Wandering Eyes

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, December 28, 2024 First Race 2:40pm ACST Visit Dabble It’s the 38th and final meeting of 2024 in the Top End with 36 horses nominating for the Darwin Turf Club’s five-event card on Saturday. With 30mm of rain falling this week, it could be wet on Saturday with showers tipped and a top temperature of 34C. The rail will be in the true position, and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface. Best Bet at Darwin: Valaroc Debuting at Fannie Bay over 1000m at 0-58 level on December 6, Valaroc started well before drifting wide exiting the back straight to slip back to sixth place. Re-grouping, the son of Valentia settled on the fence approaching the final bend, before winding up in the home straight. Denied a passage along the rails, Valaroc had to adjust at the 100m and headed wide before making ground on the leaders to finish a narrow third. With a slice of luck, the six-year-old gelding will be hard to beat. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Valaroc (8) 6yo Gelding | T: Chris Nash | J: Adam Nicholls (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Darwin: Mr Have A Chat In 11 Darwin starts since debuting in February, Mr Have A Chat boasts three wins, five seconds and a third. The son of I’m All The Talk was also second on Katherine Cup Day in August. The seven-year-old gelding burned plenty of petrol from gate six and then skipped to a big lead on November 16 over 1100m in the 0-76 ranks before succumbing to the fast-finishing Kerioth. The former SA galloper is above average and likes to be on the speed, but a more cautious approach will enhance his hopes. Next Best Race 4 – #5 Mr Have A Chat (6) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Nash | J: Stan Tsaikos (55kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Darwin: Son Of Bielski From October-June, Son Of Bielski won six straight in the Top End. The son of Dissident missed the Alice Springs Cup (2000m) with injury and was 10th in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) and seventh in the Buntine Handicap (2050m) during the Darwin Cup Carnival in July. The eight-year-old gelding was also fifth in the Darwin Cup (2050m) and seventh in the Katherine Cup (1700m) in August. After three recent trips over 1100-1200m, Son Of Bielski eyes 1600m and it’s hard to ignore his early $17 quote with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 1 – #1 Son Of Bielski (2) 8yo Gelding | T: Chris Nash | J: Sonja Logan (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Darwin Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, December 28, 2024 1-6-7 1-2-3 1-3-5 1-2-3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Friday, December 27, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Horse racing in Victoria heads to Mornington on Friday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting is set down for decision. A perfect day for racing is forecast with only a slight chance of a shoer, meaning the track is likely to remain a Good 4 throughout the day. The rail comes out 2m the entire circuit, with the first race set to jump at 1:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Mornington: Rewards And More Rewards and More simply looks the class runner in the quaddie opener and if he holds his form, he looks hard to beat. The four-year-old gelding won at Bendigo with plenty left in hand, before finishing second on the Caulfield Heath circuit behind the classy Fickle. Drawn in barrier one, Thomas Stockdale will gain the run of the race throughout, and once the gap appears in the home straight, Rewards And More should prove too good for his rivals. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Rewards And More (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Thomas Stockdale (61.5kg) +115 with Neds Next Best at Mornington: Pacific Cross Pacific Cross caught the eye when beaten by the bearest of margins on return from a spell and looks poised to go one better. The four-year-old mare settled at the rear of a small field at this track over 1200m, and the way she finished her race off suggests the 1500m should be no issue. There looks to be enough speed in the race for Daniel Stackhouse to have the Merchant Navy mare charging home down the heart of the track. The $3.20 on offer with BlondeBet looks a great price. Next Best Race 8 – #6 Pacific Cross (5) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson | J: Daniel Stackhouse (58.5kg) +220 with BlondeBet Best Value at Mornington: Sports Choice Sports Choice hardly knows how to run a poor race, and despite winning just once in 12 starts, presents great each-way value with horse racing bookmakers. Thesix-year-old mare has finish second in four of her six starts this campaign, including last time out at Benalla when producing a strong finish from the rear of the field. From barrier three, Harry Grace has the option to settle Sports Choice a touch closer to the speed, and if that is the case, her turn of foot will have her fighting out the finish. Best Value Race 7 – #11 Sports Choice (3) 6yo Mare | T: Andrew Homann | J: Harry Grace (55.5kg) +1000 with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Friday, December 27, 2024 3 1-2-3-4-5 2-3-4-5-6-11 3-6-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

A hard-fought victory at the Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day by promising three-year-old Centennial Park, could be a precursor to a lucrative feature across the Tasman. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained son of Super Seth dug deep under Jamie Mott to narrowly prevail in the Allan Wicks Handicap (1600m) to make it successive victories after finishing runner-up on debut. “That was Jamie Mott at his absolute best. He lifted him,” said Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for Tony and Calvin McEvoy. “I think Linda (Meech’s) horse Colour Our World was laying all over him in the concluding stages and it really urged him along and Jamie was very vigorous. He is putting a good record together.” Moore said Centennial Park had impressed with his versatility in a three-start career to date. “You can put him anywhere,” he said. “We wanted to be a pair further forward but Jamie took his medicine, he was very relaxed, and the way he went through the line, a mile might not hold him up now. I think he could get out a little further in time.” Centennial Park will now come into consideration for the NZ$3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8, a slot race for three-year-olds restricted to New Zealand Bloodstock graduates or New Zealand breds – with the talented galloper ticking both boxes. “He is Kiwi bred and there is a Kiwi race in March so if there are any slot holders out there, the phones are ringing, get on,” Moore said. “It is a perfect time to showcase that. He has got a perfect platform through these summer months and 1500m is probably his prime distance at the moment.” Any slot holders pondering Centennial Park for the Kiwi should be locking in Jamie Mott as part of the deal, with the hoop pivotal to the victory. “He is still very young and on the way up and I like the progression he made from his maiden to his first win,” Mott said. “Again today he has made better progression but there is so much more to come with him. He is a big baby and even so much so, going to the barriers and coming back, he was running into the fence and just being a big dumbo. “He has got a great motor on him. He has got a lot to learn but he was able to extricate very quickly once they did come up outside me on the corner and he was really in for the fight. “Linda’s horse possibly had my measure at the 250m but my horse was the strongest late and any further he would have pulled away. “He has nice ability under the bonnet and once he does put it together, he is going to be a really nice horse. He has put together a good record so far and the exciting thing is he doesn’t know what he is doing and once he picks it up, he will be exciting.” From the first-crop of exciting Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth, Centennial Park was bred by Stephanie Hole and is a half brother to stakes winner Starvoia. Sold as a yearling at Karaka 2023 by Wentwood Grange for $260,000 to Kevin Walls’ KPW Bloodstock on behalf of prominent Queensland owners Ron and Judi Wanless, Wentwood Grange will present a half-sister to Centennial Park by Sword Of State at next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales as Lot 272. View the full article

About Time (NZ) (American Pharoah) was a rising star in the staying ranks as a three-year-old, and 12 months later, the Cambridge Stud mare collected another holiday feature with a powerful display in Dunstan Stayers Championship Final (2400m) on Boxing Day. The daughter of American Pharoah had burst on to the scene in December last year, placing in the Listed Trevor and Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m) and winning the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) on New Year’s Day. She was spelled after finishing back in the Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m), and after building up to her ideal middle-distance trip this preparation, she put a flashing light on herself winning the Dunstan Qualifying race at Ellerslie earlier this month. Returning for the final at Ellerslie, About Time started a warm favourite at $3.70 and in her usual fashion, was slightly cantankerous behind the barriers prior to the start. With her regular rider Warren Kennedy in the saddle, the mare settled down and jumped away beautifully, finding a comfortable position on the fence in the first half of the field. Spectrier set the tempo which was only leisurely along the back straight and the field compressed heavily turning for home, leaving About Time in an awkward spot on straightening. Kennedy didn’t panic and the gap eventually came for the mare at the 300m, and while a game High Country pounced to the lead, About Time was quickly on his tail and out-muscled the gelding in the closing stages, drawing away to score by an extending 1 – ¼ lengths. Unequivocal and Central Districts raider Tikemyson both produced massive runs from back in the field to fill the first four. Lance Noble, who trains the mare out of Karaka, admitted to a few anxious moments before the race but was delighted with the final result. “It’s really satisfying, she always gives you little heart palpitations at the start whether she’s going to go in and behave, but the starting gate crew have done a fantastic job and I’m very grateful to them,” Noble said. “We had a lovely draw and Warren rode her really well and she was just too good. “She’s got a bit stronger this year and more mature. Last year, she did it all in one prep, whereas she’s had a break and a spell and is very, very promising.” The four-year-old holds a nomination for the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day where she currently sits an equal-favourite at $4 with Nereus, but Noble indicated she is not assured to start in the feature. “We’re not sure if we’ll go there, I’ll have to talk to Henry Plumptre and Brendan and Jo and think about that,” he said. “My gut feeling is no, but we’ll see how she does in the next couple of days.” The victory secured a double at the SkyCity Boxing Day Races for Cambridge Stud’s private trainer and Kennedy, who combined to win the juvenile contest with exciting filly Romala. “It’s very rewarding, as most people know it’s not just me, it’s our whole team at the farm that makes this happen,” Noble said. “You work backwards from targets, this is where you want to be on these days so to get them here is rewarding in itself, and to then perform and be consistently doing so is what it’s all about.” Bred by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, About Time is out of a Fastnet Rock mare Romantic Time, making her a half-sister to multiple Australian Group One performer Young Werther. Alongside the son of Tavistock, Romantic Time has also produced Listed placegetter Romantic Lady and Villaden, who has won eight races in Australia. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh light heartedly suggested he was still waiting for his Christmas presents prior to racing commencing at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, but didn’t take long to fill his stocking with Provence (NZ) (Savabeel) taking out the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m). Marsh had the option of starting the five-year-old Savabeel mare in the Stella Artois Championship Final (1500m) carrying 60kgs later in the day but decided against that pathway, as he took on the higher-rated mares with only 55kgs and an in-form Sam Spratt on her back. It proved a masterstroke as Spratt took advantage of a handy barrier draw to position Provence just off the speed, whereas her main rivals, including race favourite Malt Time ($3.40), were tardily away and conceding the Marsh runner a significant advantage. Spratt moved into contention early in the run home and when she pushed the go button, Provence strode past pacemaker Acquarello to assume control and defeat that runner by just on a length, with Malt Time running home bravely to take third. Marsh clarified his thinking after the victory as to why he chose the Royal Descent Stakes as his target for the mare. “It looked an easier race on paper in the last (Stella Artois Final) but she had 60kgs on her back, an outside gate and we want to back her up six days later in the Rich Hill Mile (Gr.2, 1600m),” Marsh said. “That is the reason we came as she had 55kgs and an inside draw. She wasn’t in well at set weights and penalties but it’s nice now she has won.” Marsh is keen to test Provence in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at the venue on New Years Day as he believes she is a mare going places. “She is a really good mare who has had little luck in her life,” he said. “She has been plagued with bad draws, and I certainly think she can win a big race.” Bred by Tony Rider, who co-owns the mare alongside the large number of members in the Social Racing Ellerslie Winners Circle Syndicate, Provence is out of the Flying Spur mare Sombrueil and is the older sister of exciting three-year-old filly Damask Rose. She has now won four of her 12 starts and just over $169,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

The Matthew Williams-trained Unseen Ruler came from well back in the field to prevail in the Dennis Hanrahan Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day as the five-year-old gelding notched his fifth career victory. Jockey Ryan Houston followed pre-race instructions to a tee as he enabled the son of Mongolian Khan to loop the field as he lumped topweight to victory by half a length from Stupendous and favourite Make It Sweet. “He just doesn’t seem to like going inside horses,” Williams said. “Daniel Moor rode him really well at Ballarat the other day and he said the same thing. He said he just didn’t like being in there at all, similar to Moonee Valley. “So we just went back to how he ran really well when third the Swan Hill Cup and that was cold and out the back and give him his chance to get out. “He got a lovely cart into it today and on the point of the corner I thought Ryan was riding very confidently like he had a bit of horse still underneath him and it worked out that way. He has been in work a fair while and I wouldn’t say we’ve got him going any better at the moment than when he was third in the Swan Hill Cup, I just think that style of ride suits him. “But as we know that style doesn’t lend itself to building a picket fence beside your name. You need everything to be going right in front and it unfolded really nicely for him today.” Bred by the now defunct Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Group, Unseen Ruler was a $1200 yearling purchase via gavelhouse.com and later won a trial at Te Rapa for Matamata horseman Glenn Old before joining Williams. By triple Group One winner Mongolian Khan out of the two-win Savabeel mare Scarlet’s Secret, Unseen Ruler is a half-brother to promising three-year-old Stylish Secret, who won the Victoria Derby Preview at Flemington for Mick Nolan and finished fourth in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m). View the full article

The owners of Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) have been given a late Christmas present, with Te Akau Racing selecting the exciting filly to represent their slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie on 8 March. The daughter of Savabeel, who was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $200,000 out of Milan Park’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft, is the third confirmed runner for the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, joining Domain Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace) (Canterbury Jockey Club) and Sought After (NZ) (Tivaci) (Waikato Stud). Damask Rose is currently an $8 equal favourite for the NZB Kiwi, alongside Group One winner Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) and Australian Group One performer Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio), and New Zealand’s leading stable believe she is the ideal horse for the 1500m feature. “We are very proud to nominate Damask Rose for the Te Akau Racing slot,” Te Akau Racing director Karyn Fenton-Ellis said. “We believe you need a very high-class horse to win a race like this and her record shows that she can run brilliant sectionals, and that is the type of ability and talent you will need to have a chance to win. “We feel her pet distance is 1400-1600m, so the 1500m just suits her to perfection.” Damask Rose has been a standout for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, finishing runner-up in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in January at just her second start, and kicked-off her three-year-old season with a third placing in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September behind Alabama Lass. She was then sent for a spell before resuming with a win over 1200m at Te Rapa earlier this month, beating fellow NZB Kiwi contender Sought After, and has been duly installed a $2.35 favourite for Thursday’s Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Ellerslie. “Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have trained the filly to perfection,” Fenton-Ellis said. “She resumed at Te Rapa with a pretty inspired win under the weight (59kg) she was carrying. It was very smart of them to give her a spell when they did in September and October.” The announcement has been timely for Te Akau Racing, with Damask Rose set to gain valuable points towards the $175,000 NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge if she performs up to expectations in the Auckland Guineas. Once a Slot Holder has nominated their runner for the 2025 NZB Kiwi, that horse is able to accumulate points by placing in the top three in any race it enters leading up to Champions Day. Horses are awarded four points for winning a race, two points for second, and one point for third, with those figures doubling for black-type and special conditions races. The three horses who start the NZB Kiwi with the highest points accumulated before the race will earn a share of the $175,000 NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge, with $100,000 awarded to the winner, $50,000 to second place and $25,000 for the third placegetter. “The layers of initiative around the NZB Kiwi is something the creators can be proud of,” Fenton-Ellis said. “There are key bonus races, but there is a separate $175,000 bonus and the points they accumulate along the way. That certainly attracted our attention and at the moment we think she is a standout filly and we wanted to make the declaration early and our owners certainly feel like they have got a wonderful Christmas present.” Fenton-Ellis said the Te Akau Coming Up Roses Racing Partnership, who race Damask Rose, are enjoying the ride of a lifetime, particularly the first-time owners involved in the syndicate. “It is a wonderfully diverse group of owners, who are mostly Kiwis, but also some Australian owners as well,” she said. “It is a team of a lot of new owners and that is the exciting thing. “What this initiative (NZB Kiwi) is going to do is create more eyes on thoroughbred racing in New Zealand. It is bringing a lot of new people into the industry. “The new owners involved in this filly, who came into racing for the first time last year when they bought into this filly, have been blown away by the experience. They tell their friends and their family, so it brings in a whole new constituency of people who are turning their attention to some of the opportunities that racing can offer. “It is generating a massive amount of attention, and I think that is incredibly important to have our industry thrive.” Damask Rose will have the services of leading Australian jockey Blake Shinn on Boxing Day, with the pair having combined previously to finish runner-up in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie last season. Shinn has subsequently ridden her in track work on a visit to New Zealand last month and is set to partner her again in the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) next month, and most likely in the NZB Kiwi in March. Shinn and Te Akau Racing are developing a burgeoning relationship, which has been fostered over the last year. “We caught up with him (Shinn) on the Gold Coast at a place we had gone to for a three-day break after the Magic Millions sale last June. He and his partner Lucy were there,” Fenton-Ellis said. “Then we caught up in Melbourne in October-November and then he was suspended, so he came to New Zealand and he stayed with us at the farm and at Matamata, and rode track work for us and some jumpouts. “He has been well-acquainted with horses such as Damask Rose. He also rode her into second place in this year’s Karaka Millions 2YO. He is very keen and eager to come back, and he will be riding for us on Boxing Day as well as Karaka Millions night, and I am pretty sure we will be able to lure him back for Champions Day somehow.” Fenton-Ellis said Te Akau Racing are looking forward to the next couple of months in the lead-up to Champions Day, and they are excited to be a part of the history-making day. “When the initiative (NZB Kiwi) was announced, we were very impressed with what New Zealand Bloodstock, NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) and Entain had worked together to create,” Fenton-Ellis said. “It is already making a huge impact on the New Zealand racing scene for all participants. “Te Akau have been deeply committed to supporting and promoting the industry for 40 years now. We are proud Kiwis, we are proud of our industry, so when we first heard about this innovation, we were determined to be involved and secure a slot, especially for our owners to have that opportunity. “It is a great time to be involved in New Zealand racing because the rollercoaster starts now. You have got the Karaka Millions twilight meeting into the sales, into Champions Day come the 8th of March, which will be the biggest day in New Zealand’s racing history. We feel privileged to be a part of it.” View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, December 26. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for December 26, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions 25% Boosted Winnings! – Caulfield Heath & Randwick Get 25% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First bet only. Cash bet only. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Caulfield Heath R1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Caulfield Heath on Thursday and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts Elevate Your Prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Same Race Multi | Select 2-4 runners in the same race to get bigger odds Available from approx 8:30am local track time on race day. Availability dependent on field size. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any runner. Any odds. Get a bonus back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for December 26, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Selections for Westport today Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Westport Trottech Form Analyst Race 1 12.00pm 4 Waterloo Station 2 Macho Man 6 Call Dudley 5 Lover Boy Race 2 12.25pm 9 Mary Rulz 3 Red Wine Kisses 11 Rule Again 7 Yogi’s Colada Race 3 12.50pm 6 Ideal Conqueror 3 Rakero Chase 7 Interrorgator 11 Rutherford Race 4 1.15pm 1 Brandi Snapp 8 Franco Elvis 13 She’s A Major Act 9 Fear Gogh Race 5 1.40pm 3 Amalfi 10 Fredastaire 11 Sideshow Bruce 5 Black Billie Gee Race 6 2.12pm 10 Denuto 3 Rapid Response 8 Style Council 6 Michael Eyre Race 7 2.38pm 4 Premium Player 9 Living The Moment 7 High Noon 1 Solemn Son Race 8 3.10pm 8 Xlendi 9 Triple G 10 Homebush Lad 1 Teds Legacy Race 9 3.37pm 4 Ruby’s A Delight 13 Razors Edge 12 Zia Bromac 10 Hi Hopes Race 10 4.12pm 8 Tu Tangata 9 Eurokash 2 Regal Sierra 6 Masterly Race 11 4.47pm 8 The Chase 4 Illegal Alien 9 Prince Teka 2 Bevron Race 12 5.22pm 5 Rakero Lightning 3 Don Juan 1 Always Bee Gee 7 The Next Best Thing View the full article

Sam Agars KA YING RESILIENCE - R2 (5) Improving galloper can enjoy a profitable first trip to the Valley. Jay Rooney EMBRACES - R7 (6) Looks set to break through after trialling well for new stable. Jack Dawling KA YING RESILIENCE - R2 (5) Looks well placed to shed the maiden tag with switch in venue and favourable draw. Phillip Woo KYRUS DRAGON - R9 (2) He is in great form and deserves another win tonight. Shannon (Vincent Wong) ROCKET SPADE - R3 (3) Won well last start and the step-up in trip should hopefully suit. Racing Post Online VIVA GRACIOUSNESS - R5 (2) In-form galloper won nicely last start and can salute again. Tom Wood KA YING RESILIENCE - R2 (5) Promising youngster from the Hayes stable and can break his maiden status here.View the full article

By Mike Love Canterbury raiders look set to dominate the West Coast circuit, starting at Westport on Boxing Day, though there are are some locals that will be pinning their hopes on their runners to upset the party. One horse that has trialled well and will be one to follow through the circuit and on into the New Year is debutant Adelphi Storm. The Tony O’Dea trained Sky Major three-year-old gelding draws well in Race 3, the Buy And Sell With Marchelle Pace over 2000m. “First time on grass, first time to the races. You wouldn’t put your house on him,” said O’Dea. “He looks good, he’s working good, he has a good driver (Tim Williams), but we will learn a lot after this race.” Adelphi Storm stepped out for John Morrison back in June, initially winning a workout impressively before qualifying third of three on a terrible slushy track – beaten by Irish Dream and Delta Kilo who have both broken maiden status. “I sent him over to Johnny Morrisons just to sharpen him up because it can be pretty hard trying to work them with others because everyone has different timetables etc.” Since then Adelphi Storm did workout recently at Methven on December 8, running fourth of 10 starters. “He put a couple of roughies in turning for home there, so we’ve pulled his hopples up a couple of holes.” In the early markets Adelphi Storm was at $8.50 with Ideal Conqueror, a first starter for John Morrison the favourite, at $3.80, with Swimming Poole and Rakero Chase at $5.50 and Interrorgrator at $6.50. Other local runners on the day include; Race 2 Rule Again – John Reedy ($7.50) Race 3 Elegant Achiever – Philip Beveridge ($11.00) Race 4 Francent – Robert Higgins ($14.00) Race 5 Stanley’s Rule – John Reedy ($21.00) Race 7 Reindeer Trouble – Trevor Walsh ($31.00) Race 8 Destiny Dance – Robert Higgins ($61.00) Racing commences from midday with the feature race the $25,000 Frank Dooley Memorial Westport Cup over 2600m due at 3:10pm, with the Bob Butt-trained and driven Xlendi a $2.80 favourite. View the full article

There are 11 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, December 26. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Caulfield Heath, Randwick & Happy Valley (HK). Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 26, 2024 Caulfield Heath Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 26, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Cambridge trainer Arna Donnelly’s golden run continued when she combined with driver Samantha Ottley to score a winning double which included Little Spike’s outstanding win in yesterday’s Cambridge Pacers Christmas Cup. “Little Spike was just sensational today,” said Donnelly “It was so great for Sam (Ottley) to come up and get to drive him when he’s really firing because she just didn’t get the rub of the green with him when she drove him down south, nothing really quite went his way.” “Both Sam and I were a little emotional after the win which really isn’t like either of us, it really was so awesome to be able to give her a couple of winners today toward that 100 season win milestone especially after I somewhat bossed her into coming up to drive today!” That takes Ottley to 95 wins for the year with just a week of the season to go. She is vying to become the first female driver in this country to have 100 winners in a 12 month season. The Terror To Love three-year-old started the race off a 20 metre handicap and stepped away well enough to settle six back on the fence, with the entire field remaining in single file for the first half of the race. With 1200 metres to run, several horses moved off the fence with Ottley shifting to sit one out and four back until around the 600 metre mark when she made her move to round the field four wide down the back straight and explode away with a devastating burst of speed to hit the front with 400 to run. From there it was game, set and match to Little Spike as he secured the Christmas Cup with a dominant 3.75 length win. The placings were filled by Fernleigh Cash in second, and Le Major, who is also trained by Donnelly, in third. “I’m just thrilled for his owner Audrey Piercy too, she’s 93 and lives in a home down in Wellington and she will have been glued to the tv watching him today,” said Donnelly, “the horse is actually named after a nickname of her late husband, and he absolutely loved the horses too, so it’s pretty special having a horse like this for them.” “He’ll cop a few rating points after today, so we’ll have to have a think about where he heads next, but I’d say in the New Year he’ll have to go up against the big boys at some stage and learn to battle it with them.” Donnelly and Ottley also combined to win the Garrards Horse And Hound Mobile Pace with The Surfer earlier in the day, with the Downbytheseaside gelding bringing up his fourth career win. Meanwhile the Cambridge Trotters Christmas Cup was won by Lord Popinjay, trained by Matthew White from his Clevedon base, and driven by in form junior driver Monika Ranger. “We’re thrilled with the win, and it was a nice drive by Monika (Ranger) she gave him a great trip throughout” said White “She gets on really well with the horse and has now won five races on him taking advantage of the half points which has really helped the horse as he comes through the ratings.” The Majestic Son gelding was the sole starter off the 20 metre line and he started well to be in the parked position early. With a mile to run, Manchester In Time came around to provide cover leaving Lord Popinjay in the one out one back position until the 600 metre mark when Ranger would make her move three wide and in doing so push race favourite Matty A four wide. Lord Popinjay sustained a strong run home, digging in to run down the second place Romeo Foxtrot who had led throughout and win by 0.75 lengths. “A few of the owners were on course today too which was pretty exciting for them as it’s the second country cup he’s won for them now at Cambridge,” said White, “he’ll have a few days off now and be back racing in the New Year.” The win was Lord Popinjay’s seventh career win and brought his earnings to just over $100,000. View the full article

HRNZ wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and all the very best for the festive season. View the full article

BEST, in its 35th year as a nonprofit organization, serves the backstretch communities at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course in meaningful ways.View the full article

Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman will be on weather watch this Christmas ahead of Riot And Rose (NZ) (Pins) engagement in the Listed Lord Stakes at the Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day. “We’ll probably just keep an eye on that hot weather, if it looks like it’s going to get too warm, we might elect just to keep him at home,” Coleman said. “He has shown before that he doesn’t handle those really hot days all that well, so we’ll just keep an eye on that. “They’ve brought the races forward now, so hopefully that’s not an issue and he had a piece of work here at Pakenham on Saturday morning, which was really pleasing, and he just seems to be really enjoying his work at the moment, which you love to see.” Riot And Rose is the $3.30 favourite with Sportsbet for the Lord Stakes on Thursday, following on from his recent wins in the Wodonga Cup and Werribee Cup. “He seems to be in a really good spot at the moment,” Coleman said. “He’s obviously pretty lightly raced with a few setbacks throughout his career, nothing major but any minor niggle that you can imagine, he’s had it. “It’s very, very rewarding to have him back at the races and racing so well for his connections when they’ve had to be so patient with him.” Coleman elaborated on the issues that the seven-year-old gelding has faced in his career, where he’s won seven of his 15 starts. “Our farrier, Matt Martin’s done an incredible job with him, he’s just had a few foot issues along the way and Matt’s done a really good job, worked with him while he was in pre training,” she said. “He spelled down at Rosemont Stud, the crew down there did a fantastic job with him while he was spelling as well to really manage his feet and that work seems to be paying off. “This time around, touch wood, he’s been the soundest he’s ever been.” View the full article

Classy mare Malt Time (Adelaide) will have a luxury weight to carry among her female counterparts in Thursday’s Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. After solid performances in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1400m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) through the spring, the Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained galloper lined up among the best of the country’s sprinters in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), where she far from disgraced herself finishing less than two lengths from Babylon Berlin. “She seems to have improved off the Concorde run, that was fresh-up against good sprinters and she’s come through it well,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “She had a bit of work at the beach and went to Ellerslie for a gallop last Thursday, so she’s going to strip a bit fitter and we’re happy with her.” The daughter of Adelaide is a multiple Group One performer currently rated 105, and at the set-weights and penalties conditions, she will carry just 55kg, decreased a further two kilograms by her regular rider and in-form apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll. “She gets into the race well at set weights and penalties, and she can also utilise Ace’s two-kilo claim, which made the race even more attractive,” Clotworthy said. The early TAB market is reflective of her weight advantage in the Boxing Day feature, with bookmakers opening Malt Time a $3.20 favourite ahead of Taranaki visitor Sumi ($5), and Group Three winner Karman Line ($6). Now an eight-year-old mare, the end of Malt Time’s successful racing career is imminent as she scanned in-foal to Cambridge Stud’s young shuttle stallion Hello Youmzain. However, before the curtain comes down, the Clotworthy’s are eyeing another shot at an elusive Group One crown in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham next month. “She’ll either stay at the 1400 and go to the Westbury Classic (Gr.2), or we’ll step up and go to the Thorndon Mile,” he said. “At this stage, we’re probably leaning towards the mile.” View the full article

This week, Michael sits down for an open, honest & in-depth chat with four-time Cox Plate winning jockey, Brent Thomson. They discuss the kiwi’s rise to winning the race, his decision to give up drinking & his return to riding. Plus, we look ahead to the Boxing Day races. Guerin Report – Ep. 17, Ft. Brent Thomson View the full article

Classy mare Malt Time (Adelaide) will have a luxury weight to carry among her female counterparts in Thursday’s Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. After solid performances in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1400m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) through the spring, the Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained galloper lined up among the best of the country’s sprinters in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), where she far from disgraced herself finishing less than two lengths from Babylon Berlin. “She seems to have improved off the Concorde run, that was fresh-up against good sprinters and she’s come through it well,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “She had a bit of work at the beach and went to Ellerslie for a gallop last Thursday, so she’s going to strip a bit fitter and we’re happy with her.” The daughter of Adelaide is a multiple Group One performer currently rated 105, and at the set-weights and penalties conditions, she will carry just 55kg, decreased a further two kilograms by her regular rider and in-form apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll. “She gets into the race well at set weights and penalties, and she can also utilise Ace’s two-kilo claim, which made the race even more attractive,” Clotworthy said. The early TAB market is reflective of her weight advantage in the Boxing Day feature, with bookmakers opening Malt Time a $3.20 favourite ahead of Taranaki visitor Sumi ($5), and Group Three winner Karman Line ($6). Now an eight-year-old mare, the end of Malt Time’s successful racing career is imminent as she scanned in-foal to Cambridge Stud’s young shuttle stallion Hello Youmzain. However, before the curtain comes down, the Clotworthy’s are eyeing another shot at an elusive Group One crown in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham next month. “She’ll either stay at the 1400 and go to the Westbury Classic (Gr.2), or we’ll step up and go to the Thorndon Mile,” he said. “At this stage, we’re probably leaning towards the mile.” View the full article

Race 8 NOBLE & LEE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 1400m LADY OF COURT (W Pinn) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of LADY OF COURT, and it is the stables intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Matamata Racing Club @ Matamata, Friday 20 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 8 SKYCITY HAMILTON WAIKATO CUP 2400m (G3) CANHEROC (S Spratt) – Trainer Mr. C Wood reported to Stewards, CANHEROC was seen by the chiropractor on Tuesday 17 December and was satisfied with the post-race recovery of the gelding. C Wood further advised it is his intention to continue on with CANHEROC’S current preparation. Race 9 SEE YOU @ TE RAPA TAVERN 1500m BILLY LINCOLN (M Cartwright) – Stable representative Mr. R Mildon reported to Stewards, BILLY LINCOLN is scheduled to have a wind operation on Tuesday 24 December. Stewards will follow up in the coming weeks. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Te Rapa, Saturday 14 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 3 COMMERCE LANE CHAMBERS 2100m ALADDIN SANE (M Hashizume) – Co-trainer Mr. R Wellwood reported to Stewards, upon return to the stable, ALADDIN SANE was examined and treated by the stable farrier with the replacement of the near fore plate. R Wellwood further advised the gelding has been on the water treadmill throughout the week and will return to track work next week. WREN (C Grylls) – Trainer Mr. A Forsman advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, WREN has now been sent for a spell. Race 5 GEAR WELDING MAIDEN 1600m REIMAGINED (C Grylls) – Trainer Mr. C Cole reported to Stewards, REIMAGINED has now been retired from racing. The post Racing Tauranga @ Tauranga, Friday 13 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 3 STELLA ARTOIS MAIDEN 1200m SANTARELLI (W Pinn) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper reported to Stewards, that on Friday 13 December, SANTARELLI, underwent a veterinary examination including x-rays with no abnormalities being detected, however the mare was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and was given three days of box rest to recover. R Trumper further advised it is the stables intention to carry on with SANTARELLI’S current preparation. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing @ Ellerslie, Thursday 12 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Samantha Wynne will be hoping to break new ground at Wingatui on Boxing Day. The experienced horsewoman will be chasing the first black type victory of her training career when she is legged aboard pre-post favourite Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m). “It would be a dream come true and hopefully I can tick that off the list, fingers crossed I’ll have a bit of luck on the day,” Wynne said. An emerging daughter of Ten Sovereigns, Pivotal Ten has been in outstanding form this preparation and was an easy maiden winner on the course two runs back following a resuming second. The filly then distanced her age group rivals at Timaru, romping home in Wynne’s hands by seven and a-half lengths. “She seems to be doing everything right at the moment, she’s very forward in her work and very willing and really is a sweetheart,” she said. “She has beaten small fields so it’s a big task on Thursday and one we’re not taking lightly.” Pivotal Ten has won both of her races on soft going and any improvement on the current heavy nature of the Wingatui track will be in her favour. “We’re all in the same boat, hopefully the rain stops and she gets through the ground,” Wynne said. “The question mark will be stepping up in trip on that surface, if it’s soft we’ll have a bit more confidence in the camp. “We’ve left no stone unturned going into the race and so far, we’re all very happy.” Pivotal Ten was bred by Valachi Downs and was a $15,000 purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale for owner Colin Wightman, who Wynne has previously trained for. Her dam is the Pivotal mare Lady Woodcote, whose five foals to race have all been successful and includes stakes performer Woodcote Lass. Wynne will also be aboard Pivotal Ten’s stablemate Iffin Doubt Dance in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifier (1600m). The Iffraaj mare has posted a quartet of runner-up finishes since she joined the stable after winning twice for Karaka trainer Lane Noble. “We bought her off Cambridge Stud and she’s already tripled what we paid, she’s been a lot of fun for family and friends,” Wynne said. “It’s been a great buzz and fingers crossed I can get the job done, otherwise there might need to be a change of jockey.” Iffin Doubt Dance recorded two of her second placings with Wynne in the saddle a week apart at Riccarton last month. “She’s banging on the door and she’s been great for us,” she said. “She had a freshen up after Cup Week and she’s been doing well at home.” View the full article

Wexford Stables are bullish about landing a couple of knockout blows at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have strong hands in the three-year-old features on Thursday with fillies Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) and Prosegur (NZ) (Proisir) to go head-to-head in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). The Matamata operation is equally confident Checkmate (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) and Texas Hold ’Em (NZ) (Swiss Ace) will do them proud in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wires Ropes Auckland Guineas (1600m). With the application of blinkers, Sethito thumped her maiden rivals at Taupo two runs back and the daughter of Super Seth then impressively stepped up to black type company to account for Prosegur in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m). “Her last race gave us plenty of confidence that she will race very well again,” Scott said. “It’s a step up to the mile and she ran out the seven furlongs strongly last time, she’s continued to work well and we’re pleased with her condition. “All things being equal, we think she’ll go well again. She’s had three weeks between runs and we’ve just kept her ticking over, she’s a fit filly and we’re pleased with where she’s at.” Like her barnmate, Prosegur has won two of her four starts and followed up an age group victory at Tauranga with a strong effort to finish runner-up in the Bonecrusher. “She continues to improve and we thought her last run was a step up even though she ran second,” Scott said. “We think she has gone the right way since and she’s gained a lot of confidence, which she lacked early on. “She’s had that experience around Ellerslie, we don’t think the mile will be a problem and we’re expecting another very strong performance from her. “There’s not much between them, a lot will come down to luck on the day. They are two fillies that are pretty evenly matched and it might come down to which one gets the best run.” The Okaharau Station-bred and raced Checkmate was second on debut before he impressively broke his maiden at Te Aroha and then won the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m) with a good degree of authority. “He went home for a week post his last run and he’s had a nice chance to freshen up,” Scott said. “He’s another who has been exposed to Ellerslie and he’s a lightly framed, athletic horse who doesn’t take a lot of work between runs. “We have been very pleased with his training and he’s another one we expect to run very well, it’s another step up and we’ve got high hopes for him. “He’s got a very good turn of foot and hopefully we’ll see that on Boxing Day.” Texas Hold ‘Em is also a lightly raced three-year-old who impressed in his first look around the course when he won his maiden against older opposition two runs back. “He is going well and will have the hood on for the first time,” Scott said. “He took on a hearty Rating 65 race last time when it didn’t all go his way and he’s back to age group racing. “He’s been around Ellerslie and he’s trained really well and taken it up another notch, which he has to, and not for a moment do we think he won’t put in another strong performance.” View the full article