Wandering Eyes

Godolphin made their first purchase at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Tuesday when Anthony Stroud struck the winning bid of 2,200,000gns on their behalf for a colt by No Nay Never offered by Ballylinch Stud. Lot 92 is out of the Listed winner Bella Estrella (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and a half-brother to last year's G2 Champagne Stakes scorer Iberian (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Bella Estrella is in turn a full-sister to the G3 St. Simon Stakes winner and G1 Oaks third High Heeled (Ire). Their dam is the GII San Clemente Handicap and GII San Gorgonio Handicap victrix Uncharted Haven (GB) (Turtle Island {Ire}). Godolphin have entered the buyers list at the #TattsOctober Book 1 Sale. They have bought lot 92, a colt by No Nay Never who was consigned by Ballylinch Stud. pic.twitter.com/cYXYHcS5ac — TDN (@theTDN) October 8, 2024 The post Godolphin Strike at Tattersalls Book 1 for No Nay Never Colt at 2,200,000gns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple Group 1-winning miler Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) will retire at the end of the year and stand his first season for Sumbe at Haras de Montfort et Preaux in 2025. A fee for the Roger Varian trainee will be announced later. “I am delighted to announce that Charyn, the leading miler in Europe and impressive winner of this year's G1 Queen Anne Stakes and G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois, will retire at the end of the racing season to become the fifth Group 1 winner on Sumbe's stallion roster,” said Sumbe's Nurlan Bizakov. “A powerful individual with a textbook conformation, Charyn looks set to suit the demands of an increasingly selective market.” Bred by Grangemore Stud, Charyn was a 250,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling when offered by his breeder and picked up by Sumbe. A winner of the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte, he placed in the G3 Greenham Stakes, G1 St James's Palace Stakes, G1 Sussex Stakes, and G2 Celebration Mile Stakes at three. However, Charyn has really come into his own as a 4-year-old, running first or second in all six starts. After a tally in the G2 Bet365 Mile, he ran second in the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in the spring, and then added both the Queen Anne and Prix Jacques le Marois in succession in June and August, respectively. He was a good second in soft going in the G1 Prix du Moulin in September. His current record stands at 17-6-4-4 and $1,928,756 in earnings. Varian said of the full-brother to G2 Mill Reef Stakes hero Wings Of War (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), “Charyn has proved to be an exceptional racehorse, showing both durability and class. He was precocious enough to win on his racecourse debut in August as a 2-year-old, and went on to become a Group 2 winning juvenile in the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte. Charyn has raced consistently throughout his 3- and 4-year-old seasons, showing exceptional soundness of both body and mind, achieving his very best level of form as a 4-year-old and posting some scintillating performances this year.” Added Bizakov on future targets for the grey, “Charyn's immense talent will be on display again Oct. 19 at Ascot in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, followed by possible tilts at either the GI Breeder's Cup Mile Nov. 2 or Japan's G1 Mile Championship Nov. 17, before his final, one-way trip to France to take up stud duties at Haras de Montfort et Préaux. Although he has become a familiar name on the European stage and beyond these past seasons, I cannot wait to unveil Charyn in his new role, and I am already thankful for the incredible hype and growing momentum arising about him.” The son of the multiple stakes placed Futoon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) is kin to G2 Mill Reef Stakes hero Galeota (Ire) (Mujadil), G3 Sirenia Stakes hero Burnt Sugar (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), multiple group winner Brown Sugar (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), and three-time group winner Oscula (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}). His full-sister sells via Grangemore Stud as lot 183 during the second day of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 on Wednesday. The post Charyn Will Stand Under The Sumbe Banner Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars I CAN - R7 (12) Has started the season in strong form and finally draws a gate Jay Rooney I CAN - R7 (12) Gets his best chance to win again with an overdue good barrier Jack Dawling AURORA LADY - R4 (3) Been thereabouts this season and may get his own way in front Phillip Woo KING ECCELLENTE - R4 (1) Gets a golden chance down in Class Four after two progressive runs this term Shannon (Vincent Wong) HIGH PERCENTAGE - R5 (1) Strong performances last season and looks a huge winning chance Racing Post Online ACE TALENT - R2 (3) Good showing at C&D last start and he looks ready to score tonight Tom Wood REWARD SMILE - R8 (1) Produced slick sectionals storming home on his last run, can go one betterView the full article

It was a familiar story when Baroda Stud's Frankel (GB) colt entered the ring during Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Tuesday, with Amo Racing coming out on top with a bid of 1,100,000gns. Lot 85 was the third yearling of the session to be sold to the team led by Kia Joorabchian for a seven-figure sum, all by Frankel. This colt is out of the winning Oasis Dream (GB) mare Atone (GB), already the dam of the G3 Park Express Stakes runner-up Redressed (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}). Atone is also a full-sister to Juddmonte's multiple Group 1 heroine Midday (GB)–herself the dam of three black-type winners–and a half to the G3 Hoppings Stakes winner Sun Maiden (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and the G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes scorer Hot Snap (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). Amo Racing have been very busy and are responsible for purchasing the three millionaire yearlings so far at #TattsOctober Book 1 Sale. This time they bought a colt by Frankel from Baroda Stud. pic.twitter.com/yJCERUqCJf — TDN (@theTDN) October 8, 2024 The post Amo Racing make it a Hat-Trick of Seven-Figure Frankels at Tattersalls Book 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Old Friends will host a Family Day: Meet & Read to Old Friends Retirees event Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The event will highlight the book 'Jockey & Her Horse' by Cheryl White, the first black woman jockey to ride and win a professional race in the United States. The Family Day is part of The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers, a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Keeneland Association and developed and shared by the Keeneland Library, which is open to the public in the Josephine Abercrombie Center at Old Friends' Dream Chase Farm through Oct. 31. “Old Friends is excited to host this unique gathering offering an innovative way to learn about the life of the trail-blazing black woman jockey, Cheryl White,” said John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends. “We hope Bluegrass families and children will join us on Saturday to celebrate a key part of the horse industry's history, while at the same time meeting and interacting with some of our legendary retirees. We are so grateful to Keeneland and honored to be hosting this important event.” Keeneland Library is donating one copy of Cheryl White's book per family during the event while supplies last. The event is free and open to the general public. “Old Friends hosting The Heart of the Turf provides a perfect backdrop to bring the stories of the exhibit to life with children in our joint Meet & Read–a unique opportunity for a child to meet horses while promoting literacy, industry awareness, and appreciation of past and present pioneers,” said Roda Ferraro, Keeneland Library Director and Exhibit Curator. “It will be a special morning at Old Friends, and Keeneland Library is grateful to be a part.” To RSVP, call 502-863-1775 or Email: alyssa@oldfriendsequine.org The post Old Friends Hosts Family Day Oct. 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) is now the joint highest-rated 3-year-old filly in training in Great Britain and Ireland by Timeform ratings after her commanding win in the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, the company announced on Tuesday. Now rated 121 from 115, she is equal to multiple Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio). Although it was the smallest Sun Chariot field since 2006 it was high on quality with John and Thady Gosden stablemates and multiple Group 1 winners Nashwa (GB) and Inspiral (GB)–both by Frankel (GB)–present. Classic winner Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) were also in the lineup. Tamfana is now firmly on course for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day. The David Menuisier trainee is only four pounds behind current favourite Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who is rated 125. Timeform's reporter said, “It was a very taking performance from Tamfana, given an uncomplicated ride under Colin Keane for the first time and impressing with how well she moved through her race, well in command entering the final furlong and just pushed out to beat Inspiral by two lengths. “Tamfana produced a performance which is right up there with the best from a filly over a mile so far this season and she will have serious claims of completing a hat-trick if taking up her engagement in the QEII at Ascot next month. She is already proven in testing conditions if the ground does worsen and she would be right in the mix on form terms also once her sex and weight allowance are taken into account. Tamfana will also be a filly to follow in her 4-year-old campaign.” The post Tamfana Moves Timeform Rating Up To 121 After Sun Chariot Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amo Racing purchased their second seven-figure lot of the afternoon at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Tuesday when going to 2,500,000gns for Staffordstown's Frankel (GB) full-sister to Alpinista (GB), who counted the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe among her six Group 1 victories. Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest football club, has been standing alongside Amo's Kia Joorabchian all day. Lot 72 is out of the Listed-winning mare Alwilda (GB) (Hernando {Fr}) which also makes her a half-sister to the Listed winner Alpenblume (GB) (Kendargent {Fr}). The filly's granddam is the champion and Group 1 winner Albanova (GB) (Alzao), herself the dam of four Group/Listed winners, one of which, All At Sea (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), foaled G1 St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Amo Racing have gone in again but this time it is for the full sister to Arc winner Alpinista. Another daughter of Frankel who is certainly leading the way at this year's sales. #TattsOctober pic.twitter.com/qhPGwHeFil — TDN (@theTDN) October 8, 2024 The post Full-Sister to Alpinista Sells to Amo Racing for 2,500,000gns at Tattersalls Book 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The seven-figure mark was breached in some style at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Tuesday as a filly by Frankel (GB) sold for 4,400,000gns to Amo Racing. Offered by breeders Newsells Park Stud, lot 68 is the second foal out of the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes winner Aljazzi (GB) (Shamardal) who won five of her 16 starts for Marco Botti, with her other victories including the G3 Atalanta Stakes. She in turn is a daughter of the Listed-winning Danehill Dancer (Ire) mare Nouriya (GB). Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest football club, has been standing alongside Amo's Kia Joorabchian all day. We've broken into the millions at the #TattsOctober Book 1 Sale. Lot 68, a daughter of Frankel, was on a lot of people's shortlists including Mitsu Nakauchida who was the direct underbidder. She will wear the silks of Amo Racing next year. pic.twitter.com/8dOi6zQ3Sl — TDN (@theTDN) October 8, 2024 The post Amo Racing Secure Frankel Filly for 4,400,000gns at Tattersalls Book 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A winner of his last three races, Father Time is the latest trotter to be confirmed for THE ASCENT at Addington Raceway on Show Day. The Father Patrick three-year-old has been snapped up by Hope Racing (Greg and Nine Hope) who bought a slot in the $500,000 race. The Woodend-based couple have had enormous success, especially with trotters over the years, headlined by multiple Group 1 winners Muscle Mountain and Monbet. Trained by Kevin Townley and bred by Townley’s Tavistock Breeding Ltd, Father Time has had four wins in 15 starts including a more than four length victory at Addington last Thursday. Father Time joins the likes of Empire City, Keayang Zahara and Cyclone Zion W who have already been confirmed for THE ASCENT. The inaugural running of THE ASCENT (for the 3YO trotters) and THE VELOCITY (for the 3YO pacers) will be part of a new look Twilight Show Day meeting at Addington on Friday, November 15. View the full article

In-form trotter Mighty Logan has been the most significant mover in this week’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup and Renwick Farms Dominion Trot rankings. The Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained son of Creatine secured his third win in four starts when taking out the Breckon Farms Handicap Trot at Addington last Thursday. He goes from 17th to 12th, and most importantly inside the 15-horse cut-off for the $400,000 Group 1 Dominion Trot at Addington Tuesday, November 12. Mr Love has also improved, up two places to 13th after finishing third in the same race while Castana has gone from 37th to 29 after his win at Alexandra Park last Friday. The top 11 remain the same from last week while in the rankings for the $1m IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup the top 26 places are unchanged. Further down the leaderboard Here’s Herbie has gone from 38th to 28th after his second behind Mighty Looee in Sunday’s Group 3 Lazarus Methven Cup while the third-placed Got You Covered goes from 33rd to 29th. The final rankings for both the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup and the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot will be released following the Kaikoura Cup meeting on Monday, November 4. View the Rankings here View the full article

Racing South Australia boss provides positive update on young jockey’s condition after she was injured at Gawler racecourse.View the full article

Mauritian takes a book of seven rides to Wednesday’s programme at the city circuit.View the full article

Manfred Man Ka-leung’s stable star continues to recover from a fracture to his left fore cannon bone.View the full article

By Michael Guerin The matriarch of one of New Zealand’s great racing families, Colleen Butcher, passed away on Monday. She was 88. Mrs Butcher was the wife of training great John Butcher, who died eight years ago and the couple’s legacy in harness racing is enormous. They had four children in Annette, Pauline, David and Philip, the latter outstanding horsemen. Mrs Butcher’s grandchildren include trainers and drivers Benjamin, Zachary, Stephen and Shane but mere wins and trophies can’t sum up the family’s contribution to harness racing, particularly in the north. They are one of the great harness racing dynasties and enormously respected across the code. Mrs Butcher sat above all that, the rock at John’s side and the biggest fan of her children and grandchildren. Most recently she raced Zarias, a winner at Alexandra Park last year, out of Zachary’s stable and would make the trip from Cambridge to Alexandra Park to watch him race. Those were busy nights as everybody knew her and she knew them but such occasions were true to her belief of getting on with life and living it after John’s passing. That attitude permeates through the family, with both David and Zachary fulfilling their driving engagements this week, David driving at the family’s home track of Cambridge on Tuesday night. “Mum was our biggest supporter and would watch all the races,” explains David. “So we will get on with winning races for her and Dad as they would have wanted us to and farewell her on Thursday.” Mrs Butcher will be laid to rest after a service at St Peters Catholic Church in Cambridge at 10.30am on Thursday. View the full article

A quality Class 3 dash winds up Happy Valley’s eight-race fixture on Wednesday night (9 October), where Super Joy N Fun (NZ) (What’s The Story) and Reward Smile face off again along with 10 others in the HK$1.86 million Pottinger Handicap (1200m). First and second, respectively, last month over the course and distance, Super Joy N Fun denied a fast-closing Reward Smile by a neck. Aided with gate five that evening, Super Joy N Fun instead steps away from the widest of 12 barriers under jockey Jerry Chau tomorrow night. “He showed his potential last time. He always runs well fresh and after the race he improved and he’s settled down a bit more. But this time we have the worst draw over 1200 metres at Happy Valley,” Chau said. “Hopefully, he can find a nice spot with cover and it’ll be good for him to settle and then finish off the race well.” Super Joy N Fun is one of the brightest talents in Benno Yung’s stable. The 72-rater has won three times from seven starts, racing in the same silks as 2010 G3 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) winner Joy And Fun. Hugh Bowman is yet to triumph aboard Reward Smile, although under top-weight the pair charged from last into second position behind Super Joy N Fun. “His first-up run was outstanding and he’s had a nice trial since then. With a bit of luck, if I chose to go out and not in, he might have won first-up,” Bowman said. Reward Smile is a two-time winner in Hong Kong for trainer John Size. “He’s drawn wide (10), so we’ll adopt the same tactics again. We’ll let him settle in the second half of the field and try to get a clear passage through,” Bowman said. Bowman has ridden five winners at Happy Valley this season from 17 rides, striking at 29%. Reward Smile finished midfield in a recent trial at Sha Tin on 27 September. “My gut feeling is that he’s a horse who likes being a bit on the fresh side. So, I didn’t ask a great deal of him in that trial,” Bowman said. Scotch Tycoon seeks consecutive wins in the same contest, pairing with Lyle Hewitson as he returns to Class 3. “It’s been a long time since he’s done anything in Class 3. But he’s been in good form and bouncing off a win, hopefully he can just carry that through to this lighter weight in Class 3,” Hewitson said. David Hayes saddles Star Contact, also a last-start winner, in the Class 3 Pedder Handicap (1650m). The 78-rating Star Turn gelding pairs with jockey Karis Teetan. “He’s gone right through the grades and he’s just improved with age. He’s a big, strong horse with a good constitution. I think his trackwork suggests he’s holding his form,” Hayes said. Hayes has been in fine form this season with seven wins. His earnings of HK$11.1 million are only bettered by Pierre Ng (HK$15.2 million) in the trainers’ standings. View the full article

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) is delighted to announce an exciting initiative in partnership with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC). For the first time, the winner of the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup will be exempt from any ballot for both the Lexus Roy Higgins (late March) and Lexus Andrew Ramsden (mid-May). Both of these races offer ballot exemption into the coveted Lexus Melbourne Cup, providing a wonderful opportunity for the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup winner to compete on an international level. In commenting on the initiative, Craig Baker, ATR’s Executive General Manager of Racing & Operations, highlighted that the new partnership is a testament to the Club’s ongoing commitment to elevate the profile of New Zealand racing on the global stage. “This partnership with the Victoria Racing Club is a milestone for New Zealand racing. Offering the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup winner a pathway to the Lexus Melbourne Cup through the Lexus Roy Higgins and Lexus Andrew Ramsden races opens up a world of opportunities for our participants. “It also strengthens the bond between our two racing nations and showcases the calibre of talent that New Zealand racing has to offer.” Leigh Jordon, VRC’s Executive General Manager Racing, also expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting the historical significance of New Zealand’s contribution to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, saying, “The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the race that stops two nations and New Zealand has a proud and rich history in Australia’s most iconic race. “With 44 New Zealand-bred winners of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, we are pleased to formalise the link between the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup and feature staying races at Flemington.” Last season, the Lexus Roy Higgins was won by the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Mark Twain, showcasing the high calibre of competition these races attract. The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup will be held on the newly created Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, 8 March, marking a significant step in ATR’s efforts to raise the profile of the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup and New Zealand racing in Australia. View the full article

Dragon Leap (Pierro) has bowed out of racing with perhaps the greatest honour Matamata trainer Lance O’Sullivan could bestow on him. Just one horse has previously been retired to Wexford Stables over its luminary history, and that was New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame sprinter Mr Tiz. But O’Sullivan, whose late father Dave and brother Paul were both Hall of Fame trainer inductees from Wexford, has put Dragon Leap on a pedestal and given him a similar retirement distinction. “Over all the years, we’ve only given one horse the privilege of being retired to Wexford Stables, that was the mighty Mr Tiz, and now Dragon Leap is the second one,” O’Sullivan said. “That just lets you know how much he means to the team. I’ve been training 18 or 19 years now and I still believe he’s the best galloper I’ve trained. He didn’t win a Group win, he won three Group Twos, but there’s no doubt he’s the best horse we’ve trained that never won a Group One.” Dragon Leap won six of his 26 starts in a career plagued by unsoundness. As a three-year-old, he won three of his five starts, following success in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) at Ellerslie with a brilliant win in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at the same track. He finished fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in the final start of his Classic season. He went winless in a handful of starts at four but resumed at five with a brave fourth placing in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, a finishing position he also filled in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) at Te Rapa. He was beaten a head in the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben. Last season he resumed with an open sprint win at Ruakaka, followed up with Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) success at Te Rapa then pushed Skew Wiff to a half-neck when second in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings. He lost a plate when fourth in the Railway Stakes at Pukekohe and rounded out his season — and ultimately his career — when second in the Gr.3 King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie. O’Sullivan and his training partner Andrew Scott had planned on racing Dragon Leap in Sunday’s Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua before the decision was made to finish his career. “He’s got a rare disorder, it’s like a tie-up that he’s developed late in his career,” O’Sullivan said. “Andrew and I and the rest of the team have just decided he’s been such a wonderful horse to the stable and we don’t want to risk him.” O’Sullivan and Scott will still have representation in the race, with Railway winner Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) taking on Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) winner Mercurial and Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) winner Bonny Lass in the Arawa Park feature. Waitak has finished fourth in the Foxbridge Plate and fifth in the Tarzino Trophy in two runs back. “He’s going really well. We just feel he’s got a bit more pep in his stride going in,” O’Sullivan said. “At Te Rapa he was just a bit wooden legged, just didn’t have that acceleration toward the end and we think he’s certainly going better. “He went to the paddock for about 10 days for a little freshen up. We know he can go a lot better than he did down at Hawke’s Bay and we’re confident he’s going to make his presence felt. “We’ll target those races similar to what we did last season. This is the first of a few to run in. We’re going to get a good line on how he’s going because it’s a tidy lineup and certainly not going to be a walk in the park.” O’Sullivan and Scott will chase further sprint spoils with Geriatrix (Almanzor) and stable newcomer Kelly Coe (NZ) (Proisir) tackling Saturday’s Gr.3 Valley D’vine Spring Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. View the full article

Liam Riordan will add to the growing list of Australian jockeys crossing the Tasman to ride in New Zealand when he heads to Ashburton on Saturday. The 27-year-old Victorian has formed an association with Te Akau Racing through their Cranbourne barn, and he has accepted the invitation of trainer Mark Walker to ride for the stable in New Zealand this weekend. “I have ridden for Te Akau a few times in Melbourne and I am good friends with Ben Gleeson (Cranbourne assistant trainer),” Riordan said. “I pondered with the idea that if the opportunity arose I would go over there (New Zealand) and ride a meeting. “I just happened to run into Mark at the beach and I was talking with him and he asked me to ride five for him this week (at Ashburton). “I have never ridden overseas and I am looking forward to it. I am flying in on Friday and I fly out on Sunday.” Riordan became good friends with Gleeson while he was assistant trainer to Danny O’Brien, who Riordan has enjoyed riding for over the last few seasons. “I am the stable rider for Danny O’Brien here in Melbourne and I have been doing that for the last couple of years, I rode 20 or so winners for him last season so it has been going well,” Riordan said. Riordan is set to partner Group Two performer Dream Of The Moon (All Too Hard) in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, and the filly heads into the weekend in good form, having finished runner-up first-up in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton last month. While Saturday’s meeting is currently a one-off for Riordan, he is hopeful of returning for New Zealand Cup Week next month. “I am hopeful of coming over a bit more often for Te Akau, maybe during the carnival,” he said. “I am able to ride light so that is probably a big asset as well. I will just see how Saturday goes, but hopefully it creates a few opportunities.” Former jockey Michael Coleman will be acting as Riordan’s riding agent while in New Zealand. “Reece (Trumper, Te Akau racing manager) put me onto Michael Coleman and he has been looking after my rides,” Riordan said. View the full article

This week on the Guerin Report, we witness history with the death of Singapore Racing as Michael looks into what comes from such a bizarre event, how it happened and how they tried to save themselves from this occurring. Guerin Report – Singapore Racing, Ep. 6 (youtube.com) View the full article

Proven stayer Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) remains firmly on target for a crack at the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) despite the weather ruling out an intended lead-up outing. The Shaun Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained chestnut was to have stepped out in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Bart Cummings (2520m), but the camp decided to wait a week in the hope of a better surface. “He’s guaranteed a run in the Cup now, he’s 23rd in order and as we know they run 24 so he’s in the race, but we didn’t want to run him if he’s not going to perform to his best,” Ritchie said. “The rain arrived on the day at Flemington and the track opened up, he’s been woeful in the wet in the past and it was an unnecessary risk to run him.” Ritchie is comfortable giving Mahrajaan just one more hit-out ahead of the Cup. “He’s going to run in the Herbert Power (Gr.2, 2400m) at Caulfield on Saturday and he’s probably not well weighted with 58kg, he’s got a bit more pudding than we would have liked,” he said. “If he can perform well, then having a first Melbourne Cup runner would be fantastic and a great experience for myself and the owners. “He’s an athletic sort of horse, clean-winded and he’s certainly in great spirits. I think his first two runs back in this time have been far superior to his earlier runs over shorter distances.” Placed in both of his domestic outings over 1400m and 2200m at Ruakaka, Damian Lane has been booked to partner Mahrajaan at the weekend. “He needs all of two miles to show his best as he’s proved in the past, so technically the Herbert Power will be short of his best distance,” Ritchie said. “We’ll keep that in mind, but he can’t afford to just follow them around if he’s to justify his place in the Cup, so we need to see him run somewhere near his best.” Mahrajaan’s victories in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) and Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) emphasises both his stamina and the success of the stable’s first venture to Europe to source a quality distance performer. The son of Kitten’s Joy was purchased for 75,000gns at the 2022 Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale. “The Australian trainers say a lot how long it takes these imports to settle in and this horse exactly the same,” Ritchie said. “I think it’s taken Mahrajaan 18 months to get used to the Australasian style of training and adapt to the environment. “I’m still learning about these things, he’s the first one we got and we got another one from the July Sale who arrived last month. “For him, going from an English summer into a New Zealand spring has been very, very easy but when they leave from England in their winter and arrive out here in the summer it hits them.” Davideo was secured for 130,000gns with De Burgh Equine and is a half-brother to Group One-winning siblings Time Warp and Glorious Forever. Previously trained by Ralph Beckett, the son of Galileo was a three-time winner up to 2400m from nine appearances. View the full article

Te Aroha trainer Peter Lock is hoping to make another successful Central Districts raid with two strong chances at Waverley on Wednesday. He will be represented by the in-form Footloose in the Equivets NZ – SRVS Handicap (1400m) while Badgeringdawitness will relish the rise in distance in the Roper Agriculture Handicap (1600m). Lock produced one of the star performers on the Hawera undercard last Saturday when Debit (NZ) (Darci Brahma) returned from a lengthy spell to thump her Rating 65 rivals over 1200m. The daughter of Darci Brahma was making her first appearance for 16 months and now has a brace of victories and a placing from three appearances. “She’s a mare we’ve held in high regard for a long time, but she’s had a few niggly issues that have all been solved now,” Lock said. “She’s gone shin sore and one thing and another, so she’s just needed time. “She’s still a little bit green and ran around when she got to the front the other day and Courtney (Barnes) said she’s got a bit to learn so it’s all pretty promising.” Debit has a liking for rain-affected going and Lock may give her another run with conditions to suit before a break. “She won’t do a lot more this time, she likes the wet tracks and we’ll still get a bit of wet ground between now and Christmas so we’ll keep an eye on that and it will tell us where we go,” he said. In the short term, Lock’s focus is on his trip to Waverley and rates both his runners as top prospects. “I think both of them should go pretty well, they are lovely horses,” he said. Badgeringdawitness (NZ) (Reliable Man), bred and raced by Gee Gee Equine and Ron Duke, was a second-up winner at Hawera two runs back and the Reliable Man gelding then finished off the pace after jumping awkwardly over 1340m at Wanganui. “It was too short for him the other day and up to a mile will suit him so he’s a really nice chance,” Lock said. Apprentice Elle Sole will again be aboard Badgeringdawitness while Toni Davies will continue her association with Turn Me Loose’s son Footloose. “He’s going super and he got home like a rocket last time out, so he’s only got to go as well again to be a big chance,” Lock said. Raced by breeders Llanhennock Trust, Footloose (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) followed up his Hawera victory two runs back with a late charge to finish fourth at Wanganui. “I like both horses and their owners have been very loyal, so I hope they go really well for them,” Lock said. View the full article

Australian hopes to repeat his heroics from a decade ago before a shot at November’s Group One Melbourne Cup (3,200m).View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, October 9, 2024 First Race 7:10pm HKT (10:10pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to the bright lights of Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday evening, with a terrific eight-race program set for decision. The rail is in the A course for the meeting, and with warm spring conditions forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface throughout the night. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 7:10pm local time. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Super Unicorn Super Unicorn only found one better in the form of Rocket Spade at this course and distance on September 25. The son of Savabeel cleared out alongside the eventual winner in the concluding stages, with the five-year-old putting 1.5 lengths back to third spot. Barrier one should allow Zac Purton to hold a similar stalking position in behind the speed, and with no Rocket Spade in here to spoil the party, Super Unicorn should prove hard to hold out as he searches for his first Hong Kong success. Best Bet Race 3 – #7 Super Unicorn (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor| J: Zac Purton (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: I Can The Pierre Ng-trained I Can finally draws a barrier after copping gates 10 and 11 at this track and trip to kick-off the campaign. He still managed to find the minor money on both occasions, with the five-year-old showing plenty of toughness in his most recent outing on September 25, racing three wide throughout the journey. Andrea Atzeni should be able to lob into the one-one from stall two, and with this guy rock-hard fit third-up into the campaign, I Can should pick up a much-deserved second-career victory. Next Best Race 7 – #12 I Can (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Andrea Atzeni (54kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Happy Valley: Swift Ascend Swift Ascend steps out for the first time since January and should appreciate dropping back into Class 4 company. The son of Lord Kanaloa was far from disgraced in Class 3 but failed to break his Hong Kong maiden before being tipped out for a spell. He returns on the back of an eye-catching piece of work at Sha Tin on the all-weather circuit, suggesting the five-year-old gelding is nearing his peak. Zac Purton hopping aboard is a strong indicator he’s ready to strike first-up, and with gate three to aid him on his journey, Swift Ascend should be right in this at a nice price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Swift Ascend (3) 5yo Gelding | T: David Eustace | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections October 9, 2024 1-3-9-10-11 1-5-7-8-9 3-6-7-8-12 1-2-5-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Last Saturday, Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington and Epsom Day at Randwick took centre stage as the headline horse racing meetings. From Flemington and Randwick, we have found three runners that performed very well and are worth following throughout the spring. You can add these runners to your blackbook and receive updates when they are scheduled to run again. Randwick Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 10: Benchmark 94 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:09.97 Horse to follow: Port Lockroy (3rd) Following a luckless campaign during the autumn and winter, Port Lockroy returned for his third racing preparation in the final race of the day. The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained entire couldn’t draw a barrier throughout his last preparation; however, the son of Better Than Ready drew barrier one last weekend, and he was able to show his ability, albeit over 1200m. After settling midfield on the fence, Tom Sherry took inside runs on his mount before bursting through a split behind the winner to charge home for third place. When to bet: Port Lockroy finished second in the Gunsynd Classic over 1600m during winter, so 1200m was expected to be too short for him first-up. With a nomination in the Golden Eagle, expect to see this guy in the Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick on October 19, where he will play a massive role. Flemington Track rating: Good 4 (down to Soft 6 after R4) Rail position: +9m entire circuit Race 2: Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) | Time: 0:58.40 Horse to follow: Tremonti (1st) Tremonti was very impressive on debut, when the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained colt picked himself up off the canvas to claim victory in the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes. The son of Hellbent was also having his first look down the Flemington straight, and after leading the field throughout the 1000m journey, he was clearly headed and fell behind by half a length in the final 200m. However, when Jye McNeil asked for more of an effort, his colt found more, kicked back on the fence to regain the lead, and claimed the win. When to bet: Gai Waterhouse mentioned post-race that Tremonti would most likely go out for a spell after his win, but she also said that they could target the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate on Melbourne Cup Day. Race 6: Listed Paris Lane Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:23.14 Horse to follow: Plenty Of Ammo (2nd) Plenty Of Ammo had her winning streak end at four after receiving very little luck in the Paris Lane Stakes at Flemington, where she kicked off her third racing preparation. The lightly raced six-year-old mare has built an impressive record (6:4-1-0) throughout her career, and her runner-up finish in her first Listed race showed that she has plenty of untapped ability. The daughter of Rebel Raider settled in the box seat behind the speed but struggled to find a gap in the home straight. Once a small gap appeared, Harry Coffey pushed her through, and Plenty Of Ammo savaged the line in the final 100m. When to bet: Plento Of Ammo is nominated for the Seymour Cup on Sunday and The Weekend Hussler at Caulfield on Saturday. Wherever Symon Wilde places his mare, she will prove very hard to beat if she holds her form second-up. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Recommended! The Better Bettors! Australian-owned and operated bookmaker! Join MarantelliBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Horse racing tips View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Wednesday, October 9, 2024 First Race 1:53pm AEST Visit Dabble Brisbane Racing Club will host a seven-race card at Doomben this Wednesday afternoon, with the first event set to jump at 1:53pm AEST. Although the track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, there is a high chance of rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, so expect a downgrade or two before the meeting begins. The rail will be pushed out to the +8.5m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Doomben: Ellibaby Ellibaby has finished inside the top four in both of her starts this preparation and finished as the runner-up by a narrow margin in her most recent run. The David Vandkye-trained mare improved between her first and second start, so it is expected that she will take further improvement as she heads to her third start this time in. Ryan Maloney has retained the ride, and from barrier one, Ellibaby can settle in the box seat, stalk the speed and prove too strong late. Best Bet Race 7 – #6 Ellibaby (1) 4yo Mare | T: David Vandyke | J: Ryan Maloney (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: You Kay Squeeze After settling for second place in her last two starts, You Kay Squeeze appears to have found the perfect race for her to break her maiden in. The daughter of Jungle Cat settled on speed at this track and trip in her most recent run; however, after being pestered throughout, she couldn’t go with Out Of Aces, who ran over the top of her late. Robbie Dolan will be legged aboard the Desleigh Forster-trained mare, and if You Kay Squeeze can replicate her last performance, she will go very close again. Next Best Race 1 – #10 You Kay Squeeze (5) 4yo Mare | T: Desleigh Forster | J: Robbie Dolan (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Doomben: More For Ready More For Ready was made to do it tough over 1300m at Eagle Farm as the Michael Morrison-trained mare travelled three-wide without cover on speed. Although the daughter of Better Than Ready covered extra ground, she was only beaten by a head on the line in a close finish with Jungle Law and Tuff Tu Muss. She will meet the latter again in this contest; however, the softer ground and race shape will suit More For Ready better this time around. Best Value Race 2 – #7 More For Ready (10) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Morrison | J: Rikki Jamieson (56.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Doomben quaddie tips – 9/10/24 Doomben quadrella selections Wednesday, October 9, 2024 3-4-7-10-11 1-3-5 3-5-8-11 4-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article