Wandering Eyes

Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is one of the highlights of the 991-strong Tattersalls December Mares catalogue, which was released on Friday. The third edition of the Sceptre Sessions will take place on Monday, Dec. 2 and Tuesday, Dec. 3. An additional two sessions of the December Mares Sale will continue on Dec. 4-5. The first Irish Oaks winner (lot 1753) to be sold at Tattersalls as a 3-year-old for over 40 years, the filly will be joined by up-and-coming sprinter Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) (lot 1740), as well as 34 group and listed-winning race fillies across the Sceptre Sessions. G1 Pretty Polly Stakes runner-up Stay Alert (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) (lot 1734) will be offered, as will G1 Matron Stakes second Rogue Millennium (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (lot 1752), and the 2024 G1 Irish 1000 Guineas bridesmaid A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) (lot 1735). G1 Prix de l'Abbaye victress Mabs Cross (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) (lot 1724) will sell in foal to Havana Grey (GB); while Cairde Go Deo (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) (lot 1473) and Rawdaa (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) (lot 1472), both Group 1 placegetters, will sell in foal to Night Of Thunder (Ire) and Lope De Vega (Ire), respectively. Elizabethan (War Front) (lot 1731), a full-sister to Group 1 winners Roly Poly and U S Navy Flag, and Deadly Nightshade (lot 1737), a Justify half-sister to fellow top-level winner Above The Curve (American Pharoah), will sell in foal to Wootton Bassett (GB). Among the Group 1 producers are Frangipani (Ger) (Jukebox Jury {Ire}) (lot 1747), carrying a full-sibling to G1 Deutsches Derby hero Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}); Landikusic (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) (lot 1465) and Morning Mist (Ger) (Peintre Celebre) (lot 1464) are in foal to Too Darn Hot (GB) and Sea The Moon with the latter on Southern Hemisphere time; while Sweety Dream (Fr) (Dream Ahead) (lot 1722) and Kentucky Belle (Ire) (Heliostatic {Ire}) (lot 1485) are in foal to Night Of Thunder (Ire). Juddmonte's draft of 37 includes Group 1 winner Capla Temptress (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (lot 1689) in foal to Dark Angel (Ire); and Irish 1000 Guineas and G1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine Pleascach (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) (lot 1322), in foal to Farhh (GB), anchors the 53-strong Godolphin draft. Barton Stud fields the largest consignment at 85, and they were the leading consignor during last year's December Mares Sale. Their draft contains Desirous (GB) (Kingman {GB}) (lot 2031), a half-sister to G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). The Castlebridge Consignment's Daldiyna (Fr) (Dansili {GB}) (lot 1717), a half-sister to Group 1 winner Dolniya (Fr) (Azamour {Ire}), is pregnant to Wootton Bassett and one of 84 lots in the draft. Other highlights of the catalogue are the Ballylinch Stud-consigned Nariman Point (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (lot 1422), a half-sister to top-tier victress Place Du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in foal to Lope De Vega; WH Bloodstock's Mean Machine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 1417), a full-sister to a pair of Group 1 winners in foal to Wootton Bassett; Frill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 1375), a half-sister to Group 1 winner Garswood (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), who will also be offered in foal to Wootton Bassett by Glenvale Stud; Baroda Stud's Hibiscus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 1654), a full-sister to Breeders' Cup hero Line Of Duty (Ire) in foal to Too Darn Hot; and Manister House Stud's Allez Alaia (Ire) (lot 1677), a Pivotal (GB) own-sister to Group 1 winner and exceptional broodmare Halfway To Heaven (Ire), in foal to Ghaiyyath (Ire). In 2023, the four-day sale grossed 68,502,085gns for 630 lots sold (75%). The average was 107,544gns and the median was 30,000gns. Barton Sales offered the 4,500,000gns top lot in Teona (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who was sold to Juddmonte in foal to Frankel. Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said, “The acclaimed Sceptre Sessions at the Tattersalls December Sale continue to attract an abundance of outstanding fillies and broodmares with Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me exemplifying the quality that buyers from every continent in the world can expect to find at Europe's premier breeding stock sale. The Tattersalls December Sale is an unmissable event for so many, combining not only the quality and diversity to suit all budgets and requirements, but also the depth and numbers which make it the European breeding stock sale worth travelling for. Crucially buyers know that there are future Group 1 producers to be found at every level of the December Sale market with the dams of 2024 superstars Charyn and Kalpana purchased for 3,000 guineas and 35,000 guineas respectively and it is results of such distinction which make the Tattersalls December Mares Sale truly the most influential breeding stock sale in Europe.” The post You Got To Me Stars In Sceptre Sessions, As Tattersalls December Mares Catalogue Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be at Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup World Championships as the official aftercare partner and will host several events, the non-profit said in a release Friday morning. TAA will be represented with two named races on Friday of Breeders' Cup weekend. Race 2, The GII Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. PT/3:10 p.m. ET. The GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be run at 4:45 p.m. PT/7:45 p.m. ET. After each race, a presentation will be made in the winner's circle where the winning connections will receive a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance gift bag and blanket. As part of their commitment to supporting accredited aftercare, FanDuel will make a $100,000 contribution to the aftercare organization. “The FanDuel Group is proud to have Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance present The FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile for a fifth consecutive year,” said Andrew Moore, FanDuel's general manager of racing. “Accredited aftercare is a vital part of the industry, and we're honored to contribute to the incredible work that Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does in supporting the aftercare of our equine athletes when they retire from the track.” Also planned, TAA will host the winners of the 2024 VIP Breeders' Cup World Championships experience from the “Off to the Races” online benefit auction. This experience was donated by Breeders' Cup Limited. The winners will enjoy four tickets to the Breeders' Cup Breakfast Marquee on Wednesday, a table for four at the track on Friday and Saturday, paddock passes for The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes, and much more. Additionally, TAA will have a booth set up during both days of the Breeders' Cup, where patrons are encouraged to stop by to learn more about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation. The post TAA Front And Center As The Official Aftercare Partner Of The Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The connections of Far Bridge are hoping to put to rest a couple of assumptions about their horse and the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T).View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

John Gosden has revealed that Frankie Dettori will ride Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the Breeders' Cup Turf rather than tackling the Filly & Mare Turf which had been the original target. “It's very simple, she is going to run in the Turf, Frankie is based in America, he's ridden Del Mar hundreds of times, so to that extent it is very clear he will be riding the filly, he knows the filly and he knows the track,” Gosden told the Nick Luck Daily podcast. He added, “Kieran (Shoemark) knows the filly, but has never really ridden much in America and certainly hasn't ridden at Del Mar. “You've got to remember about this track that it is built inside the old main Jimmy Durante turf course, it is the tightest and certainly has the shortest straight of any course I ever knew in America. “When you straighten up you only have just over a furlong to run. It's all about tactical position on a turning track, it's not exactly a place you want to go unless you are fully aware of how it works and Kieran is fully understanding of that. “We're leaning towards the Turf because it's a longer run to the first bend and she's better at a mile and a half on the track.” The post Dettori To Replace Shoemark Aboard Emily Upjohn In Breeders’ Cup Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Okita Soushi ridden by Billy Egan winning the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. (Photo by George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos) Okita Soushi has managed to outstay his rivals in convincing fashion when claiming Friday night’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m). On the back of a determined effort last time out in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), the former European managed to break his Australian maiden, and in doing so inserted himself in to Melbourne Cup calculations. The son of Galileo finished 11th in last year’s Melbourne Cup (3200m) and a second crack at the great race is firmly on the agenda following his half-length victory over Serpentine and Sharp ‘N’ Smart a further two-lengths back in third. WATCH: ALL MOONEE VALLEY GOLD CUP NIGHT RACE REPLAYS It wa sa stop start affair as let-start Bart Cummings winner Just Fine looked to control proceedings, but having had to work to find the lead, the early work tolled, and the race was set up for those with fitness on their side. Enter Billy Egan and Okita Soushi. Having sat one off the rails just behind the lead, Okita Soushi hit the lead on the home term and did well to hold off the fast-finishing Serpentine. Brayden Star was cruelly held up for a run at a crucial point and was obliged to finish closer to the winner than his 2.6-length defeat suggests, however, it was all honours the winner. 2024 Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup Replay When asked if Okita Soushi would go on to the first Tuesday in November, Ciaron Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull was quick to confirm the idea. “100%. It’s always been the long-term plan when he came to us off the back of his last campaign in spring,” Turnbull said when asked about the Melbourne Cup. “It’s really good and pleasing when things work out in terms of timing. It’s all working out. It’s fantastic. “We thought he was going really good into that last run. He’s just a classic stayer that wants twelve furlongs. “Once you get him to that level, and at a level of fitness, he excels.” Following the win, horse racing bookmakers have tightened Okita Soushi into a $26 chance for the Melbourne Cup, with some bookies offering as much as $81 before Friday night’s triumph. Horse racing news
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With an aggregate 104 engaged at the beginning of the week, contestants for Sunday's two juvenile Group 1 contests at Saint-Cloud have been whittled down to 10 after declarations were confirmed Friday morning. The one-mile G1 Criterium International has six declared for a mouthwatering renewal which features 'TDN Rising Stars' Maranoa Charlie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), the lone French-trained runner remaining, and supplementary entry Twain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). The latter, who makes a swift return to action after debuting in style at Leopardstown last Saturday, is set to be accompanied by his Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemate Mount Kilimanjaro (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), who was the joint highest-priced lot when knocked down for €420,000 at last year's Arqana October yearling sale. The line-up is completed by Goffs Million victor Apples And Bananas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), G3 Solario Stakes runner-up Matauri Bay (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and the Andrew Balding-trained maiden Spirit Of Summer (GB) (Mohaather {GB}). The 10-furlong G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud has just four engaged with those remaining all from overseas. Aidan O'Brien relies on G1 Fillies' Mile third and supplementary entry Ballet Slippers (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the lone filly across both fields, while son Joseph will saddle G2 Beresford Stakes runner-up Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). The quartet also includes Peter Chapple-Hyam trainee Harvey (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), who ran third behind Maranoa Charlie in last month's G3 Prix Thomas Bryon, and Charlie Johnston representative Green Storm (Ire) (Circus Maximus {Ire}). With five runs under his belt, the latter is the most experienced left standing and was last seen running second in this month's G3 Zetland Stakes at Newmarket. France's final Group 1 contest of the season, the G1 Prix Royal-Oak, takes place later on the card and has attracted a field of eight. Last year's winner Double Major (Ire) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) will return off a fifth in the G1 Prix du Cadran on Arc weekend and his rivals include mud-loving Cadran runner-up Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) and G1 St Leger fifth Grosvenor Square (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). The post Declarations for Saint-Cloud’s Group 1 Juvenile Contests Revealed, Just 10 Confirmed Runners Across Both appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Top sprinter Big Evs will stand at Tally-Ho Stud next season. The son of Blue Point will retire following his run in the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar, a race he is a general 8-1 chance for. Big Evs is the leading sprinter of his generation, a G1-winning two-year-old who has beaten some of the best older horses in a series of top-class efforts this season at three for trainer Mick Appleby. Sourced by Conor Quirke on behalf of Paul and Rachael Teasdale's RP Racing Ltd from Micky Cleere early in his juvenile year, he was a dominant winner at Royal Ascot when running out a three-length winner of the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes. From there, he won the G3 Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood and then the G2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster before heading to Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup, where he landed the Juvenile Turf Sprint with fellow Royal Ascot winners Valiant Force and Crimson Advocate in behind. Roger O'Callaghan of Tally-Ho Stud commented, “We are delighted to be standing a horse with such pure speed and consistent class. He looked very special the day he won the Windsor Castle Stakes and his performances since have confirmed his place as an elite sprinter of recent years. “Few horses have the pace to be able to challenge American sprinters on their home soil, and what he did in the Breeders' Cup last year underlined his brilliance. We are very much looking forward to standing the first son of Blue Point and to supporting him strongly at stud.” O'Callaghan: 'We will be supporting him strongly' | Goffs Big Evs returned this year to defy a penalty in the Listed Westow Stakes and later claimed the scalp of top Australian sprinter Asfoora in the G2 King George Stakes. He also ran third in the G1 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Campaigned exclusively over five furlongs, Big Evs is the first son of leading young sire Blue Point to stud. Out of a daughter of Oasis Dream, he hails from a family steeped in juvenile talent as a grandson of champion Queen's Logic, whose daughter Lady Of The Desert and granddaughter Queen Kindly both won the G2 Lowther Stakes. A stud fee for Big Evs will be announced at a later date. The post “Very Special” Sprinter Big Evs To Stand At Tally-Ho Stud Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having won more than 400 group/grade 1 races worldwide, few important races have eluded Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien. Yet the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) is one of them. City of Troy might be the horse to give him that elusive victory.View the full article

There are 15 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, October 26. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Moonee Valley, Randwick, Doomben, Ascot & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – October 26, 2024 Moonee Valley Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Doomben Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on October 26, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting pickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Group winner and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes runner-up Daylight (Fr) (Earthlight {Ire}) will be offered by Haras de Beaumont during the first evening of the Vente d'Élevage on Saturday 7 December at Arqana. A winner on her debut in the spring and third in the G3 Prix du Bois on her second outing, Daylight struck at Group level when winning the G3 Prix de Cabourg at Deauville The juvenile boasts a rating of 110 and is out of the Group-placed mare Latita. Haras de Beaumont's Pauline Chehboub commented, “She's a filly that has stood out for her consistency and talent since we acquired her at the yearling sales. She's exceptional, with a high cruising speed and superb acceleration. “We have no doubt of her potential over a longer distance in the future, and with our partners, after her Cheveley Park run we definitely wanted to enter her in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. She has a great future.” The post High-Class Juvenile Daylight Added To Vente d’Élevage Catalogue At Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Derby winner Masar (Ire) is set to relocate from Darley's Dalham Hall Stud to Sunnyhill Stud in Ireland for 2025. A son of New Approach (Ire), Masar finished third behind Saxon Warrior in the 2,000 Guineas before he landed the Derby at Epsom, where he beat that same rival [4th] and four-time Group 1 scorer Roaring Lion [3rd]. However, Masar covered just 10 mares in 2024 at a fee of £10,000 and he is now set to stand at Michael Hickey's Sunnyhill Stud in County Kildare next year. A statement released by Darley read, “Masar made history in 2018, becoming the first horse to ever carry the Godolphin blue silks to victory in the Derby and has enjoyed success as a sire since, with a number of promising horses from his first two crops.” It continued, “Darley is pleased to continue their relationship with Sunnyhill Stud who have previously stood Godolphin star Doyen, who has since returned to Kildangan Stud in his retirement. “The team at Darley would like to thank all of the breeders who have supported Masar at Dalham Hall Stud and wish Sunnyhill Stud every success with him in the future.” The post Derby Winner Masar Relocates To Sunnyhill Stud In Ireland For 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every month HRNZ picks at random an owner and breeder of the month. The only proviso is that their horse must have won a race during the month. September’s winners were Jason Lissette as owner of the month. He’s part of the syndicate that race Iron Brigade who won at Cambridge on September 3 while the breeder of the month was Price Bloodstock (Katrina and John Price) after Republican Party’s win in the Hannon Memorial at Oamaru High profile Winton-based breeders the Prices had a double celebration on the day as it turned out. They went back to back at Oamaru, winning the Nevele R Fillies series heat with Ruby Roe before winning the day’s feature the Placemakers Group 3 Hannon Memorial with Republican Party. “We bred, own and train Ruby Roe so it was a very exciting day with a double lot of cheering,” says Katrina Price. “It’s great to see your progeny perform well and then the excitement, pride and often relief if they win. Even more so for a feature race. It’s very fulfilling when your breeding plans and dreams come to fruition.” The Prices will forever be associated with Chicago Bull. He was a once-in-a-generation performer, with 62 wins and over $2.4m in stakes. “Chicago Bull has set the bar pretty high but we are very proud of Republican Party, he always tries so hard.” “His dam, Democrat Party was our first ever Group 1 winner as an owner or breeder so she is very special, as are her progeny.” Now bound for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 12, Republican Party has had 16 wins from 40 starts for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety. “His connections just love him and they have had a lot of fun racing him. He was a lovely horse to work with as a youngster – very willing and intelligent so was always easy to like,” says Katrina. Often prominent at the sales with their yearlings, Price Bloodstock has another big year ahead. “We have 10 mares booked for breeding this season.” Congratulations to both winners and your plaques are on their way. View the full article

Moonee Valley Gold Cup Night 2024. (Photo by George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos) Moonee Valley Gold Cup Night 2024 kicks off the Cox Plate Carnival and an eight-race meeting is set down for decision at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Friday, October 25, 2024. The Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) is set to jump at 9:15pm AEDT. With plenty of key form races heading into the Melbourne Cup Carnival, catch up on all the race replays, results and dividends provided by top horse racing bookmakers here. Race 1 – BM70 Handicap (1600 METRES) Race Replay & Results Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 3 Written In Code Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald Blake Shinn $2.70 $1.30 2nd 10 Ataegina Luke Oliver Billy Egan $4.40 3rd 5 Pariah Pearl Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Joao Moreira $2.30 4th 4 Grey Ice Bevan Laming Luke Currie Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 3-10 $32.50 Exacta 3-10 $43.90 Duet 3-10 $9.10 Duet 3-5 $4.00 Duet 10-5 $21.50 Trifecta 3-10-5 $297.60 First Four 3-10-5-4 $1,943.50 Place Your Bets on Upcoming Races With Neds! Race 2 – Country Cup Final (1200 METRES) Race Replay & Results Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 5 She’s Bulletproof Charlotte Littlefield Craig Williams $2.00 $1.16 2nd 8 Joltin’ Joe Paul & Tracey Templeton Joao Moreira $6.00 3rd 4 Mawallock Lindsey Smith Fred Kersley $1.55 4th 7 Core Concept Mark Ashby Daniel Stackhouse Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 5-8 $23.10 Exacta 5-8 $22.10 Duet 5-8 $7.00 Duet 5-4 $2.00 Duet 8-4 $20.70 Trifecta 5-8-4 $130.80 First Four 5-8-4-7 $506.50 Running Double (1,2) 3-5 $5.70 Place Your Bets on Upcoming Races With PlayUp! Horse racing news View the full article

Murray Bridge apprentice Sophie Mitchell, bound for the Darwin Turf Club meeting on Saturday, only kickstarted her career in August. Murray Bridge apprentice Sophie Mitchell has been booked to partner Phil Cole’s Tubthumper, Ny Kee and Aussie Jawsie at Darwin on Saturday. She is one of several interstate jockeys frequenting the NT due to a rider shortage in the territory. “Phil rang my boss Kristi Evans and she rang me on Wednesday and asked if I wanted to go up, I said yes,” Mitchell said. “I’ve only had 21 career starts for one winner, so it was a bit of a shock, but it will be a fantastic experience. “I’ve been to Darwin a couple of times on holiday, I loved it. “I’m surprised and excited to go to Darwin and have a crack. “I rode at Quorn – that’s the only dirt track I’ve ridden on. “I’ve been to Casterton in Victoria, that’s my only interstate trip. “Darwin was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” With jockey Wayne Davis injured and apprentice Emma Lines on a sabbatical, the Cole stable has relied on other NT jockeys. Born and raised in Murray Bridge, Mitchell debuted at her home-town track in August. She celebrated her first win on Monday at Penola aboard All Beans for Murray Bridge trainer Justin Pickering. Admitting that she doesn’t know anyone in Darwin, the 21-year-old has already shared texts with Cole. “I think I’ve got a few good live chances, so it looks like a promising day out,” Mitchell said. Darwin Guineas winner Tubthumper takes on BM76 sprinters over 1200m but has starred over the trip at the top level. The five-year-old mare was third over 1100m in BM77 company three weeks ago after a seven-month spell, but Doc O’Connor, Bon’s Pride, Mr Cashman, Siakam and Early Crow are quality opposition. It’s a bonus for Tubthumper — an early $10 quote with online bookmakers — that Mitchell claims 4kg, bringing the weight down to 53kg. That also enhances the hopes of Ny Kee over 1100m at 0-58 level and Aussie Jawsie in a 1300m maiden. Four-year-old mare Ny Kee, who had a win and a second on debut in Darwin, was fifth in a 1000m Class 2 last Saturday. Aussie Jawsie was second over 1100m in his NT debut three weeks ago, although the three-year-old filly was 8.3 lengths behind Hotim English. Horse racing news View the full article

Group 1-winning trainer and former Champion jockey David Walsh. Photo: Supplied It’s been over two decades since former Champion jockey and Group 1-winning trainer David Walsh lined up a runner as a trainer, but that drought will come to an end at Riccarton on Saturday when he lines-up Zelia in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (800m). While more known for his decorated riding career, Walsh also had an impressive training record, headlined by Zirna’s win in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha in 2003. “I have had over 100 winners, and the first starter I had won at Reefton,” Walsh said. “I won the strike-rate award one year when I had 78 starters for 19 or 20 wins. That was quite a big thing way back then.” While he left training following the 2003/04 season, Walsh continued riding until finally hanging up his boots in 2016 after netting 2262 wins in the saddle. Walsh then transitioned into a career as a riding mentor for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing where he spent six years guiding the young riding talent in the South Island before he decided it was time to spend some time away from racing. “I had done it (riding mentor) for long enough and felt like I needed a bit of a break away,” Walsh said. “I was working at the driving range down the road by the racecourse for a year and that was awesome. I was doing all sorts of stuff there, which was a long way off what I had been doing and I didn’t have all the travelling.” While he enjoyed his time away from racing, Walsh always felt the lure of returning to training, and he decided the time was right to give it another crack earlier this year when he spotted Zelia in a paddock at Grangewilliam Stud. “I have always had the urge to go back (training),” Walsh said. “It was just a matter of waiting for the right time and right opportunity. This year one thing led to another – I saw this filly I liked, and the stake money is going up. “With the TAB being restructured and Entain coming along, and all the stakes coming up has been great. A couple of years ago, maidens were running for $10,000 and now the same horses can race for $25,000, it is a hell of a lot of difference in a short time. “Things have changed a lot, and for the better. It is an incentive to have another crack, because if you can do the job right, have a bit of luck along the way and get a couple of nice horses, you should be able to do well out of it. “I thought I might as well be a part of this while the money is guaranteed. It all gradually fell into place and here we are with a starter tomorrow.” Walsh was taken with Zelia as soon as he laid eyes on her when visiting Grangewilliam Stud earlier this year, and he is excited about her prospects. “She had been through the Karaka Sales and was withdrawn,” he said. “I saw her at Grangewilliam Stud and I really liked her. John Corcoran, who owned the filly, bought her in Sydney as a weanling to go to Karaka. He was looking to do something with her, so I leased her, and we put a syndicate together, and he is part of it. “She came down here in June and she was a hairy little thing. It is quite incredible in how much she has changed and developed in five months.” The two-year-old daughter of Fierce Impact was fourth in her debut trial at Riccarton Synthetic last month before returning to the Christchurch venue to line-up on the grass a fortnight later where she won her 800m trial by an impressive 12 length margin. Walsh was duly impressed and so were bookmakers, who have installed her a $2.15 favourite for her debut this weekend. “I have always liked the filly, I thought she would go well,” Walsh said. “She only does what she has to on the track, which is good. “The first trial was just barrier practice for her, she hadn’t seen those big overhead gates, and I was quite happy with her first trial. “I was surprised as much as anyone with what she did in her second trial, you don’t expect horses to be doing that. “There has been a little bit of interest in her, but at this stage we are happy to race her.” Walsh currently has three horses in work and said he is looking to expand and will possibly add to his team at next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. “I am looking for new clients. I have got stables at Riccarton with a 12-horse barn, so I am gradually looking to fill it up,” he said. “I would like to look at getting a couple of ready-to-run horses as all the hard work has been done by then. If you get the right one you don’t know what could happen.” Horse racing news
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Alabama Lass will contest the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) has produced all of the last six winners of the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), and Matamata trainer Ken Kelso would love to see that trend continue with his classy filly Alabama Lass. Kelso and his wife Bev will send Alabama Lass out as a red-hot $1.45 favourite for the $175,000 feature at Ellerslie on Saturday. The daughter of Alabama Express also shares $3 favouritism with Captured By Love for the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 16. The Kelsos completed the Soliloquy-1000 Guineas double with Legarto two years ago, while Media Sensation won the same two races in back-to-back starts for Peter and Dawn Williams in the spring of 2018. Loire won the 1000 Guineas after being unplaced in the Soliloquy in 2019, and the following year Kahma Lass was runner-up in the Soliloquy and then went one better at Riccarton. The Perfect Pink (2021) and Molly Bloom (2023) both finished fourth in the Soliloquy on the way through to their 1000 Guineas triumphs. Alabama Lass has made a big impression in her short career to date, recording three wins and a placing from four starts. She won by nine and a half lengths on debut at Matamata in February, then ran second behind Captured By Love in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) in her only other two-year-old appearance. Alabama Lass kicked off her three-year-old season with a dominant victory by three and a half lengths at Taupo. In her most recent start, she turned the tables on Captured By Love and impressively won the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings on September 7. The Kelsos have kept Alabama Lass up to the mark since then with a trial at Matamata on October 8, where she won her 1000m heat by seven lengths. “She’s had a really good six weeks or so since she won the Gold Trail,” Kelso said. “That trip to Hastings is quite a big one for a three-year-old, so we gave her an easy week afterwards and then started to work her up again. “She trialled at Matamata a couple of weeks ago and was quite impressive that day, and we’ve been more than happy with everything she’s done since then as well. She’s doing everything right. She’s eating well and working well. She galloped very nicely at Matamata this week. We’re really looking forward to Saturday.” With all of her four starts so far coming over 1100m or 1200m, the step up to 1400m for the Soliloquy on Saturday is set to answer some of her connections’ questions around what the rest of her season might have in store. “This race is going to be the test to see how far we’re going to get with this filly,” Kelso said. “Going up to 1400m is the next step in the progression. Hopefully it will give us a good idea of whether or not she’ll see out the mile in the Guineas at Riccarton. “She relaxes really nicely in her work and in her races, so we’re hopeful that she can go that little bit further.” Horse racing news
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Love Poem will contest the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Stephen Marsh has nine three-year-olds still nominated for either the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) or Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month, and six of them will contest Group races during the Labour Day long weekend. The Cambridge trainer has a total of 20 horses entered across the meetings at Ellerslie, Riccarton, Trentham and Te Rapa, including a three-pronged attack on Saturday’s Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie with 1000 Guineas entries Love Poem, Sexy And I Moet and Hitabell. Snitzel filly Love Poem was bought by Bruce Perry Bloodstock for A$280,000 as a yearling in Sydney, and her value has only increased since then. Her half-sister Estriella has won five of her 11 starts including last Saturday’s Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m), while Love Poem herself was stakes-placed in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), Group 3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) and Listed Star Way Stakes (1200m) in her three appearances last season. Racing in the colours of Lib Petagna’s JML Bloodstock, Love Poem resumed in maiden company at Te Rapa on September 27 and romped to victory by three and a half lengths. “She was obviously stakes-placed a few times at two, so it was really good to see her come back and put away a pretty talented field of maidens the way she did first-up,” Marsh said. “She’s trained on very well since then. It’s a good field on Saturday. Alabama Lass obviously looks very good, and I was impressed with Andrew Forsman’s filly (Kitty Flash) the other day too. But we’re very happy with Love Poem and she could be the big improver.” Sexy And I Moet finished fourth in her only two-year-old start at Matamata in May, but boasts a perfect two-from-two record this season with stylish wins at Taupo and Tauranga. “Her Taupo win was very good after she was caught wide and covered a lot of ground,” Marsh said. “Then she came out and won very well again last time. Both of those wins were on rain-affected tracks, but I think she’ll be even better suited to drier ground. “She’s certainly not without a chance of picking up some black type in this race on Saturday.” Hitabell, who was bought for just $9,500 from the 2023 National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, is stepping straight up to the big time after winning by two and a quarter lengths over 1100m on debut at Taupo on October 11. “This is a big step up in class and distance for her, but we thought her debut win was very strong,” Marsh said. “She’s progressing well. With emerging fillies like her, it’s nice to give them an early crack at some black type while they’re on their way through.” Alabama Lass dominates the bookmakers market for the Soliloquy Stakes at $1.45, with Love Poem the second favourite at $8.50. Sexy And I Moet is rated a $12 chance, while Hitabell is at $23. Marsh won last year’s Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) with Burn To Shine, and he will attempt to repeat that result on Saturday with the promising Kiwi Skyhawk. The Contributer gelding has been consistently finding the line strongly throughout his four-start career, which has produced a maiden win at Te Rapa in August along with two third placings and a fourth. “Stepping up to the mile at a nice big track, I think this race on Saturday is made to measure for him,” Marsh said. “His runs over those shorter trips have been very good. Going up to 1600m here is going to be absolutely ideal. “He travelled down there last weekend and has settled in nicely. The one sticking point is that there’s a fair bit of rain expected, but it’s been quite warm weather lately and I’m hoping the track will be able to cope with a bit of rain. “This should be a lovely lead-up to the Guineas for him.” On Monday at Te Rapa, Marsh has Super Photon and Erin Go Bragh lining up in the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m). “I thought Super Photon’s run in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Group 2, 1400m) was below par,” Marsh said. “We haven’t found anything wrong with him since then and he’s been working well. We’ve added blinkers for this race. We know he’s capable of a lot better than what he showed last time, so we’re hoping to see an improved performance. “Erin Go Bragh is another one that’s making a big step up this weekend, but he’s a horse we’ve always thought quite a lot of. There’s some nice form around what he did at the trials before that debut win, and he’s definitely one that I’d expect to reach a much higher level than the midweek maiden he won first-up. “Despite having just the one start for the one win, he does still hold a nomination for the 2000 Guineas.” Horse racing news
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Jockey Club assures racing public it is closely monitoring the veteran trainer’s stable operations.View the full article

Veteran handler striking at 25 per cent at the city circuit this season, while Copartner Prance is chasing six straight wins at the track.View the full article

Rider will again hop aboard Group One Caulfield Cup (2,400m) fourth placegetter: ‘Hopefully she can run a big race’.View the full article

Ashburton’s “Magic Monday” is one of the most eagerly anticipated meetings of the year so we have produced a lift out that contains a number of stories, selections and other information to help you enjoy the day. You can access it here View the full article

So Naive will contest the Group 2 James And Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa on Monday. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) So Naive hasn’t put a foot wrong in his three-year-old campaign so far, and trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley are hoping his purple patch of form continues at Te Rapa on Monday. The U S Navy Flag colt was a handy two-year-old, winning two his four juvenile starts, but he blossomed into a three-year-old where he won the Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) first-up before finishing runner-up to Savaglee in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). So Naive is on a path towards the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month and will have a final lead-in run in the Group 2 James And Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) on Labour Day. It is shaping as a vintage edition of the age group feature, with the field comprising of exciting Group 1 performer Captured By Love, in-form Hawke’s Bay Guineas victor Savaglee, and stakes winners Super Photon and Domain Ace. Cooksley has been pleased with the way So Naive has been tracking since his last start and believes he will take further improvement from Monday’s hit-out into his Group 1 southern target. “He has improved from last time, he has come along quite well,” Cooksley said. “Whatever he does on Monday he is going to improve on too, as long as the track is not too bad.” Cooksley will be represented by two runners at Ellerslie on Saturday, including Chasing Warrior in the SKYCITY Horizon 1500, and Meaningful Star in the TAB 1600. “Chasing Warrior needs a wet track and he is going to go out soon, and Meaningful Star is on the improve, he should go a good race,” he said. Meanwhile, Cooksley has been pleased with Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Trust In You’s Australian preparation, where he has finished fourth in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) and Group 3 St Leger Stakes (2600m). The six-year-old gelding is currently 31st in order of entry for the Melbourne Cup, and Cooksley has his fingers crossed that the son of Sweynesse can make it into the final field. “He is going good races, he is just meeting better horses over there,” he said. “We are going to pay the next acceptance and then see what happens from there, he won’t race between now and then.” Stablemate Sacred Satono could also be in for an international preparation, with the son of Satono Aladdin nominated for the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin in December. He has been freshened since his third placing in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last month and will likely have a trial next week ahead of his summer preparation. “He might trial next Tuesday and then first-up at Pukekohe over 1100m,” Cooksley said. Horse racing news
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Captured By Love will contest the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa on Monday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) was not an easy watch for the connections of Captured By Love, and co-trainer Sam Bergerson is hoping some redemption can be served in Monday’s Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa. The daughter of Written Tycoon was fractious in the barriers prior to the running of the transferred three-year-old feature at Matamata, giving her rivals a six-length head start before producing an enormous closing finish to come within a neck of Savaglee and So Naive. Bergerson, who trains the filly in partnership with Mark Walker, was equally impressed and disappointed with the result. “It was a fantastic run and we were very proud of her efforts, but also pretty gutted at the same time,” he said. “She seems to have come through it well and the barrier blanket goes on, we’ve gone back through the raceday barriers at Matamata and her behaviour was very good.” Captured By Love is one of three fillies that has accepted into Monday’s contest, opting to take the alternative route to Saturday’s Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. “We thought keeping her left-handed would suit and Te Rapa is a bit closer to home as well,” Bergerson said. “Ken’s (Kelso) filly (Alabama Lass) is another swaying factor, we think she’s pretty sharp, but there are definitely some handy types in the Sarten too. She performed very well against the boys in the Guineas, so we thought we’d have another crack. “She’s drawn a nice middle alley which gives us a few options so fingers crossed her manners are a bit better, and if she can run up to her performance last time, she’d certainly be hard to beat.” The Te Akau contingent face a similar dilemma when heading to New Zealand Cup Week in a fortnight, with Captured By Love holding nominations for both the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) a week later. “We’ve had a very good team talk about Cup Week and we’re still on the fence, so we’ll get through Monday before making a plan,” Bergerson said. “It is a real possibility that she may go to the 2000 Guineas.” On Saturday, the stable will have 16 representatives at Ellerslie and Riccarton Park, with the latter including When Stars Align tackling the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m). The Zoustar colt finished just under two lengths from race-rival Raziah in the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago on a Good3 surface, something unlikely to be on offer with impending rain in the region. “It was a good run, he set a good tempo then probably just hung a bit late and let himself down,” Bergerson said. “The key to him is probably a good track, the forecast isn’t looking flash down there so that’s our worry. “He has gone on with it since the Barneswood, Hunter (Durrant, stable foreman) certainly can’t fault him and his work was very good on Tuesday morning. We’re really pleased with him, it’s probably not the strongest edition of the race and we’re pleased to have Jonathan Riddell aboard, a good strong rider who will suit him. “We think he should see out the distance, we were really hoping for a better track but hopefully he can run a good mile and then press on to the 2000 Guineas.” Last-start Ashburton Cup (1600m) winner Fellini and Group 3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) hopeful Fierce Flight will both take their place in the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m). “It looks a nice, even race for Fellini on paper,” Bergerson said. “He’s in great form, full of confidence and bouncing around the stable. He’s another one that has trained on well since Ashburton, he certainly deserves his chance back at black-type level. “He’s been up a long time so we’re mindful of that, but while he is in good form, we potentially could look for a race for him over Cup Week. We’ll get through Saturday and work from there. “Fierce Flight is another horse that the forecast is a concern for, but he needs to run to get fit for the New Zealand Cup. “He’s a bit of a funny horse, he doesn’t always put in and he was obviously disappointing last start, he didn’t try very hard. “We’re hoping to get through here and then on to the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) and New Zealand Cup. He ran very well over 3200m in the Wellington and Auckland Cup’s so hopefully he can put his hand up. If the best version of Fierce Flight turns up on Saturday, he certainly be more than capable.” While the rain may deter a couple at Riccarton, proven soft-track mare My Lips Are Sealed is likely to be Te Akau’s only runner in the Group 3 Gee and Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham on Sunday. The Ace High four-year-old finished second to Still Bangon in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) last December in similar conditions to what she may face in the feature. “When she won the two races in a row this prep, we started looking at this race,” Bergerson said. “She ran very well in the Eulogy last year on a wet track, which it looks like Sunday could turn out to be as well. She doesn’t get in that flash in the handicap with Ladies Man up the top, but she’s in fantastic form and working very well. “It could be a nice race for her.” With runners featuring at all four Labour weekend meetings, Bergerson is looking forward to stepping out a pair of juvenile debutants at Ellerslie in Return To Conquer and Belle Du Monde. Te Akau principal David Ellis went to $1.3 million to secure Return To Conquer at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale earlier this year, and the Snitzel colt had a slight upper hand on his stablemate at the Matamata trials on October 8. “Both of the two-year-old’s look like very nice horses going forward, both of them trialled super at Matamata and we think they could be some of the better ones we step out this year,” Bergerson said. Horse racing news
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The focus of spring racing may shift to The Valley for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate this Saturday, but Randwick in Sydney still offers a compelling Group 1 showdown with the 2024 Spring Champion Stakes for the three-year-old Derby hopefuls. Anthony Cummings‘ in-form colt El Castello takes centre stage as the firming favourite in the markets […] The post Derby Hopes Clash in Tight 2024 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article