Wandering Eyes

9th-Fair Grounds, $55,000, Msw, 2-15, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:44.49, ft, 2 lengths. YINZER (c, 3, Twirling Candy–Rehearsed, by Tapit) got the job done here on his fourth try after finishing third on debut last November at Churchill Downs, and then fifth in his second start at Fair Grounds with first-time Lasix as well as last out at this venue Jan. 18. Sent off at 11-1 odds, the $1-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale graduate went right to the front after the jump and established a tempo through :23.70 and a half in :46.92. Still in hand as Morlock (Bernardini) tried to close the gap around the far turn, the eventual winner kicked away from that hopeful in upper stretch to sail in two lengths best. Yinzer is the most recent winner for his dam, who has also produced a stakes-placed full-sister named Chasing Fireflies. The latest to reach racing age is a 2-year-old colt by Candy Ride {Arg} and she has a yearling colt by City of Light in the wings. Rehearsed is due to Elite Power for 2025. The dam is herself a full-sister to SW & GISP Closing Bell and a half-sister to GSW Hear the Ghost (Ghostzapper) and GISW Mani Bhavan (Storm Boot). That latter sibling produced a female line which yielded a successful Australian branch led by GSW-Aus Mumbai Muse (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}). This is the distant family of champion sprinter GISW Speightstown (Gone West) and MGSW & MGISP Irap (Tiznow). Sales history: $1,000,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 4-1-0-1, $48,540. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-West Point Thoroughbreds, CJ Stables and W.S. Farish; B-W. S. Farish (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. #5 YINZER ($24.40) goes wire to wire in the 9th race at @fairgroundsnola. The three-year-old colt by @LanesEndFarms' Twirling Candy broke his maiden under @keithasm7. Steve Asmussen trains for @westpointtbred. The Albert M. Stall Memorial is next: https://t.co/iQgwYn53ao pic.twitter.com/letE0LNOzM — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 15, 2025 The post Twirling Candy’s Yinzer Graduates at Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grand Job (Justify) was the 4-5 jolly to take her U.S. record to three wins from as many starts in Saturday's GIII Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream Park, but her chief market rival DAZZLING MOVE (f, 4, Not This Time–Lady Liam, by Saint Liam) had other ideas, as she refused to lay down when push came to shove and was along in time to cause the minor upset. Grand Job, an open-lengths maiden winner at Aqueduct in November and in allowance company at Churchill Downs Dec. 1, was trying a two-turn route for the first time and succeeded in making the front, though had to go pretty hard to do so through fractions of :22.81 and :46.21. Dazzling Move, purchased privately out of her most recent effort and transferred from Mike Trombetta to Saffie Joseph, Jr., was kept well off the pace by Dylan Davis, but she began to methodically creep into it approaching the final quarter mile. Grand Job had a kick and looked as if she might see out the trip well enough, but Dazzling Move showed the superior stamina in the final stages and was shoved across the line first. Sales history: $85,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $135,000 2yo '23 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: 15-4-1-1. O-Miller Racing; B-Jesse Korona (ON); T-Saffie Joseph Jr. #7 DAZZLING MOVE ($9.20), by @TMStallions Not This Time, won the $165,000 Royal Delta Stakes (G3) at @GulfstreamPark under @DavisJockey. @SaffieJosephJr trains the Miller Racing runner. pic.twitter.com/QmsU4B8v2R — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 15, 2025 The post Not This Time’s Dazzling Move Does The ‘Job’ in Royal Delta appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Whitham Thoroughbreds' Burnham Square breezed an easy half-mile at Palm Meadows Training Center Feb. 15 in preparation for a scheduled start in the $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) March 1 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Oaklawn Park canceled racing Feb. 15 following the fifth race after heavy rain fell at the Hot Springs, Ark., track and surrounding areas. Races 6-10 were left to be run on the program. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has canceled live racing on Sunday at Aqueduct Racetrack due to high winds associated with a strong winter storm forecast to impact the New York City metropolitan area throughout the day. Aqueduct Racetrack will remain open for simulcasting, and wagering is available via NYRABets.com. Live racing is scheduled to resume on Monday with a first post of 1:10 p.m. Eastern on the eight-race Presidents' Day card. The post Live Racing at Aqueduct Canceled on Sunday Due to Winter Storm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC's Burnham Square (Liam's Map) breezed an easy half-mile at Palm Meadows Training Center Saturday morning in preparation for a scheduled start in the GII Fountain of Youth Mar. 1 at Gulfstream Park. He was timed in :50.05 (49/82) in his first official workout since scoring a 1 3/4-length victory in the GIII Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Feb. 1. “He worked this morning, just a nice maintenance work, galloped out good,” trainer Ian Wilkes said. “I'm very happy.” Wilkes continued, “He just went by himself. I didn't even put the blinkers on him today. I just felt he needed a work and wanted to do something, so I let him have a light work in hand. He finished good with good energy and galloped out really nice.” Wilkes added, “I think he's actually better now than he was going into [the Holy Bull]. I really like the way he came out of it.” The Fountain of Youth is on Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher's radar for CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC's 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music), who launched his career with two impressive victories at Gulfstream, including an optional claimer going a one-turn mile Feb. 1. “He breezed well Friday morning. It was 13 days after his race, so we're on target to get another work into him and take a look at it,” Pletcher said. “We're leaning that way at the moment.” Pletcher added, “He's been very good in both of his starts, and he handled the stretch-out from six furlongs to a mile, and he seems to like the track. You always get added encouragement anytime they've been over it a couple times.” The post Burnham Square Breezes for Fountain of Youth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As a grade 2 winner last year with earnings of $338,671 in four starts, Godolphin's homebred First Resort brings an imposing résumé into the $175,000 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes Feb. 22 at Turfway Park.View the full article

It's likely on to the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail for Baeza after the half brother to classic winners Dornoch and Mage rolled to a 4 3/4-length victory Feb. 14 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Qatar's flagship international meeting at Al Rayyan Racecourse was abandoned due to unsafe conditions on the turf course. With racing moved to Al Uqda Feb. 16, Rebel's Romance, the big favorite in the H. H. The Amir Trophy (G3), has been withdrawn. View the full article

AHAVAH (f, 3, City of Light–Holiday Soiree, by Harlan's Holiday) overcame a bit of a sluggish dispatch and held off a persistent late challenge from fellow well-tried first-starter Unwavering Trust (Nyquist) to take the second division of the 3-year-old filly six-furlong maiden Saturday afternoon at the Fair Grounds. A bit flat-footed at the break, the $400,000 Keeneland September yearling, whose half-sister Vahva (Gun Runner) won last year's GI Derby City Distaff, mustered for pace at the rail, took command and covered the first couple of furlongs in :21.49, slightly faster than the same split in race four. Going along nicely on the turn, Ahavah held the call into the stretch, was confronted by Unwavering Trust with a furlong and a half to race and dug in resolutely to prevail. The final time of 1:10.43 was 0.57 slower than the time recorded by the debuting Velvet Vortex in the first division. Sales history: $400,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Twin Brook Stables, Glassman Racing, Belladonna Racing, Woodford Racing, BCWT Ltd & Taylor Creek; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. Ahavah takes them gate-to-wire on debut in R6 at @fairgroundsnola for trainer @reredevaux with @jose93_ortiz aboard! This is a half-sister to MGSW Vahva! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/kjSzhHOQqj — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) February 15, 2025 The post Ahavah, City of Light Half-Sis To GISW Vahva, Home on NOLA Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton It wasn’t the night the Kiwis hoped for at Menangle. Better Knuckle Up and We Walk By Faith finished fourth and fifth respectively in the Hondo Grattan Stakes, meaning they will have to back-up next Saturday to try and snare spots in the $200,000 Group 1 Chariots Of Fire field. They were both sound runs in a race dominated from the front by last year’s TAB Eureka runner-up Bay Of Biscay in a scorching 1min49.8sec mile. Driver Cam Hart bustled Bay Of Biscay out from gate one to lead easily and then was kept honest in front by a headstrong and heavily-backed The Bigboss. Hart dashed for home rounding the final bend and opened up a big lead before speedy Emma Stewart-trained stablemate War Dan Buddy emerged from the back and charged home to get within 2.3m. Former Kiwi and Queensland Derby winner Major Hot, now trained in NSW by Paul Fitzpatrick, sat behind the lead and battled into third spot. They dashed home in 54.3 and 26.7. “He really deserved that. It’s a relief as much as exciting after a few luckless runs,” Bay Of Biscay’s part-owner Russell Maisner said. “We wanted to take luck out of the equations, so it was great to see him begin so well and lead. “Now we go straight to the Chariots where we’ll be hoping for another good draw.” Stewart already looks to safely have at least three Chariots runners with Bay Of Biscay and War Dan Buddy joining Miki To Success, who qualified through winning the 4YO Bonanza at Melton on Hunter Cup night. Earlier in the night, Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan’s Miracle Mile runner-up of last year, Sooner The Bettor, opened his latest Menangle campaign. But it proved an uncharacteristic flop after sitting one-one and weakening to finish last in a powerhouse free-for-all. Stewards stood the five-year-old down pending a vet’s certificate. The free-for-all was won by David Aiken’s remarkable veteran Max Delight, who worked hard to lead and smashed the clock with a 1min48.8sec mile rate. It took a second off his career best at the age of nine. Max Delight kept digging in to fend-off a very gallant Captains Knock, who sat outside him for the last half of the race. The pair further underlined the stunning strength of the Hunter Cup form. Max Delight ran eighth and Captains Knock sixth and both grabbed the eye from well back behind Swayzee in the February 1 Hunter Cup. Significantly, Don’t Stop Dreaming split them in seventh spot in the Hunter Cup and he has gone on to run a huge second to Leap To Fame in the Cranbourne Cup and then easily won the Terang Cup. The quick times at Menangle carried into the mares’ free-for-all where Luke McCarthy’s Eye Keep Smiling stunningly turned the tables on glamour Kiwi-bred mare Aardie’s Express. Eye Keep Smiling sat parked, poured on the pressure and dashed away to win by 7.9m in a career-best 1min49.4sec mile. Aardie’s Express settled back and looked a shadow of herself, just labouring into fourth spot, beaten 11.3m. View the full article

Sisters Kerryn and Sheree Tomlinson both look to have good chances at today’s two grass track meetings at Gore and at Motukarara. Tomlinson thrilled to drive Homebush Lad in Gore Summer Cup By Jonny Turner A week ago Kerryn Tomlinson wouldn’t have guessed she would be linking up with two of the most talented horses stepping out on Gore Summer Cup Day today. The Oamaru reinswoman has almost been in a game of musical sulkies this week, but she certainly has no complaints about landing the drives behind Homebush Lad and Jimmy Carter. Homebush Lad will be out to add to his incredible record in grass track features in the Gore Town and Country Club Gore Summer Cup. The veteran pacer won his second Waikouaiti Cup in his last trip south of the Waitaki River, earlier this month. “The smaller field will help him and he is usually a pretty good beginner.” “He loves the grass and the longer distances, so it looks like a pretty suitable race for him even off the back mark.” “I am thrilled to pick up the drive and I can’t thank the Hopes enough for putting me on.” “He has won a heap of cup races and hopefully he might be able to get another one.” Tomlinson is the regular driver of the Brad Williamson trained Domination’s Call, but in the Kim McDowall Painting and Decorating Gore Summer Trotters Cup, she will link up with Jimmy Carter. The driver knows the Phil Williamson trained trotter doesn’t lack horsepower, but he has been very error-prone lately. “It made sense for Brad to drive Domination’s Call this week or he would be sitting on the sidelines.” “Jimmy Carter has all the ability there, but it will be whether he can get away at the start.” “I have won on him before, but it was a mobile.” “Fingers crossed he can do things right.” Magnetic Beckers looks as strong as any of Tomlinson’s drives outside of Sunday’s features. The pacer only battled in his last start at Winton, but his prior third on grass at Riverton was excellent. “His last start on grass was great, he got pushed out and held up and then ran on very well wide.” “He has got a much better draw this time and he looks like a good each way chance.” Sheree Tomlinson with nice book of drives at Motukarara By Mike Love Canterbury reinswoman Sheree Tomlinson will provide punters with a lot of value to follow at today’s Banks Peninsula meeting at Motukarara with strong top three and four chances. Tomlinson has nine drives across the 11-race programme. Tomlinson will drive Dance With The Boss ($4.80FF) in Race 1, the NZB Airfreight Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainer Matt Purvis. The five-year-old Bettors Delight gelding was a gallant runner up last time out at the Waikouaiti meeting in Oamaru when driven by Ricky May. “He’s gone some good races lately. Hopefully he will relax from that draw and if we don’t get too far back he will be a good chance,” said Tomlinson. Other chances in the event include equal favourite Hi Hopes ($4.80FF) for Tom Bagrie. Major Linc ($8.50FF) in Race 3, the Seahorse Supplements Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainer Bruce Negus cannot be overlooked as a strong each way chance. The Sky Major gelding has drawn the ace. “The draw should bring him into it. He will be a good place chance. With his good gate speed, we should get a good run and be thereabouts.” Other chances in the event include the shortest priced favourite of the day Mariana Trench ($1.75FF) while Imperial Laz ($6.00FF) will have his second outing for new trainer Bob Butt. Tomlinson will drive four runners for West Melton trainer Amber Lethaby – one of those coming in Race 7, the Chris Jones – Bayleys Real Estate Trot over 2170m with Racey Krusa ($4.60FF). “I thought he ran on well at Methven last time, so if he brings his manners he will have a good chance with the right run.” Tomlinson rates Zsazsa Binx ($7.00FF) in Race 10, the Moore Walker Davey Searells Accountants trot over 2170m as a strong chance with luck. The five-year- old Majestic Son mare will need to overcome a second line draw to play a role. “She’s been going really well lately. She did all the donkey work last time and tried right through the line. It’s not an ideal draw, but if she continues her good form then she’s a good chance.” Tomlinson’s other drives are; Race 2 – Star Invasion ($51.00FF) Race 5 – Gamely ($61.00FF) Race 8 – Sweet Glory ($11.00FF) Race 9 – Misty Blue ($4.50FF) Race 11 – Hope For Love ($26.00FF) Race 1 gets underway at 12:15pm. HRNZ representatives will also be on course at Motukarara today to answer all queries about the new Next Gen ownership model. After yesterday’s highly successful NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales at Karaka more Next Gen yearlings will go under the hammer at Christchurch on Tuesday. View the full article

There are eight horse racing meetings set for Australia on Sunday, February 16. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Port Macquarie & Sha Tin (HK). Sunday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 16, 2025 Port Macquarie Racing Tips Sha Tin (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 February 16, 2025 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

Rider Penalties R Elliot | Te Aroha 12 February; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 15 February). T Mitchell | Te Aroha 12 February; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 15 February). N Hailey | Taranaki 14 February; medical clearance required. W Kennedy | Matamata 15 February; careless riding; suspended 24 February – 7 March inclusive. M Lerner | Matamata 15 February; failed to make weight; fined $100. S Wynne | Southland 15 February; weighed in over the weight she weighed out; fined $200. K Mudhoo | Southland 15 February; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalty P Gerard | Te Aroha 12 February; late to present runner to enclosure; fined $150. Horse Penalties BOXMOSS | Te Aroha 12 February; lost rider early stages; must complete trial. LET IT BEGIN | Matamata 15 February; epistaxis; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. INTENTION | Matamata 15 February; very slow to begin; must complete trial. ZA BEAUTEOUS | Southland 15 February; lame; veterinary clearance required. LOOSE SALLY | Southland 15 February; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. The post 10-16 February 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

4th-Fair Grounds, $55,000, Msw, 2-15, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:09.86, ft, 3/4 length. VELVET VORTEX (f, 3, Complexity–Sweet Pistol, by Smart Strike) was bet down from a morning line of 9-2 to jump as the 13-5 favorite while making her career debut at the Fair Grounds Saturday afternoon and got the better of a final-furlong tussle with second-time starter Velvet Devil (Kantharos) to graduate in strong fashion. Drawn three, the $375,000 Keeneland September purchase bounced beautifully, but was just outfooted to the front by the rail-drawn Velvet Devil, second after leading into the final furlong of her lone start to date over course and distance Jan. 20. Settled just off the pacesetter's flank through sharp fractions of :21.65 for the quarter and :45.32 for the half-mile, the less-experienced Velvet runner chased outside Velvet Devil into the final furlong, grabbed her stubborn rival about a sixteenth of a mile from the finish and edged clear. It was a chasm of 8 1/2 lengths back to the well-meant Atarah (Bolt d'Oro) in third. The winner is a half-sister to 'TDN Rising Star' Faiza (Girvin), the 2022 GI Starlet Stakes winner before adding the GIII Santa Ysabel Stakes and GII Santa Anita Oaks in 2023 en route amassing earnings of $672,000. Herself a $325,000 KEESEP yearling, Sweet Pistol– whose MGSW/GISP dam Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy) also produced MGSW sire Thousand Words (Pioneerof the Nile)–was purchased by the late Brereton C. Jones for $33,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale. Owing to Faiza's exploits, Sweet Pistol's now 7-year-old daughter Kirtan (Cairo Prince) fetched $235,000 in foal to Girvin at KEENOV in 2023, while Faiza herself was hammered down to Godolphin for $4 million at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Sweet Pistol is also the dam of Velvet Vortex's 2-year-old full-brother Cocked Pistol, a $550,000 KEESEP purchase by Mike McCarty at KEESEP last fall, and a colt foal by Not This Time. Sales history: $375,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $33,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-e Five Racing Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Brereton C Jones (KY); T-Brad H Cox. It was all about velvet in race 4 at @fairgroundsnola as first-time-starter #3 VELVET VORTEX ($7.20) would get the best of #1 Velvet Devil. The half-sister to grade 1 winner Faiza was ridden by @Tyler_Gaff and is trained by @bradcoxracing. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/bziA1p15AN — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 15, 2025 The post Complexity Filly Takes Battle of the ‘Velvets’ at the Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's likely on to the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail for Baeza after the half brother to classic winners Dornoch and Mage rolled to a 4 3/4-length victory Feb. 14 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Qatar's flagship international meeting at Al Rayyan Racecourse was abandoned due to unsafe conditions on the turf course. With racing moved to Al Uqda Feb. 16, Rebel's Romance, the big favorite in the Amir Trophy (G3), has been withdrawn. View the full article

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Jessica Harrington has described Classic contenders Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) as two of the most exciting colts that she has had to look forward to for some time and revealed that the latter would get his campaign underway in a 2,000 Guineas–but the legendary trainer hasn't decided whether she will go to England, Ireland or France. While Hotazhell is viewed as a Guineas prospect, Harrington admitted that she is “dreaming” that Green Impact can develop into a Derby horse this season. Owned and bred by Marc Chan, Green Impact won two of his three starts as a juvenile, and signed off on his campaign with victory over Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown. Meanwhile, Hotazhell accounted for that same Aidan O'Brien-trained rival when running out a gritty winner of the G1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster. Harrington said, “We're very happy with Hotazhell. He's done very well–has put on weight, developed nicely and is doing everything right in his work at home. Couldn't be happier, really. “To be honest, he's in the English, Irish and French 2,000 Guineas, but we haven't made a call about what route we're going to take. The only thing that does look likely is that he would start off in a Guineas and skip running in a trial. He has a great attitude and always showed us that. I mean, he was unlucky to get beaten first time out at Leopardstown last year and it probably was the making of him as he was very good with how he carried on improving right throughout the season. Considering he was a breeze-up horse, he did an awful lot last year, and we're hoping there is even more to come.” Hotazhell was snapped up for just 200,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale last year. He was consigned by Eddie Linehan's Lackendara Stables and is the second high-class horse that Harrington has trained on behalf of the US-based Silverton Hill Partnership, who famously owned the 2010 G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes winner Pathfork (Distant Humour). Hotazhell | Racingfotos.com “We always buy a few breeze-up horses every year. We never come away with big numbers–three, four or five at the most–every year and it has been a very lucky place to shop for us.” She continued, “With Green Impact, he has the option of running in a Guineas but he is a proper mile-and-a-quarter or even a mile-and-a-half horse. I am hoping that Hotazhell would get a mile-and-a-quarter.” Asked if Green Impact could be a Derby horse, Harrington replied, “It's a long, long way away at the moment but we can only dream that he is. They are two very exciting colts to have in the yard–as exciting as we've had in a long time.” Hotazhell is as big as 25-1 in places for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket while Green Impact is available at 50-1 for the Derby. But it isn't all about those two colts in the Harrington camp this season, with the trainer revealing that she has some nice under-the-radar three-year-olds to go with an exciting batch of juveniles. “Norwalk Havoc (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) is an older horse I'm looking forward to. He is a soft ground horse and we know that now so it makes it easy for us going forward. The Calyx (GB) filly, Barnavara (Ire), is one we're excited about in the three-year-old fillies division and we also have Kodilicious (Ire), the Kodi Bear filly who finished second in a Listed race on her final start at two. The two of those are lovely fillies but we have a few very nice unraced ones as well. Diamond Exchange (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) had one run when sixth in the Goffs Million and she's very exciting–a stayling filly going forward. We have a very nice Sea The Stars (Ire) colt who is owned by Newtown Anner that never ran last year, either, and he's very nice.” Harrington added, “We seem to have a lovely bunch of two-year-olds as well. We have a good few in so far and they seem to be very nice. Because we had some good two-year-olds last year, we seem to have been sent some better pedigrees this year. We say it every year, that the yearling sales were difficult to shop at, and that's only because we want to buy at one price and the sellers want to sell at another! But we are happy with what we have and are looking forward to the season ahead.” The post ‘We Can Only Dream’ – Harrington Outlines Plans For Hotazhell, Green Impact And More appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars LASERBLANCA - R2 (4) Looks smart enough to overcome gate 12 and deliver on debut Jay Rooney SWIFT ASCEND - R10 (1) Went close in Class Two last start and drops back to a suitable grade Trackwork Spy COLOURFUL KING - R9 (4) Has trialled superbly ahead of his Hong Kong debut and looks hard to beat Phillip Woo PODIUM - R1 (4) Has been racing very well and deserves another win here Shannon (Vincent Wong) MAGNIFIQUE - R3 (1) Scored well on debut last start and can repeat the dose here Racing Post Online MASTER OF ALL - R5 (2) Has drawn nicely and looks capable of another win with Alexis Badel aboard Tom Wood BEAUTY ALLIANCE - R6 (2) Excellent run considering how much ground he covered last startView the full article

By Jonny Turner A week ago Kerryn Tomlinson wouldn’t have guessed she would be linking up with two of the most talented horses stepping out on Gore Summer Cup Day on Sunday. The Oamaru driver has almost been in a game of musical sulkies this week, but she certainly has no complaints about landing the drives behind Homebush Lad and Jimmy Carter. Homebush Lad will be out to add to his incredible record in grass track features in the Gore Town and Country Club Gore Summer Cup. The veteran pacer won his second Waikouaiti Cup in his last trip south of the Waitaki River, earlier this month. Though the Greg and Nina Hope trained pacer must overcome a 40m handicap, Homebush Lad’s Gore assignment looks no harder than his Waikouaiti Cup bid. “It is never easy off 40m but there do look to be a couple of things in his favour,” Tomlinson said. “The smaller field will help him and he is usually a pretty good beginner.” “He loves the grass and the longer distances, so it looks like a pretty suitable race for him even off the back mark.” “I am thrilled to pick up the drive and I can’t thank the Hopes enough for putting me on.” “He has won a heap of cup races and hopefully he might be able to get another one.” Tomlinson is the regular driver of the Brad Williamson trained Domination’s Call, but in the Kim McDowall Painting and Decorating Gore Summer Trotters Cup, she will link up with Jimmy Carter. The driver knows the Phil Williamson trained trotter doesn’t lack horsepower, but he has been very error-prone lately. “It made sense for Brad to drive Domination’s Call this week or he would be sitting on the sidelines.” “Jimmy Carter has all the ability there, but it will be whether he can get away at the start.” “I have won on him before, but it was a mobile.” “Fingers crossed he can do things right.” Magnetic Beckers looks as strong as any of Tomlinson’s drives outside of Sunday’s features. The pacer only battled in his last start at Winton, but his prior third on grass at Riverton was excellent. “His last start on grass was great, he got pushed out and held up and then ran on very well wide.” “He has got a much better draw this time and he looks like a good each way chance.” With her strong gate speed and a good draw, Crackasky looks another handy chance for Tomlinson on Sunday. Grass track specialist Speeding Spirit is another solid top-four hope. Though up in grade for the first time, Kensi looks capable of making an impact. Nubliah Chamay looks well capable of featuring for Tomlinson, however there are queries over the mare’s fitness given she hasn’t raced or trialled since early December. View the full article

Sensational three-year-old Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) made it five wins in a row and importantly, three black-type contests in succession when she bolted clear to take out the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1400m). The daughter of Ten Sovereigns went into the Invercargill feature event off the back of comprehensive victories in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) and Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) and was expected to prove too tough for her age-group rivals on Saturday. It was doubtful however that the many supporters who backed her into a red-hot $1.40 favourite expected her to completely demolish her opponents by a margin of more than eight lengths after leading from the barrier for trainer and rider Samantha Wynne. Wynne wasn’t afraid to hunt her mount to the front and set up a steady speed before putting the peddle down with 600m to run. Pivotal Ten responded brilliantly as she raced clear rounding the home bend with Wynne having plenty of time to ease off the throttle at the 150m as she coasted home in a smart 1.21.70 for the 1400m journey. Wynne had exuded plenty of confidence in her chances before the race and was thrilled her filly could deliver upon her wishes. “It means so much to me as so much work goes in through all my team at home,” Wynne said. “I am just delighted and very lucky to have a horse like her. “She is still only learning as she is trucking along and getting to know her racing, so she might even improve from here. “You can’t buy this feeling and I’m just blessed to have her.” Wynne has her eyes on another stakes mission with her charge which will involve a trip to the lower North Island or even a possible shot at the NZ$3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m) if invited. “I’ve got my eye on the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) as long as she is happy and healthy,” she said. “If someone called (about the NZB Kiwi) we would have to consider it as you would be mad not to as we would be proud to represent the South. “I’m not sure we know just what grade of horse we are up to beating but we will know more when she gets to Wellington.” Pivotal Ten was bred by Valachi Downs and sold through their dispersal sale in 2022, where Colin Wightman purchased the filly for $15,000. In seven starts, she has recorded five wins and just over $197,000 in stakes earnings. View the full article

New Zealand-bred gelding With Your Blessing (NZ) (Vadamos) took his career earnings past A$500,000 with an emphatic victory in Saturday’s A$160,000 Macquarie St Social Handicap (1300m) at Randwick. The six-year-old has now had 28 starts for six wins, nine placings and A$521,955 in stakes for his big group of owners. Placed in only one of his seven appearances between January and August last year, With Your Blessing has returned to peak form this time in with two wins from three starts so far in his 2025 preparation. He won a Benchmark 78 handicap over 1100m at Randwick on January 4, then finished a close fourth in a Benchmark 88 over 1200m at Rosehill on February 1. With Your Blessing had never won in three previous attempts over further than 1200m, but the step up to 1300m on Saturday held no fears. After sitting on the outside of the leader for expat New Zealand jockey Alysha Collett, With Your Blessing took command in the straight and quickly put the result beyond any doubt. Collett began to ease him down in the final few strides and he cruised to victory by a length and three-quarters over fellow Kiwi-bred galloper Bunker Hut (NZ) (Savabeel). Trainer John Thompson was quick to praise Collett, who has picked up two wins from three rides on With Your Blessing. “The horse is going great, and credit to Alysha as well,” Thompson said. “She’s done a great job with this horse. Every time she’s ridden him, he’s run well. “Back to Randwick today, he goes well here and you were confident a long way from home. The horse was travelling very well all the way and let down like a very nice horse.” With Your Blessing completed a race-to-race double at Randwick for the Collett family. Alysha followed in the footsteps of her brother Jason, who won the Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) on Fangirl (Sebring) just 40 minutes earlier. Alysha Collett was impressed by With Your Blessing’s performance. “They don’t normally come that easy,” she said. “The plan wasn’t to sit outside the leader, but when we were presented with that option, it seemed to be the best one. He relaxed beautifully in that position. He can be a bit wary when he’s amongst horses, so it worked out really well for him.” With Your Blessing was bred by the Hawkins family’s Llanhennock Trust and is by Vadamos out of the Darci Brahma mare Super Trouper (NZ). Herself a five-race winner from a 28-start career in the Llanhennock colours, Super Trouper is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Lim’s Dashing. With Your Blessing is the best of four foals to race so far for Super Trouper, who is also the dam of the four-time Australian winner Super Alana (NZ) (Belardo). Super Trouper has an unnamed two-year-old filly by Ole Kirk. View the full article

Matamata’s biggest day of the year was completely dominated by Te Akau Racing, who won three of the four black-type features on Saturday afternoon. What You Wish For’s (NZ) (Embellish) hard-fought victory in the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) completed a big treble for the tangerine army and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson. They had previously filled the trifecta in the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) with Return To Conquer (Snitzel), He Who Dares (NZ) (Snitzel) and To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel), then saddled La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth), Born To Be Royal (King’s Legacy) and Marokopa Falls (Hellbent) to finish first, third and fourth in the Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The all-conquering stable also picked up a win on the undercard with Balance Of Power (NZ) (Almanzor) in the Gavelhouse (2000m). The only Matamata feature to elude the Te Akau team on Saturday was the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m), where My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High) carried their colours into third behind Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) and Acquarello (Written Tycoon). “It’s been a great day,” Walker said. “It’s our home-track meeting and it’s always special. Now everyone who comes down to clock their horses has to go past the tangerine on the statue! “But the locals always come out in big numbers to support this day, and Graeme Styles and his team have presented an outstanding track today. It’s been fantastic.” While Te Akau’s two-year-old victories came with red-hot favourites at $1.20 and $1.80 respectively, What You Wish For jumped as a $7 chance in an even-looking Kaimai Stakes line-up. The Embellish gelding had shown bright promise earlier in his career, winning as an autumn two-year-old and finishing third and sixth respectively in last year’s Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). What You Wish For collected two wins from his first three starts this season, then finished ninth in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m), eighth in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) and sixth in the Listed Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). The step up to 2000m on Saturday brought What You Wish For into his element. He jumped smartly for jockey Craig Grylls and was prominently placed throughout, settling in third or fourth in a muddling race that saw multiple lead changes. Grylls presented What You Wish For on the outside of the leaders at the home turn, and he lengthened stride and soon reeled them in. The challenge came from last-start Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) winner Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini), who quickened well under his 59kg topweight and drew up alongside him. What You Wish For rose to meet his challenge, edging back in front and winning by a long head. The third-placed Nigella Lane (NZ) (Niagara) finished just under two lengths behind the first pair. “He hasn’t been beginning that great in his recent runs,” Grylls said. “The plan was to be midfield, but this time he absolutely flew out of the gates. I took the opportunity to come across and get into the trail. “It was a real slack tempo. He was on the steel all the way. Once he was presented in the straight, he travelled up really strongly. “He was probably aided by the second horse, because once he came up alongside him, it made him find more and more. It was a great run.” What You Wish For was offered by breeders Cambridge Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, where David Ellis bought him for $60,000. He is a son of Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish, who himself was an Ellis purchase at Karaka and won the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in the Te Akau colours. What You Wish For has had 17 starts for four wins, six placings and $207,890 in stakes. “He’s always promised a lot,” Walker said. “We actually sprinted him up over 400m this morning, which got him thinking a little bit. You wouldn’t want to play cards with this horse, but it was good to get the win today. “With the stock of Embellish, I think you’ve just got to have a little bit of patience with them. He’s an under-rated sire. If you’re patient and you take your time with them and nurse them along, they can be very good four-year-olds and five-year-olds.” View the full article

Officials at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, in consultation with horsemen, called off the remainder of Saturday's Amir Trophy and Amir Sword Meeting at Al Rayyan following a nasty spill involving two horses and affecting several others with 400 metres left to race in the first of the day's events, the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup over the 1600 metres. The Ed Bethell-trained Point Lynas (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) was tracked to his outside by the locally owned Surfers Paradise (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) into the straight, but the latter appeared to have the ground go out from under him and fell, casting jockey Szczepan Mazur to the turf over the bowed neck of his mount. The Archie Watson-conditioned defending champion Brave Emperor (Ire) (Sioux Nation), the mount of Luke Morris, raced in the slipstream of Surfers Paradise into the straight but could not avoid the fallen horse immediately in front of him and went down as well. Mazur, who may have been clipped by Brave Emperor, was sitting up shortly after the incident, while Morris was back on his feet. Surfers Paradise subsequently galloped off the screen to the right towards the rails and out of view. On the head-on patrol replay, Brave Emperor could be seen galloping slowly through the stretch. Middleham Park Racing, the owners of Brave Emperor, posted that both the horse and Morris were “both up and very thankfully seem to be okay.” No immediate update was available on the Surfers Paradise, while Luck posted that Mazur was transported to hospital with suspected collarbone and leg injuries. This space will be updated when and if information emerges on Surfers Paradise. The ITM Cup was won by General Panic (GB) (Outstrip {GB}). Underfoot conditions also wreaked havoc on the second day of the Amir Sword Festival on Friday, as jockeys expressed their disapproval. Following a two-hour delay, racing was allowed to continue and the card was completed. According to further posts from Luck on X, jockeys labeled the newly laid track a 'disgrace' and were refusing to ride the rest of the program. Geoffrey Riddle, on site in Doha, posted that a Godolphin official said that Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) would have been withdrawn from the Amir Trophy had the meeting been allowed to proceed. According to Luck, the balance of Saturday's program will be transferred to Qatar's second racecourse, Al Uqda, and be run Sunday. The Amir Trophy will have its distance shortened from 2400 to 2300 metres owing to the track configuration at Al Uqda, Luck posted. The post Amir Trophy Meeting Postponed After First Race Spill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article