Wandering Eyes

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The Purdon Racing era in Canterbury is over. It’s been announced that the highly-successful operation will leave their state-of-the-art facilities in Rolleston and re-locate to the Pukekohe training centre in a barn formerly used by the now Canterbury-based Steven Reid. With Mark Purdon now living in the Waikato son Nathan has been mulling over his future for some time.. He was unsure what to do after their 28 hectare property was sold some time ago. It will be used as part of a major new development in the area. The South Island’s biggest Pak N Save store is being built right next door. Nathan admits the idea of moving north took some getting used to. “Dad had suggested it before but I resisted it because the current setup suited me,” Nathan Purdon told the Purdon Racing website, “but when I was based in Auckland over Christmas with friends and family I began to have a change of heart and just before New Year we started having talks with the Auckland club.” “I was a bit worried too that our local owners might resist a major change like that but I have been really surprised at their reaction. Nearly all of them have signed up to it. The news will no doubt be welcomed up north. “We should have about 25 horses heading north in May. It’s a great boost for us,” says Nathan Purdon. The stable’s current stars include Don’t Stop Dreaming, Oscar Bonavena, and Chase A Dream. Mark Purdon moved south from Auckland in 2000 to Yaldhurst initially before setting up the current stables at Rolleston. He has had extraordinary success with the then All Stars operation, winning 14 training premierships either on his own account and in partnership. With 2626 career wins he is the country’s second most successful trainer ever, behind his brother Barry (2744). Mark and Nathan have had 133 wins in partnership since May 2023. Mark left Canterbury last year to move to Matamata. He has since scaled back his driving duties but is expected to have a more prominent role on race nights after the stable moves. “Now it’s go I am really looking forward to the challenge,” Nathan said, “it will be quite different in some ways but great in others. We will still naturally be travelling south for major races when we have the horses to suit.” “I have enjoyed it here and met some great people but it’s time to try something new.” View the full article

Promising filly She’s All That (NZ) (Time Test) rewarded the patience of her connections as a fitting winner of the Wexford Stables (1400m) at Te Aroha on Wednesday. Prepared by Wexford trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, She’s All That had come out of a key form race in mid-December, won by Ardalio (NZ) (Ardrossan), finishing fifth behind the subsequent Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) victor, and race-winners Charmrose (NZ) (Charm Spirit), Mirabella (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Kananaskis (NZ) (Vadamos). The daughter of Time Test closed at $6.40 in the hands of George Rooke, with the favourite Clear Conscience going forward early inside of Miss Seth. She’s All That settled in a good rhythm just better than midfield and looked a big danger turning for home, and once she balanced up, the filly let down with a dashing turn-of-foot to score by 1-3/4 lengths to Captain Stan (NZ) (Reliable Man). Rooke had been aboard She’s All That for much of her three-year-old campaign and was rapt with the performance. “We had a good draw and she jumped very well, as she always has done,” he said. “I didn’t want her to do too much early on, so I got cover straight away and she’s relaxed beautifully for me. “I just had to make sure to get her balanced at the top of the straight and she’s hit the line very well. “She’s got good form, she’s bumped into a few nice ones and last time we didn’t get the cleanest of runs. Stepping up to 14 today, I’m really pleased she’s got it done.” Scott was similarly impressed, indicating a switch to the right-handed Te Aroha circuit was well-suited to the filly. “We always knew that a win was close, she hadn’t had a lot of luck and struggled a bit going left-handed,” he said. “Back on the quick ground today, she quickened well and it’s a great result for a big bunch of owners who have shown a great deal of patience with her and continue to believe. “She’s got it all in front of her, she’s just starting to learn how to settle and quicken. That certainly won’t be her last win this season.” Bred by Little Avondale Trust, She’s All That carried the colours of the Wairarapa nursery who race her alongside a large ownership group. As a three-year-old filly, Scott has every intention of finding stakes-level opportunities for her later in the preparation. “There’s a couple of options for her at black-type level through the autumn months, she could quite easily work her way towards those with no bother at all,” Scott said. “She’s only going to continue to improve and it was a good win with a good bit of authority today. She’ll keep on improving.” She’s All That is the first foal out of an unraced Per Incanto mare Imadreamer. Her granddam, A Chance To Dream, won at Listed level and was fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). View the full article

It is a case of one-and-done for Lodi Dodi in her juvenile season, with the promising filly set to head for a spell after winning on debut in the Brookby Stables (1150m) at Te Aroha on Wednesday. Pleasing in two trial appearances, including a victory over 1000m at Matamata last month, trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall were confident of a bold first-up showing from the daughter of Blue Point. From her wide gate she was taken back to settle at the rear of the field for jockey Jasmine Fawcett, who bided her time before setting her charge alight at the turn and she ran over the top of her rivals to score by a length. Fawcett was impressed by the run, but said she wasn’t surprised, having partnered her in her two trial outings, and she believes a bright future is instore for the filly. “I was quietly confident because I knew she is a horse that keeps on improving. Today she put it all together and that is what you want on raceday,” Fawcett said. “She was a little bit green in front, there will be big improvement from her.” Richardson was pleased with Lodi Dodi’s winning performance and said she is now set to spend some time on the sidelines to strengthen and mature before being targeted towards some three-year-old stakes targets in the spring. “It was a good effort coming back from second-to-last. I am over the moon with that,” Richardson said. “She will go out for a good holiday and we will get her ready for the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m). She has got a lot of strengthening up and growing to do, she is a lovely horse.” Richardson was also pleased with the debut performance of stablemate Alizarin (NZ) (Lonhro), who finished a luckless sixth, and he believes the Cambridge Stud-bred and raced colt also has a bright future. “The other horse was just a bit unlucky, he couldn’t get out, so (there are) futures for both of them,” Richardson said. View the full article

Four years after being sold for just $2,750 on gavelhouse.com, Lady Telena (NZ) (Vespa) is back for sale again on the online platform – this time as a Group One performer and valuable broodmare prospect. Lady Telena raced between the ages of two and seven. Her 58-start career produced six wins, 10 placings and $212,500 in stakes. But she really found her groove after her sale on Gavelhouse.com in March of 2021, which saw her relocate into the Rangiora stable of her part-owner Kenny Moore. She collected all of her six wins under Moore’s care, and ventured to Trentham and produced her career-defining performance for third behind Puntura (NZ) (Vespa) and El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) in last year’s Group One Thorndon Mile (1600m). Lady Telena later added another black-type placing to her CV, overcoming an unlucky run to be second and only half a length from the winner in the Group Three South Island Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton in March. “She’s just been a fantastic mare,” Moore said. “She was a 30-start maiden when she came down to us, but she ended up with six wins and a Group One placing from a fantastic couple of years. “Her Thorndon Mile placing was the thrill of a lifetime really – right up there with when we placed in the Wellington Cup (3200m) with Bluey’s Chance (NZ) (Remind) in 2021. “She went so close to winning a South Island Breeders’ Stakes as well and was pretty unlucky not to win that day. “So she’s done a great job and is going to make a wonderful mum for someone. If I was 20 years younger, I’d probably breed from her myself. But it’s quite a few years down the track that any of her foals will be reaching racing age.” Moore couldn’t speak highly enough of Lady Telena’s nature. “She’s just an angel,” he said. “She’s an absolutely beautiful mare to do anything with, and she’s been that way since the day we got her. It’s been a real pleasure having her around.” Lady Telena is out of the twice-winning Street Cry mare Langara, who is a three-quarter-sister to the Australian stakes winner Liveandletdie (Street Cry). The pedigree page also features Group One winner Lend A Hand (Great Commotion), along with Epsom Derby (2400m) placegetters Tamure (Sadler’s Wells) and Carlton House (Street Cry), Epsom Oaks (2400m) placegetter Maysoon (Shergar) and English and Irish 2000 Guineas (1600m) placegetter Dubawi Gold (Dubawi). Lady Telena is one of 30 Lots online with bidding in the auction ending from 7pm (NZDT) on Monday 17th February. View the full article

Exciting filly Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) has been making waves in the south, scoring consecutive stakes victories, and will bid to extend it to three when she heads to Ascot Park on Saturday. The three-year-old daughter of Ten Sovereigns has won her last four starts, including the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day and the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) earlier this month, and trainer-jockey Samantha Wynne couldn’t be any happier with her charge. “She has been going great, I couldn’t ask for more. She seems happy in herself at the moment,” she said. “Hopefully she keeps doing what she is doing, but we will just take each race as it comes.” Wynne will once again partner the filly this weekend in the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1400m) where they have drawn ideally in barrier two. “I am delighted with the draw. She puts herself there, so hopefully she is clean away,” Wynne said. With her current run of form, Pivotal Ten’s name has been bandied around for a possible $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot, however, Wynne said their focus is firmly set on her upcoming targets at this stage. “If the opportunity came you would definitely have to have a look at it, but it is not on our radar at the moment,” she said. “We will just concentrate on Saturday and get her home, because she has stayed down here for the last two weeks, and then we will look at the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2 1400m).” Into her fourth season of training, Wynne has already bettered her best previous season tally, and said she is enjoying her dual role as a jockey and trainer but is looking to focus on the latter in the coming years. “I would be lost without the horses, so it is a dream come true to be able to train horses for a living,” she said. “I have loved horses my entire life and I think it (training) is a natural progression because my body has had a few injuries in the last few years, so it would be sooner rather than later that I would have to hang up the boots, so I needed to suss out my future. “I have got some great staff at home, a good farrier and vet. It is a big team effort. I am learning each day and enjoying the challenges ahead.” While enjoying the challenge of training, Wynne said she still loves getting out on the track to ride on raceday. “I love it (riding),” she said. “I am not getting full books anymore, I am just getting the four or five rides a meeting on average. “I am enjoying it and I have got a good, happy medium at the moment and it’s thanks to the staff at home that it gives me the confidence to go to the races.” While hoping to extend Pivotal Ten’s winning streak on Saturday, Wynne is also hopeful of a bold showing in the race from her other contender, Kellanzor (NZ) (Almanzor). The Almanzor filly broke through for her maiden win at Gore earlier his month after finishing runner-up over 1200m at Kurow on debut, and will take a step up to stakes level on Saturday in the Southland Guineas. “She is still green, but she has trained on well and hopefully she is going to improve the more racing that she has,” Wynne said. View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Southside Racing Pakenham – 420 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3810 When Thursday, February 13, 2025 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pakenham Racecourse hosts another Thursday night meeting this week, with showers expected as the evening progresses. The track was rated Good 4 early in the week and should remain in that range, despite a warm forecast with temperatures reaching a top of 36°C on raceday. The rail will be out 6m for the entire circuit, with the first race set to jump at 5:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Pakenham: Mr Verse If Mr Verse is anywhere near his best, then the even money on offer with horse racing bookmakers looks like a great price. The three-year-old gelding has shown a strong turn of foot in each of his last two starts, losing by the barest of margins at Seymour before seemingly peaking on his run in a strong BM70 Saturday race at Sandown. The drop back in class and stepping down to 1600m looks like the perfect recipe for success for Mr Verse. Best Bet Race 8 – #6 Mr Verse (12) 3yo Gelding | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Next Best at Pakenham: Matawai Resuming from a five-month spell, the Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)-trained Matawai looks to have found the perfect race to return a winner in. The four-year-old gelding has two wins and a second from three fresh runs, meaning she doesn’t take long to come to hand. The Derryn mare has warmed up with a handy enough Geelong trial win on January 29, and as long as Blake Shinn does not get caught wide without cover, Matawai should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 7 – #1 Matawai (10) 4yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (59.5kg) Best Value at Pakenham: Mr Magnus Mr Magnus was a smart winner at the Pakenham 1100m on January 30 when overhauling his rivals late in Class 1 company. He faces a similar field on Thursday afternoon, and stepping up to the 1200m looks ideal for the son of Magnus. He was hitting the line with great intent last time out, and despite going up 1.5kg for this BM74 assignment, there is no reason he cannot salute once more. Best Value Race 3 – #2 Mr Magnus (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths | J: Ethan Brown (60kg) Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections February 13, 2025 1-2-3-6-8 5-9-11 1-2-10 2-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, February 15, 2025 Prizemoney $750,000 Distance 1000m Conditions Weight For Age 2024 winner Imperartiz (2) | T: Mark Walker | J: Opie Bosson (56.5kg) Visit Dabble The time-honoured Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) headlines a stacked 10-race card at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. With $750,000 on the line, a field of 12 — including five Group 1 winners — will duke it out down the famous Flemington straight. With three superstar three-year-olds dominating the early Black Caviar Lighting betting, Saturday’s Group 1 could mark a changing of the guard in Australia’s sprinting ranks. That said, there are several talented older runners that are capable of springing something of an upset in Flemington’s first Group 1 of 2025. 2025 Black Caviar Lightning odds Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland has opened as a $2.90 favourite with horse racing betting sites for the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning. Fellow three-year-olds Growing Empire ($3.90) and Traffic Warden ($6.50) are seemingly the biggest danger to the favourite, while I Am Me ($8.50) is the only other runner at a single figure quote. Outside of Benedetta ($14), better than $21 is available for every other runner. 2025 Black Caviar Lightning speed map Former Hong Kong sprinter Joyful Fortune is expected to set a breakneck tempo in the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning. Behind him, the likes of Philosopher, Way To The Stars, Mornington Glory and Growing Empire will all look to take a sit just off the speed. I Am Me, Mazu and Switzerland will be aiming for a midfield position, while Benedetta, Traffic Warden, Stretan Angel and Skybird will be setting up to savage the line late from the rear of the field. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning. Black Caviar Lightning 2025 preview & form Growing Empire will need to overturn a 2.8-length deficit to Switzerland from the Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring, but the Zoustar colt looks perfectly placed to bring up a maiden Group 1 triumph. Despite this being his first 1000m start, the Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter is blessed with a high cruising speed and will be stalking the leaders throughout. Mark Zahra sticks on board, and he looks to be the key to getting the best out of Growing Empire, having partnered him to three wins from four engagements. Switzerland is a deserving favourite in the 2025 Black Caviar Lightning after dispatching his main rivals with relative ease when they last clashed. That was over 1200m, however, and considering his first-up run during the spring was an absolute stinker, he could be a bit of a risk. If he is at his best, he may just blow this field away, but at the $2.90 quote with BlondeBet, he is a favourite punters can bet around. There isn’t much splitting the top two in the market, and with Traffic Warden wanting a bit further than 1000m, the backend of trifectas and first-four bets seem like a bit of a lottery. Black Caviar Lightning 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 10 GROWING EMPIRE 11 SWITZERLAND 12 TRAFFIC WARDEN 2 MORNINGTON GLORY $100 betting strategy $100 win Growing Empire (#10) @ +300 with Black Caviar Lightning 2025 final field 1. Mazu (11) T: Joseph Pride J: Ben Melham W: 58.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Maurice (JPN) Dam: Chatelaine +1600 +320 2. Mornington Glory (9) T: Gavin Bedggood J: Ethan Brown W: 58.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Shalaa (IRE) Dam: Crowned Glory +1800 +360 3. Joyful Fortune (1) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Harry Coffey W: 58.5kg Age: 8YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Nicconi Dam: Sneaky Tsu +7000 +1200 4. Way To The Stars (8) T: Matthew Smith J: TBD W: 58.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Reward for Effort Dam: Writteninthestars +2500 +500 5. Philosopher (10) T: Enver Jusufovic J: Michael Dee W: 58.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Zoustar Dam: Lone +4000 +700 6. I Am Me (12) T: Ciaron Maher J: Blake Shinn W: 56.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Mefnooda +700 +150 7. Benedetta (2) T: Jason Warren J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 56.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Whatalovelyday +800 +170 8. Stretan Angel (5) T: Phillip Stokes J: Lachlan Neindorf W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Sretan +1800 +360 9. Skybird (3) T: Mitchell Freedman J: John Allen W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Exosphere Dam: Real Desire +4000 +700 10. Growing Empire (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Zoustar Dam: Miles of Krishan +340 -133.33 11. Switzerland (7) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Ms Bad Behavior +190 -222.22 12. Traffic Warden (4) T: James Cummings J: Ms Jamie Melham W: 55.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Street Boss Dam: Efficiently +600 +130 Horse racing tips View the full article

The 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington this Saturday promises to be a thrilling sprint contest, with a stellar field of sprinters vying for Group 1 glory. Leading the charge is Coolmore Stud Stakes champion, Switzerland, who is eager to kick off his autumn campaign in style. Trained by the in-form Chris Waller stable, […] The post 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Field & Odds Update: Switzerland Punters’ Pick appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners CS Hayes Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1400m The CS Hayes Stakes is a Group 3 race for three-year-old colts and geldings, run over 1400m under set weights and penalties at Flemington. Conducted by the Victoria Racing Club, it was first held in 1986 as The Debonair, before being renamed the CS Hayes Stakes in 2008 to honour legendary trainer Colin Hayes. A key lead-up to the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), The CS Hayes Stakes has been a Group 3 since 2001. The 2024 CS Hayes Stakes, worth $200,000, was won by Riff Rocket, defeating King Colorado and Verdad. Riff Rocket became the latest Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner to claim the CS Hayes, following Mahogany back in 1994. Eight horses have completed the CS Hayes/Australian Guineas double, including Zabeel (1990), Mahogany (1994), and Alligator Blood (2020). 2025 CS Hayes Stakes betting odds Riff Rocket ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2024 CS Hayes Stakes. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Odds for the CS Hayes Stakes as of February 10, 2025 – Courtesy of Neds Royal Insignia Win $5.00 Place $2.00 Henlein Win $7.00 Place $2.50 Feroce Win $8.00 Place $2.75 Sepals Win $9.00 Place $3.00 Storm Ahead Win $9.00 Place $3.00 Goldrush Guru Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Ndola Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Red Aces Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Stay Focused Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Wonder Boy Win $11.00 Place $3.50 Opening Address Win $13.00 Place $4.00 Railway Man Win $15.00 Place $4.50 Detroit City Win $17.00 Place $5.00 Saint Emilion Win $17.00 Place $5.00 Stay Humble Win $17.00 Place $5.00 Scary Win $26.00 Place $7.25 Nostringsattached Win $31.00 Place $8.50 How to bet on the CS Hayes Stakes All of the trusted betting sites listed offer markets on the CS Hayes Stakes, including futures, all-in and fixed-odds options. 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Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. CS Hayes Stakes News Royal Insignia to use C.S. Hayes Stakes as Guineas lead-up Australia horse racing news 22 hours ago Royal Insignia will use Saturday’s Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes as a lead-up for the Group 1 Australian Guineas at … Read More Feroce nearing return, Australian Guineas on radar Australia horse racing news 2 weeks ago Feroce shines in Geelong trial ahead of an Australian Guineas preparation, with trainer Dominic Sutton weighing up upcoming race options … Read More Australian Guineas draws capacity field of three-year-olds Australia horse racing news 12 months ago The Group 1 Australian Guineas will headline the 10-race card at Flemington on Saturday, with 18 runners accepting for the … Read More Flemington race-by-race preview & free tips | February 17, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) headlines a stacked 10-race program at Flemington on Saturday. Check out HorseBetting’s full … Read More Preusker’s Steparty ruled out of autumn Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Steparty, a notable dual stakes winner, will be absent from the upcoming Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington … Read More The Follow Files: Moody star shines on return at Flemington Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three horses that are worth following next start after impressive runs on … Read More 2025 CS Hayes Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 CS Hayes Stakes final field is released. Previous CS Hayes Stakes Fields 2024 CS Hayes Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Riff Rocket Chris Waller Craig Williams 5 59.5kg 2 King Colorado Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 9 59.5kg 3 Run Harry Run Michael Moroney Opie Bosson 13 58.5kg 4 Amur James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 10 58.5kg 5 Tannhauser Chris Waller Blake Shinn 1 57kg 6 Ambassadorial Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Jordan Childs 12 57kg 7 Otago Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Ben Melham 3 57kg 8 Cap Ferrat Chris Waller Michael Dee 7 56kg 9 Verdad Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Jye McNeil 2 56kg 10 Amigo Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Billy Egan 4 56kg 11 Hey Fat Cat Robbie Laing Craig Newitt 8 56kg 12 Et Tu Brute Anthony & Sam Freedman Damian Lane 11 56kg 13 Flying Valley Julius Sandhu Jamie Mott 6 56kg 2024 CS Hayes Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Flemington-2024-Group-3-CS-Hayes-Stakes-17022024-Riff-Rocket-Chris-Waller-Craig-Williams.mp4 1st – Riff Rocket (+600) 2nd – King Colorado (-111.11) 3rd – Verdad (+160) Recent runnings of the CS Hayes Stakes: 2024: Riff Rocket finishes best Victoria Derby winner Riff Rocket proved his class with a strong victory in the 2024 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. The Chris Waller-trained gelding stormed home under jockey James McDonald, defeating King Colorado and Verdad in a thrilling finish. Settling midfield, Riff Rocket unleashed a powerful late surge down the straight to notch his first win since his Derby triumph. His performance cemented him as a leading contender for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), where he would attempt to join an elite list of three-year-olds to complete the double. 2023: Elliptical returns a winner After a 105-day spell it was the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt Elliptical who proved too classy in the 2023 edition of the CS Hayes Stakes. After finishing his spring campaign in the Group 1 Champions Stakes where he wasn’t disgraced against the older horses. His form against his age group came to the fore this time as his runner-up finishes in the Spring Champions Stakes and Caulfield Guineas prior to that saw Elliptical finally get a well-deserved stakes win. Blake Shinn had no choice but to go back from the wide draw and get cover on the son of Dundeel before executing a perfectly-timed ride to secure victory in a blanket finish. He’s Heaven was the pacemaker along with Tasmanian raider Bello Beau, who set a genuine tempo throughout the 1400m contest. Gallopers made their runs from everywhere with 400m to go as Elliptical proved the best to secure the win by a head. 2022: Pinstriped remains undefeated The Enver Jusufovic-trained Pinstriped made it a hat-trick of wins to claim the Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. The unbeaten gelding started favourite for the event after pre-race favourite Lightsaber was scratched at the barriers. Jockey Michael Dee had the son of Street Boss in a midfield position early in the race. They had a lot of work to do after straightening though, as the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained Pascero was also looking for a hat-trick of wins and looked likely to do that after kicking well clear in the early part of the straight. Pascero tired late though and Pinstriped charged home to pounce on the colt in the shadows of the post. Previous winners of the CS Hayes Stakes CS Hayes Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Riff Rocket Craig Williams Chris Waller 2023 Elliptical Blake Shinn Anthony & Sam Freedman 2022 Pinstriped Michael Dee Enver Jusufovic 2021 Tagaloa Luke Currie Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young 2020 Alligator Blood Ryan Maloney David Vandyke 2019 The Inevitable Sigrid Carr Scott Brunton 2018 Grunt Damien Oliver Mick Price 2017 Hey Doc Luke Currie Tony McEvoy 2016 Tivaci Craig Williams Michael Moroney 2015 Wandjina Damien Oliver Gai Waterhouse 2014 Hucklebuck Dom Tourneur Phillip Stokes 2013 Sheer Talent Stephen Baster Mark Kavanagh 2012 That’s the One Craig Williams Colin & Cindy Alderson 2011 Bullbars Mark Zahra Peter Snowden 2010 Take the Rap Craig Williams Danny O’Brien 2009 Fair Trade Nicholas Hall Michael Kent 2008 Playwright Sebastian Murphy Steve Richards 2007 Wordsmith Steven King Shane Nichols 2006 Minson Craig Williams Michael Hibbs 2005 Lieutenant Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2004 Starcraft Matt Pumpa Garry Newham 2003 Innovation Girl Nash Rawiller Brian Mayfield-Smith 2002 Dash for Cash Kerrin McEvoy Rick Hore-Lacy 2001 Kosta Zoff Vincent Hall Mathew Ellerton 2000 Crawl Darren Gauci John Hawkes CS Hayes Stakes winners pre-2000 CS Hayes Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Mossman 1998 Encounter 1997 Mouawad 1996 El Qahiras Son 1995 Rullene 1994 Mahogany 1993 McBrave 1992 Coolong Road 1991 The Strategist 1990 Zabeel 1989 Tin Woodman 1988 Spacecraft 1987 Raveneaux Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article

Auckland Classics await promising Wairarapa gelding Skippers Canyon (NZ) (Belardo) following his pleasing trial at Foxton on Tuesday. The Belardo gelding was runner-up to Group Three performer Beavertown Boy in their 1600m heat, and his performance was to the satisfaction of trainer Jim Wallace. “I was happy with him,” Wallace said. “He had a few days off after his last run and he has had a bit of an easy time, so he needed a good hit-out today, which he got. He had a good blow afterwards and I am happy with where he is at.” Bred by Wallace under his Ardsley Stud banner, Skippers Canyon was initially raced by the Opaki horseman until last month when he was sold to Australian syndicator OTI Racing prior to his fourth placed run in the $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. “I thought his run (in the Remutaka Classic) was enormous,” Wallace said. “His sectionals were absolutely brilliant and from where he came from to where he got was very encouraging looking forward to a mile-and-a-half.” That mile-and-a-half target will be the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2400m) at Ellerslie on February 22, a fortnight ahead of his final run in New Zealand in the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie. “He will go to the Avondale Guineas,” Wallace said. “If he can win it that would be great, but he won’t be fully wound up for it. The Derby is the end game, but he has got to go and have a look around Ellerslie. “We are very happy with the horse.” Following the New Zealand Derby, Skippers Canyon will head to Sydney where a tilt at the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) await. Meanwhile, stablemate Merkel (NZ) (Reliable Man) also pleased Wallace with her second placing in her 1000m heat, with the daughter of Reliable Man making quite the impression on her trainer. “I am absolutely delighted with her,” Wallace said. “She hasn’t done anything for a long time, she had a couple of accidents. “She blew out of puff in the last 100m (of the trial) and had a good blow and she will come on from that, we are happy with her. “I will just see how she pulls up to where we go, but I think she is very high class. I think she is right up there as one of the better ones that I have had.” View the full article

Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) will have an opportunity to better last year’s runner-up finish in the Gr.1 HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) next month, in what will be the penultimate start to her final racing campaign. The seven-year-old daughter of Tavistock has accumulated eight wins and over $550,000 in stakes earnings in a 39 start-career, with most of her success coming in the last two seasons. A two-time Group Three winner, Town Cryer finished second to Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) in last year’s running of the Breeders’, and more recently, she came within a long neck of the winner (Provence (NZ) (Savabeel)) in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). With the end of a brilliant career looming, her trainer Roydon Bergerson is looking forward to heading back to Ellerslie after the mare stuck on bravely to finish eighth in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) last start on Karaka Millions Night. “We may just wait for the Breeders with her, we’re mulling it over with the owners,” he said. “She may have a quiet trial in between times and go back to the Breeders instead of the Otaki race (Gr.1, 1600m), we had Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) to ride her but now with Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) in, we’re more likely to miss that and concentrate on the Breeders. “It was a good run the other day, but it was just frustrating that they took her on. I did feel as though we shouldn’t be having three-kilo claiming apprentices riding in races on our biggest night, with the world watching. Our industry is trying to bring up the standard of racing here to a global level and having kids on horses in high-pressure races does not reflect that. “But Craig Williams (jockey) was full of praise for the horse, he said she was really strong in the last 100m. We had a go because it was a $700,000 fillies and mares race and we knew it would be a battle going back to the 1400m, she is better at a mile. “After the Breeders’, her swansong will probably be the Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr.2, 2100m). It’s definitely her last prep.” Meanwhile, Bergerson welcomed his class filly Too Sweet (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) back into the stable on Tuesday. Too Sweet won the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) convincingly on New Year’s Day and was among the favourites for the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), but after drawing the outside barrier, the filly never got her chance in the $1 million feature. “She has come back into the stable and she looks really well, she’d been down spelling at Chris Rutten’s (part-owner) for 10 days and he worked her around the farm for a couple of days,” he said. “I was a bit disappointed about the ride in the Millions and the jockey was the first to admit that, you expect to be up the front and you’re five wide last, it’s mission impossible. “It may sound like sour grapes, but the structure of the barrier draws was also disappointing. Our filly was the top qualifier for the race and didn’t get a look in, the owner just had to take the last barrier and she was virtually ruled out of contention from that point. “I’m not sure how they could make this change, but it’s certainly something that should be taken into consideration going forward. “When it’s the race you plan for, it’s a tough one to take, but that’s racing.” Pressing on in her juvenile campaign, Bergerson is contemplating a return to Ellerslie for the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) on Champions Day or staying closer to home for the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) later in March. “We’ll probably give her a quiet trial at Waipukurau in a couple of weeks’ time, then decide whether to go to the Sistema or the Sires,” he said. “She’s pretty laidback and not a hard going filly.” Another Trentham feature is on the radar of Wingman (NZ) (Swiss Ace), a promising three-year-old who defeated star filly Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn) over 1400m at the course in early December. The son of Swiss Ace returned to the trials at Foxton on Tuesday, pleasing Bergerson as he begins preparing for a shot at the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) on March 22. “He showed me exactly what I wanted to see, I’m trying to get him ready for the Wellington Guineas so a nice quiet trial was all he needed,” he said. “He may have a three-year-old race now or go back to the trials, but he goes pretty well fresh and he’s pulled up super. I couldn’t be happier with him.” A familiar face gearing up for the softer tracks is Bradman (NZ) (Pins), a model of consistency in Bergerson’s stable who won the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) in April last year. He went on to record placings in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m), Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m) and Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m). “He’s waiting for the tracks to get a bit softer again, he’s a horse that gets badly down on his heels and the firm tracks don’t really suit him,” Bergerson said. “He’s such a versatile horse, he can go 1.10 or 1.20 over 1200m, he’s just so tough and loves racing. He’s a real character and I’m looking forward to his prep, it’ll probably be his last winter as well. “He’s been in for about six weeks and he’s coming up super.” View the full article

Mornington Glory ridden by Ethan Brown winning the 2024 Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Ethan Brown is aiming for a second Group 1 victory aboard Mornington Glory when the Gavin Bedggood-trained six-year-old contests the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington this Saturday. Brown, who has secured six elite-level wins throughout his career, guided Mornington Glory to victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley last September, and believes the six-year-old is in good form ahead of the race. “We know we’re heading into a hot race being a Group 1 first-up,” Brown said. “He’s going as well as ever, and he trialled on Monday, very much an on the bridle trial. I expect him to run really well. “I’m not going there expecting him to win or anything, but he’ll run a really good race. I think he’ll surprise a few people how well he’s going. “I think he’s just a good horse. I don’t think too much worries him, whether it’s a bend or the straight. “The straight will suit him in the sense that there’s probably going to be good speed in the race, and he will be able to tuck in and get a bit of cover and build into it. “I think the straight will suit him fine.” Horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald and Broadsiding after winning the Group 1 Golden Rose. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Three-time Group 1 winner Broadsiding edged closer to his competitive return with a narrow yet impressive victory in a 1000-metre trial on a Heavy 8 track at Warwick Farm on Tuesday. It marked the colt’s second trial of the campaign, following a more low-key hit-out over 900 metres on January 30, and has bolstered the excitement around his trainer, James Cummings. “I just like the way he’s hard and forward in this early stage of his campaign,” Cummings commented. “He hasn’t softened up in his break, but he enjoyed a nice break, and he’s got every chance to maintain the mantle of being the top seed.” Broadsiding is scheduled to resume in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 22, which will serve as his only lead-up to the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 8. Plans for the remainder of his campaign are still to be confirmed, though Cummings has previously expressed interest in testing the colt over Classic distances and is confident in his ability to extend his brilliance to 2400 metres. “I’d say if he ended up at the Classic distance he could be explosive over a mile-and-a-half,” Cummings added. Horse racing news View the full article

I Wish I Win with Jamie Melham in the saddles cruises to victory at Caulfield in 2022. Photo credit: Bruno Cannatelli Jamie Melham could be poised to reunite with I Wish I Win after riding the Group 1-winning six-year-old at the Pakenham jump-outs in recent weeks. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained gelding has secured a pair of jump-out victories, with the latest coming on Tuesday morning. This would mark the first time Melham has ridden the horse on race day since their easy win in a 1400-metre contest at Caulfield back in August 2022. With I Wish I Win’s regular rider, Luke Nolen, currently sidelined due to injury, Melham could be in prime position to take the ride in the $750,000 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22. “I’m definitely not going to knock him back,” she said. “Compared to when I rode him at Caulfield, when I didn’t think he was going to do what he has, he’s really stepped up and turned into an absolute superstar. “All systems seem positive with him.” I Wish I Win is currently a $4.60 winning chance with horse racing betting sites for the Futurity Stakes. Horse racing news View the full article

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Equibase aims to cast a wide net as it begins to work on a ratings system that will serve as an option for racing secretaries in setting future racing conditions while perhaps providing an alternative to claiming races.View the full article

An expanded racing radio and TV schedule from America's Best Racing now includes individual stakes coverage.View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Feb. 3-9View the full article

In a question-and-answer session with ABR's Tom Pedulla, owner Richard Rigney discusses why he struck out on his own with Rigney Racing, his working relationship and friendship with private trainer Phil Bauer, and surviving a plane crash.View the full article

Out of the shadows of his stablemates, Getaway Car is the favorite for trainer Bob Baffert in the $400,000 Sunland Park Derby.View the full article

Three thieves who targeted sporting museums in a two-decade long crime spree were convicted by a Pennsylvania jury Feb. 7 and are now facing federal prison sentences after a fourth, the ringleader of the group, pleaded guilty and testified against them. Included in the 1999-2019 crime spree was the 2013 smash-and-grab, nighttime heist of five trophies worth an estimated $400,000 from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York. The looted trophies, three of which were solid gold and one of which was the 1903 Belmont Stakes trophy valued at $150,000, will never be recovered. That's because in the hours following the theft, the thieves drove 215 miles south to a bar that one of them owned in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and “melted the trophies down into easily transportable metal pieces,” according to the criminal indictment. The very next day, the thieves drove to New York City, where they sold the raw materials “for approximately $150,000 to $160,000,” the indictment stated. Brien Bouyea, the communications director for the museum, told TDN in a Feb. 11 email that his organization was grateful that police and prosecutors had pursued the criminal convictions and guilty pleas. “The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is pleased to learn of these convictions,” Bouyea wrote. “While the irreplaceable items that were stolen were not recovered, these convictions offer a sense of closure. We thank the prosecutors and law enforcement for their efforts in bringing these criminals to justice.” A methodology of “target-steal-melt-sell” was the blueprint for how at least nine known individuals broke into 14 museums in the Eastern United States over a 20-year span, ripping off artwork, sporting hardware, and high-value, antique memorabilia. According to the June 6, 2023, indictment filed by prosecutors in U.S. District Court (Middle District of Pennsylvania), 20 of the stolen pieces were considered “objects of cultural heritage” as defined by the federal criminal code because they are “either over 100 years old and worth in excess of $5,000 [or] less than 100 years old and worth at least $100,000.” The thieves also orchestrated a 2012 robbery at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York, where they made off with 14 trophies and other awards worth over $300,000. They also hit museums related to baseball, boxing and golf, looting nine World Series rings and other items once belonging to New York Yankees greats Yogi Berra and Roger Maris; six championship title-fight belts, and the U.S. amateur golf trophy once awarded to Ben Hogan. The thieves also dabbled in popular art and antique firearms, hauling off paintings by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock, plus three guns worth a combined $1 million. The trophies and awards would be stripped “of the gemstones and other valuable attachments prior to melting the objects clown into easily transportable bars, disks, pucks, and other small pieces of the valuable metals,” the indictment stated. The sales of the metals generally returned only a fraction of what the intact valuables were worth. The “objects of cultural heritage which could not be broken down, such as antique firearms and paintings,” were then sold on the black market, the indictment stated. The New York Times reported that Nicholas Dombek, 54, Joseph Atsus, 50, and Damien Boland, 48, were convicted of concealment and disposal of major artwork and interstate transportation of stolen property. Atsus and Dombek were acquitted on several lesser counts alleged by the prosecution. A fourth defendant, Alfred Atsus, 48, the brother of Joseph, was acquitted on all charges. The convictions were made possible after the leader of the group, Thomas Trotta, 49, was pulled over by state police in Pennsylvania in 2019 for swerving his vehicle. Trotta was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, and in the car, the police found bolt cutters, a sledgehammer, headlamps, ski masks, gloves and several phones. The New York Times reported that investigators “then traced DNA from a cup of water Mr. Trotta drank from while in custody and matched it to DNA found at several burglaries.” Trotta cooperated with law enforcement and eventually pleaded guilty. He wore a wire to record conversations with others in the ring, most of whom were his friends since middle school. Several of the thieves were the godfathers of Trotta's children, the admitted ringleader testified from the stand. “I'm sure they don't like me now,” Trotta said as part of his testimony, the New York Times reported. Three other thieves involved in the organized ring had already pleaded guilty. They are Ralph Parry, 46, Frank Tassiello, 52, and Dawn Trotta, 53, the sister of the ringleader. Another defendant, Daryl Rinker, 51, died in April 2024 of natural causes. All of the thieves who pleaded guilty or were convicted are awaiting sentencing. The 2023 indictment gave a glimpse of how the National Racing Museum heist was planned and executed on Sept. 13, 2013, just 10 days after the racing season had concluded at the historic track right across the street. Per usual, the planning, getaway and meltdown operations were a group effort. Except for one time in that 20-year span, Trotta testified that he always carried out the actual thefts alone. “Prior to Sept. 13, 2013, Nicholas Dombek, Damien Boland and Conspirator No. 1 [later revealed to be Trotta] made multiple visits to the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame [to] view objects of cultural heritage displayed therein and to observe the security measures protecting said objects,” the indictment stated. Then, in the overnight hours of Sept. 13, Boland drove Trotta to Saratoga, where he “entered the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame without authorization, smashed multiple glass display cases with a center-punch tool and grinder, and stole and removed five trophies displayed therein.” Published news accounts at the time described how the thief was able to navigate the unlit corridors of the landmark Union Avenue building without triggering perimeter alarms. In the museum's steeplechase gallery, Trotta took trophies from the 1914 Brook Cup Handicap Steeplechase (won by Compliment) and the 1923 Grand National Steeplechase (won by Sergeant Murphy). He then moved to the post-Civil War gallery, and from a single case pilfered trophies from the 1903 Belmont Stakes (won by Africander), the 1903 Brighton Cup (won by Hermis), and the 1905 Saratoga Special (won by Mohawk II). Upon exiting the museum, Boland drove Trotta and the looted objects 1.7 miles to the parking lot of the Saratoga Casino Hotel, where Trotta transferred the trophies to his own car. The two then drove their separate vehicles 190 miles south to the parking lot of a Denny's restaurant in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, “to inventory the trophies stolen,” the indictment stated. They then proceeded another seven miles to Scranton, where they met up at a bar called Collier's, owned by Boland, to melt down the trophies, the indictment stated. The next day they drove together to New York City “and sold the pieces to an individual known to the Grand Jury,” the indictment stated. After Sept. 14, “[Trotta] paid Nicholas Dombek $30,000 from the proceeds…in exchange for Dombek's help in planning the theft,” the indictment stated. In 2024, Trotta told the CBS-TV news magazine “60 Minutes” that he was able to successfully case museums without drawing attention to himself, even while video recording the very items he planned to steal. “I have a dorky look to me,” Trotta told “60 Minutes” reporter Jon Wertheim. “I notice I don't look like a criminal at all.” Trotta told “60 Minutes” that the gang had justified the thefts by thinking, “Hey, nobody's getting hurt.” But, added Trotta, who was imprisoned prior to testifying at the trial of his friends, “I never looked at it like, sitting in jail for 51 months. Emotionally, I destroyed people. I know this now. I do regret hurting everybody I stole anything from.” The post Dozen Years After National Museum Of Racing Trophy Thefts, Convictions Bring Sense Of Closure appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are four horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, February 12. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Hawkesbury & Sha Tin (HK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 12, 2025 Hawkesbury Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top horse racing bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 12, 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

Our business already includes one John whose namesake signed the Declaration of Independence. (Good day to you, Mr. Penn.) But now we have another, this time on four legs, bidding to confirm that Constitution–if not a founding father–is certainly a patriarch in the making. Yet if the Sam F. Davis Stakes winner were to carve his “John Hancock” on the GI Kentucky Derby roll of honor, he would only be further magnifying two names whose Churchill achievements are already outsized. One is that of his dam Scribbling Sarah (Freud), who ended her track career under a $5,000 tag at Finger Lakes but has already produced a Grade I winner. The other belongs to a woman who, albeit no longer directly involved with this mare, must be counted one of our sport's principal overachievers in recent times. On retirement, Scribbling Sarah was purchased for $7,500 by Gail Rice (docket signed by husband Bobby Jones) at Fasig-Tipton's February Sale in 2015. Scribbling Sarah's brother had missed a G1 Norfolk Stakes podium by a nose, and she had herself managed to win a state-bred maiden at Saratoga as a 3-year-old. But primarily, Gail was drawn to the big Quarter Horse hip and deep girth commended by her mentors in a world of which she had known nothing in her youth. Jimmy Gladwell Sr., for one, but the real immersion had come through first husband Wayne Rice and his family. Wayne's father Clyde grew up riding rodeo with another boy named D. Wayne Lukas, and subsequently became a pioneer pinhooker and serial leading trainer at Penn National. Clyde was followed into training by Wayne and his sister Linda–who had actually trained Scribbling Sarah, though Gail didn't know that when buying her–while his grandchildren include trainers Kevin and Adam, jockey Taylor and pinhooker Brandon. Gail absorbed the Rice lore well, and her choice of Mr Speaker for Scribbling Sarah's second cover resulted in a filly sold as an OBS short yearling for $65,000. When that filly developed into GI Ashland Stakes winner/GI Kentucky Oaks third Speech, Gail accepted a “life-changing” offer from WinStar for Scribbling Sarah, who was still only 10. It was a fantastic coup for a breeder who only had a couple of other mares. One of these was Mongolian Changa (Brilliant Speed), purchased as a $9,000 yearling and trained by Wayne to win a Presque Isle maiden in a light career. Her first foal, by Protonico, arrived ahead of her milk but Gail had prepared by freezing some of Scribbling Sarah's, who had delivered an Upstart colt (later won four of eight starts) a month previously. While the Protonico sold for just $1,000 as a short yearling, against all odds he turned out to be the anointed colt of his crop, destined to return to the Churchill winner's circle under a blanket of roses. And though the Medina Spirit fairytale obviously did not end happily, Mongolian Changa was sold at Fasig-Tipton that November for $1.05 million to Katsumi Yoshida. But if Gail had shown that you sometimes need only a sling to bring down a giant, she has now also passed on some of her luck to Goliath. Thoroughbreds being what they are, there had been zero guarantee that WinStar would be able to borrow Gail's Midas touch after enabling her to cash out Scribbling Sarah. In the event, their purchase has been immediately vindicated. The mare's first cover at WinStar was their young gun Constitution. The resulting colt was scratched from Book 1 of the September Sale and instead surfaced in the farm's racetrack program, in partnership with China Horse Club and Siena Farm. Whoever among these had the inspiration of calling him John Hancock, cleverly combining the names of sire and dam, certainly deserves to land on the Classic trail. But having broken 70 seconds on debut, and now controlled a race barely beyond a mile (and on a speed-favoring surface), John Hancock clearly needs to stretch out from here. He did gallop out with gusto last Saturday, but you couldn't say he has a blatant Derby pedigree. Scribbling Sarah, a turf sprinter herself, was out of a Talkin Man mare who did win in cheap claiming grade on dirt but ended up switching to grass. (That mare's siblings, incidentally, included an 18-for-50 Grade III winner in Wishful Tomcat {Tactical Cat} plus the dam of 13-for-70 stakes stalwart Rated R Superstar {Kodiak Kowboy}, so there's some pretty robust blood around.) The next dam, by the good distaff influence Lord At War (Arg), won a dirt sprint in a curtailed career; and she's out of a Halo half-sister to GI Hopeful Stakes winner Papal Power. That actually means John Hancock shares a fourth dam with Carson's Run, who's also by a son of Tapit in Cupid but has nonetheless excelled over turf–at least showing, in the process, auspicious stamina. On the other hand, Speech seemingly managed to draw on the Classic dirt genes behind her turf sire, Mr. Speaker, while ultimately reverting to sprinting. But then we must throw into the mix Constitution, whose son Catching Freedom emerged as a key player on the Classic trail this time last year. That helped Constitution break into the top five in the general sires' list for 2024, and remember he is only now cycling through his upgraded mares. In fact, John Hancock belongs to his first crop conceived at $85,000, up from $40,000 after Tiz the Law starred among his first sophomores. But whatever Constitution can contribute, for now he must yield center stage to a mare who has not only already had an Oaks third, but also donated milk to the first home in the Derby! A LONG ROAD BEHIND Colloquial | Coglianese Terminology (Bernardini) has a pretty similar background to Scribbling Sarah, in that she broke her maiden under a $25,000 tag at Presque Isle Downs in 2018. She was sold at the Keeneland November Sale the following year, with a maiden cover by Always Dreaming, for just a few dollars more. The man who put his name to a $28,000 docket that day hadn't actually previously signed the Declaration of Independence, albeit his family actually came to Virginia with John Smith. But he has certainly seen plenty in his time–including, much to his dismay, the decline of Thoroughbred breeding in his home state, where a painful void was left by the likes of Paul Mellon, Taylor Hardin and Elizabeth Dodge Sloan. Eventually he faced facts and brought six old mares and six $10 bills to Kentucky, hoping to find better blood and land. And, who knows, it might just be that Beau Lane is getting the hang of the place… The cherished octogenarian has raised a ton of good horses but still wants a real great. And while it remains the earliest of days for Terminology's third foal, there can't be many that have come off his farm to cause so much excitement from two starts. Bred by Lane's daughter “J.B.” and her husband Michael Orem, Colloquial (Vekoma) was sold for $240,000 at the 2023 September Sale. On his sole juvenile start, he beat a 61-year-old track record but not Mentee (City of Light), who held out by a nose. Returning to Aqueduct last weekend, however, he melted the stopwatch for an off-the-charts 106 Beyer. There seems to be a pretty immediate consensus–including from his trainer, who knows him best–that Colloquial shouldn't be shoehorned into a Derby preparation, and we've certainly seen a hastier approach backfire over the years. On the other hand, his pedigree wouldn't necessarily discourage you from trying a second turn at some point. True, there's a fairly fallow zone in the foreground. While Terminology was among no fewer than 11 winners out of an unplaced Storm Cat mare, they mustered a solitary Grade III podium between them. But their dam had fairly limited help, overall, and that's why Bernardini's intervention feels so pivotal. As such an exceptional distaff influence, Bernardini reinforces the bridge between Colloquial and what was, after all, a most aristocratic granddam–not just by Storm Cat, but out of GI Kentucky Oaks winner Gal in a Ruckus (Bold Ruckus), herself a half-sister to the dam of dual Grade I winner/Oaks third Habibti (Tabasco Cat). Moreover the next dam, albeit by the forgotten Californian sire Gummo, was half-sister to the dam of Sam-Son matriarch No Class (Nodouble). Gal in a Ruckus proved a pretty disappointing producer, given what was happening in that parallel branch of the dynasty and the elite partners John Oxley gave her. But perhaps a Bernardini mare and the prolific youngster Vekoma have together stoked up the embers–not to mention the seasoned Virginian hands that helped to raise this colt. Vekoma, of course, is from the same family as Street Sense and Mr. Greeley. Combining that with a line tracing to a mare as influential as Quillopoly (Princequillo) could yet give Colloquial deeper reserves than many are expecting. The post Breeding Digest: An Outsized Signature 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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