Wandering Eyes

John and Thady Gosden will be the new trainers of Nightwalker (GB) when he returns to the track in 2025, following a third-place finish in the G3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket on his final start for Sir Michael Stoute, who is due to retire at the end of the year. The son of Frankel (GB) opened his account at the second attempt at Yarmouth in September, before running an encouraging race when thrown into deeper waters at Newmarket, staying on gradually to pass the post around four lengths behind Saturday's G1 Futurity Trophy contender Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The homebred Nightwalker, a half-brother to the dual GI Diana Stakes winner Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio), is one of several smart two-year-olds assembled by Juddmonte this season, with the others including the Gosden trainees Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), the winner of the G3 Solario Stakes at Sandown, and Detain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who features among Delacroix's seven rivals at Doncaster on Saturday. “With Sir Michael retiring at the end of year, he has switched to John and Thady Gosden,” Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon said of the change of scenery for Nightwalker. “They are going to get a feel for him now over the winter and we'll be guided by them in the spring and how he fits into their regime. But you would like to think he is a horse who will start off in a Derby trial next year.” He added, “It was a lovely performance at Newmarket and Oisin [Murphy, jockey] was very complimentary about him. Oisin just felt he was caught for a bit of room and the race developed ahead of him and away from him, so he just gave him an easy ride and he hit the line really strong–his last furlong was his best furlong. He's definitely a horse with a nice bit of potential for next year.” The post Gosdens to Take Charge of Nightwalker’s Classic Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the best fillies and mares in the world will soon descend on Southern California for the Breeders' Cup. But one of the fastest fillies in the sport will spend the afternoon in a stall for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff, while her trainer, Michael McCarthy. figures out path he wants to take with 3-year-old filly Accuracy (Arrogate). She's certainly not ready for the Breeders' Cup after maiden win, but a phenomenal performance in an Oct. 19 race at Santa Anita suggest the Mike Repole owned 3-year-old could develop into a star. Not an overnight success, she ran third in both of her first races and received modest speed figures. Still a maiden and stretching out to a mile-and-a-sixteenth, she put it all together and then some in the Oct. 19 maiden. Taking the lead from the start, she was tracked by the filly Nafisa (Quality Road). It seems that horse and jockey (Umberto Rispoli) were just playing around while sticking close to Nafisa. Finally, at the three-sixteenths poll, Rispoli called on his mount and she kicked into another gear while her pursuers seemed to be running in quicksand. She won by 15 lengths and covered the mile-and-a-sixteenth in 1:42.44. But the real story was the figure. The Beyer team gave her a 108. Eclipse Award candidate Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) is the only filly to have posted a better number all year. That was the 111 she earned when finishing second against the boys in the GI DK Travers Stakes. Accuracy | Benoit “I knew she had been training well,” McCarthy said “Her second start was a little bit of a muddled trip. She was boxed in between horses and forced out the middle of the racetrack on the first turn. Then she sort of got into drive to maintain her position up the backside. She made a couple of different moves that day. She came back and trained a little better for that race than she did going into it, which was odd. I was expecting a solid effort for sure, but I never expected to see something like that. She kind of ran away from them again coming to the quarter poll and that kind of surprised me.” With Mike Repole spreading his horses around and not relying totally on Todd Pletcher, McCarthy–a former assistant to the Hall of Famer–said he had eight or nine horses owned by Repole. But McCarthy did not have her from the outset and said that's why he doesn't know what prevented Accuracy from getting to the races until August of her 3-year-old year. It's going to take some time and a few races to figure out how good the filly is, but her first big test may come in the Dec. 26 GI La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita. “I'd like to find one more race,” McCarthy said. “We may have to back her up for the seven-eights in something like the La Brea for 3-year-old fillies. That seems like the most likely spot. We will get together with everyone at Team Repole. There are a lot of moving parts.” And what does he expect from Accuracy next year as a 4-year-old? “You hope she's able to go ahead and maybe not replicate that performance and the margin of victory the other day. but replicate the same kind of number,” McCarthy said. “It's always nice to have a fresh 4-year-old filly heading into the new year. If she is lucky enough to find her way into the La Brea that would be terrific. And if things go according to plan there's no reason why she couldn't make it to the 2025 Breeders' Cup as a contender for the Distaff or, perhaps, the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. She certainly seems fast enough. The post She Won By 15 Lengths, And That’s Accurate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) will be one of two runners for the Lindsay Park team in the Cox Plate. The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes believe their three-year-old runner in the Cox Plate is more than just making up the numbers. Evaporate joins his more highly-credentialled stablemate Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) in the Group 1 weight-for-age contest over 2040m at Moonee Valley on Saturday, coming off a last start third in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12. Considered one of the outsiders in latest Cox Plate betting at $21, Evaporate is unbeaten in three starts at Moonee Valley, while in two meetings with Godolphin colt Broadsiding, Evaporate has beaten him home on both occasions. Broadsiding is a $6 chance in betting which has Japanese visitor Prognosis as the $3.60 favourite. The Lindsay Park trainers had a change of heart earlier in the week after originally intending to start Evaporate in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday week. “He came through the Caulfield Guineas in fantastic order,” Ben Hayes said. “If you take a line through James Cummings’ horse, Broadsiding, who was just behind us, we ran just as good as him. “The opportunity, with his record at The Valley, where he’s three from three, he’s going to have 49-½ kilos, we’ve got a good international jockey coming, Karis Teetan, it’s something you can’t take lightly. “He’s drawn great in barrier six and is a horse that loves galloping room and with that light weight, we expect that he’ll be thereabouts.” Evaporate will attempt to do what Octagonal (1995) and Shamus Award (2013) did and win the Cox Plate after finishing third in the Guineas. “Three-year-olds do have a great record in the race and if you go back through the Guineas, he hit the line well, and did everything correct,” Hayes said. “He’s a horse, with his stride, that will get 2000 metres, no problem and he’s not in the race just to go around.” While Evaporate is lining up for his first shot at the Cox Plate, stablemate Mr Brightside is lining up for the third time, looking to overcome the agony of last year’s narrow defeat at the hands of Romantic Warrior. Victory by one of their two stable runners would see the ‘boys’ join their father David Hayes and grandfather Colin Hayes as Cox Plate winning trainers. “It’s a race we would really like to win,” Hayes said. “We were so close last year, and it just makes you more hungry, so if we could do, it would be a proud moment for Will, J D and I, our father and the whole team at Lindsay Park. “It’s probably the number one weight-for-age race that you want to win in Australia. “It’s an international race, it gives you bragging rights.” View the full article

The number of horses nominated to run at the 2024 edition of the Longines Hong Kong International Races has been boosted to 193 after the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced Celestial Legend (Aus) (Dundeel {NZ}) and Sol Oriens (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), trained in Australia and Japan, respectively, as supplementary entries on Thursday. Celestial Legend and Sol Oriens join the all-star cast of nominations revealed on Wednesday ahead of the flagship meeting which takes place at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 8, with elite performers such as Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) also featuring among the 60 Group/Grade 1 winners entered. Trained by Les Bridge for owners Legend Racing, Celestial Legend registered back-to-back Group 1 wins earlier this year in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile. Last seen finishing seventh in the G1 King Charles III Stakes, he could seek further riches at the top level in the HK$36-million Longines Hong Kong Mile (1600m). Meanwhile, Sol Oriens has been entered for both the HK$40-million Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and HK$24-million Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m). Runner-up to Blow The Horn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen on his most recent outing, he was among the leading three-year-olds in Japan last year when he won the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) and was runner-up in the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). Sol Oriens is trained by Takahisa Tezuka, who won the 2022 edition of the Hong Kong Vase with Win Marilyn (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}). Supplementary entries for the Longines Hong Kong International Races close at 6pm (HKT) on Monday, November 18, with a selection announcement for the four Group 1 features to be made on Wednesday, November 20. The post Pair of Group 1 Winners Added to Entries for Hong Kong International Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Melbourne’s spring carnival takes another mouth-watering great leap on Saturday when little Moonee Valley hosts one of the country’s biggest races - the WS Cox Plate. View the full article

Dual Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett MBE has today been announced as the guest of honour at the ceremony for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin. The annual celebration of British racing's workforce, which takes place at York Racecourse on Monday, February 24, will be hosted by ITV Racing and Racing TV presenter Rishi Persad. Nominations for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are open until Tuesday, November 5 and should be made online by following this link. There are six award categories to choose from and £128,500 in prize-money available to be won. “I am delighted to be part of the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, which is a wonderful opportunity for horseracing to pay tribute to the people who contribute so much to this incredible sport,” said Collett, who has represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games, winning team event gold medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris earlier this year. Her lifelong dedication to horses and their welfare, as well as to mental health awareness within the equestrian community, saw Laura awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to equestrianism. She continued, “Having worked closely with horses all my life and through running my own yard, I know the importance of having a strong team, with skilled, passionate and dedicated people that provide our horses with world-class care. It will be a privilege to meet the 2025 finalists and hear their stories. “With nominations open until November 5, I hope everyone across the industry will nominate their colleagues and friends and give them the recognition they deserve.” Persad added, “I'm a big supporter of the awards and I know how much they mean to all those involved, whether they reach the final, make the shortlist or even the pride in being nominated. “You never know, the 2025 Employee of the Year could be at your yard or stud right now, so please do get your nominations in by November 5!” The post Laura Collett MBE Named Guest of Honour at 2025 TIEA Ceremony appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There were 11 defectors from an overnight entry of 19 and a field of eight will line up for Saturday's £215,500 G1 William Hill Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, Britain's final Group 1 event of the year, after final declarations were confirmed Thursday morning. Aidan O'Brien last won in 2022 with Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and he is in the mix for a record-extending 12th success in the one-mile contest. O'Brien has trimmed his team from six down to one and relies solely on G3 Autumn Stakes and 'TDN Rising Star' Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Last year's winning combination of Godolphin, Charlie Appleby and William Buick will join forces with the hitherto undefeated Anno Domini (GB) (New Bay {GB}) while Team Gosden, yet to win this prestigious heat, will send out Juddmonte's similarly unbeaten dual Kempton winner Detain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett (GB}). Group-winning entries also include G2 Beresford Stakes winner Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and G2 Royal Lodge Stakes victor Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko). The list of nominees is completed by Royal Lodge second Royal Playwright (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Detain's stablemate and 'TDN Rising Star' Nebras (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was supplemented for a fee of £17,500 earlier this week, and Newmarket maiden scorer Seaplane (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}). The post TDN Rising Star Delacroix Heads Field of Eight for Doncaster’s G1 Futurity Trophy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Kaikoura trainer David Broadhurst was rewarded for trekking south when Ester Lucy scored an impressive maiden victory in the Book Your Christmas Party With Us At Addington yesterday. Driven by Ross Houghton, Ester Lucy began well to secure the trail, receiving an economical trip throughout. Houghton then opted to angle the four-year- old Bettors Creek mare around pacemaker General Rebeck to swoop by and run away with the prize, scoring by two and a half lengths and buzzing home in a final 400m of 27.5. “I broke her in as a three-year-old. And now within a year she’s qualified and won a race. Dave’s done a pretty good job with her,” said driver Ross Houghton. That was Ester Lucy’s seventh race day start, having placed on one other occasion. “We’re very happy with her, and Ross (Houghton) is a top driver,” Broadhurst said in a post race interview. “She’s very well bred. Her grandmother is Chokin Hanover. She’s a lovely mare, no vices in her.” “I think there’s more wins in her.” The next time Ester Lucy fronts up she will be in very familiar surrounds – the South Bay racecourse. “We will go to the Kaikoura meeting next with her.” The two day meeting is on November 3 and 4. Broadhurst currently trains a team of two racehorses. “I have another Bettors Creek at home out of a well bred mare that I need to get started on that Ross broke in.” Ester Lucy’s victory granted Broadhurst with his 12th training career win. Other highlights on the programme saw Blair Orange pick up a driving double on Wriggles Rufus and Straight Flush to extend his premiership lead, while junior driver Sam Thornley steered Noah Magnific to victory extending his lead in the premiership over Carter Dalgety by nine wins in the juniors’ premiership. View the full article

Todd Macfarlane has seen a bit in his time in harness racing, and now is looking forward to imparting some of that knowledge to the next generation. He’s just taken up a new part-time role with Harness Racing New Zealand supporting youngsters, mainly cadets and junior drivers, in Auckland and the Waikato. “I just want to support what Roddy’s doing and help out where I can.” Roddy Butt was employed earlier this year as HRNZ’s new Development Co-Ordinator, based in Canterbury. Macfarlane says nurturing young talent is the key to ensuring the sport’s future. “All the best were beginners once,” he says. “We need to attract more people to the sport and when we’ve done that we have to retain them.” With over 500 driving wins and 200 training successes to his credit, the 53-year-old brings a mountain of experience to the position. Included in his CV was a career high with Special Force. He won the 1999 Inter Dominion Trotting Final at Alexandra Park before finishing seventh in a heat of one of the world’s great races, the Elitloppet in Sweden. “It was an amazing day, it was just such a show and the atmosphere was unreal.” He also won the 2012 Group 1 Northern Derby with Ideal Scott, a Harness Jewels with Cyclone U Bolt and trained and drove Mac De Stroyer who won 11 including the Group 2 Noel Taylor Mile . These days he’s not an active as he once was, though he’s still had over 80 drives (and eight wins) in 2024 and tries to keep his finger on the pulse of the industry. He wants to get alongside anyone needing advice or guidance. “I’m always available on my phone and I go to most race meetings,” he says “it could be an issue in the stipes’ room or something to do with the rules or they might just want someone to chat things through with.” “And if I don’t have the answers then I certainly know people who do.” Macfarlane expects the job will involve around eight hours work a week and it will juggle it alongside his other racing commitments and his day job. He runs an asbestos collection and disposal business, or ACDC for short. “I love harness racing and it will be nice to help out where I can.” View the full article

What Cox Plate Day 2024 Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Gate 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, October 26, 2024 First Race 12:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Cox Plate Day 2024 is here and with a bumper 10-race card set down for decision on Saturday at Moonee Valley, punters are set for a thrilling day of action. The Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) is ably supported by eight other races at black-type level, and with perfect conditions above mirroring the Good 4 track rating, there should be no excuses for fancied runners throughout the day. The rail remains in its true position, with action getting underway at 12:10pm AEDT. Race 1: Open Handicap (1000m) If Katsu is anywhere near his best fresh from a spell, he can run away with the prize in the opener. The five-year-old gelding has three wins from first-up runs, so it is easy to see he does not take long to come to hand. Jordan Childs will look to lead from barrier two, and if the pair can hold out their rivals drawn wide early, Katsu has traditionally proven hard to get past. Selections: 2 KATSU 9 FRILLED 10 HOLY RACKET 1 ASHFORD STREET Race 2: Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) Despite not winning, the way Bosustow has performed in two runs this campaign suggests the Red Anchor Stakes is a race he is more than capable of winning. The three-year-old colt has been beaten by Angel Capital at both starts, but in this field, he form seemingly stands out like a sore thumb. Blake Shinn will look to land a stalking position from barrier five, and if the pair are in clear air on the home turn, Bosustow will take a power of beating with even luck. Selections: 3 BOSUSTOW 1 BITTERCREEK 5 IKASARA 2 PISCES Red Anchor Stakes Race 2 – #3 Bosustow (5) 3yo Colt | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) +270 with Dabble Race 3: Listed Crockett Stakes (1200m) Everything that Savagery Vibe has produced through two career starts suggest the 1200m on Saturday will suit her perfectly. The three-year-old filly disposed of maiden company with relative ease on debut two back, before finishing midfield in Group 2 company when racing in restricted room when it mattered most. With plenty of speed drawn out wide, Mark Zahra will look to hold a spot one off the rails behind the leaders, and with a swift turn of foot, Savagery Vibe looks the goods in the Listed Crockett Stakes. Selections: 8 SAVAGERY VIBE 7 CERTAIN RISE 1 ENEEZA 2 SEASCAPE Next Best Race 3 – #8 Savagery Vibe (6) 3yo Filly | T: Nick Ryan | J: Mark Zahra (56kg) –100 with Playup Race 4: Group 2 Fillies Classic (1600m) Double Market produced a strong finish to score at Ballarat on October 3 over 1400m and can go on with the job as she steps up rapidly in grade. The Castelvecchio filly had to make up multiple lengths on the home turn, but she did so running away from her rivals once asked to fully extend. She draws to gain a perfect run in transit from barrier four under Mick Dee, and barring any bad luck in the straight, Double Market should be keeping her undefeated record intact as she steps up to the mile. Selections: 9 DOUBLE MARKET 1 CAVITY BAY 7 POLYMNIA 2 IN HER EYES Fillies Classic Race 4 – #9 Double Market (4) 3yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Michael Dee (57kg) +360 with Bet365 Race 5: Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) Kingswood was impressive when saluting in the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) and in a somewhat similar field, the JRA Cup is seemingly his to loses. The five-year-old former European has been arrogant in his two wins this campaign, and drawn barrier one on Saturday, seemingly only bad luck will get him beat. John Allen will look to get off the fence approaching the home turn, and as long as he can find clear air, Kingswood finish is too strong for his rivals in this. Selections: 4 KINGSWOOD 1 FUTURE HISTORY 3 GEAR UP 5 SECOND TO NUN Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Kingswood (1) 5yo Horse | T: Gavin Bedggood | J: John Allen (57kg) +110 with Neds Race 6: Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) Politely Dun brought up an overdue maiden victory at Ballarat last time out, and as he steps up in class in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2004m), he poses a strong threat. Having run on with intent throughout his career, the son of Dundeel simply didn’t know how to put a race away, but with a confidence boosting win under the belt, there is no reason why he cannot go on with the job here. Damian Lane sticks, and if the pair can gain a slipstream into the race when the whips are cracking, Politely Dun will take some holding out. Selections: 4 POLITELY DUN 2 RED ACES 3 FIRM AGREEMENT 1 VIANARRA Moonee Valley Vase Race 6 – #4 Politely Dun (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Damian Lane (57kg) +230 with Picklebet Race 7: Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) Mornington Glory put in an uncharacteristic stinker at Caulfield in the Schillaci Stakes, but as he returns to his favourite track, the son of Shalaa can bounce back in style. The six-year-old won the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) two starts ago, but with just one placing from five starts at 1200m, the McEwen Stakes could be an even bigger challenge. However, despite his previous results over the six furlongs, Mornington Glory is a different horse this campaign, and if he produces anything like he did prior to his Caulfield run, he can salute here. Selections: 3 MORNINGTON GLORY 2 OSCAR’S FORTUNE 5 I AM UNSTOPPABLE 8 BARAQIEL McEwen Stakes Race 7 – #3 Mornington Glory (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Gavin Bedggood | J: Ethan Brown (58.5kg) +500 with Boombet Race 8: Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) As pointed out in the Follow Files, Plenty Of Ammo was simply outstanding first-up after a nine-month spell. Simon Wilde’s six-year-old mare was crucially up for a run until the final 100m over 1400m at Flemington before launching late to be beaten 1.5 lengths behind Uncle Bryn. The Rebel Raider mare meets Uncle Bryn once again on Saturday, but with a touch more luck this time around, she should have no issue accounting for him and the remainder of her rivals as she steps up to Group company for the first time in her career. Selections: 11 PLENTY OF AMMO 8 POISON CHALICE 7 ROYAL CHAMPION 4 NUGGET Crystal Mile Race 8 – #11 Plenty Of Ammo (4) 6yo Mare | T: Symon Wilde | J: Jordan Childs (55kg) –100 with Unibet Race 9: Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) The Group 1 Cox Plate, some call it the greatest two minutes in sport each year, and this year looks set to be no different. A select field of nine will duke it out for equine immortality, with some of Australia’s best weight-for-age horses and a couple of internationals set to put on one of the greatest shows on turf. Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Cox Plate Race 10: Group 3 Tesio Stakes (2040m) Molly Bloom hardly does much until she has a couple of runs under her belt, and third-up from a spell she looks perfectly placed to bring up a first Australian triumph. The four-year-old mare is a Group 1 winner in New Zealand and has simply found life in Sydney a bit tough to begin her spring campaign. James McDonald hops on board which seems a decent push, and from barrier three, the Ace High mare can potentially settle a touch closer than usual. However, no matter where she settles, Molly Bloom has arguably the best finish in this field and at an each-way quote with horse racing bookmakers, she seems the best way home. Selections: 3 MOLLY BLOOM 2 WISHLOR LASS 6 FIRESTORM 7 LADY JONES Tesio Stakes Race 10 – #3 Molly Bloom (3) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (55kg) –100 with Marantelli Bet Saturday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections October 26, 2024 2-3-5-8 1-4-7-8-11 1-6-7-8 1-2-3-5-6-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Mauritian hopes for success at Moonee Valley and Happy Valley this weekend.View the full article

Almost 70 years after his grandmother bred the winner of the Cox Plate, Kiwi horseman Sam Williams will chase his own slice of racing history with three-year-old Evaporate(NZ) (Per Incanto) in Saturday’s weight-for-age championship at The Valley. Williams, who owns and operates Little Avondale Stud with his wife Catriona, bred, sold and retained a share in the son of his resident stallion Per Incanto, who was bought by Lindsay Park Racing for $330,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The three-year-old has won four of his nine starts, including the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at The Valley, and was beaten by less than a length in the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last start. Williams said the Cox Plate has captivated him since he was young and the prospect of breeding and part-owning a runner is hugely exciting. “From my perspective, the Cox Plate is ‘the race’, so it’s massive to have a runner,” Williams said. “Yeman was a horse that my grandmother bred and he won the Cox Plate (in 1958), so to have another runner is enormous. “When I was a young fella growing up, one of my favourite horses was Kingston Town and I’ll never forget that famous call and his incredible third win in the race. “You look at the honour roll with the likes of Sunline and Winx and all these champions, so it’s the sort of race where you remember where you were to watch it.” Williams is the first to admit that he’s a passive owner, rarely voicing his unsolicited opinions to trainers. But he was able to provide some insight into Evaporate’s pedigree when the Hayes brothers called earlier in the week, keen to inform their decision about whether to run the youngster alongside star stablemate Mr Brightside. Evaporate’s dam, Animal Kingdom mare Savanna, was unraced, but further down her page, there is evidence that the family can produce a horse with plenty of stoutness. The gelding’s third dam Sound Lover was a G3-winning miler who left G1 Sydney Cup (3200m) placegetter Philosophe and G1 Metropolitan (2400m) placegetter Men At Work. It’s the same family as dual Oaks winner Candide and Williams told the team there is enough reason to think Evaporate can successfully stretch out beyond 1600m. “When they rang the other day, we talked about his pedigree,” he said. “On the mum’s side, there are horses like Philosophe, Men At Work, Marju Snip and Candide, who was a dual Oaks winner, so there is stamina there to get him past a mile. “His third dam Sound Lover was a real blue hen mare – I think she left 12 foals, 10 made it to the races, all of them won and between them, they won over 60 races. “She had a very good horse up in Hong Kong by the name of Cheeky and I remember when he had his first trial in Sydney, he gave Commands a bit of a toweling. “Candide won the New Zealand Oaks and the AJC Oaks – we bred and sold her as a yearling. “Funnily enough, she left Nadeem, who ended up standing here at stud. “So the family has been in our family for three generations.” For Little Avondale’s banner stallion Per Incanto, a Cox Plate runner is a chance to showcase his versatility, according to Williams. The son of Street Cry has produced seven individual G1 winners, across races between 1200m and 1600m. Among the stallion’s elite performers is Little Brose, who won the 2023 Blue Diamond Stakes for Lindsay Park. “I said it back at the start of the season that I thought the stallion could be in for one of his most successful seasons on the track and it looks like it’s panning out that way,” he said. “He’s a son of Street Cry and we’ve seen how successful that blood has been over the last month to six weeks in Australia with Pride Of Dubai and Street Boss. “Obviously Per Incanto has made his own headlines with Evaporate, Rue De Royale, Jimmysstar and Gringotts. “Per Incanto himself, his progeny have been more sprinters than anything but he has left two genuine Group 1-winning milers. “To have a horse in a 2000-metre Group 1 weight-for-age race – the biggest one – is just phenomenal for the stallion. “I don’t think it’s coincidence that the (Lindsay Park) stable has had success with the breed, I think it’s the team around them and their systems they’ve got in place. “When they go to the sales, one of the key people in their team and part of the selection process is Dean Hawthorne. “Dean is a good mate of mine and he knows Per Incanto well because he’s based here in New Zealand. “He gets to go around and see them all and he knows the good ones.” View the full article

Trainer John O’Shea has no distance queries with Victoria Derby aspirant King Of Thunder (NZ) (Tivaci) ahead of the gelding’s first Melbourne start at Moonee Valley. King Of Thunder, a winner of one of his four starts on the NSW provincial circuit this season, steps up to 2040m for the first time in Saturday’s Drummond Golf Vase for three-year-olds and the gelding’s breeding and style has his co-trainer adamant he will relish that distance and more. King Of Thunder is by Tivaci out of Zabeel mare Sheezababe, while his grand-dam Honor Babe won the 2003 Group 1 Sydney Cup over 3200m. “One thing about him is that he’s got no problem in running the trip,” said O’Shea, who trains in partnership with Tom Charlton. “He’s a genuine mile-and-a-half horse. “If he runs well, he’ll go to the Derby. “Mac (James McDonald) was happy with him (on Tuesday morning), so he’ll ride him on Saturday.” King Of Thunder won a 1600-metre maiden at Kembla Grange two starts ago on August 31 with blinkers on, before returning from a freshen-up to finish midfield over the same course and distance in a Benchmark race on October 12 after getting back from a wide draw. The gelding did not have blinkers on at his most recent start, but they have been re-applied for Saturday’s race at The Valley. King Of Thunder galloped at The Valley on Tuesday morning with McDonald aboard. O’Shea and McDonald combined to win the Vase with Savvy Nature in 2013. McDonald is also booked to ride Polymnia for the stable in Saturday’s G2 Fillies Classic (1600m). The filly by Dundeel was a fast-finishing second over 1400m in a maiden on the Kensington track at Randwick last start and has been installed as an early favourite for Saturday’s race. View the full article

Brian and Shane Anderton have designs on another trip to Riccarton Park next month, with Saturday’s feature meeting giving an indication on where their talented contingent will feature during Cup Week. The Wingatui partnership will have representatives in both the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) and Listed Sothy’s Spring Classic (2000m), in the form of Cloche (NZ) (Ghibellines) and Mayor Of Norwood (NZ) (Ghibellines). A filly by Ghibellines, Cloche was a winner on debut at her home course in June, before making a strong account of herself behind Age Of Discovery in the Guineas Trial (1400m) four weeks ago. A run in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) was next on the cards for Cloche, but after refusing to enter the barriers, she was late scratched. The Andertons returned home and were pleased with her performance in a jump-out last week, warranting another trip to Canterbury for the $100,000 feature. “She’s always shown a lot of potential and ability, but she’s got a wee bit stubborn in the last couple of starts,” Shane Anderton said. “She had to get a clearance, so she had a jump-out on Thursday and she went really nicely. We’ve put a barrier blindfold on her so hopefully she can go and behave herself this time. “She won on a wetter track, but the forecast doesn’t sound too great, so we’ll find out when we get there.” Cloche holds a nomination for the Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), but after missing a run, Anderton said the filly would have to make a bold account of herself to continue on to the Group One. “It’s going to be a test, we’ve missed a run now so we’re hopping straight up to the mile which isn’t ideal,” he said. “We’re behind the eight-ball now, so she’ll have to run pretty well to go onto the Guineas.” For her older stablemate Mayor Of Norwood, the Spring Classic is another stepping stone towards his main target, the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m). Another progeny of the White Robe Lodge stallion, Mayor Of Norwood has scarcely run a bad race in his career and pleased the Anderton’s in two runs this campaign. “He’s coming up nicely, Ashburton isn’t really his track as he’s the sort of horse that gets back and needs the long straight to get wound up,” Anderton said. “We’re heading in the right direction, we’re looking to get some more mileage under his belt because he’ll hopefully be going to the New Zealand Cup. “We probably won’t go to the Metropolitan, but we’ll get Saturday out of the way and see where he’s at, whether he needs another run.” The Andertons’ trio will be completed by talented mare Inflamed, who ran a narrow second to Tumuch at the venue last month. She will remain at the distance when contesting the Commodore Hotel Rating 75 (1200m). “I was pretty happy with her run, they went pretty quick that day and she’s taken good improvement out of that,” Anderton said. “We’re trying something new now, she’s always had a lot of speed and we tried to get her out a bit further, but I think we’ll just stick to the shorter trips at the moment.” View the full article

Craig Williams will chase a second Moonee Valley Cup win when he partners the Graeme and Deborah Rogerson-trained Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood). Graeme Rogerson knows the feeling of big race success at Moonee Valley having saluted in the Cox Plate with three-year-old Savabeel. He also has two Moonee Valley Cups on the mantlepiece when training for Lloyd Williams, courtesy of Zipping (2006) and Gallic (2007). Now preparing a team of horses in New Zealand with wife Deborah, the Rogerson team will saddle Sharp ‘N’ Smart in Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) on Friday night. A Group 1 New Zealand Derby winner in 2023, Sharp ‘N’ Smart also has a Group 1 Victoria Derby placing to his credit and is a more than accomplished stayer who also won the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Cox Plate Day two years ago. Craig Williams is booked for the ride on Friday night and partnered Sharp ‘N’ Smart at Moonee Valley’s ‘Breakfast With The Best’ on Tuesday morning. It was Williams’ first sit on the stayer who was sent to The Valley to get a feel of the track. “He was a little bit lost on his own as there’s lots for a horse to take in,” Williams said. “You couldn’t get a gauge off his work but if the exercise was to come out and stretch his legs on a lovely, safe track, on a track that he’s competing on, then he’s ticked that box. “Looking at his form without having any extra information behind us, you would say he’s been a little bit inconsistent, but when he’s good, he’s very good.” After a strong three-year-old year that also saw Sharp ‘N’ Smart run fourth in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m), the gelding was below his best during a four-year-old campaign after picking up a bacterial infection. The Rogerson team sent Sharp ‘N’ Smart to Melbourne after running second at Te Rapa on September 15 before finishing 13th behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 14. “I’m trusting him on his best form and his trainer Graeme Rogerson is very excited about him and said he’s going better than his form reads,” Williams said. “He said he had excuses for his latest performance because of the weather and the track conditions, so I have trust in the trainer and will see what he does on Friday night.” Williams, who collected the Group 3 Geelong Cup on Onesmoothoperator on Wednesday, last tasted Moonee Valley Cup success aboard Precedence in 2013. View the full article

Racing is set to return to Te Aroha next week after the club successfully completed the return to racing protocols on Wednesday. The course held a set of nine trials, with 59 horses from the Cambridge, Matamata, Te Awamutu and local Te Aroha training centres attending. Through the latter part of winter, several scheduled meetings at Te Aroha were transferred to other venues to allow for extensive renovations to further progress the track surface and profile functionality. “Over the course of the renovation project, we have completed extensive work on the track including sub soiling, air injection to a depth of 500mm and verti-draining with a variety of tines, among other things,” Te Aroha’s track manager Ryan Gartner said. “We under-sowed the track and applied fungicide multiple times as well, including hand seeding and under-sowing the weak areas almost daily. “I’m pleased to see the jockeys comments reflect the hard work that has been put in, and we will continue to put the effort in to produce a quality surface for the industry.” Among a strong contingent of senior hoops was Joe Doyle, who expressed plenty of confidence after riding in six heats on a Good 4 surface. “It rode perfectly today, there is loads of grass where we are racing,” he said. “Its seems to be holding up perfectly and if the weather holds, I don’t see there being any problems. It rode really, really nicely.” Graham Richardson, who trains at Matamata with Rogan Norvall, had an unraced three-year-old in the final trial and was equally positive in his review. “I’m really pleased with it and it’s so nice to be back,” he said. “The track seems nice and safe and it looks great. I’m looking forward to racing on the 30th.” Northern-based commentator and Racing Te Aroha board member George Simon had hoped to see the venue come into play earlier in the season but is looking forward to the upcoming period of racing, which includes meetings on October 30, November 12, November 27 (Christmas at the Races) and December 8. “Our return has been more delayed than we would have liked, but we needed that additional time to go forward with confidence and be able to maintain our scheduled programme,” he said. “After the trials that took place today, I spoke to a number of senior jockeys who were very complimentary of how the track was presented. They said it rode well, had a little give and was well grassed. “From my perspective, it looked good and with the positive feedback received, it augurs well going forward. “The track will undergo further work in March 2025 after a period of racing.” The Club awaits a final ‘go ahead’ to be given in the coming days, after consultation between the Club, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the Racing Integrity Board. However, Stipendiary Steward, Brady Jones, gave the club some assurance with his feedback following the trials. “The feedback from the senior jockeys was positive, and I see no reason not to proceed next week,” he said. View the full article

There is a distinct Kiwi flavour to the 191-strong nominations for December’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), headlined by New Zealand-bred Australian stars Antino (NZ) (Redwood) and Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars). Antino, a son of Westbury Stud stallion Redwood, was an impressive last start winner of the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield earlier this month and the Tony Gollan-trained six-year-old is now in line to head to Hong Kong to tackle the HK$36 million (NZ$7.7 million) Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m). Multiple Group One winner Mr Brightside will be looking to continue his purple patch of form in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday, and trainers Ben, JD and Will Hayes are eyeing a potential tilt at the HKIR meeting with their charge if he performs up to expectations, having nominated him for both the HK$40 million (NZ$8.6 million) Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and Hong Kong Mile. Emerging New Zealand-bred sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising is adding plenty of anticipation to the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) for local supporters, with the gelding swiftly becoming a fan favourite in Hong Kong. The four-year-old Shamexpress gelding, who was bred by Fraser Auret under his Grandmoral Lodge Racing banner, has been a revelation for trainer David Hayes, winning seven of his nine starts to date and was crowned last season’s Champion Griffin and Most Improved Horse. He has won both of his starts this preparation, including the Gr.2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin last Sunday, and will tackle next month’s Gr.2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) as a final lead in run to the Hong Kong Sprint. Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman, who campaigned his Group One winner Aegon in Hong Kong last year, is keen for a taste of more, nominating Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Positivity for the HK$24 million (NZ$5.1 million) Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m). Group One performer Sacred Satono is the only other New Zealand-trained horse among the nominations, with trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley eyeing the Hong Kong Sprint with the son of Sacred Satono. The HKIR meeting at Sha Tin on December 8 will offer HK$126 million (NZ$27 million) in prizemoney and feature some of the best equine athletes on the planet, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director of Racing Andrew Harding pleased with the quality of nominations they have received. “Romantic Warrior, Hong Kong’s current banner horse, will aim to become the first horse to win three LONGINES Hong Kong Cups,” Harding said. “Galaxy Patch and Ka Ying Rising, two of our most exciting horses, also feature and, we are very encouraged by the support we have received from our international friends around the world. “We are confident that this year’s list has the right mix to deliver another memorable LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, which boasts a record purse of HK$126 million for the four Group One races.” View the full article

Ellerslie’s Saturday meeting will mark the start of a career for one exciting Tony Pike-trained galloper in Storm Front (NZ) (Snitzel), while another, Not Guilty (NZ) (Not A Single Doubt), will commence her final campaign on the racetrack. The winner of last year’s Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m), alongside multiple placings at Listed and Group Three level, Not Guilty has been a consistent campaigner in the Pike stable, and with nothing left to prove, has been put in foal. “She’s a stakes winner and has been a very good mare to us over the past couple of seasons,” Pike said. “She’s a very well-bred mare and we decided it is probably the right time to send her to stud, she couldn’t achieve too much more on the track. “Her work since she’s been in-foal has been exceptional, often these mares do improve when they are in-foal so this seemed like a nice race to kick her preparation off with. “If she finds some good form, we’ll carry on through the summer with her before she heads to the broodmare paddock. There’s a lot of nice stakes races coming up, so we’ll take it race by race.” The daughter of Not A Single Doubt will line-up in the Barfoot And Thompson 1200 alongside Impendabelle, who won the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at the meeting last season. Impendabelle went on to finish second behind Molly Bloom in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), third in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m), and third in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). “It’s difficult for these three-year-olds coming back at four, it will be interesting to see where she heads and we’ll get a line on that after Saturday,” Pike said. “This will probably be a touch short for her at the 1200 and a bit of an awkward draw (7), but as long as she’s finding the line well, she’s in the same boat with plenty of nice fillies and mares races coming up within her distance range.” Later on the Ellerslie card, juvenile colt Storm Front will aim to build on an impressive trial victory at the venue last month when taking his place in the Dunstan Horsefeeds 1100. The well-bred son of Snitzel was a $400,000 yearling purchase at Karaka, with his dam, Indecision, a three-time Listed winner and Group Three placegetter in Pike’s care. “He’s progressed really nicely from that trial, he went to Ellerslie for a track gallop on Saturday before the first race and worked very well again,” he said. “He’s a talented two-year-old, I think he will be better probably as he matures further but at this stage, he’s shown enough to be competitive on debut.” Pike has also accepted with fellow trial winner Grocer’s Deelight, however, he indicated the filly may be more likely to head to Trentham on Sunday for the two-year-old contest over 900m. “She’s a really nice filly by Dundeel, she was impressive in her trial at Te Awamutu,” he said. “She’s also entered at Wellington, we’ll just make that decision on Friday afternoon depending on the weather forecast down there. We are leaning towards heading down there if the track is okay, but if not, she’ll head to Ellerslie. “She’s a really nice-actioned filly and looks an exciting prospect heading into the latter part of the two-year-old season. “With the fillies, we’ve used this path a couple of times, using this race at Trentham then heading back for the Wakefield (Gr.2, 1200m). Impendabelle did that two years ago, it just gives them a look down the straight and the experience of a trip away. “It really helps them grow up mentally going forward into the two-year-old season.” Pike’s team will be busy with another eight runners across the card, including Ellerslie specialist Rudyard taking his place in the TAB 1600. The five-year-old has won two of his five starts at the course, alongside a placing behind Desert Lightning and Legarto in the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) in January. His most recent appearance was an 11th-place finish in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa, a performance Pike is happy to look past ahead of Saturday’s assignment. “He got too far back in that race and he’s not really a Te Rapa fan, it’s a bit shifty for him,” he said. “On paper, it didn’t look a great run, but it definitely wasn’t that bad. “Back to Ellerslie is going to be a huge advantage, he’s got an awkward gate (11) to contend with but he always runs well there. Although it’ll be difficult to win from that draw, I’m sure he’ll run well. “He should be competitive in some of the nice mile races up at Ellerslie through the carnival.” The Sistema 1400 bookends the programme, with Acquarello, Dimaggio, Cannon Hill and Maldini all engaged in the Rating 75 contest. The Trelawney Stud-owned Acquarello has an opportunity to make her claim for a Cup Week feature in the race but carries the 59kg topweight under Vinnie Colgan. “She’s really improved this preparation, she came back from Australia after an injury last season and had a long time off,” Pike said. “It took us a while to get her fit, but her two runs have been great this time in and she obviously stays in this grade, albeit carrying more weight. “She’s a very progressive mare going forward and depending on her performance, we’ll make a decision whether to send her down to the Valachi Downs (Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders Stakes, 1400m) for the middle day of the Riccarton carnival. “All owners of fillies and mares love a bit of black-type, especially stud masters, so that is definitely our intention going through the summer period.” View the full article

Group Three performer Waihaha Falls (NZ) (Sacred Falls) has returned to the care of co-breeder and part-owner Guy Lowry and is set to make his New Zealand debut for the Hawke’s Bay trainer at Trentham on Sunday. Lowry bred the now seven-year-old gelding in partnership with Waikato Stud, and the gelding showed a lot of early promise, winning a 1000m trial at Foxton, which persuaded the partnership to send the son of Sacred Falls over to Sydney to race for trainer John O’Shea. He was a consistent performer across the Tasman, winning five and placing in five of his 22 starts, and earned more than A$550,000 in prizemoney, with his highlights including a runner-up performance in last year’s Gr.3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m), and placing in two editions of the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m). He last raced at Newcastle in April, and the decision was made to bring him back to New Zealand to see out his racing career. “He did very well in Australia,” Lowry said. “We just chased a bit of prizemoney over there and he was probably unlucky not to win the Sydney Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m), which is a $2 million race, which he ran fourth in and had no luck. He has always shown a lot. “He had a few feet problems and that is one of the reasons why we brought him back, to get his feet right and we think they are in pretty good shape. “He is at an age where he would start enjoying it back here more hopefully, and we just wanted to have some fun with him back here.” Waihaha Falls placed in his resuming trial over 1000m at Foxton earlier this month, and Lowry, who trains in partnership with Leah Zydenbos, is looking forward to him making his New Zealand debut in the WRC Life Members 1000 on Sunday. “1000m is probably too short for him, but it will be a nice warm-up for him if we decide to go down south for the Stewards (Listed, 1200m),” Lowry said. While a stakes target is tempting, Lowry said his gelding would only make the trip to Riccarton if they were going to be met by suitable track conditions. “We will just monitor him because he is very well. We would only go down if the tracks were damp,” he said. However, if things were to go their way, Lowry hasn’t ruled out an elite-level target over summer. “If he happened to go alright there, we may think of a Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m), but at that time of year we are unlikely to get the tracks that we would like,” he said. “We are just taking each day as it comes.” The stable will also be represented at Trentham by Testwin in the David Butler Memorial 1600 and debutant Hollywood Drift in the Happy Hire 1400. Zydenbos is particularly excited about the latter, who she owns in partnership with breeder Tony Rider of Milan Park. “Hollywood Drift is a very nice three-year-old who will be competitive,” Lowry said. “It is a big ask going into a set weights and penalties, but the horse is going alright so we will just take it along quietly. “He won a trial earlier this month, he has trained on, and he shows good promise. “Leah part-owns the horse with Tony, who is really good at giving young people a go. It gives her a bit of an incentive.” View the full article

Cody Cole will spend most of his long weekend in the Central Districts with representatives across two meetings, including his early Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) contender Landlock at Trentham. The Merchant Navy juvenile made a winning debut at Wanganui in late September, adding an all-important $23,000 to his stakes earnings ahead of a bid at the $1 million feature in January. Kelly Myers was aboard when he just bettered a game Princess Elsa in the race, and she remains in the saddle for Sunday’s Graham’s Painters 900. “He’s come through that run super, we gave him a bit of time in the paddock,” Cole said. “He’s pretty naturally clean-winded and seems to have made nice improvement from that run. “He’s drawn a good gate (1) and there will be a bit of rain around, but he copped a Heavy10 last time so I’m not too worried about that. “The Karaka Millions is the plan for him, we’ve got plenty of time up our sleeve and he’s got a good amount of money in the kitty already, so we’ll see how he runs on Sunday and probably head back for another break before taking that next step.” Landlock will make the journey south alongside older stablemate Kind Thoughts (NZ) (Tarzino), a promising mare that Cole believes deserves her chance in the Gr.3 Gee and Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap (1600m). Kind Thoughts has only made seven appearances to the races, with four of those finishing in the top two, including a Premier MAAT victory at the venue last December. She finished less than two lengths adrift of What You Wish For at Matamata at her most recent start, with a subsequent gear change to come on Sunday. “She probably doesn’t have the form or credentials to go into a race like this, but I really think she has a bright future and just needs to get out on a big open track where she is able to wind up,” Cole said. “We’ve put the blinkers on her and I think that’s something she’s been screaming out for. I think she’ll be a lot sharper and we’ve probably got a few lengths up our sleeve with those on. “She’s going to have to be above what her best has been in the past, but I think she’s progressive enough to deserve a shot at a race like that. “It’s a strong field with plenty of depth to it and more proven horses, but I think if the best of her turns up and she gets the right run, there’s no reason she can’t be booming home and be in the first three or four. “But, if it gets into that heavy range, she will be staying home. She’s probably a better track horse and we haven’t tried her on that surface, and this isn’t the kind of race you want to be finding out in.” Earlier in the week, Cole will saddle six runners at New Plymouth on Friday, including Redwood mare Latrelle (NZ) (Redwood) in the ComCat 1200. As with Kind Thoughts, Cole has allowed Latrelle plenty of time to mature and was rewarded with a string of consistent form in her four-year-old season, including two wins at 1200m and a mile. “She’s super, we’ve always had an opinion of her and being a backmarker, she’s been unlucky on several occasions not to pick up a few more wins,” Cole said. “It’s a nice kick-off point, she’s won at 1200m and she’s drawn a nice gate (4). Whether she’s a winning chance at 1200 I’m not sure and she’ll need luck from the back, but I think she’ll be getting home pretty well. “She won her last race at a mile and we’ll probably look at some nice races in that range if she can keep progressing through the grades. She’s well-capable and has a good future.” Each of the mares are bred and raced by Gerry Harvey, who also has first starter Bannan (NZ) (Swiss Ace) making his debut in the Taranaki – Whanganui Breeders’ Association Maiden 1200. “He’s a really nice horse, he’s got a good amount of ability but just has taken some time to get there,” Cole said. “He’s drawn a nice gate (2) and if he can get the right kind of run, he can go a good race.” The NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Race (1400m) will feature both Reimagined and Carajillo (NZ) (Ardrossan), the latter an eye-catching finisher in her third-placed run at Egmont. “She went massive in her last start, coming from last and a long way off them to really boom home,” Cole said. “She didn’t cop the shifty track at Matamata first-up and we expected she may run that way, but on the better track she was back to her best which was really good to see. Up to 1400 with a nicer gate (6), hopefully she can settle midfield, and if she can produce that sort of run, she shouldn’t be pretty hard to beat.” View the full article

What Ascot races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, October 26, 2024 First Race 12:29pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Belgravia Stakes will headline the nine-race program at Ascot this Saturday afternoon. With clear and sunny weather forecast for the remainder of the week, the surface is expected to stay in the Good range after being rated as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be pushed out to the +6m position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 12:29pm AWST. Belgravia Stakes tip: West Star As outlined in The Follow Files, West Star was very good when finishing second first-up at this track over 1000m on October 12, and the Simon Miller-trained sprinter looks primed to run a big race second-up. The son of Playing God made up a stack of ground down the middle of the track to go down by a long neck on the line fresh, and it is expected that he will appreciate a rise in trip to 1200m. If Chris Parnham can navigate a clear run from barrier one, West Star can bounce back with a win. Belgravia Stakes Race 8 – #13 West Star (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Simon Miller | J: Chris Parnham (56.5kg) +150 with Dabble Best Bet at Ascot: Simply Simply will seek a hat-trick of wins when he returns to the Ascot 2200m for the second straight start, following his dominant victory on October 12. Grant & Alana Williams have got this four-year-old gelding going as good as ever, recording three wins and two second-place finishes from five starts this time in. William Pike has ridden this son of Domesday in each of his last four runs, and with him retaining the ride, expect Simply to settle close to the speed before taking over in the final 300m to run away with another win. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Simply (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (60kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Almighty Class Almighty Class couldn’t have been more impressive when claiming a dominant victory first-up over 1000m. The Mitchell Pateman-trained gelding received no luck in running and was forced to settle three-wide without cover on speed; however, his class shone through late as he showed a strong turn of foot to race away with a 1.3-length win. If Holly Watson can settle Almighty Class in the first four, peel off the leaders heels at the 400m mark, and show a similar finishing burst, he will prove hard to run down. Next Best Race 7 – #3 Almighty Class (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Mitchell Pateman | J: Holly Watson (56.5kg) +220 with PlayUp Best Value at Ascot: Here For Cheques Bernie Miller and Patrick Carbery will continue their strong affiliation when they combine with Here For Cheques, coming off an encouraging fresh run over 1400m. This son of Universal Ruler ran on nicely from the back of the field and was being hailed as the potential winner before Count The Sessions ran straight past him in the final 100m. This guy owns a strong second-up record (3:2-0-0), and after a big run first-up, expect Here For Cheques to settle closer to the speed and play a prominent role in the finish. Best Value Race 6 – #5 Here For Cheques (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Bernie Miller | J: Patrick Carbery (58kg) +800 with Picklebet Ascot quaddie tips – 26/10/24 Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, October 26, 2024 2-4-5-8 1-3-8-11 5-6-10 7-9-11-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Gawler Cup Day 2024 Where Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club – Barnet Rd, Evanston SA 5116 When Friday, October 25, 2024 First Race 2:40pm ACDT Visit Dabble The $107,000 Gawler Cup will headline the eight-race meeting at the Gawler & Borossa Jockey Club on Friday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with no rain on the forecast, expect racing to go ahead on a perfect Good 4 surface throughout the meeting. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the first race scheduled to jump at 2:40pm ACDT. Gawler Cup Tip: Jenkins Jenkins returned with a second-place finish at Morphettville on September 21, where the Phillip Stokes-trained gelding settled near the rear of the field and powered home late over 1400m. Although this will be start number 51, the son of Pierro appears to be going as well as ever, and a rise to 1500m second-up will suit. If Lachlan Neindorf can settle worse than midfield and find a back to follow around the home turn, Jenkins has the turn of foot to put himself in the finish. Gawler Cup Race 7 – #12 Jenkins (13) 9yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Lachlan Neindorf (54kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Bet at Gawler: Ginger Sinner After filling the placings in his last two starts, Ginger Sinner will strike a very winnable race on Friday as he drops back from 1200m to 1100m. The Richard & Chantelle Jolly-trained galloper looked to have the race within his keeping at the 100m mark at Balaklava before being run over by Dunreal in the final strides. From barrier five, Jake Toeroek will be able to settle in the one-one position, and with even luck, Ginger Sinner will prove very hard to beat. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Ginger Sinner (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Jake Toeroek (57.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Gawler: Swycho Swycho ended a run of top four finishes with a strong victory over 1250m at Morphettville on the Parks track, thanks to a peach of a ride from Todd Pannell on October 11. The Michael Hickmott-trained mare settled behind the speed before peeling off the leaders heels to take over and run away with a 1.5-length win. Even though she has drawn a wide barrier (10), Swycho has the speed to overcome the gate and can settle close to the speed throughout before letting down with a strong finish. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Swycho (2) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Hickmott | J: Todd Pannell (58kg) Bet with Dabble Friday quaddie tips for Gawler Cup Day Gawler quadrella selections Friday, October 25, 2024 3-7-9-10 1-2-6-7-8 5-10-12-15 1-2-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Champion Stakes Day 2024 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 (Link if we have track page) When Saturday, October 26, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) headlining a bumper 10-race program. The rail is out +5m between the 1600m to winning post, while the remainder is out +3m the rest of the way around. The weather looks promising heading into the weekend despite some showers on Thursday afternoon, and with sunny skies forecast on race-day, punters can expect the surface to be in improving Soft 5 condition prior to the opening race at 12:30pm AEDT. Race 1: Kirkham Plate (1000m) The opening event is for the two-year-olds, where the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Arabella Star appears primed for a first-up assault. The Star Turn filly has won both her jump-outs in Melbourne before heading up the highway, catching the eye in her most recent piece of work when leading all the way at Seymour on October 14. She’s shown versatility in her both trials, so regardless of where Beau Mertens lands in the run from barrier two, punters can expect Arabella Star to be right in the finish. Selections: 6 ARABELLA STAR 2 COMEDY 8 LAPIS LAZULI 1 CHICAMA Best Bet Race 1 – #6 Arabella Star (2) 2yo Filly | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Beau Mertens (54.5kg) +300 with Neds Race 2: BM72 Midway Handicap (1200m) In what must be considered the most open race of the afternoon, The Kim Waugh-trained Mogul Monarch gets the nod in this BM72 Midway. The son of Capitalist was impressive dispatching his rivals at Hawkesbury on October 10, and although it was only a BM64 contest, the three-year-old has shown plenty of ability in the past to suggest he’s not out of place in metro grade. Jay Ford gets the chance to lob into the one-one from barrier six, and provided the break fall his way, punters can expect Mogul Monarch to figure in the finish. Selections: 11 MOGUL MONARCH 14 LET’S GO AGAIN 15 FRENCH RULER 3 PANJANTI Race 3: Class 3 Highway Handicap (1600m) Straight Fire has had no luck from the barriers of late, and it ruined her chances of victory in her latest effort at Rosehill on October 12. It forced her back and wide in the middle stages, blunting her turn-of-foot in the final furlong as she fought to within 1.6 lengths of Who Ever Thought. The 1600m journey should no issue from barrier two, and with clear air at a crucial stage this time around, Straight Fire should finally chalk up career win number three at start 10. Selections: 17 STRAIGHT FIRE 3 MARENARO 1 DON STEFANO 4 VOLCANIC LOVE Race 4: Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) Amazing Eagle returns after a 230-day spell, and although the son of Capitalist is winless after three starts, his trials suggest he’s a much-improved three-year-old. He’s been impressive in both trials at Rosehill and has the ability to lead or take a sit under Tyler Schiller. With no real speed engaged here, expect Schiller to take this race by the scruff of the neck from barrier seven, and once kicking clear of this small field, his rivals may have plenty of ground to cover. Selections: 8 AMAZING EAGLE 4 SMASHING TIME 1 HIGH OCTANE 2 KING OF ROSEAU Race 5: Group 2 Callander-Presnell (1600m) Just Party gets his chance for redemption after being narrowly defeated by Anode last start in the Listed Tapp-Craig at Rosehill on October 12. The Justify colt arguably should’ve won with any luck in transit, only getting clear in the final furlong to get within a nose of Anode right on the wire. The 1600m is some query, however, with barrier one allowing Jay Ford to slot into the perfect stalking position with cover, Just Party should get every conceivable chance to turn the tables in the Group 2 Callander-Presnell (1600m). Selections: 2 JUST PARTY 1 ANODE 5 ALTHOFF 3 PROST Callander-Presnell Race 5 – #2 Just Party (1) 3yo Colt | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Jay Ford (57kg) +210 with Dabble Race 6: Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) Lindermann warrants forgiving for a hapless first-up effort at Rosehill on October 12. He was never in contention after being dragged back from barrier 15 in the Allan Brown Stakes (1400m), and although he was well-beaten by 8.2 lengths, it was nothing more than a glorified barrier trial for the son of Lonhro. He has a terrific second-up record of five starts for two wins and two more minor placings, and with a lack of tempo engaged in the Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m), watch for the ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira to utilize barrier one to make every post a winner. Selections: 3 LINDERMANN 6 DEMOCRACY MANIFEST 5 REDIENER 10 NEW ENDEAVOUR Craven Plate Race 6 – #3 Lindermann (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Joao Moreira (59kg) +500 with Bet365 Race 7: Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) The three-year-olds take centre stage in the $2 million Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes, with the team Hawkes-trained Swiftfalcon currently holds the call at $3.40 with online bookmakers. El Castello ($3.90) and Henlein ($4.80) are being paid plenty of respect on the second and third lines of betting, while Harlem Queen brings a differing form-line into the event. Will the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) be the right form-line to follow? Or is it worth looking elsewhere? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Spring Champion Stakes Race 8: Group 2 The Invitation (1400m) Zougotcha was too bad to be true in the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 21 and looks well-placed against the girls in The Invitation (1400m). The Zoustar mare was sensational at this course and distance the start prior in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 28, and provided she can get back to that form, she must be considered the one to beat. Joao Moreira should be able to dictate from barrier five, and provided she’s back to her brilliant best, Zougotcha is right in this. Selections: 1 ZOUGOTCHA 10 COCO JAMBOO 5 OLENTIA 2 MAGIC TIME The Invitation Race #8 – #1 Zougotcha (5) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Joao Moreira (59.5kg) +300 with Picklebet Race 9: Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) Territory Express showed a stunning turn-of-foot first-up in the Allan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on October 12 and should take major benefit heading into this second-up assignment. He draws awkwardly in barrier 13, however, with Zac Lloyd has an outstanding association with the son of Territories, boasting three starts for two wins and another minor placing to his name. Assuming Lloyd can navigate a passage from the rear of the field, Territory Express will be exploding down the centre of the course in the Five Diamond Prelude. Selections: 12 TERRITORY EXPRESS 7 YELLOW BRICK 11 IKNOWASTAR 5 OSIPENKO Next Best Race 9 – #12 Territory Express (13) 5yo Gelding | T: Paul Niceforo | J: Zac Lloyd (56kg) +500 with Boombet Race 10: Filante Handicap (1600m) Riyazan is overdue a win, with two of his last three performances resulting in a minor placing. The nine-year-old hasn’t been beaten more than three lengths in his last four starts, proving a model of consistency for team Hawkes. He gets in on the minimum 52kg in the final event, and with even luck in transit, Riyazan can bpick up a much-deserved victory. Selections: 10 RIYAZAN 6 CAFE MILLENIUM 7 ZOOLOGY 5 KINTYRE Spring Champion Stakes Day quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections October 26, 2024 2-3-8-9 1-2-5-7-10 5-6-7-11-12 5-6-7-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Moonee Valley Gold Cup Night 2024 Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Friday, October 25, 2024 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) is the marquee event on the eight-race card at Moonee Valley on Friday evening. A perfect night should mean we have a Good 4 throughout the meeting, and with the rail in its true position, every runner will get their chance if good enough. The first race at Moonee Valley is set to jump at 6:15pm AEDT. Moonee Valley Gold Cup Tip: Just Fine Just Fine may have been tiring late when saluting in The Bart Cummings (2520m), but that was his first start at the trip. Sticking at 2500m, the son of Sea The Stars is sure to appreciate that experience as he heads to Moonee Valley for the first time. Barrier 10 is offset by his want to lead, and if he can cross stablemate Serpentine early on, Just Fine will take a power of beating in the 2024 Moonee Valley Gold Cup. Moonee Valley Gold Cup Race 7 – #2 Just Fine (10) 7yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Jordan Childs (58kg) Bet with Dabble Best Bet at Moonee Valley: She’s Bulletproof She’s Bulletproof did all but win on debut when returning from a five-month spell at Bendigo on October 6. The five-year-old mare was only grabbed late by Pondalowie, who has since run well in Saturday company to frank the form. From barrier seven, Craig Williams will have the mare up on speed once again, and with a strong second-up record (2: 1-1-0), She’s Bulletproof should prove too slick this time around. Best Bet Race 2 – #5 She’s Bulletproof (7) 4yo Mare | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Craig Williams (55kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best at Moonee Valley: Mornington Pier Following three straight runner-up efforts, Mornington Pier looks ready to break through. The four-year-old gelding has run brilliantly behind a few smart ones this time in, and he heads to The Valley with a mere 52kg on his back after Luke Cartwright’s claim. The son of Pierro will have a 10kg weight advantage on race favourite Verdad, and if he can find clear air at the right time, Mornington Pier has the ability to overhaul his rivals. Next Best Race 3 – #11 Mornington Pier (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (55kg) Bet with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, October 25, 2024 1-4-6-7-10-13 1-2-4-6-9-10 2-5-10 1-2-3-4-6-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, October 26, 2024 First Race 11:38am AEST Visit Dabble Racing will return to Doomben for a massive 10-race card this Saturday afternoon, where the first event is set to kick off at 11:38am AEST. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, but with little to no rain forecast in the lead-up, expect an upgrade before and during the meeting. The rail will be in the +0.5m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Doomben: I Am Artie Following his fifth straight victory this preparation, I Am Artie will rise in grade once again and seek to extend his winning streak to six over 1350m. The Paul Jenkins-trained gelding has recorded each of his five victories over 1200m, with all of them coming in dominant fashion, including his most recent win over Rainbow Connection at this track on October 16. From barrier one, Kyle Wilson-Taylor will hold the rail and find the front, and if he isn’t pressured throughout, I Am Artie will win again. Best Bet Race 10 – #6 I Am Artie (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Paul Jenkins | J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor (58.5kg) +180 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Kadall Kadall has been a model of consistency of late, as the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained galloper has finished in the placings at each of his last four starts. The son of Capitalist’s most recent placing came at this track and trick after he settled behind the speed and took over at the 200m mark before he was nosed out by Naval Trader in a photo finish. With most of his key rivals suspect at the 1350m, if Robbie Dolan can get a cheap sectional out in front, Kadall will give a strong kick and give them something to chase in the final 400m. Next Best Race 4 – #5 Kadall (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Robbie Dolan (60kg) +550 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: El Pensador El Pensador had no right to win at this track last start after he had to push through a gap and was clearly bumped off his line in the final 300m before rallying late to win in a tight finish. The Rex Lipp-trained gelding brought up back-to-back victories with his recent success and appears to be improving with racing after just five career starts. From barrier six, Kyle Wilson-Taylor will attempt to settle midfield off the fence, and with even luck, El Pensador looks a great each-way chance with horse racing bookmakers to bring up the hat-trick. Best Value Race 3 – #11 El Pensador (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Rex Lipp | J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor (55kg) +1000 with Picklebet Doomben quaddie tips – 26/10/24 Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, October 26, 2024 1-2-3-5-6-10 1-3-5-14 1-4-6-7-8 5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article