Wandering Eyes

The Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello (Castelvecchio) ran out a strong winner of the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday under a confident Josh Parr ride. El Castello worked forward under Parr, who pushed the button mid-stretch and had enough in reserve to stave off the challenge of Henlein by a neck with Firm Agreement 1-1/2 lengths away third. Runner-up to Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot) in the Listed Fernhill Handicap (1600m) during the autumn, El Castello has been a revelation this spring. Bred by Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s Cambridge Stud, the son of Castelvecchio has made swift progress stepping from a maiden win to go undefeated in four starts, including a previous victory in the Gr.3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m). The promising stayer is on target to back-up in next week’s Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m). “He’s just a very good horse,” Cumming said. “The preparation went perfectly, everything worked out. He turned up the best horse today and I still think he improves again. “It’s a dumb thing to say, I know, but if I had to pick fault today he’s maybe half a run short, but today’s race into next week, he’ll be fine. “The preparation was set up so that today’s race would give him the step to go to the Derby. Looks like that will happen.” By Arrowfield Stud stallion Castelvecchio, El Castello is the first Group One winner for his sire. Out of the Fastnet Rock mare Word Games, it is a family that Cummings knows well, having trained the mare’s dual Group One winning half-brother Fiveandahalfstar (Hotel Grand). Word Games was bought off the track for $120,000 by Brae Sokolski in 2018, and on-sold privately – in-foal to Lonhro – to Cambridge Stud’s new owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay a year later. After missing to Pierro that year, Word Games went to Castelvecchio in his first season of 2020. Word Games has a yearling filly by in-form Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor and has foaled another filly foal by Almanzor this spring, before visiting the stud’s exciting new sire Chaldean, a Group One winning son of Frankel. “We like Castelvecchio, we sent two or three mares to him that year,” Cambridge Stud chief executive Henry Plumptre said. “It’s that line that we really wanted that Dundeel and High Chaparral line and Castelvecchio was a Group One winner and a very good looking horse. “Scott (Calder) and Cameron (Ring) do our matings and they thought it would be a good mating for the mare. “We bought her privately through Matt Scown from Yarraman Park and it is an old Anthony Cummings family. He has trained a number of the members of that family, most notably Fiveandahalfstar. “He was a good looking horse and he made $220,000 as a yearling at the Magic Millions Sale. “We were very happy with that, just to get the mare off the ground, she’s a young mare and we didn’t have a high reserve. “It’s a wonderful result for Anthony, it’s a wonderful result for Castelvecchio and it’s a fantastic result for Cambridge Stud.” The famed Cambridge nursery has now enjoyed a stellar October, headed by fellow Cambridge Stud bred Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock), who landed the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) before winning the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) a fortnight later. In addition the Lindsay colours have been to the fore in recent times through elite-level mares Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) and Joliestar (Zoustar). Plumptre said it was a privilege to work for the Lindsays who he described as fearless investors but he also deflected much of the credit to the Cambridge Stud team. “The team that we have got at Cambridge Stud, headed by Scott and Cameron, and the people who have helped us along the way like John Foote, they’re a great group,” Plumptre said. “You build a team of mares like that with a group of people, you don’t build it with one person, and they have all had good ideas at different times. “You have got to have people with vision and people like Brendan and Jo who are excited by what is happening next.” View the full article

Connections of multiple Group One winner Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) have savoured a bumper payday as the seven-year-old daughter of Per Incanto proved too strong in the A$2 million Gr.2 The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Under a positive Tyler Schiller ride, Belclare had most of her rivals gasping a fair way from home and she sailed to a comfortable length and a quarter victory as the former Kiwi saluted at her third start for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker. “I’m very lucky to get this mare,” Baker said. “She’s a dual Group One winner in New Zealand. Lisa Latta is one of New Zealand’s best trainers so I’ve got a ready-made horse for the owners, Deb and Dave Woodhouse. “They entrusted me with her. It’s been a bit of a learning curve but we got it right today. And this is the day that we wanted to get it right, so I’m very grateful.” The expat Kiwi horseman was delighted to pull off a feature win with the mare he had been bullish about since joining his stable and will now consider the next plans. “We’ll just have a good think about it but she was very good today,” Baker said. “She was able to dominate. She’s a very good mare, so that makes it easy. When you’ve got good quality bloodstock, she makes me look good. I’m very grateful to get the opportunity. “She has beaten some absolute topliners. She said she’s up to it. And we know, Kiwis, they’re always strong.” Raced by her breeder David Woodhouse, time had been called on Belclare’s racing career last season, with the two-time winner of the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeder’s Stakes (1600m) destined to be sold as a broodmare. She was subsequently offered at Magic Millions’ National Broodmare Sale, where she failed to meet her $700,000 reserve. While initially disappointed with the outcome, Woodhouse has now got good reason to smile as the A$1 million first prize in the Australian Group Two advanced the mare’s career earnings to A$1,934,780. Belclare has now won 12 races, 11 of which were in the care of Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta. By outstanding Little Avondale Stud sire Per Incanto, Belclare is the third foal from the O’Reilly mare Miss Rhythmic (NZ), a winner of one race and herself a sister to Luxe (NZ), who ran third in the Listed Taranaki Oaks Prelude. They are out of the Keeper mare Gymnast (NZ) who in turn was out of the champion filly of her year in Olga’s Pal (NZ) (Straight Strike), whose six wins included the Gr. 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). View the full article

Respected trainer Kevin Myers completed a winning treble at Riccarton on Saturday with a dominant performance by Aljay (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) in the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m). Myers sent six horses south from his Wanganui base for Saturday’s meeting, and he came away with victories by Just Charlie (NZ) (Zed) in the NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho (3000m), He’s Lucid in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m), and Aljay in the Spring Classic. He also picked up placings with Kopua (NZ) (Shocking) in the TAB Mile Trial (1400m), Yolo (NZ) (Zed) in the Road to Jericho and Sheaf (NZ) (Eminent) in the Helston Associates Rating 75 (1800m). Aljay faced a difficult task in Saturday’s Spring Classic, carrying 59kg while all of his 11 rivals had either 53kg or 53.5kg. But the Rock ‘N’ Pop gelding, who won the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at this venue two years ago, rose to the challenge and was too tough and too good. Ridden by Jonathan Riddell, Aljay settled towards the back of the field before swooping around the outside to stake his claim at the top of the straight. The seven-year-old powered through the testing Heavy10 ground and hit the front, but it briefly looked like he was going to face a stern challenge down the straight from Dazzling Miss (NZ) (Proisir), Fellini (NZ) (Belardo) and Lombardi (NZ) (Verdi). Aljay saw them coming and lifted again, forging clear and opening up a two-length winning margin over Dazzling Miss (NZ) (Proisir). From a 43-start career, Aljay has now recorded 10 wins, eight seconds and seven thirds. He has earned $523,387 in stakes for Myers, who shares ownership with Charlie Gestro. Aljay is named for Gestro’s initials, LJ. Myers paid $39,000 to buy Aljay from Ardsley Stud’s draft at the 2019 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka. Saturday’s Spring Classic was an unexpected first ride on Aljay for Riddell. “He’s a lovely old horse and I was lucky to get the ride on him today,” Riddell said. “I was supposed to be riding another runner, but then Kevin put this horse in and there was nothing else I could ride at the weights. So I was lucky that Kevin put me on the horse, and I appreciate that. “Gee, he’s a tough horse. Those track conditions didn’t worry him at all. He was effectively carrying a stone more than the rest of the field, which is not easy, but he did it comfortably in the end. “Kevin owns the horse too along with Charlie, so they’ve made a bit of money with him, the two old fellas!” The TAB now rates Aljay a $5 chance to claim a second New Zealand Cup victory at Riccarton on November 16. He shares favouritism with last year’s runner-up Nest Egg (NZ) (Reliable Man). View the full article

The Cox Plate has had one of the great wins as Via Sistina pulled off a stunning victory in at Mooney Valley. View the full article

Veteran handler eyeing more success after a treble at the city circuit’s annual day meeting 12 months ago.View the full article

Jye McNeil returns to the mounting yard aboard Lady Jones after winning the Tesio Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Stephen Brown and Jye McNeil have combined with Lady Jones ($14) to take out the Group 3 Tesio Stakes and final race of the day at Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon. Following a consistent run of form throughout her three starts this preparation, and after a positive ride from McNeil, the five-year-old mare claimed her maiden Group win. The daughter of Toronado jumped the fastest from barrier 10, which allowed her to cross the field to settle outside of Lievore ($31), and they ran the race along at a sedate tempo to suit themselves. With the race favourites, Firestorm ($2.50) and Private Legacy ($4.20), settling well back in the field, McNeil got going on the eventual winner at the 400m mark and put the acid test on the leader. None of the swoopers were taking any ground of the top two with 200m to go, and they both settled down to fight out the finish, with Lady Jones getting her head down when it counted to claim a tough win over Lievore and Little Mix ($7.50). 2024 Tesio Stakes replay – Lady Jones Stephen Brown was on course to speak about the win post-race. “Really nice (win) because we’ve bred her ourselves and it’s been a long haul,” Brown said. “I had doubts about the 2000 (metres), but she’s proven that she can do it. “We were gutted when she got beaten at Caulfield, but we put it down to the hard track. “She’ d only got shod that week, so she had a bit of trouble with her feet. “We left the old shoes on her and she’s done the job. “I talked to two form people, and one said go back, one said go forward, and then the go-back bloke said, no, then you should go forward. So that was the plan. “That was the plan to go forward on her. He did exactly what he did and I said ‘if you can slot in third or fourth, I’ ll be happy’.” Jye McNeil brought up his first winner of the day in the last race, and he spoke post-race. “We had a nice run from a very awkward gate and felt like I got to the leader quite easily and then it obviously fought back so she had to dig deep to give me everything she had, but a great training performance by Brownie and racking up a win,” McNeil said. “She certainly does (have good ability). “It’s my first time riding her. Obviously, the opportunity obviously came about with the weight and as you touched on, she’s got great qualities. “It’s been a challenging couple of days for me, so great to end it this way.” Horse racing news
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Star jockeys lock horns aboard Lebensstil and Liberty Island in Japanese blockbuster.View the full article

The Moonee Valley faithful erupted as Via Sistina, the champion mare trained by Chris Waller, stormed to a dominant eight-length victory in the 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate. This remarkable win marks a number of significant achievements including Waller’s fifth Cox Plate success following his four-peat with Winx (2015-18). Jockey James McDonald etched his name deeper […] The post Via Sistina Blazes to Historic 8 Length Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2024 Victory! appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Belclare winning The Invitation at Royal Randwick for trainer Bjorn Baker. Photo: Bradley Photos Connections of multiple Group One winner Belclare have savoured a bumper payday as the seven-year-old daughter of Per Incanto proved too strong in the $2 million Group 2 The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Under a positive Tyler Schiller ride, Belclare had most of her rivals gasping a fair way from home, and she sailed to a comfortable length and a quarter victory as the former Kiwi saluted at her third start for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker. “I’m very lucky to get this mare,” Baker said. “She’s a dual Group One winner in New Zealand. Lisa Latta is one of New Zealand’s best trainers so I’ve got a ready-made horse for the owners, Deb and Dave Woodhouse. “They entrusted me with her. It’s been a bit of a learning curve but we got it right today. And this is the day that we wanted to get it right, so I’m very grateful.” The expat Kiwi horseman was delighted to pull off a feature win with the mare he had been bullish about since joining his stable and will now consider the next plans. “We’ll just have a good think about it but she was very good today,” Baker said. “She was able to dominate. She’s a very good mare, so that makes it easy. When you’ve got good quality bloodstock, she makes me look good. I’m very grateful to get the opportunity. “She has beaten some absolute topliners. She said she’s up to it. And we know, Kiwis, they’re always strong.” Raced by her breeder David Woodhouse, time had been called on Belclare’s racing career last season, with the two-time winner of the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeder’s Stakes (1600m) destined to be sold as a broodmare. She was subsequently offered at Magic Millions’ National Broodmare Sale, where she failed to meet her $700,000 reserve. While initially disappointed with the outcome, Woodhouse has now got good reason to smile as the $1 million first prize in the Australian Group Two advanced the mare’s career earnings to $1,934,780. Belclare has now won 12 races, 11 of which were in the care of Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta. By outstanding Little Avondale Stud sire Per Incanto, Belclare is the third foal from the O’Reilly mare Miss Rhythmic, a winner of one race and herself a sister to Luxe, who ran third in the Listed Taranaki Oaks Prelude. They are out of the Keeper mare Gymnast who in turn was out of the champion filly of her year in Olga’s Pal, whose six wins included the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Horse racing news View the full article

Via Sistina (IRE) ridden by James McDonald wins the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 26, 2024. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) After a turbulent week for the Chris Waller stable and Via Sistina ($5), the star mare has run away with a dominant victory in the 2024 Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon. Although Via Sistina will go down as the winner of the race, her jockey James McDonald brought up his 100th Group 1 win of his riding career and his third straight success in the race, following Anamoe and Romantic Warrior in the previous two years. As expected, Pride Of Jenni ($4.40) worked across from her barrier to take up the lead, and the worries about race favourite Prognosis ($3.50) not jumping were quickly put to bed as the Japanese raider settled behind her. Declan Bates asked the Ciaron Maher-trained mare to quicken mid-race as she always does, but Damian Lane chose to stay with her on Prognosis, only allowing her to get a two-length lead on the rest of the field. By the time they hit the 800m mark, it was clear that Pride Of Jenni was starting to tire, and the runs started to come from Prognosis, Via Sistina and Mr Brightside ($7). However, as soon as Prognosis took over, McDonald and Via Sistina went straight past him on the home turn, and they took off with the prize, careering away with a breathtaking eight-length win in the Cox Plate. 2024 Cox Plate replay – Via Sistina Chris Waller was understandably emotional in his post-race interview when talking about Via Sistina’s win. “It was a big week but I’ ve just had full support from the owners, my staff, all the team, Moonee Valley. It’s just been overwhelming,” Waller said. “There’s not been any negativity, only positive vibes. I’ m so proud of her, so proud of her. “There’s probably 10 key factors, and it’s not anything else except common sense, simple as that. “We never lost faith and just just followed our instincts. “We’ve had to do these things before. You just had to forget what happened on Tuesday, she’s a good horse and it was my job to prove it. “The truth is when she got up and when James got up, all James said to me, the Cox Plate is not on today.” James McDonald was also emotional following his historical win. “Just so lucky. What this mare’s been through, and she’s just an absolute star. I’m so lucky to be part of it,” McDonald said. “To Chris Waller and all his team, I see Tommy Simpson working on her on Tuesday morning. “Chris Harwood flew down on Thursday to work her. And all of them, all of them said, ‘ Excuse my French’, she’ll shit in. “I honestly can’t believe it. I love this race. “I love this place. And to win a Cox Plate with Chris Waller, who is my greatest supporter and so special. “It’s so fitting he’s brought up my 100th and to do it in such a prestigious race like the Cox Plate. I’m blessed, so blessed. “She’s got an unbelievable sustained speed. And I think it’s a huge asset to have in this high-pressure race. “The pressure was on from the get-go, and (Pride Of) Jenni didn’t have her peace. This horse has really worked really well here, even though I fell off her on Tuesday. “She felt like she was gliding around the course really well and I had a quiet first half, and I wheeled her out, kept her happy. “She seems just to grow a bit of confidence, and it was a Winx like performance. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. “I had such a smooth run the first half and I thought, I just wheel out, keep it smooth, blend in and she loved it. “She won like Winx, she blended and gee, it’s just a phenomenal performance.” Horse racing news
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What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Sunday, October 27, 2024 First Race 12:45pm HKT (3:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Happy Valley Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Sunday afternoon, with a rare 10-race program set for decision. The rail is in the C position the entire circuit, and although there is some light rainfall expected in the lead-up, it shouldn’t have any affect on the current Good 4 rating. With the rail out, punters may want to favour on-speed runners with the opening event getting underway at 12:45pm local time. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Romantic Son Romantic Son was a dominant 3.5-length maiden winner at Geelong on March 16 before heading to Hong Kong and looks to have acclimatised well since transferring to the David Hayes barn. The son of Smart Missile has improved with every piece of work under his belt, particularly catching the eye when quickening at Sha Tin on October 15. Leading hoop Zac Purton should gain an economical run in transit from barrier one, and provided he can get clear at a crucial stage, Romantic Son should prove hard to hold out first-up. Best Bet Race 8 – #8 Romantic Son (1) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (54.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Horsepower Back-to-back barrier trial wins should hold Horsepower in good stead for this first-up assignment. The four-year-old gelding has shown terrific early speed in his trials, with Zac Purton being legged aboard to score with plenty in hand at this course and distance on October 5. Watch for Purton to launch across and sit outside the leader throughout the journey, and although he lacks race-day fitness, Horsepower should prove too classy despite spending 10 months off the scene. Next Best Race 9 – #10 Horsepower (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Zac Purton (55.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Happy Valley: Telecom Dragon Telecom Dragon returns after a total forgive at Sha Tin on July 1, with the post-race vet report noting blood in the trachea. He looks to be back to his consistent best based on his recent barrier trial on October 15, with the son of Derryn cruising through the wire behind Super Sixty to suggest he’s ready for a first-up assault. Barrier one should allow Matthew Chadwick to stalk the leading pair throughout, and once off the rail, Telecom Dragon should be powering through the line at a good each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #3 Telecom Dragon (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Dennis Yip | J: Matthew Chadwick (58kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections October 27, 2024 2-4-5 2-3-8-9-10 2-3-4-10-11 1-6-7-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

Plenty Of Ammo ridden by Jordan Childs winning the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Plenty Of Ammo ($4) may have only had six starts before running in the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon, but she has proved too good in the concluding stages of the 1600m contest. The Symon Wilde-trained mare put the writing on the wall first-up when she was an unlucky runner in the Listed Paris Lane Stakes, and she showed it was no fluke by taking out her first Group 2 victory in her first attempt in Group grade. Jordan Childs was legged back aboard the daughter of Rebel Raider, and with the win, he continues his unbeaten streak of four wins from four starts aboard Plenty Of Ammo. After jumping well from barrier four, Childs settled midfield off the fence and gained an economical run three-wide on the back of her stablemate, Sirileo Miss ($13). Before the home turn, Childs released the brakes on the eventual winner, and she was set alight four-wide in the final 300m to chase down Royal Champion ($4.20), who led the field throughout. There were a couple of nervous moments with some of the placegetters and trailing horses, but it was all honours to the winner as Plenty Of Ammo took over in the final 50m to record an impressive victory. 2024 Crystal Mile replay – Plenty Of Ammo Bill Wilde represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “She’s been a bit of a handful on this thing,” Wilde said. “She’s a lovely mare. She’s a homebred. “We’ve had a few issues with her, she’s been temperamental, but today she performed beautifully and I just love the way that she paraded beautifully. “She’s got a few dapples on her; behaved herself beautifully, so today that was a result we hoped for and expected. “Onwards and upwards with her.” Jordan Childs was complimentary of the winner post-race. “She’s got a lot of ability for a lightly raced mare and the team, Symon Wilde and the team, they’ve done a good job of her just to get her through a few issues, but she’s come back in really good nick and great to get a good win for the team on a special day like this,” Childs said. “I was probably a pair further back than where I wanted to be and along the side I was able to get out onto the stablemate’s (Sirieo Miss) back and she just took a little bit to wind up. “I think first time around The Valley, just getting a little bit lost, but once she balanced up in the straight, she was really good through the line.” Horse racing bookmakers are taking no chances with Plenty Of Ammo, tightening her into $8 in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes futures market in case the stable chooses to run her again next weekend. Horse racing news
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What Coonabarabran Cup Day Where Coonabarabran Jockey Club – Reservoir Rd, Coonabarabran NSW 2357 When Sunday, October 27, 2024 First Race 1:25pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Coonabarabran Jockey Club on Sunday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program lined up for punters. The $75,000 Coonabarabran Cup (1600m) headlines the action, and with no rain forecast to hit the course proper, participants should be treated to a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:25pm AEDT. Coonabarabran Cup Tip: Dances With Hooves The Cameron Crockett-trained Dances With Hooves appears ready to peak third-up into the campaign. The daughter of Real Steel hit the line well over an unsuitable trip at Newcastle on October 19 and should relish stepping out to the 1600m where she’s already a two-time winner. Ashley Morgan will have no choice but to drag back from barrier 10, however, Dances With Hooves should have a superior turn-of-foot, so watch for this guy to storm down the centre of the course to claim the 2024 Coonabarabran Cup. Coonabarabran Cup Race 7 – #5 Dances With Hooves (10) 4yo Mare | T: Cameron Crockett | J: Ashley Morgan (55kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Coonabarabran: Jacenza Jacenza found one better at Coonamble on October 13, missing the start before making strong inroads from the rear of the field to get within a head of Castlebar Road. Barrier one should offset any slow start this time around, and with Chelsea Hillier likely to be aggressive in the early stages, Jacenza should get his chance to prove his class in this open Showcase Sprint. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 Jacenza (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Rodney Northam | J: Chelsea Hillier (56.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Coonabarabran: Atomic Forty Seven The Luke Thomas-trained Atomic Forty Seven should relish the drop back to country company after being outclassed at Newcastle on October 1. He looks well placed thanks to the claim of apprentice hoop Lauren Van Tijn in the saddle, and with front-running tactics likely to be adopted from the middle draw (7), punters can expect Atomic Forty Seven to give a bold sight at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #5 Atomic Forty Seven (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Luke Thomas | J: Lauren Van Tijn (a4kg) (56kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Coonabarabran Coonabarabran quadrella selections October 27, 2024 1-2-5-10 1-3-6 1-5 2-5-8-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Josh Parr and El Castello after winning the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello ($3.10) has kept his undefeated record intact for the campaign, securing victory in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The Castelvecchio colt picked up his fourth-consecutive win of the preparation on Saturday, fending off the late challenge of Henlein ($5.00), and proving the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) on October 12 was no fluke. Joshua Parr managed to navigate his way to the one-one throughout as the Brad Widdup-trained Noises ($81.00) launched across the field from barrier eight and stretched out at a strong tempo. Henlein had no excuses after landing on the leaders’ back throughout, while Swiftfalcon ($3.80) was ridden cold once again after drawing out in barrier 10. There was a mid-race move by Zac Lloyd aboard rank outsider Flying Argento (151.00), leaving a few key chances chasing a long way out. El Castello worked his way to the lead with 300m left to travel; however, Henlein loomed large to his outside and appeared ready to stroll straight past. It simply never eventuated, however, with El Castello kicking into another gear to boot clear to put pave to his rivals to secure the $2 million prize. 2024 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes Replay – El Castello Anthony Cummings couldn’t have been happier with how the preparation unfolded and suggested one more run could be on the cards in Victoria. “He’s just a very good horse,” said Cummings. “The preparation went perfectly, everything worked out. He turned up the best horse today and I still think he improves again. “It’s a dumb thing to say, I know, but if I had to pick fault today he’s maybe half a run short but today’s race into next week, he’ll be fine. All to say, we’re in good shape. “But we’ve got to get him home and make sure that he’s OK and tick a fair few boxes before we do that. But that was the plan. The preparation was set up so that today’s race would give him the step to go to the Derby. Looks like that will happen.” Joshua Parr was elated with the victory and picking up his third win the Spring Champion Stakes before suggesting he’ll be aboard once again provided El Castello heads to Melbourne next Saturday. “Wow. That was thrilling, I tell you,” said Parr. “The two went down the side, they took off and I just said, ‘no, not just yet my man, let’s just wait’. I was able to wait. We topped the hill and I just briefly started to let him go and his ears just slightly went different directions, he was waiting for some company. “Henlein obviously came to him and he knuckled down and his last furlong was so strong. Incredible training performance and I’m so proud to be a part of it. “I’ll be at Flemington on Derby Day. So if he’s there, I’ll be on him, that’s for sure. This is fantastic.” El Castello is now the clear $3.50 favourite for the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington next Saturday. Horse racing news
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What Sale Cup Day 2024 Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Sunday, October 27, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Listed Sale Cup (1600m) headlines a competitive nine-race card out of the Sale Turf Club on Sunday afternoon as Victoria continues to build towards the Melbourne Cup Carnival. A perfect spring day is forecast, and the track will replicate those conditions despite the Soft 5 racing at the time of acceptances, whilst the rail will remain in its true position for the club’s marquee raceday. Sale Cup Day 2024 is set to commence at 1:10pm AEDT. Sale Cup Tip: Makram Makram has seemingly been struggling on rain-affected tracks at Flemington in two runs this campaign, but back on a firm track should see the eight-year-old gelding produce his best. The son of Make Believe is armed with a blistering turn of foot on his day and is arguably the best horse in the Sale Cup. Ethan Brown will have him smoking hsi pipe out the back of the field, but with a swift turn of foot, Makram can round up his rivals in stylish fashion. Considering his recent efforts, horse racing bookmakers are letting punters on at an each-way price. Sale Cup Race 7 – #5 Makram (10) 8yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Ethan Brown (58kg) +800 with PlayUp Best Bet at Sale: The Western Front The Western Front did more than enough on his debut at Cranbourne on October 11 when finishing fourth after racing in tight room. The four-year-old gelding was hitting the line nicely over 1300m to suggest the 1400m second-up in his career is ideal. From barrier 13, Daniel Stackhouse will need a touch of luck to not be caught wide the trip, but with natural improvement and the longer Sale straight, The Western Front should prove too hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 2 – #8 The Western Front (13) 4yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (59.5kg) +150 with Picklebet Next Best at Sale: Ruakaka Raider Ruakaka Raider caught the eye when chasing home San Marino over the 1423m at Sale when first-up after a near six-month spell. The four-year-old gelding will only get better as he steps out in trip, and the 1600m looks perfect on the back of that effort. The son of Redwood broke his maiden over 1700m before heading to the paddock, and if he repeats what he dished up upon return, Jamie Mott will have Ruakaka Raider savaging the line when the whips are cracking. Next Best Race 5 – #9 Ruakaka Raider (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Cindy Alderson | J: Jamie Mott (59kg) +240 with Neds Sunday quaddie tips for Sale races Sale quadrella selections Sunday, October 27, 2024 3-5-6-7-9 1-2-3-4-5 5-9-12-14-15 1-3-7-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Via Sistina is the 2024 Cox Plate champion after a historic and dominant win in Saturday’s Group 1 race by a record eight lengths. View the full article

Class colt El Castello continued his remarkable winning streak, capturing the prestigious Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday. This dominant victory positions him as the early favorite for next week’s Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington with the youngster into $4 through Ladbrokes to do the double for the first […] The post El Castello Claims 2024 Spring Champion Stakes Glory, Eyes Victoria Derby appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Baraqiel ridden by Ben Allen winning the McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) The Leon and Troy Corstens & Will Larkin stable’s incredible run of form has continued, with Baraqiel ($3.70) finishing with a slashing run to claim a dominant victory in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon. The son of Snitzel didn’t begin racing until May of this year, and in eight starts he has gone from a Maiden winner to Group 2 success in a little over five months, with Ben Allen riding him in every start to date. Racing in Bennett Racing Colours, the six-year-old gelding landed in the perfect one-one position from barrier five behind Mornington Glory ($8.50) and Oscar’s Fortune ($3.30), who led the field up. As the whips began to crack, Mornington Glory took over from the tiring leader, but it was Allen, on the eventual winner, who sat quietly and loomed large on the outside. Allen asked for the ultimate effort turning for home and Barqiel exploded with a blistering turn of foot to race away from his rivals, recording a 2.75-length win over I Am Unstoppable ($5.50) and Mornington Glory. 2024 McEwen Stakes replay – Baraqiel Will Larkin represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “We’ve always had a good opinion of him, but they’ve got to go to the racetrack and do it,” Larkin said. “That’s why we were, time after time, going through these things taking us back – setback after setback — but we just had to press on, and there was a time there where the owners were ready to give it all up. “It was ‘good on’ Troy, he said, ‘I’ll cop the rehab by myself and I‘ll get him back up and going because you’re not losing this one’. “He’s quite special. The margin, he hasn’t been doing that in maidens and coming through the classes. “It’s just so exciting. I get a bit emotional. “It’s taken a lot of work to get him here. You know, we’ve always thought that once he’s able to take a sit off him and not do all the work for the rest of them, we’re going to see an even better horse. “(It’s) going to be an option (The Meteorite) but I think off the back of that a Group 1 is probably going to be in the forefront of our mind at the moment but where he goes to it’s exciting, you look in the calendar there’s so many good races for him and to sit there and put a line around a big group one like that is pretty special.” Ben Allen was elated with the win, and he spoke post-race. “He’s a proper horse,” Allen said. “Just been so lucky. Leon and Troy will sound like I’m on repeat at the moment, but they’ve been so good to me, giving me these opportunities. “Nathan Bennett, I can’t thank him enough. “He’s just getting better and better. “His work here on Tuesday was outstanding and he just did it with ease and worked with another nice horse. “Just the feel he’s been giving me, he feels like a proper Group 1 horse.” Horse racing news
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Group 3 Craven Plate winner, Lindermann. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Chris Waller & Joao Moreira have combined with Lindermann ($4.20) to claim the Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, getting the head down where it matters most in a blanket finish. The Lonhro gelding produced a forgettable effort first-up in the Allan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on October 12, however, things went to plan on Saturday, with the ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira gaining the ideal stalking position from barrier one. The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Spirit Ridge ($41.00) insisted on leading under Kerrin McEvoy, ticking over some moderate sectionals in the middle stages as New Endeavour ($8.50) cruised to his outside. Based on how the race was run, it was always going to be a task for Democracy Manifest ($3.70); however, the son of Flying Artie refused to lay down, showing his usual blister turn-of-speed in the final 400m. Lindermann needed to get off the rail at a crucial stage, and once the gap fell his way, the five-year-old didn’t look in any doubt as he claimed Spirit Ridge before clinging on for career win number five. 2024 Group 3 Craven Plate Replay – Lindermann It wasn’t a pretty victory, but stable representative Charlie Duckworth was wrapped with the result as he spoke post-race. “It was (a bit messy),” said Duckworth. I was actually amazed that they held Lindermann in for such a long time. He’s such a big boy, I thought he’d bullock his way out a bit easier than he did. “But they rode obviously nice, true, competitive lines and he was fortunate to get out. And obviously it was unfortunate for Democracy Manifest that he got out with just enough time to respond. “Obviously it’s fantastic for the Kepitis family (with Lindermann). They’ve had a bit of a rough trot obviously with Riff Rocket so it’s good to get an old boy like him (Lindermann) back to his best and winning on a big day.” Joao Moreira was delighted with the victory and credited the Waller team for the opportunities falling his way in Australia. “He wasn’t very lucky to get the split right away,” said Moreira. “That might have just done him good because then he got that cover he was getting until he got half-way up the straight, pulled out and obviously had the horse to go past and just win the race. Very nice horse and very nice win. “It’s just so easy when you deal with such a kind of a person (Waller), isn’t it? “He’s amazing, so talented as a trainer but he’s even better as a person. So for me, he’s just making my life so much easier, treating me the way as he is. I’m extremely glad to be riding winners for him.” Horse racing news
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Former Irish and Hong Kong galloper Meaningful Star (Pivotal) put his first local win on the board, at just his second New Zealand start, when he downed a classy line-up in the TAB 1600 (1600m) at Ellerslie. Born in Ireland where he raced seven times for a pair of victories at the Curragh, the now eight-year-old son of Pivotal was sent to Hong Kong in 2021 where he won on another four occasions before being transferred to New Zealand in January by his Hong Kong owners. Meaningful Star entered the stable of Byerley Park trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley where he made an unlucky but impressive debut over 1400m at Ellerslie, finishing fourth after racing three-wide throughout. Punters took note of that performance as they sent him out a $6.60 second favourite on the tote behind race favourite Habana (NZ) (Zoustar) ($5.60) on Saturday and he didn’t let them down, courtesy of a superb ride from visiting Australian jockey, Matt Cartwright. Cartwright had him situated nicely one off the fence in midfield before seeking a run between horses early in the home straight. Despite being held up for a stride or two at the 250m, Meaningful Star burst through and set out after Habana, who had taken the lead out wide at that point. Meaningful collared Habana with 75m to run and went to the post strongly to take the win from Habana and the late finishing Cognito (So You Think) who shaded stablemate Stonybreck (Tavistock) for third. Cooksley had felt his charge had made the necessary improvement from his first run to be a serious contender second-up and that judgement was spot on the mark. “It was a good run first up and I felt he had improved leading into today,” Cooksley said. “He won really well and I thought it was a lovely ride as he had him the right place at the right time and didn’t hesitate to take a narrow gap in the straight. “He pulled up well and you wouldn’t know he has even gone around which is pleasing to see. “We’ll keep an eye on him over the next couple of days and look at a plan to tackle some of those good 2000m races up here around Christmas time.” Raced by a group that includes both Wallace and Cooklsey, Meaningful Star has taken his career record to seven wins from 32 starts and more than $1.6million in stakes earnings. View the full article

Saturday’s Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) raised as many questions as it answered in terms of the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), but the one thing the Ellerslie feature proved is the star quality of Alabama Lass (Alabama Express). Heading into this weekend, Alabama Lass was the $3 equal favourite alongside Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) for the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 16. The 1600m distance was Ken and Bev Kelso’s only reservation around contesting the Christchurch classic, and the Matamata trainers hoped the step up to 1400m on Saturday would give them some valuable guidance. Alabama Lass was sent out as a $1.30 favourite for the Soliloquy and widely expected to win with ease. She duly delivered, but it was anything but easy. The daughter of Alabama Express was drawn widest of the nine runners, but quickly overcame that disadvantage with a brilliant burst of speed out of the gates. Within the first 100m, she was two or three lengths in front of the field and had comfortably crossed to the rail. Jockey Sam Spratt gave the favourite a brief breather coming down the side of the track, then began to up the ante again just before the turn. Alabama Lass straightened for home with a commanding lead, and she was still well clear coming into the final 200m. But then she began to drift towards the outside and lose momentum, while last-start winners Kitty Flash (NZ) (Ace High), Love Poem (Snitzel), Sexy And I Moet (Pierro) and Hitabell (NZ) (Embellish) warmed into their work just behind her. The margin rapidly shrank in the final 75m as Kitty Flash and Love Poem came with big strides and got closer and closer, but Alabama Lass found enough to hold them out by just over a length. The TAB reacted to the win by making Alabama Lass an outright $2.40 market leader for the 1000 Guineas, while she also now shares $4 favouritism alongside Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) for the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) on January 25. The Kelsos saddled three-year-old filly Bounding (Lonhro) to beat older sprinters in the Railway in 2014, and the late scare in Saturday’s Soliloquy prompted Ken Kelso to consider a similar path with Alabama Lass. “She really can ping the gates and put herself forward, and she did that today,” he said. “It’s pretty hard running into that headwind down the straight, so she probably was entitled to knock up a little bit in that last bit. “But we are going to give serious thought about whether we go to Riccarton or not. We’ve got other alternatives, and the Railway is one in particular that I’m thinking about. “Seeing out the mile is definitely a concern that we have in terms of the Guineas. She’s a real speed freak. “Maybe she wasn’t as dominant today because she drew out wide and had to do that work early, and that headwind may have been another factor. We’ll let the dust settle and work it out.” Spratt saw today’s race differently and believes Alabama Lass can master the 1600m in next month’s 1000 Guineas. “She was explosive out of the gates,” Spratt said. “I was pretty much on the fence within the first 50m. “She didn’t corner the greatest, and then she was a bit of a rascal and tried to go bush down the straight. This was her first time racing that way around, so hopefully she’ll learn from it. “If she hadn’t run out, I think she would have won easily. She wasn’t coming to the end of it at all. I think it was just the fact that she was running out. If she’d kept going straight, she would have trotted in. “I don’t think she’ll have a problem with the mile. She settles so well in her races and is really push-button. “Sticking to racing the other way around, like down at Riccarton, might suit her a bit better at the moment as well.” Saturday’s Soliloquy placegetters Kitty Flash and Love Poem did their own 1000 Guineas prospects no harm, and the TAB now rates them equal third favourites at $6. Kelso bought Alabama Lass for A$120,000 as a yearling in Melbourne in 2023. Her five-start career has now produced four wins and a second placing, earning $234,750 in stakes. Previously the winner of last month’s Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings, Alabama Lass has now won both of the first two legs of the NZB Filly of the Year Series and holds a clear lead on the table with 14 points. The 1000 Guineas is the next leg and is worth 12 points to the winner. – View the full article

Promising three-year-old He’s Lucid (NZ) (Contributer) picked the ideal opportunity to break his maiden status and promote his chances for higher honours when he comfortably took out the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton. The statuesque son of Contributer had been well backed in all four of his starts to date which have yielded placings on three occasions including finishing third in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) at his two-year-old debut and also filling the same position two starts later in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m). Trainer Kevin Myers had made no secret of his faith in the ability of his charge and the step up to 1600m on Saturday, combined with the Heavy 10 surface on offer, provided the ideal opportunity for He’s Lucid to deliver on those sentiments, which he did in emphatic fashion. Rider Lily Sutherland had him lobbing along beautifully as he sat a length off pacemaker When Stars Align (NZ) (Zoustar) before taking him to the front out wide entering the home straight. He’s Lucid lengthened stride effortlessly and put a two-length margin on his rivals, never yielding an inch in the run home to hold out a brave Raziah (NZ) (Niagara), who chased him valiantly in the final 200m. Sutherland was suitably impressed by the performance of He’s Lucid, who holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) on the first day of New Zealand Cup Week on 9 November. “He jumped well and put himself there and that was it really,” Sutherland said. “He loved the wet today, although he is good on the dry as well and up to the mile really suited him. “He’s a big horse and I am really lucky to have kept the ride on him, so thanks to Mr Myers and Mr Duncan (owners) for putting me on and trusting me. “He is one of my favourite horses.” He’s Lucid now sits on the fourth line of the Fixed Odds market for the 2000 Guineas at a $10 quote, behind current favourite Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) ($2.80), Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) ($4) and Sought After (NZ) (Tivaci) ($5). Myers purchased him for $40,000 from the Mapperley Stud draft during the Book 2 Sale at Karaka in 2023 and he has now become the tenth individual stakes winner for his sire Contributer, who tragically passed away at his Mapperley Stud home in September this year. View the full article

Waikato Stud has made a bold statement of intent by becoming the first Slot Holder to declare their runner in the inaugural $4.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). The powerhouse Thoroughbred nursery has announced the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Sought After (NZ) as their representative in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race to be contested for the first time on the all-new Champions’ Day at Ellerslie Racecourse on 8 March 2025. Sought After is a true-blue product of the Matamata nursery as a son of Waikato Stud stallion Tivaci and the Savabeel mare, Popular. “We think he’s the right horse for us and he has a lot of ability, so we identified him early and we are very happy to have done so,” Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick said. He began his career in perfect style with an impressive debut win over 1200m at Taupo in mid-September, and will be in action at Te Rapa on Monday in the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m). “He’ll go into the Sarten in great order and hopefully we can begin to collect points, that would be a great start,” Chittick said. The Sarten is a qualifying race for the $1million bonus attached to the NZB Kiwi. To be eligible, a horse must win one of the various nominated New Zealand and/or Australian races and also run a top three placing in the NZB Kiwi. In a move to further reward foundation Slot Holders, the three horses who accumulate the highest number of points in the lead-up events to the NZB Kiwi will earn a share of the $175,000 bonus challenge with $100,000 for the winner, $50,000 for second and $25,000 for third. Sought After will also chase bonus points in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November. “He’ll go to the Sarten and then the 2000 Guineas before he comes home and a break before the NZB Kiwi,” Chittick said New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Chairman, Russell Warwick, is thrilled to have the first runner confirmed for the country’s biggest-ever race. “We’re delighted to have Waikato Stud involved in the NZB Kiwi, and to have the first runner in the field confirmed adds a whole new layer to the hype that’s starting to build ahead of a new event in New Zealand’s sporting landscape”, Warwick said It takes Waikato Stud’s involvement in Australasian slot races to the next level, having also been involved in the last two runnings at Randwick of the A$20 million The Everest (1200m), which now has Gr.1 status. Their homebred I Wish I Win, raced with co-trainer Peter Moody, finished a luckless runner-up in the 2023 edition before a tough run last weekend. “It wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was great to be involved in a massive day at Randwick and if we can replicate something similar to that then it will be just fantastic for our industry and our country,” Chittick said. View the full article

Well-travelled warrior Perfect Scenario produced the ideal dress rehearsal for his main New Zealand Cup Week target when he dominated proceedings in Saturday’s TAB Mile Trial (1400m) at Riccarton. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared seven-year-old lumped topweight of 59kgs, even after having his allocation reduced by the 4kg claim of apprentice Amber Riddell, as he contested one of the major lead-up events to the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m), a feature event at Riccarton on 13 November. The son of Iffraaj had been an impressive first-up winner at the venue over 1200m last month before being desperately unlucky not to win again a fortnight later when he was held up at a crucial time in the run home when finishing runner-up to race rival Times Ticking over 1400m. Riddell took bad luck out of play as she sat Perfect Scenario outside Times Ticking, who assumed the pacemaking duties on this occasion, before angling him wide entering the home straight and taking control of proceedings. Perfect Scenario kept up a strong gallop as he comfortably held out the challenges of Goldies Chance and Kopua to register his eleventh career victory. Walker, who was at Riccarton for the meeting, was glowing in his praise for his charge. “Perfect Scenario, you’d love a stable full of horses like him, whether it’s wet or dry he just gives his best 100-percent of the time,” Walker said. “He’s a great type of horse for these younger apprentices, just starting out in their careers. He gives them so much confidence and it was lovely to see Amber’s beaming smile coming back to scale. “He’s in, arguably, career best form and he’s just getting better and better with age, and we’re really looking forward to seeing him race over Cup Week.” TAB Bookmakers have Perfect Scenario listed as a $16 chance in the Fixed Odds market for the TAB Mile, where the Tony Pike-trained Witz End is currently a $6 favourite ahead of local Riccarton hope Matscot ($8). Raced by the Te Akau Perfection Syndicate after being purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for $165,000 from the Woburn Farm draft during the 2019 Book 1 Sale at Karaka, Perfect Scenario has now had eleven wins along with eleven placings from 40 starts and has collected over $432,000 in prize money. View the full article

Jamie Mott returns to the mounting yard aboard Red Aces after winning the Moonee Valley Vase at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 26, 2024. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Following a barrier mishap that saw Red Aces ($3.10) scratched before the Caulfield Classic last weekend, the Nick Ryan-trained colt only had to wait seven more days before returning to the racetrack and the winners circle in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase. The son of Dundeel had been running credible races throughout the early stages of the spring, and thanks to a smart ride by Jamie Mott, he has broken through for his second career win. Purler Patch ($26) and Opening Address ($7.50) led the field along, ahead of Vianarra ($7) and the eventual winner, before the runs started to come at the 400m mark. King Of Thunder ($4.20) took off three-wide and flushed out Red Aces as he levelled up with Opening Address before the home turn, and those three settled down to fight out the finish. With a couple of bumps and brushes making for an exciting finish, it was Red Aces and Jamie Mott who surged in the final strides to take out the win ahead of a game Opening Address and King Of Thunder, respectively. 2024 Moonee Valley Vase replay – Red Aces Post-race, Nick Ryan was asked if he was experiencing his best week of his training career, following three winners over the last four days. “It’s up there. It’s hard to top Perth, obviously, with Ollie and Munhamek, but to be here on Cox Plate Day and successful and active on one of the biggest days and getting a group two win with a lovely colt heading towards a Derby, it’s pretty good,” Ryan replied. “He had a really good gallop here Tuesday. I had to do a bit more with him Thursday. He’d come through that so well. “I actually rode him myself this morning. I had to give him a little whirl around because he’s so well. “So that’s what I mean by saying I think today’s, or last week’s, as unfortunate as it was, it could be a blessing in disguise. “Seven-day backup. Today’s the perfect gallop for next week. “They had the chance to beat him then. “He’s tough. He’s a good colt. “His record at Flemington of winning or a second or third, and the beauty is, he just has to walk over the road. “It’s his home deck and we love playing on our home deck.” Jamie Mott spoke about his confidence in Red Aces winning the Vase and the Group 1 VRC Derby next week. “We’ve always been confident in his staying ability, and look at him, he’s a magnificent animal,” Mott said. “Last week at Caulfield, he was really up and about, and I struggled to hold him down in the barriers, and he ended up kicking out, which was unfortunate. “Lucky enough, he didn’t hurt himself today. “He went to the barriers like an old pony, so I knew he was in a better spot today and he needed the run because halfway he got travelling a little keen throughout which he’s never done before. “Obviously he missed a run last week, so he was fresh and it was a good go for next week. “I am very confident. I think it’s his year for sure.” Red Aces has moved into favouritism at $6 with horse racing bookmakers in the VRC Derby futures market. Horse racing news
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