson John Hawkes VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes winners pre-2000 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Testa Rossa 1998 Coup De Grace 1997 Millward 1996 My Duke 1995 Lochrae 1994 Blevic 1993 Pride Of Rancho 1992 King Marauding 1991 Not Related 1990 Canny Lad 1989 Rechabite 1988 Wonder Dancer 1987 Kaapstad 1986 Simbolico 1985 True Version 1984 Street Cafe 1983 Brave Show 1982 Grosvenor 1981 Full On Aces 1980 Outward Bound 1979 Mighty Kingdom 1978 Pacifica 1977 Bold Zest 1976 Desirable 1975 Lord Dudley 1974 Skyjack 1973 Imagele 1972 Century 1971 Tolerance 1970 Dual Choice 1969 Vain 1968 Flying Fable 1967 Pratten Park 1966 Storm Queen 1965 Citius 1964 Boeing Boy 1963 Pago Pago 1962 Jan’s Image 1961 Emblem 1960 Wenona Girl 1959 Travel Boy 1958 Misting 1957 Tulloch 1956 Starover 1955 Knave 1954 Acramitis 1953 Surang 1952 Pure Fire 1951 Usage 1950 True Course 1949 Iron Duke 1948 Ungar 1947 Chanak 1946 Bold Beau 1945 Nestor 1944 Delina 1943 Simmering 1942 Regency 1941 All Love 1940 Trueness 1939 High Caste 1938 Nuffield 1937 Hua 1936 Gold Rod 1935 Young Idea 1934 Sir John 1933 L’Elite 1932 Kuvera 1931 Mulcra 1930 Thurlstone 1929 Nedda 1928 Mollison 1927 Royal Feast 1926 Rampion 1925 Poetaster 1924 Arendal 1923 King Carnival 1922 Scarlet 1921 Isa 1920 Gossine Hatan 1919 Lisnavane 1918 Palm Leaf 1917 Thrice 1916 Wolaroi 1915 Red Signal 1914 Woorak 1913 Eubulus 1912 Sheriff Muir 1911 Wilari 1910 Beverage 1909 Mala 1908 Mother Goose 1907 Tangaroa 1906 Antonius 1905 The Infanta 1904 Impress 1903 Sweet Nell 1902 Eleanor 1901 United States 1900 Finland 1899 Revenue 1898 Cordite 1897 Aurum 1896 Coil 1895 Creme D’Or 1894 Forward 1893 Patron 1892 Autonomy 1891 Stromboli 1890 Titan 1889 Richelieu 1888 Volley 1887 Abercorn 1886 Maddelina 1885 Monte Christo 1884 The Broker 1883 Warwick 1882 Guesswork 1881 Royal Maid 1880 Grand Prix 1879 Petrea 1878 His Lordship 1877 Rapidity 1876 Newminster 1875 Maid Of All Work 1874 The Flying Fox 1873 Race Not Held 1872 Race Not Held 1871 Race Not Held 1870 Race Not Held 1869 Race Not Held 1868 Race Not Held 1867 Race Not Held 1866 Race Not Held 1865 Frolic 1864 Freestone 1863 Aruma 1862 Musidora Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article

Jockey Club chief executive Engelbrecht-Bresges blunt when asked for his thoughts on Friday night’s auction: ‘it’s simple – disappointing’.View the full article

Race 1 PROPERTY BROKERS MAIDEN 1600m VOLTESSA (V Colgan) – Trainer Mr. A Forsman reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of VOLTESSA, and it is his intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. Race 3 COLCHESTER 2000m FUN NEVER SETS (S Spratt) – Trainer Ms. K Hoskin advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, however, FUN NEVER SETS has now been sent for a spell. Race 5 FAIRVIEW MATAMATA 1200m NICCONI COUNTY (T Moodley) – Co-trainer Mr. R Vance reported to Stewards, after undergoing a post-race endoscopic examination which showed mucus in the gelding’s trachea, NICCONI COUNTRY was placed on a four-day treatment of medication. R Vance further advised it is the stables intention to look to nominate NICCONI COUNTRY at the Racing Tauranga meeting on Saturday 15 March. The post Matamata Racing Club @ Matamata, Saturday 1 March 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Gala Queen ridden by Joe Bowditch. (Photo by Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Gala Queen delivered a powerful performance to claim the Listed Morphettville Guineas (1600m) on Monday, March 10, giving trainer Phillip Stokes and jockey Joe Bowditch a valuable feature win. The Deep Field filly settled midfield off a strong early tempo, with Justa Star and Balistique setting a hot pace in front. Sabaj, the unbeaten bookmaker favourite, tracked well in the run, while Gala Queen traveled strongly under Bowditch. As the field swung into the straight, Justa Star and Balistique began to tire, allowing Sabaj and Gala Queen to make their moves together. The pair sprinted clear, but Gala Queen’s superior turn of foot proved decisive, as she surged past the favourite to score by just under a length at 2025 Morphettville Guineas Replay – Gala Queen https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Morphettville-2025-Listed-Morphettville-Guineas-10032025-Gala-Queen-Phillip-Stokes-Joe-Bowditch.mp4 “We’ve always had a high opinion of her, but she’s taken a bit of time. She was very unlucky last start, but she got the job done today and showed what she’s capable of,” Stokes said post-race. Bowditch, who has partnered Gala Queen throughout this campaign, praised her professionalism and acceleration. “She’s a real racehorse. I knew if we got in front of Sabaj, we’d be hard to run down. She’s still a bit green, but she’s got a bright future,” he said. With three wins from six starts, Gala Queen has now established herself as a filly to follow. Stokes will assess her next steps, with a possible tilt at the Australasian Oaks (April 26) under consideration. Sabaj lost no admirers in second, while Justa Star fought bravely to hold third ahead of Dark N Confidential and Pelovecchio. Horse racing news View the full article

Hollie Wynyard has a pair of Trentham features in sight for her talented fillies This Time Girl and Archaic Smile after top performances across the North Island over the weekend. Wynyard’s immediate focus on Saturday was at Ellerslie, where her promising stayer This Time Girl was among the key chances in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m), and put in a game runner-up performance behind race-favourite and eventual winner Island Life. The $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) has always been at the forefront of Wynyard’s mind with her filly, and she couldn’t have been happier with This Time Girl’s dress rehearsal. “It was a really good Oaks trial, the whole season we’ve been taking her back and teaching her to settle and the 2400m of the Oaks has always been our goal,” she said. “She’s bred to do it, she’s out of a mare that won over 2100m, and I think Phill Cataldo (bloodstock agent) only paid $10,000 for her as a yearling, so she was a pretty outstanding purchase really. “We don’t have to do too much with her, she’s a natural stayer. She had five weeks between runs and still ran out the 2100m really well, I’ve just got to get her there happy and healthy and she’ll do the rest.” In a TAB Futures market dominated by Leica Lucy, This Time Girl is the current fourth favourite at $16 for the feature run on March 22. At the same meeting, stablemate Archaic Smile will return to black-type company after an impressive victory further down the North Island at New Plymouth on Saturday. A Group One performer at two, Archaic Smile entered Wynyard’s care late last year and hadn’t been far away in each of the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m), without producing what the Cambridge horsewoman knew she was capable of. The filly started second favourite in the open three-year-old contest and jumped fairly before finding the perfect trail behind the pacemaker When Stars Align. Her jockey Kavish Chowdhoory desperately needed a gap in the straight, and when it came, Archaic Smile raced through and put away the field with ease at the line. “She was really good, she’s a filly that obviously has a fair bit of ability being Group One placed as a two-year-old,” Wynyard said. “It was just trying to find that form again and she found that on Saturday. “Going into her Ellerslie runs, we couldn’t fault her, she was galloping up superb and wasn’t quite producing at the races what we were seeing at home. We thought we’d try the blinkers as something a bit different to sharpen her up, and they seemed to work pretty well.” After such a powerful performance, Wynyard has the confidence to press on to the Gr.2 IRT Wellington Guineas (1400m), run for $250,000 on Oaks Day. “She’s pulled up really well, she’s quite a gross little filly and eats everything you put in front of her, she seems to bounce through each run quite easily,” she said. “At this stage, we’re going to head to the Wellington Guineas, she won a stakes race there as a two-year-old and seems to like the track. We’ll go there and have a go at it.” View the full article

A stunning family double for Tony Rider on Champion’s Day elevated the Milan Park principal into rare territory. Rider was still coming to terms on Monday with the enormity of events at Ellerslie where his homebred Savabeel sisters Provence and Damask Rose landed massive feature event blows. The former won the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and three races later Damask Rose also produced a dashing performance to claim the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). “It was amazing and very, very special. It seems so unbelievable, but it happened,” Rider said. He races the Stephen Marsh-trained Provence with the Brent Cooper-managed Social Racing Winners Circle Syndicate, and Damask Rose was sold to Te Akau’s David Ellis for $200,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. Not even a missed chance to remain in the ownership group of Damask Rose could take the gloss off Rider’s achievements. “David has always held her in high regard and when she was a two-year-old he still had 25 percent left in her,” he said. “He rang me and said she was very, very good and said I really think you should take the 25 percent. “I said I’ve already got a filly (Provence) out of the mare, so I didn’t take the opportunity.” The Stephen Marsh-trained Provence, who also won the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) earlier this preparation, will be a hugely valuable addition to Milan Park’s broodmare band at the end of her decorated career. “She’s a very correct and good-looking mare and we’re still considering what we do next,” he said. “She’s come home for a week and then we’ll decide whether she goes to the paddock and comes back for the spring or maybe have one more race.” Her dam Sombreuil is a daughter of Flying Spur and was a private purchase through bloodstock agent Bruce Perry from Trelawney Stud. She is out of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Te Akau Rose and the family of the Gr.1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) winner and sire Brutal. Sombreuil has a perfect record at stud with all three of her foals to race successful and her unraced Savabeel filly was sold for $200,000 at Karaka last year with agent Phill Cataldo signing the ticket. The mare missed in 2023 and has a colt at foot by Super Seth, sire of recent Australian Group One winners Feroce (Australian Guineas, 1600m) and Linebacker (Randwick Guineas, 1600m), and is back in foal to Savabeel. “The Super Seth will be going to the sales, I’ve already had Inglis chasing me but more than likely he’ll go to Karaka,” Rider said. View the full article

Raymond Connors has collected every major two-mile prize in New Zealand, and now he is dreaming of a possible tilt at Australasia’s most coveted staying scalp, the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). The Bulls horseman has long held aspirations of winning the race that stops a continent, and his breeding and racing endeavours have reflected that, with Connors having a plethora of success in New Zealand staying and jumping features. Trav’s victory in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday completed New Zealand’s feature staying set for Connors, who has previously tasted success in the country’s two other staying features with Blood Brotha – New Zealand Cup (2011 and 2012) and Wellington Cup (2013). “It was a bloody good win,” Connors said. “It was nice to win on such a big day (Champions Day) with all of those good races on. To be up there and a part of it was good. “It is nice to say that I have won the three major Cups in New Zealand, it is a good achievement.” Connors’ two star stayers hail from the same family, sourced from White Robe Lodge in Otago, who were also the producers of his star jumpers Our Jonty, Hypnotize and Wise Men Say. “All of our success has been out of the White Robe Lodge family,” Connors said. “It is a White Robe breed that we picked up a couple of fillies and started breeding from. We have got a few of them around and we have carried on the breed. They have got that good southern, staying blood in them. “They (Anderton family of White Robe Lodge) are great friends now and we still talk with them a lot and catch-up with them, and we still send the odd mare down. It is harder and harder with breeding, but success like that on Saturday keeps you going.” One of Connors’ White Robe Lodge purchases was Trav’s grand-dam Royal Princess, who was a half-sister to Connors’ Group One performer King Johny and Laura Dee, the dam of Blood Brotha. Her first foal was Prince Oz, who won seven consecutive races in 2018, including the Gr.3 Steward Stakes (1200m), and he returned to Riccarton two years later to recapture his crown. Savabeel filly Royal Sav was the second foal out of Royal Princess, and she went on to win one race for Connors before retiring to the broodmare paddock, with her second foal being an Almanzor colt, who Connors would later name Trav. Trav showed plenty of promise from the outset, winning on debut over 1200m at Awapuni as a juvenile. He was tested at stakes level as a three-year-old but beat just one runner home in both the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m). He went on to add a further four wins to his record before being tested over two miles for the first time in January in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m), where he finished fourth, cementing a tilt at last Saturday’s Auckland Cup, which he won with an eye-catching turn of foot down Ellerslie’s straight. Connors was rapt with the victory and said it is one he will savour for some time. “You don’t know when you are going to get your next one, so you have got to savour this one for a bit as they don’t come along very often, so we are going to enjoy it,” he said. Reflecting on his achievements with his stayers, Connors said the dream has always been to win a Melbourne Cup and he has aimed to breed that type of horse. “The Melbourne Cup is the dream so you are breeding or buying horses that will hopefully be good enough to win some staying races,” he said. “If they can’t win Cups races then they can jump, so there is another future for them.” Connors has previously tested his breed in Australia, with Blood Brotha runner-up in the Gr.2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) and fourth in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m), and while the latter was an obvious potential target after Saturday’s win for Trav, Connors has resisted the urge to contest the Randwick feature next month. Instead, Trav will head for a well-deserved break, and Connors will eagerly follow the autumn paths of Auckland Cup placegetters Tajanis and Interpretation, with the former holding a nomination for the Sydney Cup. “It will be interesting to see how they (Tajanis and Interpretation) go when they head home and how the form stacks up,” Connors said. “We can look further afield if it does. “We were lucky enough to take Blood Brotha over and he performed well enough over there. I would like to get back over there but it wasn’t the right timing for Trav this time.” While next month’s Sydney Cup is out of the picture, Connors hasn’t ruled out fulfilling his lifelong dream of contesting the Melbourne Cup with Trav in the spring. “You can dream,” he said. “We will just let the dust settle. That is a massive step up, but you never say never, we will just see what happens in the spring.” Connors has a number of Trav’s siblings in the paddock, and Saturday’s win has spurred him on to see if he can find another Group One winner amongst them. “We have got a handful to try out of her (Royal Sav). We will have to get them out of the paddock I suppose,” Connors quipped. “We will have to put a bit more effort into the others and hopefully find another one.” With Trav heading to the paddock, Connors’ attention has now turned towards the jumping season where he is hoping his nine-year-old gelding Brucie can feature prominently. “We will try and have one or two going around the jumps. I have got Brucie, who I am hoping to get back jumping this winter,” Connors said. “He likes wet ground, so we will look at some of the jumping races once the tracks get heavy, like the Wellington Hurdles. He is quite a handy horse if he stays sound.” View the full article

Nine-time Group One champion Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) has jarred up out of Saturday’s Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m), but, in encouraging news, is still well on track to race in Hong Kong next month. Mr Brightside fought courageously for a narrow second behind Tom Kitten (Harry Angel) in the new Group One, but co-trainer Ben Hayes said on Monday it was obvious the seven-year-old felt the firm track, which had been upgraded to a Good 3 less than half an hour before the race. “He jarred up out of the run,” Hayes said. “It’s nothing bad, don’t get me wrong. He’s OK, just jarred up and came out with a bruised heel. “We were thinking about running him in two weeks in the George Ryder (Gr.1, 1500m), but we’ll see how it is. If not, we’ll go to Hong Kong most likely. “The George Ryder is two weeks away and if it was three weeks, it would be perfect.” As for a potential run in the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) in Hong Kong on April 27, Hayes said it wouldn’t worry the stable if Mr Brightside did not race until then. “It’s seven weeks to the 27th, so he’ll probably have a jumpout and maybe two jumpouts and maybe a course proper gallop.” The narrow defeat of Mr Brightside continued a frustrating theme for Lindsay Park at the weekend, with further second placings in the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) (Here To Shock); the $3.5 million The Kiwi (1500m) (Evaporate); the Gr.3 Ottawa Stakes (1000m) (Gin Spirit). They also finished third in the Gr.2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) (Sneaky Sunrise) and fourth in the Gr.2 Todman Stakes (1200m) (Tycoon Star). View the full article

‘Cheltenham Roar’ on Tuesday raises the curtain on 28 races over four days, climaxing in jumps racing’s blue riband: the Cheltenham Gold Cup.View the full article

La Crique (inside) will travel across the Tasman to take on the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) on March 29. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander have always felt distance would be La Crique’s best friend, and they will give her the opportunity to step up over ground when they head to Australia with her later this month. The daughter of Vadamos kept her perennial bridesmaid tag firmly intact over the weekend, bested by the barest of margins by in-form gelding El Vencedor in the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie, extending her elite-level runner-up sequence to four. Despite going down for the fourth straight time on Saturday, La Crique’s conditioners were proud of her efforts, particularly the tenacity she showed in the closing stages after being the aggressor throughout the contest. “It is always good to see when two good horses are fighting it out like that for the majority of the straight, it made quite the spectacle for everyone,” Katrina Alexander said. “We just went down again, we need a bigger head. “He (El Vencedor) is obviously in a purple patch of form and full credit to his trainer (Stephen Marsh), they have done a super job at this time of year to keep him where he is at. “We were super happy with our mare, she made it a race, and that is what we intended going out to do. Michael (McNab, jockey) made a good decision during the running that we had to take it to them and see if she could hang on. Someone had to win, if it was a dead-heat that would have been the dream, but she has pulled up super well from it so that is the main thing. “Full credit to the track team at Ellerslie, they provided a track that horses seemed to come off in very good shape.” La Crique’s last three starts have been over 2000m, and Alexander is looking forward to trying her over further ground once more, with the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill on March 29 now firmly in the crosshairs. “We have kept her back to the 2000m for these races and that is probably been the hardest thing. I know in my gut that she wants to go further,” Alexander said. “You train them for the distance they are going to run and that (2000m) is now not necessarily her friend. If Saturday was a bit further, I think we would have had it over him (El Vencedor), but that is what we lined-up for. “I want to see her go further, and the owners are keen to too. It has always been a goal of theirs to get some form of black-type in Australia, at whatever level, just to boost that breeding pedigree as we get closer to that time of her life. “We have earmarked the Tancred in Sydney for her at the end of the month and have a crack at getting her up over 2400m while she is well and performing well. That will be our plan at this stage.” The Tancred will be La Crique’s third Australian campaign, having previously finished fourth in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in 2022, and won the $500,000 National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm last June. The Tancred’s 2400m will also be the second time La Crique been tested over that distance, having previously finished runner-up to Asterix in the 2022 edition of the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). Horse racing news View the full article

Elphinstone (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Elphinstone delivered a dominant performance to claim the Listed C S Hayes Memorial Cup (1600m) at Morphettville on Monday, March 10, securing an important black-type win for Tony & Calvin McEvoy. Ridden by Jamie Melham, the four-year-old mare by Street Boss settled at the rear of the field before producing a devastating finishing burst, storming home late to put the race away with ease. The pace was genuine early as Wild Imagination and A Samurai Mind pressed forward to take up prominent positions, while Flash Flood and Episodic tracked the speed. Elphinstone was happy to bide her time at the rear, saving her best work for the business end of the race. As the field straightened, A Samurai Mind took the lead but was quickly tackled by Episodic before Elphinstone loomed ominously wider out. Once asked for an effort, she let down strongly, charging past her rivals to score a decisive victory, priced as the $2.40 favourite with the top horse racing bookmakers. 2025 C S Hayes Memorial Cup Replay – Elphinstone https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Morphettville-2025-Listed-C-S-Hayes-Memorial-Cup-10032025-Elphinstone-Tony-Calvin-McEvoy-Jamie-Melham.mp4 It was a fitting result for Tony McEvoy, who was a long-time foreman for the C S Hayes stable in his early career. “She gives everything in her races, so we space her runs, and she’s rewarded us today with a stakes win. She was stakes-placed heading into today, and now she’s a stakes winner. We had her in the Matron Stakes in Melbourne on Saturday, but this looked a better option, and it’s paid off,” McEvoy said post-race. Jockey Jamie Melham was full of praise for the mare, particularly the way she sustained her finishing burst. “The one instruction I had today was to get her to relax and switch off. She was too forward last time, but today she settled beautifully. The tempo wasn’t that fast early, but when they increased it at the 600m, she was able to build momentum and was just too strong late,” Melham said. Elphinstone has now won six of her 19 career starts, adding this valuable black-type victory to her resume. The stable will now assess future plans, with McEvoy noting that no firm targets have been set beyond this race. Horse racing news View the full article

Bundle Award sweeps clear under Ben Thompson. Photo: HKJC Bundle Award charged into HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) calculations with a brilliant victory at Sha Tin on Sunday (March 9) to fan hopes of a fourth Classic triumph for champion trainer John Size. Ridden perfectly by Ben Thompson, the 75-rating Shamus Award gelding (115lb) charged from last at the 400m in a searing 22.11s to down Markwin (115lb) and Helene Feeling (135lb) to enhance claims of clinching a place in the BMW Hong Kong Derby on March 23. “It felt as good as it would have looked,” Thompson said of the gelding’s blistering finish. “I was confident he would let rip when it was time to go. He was super. He’s handled by a master in John Size. He’s versatile. He’s a lovely horse.” Size, who saddled Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018) to Hong Kong Derby victory, said: “He (Bundle Award) did very well. He seems to settle and relax and didn’t seem to waste any energy. He had plenty of resources left for the finish.” Fifth behind Sky Heart over 1600m after drawing barrier one at his previous start, Bundle Award – who won three times in Australia for Jason & Allan Williams as Prince Prawn – appreciated being dropped to the tail of the field today before Thompson drove the gelding out to the middle of the track and unleashed a devastating sprint. “You couldn’t compare the two days (today and last start). I think that he drew well last start – he drew gate one. Maybe that was no help to him. Anyway, today he showed us what he wanted,” Size said. The Hong Kong Derby field selection will be announced on Friday with the field likely to be headed Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) winner Rubylot and Hong Kong Classic Mile victor (1600m) and My Wish. The 76-rating Markwin – a two-time winner in Hong Kong – also boosted claims of a possible Hong Kong Derby berth a 1.25 lengths behind Bundle Award. Bundle Award’s success continued a see-sawing battle for the Hong Kong trainers’ championship, shunting Size back into the lead after David Hayes had snatched back the ascendancy with first-starter Akashvani’s win under Lyle Hewitson. Size and Hayes both have 37 wins but 12-time champion trainer Size has more second placings. “He (Akashvani) did a good job from a wide gate (barrier 12) and my sons (Ben, Will & JD) educated him very well from Lindsay Park (in Australia). He came in and I just had to get him here,” Hayes said. “He’s actually got a low head carriage action like Rubylot. He reminds me of a young Rubylot, so let’s hope he ends up as good as Rubylot – not saying he will be, but his action is very similar to Rubylot.” Hewitson also partnered Mark Newnham’s Armour War Eagle to victory. A dual winner in New Zealand, the War Decree gelding had racked up five minor placings in 12 starts before today’s breakthrough. Apprentice Britney Wong moved to the top of the Hong Kong jockeys’ All Weather Track standings with a double, striking aboard on Natural High for David Hall and Manfred Man’s Self Improvement. With 12 wins in total in her first season, Wong has notched seven of those victories on dirt to lead Luke Ferraris (five) in her first season in Hong Kong after riding 50 winners in Australia. “It’s great. I had two doubles when I was in Australia but they were both non-TAB meetings, so this feels fantastic,” Wong, 25, said. “Whether it’s turf or dirt, I’ll go for it and it’s good that I have one (surface) that works in a particular way, so I’m very happy.” Man also posted a double when Super Seth three-year-old Patch Of Cosmo downed downing Embraces and Hong Kong Derby hopeful Light Years Charm. Luke Ferraris slotted his 30th winner of the season and maintained his perfect record on Lucky With You when the consistent seven-year-old overpowered his rivals for Frankie Lor. “He’s a lovely horse, obviously when he gets up to Group 1 level, it’s a bit tough for him but he’s definitely a Class 1 horse,” Ferraris said. “He was in great shape today, Frankie had him going good and it was a very easy win. “I sat back on him, pulled him out at the 400m and coasted up to them at the furlong (200m), let him go and put them to bed.” David Eustace scored with Regency Happy Star under Alexis Badel before Chris So combined with Keith Yeung with three-year-old Mount Everest. The Exceed And Excel debutant lunged to claim a first-start victory over Patch Of Time before Caspar Fownes-trained Flying Luck notched his second win of the campaign with a withering finish for Brenton Avdulla. Yeung completed a double when The Auspicious clinched the Class 4 Lok Sin Tong Cup Handicap (1400m) at odds of +13100 to give Me Tsui his ninth win of the season. Horse racing news View the full article

What Goulburn Races Where Goulburn & District Racing Club – Racecourse Dr, Goulburn NSW 2580 When Tuesday, March 11, 2025 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Goulburn & District Racing Club is the destination for NSW racing on Tuesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program set for decision. The rail moves out +9m between the 950m marker to 350m pole, while the remainder stays out +7m the rest of the way around. The track is rated a Good 4 at the time ofacceptances;, however, with some rainfall expected to hit on race-day afternoon, there could be a downgrade into the Soft range at some stage. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:50pm local time. Best Bet at Goulburn: Rose Aye The Matthew Dale-trained Rose Aye is unlucky not to be chasing a hat-trick of wins in the Goulburn opener after being narrowly headed at Nowra on February 23. The Supido filly stormed to the top with 200m left to travel and was only outsprinted by Istolea Merc in the concluding stages as the eventual winner stalked the untapped three-year-old every step of the way. Stepping out to 1200m third-up into the campaign looks ideal, and with a genuine tempo engaged in this Class 1 contest, watch for Rose Aye to be flashing over the top at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Rose Aye (7) 3yo Filly | T: Matthew Dale | J: Nick Heywood (58.5kg) Next Best at Goulburn: Incantation Incantation only managed to find the frame once across three starts in a disappointing debut season but appears to be resuming in terrific order. The Godolphin filly caught the eye in a recent barrier trial at Hawkesbury on February 24, cruising through the wire under the guise of Ashley Morgan. There isn’t much depth to this maiden contest on paper, and with Incantation set to gain an economical run from stall seven, it would come as some shock if she wasn’t fighting out the finish. Next Best Race 4 – #9 Incantation (7) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Ashley Morgan (56.5kg) Best Value at Goulburn: Jonny Be Swift Jonny Be Swift will be a big improver third-up in the campaign after hitting the line well at Canberra on February 21. The 1600m was always going to prove too sharp for the son of So You Think, with all his best form coming when tested over 2000m or further in the past. He’s well weighted here with apprentice hoop Glenn Cahill taking 2kg off his back, and provided this race becomes a genuine staying affair over the 2145m, Jonny Be Swift represents a terrific each-way price with Dabble. Best Value Race 3 – #2 Jonny Be Swift (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Gregory Hickman | J: Glenn Cahill (a2kg) (62.5kg) Tuesday quaddie tips for Goulburn Goulburn quadrella selections March 11, 2025 2-5-8-9 1-2-8-9 1-2-3-5-10 1-7-8-9-10-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

While initially not expected to miss much time, persistent swelling and other issues led to a longer recovery time for the 25-year-old native of Japan. View the full article