Wandering Eyes

Master trainer Ciaron Maher etched his name in racing history on Saturday, becoming the first trainer to win both the Caulfield Cup and The Everest on the same day in Melbourne and Sydney respectively. This remarkable feat was achieved thanks to the outstanding performances of his underrated stayer Duke De Sessa in the $5 million […] The post Duke De Sessa Wins 2024 Caulfield Cup for The Everest Winning Trainer Maher appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Ciaron Maher‘s belle of the turf, Bella Nipotina, etched her name in racing history when becoming the first mare to win The Everest off a brilliant performance in the 2024 edition of the $20 million sprint feature in Sydney. The seven-year-old daughter of Pride Of Dubai showcased her resilience and determination, overcoming a challenging draw […] The post Bella Nipotina Makes History, Wins The Everest 2024 Defeating Giga Kick appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Blake Shinn guides Ostraka to victory in the Golden Eagle. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au It was a one-act affair in the Group 3 Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Ostraka ($4.40) making every post a winner, booking his ticket to the Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 2. It was a front-running masterclass by the in-form Blake Shinn, storming across the entire field from barrier 14. The son of Pariah never led in any of his hat-trick of wins leading into Saturday, with the four-year-old ticking over some even sectionals in the middle stages before bolting clear with the $1 million prize. Xidaki ($21.00) finished off well first-up after a 97-day spell, while Melbourne raider War Machine ($9.00) gave a sight turning for home, and while both have booked their ticket to the Golden Eagle in a fortnight, they were simply no match for Ostraka in the final furlong. 2024 Silver Eagle replay – Ostraka Ostraka remains undefeated this preparation and looks well-placed heading into the Golden Eagle, with co-trainer Rob Archibald confirming the next steps for this progressive gelding. “Full credit to Blake (Shinn),” said Archibald. “He came out with a plan today and said, ‘look, if we want to win the race, we’re going to have to go forward’, and that’s what he did. “He relaxed beautifully in front, and full credit to the horse. He’s able to do it off-speed. Last start he did it on-speed, so he’s a really progressive horse. “He keeps stepping up every time. He’s really going well. “He’s won over 1400 before, so I think with the prizemoney on offer (in the Golden Eagle), we’ll certainly give him that opportunity, I would guess.” Blake Shinn spoke to the bold tactics as he analysed the victory post-race. “It seems hard to make ground here today,” said Shinn. “Even though we were a little bit wide on speed, as opposed to going back, we thought we were better off being there than conceding a big start and making it too hard for him. “He jumped well, two horses inside and he didn’t jump the best. Tactical advantage, he had the speed from the gate and that’s what won him the race. “Full credit to Annabel and Rob. He’s turned into a really good racehorse now. As you say, he’s versatile. He’s won over short courses up to 1300 today. Look, who knows? They might press onto a Golden Eagle and I think he’ll make his presence felt.” Oastraka is now a $15.00 chance in futures markets with horse racing bookmakers for the 2024 Golden Eagle on November 2. Horse racing news
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Mighty Ulysses (GB) ridden by Jamie Mott wins the Group 3 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on October 19, 2024. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Jamie Mott has piloted the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Mighty Ulysses ($15) to victory in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes to round out proceedings at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. The five-year-old gelding was first-up going into the race, but he didn’t show any signs of a lack of fitness as he stormed home from the back of the field to nab Buffalo River ($34) in the shadows of the winning post. Buffalo River crossed the field from his wide barrier to lead from Globe ($26), who was happy to settle behind the speed and received an economical run in transit. Turning for home, Celine Gaudray let Buffalo River run for the judge, but Globe chased gamely on the inside, with Luke Currie asking for the ultimate effort. However, little did they know Mott and Mighty Ulysses were charging home after finally gaining a run through the field. With Mott lifting Mighty Ulysses and getting everything out of him late, he took over with only a few strides to go and claimed victory by a long neck. 2024 Moonga Stakes replay – Mighty Ulysses Kyle Ryan represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “We thought he’d be competitive, if everything went right,” Ryan said. “The speed was on and he got the job done. “Let him be, I think. “That’s the way to have him, had a trial on Tuesday, which was a good shout from the boss, trial on Tuesday, just try and knock the edge off him he needed for today, and that’s worked a treat.” Jamie Mott picked up his first winner on Caulfield Cup Day in the final race, and he spoke post-race. “Yeah, unbelievable, I spoke to Annabel about him a couple of weeks ago and she said he had as good a form as Zaaki coming over and he was a bit of a strong-headed horse through his first campaign,” Mott said. “He was able to win a listed race really impressively and he’s come back in fantastic order. “I trialled him last week at Pakenham and he was strong in his jump out but it’s only obviously trial tempo. “With that tempo today in the race, he got into a pretty good rhythm and when I got out, I thought we were going to run a nice race but when he really hit top gear, from about the furlong I was confident he was going to get him. “Unbelievable performance and if we can keep him relaxed, he’s going to get to a good level. “Big future and a big motor and he ran across that ground like we were on a good four. “He’s very good horse and lets hope we can keep him in one piece and he keeps relaxed like he was today, and he’ll be in for more big races for sure.” Horse racing news
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Duke De Sessa (IRE) ridden by Harry Coffey wins the Caulfield Cup. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher has continued his outstanding Saturday afternoon by taking out the 2024 Caulfield Cup with Duke De Sessa ($11), who was piloted by the much-loved Harry Coffey in the $5 million feature at Caulfield Racecourse. The five-year-old gelding was sent over to Australia in early 2023, and after running an underwhelming ninth place in last year’s Caulfield Cup, Duke De Sessa has proved too strong for his rivals over 2400m, taking out the race he was bought to race in, albeit 12 months later. Incredibly, his win in the 2024 Caulfield Cup is the first victory for the son of Lope De Vega on Australian soil after running several placings in his 13 Aussie starts across two preparations. As expected, Deny Knowledge ($19) crossed the field to lead the race, with the eventual winner settling behind her, while Eliyass ($6.50) and Sayedaty Sadaty ($15) rounded out the top four in running for the majority of the journey. Zac Purton made a move on Land Legend ($8) to join Deny Knowledge and Duke De Sessa at the 600m mark, but it was Coffey who would kick clear on his gelding by the 400m mark and gave the rest of the field something to chase. Duke De Sessa held a three-length lead over Land Legend with 300m to go, and there was only one runner that was making significant ground, which was the race favourite Buckaroo ($3.80). Buckaroo chased strongly, but it was all in vein as Duke De Sessa held on to claim a 1.25-length win in the first of the three Australian horse racing majors. 2024 Caulfield Cup replay – Duke De Sessa Jack Turnbull represented the Maher stable in the post-race interview. “Oh, it’s magic to be honest,” Turnbull said. “Yeah, just fantastic to get on the phone with him (Ciaron), especially after Bella. “Pride Of Jenni’s walking into the yard as well, so we’ll hold fort for another ten minutes. “But just pinch me moment sort of stuff. Stable are having an extremely good day. “Very good ride by Harry. Everyone’s so thankful for Harry, and really appreciative for him to win. Everyone knows how well-deserved he is. It’s just amazing. “Last season, he was a colt, and he had a good think about it, and he used to over-travel. “This race in particular, we changed a bit, so we put a norton on. He obviously had 12 months of seasoning and conditioning, and Ciaron and the team just had a better handle on him. “So the form is around him with Via Sistina, and it’s just amazing. It’s amazing, and it’s fantastic for the stable. “Well, when I thought we were going to make all, I was okay, but when Deny Knowledge came around us, he just got a lovely drop, and they weren’t’ going fast, and he loves this ground. “He’s fit. When they upped the ante at the right time, he was able to build into it, and it just got everyone chasing. “When he put, you know, two or three lengths at the top of the straight, you knew he was going to sustain that, especially the way the track is playing. So, just unbelievable. Like, I cannot, you know, even think this is happening. Speechless.” Harry Coffey claimed his first Caulfield Cup victory, and he was very happy with the win post-race. “Oh, I don’t know how to describe this. How am I feeling? Spectacular,” Coffey said. “Oh, phenomenal. When I let rip I thought maybe I’d gone too early. But one thing you can count on with Ciaron Maher and this amazing team he has, you can back your horses in. “They’ll just keep running. And because of Ciaron, his horse’s owners, his staff, and more importantly the horse, I’ve been involved in the day I’ll never forget, on my birthday. “Oh, I just couldn’t believe it, that he kept running. “And that the Caulfield Cup was going to have Harry Coffey’s name next to it. Like, it’s just phenomenal. It’s not supposed to happen to people like myself. I’m just, I’m considered a battler. People like to laugh about how I’m a battler and a country boy. But, yeah, not many Caulfield Cups get won by country boys. “So I couldn’t pull the horse up, to be honest. I just let him roll. And, yeah, me and him just had a little moment along the side here where I actually can’t tell you the love and the happiness I have for how well this horse ran today. “As you can see, he’s pulled up absolutely tremendous. And once again, I don’t want to harp on it too much. Just a phenomenal effort from Ciaron and his team to condition stayers the way they do. Amazing feat to win an Everest and a Caulfield Cup on the same day.” Horse racing news
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Bella Nipotina after winning The Everest. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Bella Nipotina ($8.00) has claimed the $20 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, giving trainer Ciaron Maher his first winner in the richest race on turf. Craig Williams was legged aboard to claim his second win in Australia’s greatest sprinting feature, fending off the fast-finishing Giga Kick ($12.00), the same horse he steered to victory in the 2022 edition. It didn’t come easy for the mare by Pride Of Dubai, sitting on the three-wide line throughout the 1200m journey, with Williams showing plenty of intent from barrier 12. There was plenty of drama pre-race as Traffic Warden was a late withdrawal after rearing in the gates, leaving Storm Boy ($11.00) and Growing Empire ($8.50) stride out at a genuine clip throughout. I Am Me ($11.00) was well-backed prior to the jump and got a rails run under Nash Rawiller, while Giga Kick, Joliestar ($5.00) and Stefi Magnetica ($12.00) all lobbed into mid-field positions with cover. Storm Boy gave a strong kick in the 400m but was quickly headed by Growing Empire, however, Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick both loomed to produce a ding-dong battle in the final furlong, with the ever-consistent seven-year-old getting the head down where it matters most. 2024 Group 1 Everest Replay – Bella Nipotina Bella Nipotina continues to stake her claim as the best sprinter in Australia, and Ciaron Maher couldn’t have been happier in his post-race assessment. “You know, we thought she was in career best form and she got her conditions to suit,” said Maher. “We said at the barrier draw, she s got an uncanny knack of running very well from any gate. “Wide, inside, doesn’t matter. And yes, Craig (Williams), beautiful ride. You know, to have the balls to do that. “I can’t thank my team enough. She trains up on the beach and she’s been at Bong Bong the last two weeks and just the whole team, it’s unbelievable.” Craig Williams praised the performance of Bella Nipotina before crediting Maher on an outstanding training performance. “I couldn’t do it without the performance of Bella,” said Williams. “We drew 12, we were hoping for more rain, but the track was to her liking light to her liking and basically the plan was, Ciaron said, let’s just trust her. “We might be a bit wide, but let’s not be negative, let’s be positive and let’s go forward. “I’m very lucky I really know her. And going to the gates today, I said to Ciaron, she was just moving so well for her. Before I even gave her a pat and a cuddle, then she really takes off. “She was right in the zone. So credit to Ciaron Maher, his whole training group around him. He’s a phenomenal trainer with so many different arms that help this process go along. “Paul and Ange Fudge, they’re using their property at Bong Bong. You can see the benefits of that. And a six-year-old mare, she’s never been in career best form, which is amazing. She is now.” Horse racing news
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Lady In Pink ridden by Ben Allen wins the Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Leon & Troy Corstens and Will Larkin have combined with Ben Allen to take out the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) as Lady In Pink ($17) proved too good for her rivals in the 1400m contest at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Pariah landed in a perfect position behind the speed from barrier two, and Allen allowed his mount to settle behind Revolutionary Miss ($4.60), Tiz Invincible ($23) and Seonee ($23), who set a solid tempo. Allen stayed close to the inside rail and once the leaders started to get off the fence, he was presented with a perfect run behind Revolutionary Miss and the mare drove through to take over at the 150m mark. Revolutionary Miss tried to fight back on the eventual winner’s outside, but she couldn’t stay with Lady In Pink, who held on to claim a tough win, while Miss Aria ($4.80) ran home nicely down the middle of the track to finish in third place. 2024 Tristarc Stakes replay – Lady In Pink Troy Corstens represented the stable in the post-race interview. “I was (thinking she has Group ability). Because she’s got a tremendous amount of talent and we backed off her, stopped, and then I thought we need to get her into the spring,” Corstens said. “I honestly thought the 1400 (metres) was going to be a little bit too short for her again today but we had her nice and fresh going into it and she’s done a marvelous job. “Well, it was good, actually, because she can hit a flat spot sometimes and she did that at Flemington, and then the other two fillies got past her, and she was good to the line, and I kind of thought, I hope we’re doing the right thing, keeping her at 1400 but as it turned out, we did. “I think we’re going to have a crack at the Empire Rose. “Yeah, she’s just, the whole way along, she’s just continued to improve, and I wanted to see her do something like this today before we set that in motion. And now that she’s done that, I think we’re going to have a crack.” Ben Allen was elated the win of Lady In Pink post-race. “Yeah, she was super. Yeah, her first- up run I thought was good off a steady tempo and being back,” Allen said. “She had a bit of a flat spot but the spot I was in today I was able to build and the race kind of worked out on our terms and we were in a winning spot. “Yeah, she’s got good soft track form, and yeah, just the whole way she travelled today, I felt confident, but I still remember they said she got that flat spot, so that was my only concern, but it wasn’t a worry today. “Yeah, she was sharp, credit to Leon, Troy, Will, all their staff, they’ve done a massive job for these horses. “This horse obviously got the form and they’ve always had confidence. It’s good to be getting rewards for them.” Horse racing news
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What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, October 20, 2024 First Race 12:45pm HKT (3:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble The Group 2 Premier Bowl (1200m) headlines the Hong Kong racing action at Sha Tin this Sunday. The rail is in the B+2 position, and with perfect spring conditions forecast leading into the weekend, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. The first of 10 races is scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. Premier Bowl Tip: Howdeepisyourlove The John Size-trained Howdeepisyourlove returns after a 20-week spell and looks a chance to knock off the short-priced favourite, Ka Ying Rising. Although the Deep Field gelding was beaten by 1.6 lengths when the pair met in the Group 3 Sha Tin Vase (1200m) in May, he now gets a 7kg swing in the weights. Gate two should allow Karis Teetan to lob into the ideal stalking position, and provided Howdeepisyourlove can get clear in the final 400m, he can give the favourite a real shake. Premier Bowl Race 7 – #7 Howdeepisyourlove (2) 5yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Karis Teetan (52kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Sha Tin: Packing Hermod After producing back-to-back wins at the end of last season, Packing Hermod goes in search of a hat-trick in this Class 3 contest. The son of Rubick put the writing on the wall at this course and distance on July 14, powering away to score by three lengths while making every post a winner under Zac Purton. There doesn’t appear to be much speed on paper in this 1200m contest, so provided Purton can launch across and lead from barrier 12, Packing Hermod should prove hard to chase down. Best Bet Race 8 – #2 Packing Hermod (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Zac Purton (58.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Sha Tin: Patch Of Theta Patch Of Theta only found one better first-up over 1400m on October 1. The progressive five-year-old raced three wide with cover throughout the middle stages and couldn’t quiet reel in Drombeg Banner, peaking late due to a lack of race fitness. He has never stretched out to the 1600m in his short Hong Kong career; however, ridden cold with Hugh Bowman in the saddle, Patch Of Theta should get every chance to close off best. Next Best Race 5 – #6 Patch Of Theta (12) 5yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Hugh Bowman (58.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value at Sha Tin: So We Sing Australian import So We Sing makes his Hong Kong debut and looks to have acclimatised well to his new stable. The four-year-old brings Group 1 quality to this Class 3 contest, having finished 3.4 lengths away from Riff Rocket in the 2024 Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m). His barrier trials suggest he may need the run, but at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers, So We Sing can make an impression first-up. Best Value Race 9 – #1 So We Sing (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael Chang | J: Ben Thompson (60.5kg) Bet with Neds Sha Tin Sunday quaddie tips Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, October 20, 2024 1-2-7-8-11 2-5-6-10-12 1-3-6-7 1-2-3-4-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Horsham Cup Day 2024 Where Horsham Racecourse – Central Park, Horsham VIC 3400 When Sunday, October 20, 2024 First Race 1:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble The $60,000 Horsham Cup (2100m) headlines a competitive eight-race meeting from Horsham on Sunday afternoon. Unlike the rest of Victoria, Horsham didn’t cop the rain on Friday and in any case the Soft 5 track rating is likely to improve to a Good 4 track come raceday. The rail sticks to its true position, with Horsham Cup Day set to commence at 1:35pm AEDT. Horsham Cup Tip: Station One Having claimed the Murtoa Cup in his customary determined fashion, Liam Howley’s Station One can add yet another country cup to his resume. The natural front-runner boasts two wins from as many starts over 2100m and aided by the favourable conditions for front-runners at Horsham, he will be in this for a long way. Jack Hill rated him to perfection last time out and sticks on board, and despite drawing barrier 13, the pair look the only leaders on paper, and should prove too hard to run down. Horsham Cup Race 7 – #3 Station One (13) 6yo Gelding | T: Liam Howley | J: Jack Hill (58kg) $3.30 with Picklebet Best Bet at Horsham: Perfectly Good Perfectly Good broke maiden ranks in fine style at Wagga on September 30 when jumping cleanly from the barriers and leading throughout, going on to score by 4.5 lengths. The three-year-old gelding gains the services of Patrick Moloney on Sunday, and aided by drawing barrier five, the pair will look to replicate what the son of Super Seth produced last time out. As long as he is not forced to use too many carrots in order to find the rail, Perfectly Good will prove too hard to gun down once again. Best Bet Race 4 – #6 Perfectly Good (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Patrick Moloney (59kg) $2.30 with Neds Next Best at Horsham: Naval Academy Naval Academy was a tough Mornington winner on September 29 when producing a strong finish to dispatch of his BM64 rivals over 1200m. The son of Justify steps into BM70 on Sunday, but from barrier five under Linda Meech draws to gain a perfect run in transit throughout. With plenty of speed drawn out wide, Naval Academy will have the last crack at the leaders, and should justify his favouritism with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 6 – #3 Naval Academy (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Linda Meech (59kg) $2.80 with Playup Sunday quaddie tips for Horsham Horsham quadrella selections Sunday, October 20, 2024 1-4-5-10-11 3-5 3-5-6 1-3-4-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

South African jockey eyes fourth straight win on Classic Mile prospect after a tough opening to his campaign.View the full article

By Jonny Turner Master trainer Phil Williamson thinks punters have a challenge on their hands ahead of the Group 3 Dark Horse Mares Handicap at Ascot Park on Sunday. A capacity field of classy contenders has been assembled for the inaugural running of Southland’s newest black-type event. Nobody has won more trotting races in New Zealand than Williamson. The Oamaru trainer is certain he knows how the event will play out, but unfortunately for his fans that does not extend to knowing which horses will be where. “I think the 2200m really makes the race for the front-markers,” Williamson said. “Any of those horses off the front could ping away and roll along and be very hard to catch.” “There is really nothing in the favour of the back-markers.” “I can see there being a real rush to that first bend and whoever gets to the lead or sits in the trail will take a bit of beating.” Williamson effectively has one front-marker in the Dark Horse in Majestic Love. Though Sheza Gift starts from the front line, she’s off the unruly and looks unlikely to be on the pace early. Williamson’s biggest winning threat in the race in Aroha Kenny has a big task in front of her from her 10m handicap. “Aroha is in bloody good nick and I do think she can win the race if it is run to suit.” “If she was three wide and one back around the bend she would probably be the one to beat.” “But if they are rolling along and she’s giving a horse like Hidden Talent a 10-length start then I would say she’s no show.” “Any of those horses off the front would have to be a chance, they’ve won half a dozen races and if they roll along at an even speed then when do the back-markers make a move?” With the likely race set-up, Williamson has a real challenge on his hands when he drives Sheza Gift. The reinsman will be out to win his first Group race since taking out the Group 3 Southern Lights Trot at the same track, in 2014. To see the Dark Horse field click here Williamson starts two more horses who he thinks are well up to winning, but will also require race circumstances to be on their side on Sunday. Missile made up plenty of ground in his last start fourth at Oamaru and looks well placed despite a 30m handicap on Sunday in the Level One Restaurant and Bar Handicap Trot. “He is not the sort of horse you can be confident because he is not well-gaited.” “He could beat them, if it was last man standing and he was coming over the top of them that would be the way he could do it.” “But around the tighter track, he definitely could win, but he is risky.” Williamson feels Brother Johnson is in a similar spot to Missile in that he can win under the right circumstances in the Gil Shirley Memorial Handicap Trot. “I think from the unruly he looks a good chance of running in the top three or top four.” “He is probably an 80-20 chance of getting away and if he can get away he should be running on.” “But the issue with him is he doesn’t like the smaller track, but after he missed away at Oamaru I thought he could go again this week.” “He is a nervy type and he does have some ability, but he is not the sort of horse you can push.” Williamson’s stable star Empire City has progressed well after her shock gallop in the recent Southern Trotting Oaks. Though the mare threw a shoe during the running, Williamson isn’t certain that is what caused her to break on the home turn. However, the trainer is hopeful normal transmission can resume when the classy three-year-old heads to Ashburton next weekend. View the full article

Estriella ridden by Ben Melham wins the Caulfield Sprint at Caulfield Racecourse on October 19. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Ben Melham and Ciaron Maher have combined with the speedy Estriella ($5) to take out the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of I Am Invincible was dropping back from Group 1 grade at her previous two starts after racing in the Moir and Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley, but she was tasked with carrying 59kg in the 1000m contest, which saw her drift with horse racing bookmakers. However, the four-year-old mare couldn’t have jumped better from barrier one, and she sprinted out to an early lead over Way To The Stars ($10), Scuderia ($61) and Ashford Street ($8.50). Melham was able to restrain the mare by the halfway mark and she travelled nicely around the turn, while the other speed influences appeared to be struggling and the swoopers were starting to make their runs. Estriella was given full bore with 300m to go as Rey Magnerio ($3.20) and Spacewalk ($7) started to throw out a challenge, and even though Rey Magnerio lunged on the line, the mare held on to claim a narrow victory. 2024 Caulfield Sprint replay – Estriella Jack Turnbull represented the winning stable in the post-race interview, and he was very happy with the win. “Yeah, she’s mixed it the best as we know. She was wide in the Moir and then she did a bit of work in the Manikato and it didn’t work out,” Turnbull said of Estriella’s previous starts. “So we’ve reset, come back in trip, did well today. “She’s carried 59 (kilograms), soft track, it’s not her go. “It’s fantastic for Kevin and Vicky (Payne, owners), group two win now. We can have a look at some major sprints at the end of the carnival. “100%, yeah. I’ll have a discussion with Ciaron and Kevin, but I’d say likely that’s (Champions Sprint) the go.” Ben Melham was complimentary of the winner post-race. “She’s a good mare, things probably haven’t quite gone her way in group one company and she drew one which was a little concern the way the track’s racing today,” Melham said. “It was actually my intention to get a little cover if the race layout permitted but she flew out and I didn’t want to take the lead away from her when she was able to lead comfortably. “She was running good sections and held them all the way to the line, albeit she’d had enough on the line but good to see her back in the winner’s circle. “Yeah, she was no worries (on the ground). “Like I said, she’s a keen enough going mare and obviously in the right yard. “He had her nice and fresh back to the 1,000 today and she was too good.” Estriella is an $11 chance with online racing betting sites in the Group 1 Champions Sprint futures markets. Horse racing news
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Overpass winning the Group 3 Sydney Stakes. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au After failing to gain a slot for the $20 million Everest, the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) is an excellent consolation prize for connections of Overpass, leading all the way to claim victory at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. It was an amazing training performance by Bjorn Baker, never backing down by his claims the son of Vancouver would’ve been competitive first-up into the richest race on turf, with his words justified as Overpass cleared out to score by 1.5 lengths. The Joe Pride-trained Coal Crusher ($71.00) assured the six-year-old didn’t get it his own way on speed, with Airman ($23.00) getting the gun run one back one off the rail. Heavily backed favourite Southport Tycoon ($4.60) was slightly slow away, but did gain a good position to strike turning for home, while King Of Sparta ($11.00) was an eye-catcher through the line after drawing out in barrier 17. Overpass never looked in any doubt, however, booting clear to score thanks to a front-running masterclass by Joshua Parr. 2024 Group 3 Sydney Stakes – Overpass Bjorn Baker spoke post-race and maintained his view Overpass wouldn’t have been out of place in an Everest. “Well, look, he would have run first or second. I’ve got one in that race. I don’t know,” said Baker. “We were pushing hard to get him in. It’s a pretty good consolation. We’re very lucky. I thought this race was a Group 1 race in everything but status. It was a stacked field, and he’s some sort of horse, this guy. “So, it’s very great for my team. He’s done a great job. I thought he was absolutely spot on today. He had a smooth preparation. “He’s been very lightly raced. The one blemish on his record was this day last year. Maybe we can put it right next year. “We just had him spot on today. I emphasised that everywhere I went. Trainers can handle the truth carelessly from time to time. There’s no doubt I was after an Everest slot, and maybe I’m handling the truth too carelessly because the boy who cried wolf is spot on today.” Joshua Parr spoke for the second time on Everest Day and praised the Baker camp to get Overpass ready first-up. “I’ve got so much faith and love for this horse,” said Parr. “It is just remarkable. When you know you can get on a horse and you know they’ll perform for you. “Tuesday morning’s gallop was close to the best piece of work I have ever ridden and Bjorn has absolutely nailed the set up. The ‘fresh but fit set up’ with him. “Oh, my gosh, I’m just absolutely buzzing.” During the running of the Sydney Stakes, Think About It ($8.00 looked to have broken down turning for home, however, reports suggest the 2023 Everest (1200m) winner suffered a bleeding attack before walking off the track, moving okay and drinking water from his stall at Randwick Racecourse. Jason Collett was unharmed and will continue riding throughout the afternoon. Horse racing news
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Promising three-year-old Legally Binding made it two wins in succession when he led all the way at Ellerslie to take out the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series (1200m). The son of Exceedance judged his effort to perfection as rider Wiremu Pinn took him straight to the front and said to his rivals catch me if you can as he shot clear rounding the home bend. Three lengths clear at the 250m, the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared galloper looked to have the situation well in control at that point however he started to tire and was looking for the post to come up as quickly as possible. Pinky Pie, Dupont and Little Thief began to close rapidly and at the line it was a close run thing as he held out Pinky Pie by a half a head, with Dupont a similar margin back in third and Little Thief just a long neck from victory when finishing fourth. A handy winner on the synthetic surface over 970m last month, Legally Binding has now won two of his three starts with co-trainer Mark Walker pleased with the improvement his charge has made in this preparation. “It was really good to see him win today at Ellerslie,” Walker said. “He’s obviously still green, still has a bit to learn, but it’s hard to win around Ellerslie, given the strength of competition, and he’s now won two of his three starts. “He got a bit tired the last bit of the race, but he’s a horse that has always shown ability and obviously it’s a big advantage if you can race on the speed these days. “He’s only three and he’s the type of horse that will continue to develop and get stronger as he matures. “It was good to see Wiremu (Pinn) back in the saddle from suspension, judging it nicely to ride a winner, and onwards & upwards from here for both horse and jockey.” Out of the More Than Ready mare Legal Eagle, Legally Binding is raced by the Te Akau Eagle Eyed Racing Partnership after being purchased by Te Akau boss David Ellis for $90,000, from the draft of Edinglassie Thoroughbreds, at the 2023 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The race was also an important reminder that the annual New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale will be held at Karaka on 20 and 21 November with more than 400 two-year-olds to go through the auction ring. View the full article

Talented mare Niance landed some valuable black-type for connections when prevailing in the Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday. The former Kiwi has won four of her five starts since crossing the Tasman to join the stable of Cranbourne trainer Grahame Begg. Despite having not been seen on raceday since May, Niance was sent out a $3.20 favourite. Given a tactically brilliant ride by Jordan Childs, the jockey took his opportunity to pocket key rival Isthmus, who eventually finished fourth. Sporting the Ace Bloodstock silks, Niance raced handy to the speed and defeated Karaka graduate Pondalowie, with another former Kiwi, Expressiveness, finishing third. “She’s got good ability and a good record, it looked the right race for her,” Begg said. “We identified this race some months ago and 1100m around here, it’s just a nice starting point for her and Jordan rode her perfectly and put her in a great position. “It’s a great result for Ace Bloodstock, who purchased her out of New Zealand and Gerry Harvey is still in the ownership. So, she’s got a good little record and I’m sure she can only build on this.” A daughter of Swiss Ace, Niance began her career in the care of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, for whom she was a winner and a placegetter from four starts in New Zealand. Begg took his time with the mare when she first crossed the Tasman, with 12 months between her final run in New Zealand and her Australian debut victory at Pakenham in February this year. “We were only learning about her as to what she likes and what she doesn’t like,” Begg said. “So, we feel that she’ s best when she’s a bit fresh, and the races are a bit spaced. I’m sure she’s going to get to a good level.” The Gr.3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on November 16 now shapes as the next target for the lightly-tried five-year-old. Niance was bred by Gerry Harvey and is out of the Red Giant mare Cosmetic. Second dam Renovated is a half-sister to the Australian Group winners Alma’s Fury and Enforced. View the full article

Kiwi-bred mare Lekvarte (NZ) (Reliable Man) collected the third Group Three win of her career with another barnstorming come-from-behind performance in Saturday’s A$250,000 James Squire Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. Previously the winner of the Gr.3 Belle of the Turf Stakes (1600m) and Gr.3 Aspiration Quality (1600m), the Joe Pride-trained Lekvarte has now earned A$923,330 from a 31-start career that has produced nine wins and five placings. The six-year-old resumed with a strong-finishing fourth in the Gr.2 Golden Pendant (1400m) on September 28, and the extra 200m of Saturday’s Angst Stakes was right up her alley. Lekvarte had drawn the extreme outside gate in a field of 14, and jockey Josh Parr took her back to settle at the tail of the field. Parr picked a path through the pack in the straight and Lekvarte took care of the rest, producing an explosive turn of foot and storming home to edge out Quickster by a neck. “She’s electric, isn’t she, when she can get clear air like that,” Parr said. “She really let rip after being held up slightly, so it was beautiful today. “I sort of planned to have three, maybe four behind me in the run, but it didn’t work out. But she was there for me at the finish. “I was really keen, with how she went first-up, in the progression she made, just seeing her here in the yard. But she’s had a really strong blow there today, so she’s still on the improve.” Pride is now keen to give Lekvarte a shot at the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 2. “She’s a lovely mare and always has been,” he said. “It has taken her a little while to get to stakes grade, but as an older mare, the way she’s racing now, you’d love to think there’s another season in her. “She’s a really easy horse to deal with, quite aggressive but she’s a dream to train and she loves this Randwick mile. “There’s a fair few things to consider now – probably a trip to Melbourne. It’s only a couple of weeks away from the Group One for the mares, and I’d probably like to give her a go at that, to be fair. Whether or not she’s quite at that level, I’m not sure, but it’s a good chance she’ll be there. I think Flemington, being similar in a way to Randwick, would suit her. “But I’m very happy with that win today. She has gone terrific.” By Westbury Stud stallion Reliable Man, Lekvarte is out of the black-type Encosta de Lago mare Plumm, who was runner-up in the Gr.3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) for Grahame Begg. The talented grey was sold as a yearling through the Westbury Stud Book 1 draft at Karaka in 2020, knocked down to BK Racing & Breeding in conjunction with Andrew Williams Bloodstock for $210,000. View the full article

A determined victory in Saturday’s New World Otaki Handicap (1600m) took under-rated mare Sumi (NZ) (Atlante) past $200,000 in prize-money. Trainer and part-owner Allan Sharrock sent Sumi to Otaki as something of an afterthought, seeking to avoid a clash with stablemates Ladies Man and Islington Lass in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham next Sunday. But that change of plans delivered a perfect result, with Sumi surging home from second-last to record the seventh win of her 34-start career. Sumi and apprentice jockey Lily Sutherland settled more than half a dozen lengths off the pace through the early stages of Saturday’s race, as Tobias and Australian raider Rolls raced side by side down the Otaki back straight. The field bunched up coming down the side of the track, and then Sumi, The Underbelly and Orlov all swooped past the leading pair soon after straightening for home. Those three had the race to themselves through the final 200m, and it was Sumi who found the most and pulled away to beat Orlov by three-quarters of a length. The Underbelly finished the same margin away in third. Sumi’s career has been a source of pride for Sharrock, who paid just $4,500 to buy the daughter of Atlante as a yearling at Karaka in 2019. She has now earned almost 50 times that amount. “She did a very good job to win that race today,” the New Plymouth trainer said. “She’s a very genuine mare and that takes her past $200,000 in stakes. “I was tempted to breed from her this season, because she’s already got a couple of black-type placings to her name and I didn’t think she had much more to prove. But the other owners were keen to have a bit more of a go with her on the racetrack first. She’s delivered a good win for us today and can definitely pocket a bit more cash through the rest of this season. She’s not a bad pony, that’s for sure.” Sumi has twice finished third at stakes level, chasing home Wessex in last year’s Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) and then Islington Lass in the Listed Rangitikei Cup (1600m) in May of this year. Sharrock is comfortable with his decision to sidestep next weekend’s Thompson Handicap with the seven-year-old. “The main reason for running her today was that I didn’t want to run her against the two stablemates in the Thompson next week,” he said. “She’s been competitive against Islington Lass previously, but I think she’d probably have her work cut out against Ladies Man. You can’t win one race with three horses, so it made sense to split them up. It’s worked out well today with a good win. “We’ll keep picking out suitable races for her up until around Christmas, then probably back off her for a while and think about the autumn. She’ll definitely go to a stallion next spring.” – View the full article

Aeliana stepped straight from midweek racing to the big stage on Everest Day on Saturday, scoring a brilliant win in the A$250,000 Gr.3 Bisley Workwear Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick. The New Zealand-bred filly made her debut with a fourth at Hawkesbury on August 1, then cleared maiden ranks with a stylish performance on the Kensington track on August 14. In her only other start, Aeliana ran sixth at Warwick Farm on September 4. Saturday’s three-year-old fillies’ feature came six weeks after that most recent appearance and was a significantly sterner test for the Chris Waller-trained Aeliana, but she rose to the occasion in smart style. Ridden by James McDonald, Aeliana settled in seventh along the rail before beginning to warm into her work after rounding the home turn. McDonald drove her through a gap just off the rail halfway down the Randwick straight, and Aeliana burst through along the inside of the leaders. She got her head in front inside the final 50m and scored by a half-neck. “It was a pretty competitive race and she came into it fresh,” McDonald said. “She’ll improve off that and she did a really good job today. She’s only had a few starts, so it’s all ahead of her.” Aeliana has now had four starts for two wins and A$184,250 in stakes for a Star Thoroughbreds ownership group. Star Thoroughbreds bought her for $180,000 from Rich Hill Stud’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2023. “She’s started her innings, that’s for sure,” Waller said. “Black type, and I don’t think it will be her last one. “We’ve liked her right from her first win here on the Kensington track, which was pretty special. We backed off her after that to try and have her ready for a race like this, so we thought enough of it to bring her here today. We booked James McDonald to ride, which is another pointer of what we think of her.” Aeliana was bred by Nearco Stud and Rich Hill Thoroughbreds and is by Arrowfield Stud stallion Castelvecchio out of the Star Witness mare Temolie. Aeliana is the first foal to race out of Temolie, who was herself a placegetter on the racetrack and is a half-sister to Group One winner Invincibella, Group Three winner Secret Blaze and Listed winner Extreme Flight. Rich Hill Stud bought Temolie for A$200,000 from the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast, when she was carrying Aeliana. Temolie has been served by Rich Hill’s resident superstar sire Proisir every spring since then, producing filly foals in 2022 and 2023. A yearling half-sister to Aeliana was bought by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and TFI for $250,000 at Karaka earlier this year. View the full article

Te Akau Racing had more than one reason to celebrate after winning Saturday’s Cavallo Farms Chris Rutten Bloodstock 2YO (800m) at Otaki with Cool Aza Rene. The filly’s debut victory was a memorable moment in its own right and stamped her as one to watch in upcoming juvenile features over the summer months. But just as significantly, Cool Aza Rene became the first winner for Cool Aza Beel. That son of Savabeel was a $150,000 yearling purchase at Karaka 2019 by Te Akau principal David Ellis, and he went on to a stellar career in those same tangerine Te Akau colours. He won four of his six starts including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m), and he was New Zealand’s champion two-year-old of 2019-20. Cool Aza Beel retired to stud at Newhaven Park in New South Wales, where he stands for a service fee of A$16,500. His oldest progeny are two-year-olds this season, and Cool Aza Rene was just his third raceday runner. The Newhaven-bred Cool Aza Rene was bought by Ellis for A$55,000 from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale at the beginning of this year, and she was a $2.30 favourite for Saturday’s debut after winning her only trial on September 17. She produced a performance to match that billing at Otaki, sitting outside the early leader Abbakiss before taking command in the straight. Under a hands-and-heels ride from Craig Grylls, she swept to victory by a length and a quarter over Sierra Leone and Abbakiss. “It is fantastic for us to have bought and trained the first winner for Cool Aza Beel,” Ellis said. “It’s also a big thrill that she’s out of a mare by Xtravagant. He’s another horse we bought at Karaka, and he won the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) and now stands alongside Cool Aza Beel at Newhaven Park Stud. “Cool Aza Rene was bred by Newhaven Park’s Kelly family, whose 15,000-acre property in south-west New South Wales is just magnificent and beautifully farmed, and they’ve bred some great horses there. “All three of the first-crop two-year-olds by Cool Aza Beel that we’ve got in the stable are showing potential, and I was very impressed by how well this filly raced on debut. “We bought Cool Aza Beel at Karaka, off the Fell family at Fairdale Stud. After winning the first two-year-old race at Wanganui, he went on to win the Karaka Million 2YO and the Sistema Stakes, and he was champion two-year-old. To see him go on to stand in Australia, then be able to buy his first winning progeny really is a great result. “She had to do a bit, too, because they kicked up on her inside and I thought it was a really good run to win.” Premiership-leading trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will now look at taking Cool Aza Rene to Christchurch to contest a $65,000 two-year-old race on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup Carnival at Riccarton on November 13. “We’re a great believer in the benefits of travelling young horses, because it seems to be the making of them long-term,” Walker said. “It was a really good win today, and it’s always exciting to see the progeny of one of our former stable stars winning for the first time. “She was certainly another good-value purchase by Dave (Ellis) from Book 2 of the Magic Millions Sale. He bought the filly from a great nursery, Newhaven Park Stud, where Cool Aza Beel stands. They’re incredible breeders that have been excited by the progeny of the sire, and they’ve been breeding Group One winners for decades. “They are certainly one of the best stud farms in Australia, and it’s exciting for the Kelly family to have the first winner on the board by Cool Aza Beel. “She’s a very professional and well educated filly, and I really like the patience she showed. She was required to stand in the barriers for a long time. It just showed how well she’d been broken-in and handled by the team at Te Akau Stud, plus all of our good track riders that we’ve got established at Matamata.” View the full article

The Kosciuszko winner, Far Too Easy. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au After running third in The Kosciuszko (1200m) 12 months ago, the David McColm-trained Far Too Easy ($4.80) has claimed the $2 million feature at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The well-supported favourite Front Page ($2.50) was on the brink of a hat-trick of wins in the country showcase, with James McDonald bowling along on speed to put two lengths on his rivals turning for home. It turned out to be an ideal tactic for Craig Williams aboard Far Too Easy, gaining the back of Front Page every step of the way before peeling off his back with 300m left to travel. Nothing was making inroads on the top two in the market, with Far Too Easy getting his redemption after a luckless run in the 2023 edition, storming over the top to score by 2.2 lengths. Tanglewood ($18.00) and Boom Torque ($8.00) were there to fight out the minor money, but it was all about the winner as Far Too Easy produced a career highlight for trainer David McColm, as he spoke to the achievement and what it means post-race. 2024 The Kosciuszko Replay – Far Too Easy “My dream has come true and not just for us, for this horse, he’s been such a special animal to all of us and he deserves his name in the Kosciuszko record books,” said an emotional McColm. “We’ve been through a lot with this horse, he’s had his ups and downs. This year he got very ill and I never ever thought we’d be back for another Kosciuszko tilt. “But he’s come through the day and he’s just, he’s done what he does and that is he tries. “My vet put in many, many hours; midnight he would turn up. So the whole ordeal was, you know, it was, it was terrible to be a part of at that time, but he’s such a fighter. “All credit to Craig (Williams); he jumped on a plane, he flew up from Melbourne, you know, a lot of jockeys don’t do that. “He took the initiative, he wanted to be a part of it and he wanted to see what he was like in the barriers and it paid dividends today.” Craig Williams was delighted with the performance and credited everyone involved in getting Far Too Easy back on track. “David (McColm) gave me the confidence,” said Williams. “I rode the horse the other day and I just said to David, ‘This horse is flying.” “I rang him afterwards to make sure the horse is going well. He’s really happy with the weather they have there. I know he’s even adopted his plans because I had Michael Cahill as a backup to help me out one morning. “I can only ride the product that I have. But I was that confident in the horse and well done to David and his team. That horse is such a nice horse, and it’s great to win such a big race on such a big race day around Australia. “That second horse is a really good horse. So it’s no mean feat. “He made us half-a-kilo better than beating us last year. But today our horse was just in the right shape. He just delivered, and he made my job very easy. So thanks to the people behind the horse for doing a fantastic job.” Horse racing news
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Too Darn Lizzie ridden by Tim Clark wins the Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Too Darn Lizzie ($7.50) has shown her rivals a clean pair of heels over the 1400m in the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude, leading from barrier to box at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, which gave Tim Clark, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott their first success in the race. As the key speed influence, the daughter of Too Darn Hot flew out of the barriers and found the lead with ease for Clark, while Geegees Mistruth ($3) settled behind her, at least two lengths away for most of the journey. Clark clicked the leader up at the 500m mark, and the sprint went on, with most of her rivals coming off the bit back in the field. Turning for home, Too Darn Lizzie was still going as strong as ever, and she continued to pull away from the likes of Zeitung ($5.50) and Geegees Mistruth, who fought out the placings, but it was all honours to the winner as she claimed a two-length victory. 2024 Thousand Guineas Prelude replay – Too Darn Lizzie Gai Waterhouse represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “Two darn fast, exactly. Of course she’s by this amazing sire, Two Darn Hot, that’s doing it both in north and south,” Waterhouse said. “And of course it was bought by Simon Marsh and Johnny McKee before, Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife Madeline. “It’s so wonderful that they’re supporting Australian racing. I’m just thrilled. “She’s just settled down more, as the longer she’s been in Melbourne. “We brought her here on Tuesday, and I just love the way she finished off her work. I didn’t put a jockey on her, I just put the work rider on, who just gets on with her. “She did everything right. I love it when they tick all the boxes going into a big race. “Oh, absolutely (going to the Thousand Guineas). That’s what we’re here for. “I think she’s training very well. I think we could easily run over the Flemington carnival.” Tim Clark brought up his first win on Caulfield Cup Day, and he was very happy speaking post-race. “I just felt that a couple of her main dangers might have been, you know, a couple of them were up from 1200 to 1400 and could have been a bit of a query at 7 (furlongs),” Clark said. “So I made sure it was a true enough gallop and I knew that this filly had a good grounding, the team down here had done a really good job with her and she galloped strongly through the line. “She’s a filly that’s just continued to improve and as I said, they were really happy with how she’d come through her last run. “She had a jump between, she’s just been thriving so pretty confident she’d handle a bit of sting out of the ground so it was a good recipe and yeah she’s done a great job.” Too Darn Lizzie is an $11 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas futures markets. Horse racing news
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Angst Stakes winner, Lekvarte. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au The Joseph Pride-trained Lekvarte ($9.00) has produced a withering burst to claim the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, defying a savage drift with online racing betting sites. The daughter of Reliable Man was second-up after a strong performance in the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) on September 28, but was unwanted in betting, opening as short as $4.80 post-barrier draw before drifting to $9.00 at the jump. Joshua Parr produced a confident steer aboard the six-year-old mare, dragging back towards the rear of the field in the early stages from barrier 14, giving her a chance to go through her gears and get the last crack at her rivals. Zac Lloyd aboard Unique Ambition ($12.00) was set alight turning for home, with the last-start winner giving a bold sight in the final 400m, while Quickster ($8.00) looked to be travelling best when getting clear under Jamie Kah. Lekvarte and well-supported favourite Hinged ($3.60) both made their runs down the centre of the course, but with Lekvarte going two to their one in the concluding stages, there was only one horse you wanted to be on as the ever-consistent mare stormed away with the prize. 2024 Angst Stakes replay – Lekvarte Pride was on course to discuss the victory and didn’t rule out a trip to Melbourne for the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). “She’s a lovely mare and always has been,” said Pride. “It has taken her a little while to get to Stakes grade but as an older mare the way she’s racing now you’d love to think there’s another season in her. “She’s a really easy horse to deal with, quite aggressive but she’s a dream to train and she loves this Randwick mile. “There’s a fair few things to consider. Probably a trip to Melbourne, it’s only a couple of weeks away from the Group 1 for the mares and I’d probably like to give her a go at that, to be fair. “Whether or not she’s quite at that level, I’m not sure, but there’s a lot of other races that some of these horses are going to, there’s a bit to consider but it’s a good chance she’ll be at Flemington (for the Empire Rose Stakes).” Joshua Parr was elated with the win and gave a good account of his talented mare. “She’ s electric, isn’t she, when she can get clear air like that,” said Parr. “Held up slightly and really let rip, so it was beautiful today. “Obviously we didn’t have any speed earlier. I sort of planned to have three, maybe four behind me in the run, but it didn’t work out. “But she was there for me at the finish, and as Timmy Clark and I say, find a way. “I was really keen with how she went first-up in the progression she made, just seeing her here in the yard. But she’s had a really strong blow there today, so she’s still on the improve.” Lekvarte is now a $15.00 chance in futures markets with horse racing bookmakers for the 2024 Empire Rose on November 2. Horse racing news
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Too Darn Discreet ridden by Michael Dee wins the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Too Darn Discreet ($3.80) has claimed back-to-back Group races following her tough win in the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, which has come subsequent to her win in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington. The Dan O’Sullivan-trained filly has continued her upward spiral this preparation, with a shot at the VRC Oaks set to be her next target at Flemington on November 7. Jumping as the drifting market elect, the daughter of Too Darn Hot settled behind the leaders, Killcare Beachgirl ($4.20) and My Phar Lady ($71), before pulling out three-wide at the 500m mark to make her run. Although Michael Dee gave his filly a tough task, having to sustain a wide run around the home turn, she gave a strong kick and held a margin all the way to the line over Jenni’s Meadow ($9.50) on her outside and Femminile ($7) to the inside to claim a tough win. 2024 Ethereal Stakes replay – Too Darn Discreet Dan O’Sullivan was very happy with the victory, and he spoke post-race. “A good tough win. She travels into the race like she’s going to put them away, and then she wants to lug in and do a few things wrong. So there should be more to offer,” O’Sullivan said. “I’ll speak to Michael about it (gear change). “I think it’s going to be pretty handy, he’s just ridden the other 2000-metre three-year-old winner too so whether she wants a one-eye blinker on or just a little change in a bit or something like that but I’ll have a chat to Michael. “She’s terribly well-bred. She always had a fair bit of attitude. “But whenever we asked her to do a bit of track work, she’s always gone up with it. “Certainly considering the Oaks, especially the way she is, as tough as what she is, the Wakeful has proved over the years to be the form race that you need to run in to get to the Oaks. “So this run will probably take a bit out of her, so we’ll see how she recovers. “We’ll enjoy the moment today first, and think about what we’ll do going ahead.” Michael Dee brought a race-to-race double at Caulfield with the Ethereal Stakes win. “I think there definitely was a lot left,” Dee said. “Unfortunately, we were left in front a long way from home, and she was going extremely good coming around the corner, and then I don’t know, she just really wanted to get to the rail and I definitely don’t want to be on the rail. “I think when I persuaded her to keep going, she was tough. She can run out of strong race and keep going, albeit doing a few things wrong. “I don’t see why not. She probably definitely wants the extra distance but she’s still doing a couple of things wrong, she can travel quite keenly. “I think if the Oaks was run at a good genuine tempo, she’ll relax and she’s definitely got the stamina to keep going.” Too Darn Discreet is now a $5 second favourite with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 VRC Oaks futures markets. Horse racing news
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Reginald Allen Quality winner, Aeliana. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Chris Waller & James McDonald have combined early on Everest Day, with Aeliana ($9.00) swamping her rivals to claim the Group 3 Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The race was set up for the back markers to come into play, with Jellicious ($9.00) and well-supported favourite Dominetta ($3.30) fighting for the lead, with Tommy Berry attempting to dictate terms in the early stages for the Ciaron Maher-trained filly. Adam Hyeronimus was happy to cruise to her outside, ensuring a genuine tempo, leaving the likes of Motoscafo (151.00) and Titanium Miss ($26.00) to gain economical runs in transit. The eventual winner was a pair further back and appeared to need luck in the concluding stages, while stable companion Good Sort ($23.00) produced a barnstorming under Zac Lloyd to filly out the minor money. It was all about the winner in the end, however, with James McDonald weaving a passage aboard the daughter of Castelvecchio, stamping herself as a contender for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) later in the spring. 2024 Group 3 Reginald Allen Quality Replay – Aeliana Chris Waller spoke about the victory post-race before suggesting there’s more to come from the lightly raced three-year-old. “She’s started her innings, that’s for sure,” said Waller. “A type and I don’t think it’ll be her last one. “Right from her first win here on the Kensington track, it was pretty special. We backed off her after that to try and have her ready for a race like this so we thought enough of it to bring her today. “We booked James McDonald to ride which is a pointer of what we think of her.” James McDonald was brief in his post-race assessment, suggest the filly has plenty of upside. “Pretty competitive race and she’s a filly first-up,” said McDonald. “She’ll improve off that and she did a really good job today. “She’s only had a few starts so it is all ahead of her.” Aeliana is currently on the fourth line of betting at $11.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas on November 16. Horse racing news
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Kingofwallstreet ridden by Michael Dee wins the Caulfield Classic at Caulfield Racecourse on October 19, 2024. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Matt Cumani and Michael Dee have combined with Kingofwallstreet ($7) to take out the Group 3 Caulfield Classic by a narrow margin over the fast-finishing China Sea ($7) at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. Even though the son of Dundeel entered the race as the only maiden, the three-year-old colt showed a strong will to win in the concluding stages, sustaining a long run out wide to claim his first victory at start number three. West Indies ($19) and race favourite Keeneland ($1.90) settled at the front of the field and ran the race along at a sedate tempo before upping the ante at the 600m mark, which left Dee with no option but to start to make a run three-wide. As the field entered the home straight, Keeneland and Kingofwallstreet appeared to be the only two winning chances; however, Luke Currie pushed China Sea through a gap on the inside to challenge the leading duo in the final 150m. Kingofwallstreet and China Sea went head and head to the finish line, but it was the former who would get his head down on the line and stamp a VRC Derby claim ahead of the 2500m classic on November 2. 2024 Caulfield Classic replay – Kingofwallstreet Matt Cumani was on course to speak about the victory. “As soon as we were going there was a kind of crawl all the way around and I was very worried about it,” Cumani said. “We thought that might happen, it happened last year as well and we wanted to try and be a bit closer this year but Mick Dee rode him beautifully and great to get the win. “I just thought the angle was a bit tricky but he’s a tough little horse and it’s great to see him do well. “I think he’ll relish the trip (of the VRC Derby) and I think over that distance he will be a bit more versatile. “It was a good test today to see that he can break well and put himself in a decent spot. “It was good to see him on some soft ground. I don’t think we’ll get that on Derby Day, but we could, and at least now we know he’s versatile.” Michael Dee claimed his first victory on Caulfield Cup Day, and he spoke post-race. “Yeah, it (the pace) was very slow. I popped out quite early down the side just to try and build into it and then the two leaders really quickened up and almost left us flat-footed,” Dee said. “So I was lucky that we were in a position that we could really find our top and it was a good effort because I think the second horse actually was in front of us and credit to this horse, he really stuck his head out and he tried hard, so onwards to the Derby, I’m guessing. “Well, I always felt confident. “I was confident that he was really going to pick up, but it was just a matter of getting it out of him and not sure he really had the confidence to go past those other two and put them away. “I felt like there was a little bit left in the tank and it was a ding-dong to the line, but I felt like he was doing his best work that last 50 metres. So it’s good signs going forward.” Kingofwallstreet is now an $11 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 VRC Derby futures markets. Horse racing news
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