Wandering Eyes

Coolmore revealed Oct. 12 that City of Troy would retire to their home base in Ireland following his final start in the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), ending any speculation he would stand alongside his sire Justify at Ashford Stud in Kentucky.View the full article

It’s 30 days until the running of the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington raceway on Tuesday, November 12 so why not look back at the winner of the great race 30 years ago. In 1994 it was Bee Bee Cee By Dave Di Somma, Harness News desk Bee Bee Cee can lay claim to an unusual New Zealand Trotting Cup statistic. He raced in three New Zealand Cups and finished at the bottom and the top of two of them. He won at his first attempt against a star studded field 30 years ago in 1994. In contrast he was pulled up in the 1997 Cup and in 1996 he was 14th, the same year that Il Vicolo won the second of his two New Zealand Cups. After pottering around with horses for over 20 years Colin Calvert trained his first and only New Zealand Cup winner with the first horse he ever trained. In fact Bee Bee Cee was his only winner. “I learned from observation,” the self taught Calvert once said. Calvert had his own approach. Bee Bee Cee had 12 wins from 14 workout runs before even getting to the races! Originally from Southland he moved to Chertsey in Mid Canterbury as he searched for more opportunities for his star pacer. And it certainly paid dividends. In 1994 he decided on a cup build up of four races and six trials, winning the Hannon Memorial along the way. In the Cup Bee Bee Cee was unfashionable compared to his rivals, starting the seventh favourite in the 14-strong field. There were four millionaires in the race – Chokin, Blossom Lady, Christopher Vance and Master Musician – and all but Master Musician were previous Cup champions. But on Tuesday, November 8 1994 it was not a good day for the all powerful Roy and Barry Purdon training combo, with Chokin, Christopher Vance and Montana Vance all failing to figure. Bee Bee Cee and Jim Curtin made a safe beginning, and was in a great spot, only to find themselves three and then four back the fence. All the time Master Musician moved up wide from the 1900 and went clear on the home turn. Bee Cee Cee was then extricated from a tricky spot and roared home to win by an ever increasing length and a quarter in 4:01.5, paying $14.65 for the win. “I thought my fella was too far back but I jumped the fence, no trouble, when the Cup was mine,” Calvert was quoted at the time. It was third time lucky for the then 34-year-old Curtin and the first of his two New Zealand Cup wins. He drove Terror To Love in the first of his three new Zealand Cups in 2011. Bee Bee Cee backed up his Cup win three days later, defeating Master Musician (again) to become the 24th horse at the time to complete the Cup – Free For All double. Bee Bee Cee retired after the Cup in 1997 with a record of 14 wins from 49 starts and stakes earnings of $416,430. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The 'Grizzly' is gearing up for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. Amid a backdrop of some spectacular fall foliage, 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) posted her second workout since capturing the GI Cotillion Stakes in dramatic fashion at Parx Sept. 21, breezing five furlongs in 1:02.63 (1/2) after the break over a sun-splashed Oklahoma Training Track on a delightful Saturday morning in Saratoga Springs. Raring to go beneath regular exercise rider Danny Ramsey, the GI Kentucky Oaks heroine and painful GI Travers Stakes runner-up was hard held leaving the pole, had her ears up while awaiting her cue around the far turn, moved beautifully down the stretch without being asked and continued galloping out with terrific energy. “I think Danny (Ramsey)'s pretty happy with her,” said Dermot Magner, assistant trainer to Ken McPeek, who is currently shopping for yearlings at the Tattersalls October Sale. “We weren't looking for anything crazy today. Next week she might have a little more serious workout. Overall, she's happy, she's doing good. Everybody is happy right now with her.” He continued, “She just likes it here. She's in a good rhythm here. She's in the feed tub, which we like. She likes the Oklahoma track. She's a pretty simple filly. So, we try to keep it simple with her.” Watch THORPEDO ANNA work in New York this morning in preparation for the @BreedersCup Distaff. The @KennyMcPeek trainee has won four Grade 1 races this year! pic.twitter.com/am844qIOUr — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 12, 2024 Ramsey was all smiles in between sets back at McPeek's Barn 86 at the Oklahoma Annex. “The two horses that started off in front of her–any time a horse is in front of her, she gets so aggressive with me,” Ramsey said. “She was saying, 'Let me go Danny. Let me go.' I said, 'No, I'm not gonna let you go. I can't let you go.' She was so great. She worked beautiful. She could've worked in :57 if I wanted her to. 1:02 is perfect on this track.” And not lacking for confidence. “I'd be shocked if she got beat in the Breeders' Cup,” Ramsey added. Thorpedo Anna, a $40,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling graduate, is campaigned in partnership by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing. Thorpedo Anna cooling out back at the ⁦@KennyMcPeek⁩ barn following her breeze pic.twitter.com/GjopkxULeR — Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) October 12, 2024 Other potential Breeders' Cup-bound horses spotted during training hours include: the Bill Mott-trained Arthur's Ride (Tapit) (Classic) and War Like Goddess (English Channel) (F/M Turf) (breezed four furlongs in :51.66); the Todd Pletcher-trained full-brothers 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) (Classic) and Mentee (City of Light) (Juvenile Turf Sprint/Juvenile Turf); and the Christophe Clement-trained 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel). The post ‘She’s in a Good Rhythm Here’ – Thorpedo Anna Breezes Five Furlongs at Saratoga for Breeders’ Cup Distaff appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wathnan Racing's Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify) will be forced to miss the GI Breeders' Cup Classic after sustaining an ankle injury, according to a report in Daily Racing Form. “We found a problem in his ankle and we'll have to turn him out,” trainer Ricahrd Mandella told DRF's Steve Anderson. “It's not a big problem. “We'll have to stop and come back next year.” Purchased privately by Wathnan Racing earlier this year, the 5-year-old won the GIII Philip H. Iselin Stakes in August before earning an automatic berth in the Classic with a victory in the Sept. 28 GI California Crown Stakes in his most recent start. The post Subsanador to Miss Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Godolphin's Star of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) leads an oversubscribed renewal of the GII Franklin Stakes at Keeneland Sunday. With 12 listed in the body of the field and an additional four waiting on the A/E list, the 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint offers contenders an opportunity to earn their way into one of a few options during next month's Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar. The Charlie Appleby runner certainly hasn't been ducking anyone since embarking on her 3-year-old campaign, having made all six prior starts this season against the boys. A listed winner last season, she launched 2024 with a pair of victories at Meydan, including the five-furlong G2 Blue Point Sprint Jan. 26 before coming home second in the Mar. 2 G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. Favored in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on the Dubai World Cup undercard, she was second–beaten 3/4 of a length–by California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), who was a next out second in the G1 Chairman's Prize Sprint at Sha Tin. Given a freshening, the homebred finished third behind the highly regarded Cogburn (Not This Time) in her U.S. debut in Saratoga's 5 1/2-furlongs GI Jaipur Stakes June 8. Favored once again in the July 14 Quick Call Stakes, she came home a 1 1/2-length winner. Flavien Prat, aboard for both stateside starts, will be in the irons. Also doing much of her early work in Dubai, Frost At Dawn (Frosted) has done plenty of traveling since her victory over Star of Mystery in the aforementioned Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. Off the board in both the A Quoz and the G1 Nunthorpe-a Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' event—the Rabbah Bloodstock homebred finished third most recently over the soft going in Ayr's Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies Stakes Sept. 20. A good performance may pave the way at the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint to be run on Nov. 2. “We didn't qualify for the Breeders' Cup in Europe, so we decided to try here,” said Michelle Gross, who is overseeing the 3-year-old filly's preparation for trainer William Knight. “She got here Sunday [Oct. 6] after a couple days in quarantine at Churchill. She's doing very well and she traveled well.” Always dangerous in the turf sprints, trainer Christophe Clement saddles a pair in Roses for Debra (Liam's Map) and Dontlookbackatall (Peace and Justice). The former has proven her affinity for the distance, having hit the board in all six starts while having won four. Victorious over this course and trip in the GIII Giant's Causeway Stakes in April, the 5-year-old most recently took the 6 1/2-panel GI Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes on the synthetic Sept. 20. Clement's other runner registered three consecutive turf sprint wins this season, including the 5 1/2-furlong GIII Caress Stakes at Saratoga in July before coming home second when stretching to 6 1/2 panels for the GII Ladies Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs Aug. 31. Irad Ortiz Jr. returns to ride Roses for Debra while her year-younger stablemate will be accompanied by Tyler Gaffalione for the first time. Also looking to make some noise is Future Is Now (Great Notion), winner of three of her last four starts. Winner of Pimlico's The Very One Stakes on May followed by a score over Roses for Debra in the GII Intercontinental Stakes at the Spa in June, the 4-year-old Maryland-bred filly was third in the Caress but came back to take the Smart N Fancy Stakes-again leaving Roses for Debra in her wake-in upstate New York Aug. 23. Jockey Paco Lopez, who recently hit the 4000-win mark, gets the return call. Earlier Sunday afternoon, Aqueduct presents the GIII Knickerbocker Stakes. With six signed on in addition to one entered for main track only, the nine-furlong turf test features GIII Monmouth Stakes winner Fort Washington (War Front). The 5-year-old finished third last time out in Saratoga's Bernard Baruch Stakes Sept. 1. The post Star Of Mystery Heads Packed Franklin Field at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

William Haggas had already annexed the Listed Prix Saraca, courtesy of Yaroogh (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), earlier on Chantilly's Saturday card and made it an afternoon stakes double by taking the feature event, the €190,000 G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte, with the hitherto unbeaten Sky Majesty (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}–Majestic Alexander {Ire}, by Bushranger {Ire}), who maintained her perfect record with a gutsy display in heavy conditions. The March-foaled bay, who backed up an Aug. 19 debut score at Newbury with a neck victory in Ayr's Sept. 21 G3 Firth of Clyde Stakes, went postward as the 13-5 second choice and broke well to stalk the leaders in a handy third through the early fractions of this six-furlong test. Coming under pressure soon after passing the quarter-mile marker, she gained an edge entering the final furlong and was ridden out from there to deny G1 Prix Morny third and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes runner-up Daylight (Fr) (Earthlight {Ire}) by 1 1/4 lengths. Marcel Rolland trainee Une Pointure (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}) made a bold bid from the front and kept on well once headed to finish one length back in third. “She is a gifted filly,” commented winning rider Christophe Soumillon. “She followed the leader very easily and, when I asked her, she responded instantly. There is no doubt that she will stay further, at least seven furlongs for sure.” Pedigree Notes Sky Majesty is one of her second-crop sire's four pattern-race winners and one of five stakes performers for her dual-winning dam Majestic Alexander (Ire) (Bushranger {Ire}), who also hit the board in the Listed Dragon Stakes. The March-foaled bay is a half-sister to this year's Listed Beverley Bullet Sprint victor Democracy Dilemma (Ire) (Cotai Glory {Ire}), G3 Prix de Seine-et-Oise runner-up Angel Alexander (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and the stakes-placed duo Little Earl (Ire) (Havana Gold {Ire}) and Mighty Spirit (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). She is also kin to a yearling filly by Cotai Glory (GB) and a weanling filly by State Of Rest (Ire). Sky Majesty's second dam Tshusick (GB) (Dancing Brave) produced five stakes horses headed by G1 Nunthorpe Stakes third and multiple Group-winning sire Majestic Missile (Ire) (Royal Applause {GB}). Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte (Gr2, 2ans, 1200m) ⁦@fgchantilly⁩ Victoire anglaise de Sky Majesty (Blue Point) qui devance la favorite française Daylight (Earthlight) et la courageuse Une Pointure (Dabirsim). pic.twitter.com/BxqLSxYEbO — France Galop (@francegalop) October 12, 2024 Saturday, Chantilly, France CRITERIUM DE MAISONS-LAFFITTE-G2, €190,000, Chantilly, 10-12, 2yo, 6fT, 1:14.15, hy. 1–SKY MAJESTY (IRE), 125, f, 2, by Blue Point (Ire) 1st Dam: Majestic Alexander (Ire) (SP-Eng), by Bushranger (Ire) 2nd Dam: Tshusick (GB), by Dancing Brave 3rd Dam: Infanta Real, by Formidable 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (150,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Tony Bloom & Ian McAleavy; B-Mountarmstrong Stud (IRE); T-William Haggas; J-Christophe Soumillon. €108,300. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, €157,943. *1/2 to Democracy Dilemma (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), SW-Eng, $256,819; Angel Alexander (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), GSP-Fr, $240,905; Mighty Spirit (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), SP-Eng; and Little Earl (Ire) (Havana Gold {Ire}), SP-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Daylight (Fr), 125, f, 2, Earthlight (Ire)–Latita (Fr) (SW & GSP-Fr), by Silver Frost (Ire). (€85,000 Ylg '23 ARAUG). O-Gousserie Racing & Mme Sandrine Gavrois; B-SCEA Ecurie Haras du Cadran & Pieter Van Belle (FR); T-Patrice Cottier. €41,800. 3–Une Pointure (Fr), 125, f, 2, Dabirsim (Fr)–Whipcorse (Fr), by Whipper. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€77,000 Ylg '23 ARQAUG). O-Filippo Ezri & Jean-Pierre Djian; B-Haras de Grandcamp, Christopher Hogg & Gerard L Ferron (FR); T-Marcel Rolland. €19,950. Margins: 1 1/4, 1, 2HF. Odds: 2.60, 1.00, 7.20. Also Ran: Estepona (Fr), Polyvega (Ire), Spirit D'Or (Ire). The post Blue Point’s Sky Majesty Battles to Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte Triumph at Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While the G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes was robbed of The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Newmarket's feature produced a thrilling three-way go to compensate as well as a rarity in its winner with Godolphin's Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}–Winters Moon {Ire}, by New Approach {Ire}) completing the Middle Park-Dewhurst double on Saturday. Tracking the leader Seagulls Eleven (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}) up the centre as the five-runner field remarkably split into two groups, the William Buick-partnered even-money favourite veered across the track late on to join the stand's-side pair Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Ancient Truth (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Getting on top inside the last 50 yards, he mastered Ballydoyle's unexposed colt by a neck, with the fellow Charlie Appleby-trained G2 Superlative Stakes winner Ancient Truth the same margin away in third. “William felt he was picking up all the way up then hill and once he got company he found again, so he is a horse we will train for the Guineas and if he doesn't stay he can be a Commonwealth Cup horse–he's bang in the Guineas picture having done what he's done and hopefully in the spring on a sounder surface he'll be able to travel into it better,” Appleby said. “You can mark up Ancient Truth too, as he ran a bit fresh and paid for it in the last 100 yards. He ran very creditably and will do very well from two to three.” Aidan O'Brien was taken aback at how The Lion In Winter's able deputy Expanded ran just seven days after his Curragh debut and said, “Ryan felt he would have won had he not been taken on [by Ancient Truth], as he was too much of a baby for that. It's incredible to do what he's done, we asked the impossible there and he is definitely a Guineas horse.” JUST IN TIME gets up late to land the Group 1 @DarleyStallions Dewhurst Stakes and become just the fifth horse ever to complete the Middle Park/Dewhurst double. Sprinter or miler?@godolphin | @WilliamBuickX pic.twitter.com/09p6UE6N9s — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 12, 2024 The post Godolphin’s Shadow Of Light Completes The Middle Park-Dewhurst Double appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars ENSUED - R3 (1) Trials suggest he's ready to perform first up and looks well placed in Class Three Jay Rooney GALAXY PATCH - R7 (4) Rising star looks set to continue his ascension on return Jack Dawling FAMILY JEWEL - R6 (5) Impressive last-start winner can continue ascendancy with things in his favour Phillip Woo CAPTAIN WIN - R2 (2) Ready to win after back-to-back placings in good company Shannon (Vincent Wong) THRIVING BROTHERS - R5 (3) Can win dropping in class here with Zac Purton on board today Racing Post Online FAMILY JEWEL - R6 (5) Scored well over this C&D last start and can repeat the dose Tom Wood GALAXY PATCH - R7 (4) An exceptional talent who looks good enough to win freshView the full article

Making amends for his debut flop, Ballydoyle's 2million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 topper Galveston (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Bizzarria {GB}, by Lemon Drop Kid) led at every step to break his maiden at Naas on Saturday. Sent off at 100-30 for the mile contest, he was sent on by Gavin Ryan and stayed on dourly up the straight to record a half-length success from Local Lad (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). “He's a big, strong colt and was very good from the gates today to put himself into a good position from the get-go,” Ryan said. “He's travelled around quite idle and was green and raw in front, so he'll come on again from it. He's had to do the donkey work the whole way. It's a long way up the straight here and its proper yielding ground which is a bit testing for 2-year-olds. He was probably looking for a bit of company, but toughed it out well.” Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden @NaasRacecourse @IrishEBF_ Naas – Maiden – 2 ans – 1609m – 11 Pts Galveston (Gb) G M Ryan (Frankel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frankel (Gb) @JuddmonteFarms – Bizzarria (Gb) par Lemon Drop Kid (Usa)) A P O'Brien Mrs John Magnier & Michael… pic.twitter.com/HIhied1E4M — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) October 12, 2024 The post Frankel’s Book 1 Topper Galveston Off The Mark For Ballydoyle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Paying further tribute to his much-missed dam Tepin (Bernstein), Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) showed he had inherited her battling qualities as well as her class to capture the G3 Emirates Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. Runner-up over this mile trip in Leopardstown's G2 Champions Juvenile Stakes last month, the 15-8 favourite travelled with greater zest than on his previous three starts tracking the pace before being committed by Ryan Moore two out. Challenged by the Ralph Beckett-trained Stanhope Gardens (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) from there, the market-leader was always finding a bit extra to prevail by a neck, with four lengths back to Juddmonte's Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in third. Emirates Autumn Stakes @NewmarketRace Newmarket – Groupe 3 – 2 ans – 1609m – 6 Pts – 63,941 £ Delacroix (Ire) Ryan-L Moore Stanhope Gardens Nightwalker (Dubawi (Ire) @DarleyEurope – Tepin (Usa) par Bernstein (Usa)) A P O'Brien… pic.twitter.com/B1eTeIUvwO — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) October 12, 2024 The post Dubawi’s Delacroix Pays Tribute To Tepin At Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan's purple patch continued relentlessly at Newmarket on Saturday as Starzintheireyes (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}–Crystal Hope {GB}, by Nathaniel {Ire}) proved the strongest stayer in an attritional renewal of the 10-furlong G3 Palace Pier Zetland Stakes. Runner-up to the subsequent G3 Solario Stakes winner Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) over seven furlongs on debut at the July Festival here, Marc Chan's 160,000gns Tattersalls December Foal purchase had opened his account over that trip at Leicester last month and raced under restraint early at the back with stamina unproven. Allowed to enter the fray in his own time, the 9-2 second favourite wore down Green Storm (Ire) (Circus Maximus {Ire}) inside the final 100 yards for a length success, with 3 1/4 lengths back to the 11-10 favourite Shackleton (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in third. “He's learning and needed organising, but he's a big stayer and this sort of soft ground or worse are his conditions,” Ryan said. “He's going to grow up a lot next year.” Tonight, Matthew, I'm going to be a promising stayer Starzintheireyes looks all about stamina as he comes home best in the Zetland Stakes. The @RalphBeckett & @Rossaryan15 combination continue to carry all before them pic.twitter.com/Uukh6y9PJg — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 12, 2024 The post Starspangledbanner’s Starzintheireyes Takes The Zetland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Juddmonte's Lead Artist (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}–Obligate {GB}, by Frankel {GB}), runner-up to the revitalised Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in last month's G2 Park Stakes at Doncaster, added to his G3 Thoroughbred Stakes victory at Goodwood in August with a determined effort in Saturday's G3 Space Blues Darley Stakes at Newmarket. The John and Thady Gosden trainee, who was the sole 3-year-old in this straight nine-furlong test, tracked the leaders in a handy fourth through the initial fractions of this first attempt beyond the one-mile trip. Making headway under pressure to launch his challenge at the quarter-mile marker, the 3-1 second favourite seized control approaching the final furlong and was ridden out on the climb to assert by 1 1/2 lengths from Liberty Lane (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). Lead Artist's stablemate Peace Man (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who was coming back off a 470-day break, kept on well to finish 2 1/4 lengths adrift in third. Pedigree Notes Lead Artist is the first of four, and one of two surviving, foals thrown by G2 Prix de Sandringham victrix and G1 Prix Rothschild third Obligate (GB) (Frankel {GB}), herself a granddaughter of storied blue hen Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}). The February-foaled bay is full to a weanling filly. Hasili's honour roll includes a quintet of elite-level winners, namely Banks Hill (GB) (Danehill), Cacique (Ire) (Danehill), Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill), Champs Elysees (GB) (Danehill) and Heat Haze (GB) (Green Desert). She is also the dam of the Group 1-placed duo Dansili (GB) (Danehill) and Deluxe (Storm Cat). Promising colt The progressive Lead Artist sees off market leader Liberty Lane in the Group 3 @DarleyStallions Stakes. A colt with top-level aspirations for next season?@KShoemark | @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/lCQvMqA6j7 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 12, 2024 The post Lead Artist Grinds Out Win in Newmarket’s Darley Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

City Of Troy, arguably the most talked-about horse in training, will retire to Coolmore Stud in Ireland after his date with destiny in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on November 2. The highest-rated son of Justify, City Of Troy produced one of the most impressive Derby-winning performances in recent times and followed up on his Epsom heroics with victory in the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International. Aidan O'Brien's star will not race beyond his three-year-old campaign and, in a statement issued by Coolmore on Saturday, the trainer commented, “He's definitely the best we've ever trained, no doubt about it.” O'Brien added, “Everything he's done from the start has suggested that. He's the most amazing horse with a fantastic temperament and an incredible stride. He just never seems to tire and is really only getting going at the end of his races so Ryan has often had a job to pull him up. We still don't really know how much more there is under the bonnet. I think he'll make into an unbelievable stallion.” City Of Troy showed precocity as a juvenile where his unbeaten campaign culminated with victory in the Dewhurst Stakes and he was later crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old. His only defeat came on his seasonal return in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket this year, however, the Breeders' Cup Classic has been spoken about as his ultimate aim for the majority of the season. His audacious attempt to bridge a 16-year gap to the last European-trained winner of the Classic [Raven's Pass] has capatured the public's immagination. That was evidenced when hundreds of people turned out to a non-raceday excercise gallop in which City Of Troy oozed class when breezing clear of his Ballydoyle-trained stablemates under Ryan Moore. MV Magnier said on the decision to stand City Of Troy in Ireland next year, “As a yearling he was rated the nicest Justify we have bred and even before he won his maiden at the Curragh on Irish Derby weekend, Aidan was enthusing about him like no other before.” He added, “It's seriously exciting to watch him in his work and in his races. He also seems to have really caught the imagination of the racing public which is great for the sport. The team in America were very keen for him to stand alongside his sire Justify at Ashford but the home team have won the day and we're delighted to be able to offer such a unique talent to our European clients. He's the perfect blend of Justify and Galileo; a remarkable horse who seems to be getting better and better as his last run at York — where he lowered Sea The Stars' track record — was undoubtedly his best performance.” City Of Troy is the ante-post favourite at odds of 9-4 for the Breeders' Cup Classic. His fee will be announced at a later date. The post “Amazing” City Of Troy To Stand At Coolmore Ireland After Breeders’ Cup Tilt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Kiwi galloper Nikau Spur has provided Toowoomba trainers Corey and Kylie Geran with their first stakes success when running out a dominant winner of the Listed Queensland Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The eight-year-old son of Proisir has finished runner-up in the past two editions of the Toowoomba Cup (2000m), including a checkered-run when second at to Red Wave prior to Saturday’s triumph. Ridden by James Orman, Nikau Spur came from midfield and took inside runs to score by three lengths. “It’s a huge thrill. Obviously that is our first stakes winner as a trainer,” Corey Geran said. “We have been the bridesmaid so many times now that I didn’t think it was ever going to come but it has happened. “He is just a marvel. I love this horse. He is my favourite horse and it is so much of a team effort and a big thanks to my parents and co-trainer my mum, who is at Warwick today. “I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it without them and I wouldn’t do it without the people in this horse. “A big thanks to Kobe O’Brien, who is no longer in the ownership but Grant Goodrum, one of my best mates has taken over and he gets his first stakes winner today as well, so thanks Grant. “It was very bitter-sweet to not win the home-town Cup with him over the past two years, as it is a race you want to win, but to do this with this horse is pretty special.” Nikau Spur was initially trained in New Zealand by Rosie Buchanan for whom he placed in his only raceday start at Awapuni before he caught the eye of Ciaron Maher’s bloodstock manager Will Bourne, and a deal was negotiated to secure the talented galloper. The winner of three races for Maher, Nikau Spur has won a further five races for the Gerans and has now surpassed A$500,000 in career earnings. Winning rider James Orman said the inside barrier had been an assist. “It worked out well and the barrier certainly helped,” he said. “I wanted to be a lot closer and I gave him a squeeze to do it and I was regretting that decision around the back when he was pulling. “For a horse like him to sprint like that, he really sprinted quickly. For a stayer he really sprinted fast.” By Proisir out of the stakes winning Ustinov mare Sarsarun, Nikau Spur was bred by Hallmark Stud and the Springvale Family Trust. View the full article

The Mark Walker-trained Bellatrix Star has continued her stunning run of form with an impressive victory in the Gr.2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday. The three-year-old filly dashed past her older rivals to bring up a hattrick of victories, after wins in the Listed Cap D’Antibes (1100m) and Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m). In a race that lacked the expected strong tempo, Bellatrix Star came from beyond midfield to descend on her rivals and score by a comfortable half-length under Craig Williams, who rode the filly at just 51kgs. The Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Derby Day now beckons the smart filly. “Credit to Mark (Walker), Ben Gleeson, all their staff, they’ve presented a really nice three-year-old filly at weight for age level, taking on some really seasoned horses today and they were confident of doing so and she delivered,” Williams said. “You sit on top of her, and there’s a lot to like about her. Her mannerisms now after, you know, she was a bit cantankerous before the race and eager to get on with it. She raced really well. She was very effective late. “For the future, she is very effective down the straight, and for a three-year-old filly at this time, I think there is a nice race at Flemington for her in a couple of weeks.” Bellatrix Star sports the colours of John Galvin’s Fortuna Racing and was the winner of last season’s Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe in her native New Zealand. “Full credit to John and Mark for taking the punt, sending her over here early in the spring,” Walker’s Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson said. “It was a big step up and she’s made that beyond belief. She just thrives. Every race, she just gets better and better. “She deserves a crack at the Coolmore now and hopefully all the good colts and sprinters will go and bash each other up in The Everest and we get every chance at it.” Bellatrix Star was offered by Phoenix Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2023, where she was bought for $80,000 by Fortuna Racing in partnership with Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis. Bellatrix Star has now won five of her nine starts, with a further two placings and has earned A$620,557 in prizemoney to date. View the full article

Fresh from Friday's double with a pair of exciting two-year-old fillies, Charlie Appleby returned to the Rowley Mile bright and early on Saturday morning to oversee racecourse gallops for some of the biggest names at Moulton Paddocks, including the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner Notable Speech (Ire) who could yet stay in training as a four-year-old according to his trainer. Breeders' Cup Mile contender Notable Speech finished his exercise nicely clear of his galloping companion, Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), in the hands of regular work rider Paul Eddery, while William Buick and James Doyle were involved in a later group featuring the four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), one-time Derby favourite Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and last year's Futurity Trophy winner Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}). Buick partnered the long-absent Arabian Crown, who has been off the track since he was successful in the Classic Trial at Sandown in April, with Doyle doing the steering on Ancient Wisdom, last seen winning the Bahrain Trophy at the July Festival. “I was pleased with him, he had a nice blow, and that will put him right,” Appleby said of Notable Speech, who was confirmed as a likely absentee from next weekend's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, with an appearance at Del Mar on Saturday, November 2 always uppermost in the thoughts of connections due to the expectation of fast ground. Notable Speech reportedly failed to handle the testing conditions when finishing only fifth in last month's Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, but Appleby took encouragement from the way the son of Dubawi (Ire) coped with the experience of travelling such a long distance for the first time in his career. “I've noted it before, he has his characteristics,” Appleby continued. “If anything that [how he handled the travelling] was the positive we took out of the weekend in Longchamp. It was sort of a double-edged sword. Firstly, we wanted to know how he travelled and he ticked that box. Secondly, we just wanted to confirm what we really thought on that ground. We thought he was unlikely to be able to go through it and he didn't. “He's not a soft ground horse and you could just see that a bit today. He makes hard work of it in that ground but knowing our luck it will be a dry week next week and Ascot will be good to firm!” Charlie Appleby watches on as his 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner Notable Speech finishes clear of Highland Avenue in a racecourse gallop @NewmarketRace this morning @godolphin @theTDN pic.twitter.com/WpPn2Ztt2H — Adam Houghton (@hought94) October 12, 2024 Appleby certainly hasn't enjoyed much luck this year in the case of Arabian Crown, who was a general 7-2 chance for the Derby when he was ruled out of Epsom due to a setback. It's now been more than five months since he was last seen in competitive action, but a return to the track before the end of the year is on the cards for a colt who has blossomed into an imposing individual during his time on the sidelines. “He looks great and physically he's done fantastically well,” said Appleby. “We might look at coming up here for the Listed James Seymour Stakes [on Saturday, November 2] and then he'll most likely go out to Dubai. He can do the usual stuff out there and go for the City Of Gold, and maybe the Sheema Classic. “He's going to be a lovely, middle-distance horse for next year and he'll be trained accordingly. There was no rush with him. I'm in a period where I am rebuilding and the older horses are what we need, so I wasn't going to go forcing issues just for this year. Himself and Ancient Wisdom–and potentially Notable Speech–will be around next year and they're going to be a force to be reckoned with.” On more immediate plans for Ancient Wisdom, Appleby added, “He's going to go to Germany for the Grosser Preis von Bayern [on Sunday, November 10]. He's a horse who excels in testing conditions and another who should make a lovely four-year-old. We'll probably campaign him in the second half of the year and purposely wait until the autumn.” The last group of @godolphin horses to have a racecourse gallop @NewmarketRace this morning included the four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride (left), one-time Derby favourite Arabian Crown (centre) and last year's Futurity Trophy winner Ancient Wisdom @theTDN pic.twitter.com/Z1mXWAoImV — Adam Houghton (@hought94) October 12, 2024 Appleby has campaigned many of his leading older horses internationally this year, including Arlington Million winner Nations Pride, who hasn't raced in Britain since finishing down the field in the 2022 Derby won by Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). He is set to make his next appearance in the Bahrain International Trophy, a Group 2 in which he finished seventh last year. On home soil, it's the two-year-olds who have been flying the flag for the yard in recent weeks, including on Friday when Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) ran out an emphatic winner of the Fillies' Mile. At the time of writing stable-mates Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Ancient Truth (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) dominate the betting for the Dewhurst Stakes later on Saturday after Ballydoyle's The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) was ruled out due to a bruised foot. Appleby has an ace up his sleeve still to play, too, namely Anno Domini (GB), who was another to take part in a racecourse gallop on Saturday in the company of Victory Dance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Bought for 525,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale, Anno Domini has options at Doncaster and Newbury later this month, having won both his previous starts at Newbury and Sandown. “He's a horse that we like,” Appleby said of the New Bay (GB) colt. “We purposely gave him a break after Sandown, thinking he might be an autumn horse. I was pleased with what I saw from him this morning and we're toying with whether we go for the Horris Hill or whether we're a bit punchier and have a crack at the Futurity Trophy. We'll see how much he comes forward for that bit of work. He's a New Bay and we know they like cut in the ground, so he should be easy to place anyway.” Unbeaten two-year-old Anno Domini (left), alongside Victory Dance, warmed up for options at Newbury and Doncaster later this month with a racecourse gallop @NewmarketRace this morning @godolphin @theTDN pic.twitter.com/D11mghOtqg — Adam Houghton (@hought94) October 12, 2024 The post Appleby Gives Update on Notable Speech and Absent Stars after Newmarket Gallop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes favourite The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has been ruled out of the seven-furlong feature by Aidan O'Brien after suffering a bruised foot. Ryan Moore will now take the ride on the Curragh maiden winner Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), with Godolphin's G1 Middle Park Stakes winner Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) now favourite with the British bookmakers. The post The Lion In Winter Misses The Dewhurst appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The final race of the Japanese Triple Tiara will be offered for betting by the Jockey Club during Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting.View the full article

It was an enormous end to Caulfield Guineas Day in Melbourne on Saturday with the Toorak Handicap 2024 win going to the Tony Gollan-trained Antino who produced a stellar run to come right round his rivals and salute by six and a half-lengths. It was a deserving elite level success for the Queensland who had […] The post Toorak Handicap 2024 Results: Antino Emphatic Winner for Gollan appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

It was an exciting finish to the 144th edition of the Group 1 $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in Melbourne on Saturday with trainer Chris Waller collecting his third success with an upset from Private Life. The well-bred Written Tycoon colt enjoyed a surprise front-running ride from Damian Lane who found his position in the […] The post 2024 Caulfield Guineas Results: Private Life Wins in Upset appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The Might And Power 2024 results saw a mighty upset at Caulfield on Guineas Day with the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained mare Deny Knowledge defying her price to claim the Group 1 on way to the Caulfield Cup. The $1 million weight-for-age event kicked off the elite level racing in Melbourne on Saturday and saw […] The post Caulfield Cup Target for Might And Power Winner Deny Knowledge appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Antino’s rivals cannot even be sighted as he races away with the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli The Tony Gollan-trained Antino trounced his rivals to win the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) under a masterful ride by Blake Shinn at Caulfield on Saturday. The striking son of Redwood had six and a half lengths to spare over runner-up Craig with Perth raider Alsephina finishing third. Antino had been around the mark in elite company with placings behind Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside at his previous two outings. After a slow beginning Antino came from last, looping the field prior to the home bend and skipping clear, with winning jockey Blake Shinn deriving the best out of the ultra-talented six-year-old. It was a case of redemption for Antino who had been beaten a lip when second in last year’s Toorak Handicap by Attrition. 2024 Toorak Handicap replay – Antino “He was brilliant, he was awesome, he’s a really good horse,” a delighted Tony Gollan said. “He’s been destined to win a Group 1 and it’s just been a matter of when and to win it like that. It was so close last year, I thought he was just a run short. “This year I knew I had him, as good as we’ve ever had him and it was just a matter of luck on the day and he took that into his own hands and got the job done.” Gollan admitted he was concerned when Antino was back last after stepping slowly which he has done frequently. “We were back last early and I thought we were in a lot of trouble but what a masterful ride by Blake,” he said. “The first thing we said after Moonee Valley the other night when we were racing against Pride of Jenni was he can sustain pressure in a race. No matter where we landed today, we just wanted to travel and then be able to use that long sustained run and that’s what he did. He took off a bit early on him but he can sustain a good gallop for a good while, what a dominant display.” Antino is owned in Hong Kong by Jeetu Ramchandani and the smart New Zealand bred is likely to be on the international stage when competing in the Hong Kong International Mile (1600m) in December. “I was going to go to the Rupert Clarke (Group 1, 1400m), and then to Hong Kong, but I’ll just play it by ear,” Gollan said. “We’ll get home and let the dust settle next week, and you know the horse is at the peak of his powers now. It’s just a matter of holding him in that condition.” Horse racing news
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Trainer adamant his star galloper is destined for the top level ahead of his first-up run.View the full article

Deny Knowledge ridden by Mark Zahra wins the Might And Power at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Anthony & Sam Freedman have sprung somewhat of a surprise in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes with Deny Knowledge, who has led every step of the way in the 2000m contest to defeat the odds-on favourite Mr Brightside. Mark Zahra would have been out of his comfort zone when adopting Pride Of Jenni-like tactics, as he shot out to a big lead halfway through the contest, leaving Mr Brightside, Jennilala and Coco Sun with a massive task to run her down in the final 600m. Deny Knowledge turned into the home straight with a four-length lead as Mr Brightside and Atishu started to make their runs, but the leader didn’t look like stopping. The two favourites with horse racing bookmakers struggled to pick up the tearaway leader in the final 200m, and with Zahra getting everything out of Deny Knowledge, she held off all challengers and claimed an impressive victory by just under a length. 2024 Might And Power Stakes replay – Deny Knowledge Sam Freedman was on course to speak about the victory post-race. “She was tardy at the gates the other day, got a man on her tail today and he’s a great rider, he can adapt,” Freedman said. “We actually discussed it before the race to say, this isn’t your style, you’re not this sort of rider, you’re going to have to adapt and roll along. “Look, we were confident in the way the track was playing for the first few races. We needed her to be prepared against all these, take advantage of that. “I think she’s classier than probably people give her credit. Her run in the Underwood was very good, she took off early and was still there fighting it out towards the finish. “And look, we may back up next week if she pulls up well, maybe the frontrunner in the Caulfield Cup, yeah, why not? “I think Caulfield Cup maybe slightly more likely (than Cox Plate). “Who knows, she’s relaxing well enough, she might have a crack at a Melbourne Cup, it looks like she may be getting tired on the line, but she’ll sustain that same gallop for a very long time.” Mark Zahra spoke after the win. “That was the plan, that was the only chance,” Zahra said of the tactics. “You know, she actually jumped well today and I was able to get there and she wasn’t overdoing it, she was just happy and I just wanted to have her 1,000, 800 (metres), just slowly pick up and pretty much want her flat out coming around the bend. “When we straightened up and I gave her one, she responded well and Mr Brightside, he’s probably sick of chasing these tearaway front runners, but I thought around Caulfield he might be a bit susceptible over 2000 (metres). “The track’ s obviously a bit leaderish today, but the all-credit to her, it was a good win. “Anthony and Sam and the staff have done a great job getting her right, you know, she seems to cruise along a bit nicer in front now and Yulong bought her and they’re getting repaid, so well done to everyone.” Deny Knowledge is a $21 chance in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup futures markets. Horse racing news
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