Wandering Eyes

Blake Shinn is on a mission to give a Australian trained horse its first victory at Hong Kong’s biggest meeting of the year since Falvelon’s success in the 2001 Hong Kong Sprint (1000m). The leading Victorian hoop will fly back into Hong Kong on the eve of the Longines Hong Kong International Races for important rides at Sha Tin in two of the four Group One features on Sunday, December 8. Well known to Hong Kong racegoers, Shinn is confident that Antino (NZ) (Redwood) is a genuine chance in the Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Mile (1600m) for trainer Tony Gollan, while he will also be reunited with David Hall, who saddles Invincible Sage in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint. Both Antino and Invincible Sage are already winners at the elite level, with Antino fresh from a six-and-a-half-length victory two starts back in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield. In his most recent start when Shinn was suspended, the six-year-old gelding was partnered by Mark Zahra to a narrow second placing in the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) behind Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) at Flemington. “I am very excited, especially to be going over there on an Australian horse representing Australia,” said Shinn, who was lauded for his Toorak ride on Antino when, after settling last, he made his move at the 700m and hit the lead at the home turn before running away to a devastating victory. “It’s been a race on the forefront of the connections’ minds and to be going over there with him and the form he is in, I’m sure he is going to do everyone proud. Shinn said Antino was absolutely brilliant when he won the Toorak and is hopeful he can emulate that run, while he hasn’t discounted the chances of Invincible Sage who he describes as a quality sprinter on his day who will be lining up for his fourth run this campaign. Winner of the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin in April, the gelding finished five lengths behind David Hayes’ sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the Gr.2 Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at his most recent start at Sha Tin on November 17. Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) broke the track record that day as he further enhanced his claim as the world’s best sprinter and Shinn described him as phenomenal and the most exciting sprinter in the world at the moment. While mindful that the Hayes-trained horse is the one to beat, Shinn said Invincible Sage’s most recent run indicated to him that the gelding is now hitting peak form. “Fourth-up now into the sprint, hopefully he can run a career best. I would say the favourite (Ka Ying Rising) will be hard to beat but hopefully we can get some prizemoney,” he said. “It’s also great to be riding for David Hall, who supported me a lot when I was there.” After a successful riding stint in Hong Kong, Shinn announced in early 2022 he would not renew his licence and planned to return to Melbourne where his family is based. Shinn will be kept busy on the day with rides on the undercard for Jamie Richards, Douglas Whyte, Caspar Fownes and Mark Newnham. “For them to show their support and give me rides, it means a lot,” he said. “I’m grateful to all those trainers.” View the full article

Guy Heveldt, Jayne Ivil and Emily Murphy review the past week of racing including features from Ellerslie, Whanganui and Otaki. Andrew Scott joins the panel to reflect on Wexford’s strong team of three-year-olds and a look at Bjorn Baker’s big day in Australia. Weigh In, December 1 View the full article

Cambridge Stud mare Dazzled (NZ) (Pierro) was bound for the broodmare paddock this year, but after failing to get in foal, she is making a big impression on the track with a powerful victory in the NHR Group 1300 at Ellerslie on Saturday. Prepared by the stud’s private trainer Lance Noble, Dazzled had performed well in her first two starts this preparation, finishing fifth and a close-up second to Shoes on both occasions. Stepping into open company, the daughter of Pierro was among a condensed market as the $6.60 fourth-favourite, with Pour The Wine on top at $4.50. In the hands of Warren Kennedy, Dazzled jumped positively but allowed a rush of on-speed runners to dictate the early pace, as she settled back near the tail of the field ahead of Pour The Wine. Kennedy angled towards the centre of the track turning for home and the mare had plenty of ground to make up, but she lived up to her name in the final 200m, surging to the line to score over Rocababy by a long head, with Pour The Wine the same margin back in third. Noble was thrilled with the performance and praised Kennedy’s ride, which was one of three winners for last season’s premiership-winning hoop on the card. “It was good, she’s had a couple of lead-up races and ran a good second last start,” Noble said. “She seems to go better when she gets a bit of room and Warren rode her very well, when she gets to the outside she can really let down. “It was very pleasing.” Dazzled was bred by Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, as the final foal out of their late mare Capital Diamond. Now a winner of three races and $116,890 in stakes from just 11 starts, Dazzled is a half-sister to talented race mare Gift Of Power, who won 11 races including the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1000m), Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) and Listed Levin Stakes (1200m). While this campaign was set to be her last, Noble is pleased to have Dazzled still in his racing team, with the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final (1500m) and the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) both on her radar back at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. “She went to the stallion twice, unfortunately she didn’t get in foal, which means we can keep racing her all the way through,” he said. “While the Stud obviously wanted to get her in foal, I’m quite happy she’s not and she’s going really well. “Potentially we may go to the final, but there’s also a 1400m fillies and mares race on Boxing Day as well which might suit. We haven’t really stepped her up further than 1300, so we’ll just see. It will be one of the two.” View the full article

Formidable Man defended his home turf, improving his record to 4-for-4 at Del Mar with a one-length victory in the $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1T) Nov. 30.View the full article

Mark Zahra returns to the mounting yard aboard New Energy after winning the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Mark Zahra and Blake Shinn, two of Australia’s top jockeys, have been handed suspensions following their winning rides at Caulfield’s Zipping Classic Day. Both riders received 14-meeting bans for causing interference during their respective races, with the suspensions commencing on Monday, December 9. Blake Shinn was first to face stewards after his narrow victory aboard Kavader in the 2400-meter Vale Elvstroem Benchmark 84. The interference was alleged to have occurred near the 250-metre mark when Shinn attempted to navigate through a gap. Despite pleading not guilty to the charge, stewards ruled against him, imposing the two-week suspension. Caulfield Race 3 Replay – Kavador (Jokey: Blake Shinn) https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Caulfield-Race-3-BM84-Handicap-30112024-Kadavar-Chris-Waller-Blake-Shinn.mp4 Mark Zahra was also penalised for interference during his ride on New Energy, the winner of the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes. The incident occurred 150 metres from the finish line when Zahra made a decisive move that impacted another runner. Unlike Shinn, the 42-year-old jockey admitted fault and accepted the suspension without contest. Caulfield Eclipse Stakes Race Relay – New Energy (Jockey: Mark Zahra) https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Caulfield-2024-Group-3-Eclipse-Stakes-30112024-New-Energy-Ciaron-Maher-Mark-Zahra.mp4 Both suspensions will allow the riders to fulfill their commitments at the upcoming Hong Kong International Races next Sunday. Blake Shinn is scheduled to ride Antino in the Hong Kong Mile, while Mark Zahra is set to take the reins on Without A Fight in the Hong Kong Vase. The bans will see the riders sidelined until December 23, after which they will be eligible to return to competition. Horse racing news View the full article

Mi Hermano Ramon got the trip trainer Mark Glatt dialed up to win the Seabiscuit Handicap (G2T) Nov. 30 at Del Mar.View the full article

Just as they did one month prior, Godolphin homebreds swept Churchill Downs' Nov. 30 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps as First Resort won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) and Good Cheer the Golden Rod Stakes (G2).View the full article

Formidable Man defended his home turf, improving his record to 4-for-4 at Del Mar with a one-length victory in the $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1T) Nov. 30.View the full article

St. Elias Stable's homebred Rated by Merit remained undefeated and completed a sweep of the 2024 FTBOA Florida Sire series with an impressive six-length victory in the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire In Reality Stakes Nov. 30 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

East Coast-based horses had won the GI Hollywood Derby in six of the last eight years and three of the last four, but it was a California 1-2 in Saturday's renewal at Del Mar, as William and Suzanne Warren's Formidable Man (City of Light) parlayed a perfect trip in the box seat into a clear-cut victory over King of Gosford (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}). 'TDN Rising Star' Donegal Momentum (Uncle Mo) broke best of all and led the Hollywood Derby field down the chute, but Rothschild (Uncle Mo)–also ridden positively by Flavien Prat–had command linking up with the course proper before the New Yorker asserted again and was back in front passing the six-furlong peg. Formidable Man, looking to add this to his victory in the GII Del Mar Derby Sept. 1, was alertly into stride for Umberto Rispoli and secured the coveted spot on the back of the front-runner, while King of Gosford traveled about two lengths behind Formidable Man while also saving every inch of ground. Committed to an all-the way try by Javier Castellano, Donegal Momentum got the opening half in a manageable :47.84 and was niggled along three furlongs out as Rothschild tried to pour the pressure on. The latter was soon off the bridle, and that gave Rispoli the opening he was looking for, as he went for Formidable Man in earnest on the swing for home. Donegal Momentum wasn't done quite yet, as he continued to hold the call into the final furlong, but Formidable Man had all the answers, as he pushed past the stubborn front-runner with about 100 yards to race and held firm. King of Gosford followed the winner's move into the lane, switched off heels and was up on the line to touch Donegal Momentum out of second. Del Mar Derby and GII Twilight Derby runner-up Stay Hot (Summer Front) rallied inside for fourth, while favored Carson's Run (Cupid) offered a mild rally to be fifth after covering ground on the turn. “He had a fantastic trip,” said winning trainer Michael McCarthy. “I had said to Umberto (jockey Rispoli) maybe we go ahead and bounce out of there early. I wasn't sure what to make of the pace. On paper it didn't look like there was going to be a ton. Glad to see we were sitting where we were just behind the speed. He always looked like he was threatening to run a big one. A hole opened up and he exploded.” Formidable Man rounded out a $1,324 exacta underneath the Rispoli-ridden Trikari (Oscar Performance) after making the majority of the running in the GII American Turf at Churchill May 5, but ballooned to sixth in the June 1 Audubon Stakes in Louisville. Returned to the Golden State, the $375,000 Keeneland September yearling rallied from off the speed to post a 1 1/2-length success in the restricted Oceanside Stakes over a mile July 20 and was a bit handier to the pace when besting Stay Hot by a half-length in the local Derby over course and distance on Sept. 1. The Warrens campaigned City of Light with Michael McCarthy to victories in the 2018 GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and a swan-songing success in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational. The Warrens also raced 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam. Pedigree Notes: Formidable Man is the second elite-level winner for City of Light, joining 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness, who added this year's GI Curlin Florida Derby and GI Travers Stakes to the 2023 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. A Grade II winner and Grade I-placed on the turf on the Southern California circuit, Fanticola has thrown four winners from four to the races, with Formidable Man clearly the best of them. Clear Creek Stud purchased the mare for $60,000 in foal to Flatter at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale and the 2-year-old colt Cc Cola is currently in training at Delta Downs, having breezed a half-mile as recently as Saturday. The mare's current yearling, a filly by Knicks Go, was bought back for $97,000 at the Breeders' Sales Company of Louisiana Yearling Sale in late September and she is also the dam of a weanling filly by Jack Christopher. Fanticola is due to Clear Creek's Star Guitar for her 2025 produce. Saturday, Del Mar HOLLYWOOD DERBY-GI, $303,000, Del Mar, 11-30, 3yo, 1 1/8mT, 1:48.40, fm. 1–FORMIDABLE MAN, 122, c, 3, by City of Light 1st Dam: Fanticola (GSW & GISP, $561,986), by Silent Name (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Catalina Cat, by Tabasco Cat 3rd Dam: Irish Dear, by Irish River (Fr) 1ST GRADE I WIN. ($375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Suzanne & William K. Warren, Jr.; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 10-5-2-0, $637,425. Werk Nick Rating: D+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–King of Gosford (GB), 122, c, 3, Zoustar (Aus)–Miss Sugars (GB), by Harbour Watch (Ire). 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. (32,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig, and Jeremy Peskoff; B-The Miss Sugars Partnership (GB); T-Philip D'Amato. $60,000. 3–Donegal Momentum, 122, c, 3, Uncle Mo–Moon Dash, by Malibu Moon. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Donegal Racing; B-Speedway Stable (KY); T-Thomas Morley. $36,000. Margins: 3/4, NK, NO. Odds: 5.30, 5.10, 3.30. Also Ran: Stay Hot, Carson's Run, British Isles, Atitlan, Twirling Point, Cathal (Ire), Rothschild, Heart Headed. Scratched: Chatalas, Tirupati. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Under the guidance of @umbyrispoli, #6 FORMIDABLE MAN ($12.60) won the $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1) at Del Mar. Another winner for @lanesendfarms City of Light on the @mwmracing-trainee. pic.twitter.com/SfoDjvphKZ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 1, 2024 The post Formidable Man Lands Hollywood Derby For City of Light Connections appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Jonathan Thomas and Augustin Stables continued their SoCal roll in style Nov. 30, capturing their third graded stakes win of the Del Mar Turf Festival with Will Then in the $103,000 Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3T).View the full article

St. Elias Stables homebred Rated by Merit (c, 2, Battalion Runner–Banner Waving, by Speightstown), featured in TDN nearly six weeks ago as Vinnie Viola's “unlikely Derby contender,” showed again why he ranks at or near the top of the promising 2-year-olds for the powerful stable. The undefeated colt won Saturday's FTBOA Florida Sire In Reality Stakes at Gulfstream to sweep the Florida Sires series. With the In Reality his first try around two turns, Rated by Merit broke smoothly from the rail to set an easy :24.13 and :48.92 pace. Classic of Course (Awesome of Course) threatened to his outside on the turn, but the 1-5 favorite let out a notch with confidence and, despite belatedly swapping to his correct lead and drifting slightly in the lane, he finished six lengths clear while pricking his ears at the wire. “When I took the lead at the beginning I was expecting some pressure, but I didn't get any,” said winning rider Jesus Rios. “For that reason, I was very relaxed with the horse and in the final stretch he got wide a little bit but the horse was very strong in the last part of the race. He is a very special horse. I feel very blessed to win this race and win the Triple Crown of the Florida Sire Stakes.” Rated by Merit has posted Beyer Speed Figures of 92 or above in each of his three previous starts, including a 99 in the FTBOA Florida Sire Affirmed Stakes Oct. 19. He also captured the Sept. 7 FTBOA Florida Sire Dr. Fager Stakes, giving him a sweep of the series, and broke his maiden at Gulfstream in July by 9 3/4 lengths. The winner's dam, Banner Waving, was purchased by Viola for $19,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November sale. She is a granddaughter of GISW Runup the Colors, who hails from an extremely deep family. Rated by Merit is her most recent reported foal. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. “He's just toying with them here!” #1 RATED BY MERIT romps in the $300,000 In Reality Stakes at Gulfstream Park. @JockeyRios in the irons on the son of Battalion Runner who is trained by Michael Yates. pic.twitter.com/G6LnQrZkfC — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 30, 2024 FTBOA FLORIDA SIRE IN REALITY S., $300,000, Gulfstream, 11-30, (C), 2yo, c/g, 1 1/16m, 1:45.71, ft. 1–RATED BY MERIT, 122, c, 2, by Battalion Runner 1st Dam: Banner Waving, by Speightstown 2nd Dam: Freedom Flag, by Dixie Union 3rd Dam: Runup the Colors, by A.P. Indy O/B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (FL); T-Michael Yates; J-Jesus M. Rios. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $400,000. 2–Classic of Course, 118, c, 2, Awesome of Course–Alma Mater, by Honor Code. O-Amy E. Dunne and Patrick L. Biancone; B-Amy E. Dunne & Ciaran G. Dunne (FL); T-Patrick L. Biancone. $60,000. 3–Just Relax, 118, c, 2, Noble Bird–Strategize, by Afleet Alex. ($22,000 Ylg '23 OBSOCT; $75,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Sonata Stable; B-John Oxley Living Trust (FL); T-Jose Francisco D'Angelo. $33,000. Margins: 6, 9, NO. Odds: 0.20, 7.30, 23.70. Also Ran: Latch the Hatch, Lou, Roar of the Beast, Oleg, Emmett. Scratched: Neoequos. The post Rated by Merit Stays Undefeated for St. Elias Stables, Sweeps Florida Sire Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Returning to the main track and trying two turns for the first time in his career, FIRST RESORT (c, 2, Uncle Mo–Fair Maiden, by Street Boss) sat a stalking trip outside a longshot pacesetter, got first run on his rivals approaching the stretch and held off a late rally from a fractionally unlucky odds-on 'TDN Rising Star' Jonathan's Way (Vekoma) to give Godolphin a sweep of the afternoon's graded races in the GII Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs. Away alertly from an outside alley, the homebred was ridden forward by Luis Saez to press the pace outside of Dapper Moon (Malibu Moon). Sent into the lead right at the three-eighths pole, First Resort cornered for home in front, opened an imposing advantage in the final furlong and held firm. Jonathan's Way, a disappointing seventh in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, was slugglishly into stride from the two hole and was surrounded by horses most of the opening six furlongs while in centerfield. Angled wide in upper stretch, he closed off nicely, but the wire came too soon. Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) was a pocket-trip third. Trainer Eoin Harty was winning his first graded race in nearly four years after saddling First Resort's dam to win the 2020 GI La Brea Stakes. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Eoin Harty. First Resort earns 10 points on the Road to the #KyDerby! pic.twitter.com/jbRRcqNj1s — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) November 30, 2024 The post Uncle Mo’s First Resort Gives Godolphin 2YO Graded Sweep at Churchill 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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With the scratch of 8-5 favorite Supa Speed (Justify) at the gate, it was a 10-1 longshot who took advantage of the delay as Will Then (f, 2, War of Will–Remember Then, by Pulpit) exploded down the middle of the course to take the GIII Jimmy Durante at Del Mar. In no rush after the jump, Will Then set up shop near the rear of the field as the pacesetters stepped out through :22.69 and a :46.98 half mile. Rolling on the grandstand side, Will Then slingshot her into the lane and inhaled her inner foes to win stylishly. 'TDN Rising Star' Casalu (Caracaro) was second while Resolve (Midnight Lute) came on to claim third. Will Then is War of Will (by War Front)'s first black-type winner. The final time was 1:36.46. Will Then was last seen Oct. 26 breaking her maiden up north at Woodbine on their turf course. O-Augustin Stables; B-George Strawbridge Jr.; T-Jonathan Thomas. Well then, WILL THEN ($23.00) The War of Will filly (@claibornefarm) ran off with the $100,000 Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3) at @DelMarRacing. @VCheminaud was up for trainer @ThomasStables. Time for Late Pick 4 tickets: https://t.co/qATfXrCexd pic.twitter.com/H49uPUlaKS — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 30, 2024 Saturday, Del Mar JIMMY DURANTE S.-GIII, $103,000, Del Mar, 11-30, 2yo, f, 1mT, 1:36.46, fm. 1–WILL THEN, 120, f, 2, by War of Will 1st Dam: Remember Then, by Pulpit 2nd Dam: Owsley, by Harlan 3rd Dam: Insipid, by Sham 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O-Augustin Stables; B-George Strawbridge (KY); T-Jonathan Thomas; J-Vincent Cheminaud. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $92,571. *1/2 to Born Dapper (Union Rags), SW, $141,218. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Casalu, 120, f, 2, Caracaro–Key d'Oro, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($775,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman; B-LLP Performance Horses, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $20,000. 3–Resolve, 120, f, 2, Midnight Lute–Custody, by Broken Vow. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($125,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG; $250,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-California Racing Partners, Ciaglia Racing LLC and Kevin F. O'Donnell; B-Bloom Racing LLC (KY); T-Leonard Powell. $12,000. Margins: 2 1/4, 3/4, NK. Odds: 10.50, 8.10, 4.50. Also Ran: Sea Runner, Ce La Vi Charli, Slick (Ire), Dandy Vandy (Fr), Schilflied, Tigerish, Lee's Baby Girl, Acquitted. Scratched: Origami (Ire), Supa Speed. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post War of Will’s Will Then Upsets Jimmy Durante, Becomes Sire’s First Black Type Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WinStar Farm's 'TDN Rising Star' IMPULSE BUY (f, 2, Speightstown–Jojo Warrior, by Pioneerof the Nile) took advantage of wicked fractions for the opening half-mile of Saturday's Fern Creek Stakes at Churchill Downs and raced past her rivals in the final furlong to record a comfortable victory. Off as the 9-4 third betting choice, the homebred was away only fairly from her outside draw and was second last early on as favored 'TDN Rising Star' Shisospicy (Mitole) was pressed through a quarter in 21.70. Impulse Bay made eye-catching progress at the rail leaving the 3 1/2-furlong pole and was guided to the outside by Tyler Gaffalione for a clear crack at the leaders nearing the stretch if good enough. Shisospicy battled on bravely despite the swift pace, but Impulse Buy went to her under a full head of steam approaching the sixteenth pole and drove clear. The previously unbeaten Echo Sound (Echo Town) was up for second over Shisospicy. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0. O/B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY); T-Rodolphe Brisset. Impulse Buy wins The Fern Creek Stakes for Rudolphe Brisset and @Tyler_Gaff! pic.twitter.com/W5mdYqaCJ5 — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) November 30, 2024 The post ‘Rising Star’ Impulse Buy A Convincing Winner of the Fern Creek appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three Chimneys Farm homebred Pretty Ana notched her first stakes score in a gritty effort in the $194,000 Comely Stakes (G3) Nov. 30 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

East Coast-based trainer Chad Brown has dominated the West Coast stakes for turf distaffers and sends Tax Implications, Gina Romantica, Child of the Moon, and Prerequisite.View the full article

Godolphin homebred Immersive (Nyquist) will be crowned the champion 2-year-old filly of 2024 at January's Eclipse Awards, but the operation's GOOD CHEER (f, 2, Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) is doing her best to keep pace with that resting filly and ran her record to a perfect four-from-four with an off-the-pace victory in Saturday's GII Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs, good for 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. Favored more or less at odds of 2-3 looking to build on a 4 3/4-length success in the Rags To Riches Stakes Oct. 27, the bay filly was off a half-step slowly after perhaps brushing the gate and settled behind midfield, but was patiently handled by Luis Saez. Fifth entering the final four furlongs, Good Cheer was given her cue four wide on the second turn and was asked to come after Eclatant (Into Mischief), who bid for the lead from the two path approaching the stretch. Asked to win her race in upper stretch, Good Cheer put Eclatant away, opened an insurmountable advantage and easily held sway to the wire. Quietside (Malibu Moon) ran on nicely for second, while Eclatant just held on to the show spot. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad Cox. Good Cheer is too good in the G2 Golden Rod at @churchilldowns for trainer @bradcoxracing with @luissaezpty aboard! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/xivu5wZ3nn — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) November 30, 2024 Saturday, Churchill Downs GOLDEN ROD S.-GII, $400,000, Churchill Downs, 11-30, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:43.26, ft. 1–GOOD CHEER, 122, f, 2, by Medaglia d'Oro 1st Dam: Wedding Toast (MGISW, $1,419,956), by Street Sense 2nd Dam: Golden Sheba, by Coronado's Quest 3rd Dam: Mari's Sheba, by Mari's Book 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O/B-Godolphin, LLC (KY); T-Brad Cox; J-Luis Saez. $242,470. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $457,630. *1/2 to Ya Hayati (Dubawi {Ire}), SW-UAE, $246,924. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Quietside, 122, f, 2, Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown. O/B-Shortleaf Stable, Inc. (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $78,700. 3–Eclatant, 122, f, 2, Into Mischief–Downside Scenario, by Scat Daddy. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O-Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $39,350. Margins: 2HF, 6, HD. Odds: 0.66, 3.71, 2.47. Also Ran: Sturgeon Moon, Flash Wear, Fixin to Bee, My Lil Punky. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Medaglia d’Oro’s Good Cheer The Toast of the Golden Rod appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Responding to a rash of recent breakdowns at Woodbine, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which regulates racing in the province, has taken steps it hopes will lead to fewer injuries. Woodbine has now had six fatalities since the Nov. 9 card in which two horses died and the remainder of the day's program was cancelled, as was the next scheduled day of racing. The biggest change is that any horse that has raced within the previous 14 calendar days is ineligible to race and will be scratched if already entered. With the new rules having gone into effect after entries were drawn for Saturday's races, 12 horses that were entered to run back within 14 days were scratched from the card. Four horses were scratched from the second race, leaving it with a field of just six. Five horses had to be withdrawn from the 10th race, leaving a field of six. Other steps that were taken include: (*) Any racehorses that have received an intra-articular fetlock injection–used to treat joint issues–within the previous 14 calendar days of race date will be restricted from entering to race. (*) The AGCO is requiring that an official veterinarian be present and observe horses during all morning training at Woodbine. Before a horse on the Veterinarian's List is permitted to return to work, its trainer and a private veterinarian must observe it jogging within 48 hours before the work and jointly certify that the horse is fit and sound before being examined by the official veterinarian and being permitted to work. The new rules will be in place until further notice. The post Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Orders Additional Measures to Protect Horses at Woodbine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lingstown debut winner Kindly Prince (Fr) (Great Pretender {Ire}) (lot 4) topped the second edition of the Goffs Coral Gold Cup Sale at £320,000 on Saturday. David Mullins snapped up the 4-year-old gelding from Jonathan Fogarty Racing. Soldier Of Fortune (Ire) gelding Real Quartz (Ire) (lot 7) caught the eyes of Ryan Mahon and Dan Skelton Racing for £190,000. He was consigned by Skehanagh Stables. The bay is from the same family as dual Grade 1-winning chaser Joncol (Ire) (Bob's Return {Ire}). Statistically, 14 of the 16 horses offered sold (88%) for a gross of £1,510,500 (-30%). The average was £107,893 (-9%) and the median dropped to £90,000 (-18%). Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said, “Following on from last year's successful debut sale here at Newbury Racecourse, there was a high level of anticipation coming into this year's edition and the racecourse results ensured that we had a strong catalogue going into today's sale. Because of that, inspections were busy across both days of racing at the Coral Gold Cup Festival with many positive remarks about the improved facilities which included using the racecourse stables and moving the auction to Newbury's Owner's Club. These changes helped the sale to enjoy a unique atmosphere and other than a few on-site technical issues, the event was a success. “Racecourse results are what drive any sale and the impressive victory of Ben Pauling's The Jukebox Man in yesterday's G2 John Francome Novices' Chase was a timely reminder of what can be bought at the Goffs Point-to-Point Sales. This helped drive a clearance rate of 88% and a sale topping price of £320,000 which is a significant increase on last year. We would like to thank our loyal vendors for their support today and also wish the buyers the best of luck with their new recruits. We look forward to following their progress in the hope of unearthing the next The Jukebox Man, Jonbon or Constitution Hill.” The post Kindly Prince Brings £320K At Goffs Coral Gold Cup Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has directed Woodbine to implement a series of measures aimed at reducing the risk of catastrophic breakdowns which have plagued the Toronto track in November.View the full article

It was nip and tuck to the wire, but Pretty Ana (3, f, Quality Road–Quiet Giant, by Giant's Causeway) gamely turned away Alpine Princess (Classic Empire) to secure her first black type victory in the GIII Comely Stakes. The half-sister to breeder/owner Three Chimneys Farm's flagship sire Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), the dark bay rode the rail right from the jump and turned away the challenge in the lane. Scalable (Speightstown) came on for third. Pretty Ana was last seen Oct. 26 running third, beaten by a neck for it all, in the GII Mother Goose Stakes. PRETTY ANA ($9.40) turned Alpine Princess away in the $200,000 Comely Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct. The three-year-old daughter of Quality Road (@LanesEndFarms) was ridden by Jose Lezcano for trainer Chad Brown. Bet the lucky last: https://t.co/R7YWKvTAyu pic.twitter.com/9mSEBTUxWf — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 30, 2024 O/b-Three Chimneys Farm; T-Chad Brown. Saturday, Aqueduct COMELY S.-GIII, $194,000, Aqueduct, 11-30, 3yo, f, 1 1/8m, 1:49.99, ft. 1–PRETTY ANA, 118, f, 3, by Quality Road 1st Dam: Quiet Giant (GSW, $405,389), by Giant's Causeway 2nd Dam: Quiet Dance, by Quiet American 3rd Dam: Misty Dancer, by Lyphard 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O/B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Jose Lezcano. $110,000. Lifetime Record: 9-2-0-3, $203,869. *1/2 to Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), Horse Of The Year, Among The Leading Sires, Ch. Older Dirt Male, Among The Leading Sires, MGISW-USA, G1SP-UAE, $15,988,500. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Alpine Princess, 120, f, 3, Classic Empire–Le Moine, by Curlin. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($190,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Full of Run Racing Two and Madaket Stables LLC; B-Betz/DJ Stables/Peter V. Lamantia/Classic Empire Syndicate (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $40,000. 3–Scalable, 124, f, 3, Speightstown–Passion Flower, by Tapit. ($200,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Repole Stable; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $24,000. Margins: HD, 5HF, NK. Odds: 3.70, 0.75, 10.60. Also Ran: Life Talk, Dorothy's Dreams. Scratched: Audacious, Just Music. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Gun Runner Half-Sister Pretty Ana Makes the Grade in the Comely appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love It’s Green Mile day today at Mt Harding racecourse in Methven, with the trotters and pacers battling it out in two $25,000 features. Race 6 (3:37pm), the Woodlands Stud Green Mile Trot looks set to be a match race between Oscar Bonavena and Muscle Mountain while in Race 8, the Methven 4 Square Supermarket Green Mile Australian visitor Better Eclipse is a dominant $1.70 favourite. Last start Group 1 winner Oscar Bonavena ($1.80FF) is looking to go back to back in the Green Mile, and claim his third crown overall, for trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon with Blair Orange to drive. The Greg and Nina Hope-trained Muscle Mountain ($1.95FF) is looking to return to winning form. Of the rest, Midnight Dash and One Over All look to be the main threats to fill placings. The pacer’s version, Race eight looks a more even line up despite the overwhelming favouritism of Better Eclipse, the Auckland Cup winner. The major threats are the likes of Wild Willow who has a picket fence formline, Mighty Looee who won the Methven cup this year and American Me who raced in the New Zealand Cup, among others. One of those ‘others’ is Franco Marek who is quickly becoming, if he’s not already, a public favourite. Trainer Greg Manson was absolutely thrilled with the six-year-old A Rocknroll Dance gelding’s efforts during cup week. Franco Marek is currently a $3 second favorite for today’s Green Mile. “He’s better than what he was in Cup week. He got that bacterial infection before the Flying Stakes and missed that race and some work. We only had one run (the cup trial) before taking on cup week. So he’s actually come on more since then,” said Manson. Drawn one the second line, driver John Morrison will need to execute the finest precision in navigating through and around the field. “Methven is a big track. He’s very fast so I’m confident he will have a good winning chance with one crack at them.” Depending on today’s outcome Manson will be weighing up his options with Franco Marek for the near future. “If he gets the job done today we will likely go to the Invercargill Cup and if not I wouldn’t mind going to Westport. Otherwise it’ll be in the paddock.” Racing commences today from 12:45pm. View the full article

Ben Cecil, trainer of 2002 champion turf female Golden Apples, has died at the age of 56. Cecil died Nov. 29 after a lengthy battle with cancer.View the full article