Wandering Eyes

Saturday's G1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes has a very different feel to it than at the 48-hour declaration stage, with the heavy rain that fell before the middle part of the three-day Cambridgeshire meeting affecting and afflicting the key races. Dynamic on good ground or quicker and unraced on anything softer than good-to-yielding, the sponsors' Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) has a new examination to sit on her first foray overseas and connections are in the dark as to how she will fare. Her dam Pavlosk (Arch) was impressive on soft when recording her career-best success at listed level and her full-sister Zarinsk (GB) also proved adept at handling these conditions when registering three of her set of black-type wins on easy going, but there is always a question mark with one who has demonstrated such speed on top-of-the-ground. Reassuringly, the participation of Ireland's hottest property among its clutch of high-class juvenile fillies is not in doubt regardless of the dramatic shift in the surface. “She will definitely run, whether she'll go on it we won't know until she does,” the operation's Barry Mahon said of the G1 Phoenix Stakes heroine. “We'll all find out together whether she likes it or not, that's the best way.” “Ger [Lyons] is very happy with her and Colin [Keane] rode her on Thursday morning and thought she was in good form,” he added. “She's got a little bit heavier and a little bit stronger from her last race, which is good to see. I wouldn't swap her for anything else. She's been rock-solid, she's beaten the colts, the form has worked out in the Morny and she's been a pillar of consistency all year.” Heavy ground is hardly any more suitable for Ballydoyle's Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who steps back to six furlongs having collected The Curragh's G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes over seven last time. Her previous win in the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes on the July Course here came on quick ground, so the daughter of Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) is also entering unknown territory. Ryan Moore is unfazed, however. “She drops down to six furlongs here, which shouldn't be a problem, and I am not fearing that the slow ground will affect her either,” he confidently stated. “Babouche is obviously our main danger, also being an unbeaten group 1 winner, and it is set up to be a good match.” Looking to upset the idea of a “match” is The Aga Khan's impressive Chantilly conditions scorer Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who recorded impressive sectionals 12 days ago and who has prompted normally-conservative connections into the surprisingly bold action of supplementing her for this tough test. “She's in very good form, she's very well and we are looking forward to running her,” commented trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who is looking to add to his already-stellar 2024 campaign. “It was the way she did it when she won last time and the way she has come out of the race, she's come on a lot, so we are going to give it a go before she winters,” he added. “Obviously it's a big challenge, I just hope the ground will not be too heavy, as that is my main worry. She would be happy on good-to-soft, we don't know how she will take to the track at Newmarket but that is the same for nearly all the fillies and we will find out.” This looks a strong renewal, with Gousserie Racing and Sandrine Gavrois's G3 Prix de Cabourg winner and G1 Prix Morny third Daylight (Fr) (Earthlight {Ire}), Rockcliffe Stud's G2 Lowther Stakes winner Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Wathnan Racing's G2 Queen Mary Stakes scorer Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) all with claims. The latter needs to up her game after her latest third behind Celandine in the Lowther, but Wathnan's racing adviser Richard Brown gave cause for optimism on Friday. “It looks like one of the hottest Cheveley Parks we've seen for a very long time, but she owes us nothing,” he said of the Karl Burke trainee. “There were a few things at York that probably didn't go her way. James [Doyle] was keen to ride her with a view to getting her to stay, but he felt afterwards that she saw the trip out well. We can probably ride her with a bit more confidence this time. It was hard carrying the three-pound penalty and she was beaten under two lengths.” A Middle Park Quandary… If the ground is an unknown for Babouche, it also raises question marks over the G1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes favourite Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never). While he has won the G1 Prix Morny and the G2 July Stakes on good-to-soft, he was readily brushed aside by Cowardofthecounty (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) on this going on debut at The Curragh back in April and it could be that a test at this six-furlong trip stretches him. Stablemate Ides Of March (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is unraced on ground slower than good and is probably even more likely to be compromised, suggesting this won't be the Ballydoyle bonanza it appears on paper. Godolphin's G2 Gimcrack Stakes runner-up Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Wathnan Racing's unbeaten Defence Minister (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) were both taken out of last Saturday's G2 Mill Reef Stakes after similarly heavy rain came to Newbury, while Eleanora Kennedy's G2 Richmond Stakes winner Black Forza (Complexity) captured that Goodwood contest on quick summer going. With so many unknowns, Nurlan Bizakov's Kempton novice winner Dash Dizzy (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) could sneak into the picture as a half-brother to Sioux Nation who was sixth in this in 2017. Ready For Early Blue Riband Clues… There are two other important juvenile contests on Saturday which given the deterioration in ground conditions and the fact that they are staged at a mile both incline more towards the 2025 Derby than 2,000 Guineas. Newmarket's G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes sees the Charlie Fellowes-trained Listed Ascendant Stakes winner Luther (GB) (Frankel {GB}) tackle Ballydoyle's Galway maiden winner Puppet Master (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), while at The Curragh the G2 Beresford Stakes, the Silverton Hill Partnership's G3 Tyros Stakes winner, and G2 Futurity Stakes runner-up Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) is taken on by Ballydoyle's 12-length Galway maiden-winning TDN Rising Star Trinity College (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and ultra-green Listed Criterium de l'Ouest scorer Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}). Also at The Curragh is the Goffs Million, where the Joseph O'Brien-trained Listed Criterium du FEE winner Apples And Bananas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) encounters Ballydoyle's Naas maiden scorer Antelope Canyon (Ire) (No Nay Never) and a dozen others chasing the bonanza. The post Mahon Ponders Babouche’s Cheveley Park Bid After Newmarket Downpour appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Fair Hill leg of the Real Rider Cup welcomed 36 horse and rider combinations along with hundreds of spectators to Fair Hill Thoroughbred Horse Show Sept. 13th. The charity show jumping competition brought together personalities from across the breeding and racing industry to increase awareness and raise funds for Thoroughbred aftercare, with each rider pledging to raise at least $1,000. Riders, mounted on off-track Thoroughbreds and wearing the silks of their employers, colleagues, and clients, contended a course of fences with the fastest clear rounds taking home top honors. Team SMACC Down produced both the overall champion and highest earning riders: Gabrelle Nguyen, last year's second-placed rider, took top honors as individual champion aboard Pet Me Pet Me, and last year's highest earner Sandi Norris smashed her previous total, personally raising $8,439. Team Pastured Place won the team competition. The evening concluded with non-competitive rounds showcasing three horses from Team Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation who collectively raised over $13,000 for the RRC's beneficiaries. Founded by Anita Motion in 2017, the original Real Rider Cup was hosted at the Unionville CCI 4* event with the Retired Racehorse Project as the sole beneficiary. It has since moved to Fair Hill, adding the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show as beneficiary, as well as added a Kentucky leg of competition held at New Vocations' Lexington facility. Since its beginning, the event has raised over $600,000 for Thoroughbred aftercare and Motion has a vision to expand the event model to benefit more aftercare entities. To that end, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) will join the list of RRC beneficiaries, with a Los Angeles leg of the competition in the works for spring 2025. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to bring the Real Rider Cup to the West Coast and to add CARMA to our group of beneficiaries,” said Motion. “Not only does it raise much-needed funds for retraining and aftercare, but it demonstrates that we can all work together towards a unanimous goal.” “We are excited to welcome Real Rider Cup to California. This event has become a staple in the mid-west and east coast, and I know our equestrian community has been waiting for the opportunity to enjoy the event in their own backyard,” said Lucinda Lovitt, Executive Director of CARMA. “By bringing regional events like RRC to California, we continue to elevate Thoroughbred aftercare and the good work so many organizations do for the horses.” The post Real Rider Cup At Fair Hill Nets $80,000 For TB Aftercare, Plans To Expand To CA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Churchill Downs, $136,640, Alw (C)/Opt. Clm ($175,000), 9-27, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:09.76, sy, 2 1/4 lengths. BANGO (h, 7, Congrats–Josaka, by Smart Strike) had not visited the winner's circle at his home track since the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes over a year ago. On the hunt for his 12th victory which would give him the all-time Churchill record over Ready's Rocket (More Than Ready), the 7-year-old was last seen finishing off the board over this surface in the Kelly's Landing Stakes June 29. Facing three others and as the 9-5 second choice, the venerable homebred chased his three rivals initially up the backstretch. Locked in along the rail around the far turn, Bango splashed along looking for a way through. The Greg Foley trainee split horses at the top of the lane, dove to the inside once again and rolled home to capture the Twin Spires mark by 2 1/4 lengths over favorite Angkor (Anchor Down). The winner is a half-brother to Eton Ridge (Stephen Got Even), SW-PR, $274,962. Josaka is responsible for a 2-year-old colt by Flatter, a weanling filly by Jack Christopher who was foaled Apr. 10 and she visited Arabian Lion for next season. Bango hails from an extended female family which includes GII Louisiana Derby hero Revolutionary (War Pass). Lifetime Record: MSW/GSP, 38-15-4-4, $1,617,891. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Tamaroak Stable (KY); T-Gregory D. Foley. Bango does it!! 12 wins at Churchill Downs! He breaks the all-time record of wins in R3 on the card under regular pilot @tyler_gaff for trainer @foley_racing! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/MRT5hWqoAS — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 27, 2024 The post Bango Sets Churchill Downs All-Time Mark For Wins On Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The combination of an incredible riding performance, and sheer will to win, saw Southport Tycoon zip home to land a red-hot renewal of The Valley's Manikato Stakes (G1) Sept. 27.View the full article

It's a familiar lament: prize-money in Britain is terrible. But is it actually true? The answer is different depending on where and at which level you are racing. At Class 5 and 6 level, where a significant portion of the horse population plies its trade, prize-money levels are poor and that is giving the rest of British racing an unfair reputation. But for those fortunate enough to race a top horse in Britain, the fact is that owners are better rewarded than those in Ireland or France. In 2024, 18 of the 24 most valuable Group 1 races in Europe have been or will be run in Britain. Drop to Group 2 level and there are 43 races worth at least £115,000 in Britain, compared to six in France and four in Ireland. In fact, 19 of the most valuable Group 2 races in those three countries are staged in Britain, headed by the £500,000 City of York Stakes, whose prize fund has been boosted with the aim of Group 1 promotion at heart. For Group 3 races, there are 59 in Britain run at £70,000 or more, while just three Irish Group 3s reach that mark and none in France. The 23 most valuable Group 3 races in Europe are all in Britain including the £200,000 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket and Goodwood's £200,000 Gordon Stakes. In the black-type programme, a further 99 Listed races are run at £50,000 or more in Britain this year, and again this compares favourably to its two nearest neighbours, with France hosting 28 at that level and Ireland three. Again, the most valuable Listed race in Europe is in Britain: the £150,000 Redcar Two Year Old Trophy. With the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale just around the corner, this is a message that the company's marketing director, Jimmy George, is keen to share with potential buyers at the sales. Indeed, it is incumbent on all those involved in British racing to refresh the narrative. “Often the [Group prize-money] is competitive with America,” says George. “For example, the G3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes is worth £165,000, which is approximately $215,000, and there is not one Grade II or Grade III two-year-old race at the forthcoming Belmont/Aqueduct meeting worth more than $200,000.” Indeed, the Acomb, run at York's Ebor meeting, is part of a four-day festival at which not a single race is run for less than £100,000. York racecourse has long been a leader in its field, and the advent of Premier Racing, which has not been met with unanimous approval, has meant that some courses have been forced into significantly improving purses at their Premier fixtures. What goes up also usually comes down, however, and plenty of 'Core fixtures' have offered reduced prize-money at the lower tiers of racing. George also points to the programme of maiden and novice races in Britain, which has been enhanced in the last two seasons by a series of 84 high-value development races backed by Juddmonte, Darley, Tattersalls and the British EBF. “I think there are around 100 maiden or novice races in Britain worth £25,000 or more, and at least 85 of those are worth £30,000 or more, with the Convivial Maiden at York worth £100,000,” he adds. “We have had an average of 44 £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus winners each year since the scheme began eight years ago, so that's an extra £1 million-plus in two-year-old win prize-money in each of those years. “Great British Bonus figures can be added as well, and as an example, the Victorious Racing filly Duty First won £49,320 when she won her maiden at Ayr last month, comprising the feeble £4,320 of prize-money, £20,000 GBB and £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus, and the Salhia Stud filly Bintjeddah won £50,400 for winning her maiden at Haydock last week – £5,400 prize-money, £20,000 GBB and £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus.” George says that he would like to see these bonuses acknowledged alongside the official prize-money figures in a horse's career overview, similar to the way French premiums are shown on the France Galop website. He continues, “Sadly, when you look up those horses, and obviously any other bonus winners, all you see is that they won £4,320 or £5,400, so the perceived wisdom that there is no prize-money in British racing is perpetuated. We do our best to highlight all Book 1 Bonus winners, and the GBB winners are all on their website, but there is precious little dialogue about this and no official, centralised way of this money being recognised in statistics. “It is also worth bearing in mind the winners of a JRA two-year-old maiden win ¥7,200,000, which is about £39,000. As an industry, we need to raise the level of awareness amongst ourselves as to the prize-money opportunities that are out there. The Tattersalls' perspective is that winning your maiden is almost the most important point in your prize-money journey. And if you get a big payday the day you win your first-ever race, that gives you a warm and tingly feeling going forward. Hence, we've committed so much money over the last eight years to the Book 1 Bonus scheme, and it's distributed £9 million in extra prize-money directly to owners in Britain and in Ireland as well.” Of course, only a selection of the racing population emanates from Book 1, and the GBB scheme is only open to fillies bred in Britain or by British stallions, so there are restrictions in these extra funds available, but the high-value maidens are increasingly prevalent. “There's more than two a week of these that trainers can target and there's plenty more in that £15,000 to £25,000 bracket,” says George. “So constantly beating ourselves up to the detriment of the overall industry makes it difficult to sell the sport to new owners or even retain others, and to my mind, runs the risk of them migrating to places like France where, again, the perceived wisdom is not always matched by the reality. One absolute fact is that Group and Listed races in this country are worth significantly more than they are anywhere else in Europe across the board. “If you are lucky enough to have a good horse, Britain is the best place in Europe to have it by a country mile. That is not necessarily a narrative that is widely disseminated or trumpeted by, dare I say it, the vast majority of the racing media or even the people paid to promote British racing. And, therefore, a huge number of racing professionals get battered into thinking that they're clinging on without a life jacket to a sinking ship. It's time to sell the sport a little bit better.” That is something that George has been doing from the perspective of Tattersalls for more than three decades. On Thursday, he made the surprise announcement of his imminent departure to the International Racing Bureau. That is not until January, however, and before then he is looking forward to welcoming the major players of the bloodstock world to Park Paddocks for the fortnight-long October Yearling Sale, which begins on Tuesday, October 8. “We're very fortunate to have so many of the world's biggest and most committed racehorse owners and breeders focusing their operations and their attention on Britain, racing all or most of their best stock here, maybe breeding all or most of their best stock over here, but also focusing on Book 1 of the Tattersalls October yearlings to source the best stock that is available,” he says. “And that, I think, is the key element of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. It is recognised throughout the world as being the single biggest collection of elite turf yearlings, probably to be found anywhere in the world, which reflects not only the quality of the stock that the breeders are sending to the sale, but also the quality of the stallions that we currently have in Britain, Ireland and France, even without Galileo now.” George and his colleagues spend plenty of time in the air on their way to recruit potential buyers for the sale. “It's obviously a very important part of what we do at Tattersalls, spreading the word as far and wide as we possibly can every year,” he says. “The process begins very early in the year, the regular trips to North America, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, throughout the Gulf region. We like to think there are very few stones that remain unturned in the course of us scouring the globe to push the message out. A total of 1,873 yearlings have been catalogued across the four books of the October Sale, which has been deliberately reduced in number by 273 this year to ease the pressure on both vendors and buyers. At the sale's end comes Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 19 with prize-money totalling £4.5 million across six races, headed by the £1.3-million G1 Champion Stakes. “Almost by definition, there will be something for everyone and it's very important that we don't just attract the elite buyers, but those whose budgets are more suited to the latter part of the October yearling sale know that they can come here confident that they also have a chance of finding superior race horses,” says George. “It's a very busy fortnight and we have made a conscious effort this year to try and tighten it a little bit to make the two weeks more manageable, and particularly in week two, spanning Books 2, 3 and 4. I think everybody working that second week will hopefully benefit from that and notice the difference, that it won't be quite as attritional as sometimes it can feel.” As George reflects on his time at Tattersalls, clearly one of the things of which he feels most proud is the launch of the Book 1 Bonus back in 2015. “They are putting a lot of prize-money directly into the hands of owners, significant prize-money, which we strongly believe makes a difference to these owners. We want people to win these bonuses because it keeps them engaged in the sport,” he says. “It makes a difference, particularly at the slightly lower sector of the October Book 1 market, that at 100,0000gns and below. Thirty-five per cent of the 383 Book 1 bonus winners that we've had to date since the scheme's inception have been purchased for a 100,0000gns or less.” Over those years, around £9 million has been paid out in Book 1 Bonuses, while the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's GBB Scheme, funded by the Levy Board and with contributions from breeders and owners, has dished out around £16.5 million (£14 million from the Levy Board) since its inception in 2020. George adds, “I'm sure with a bit of joined-up thinking and getting a few people around a table, we can make sure the Book 1 Bonus and GBB figures are reflected in prize-money statistics. It's amazing how much difference a few million pounds in prize-money carefully directed can make to the ownership experience.” The post Is Prize-Money In Britain Really That Bad? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mama Cocha looks for a repeat win in the Sprinters Stakes (G1) Sept. 29 at Nakayama Racecourse, one of only two top-level sprints on the Japanese racing calendar.View the full article

It was today announced that the ITBA Next Generation have updated their committee for 2024/25 as they prepare to kick off their calendar of events for the new season. Ross O'Mahony of Tattersalls Ireland steps up to the role of chair and Luke Bleahen of Lakefield Farm will be vice chair. The rest of the committee will comprise of Aoife Boland (Goffs, Piercetown Stud), Luke Coen (Tattersalls Ireland, Q-Cross Stables), Jack Fitzgerald (UCD Vet Student), Sarah Gayer (ALEH), Timmy Love (Coolderry Farm), Paul Moloney (Irish National Stud), Brigitte Murphy (Tally-Ho Stud), Edmond Ryan (Weir View Stud), Niall Scott (Coolmore Stud) and Conor Wixted (Goffs). The interms for 2025/25 have also been named, with Emma Hunter, Ciara Russell, Dana Jones and Emma Dillon all having started their placements this month. “Following on from the accomplishments of the ITBA Next Generation since its resurgence two years ago, I'm delighted to take on the role as chairman for the coming year with the help of Luke Bleahen as vice chair,” said O'Mahony. “The committee over the last two years led by Orla Donworth and Conor Wixted was very successful and we are looking forward to continuing and building on this momentum with a mostly new committee.” It was also announced that first-time buyers and paid members of ITBA Next Generation will be able to benefit from a lower threshold of €10,000 to access loyalty schemes at Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland. O'Mahony added, “One of our goals with the Next Gen is to make the industry as accessible as possible and our new members benefit will aid in doing that. “Tattersalls Ireland and Goffs have kindly agreed to lower the threshold of their respective loyalty schemes to €10,000 (£8,500 for Goffs UK)–subject to terms and conditions that are in place–exclusively for first-time buyers who are members of the ITBA Next Generation, meaning a lot sold for €10,000 (£8,500) or more will not be charged vendor commission if they return to a sale within the same sales company.” The post ITBA Next Generation Announces New Committee for 2024/25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Slated to be Kentucky's only Quarter Horse venue, Revolutionary Racing is pouring $10 million into Sandy Ridge Racetrack which is currently under construction in Ashland, the investor said via a Friday press release. Built on 182 acres behind Sandy's Racing & Gaming–a $75 million entertainment facility that Revolutionary opened 11 months ago–the developer plans to request 2026 race dates from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. “We are excited to begin this phase of our project, which will be unlike anything else in the state,” said Larry Lucas, chairman of Revolutionary Racing. “We envision this to be much more than just a racetrack–we expect it to become an entertainment destination for families, whether it's for racing, concerts, farmer's markets or youth sports. Thanks to our partnerships with state and local officials, it will be another shot in the arm for continued economic development in Eastern Kentucky.” Mt. Sterling-based Walker Construction and Materials is leading track construction. The company has spent the last three years working near Sandy Ridge, as they were awarded a $45.7 million contract to rebuild four miles of U.S. 60. Much like that project, there is undeveloped land, which Revolutionary says has taken months of infrastructure planning to address. In addition, the gaming company recently agreed to sell 50 acres to Boyd County for future development. “The Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association is thrilled to see this announcement by Revolutionary Racing that a first class oval track is being built in Ashland,” said Christina Sowders, the association's president. “We thank Revolutionary Racing for their hard work and perseverance to get here. This has been a long time coming for Quarter Horse racing in Kentucky. We look forward to helping bring world class quarter horse racing to Ashland in 2026.” Two years ago, Revolutionary Racing received approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for a license to operate a Quarter Horse track and also the opportunity to bring in historical horse racing (HHR) to Sandy's Racing & Gaming. The post Construction Begins On Kentucky’s Newest Racetrack At Sandy Ridge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025 Bloodstock South Africa Cape Yearling Sale will be held at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) Centre on Feb. 23, the sales company announced on Friday. Previously, the sale was held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. This venue reflects the new partnership between BSA, SARDA and the Constantia Valley Riding Club. The latter is based at the SARDA Centre in Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights, approximately six kilometres from the old site. “Bloodstock South Africa are excited to be partnering with such a giving organisation and will be supporting SARDA where possible in upgrading their facilities and expanding their programmes,” said Michael Holmes, chief executive officer of BSA. “All the existing sale related facilities will be easily accommodated at the SARDA Centre and Bloodstock South Africa look forward to hosting vendors and buyers at their Cape Yearling Sale on the 23 of February 2025.” The post BSA Cape Yearling Sale To Be Held At New Venue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Japanese Group 1 racing resumes on Sunday with the 1200-metre Sprinters Stakes, and last year's winner, Mama Cocha (Jpn) (Kurofune), is ready to defend her title. Receiving four pounds versus the majority of the field, the mare finished her season with a fifth to Win Marvel (Jpn) () in the G2 Hanshin Cup upped to 1400 metres in December. Unable to land a telling blow when eighth to Mad Cool (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the 1200-metre G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in soft going at Chukyo in her 5-year-old bow, Mama Cocha was an encouraging second in the G2 Centaur Stakes there behind Toshin Macau (Jpn) (Big Arthur {Jpn}) on Sept. 8. Assistant trainer Yuki Iwasaki said of the stall six-drawn mare, “She fought out the finish well in her last race, and she hasn't shown any tiredness since that run. With little change in her condition, we've been able to work her sufficiently, and with just a short time between races, some fast work shortly before this next race should be enough. It's been very hot recently, but she seems to be fine with the heat. Having won the race last year, she's suited to the Nakayama course.” Attempting to become the sixth horse to complete the Takamatsunomiya Kinen/Sprinters Stakes double in the same year, Mad Cool was second here to Mama Cocha last term, and was unplaced when tried over a firm Sha Tin strip in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint in December. After defeating several of these, including Takamatsunominya Kinen runner-up Namura Clair (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn}) in March, the 5-year-old entire was 11th in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize back in Hong Kong when last seen at the end of April. He has drawn one to Mama Cocha's outside in seven. Trainer Manabu Ikezoe said, “The jockey [Ryusei Sakai] says the horse is moving well as usual and can still improve more. I also think the horse is in good condition and that things are going well with him. His reactions are good. He's a big horse, so his footwork isn't always so smooth. We've tried to vary things with his training a bit, so he's been in the pool to strengthen his heart and lungs.” Despite a career littered with strong performances–14 of 18 in the money–Namura Clair has yet to find the winner's circle at the highest level. The four-time group winner is versatile enough to run third in the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) over a mile at three, and she has hit the Group 1 crossbars thrice more throughout her career–second in the 2023 Takamatsunomiya Kinen, third behind Mama Cocha and Mad Cool in last year's Sprinters Stakes, and second to the latter in the 2024 Takamatsunomiya Kinen. She enters this contest as a very live chance with a fifth in the G3 Keeneland Cup at Sapporo in the wake of Sunday's antepost favourite Satono Reve (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) on Aug. 25. Like Mama Cocha, she bears only 123 pounds, the same weight as Mozu Meimei (Jpn) (Real Impact {Jpn}), with only 3-year-old filly Puro Magic (Jpn) (Asia Express {Jpn}) less burdened at 119 pounds. “She's been working well on the uphill since her last race, and her condition's good,” said trainer Kodai Hasegawa. “She's been running with a lot of power despite the hot weather, and jockey Takeshi Yokoyama has made sure the horse has trained well. His record with rides at Nakayama is also good.” The post Mama Cocha Aiming To Defend Sprinters Stakes Title appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Abundant rain turned Newmarket's ground to heavy before Friday's action and while it sunk the much-vaunted Formal (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G2 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Rockfel Stakes, it proved no hindrance to fellow TDN Rising Star Bubbling (Ire) (No Nay Never–Lumiere Noire {Fr}, by Dashing Blade {GB}) as she became the latest Ballydoyle juvenile filly to register a black-type win in 2024. Partnered by Ryan Moore after the stable's Ecstatic (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) was taken out due to the going, the impressive Galway maiden winner and Listed Ingabelle Stakes third was asked to stay relatively close to the early pace set by Serving With Style (GB) (Mohaather {GB}). Working her way by that rival passing the furlong pole, the well-supported 11-8 favourite stayed on strongly to score by 2 1/4 lengths, with the G3 Prestige Stakes runner-up Duty First (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) another 2 1/2 lengths away in third and Formal finishing a well-beaten fourth. In the event, it was not the soon-to-be-retired Sir Michael Stoute who was joining Barry Hills with the joint-record of four successes in this seven-furlong contest, but Aidan O'Brien whose 2-year-old fillies have now won a total of 10 black-type events this term. Bubbling finishes with a flourish to land the @ABE_Dubai Rockfel Stakes for Aidan O'Brien at @NewmarketRace. Three from three on the card for jockey Ryan Moore! pic.twitter.com/wymdt7nlkq — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 27, 2024 The post No Nay Never’s Bubbling Takes The Rockfel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars FORTUNATE SON - R9 (7) Big first-up run, has drawn nicely and Purton takes the reins Jay Rooney HAROLD WIN - R8 (2) Brave second on return and gets his chance to break through Jack Dawling HAROLD WIN - R8 (2) Youngster looks poised to break through after promising second last start Phillip Woo FIGHTING MACHINE - R5 (2) Produced a solid run first up and can go one better here Shannon (Vincent Wong) BOTTOMUPTOGETHER - R7 (1) Smart galloper with plenty of potential and can salute Racing Post Online FIGHTING MACHINE - R5 (2) Great run last start and looks primed for a bold run this afternoon Tom Wood KING MILES - R10 (2) Won three of his six starts last season and looks ready to go first upView the full article

Yeguada Centurion homebred Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) has been retired from racing, Paris Turf reported on Friday morning. The 4-year-old daughter of multiple group winner Queen Blossom (Ire) (Jeremy) won a quartet of Group 1s, including the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and Prix de Diane. Trained through her first 12 starts by Christopher Head, the bay won four of her six appearances at two en route to being named the top filly of her year in France. She landed the G3 Prix d'Aumale and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac in her final starts of 2022. At three, she rattled off victories in the G3 Prix de la Grotte, the French 1000 Guineas, and the French Oaks. Later in the season, Blue Rose Cen was back to her best with a neck victory in the G1 Prix de l'Opera. Switched to trainer Maurizio Guarnieri earlier this year, the filly went winless from five starts in Group 1 company and ended her career with a fifth-place effort in the GI E. P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine. Her record stands at 17-8-1-0, and $1,734,081 in earnings. “It is the decision of the filly's owner,” Guarnieri told Paris Turf on Friday morning. “She will therefore go to stud with two other fillies: Icon Cen (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Sandy Cen (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). These have just left my stable at the same time as Blue Rose Cen.” The post Classic Heroine Blue Rose Cen Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Sunday running at Chukyo and Nakayama Racecourses: Sunday, September 29, 2024 3rd-CKO, ¥13,720,000 ($96k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400m AMERICAN BEACH (c, 2, American Pharoah–American Song {Arg}, by Stripes Song {Arg}) is the second foal from his dam, winner in Argentina of the G1 GP Gilberto Lerena who is also the dam of the US-bred Otanisan (Justify), a maiden winner at third asking at Tokyo this past June. American Beach, who was purchased for the equivalent of $509,384 as a foal at the 2022 JRHA Select Sale, is out of a half-sister to Mystery Train (Arg) (Not For Sale {Arg}), a dual Group 1 winner at home and SW & GSP in this country; and to G1 Polla de Potrillos heroine American Tattoo (Arg) (Not For Sale {Arg}). B-Grand Stud 3rd-NKY, ¥13,720,000 ($96k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200mT ECORO WEISS (c, 2, Unified–Second Fiddle, by Paynter) fetched $65,000 after breezing a furlong in :10 1/5 at this year's OBS March Sale and is the second foal to race out of a half-sister to 2015 GII Woody Stephens Stakes winner and GI Hollywood Derby runner-up March (Blame) and to Grade III winner Eightyfiveinafifty (Forest Camp). The visiting Joao Moreira takes the call for owner Masatoshi Haramura and trainer Hideyuki Mori, who look set to be represented by fellow OBS March graduate Ecoro Sieg (Twirling Candy) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. B-Sequel Thoroughbreds LLC & Lakland Farm (NY) The post American Pharoah Colt Set for Chukyo Unveiling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

Alsephina after winning the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos) Alsephina ($3.60) has become the second Western Australian winner of the Group 2 Stocks Stakes in as many years, following Amelia’s Jewel’s barnstorming finish to claim the race in 2023. Hailing from the Grant & Alana Williams stable, the six-year-old mare produced a strong performance at Flemington first-up, which had many tipping her in the final event on the Moonee Valley card. After jumping well from the barriers, Blake Shinn allowed the daughter of Star Turn to settle midfield behind the speed, while Grinzinger Belle ($3.50) and Jennilala ($4.80) set a good speed ahead of her. Alsephina was one of the only runners that wasn’t off the bit as the field rounded the home turn, and all she needed was a gap to appear in the final 200m. When the gap did appear, Shinn pushed the mare’s nose into the space, and she burst through to storm clear late and record an impressive victory, with Lady Jones ($16) and Grinzinger Belle filling the placings. 2024 Stocks Stakes replay – Alsephina Grant Williams represented the winning stable post-race. “Great bunch of owners, you can see how much they enjoy it,” Williams said. “Yeah, there’s no pressure over here; it’s easy, isn’t it? “We’ve got one on the board early. “Hopefully we can stay here for another month or so, headed towards the Empire Rose and we’ll see what happens. “She had been 600 odd days out since winning but also been runner-up in the Railway. “We thought she’d go really good on a wet track and I thought a run at Flemington was really good as well. “Obviously she’s been on all sorts of tracks. “We’ve been from Perth, we’ve raced on pretty firm tracks in the summer but if you run second in a railway you’ll hold yourself a pretty good set over here.” Blake Shinn was complimentary of the stable and the winner in his post-race interview. “Oh, 100% she put the riding on the on the wall with her first up run in the Lets Elope when she was wide, and look, Grant and Alana, they know a good horse to bring over and she’s trained on lovely,” Shinn said. “We had a bit more economical run today, albeit we were held up for a long way, but she likes to be ridden like that. “When Willie Pike rode her in the West, she ran really effectively, ridden like that how she was covered up today, and when we got out, she exploded. “So, bigger things in store coming. “I don’t know how she likes this Melbourne weather, but I think she’s starting to adapt to it; she looks really well, she’s come a lot in her coat, and how her appearance is so. “Grant was rapt in how she’s come on from her first-up run, and yeah, it’s just great to ride a winner for Grant and Alana.” Alsephina is rated as an $8 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article

There are 10 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, September 28. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Rosehill, Sandown, Toowoomba, Belmont & Sha Tin (HK). Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – September 28, 2024 Rosehill Racing Tips Sandown Racing Tips Toowoomba Racing Tips Belmont Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on September 28, 2024 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 prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 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 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 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. 5 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. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Smart three-year-old Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) has maintained his rich-vein of form with a comfortable victory in the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on Friday night. Trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes continue to build the confidence of the good looking son of Per Incanto, who has now won four races in succession. After a winless two-year-old season, Evaporate bounced off a maiden victory at Cranbourne at the beginning of the season to win a pair of Saturday races at The Valley before taking the step up to stakes company in his stride at the inner city Melbourne venue. After travelling comfortably throughout under Mick Dee, Evaporate was presented rounding the home bend and was an easy length victor from Henlein (Dundeel) who closed well for second. Will Hayes said consideration would now be given to a tilt at the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12. “I think you’d be mad not to think about it. That win had a lot of credit to it,” he said. “It’s always difficult to build a picket fence, and that’s what he’s done. He’s got a good affinity with The Valley. “It was predicted to be a bit of speed, and they didn’t go that quick, and for him to circle and get pushed out wide and then win quite dominantly – I think he’s just going from strength to strength.” Hayes said the team have long had a good opinion of the gelding. “He’s always showed us really nice ability. You’ll see that we have got the cross-over nose band on, so it’s just a matter of the penny dropping, and once we get that moment and he started racing more tractably, the rest is history.” Winning jockey Michael Dee has a lot of time for the Kiwi-bred. “He had a few goes as a two-year-old and he just wasn’t ready and he’s really coming to his own now,” he said. “I say it every time I ride him, he improves each time.” Evaporate has now had eight starts for four wins, two placings and A$395,625 in stakes. He was bred by Little Avondale Stud, home to Per Incanto, a son of Street Cry who has sired seven Group One winners and 30 stakes winners to date. The dam of Evaporate is the unraced Animal Kingdom mare Savanna, whose half-sister Belluci Babe has been a Group Three winner in Australia for Bjorn Baker in the Little Avondale colours. Both of Savanna’s two foals to race have been winners. Evaporate was bought by Lindsay Park Racing for A$330,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2023. View the full article

High-class filly Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) displayed her versatility when usurping the Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Friday night on a Good4 surface. The Mark Walker-trained three-year-old was sent out a $9.50 chance by punters with her previous Listed Cap D’Antibes (1100m) victory at Flemington coming on a rain-affected surface. Jockey Michael Dee was able to get Bellatrix Star into a stalking position just off the leader in the three-year-old fillies contest before swooping in the home straight to score a comfortable three-quarters of a length victory from Tasmanian filly Geegees Mistruth (Wordsmith), with Tobeornottobe (Pierata) back in third. “She improved again off last start, so tonight probably the question mark was a firmer track,” Dee said. “She was able to get on soft ground at Flemington last time, which she probably prefers but this just shows that she’s got a lot of versatility.” Dee believes the sprint distances will be most suitable for the daughter of Star Witness. “She is a horse that can get on the bridle quite strongly at times, and we’re quite lucky that the tempo was strong tonight. So I think she’s going to be a good horse. She’s racing well at this sort of trip, so 1200m is probably her go,” he said. “There are plenty of options for three-year-old fillies at this time of the year. It’s just good to get these wins on the board.” Bellatrix Star took her overall record to four wins from eight starts, including victory in last season’s Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe in her native New Zealand. Walker’s Cranbourne-based assistant trainer Ben Gleeson said it was a “confidence-booster” to see the filly step up again after her Flemington win. “She obviously won dominantly last start, but for her to put that field away again and improve and show that she’s certainly up to maybe a better level, gives us a really good confidence booster,” he said. Raced by John Galvin’s Fortuna Racing, Bellatrix Star has now earned A$438,757 in prizemoney to date. Bellatrix Star was offered by Phoenix Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2023, where she was bought for $80,000 by Fortuna Racing in partnership with Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis. View the full article

Star Trelawney Stud-bred mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) put on yet another stunning front-running display to prevail in a thrilling Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on AFL Grand Final eve. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare was brilliantly ridden by Declan Bates who enabled her to skip to her customary lengthy lead before she withstood the late challenge of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) who was as gallant as ever in defeat. New Zealand breeders supplied the trifecta, with Antino (NZ) (Redwood) also brave in third. Maher was thrilled to see the mare return to winning ways after being toppled by Pinstriped and Mr Brightside at her first two runs this campaign. “Unbelievable,” Maher said after the performance. “I just can’t thank the team enough. To have her back, that’s what racing is all about. Night’s like this. Really good racing. “Brilliant job by Dec. He understands her so well, and the atmosphere tonight was electric. “I was just rapt to have her back. I thought she was pretty close to right and thankfully she’s right back.” Winning rider Declan Bates has built an exceptional partnership with the seven-year-old mare, who races best when allowed to set a strong tempo that leaves her rivals gasping a long way out. “I sat on her on Monday morning and I’d been looking forward to tonight ever since,” Bates said. “I knew she’d just come on from that last run, and she was just on it. “She was just really ready for a Moonee Valley race where she could just roll along and skip away. “I was really positive on her too. A lot of the time I do like to just take it easy on her through that first 200m, but I really just let her stride from the word go today and probably got a little breather about the 1000m. “I asked a lot of her today but I knew around here, on this ground, we were up against a champion in Brightside, and I had to do what I had to do to beat him. “And, look, I’ve just got an absolute champion of a horse here.” Pride Of Jenni is expected to head to the A$5 million Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 19 and then back-up a week later in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), with both races also on the agenda of her great rival Mr Brightside. A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Jenni was bred by Trelawney Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Sancerre, who was prepared by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike to win on four occasions for the Stud. The star mare stems from a family fashioned over generations at the famed Kiwi nursery, which has been in the Taylor family’s ownership since 1993, having been established by Seton Otway in the 1930s. Group Two winner Real Success, the taproot of star Trelawney Stud graduates Vouvray, Loire, A Touch Of Ruby and Pride Of Jenni and many others around them was one of the first families the Taylors bought into upon taking ownership of Trelawney. Pride Of Jenni was sold at the Sydney Classic Sale for A$100,000 through the Segenhoe Stud draft, where she was purchased by Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Stud. Sancerre has a two-year-old filly by Per Incanto which has been retained by the Taylors. Pride Of Jenni is now the winner of eight races with a further 11 placings and A$9,109,490 in prizemoney. View the full article

The dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin (Ire) will make one final appearance in the Japan Cup on November 24 before retiring to stand at Coolmore Stud in Ireland. The four-year-old son of Japan's breed-shaping stallion Deep Impact (Jpn) has won at the highest level in each of his seasons in training, landing the Vertem Futurity after his initial black-type success in the G2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes. At three, despite disappointing in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on his seasonal debut, he put together a formidable CV of four Group/Grade 1 wins, beginning with the Derby and Irish Derby, and then bouncing back from a flop in the King George to win the Irish Champion Stakes before ending the year with victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar. This season, Auguste Rodin has added the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot to his list of wins, and he has also finished runner-up in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and, most recently, behind Economics (GB) in the Irish Champion Stakes. “Auguste Rodin is an exceptional racehorse and stallion prospect with the blend of class, speed and pedigree that only the best possess,” said Coolmore's MV Magnier. “He is a very special horse for us, and I truly believe he ranks up there with the best middle-distance racehorses and sires that we have stood here before him like Sadler's Wells, Galileo, Montjeu, Caerleon and Camelot. Physically, he fills the eye so well as he has extra quality and movement, so I can't wait to see his first crop in Ballydoyle in 2028. We are going to do all we can to give him the best possible opportunity to follow in his illustrious predecessors' footsteps.” One of those predecessors, Galileo (Ire), appears as the damsire of Auguste Rodin, who was the first foal of the treble Group 1 winner Rhododendron (Ire), herself a sister to the brilliant mare Magical (Ire). Their dam Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) was bred by Trevor Stewart and was also a three-time Group 1 winner. Moreover, she in turn is out of Stewart's influential matriarch and top-class sprinter Cassandra Go (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}). Auguste Rodin is from the final small crop of Deep Impact, who was the 11-time champion sire in Japan, a reign which continued beyond his untimely death in 2019 at the age of 17. His Japanese-Derby winning son Kizuna (Jpn) was leading first-season sire in Japan in 2019 and currently heads the country's general sires' list. Ryan Moore, who has been in the saddle for all bar one of Auguste Rodin's 15 races, said, “He's been an unbelievable horse for us. We have always thought the world of him. He has everything you'd want. He has so much pace. He could kill horses for speed, and he was able to stretch that out over 12 furlongs. Horses like him are so hard to find. An incredible horse.” Reflecting on a racing career that has so far netted a prize-money haul just shy of €6m, his trainer Aidan O'Brien added, “Auguste Rodin is out of Rhododendron, one of the best Galileo mares, and by Deep Impact, Japan's best stallion. He connects two of the most powerful breeding lines in the world. He has been a pleasure and a privilege to train. He is just a very unique horse and we're very excited to see what he will achieve at stud. We will be supporting him with our own mares.” Kanichi Kusano, manager of the Japan Racing Association's London office, is charged with attracting runners for the Japan Cup. The country's major international race was named Longines World's Best Horserace in 2023 following the victory of superstar Equinox (Jpn). Kusano said that Tokyo racegoers will be extra pleased to welcome a son of Deep Impact from overseas, making it a homecoming of sorts for Auguste Rodin. “I think that is the reason that it is most special to the Japanese fans,” he noted. “To have one of his last progeny coming to race in Japan and then retiring to stud is a great joy for the Japanese racing industry as well. “With all his career, his performance and his popularity as a great racehorse, but again the fact that Auguste Rodin is from the last crop of Deep Impact, we are really excited to have him for the Japan Cup and just hope that he travels safely and runs safely and then has a good retirement at stud.” The post Auguste Rodin to Retire to Coolmore After Japan Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Evaporate races to victory in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m). Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Smart three-year-old Evaporate has maintained his rich-vein of form with a comfortable victory in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on Friday night. Trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes continue to build the confidence of the good looking son of Per Incanto, who has now won four races in succession. After a winless two-year-old season, Evaporate bounced off a maiden victory at Cranbourne at the beginning of the season to win a pair of Saturday races at The Valley before taking the step up to stakes company in his stride at the inner city Melbourne venue. After travelling comfortably throughout under Mick Dee, Evaporate was presented rounding the home bend and was an easy length victor from Henlein who closed well for second. 2024 Group 2 Stutt Stakes Replay – Evaporate Will Hayes said consideration would now be given to a tilt at the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12. “I think you’d be mad not to think about it. That win had a lot of credit to it,” he said. “It’s always difficult to build a picket fence, and that’s what he’s done. He’s got a good affinity with The Valley. “It was predicted to be a bit of speed, and they didn’t go that quick, and for him to circle and get pushed out wide and then win quite dominantly – I think he’s just going from strength to strength.” Hayes said the team have long had a good opinion of the gelding. “He’s always showed us really nice ability. You’ll see that we have got the cross-over nose band on, so it’s just a matter of the penny dropping, and once we get that moment and he started racing more tractably, the rest is history.” Winning jockey Michael Dee has a lot of time for the Kiwi-bred. “He had a few goes as a two-year-old and he just wasn’t ready and he’s really coming to his own now,” he said. “I say it every time I ride him, he improves each time.” Horse racing news View the full article

Southport Tycoon ridden by Mark Zahra wins the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse on September 27, 2024. (Photo by George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher and Mark Zahra have combined with Southport Tycoon ($21) to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by nosing out his stablemate Growing Empire ($3.80) on the line to take out the Group 1 Manikato Stakes. Maher trained four of the 12 runners in the Moonee Valley feature, but of those, Southport Tycoon would have been his fourth seed, and the three-year-old colt was his best chance. However, the lack of experience may have told in the concluding stages with Growing Empire, who appeared to float in the final 50m and potentially threw the race away by doing so. As expected, the tempo was very strong as Estriella ($8) crossed the field to lead from Growing Empire, and they put two lengths on the rest of the field by the halfway point. Growing Empire gave a strong kick upon straightening and appeared to have the race within his keeping, but it was Southport Tycoon who got into clear air and sprouted wings late. Mark Zahra took an inside run along the rail and gave the eventual winner a peach of a ride to flash home before putting in a big dive on the line to claim the victory in a photo finish. 2024 Manikato Stakes replay – Southport Tycoon Ciaron Maher was elated with the win, and he spoke post-race. “He raced really well around The Valley, he needed that first-up run. I said to Nath, he went from a boy to a man over the break,” Maher said of the winner. “He needed that first-up just to get him back in the swing of things. “A month between runs, tria, – he sort of put the writing on the board in the trial, his sectionals were phenomenal late. “I thought Mark was the perfect jockey for him, because you had to play that nice waiting race, nice waiting ride.” Mark Zahra was quick to mention that he has ridden the runner-up previously in his post-race interview and that he knew where he was vulnerable. “I just rode him for luck. I mean seeing my other horse in front like that, geez, he gave such a good chase,” Zahra said. “Me and Ciaron were quietly the confident like he was going really well and I didn’t even have a chance to pull the whip, you know. “I was coming through that quick and just got the stride in the right time. “Ciaron’s a master trainer; like I went up and trialled him probably six weeks ago, and he was you know a bit fat and he went just okay, and then I went up to Sydney and rode him, and I seen him again the other day with the blinkers on at the jump outs, and he just looked like a new horse. “He’s just he knows how to get these horses ready at the right time, and I’m happy to be on there the otherside with a roughy winning. “I wasn’t sure if I won or not – I was coming that fast and knowing the other horse , he’s a stargazer. “He would have thought him and Craig I reckon would have thought they won. “And if there’s the only way to beat that horse is to get him late before he can see you coming. Lucky I know him well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Bellatrix Star winning the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m). Photo: Bruno Cannatelli High-class filly Bellatrix Star displayed her versatility when usurping the Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night on a Good 4 surface. The Mark Walker-trained three-year-old was sent out a $9.50 chance with horse racing bookmakers by punters with her previous Listed Cap D’Antibes (1100m) victory at Flemington coming on a rain-affected surface. Jockey Michael Dee was able to get Bellatrix Star into a stalking position just off the leader in the three-year-old fillies contest before swooping in the home straight to score a comfortable three-quarters of a length victory from Tasmanian filly Geegees Mistruth, with Tobeornottobe back in third. 2024 Group 3 Scarborough Stakes Replay – Bellatrix Star “She improved again off last start, so tonight probably the question mark was a firmer track,” Dee said. “She was able to get on soft ground at Flemington last time, which she probably prefers but this just shows that she’s got a lot of versatility.” Dee believes the sprint distances will be most suitable for the daughter of Star Witness. “She is a horse that can get on the bridle quite strongly at times, and we’re quite lucky that the tempo was strong tonight. So I think she’s going to be a good horse. She’s racing well at this sort of trip, so 1200m is probably her go,” he said. “There are plenty of options for three-year-old fillies at this time of the year. It’s just good to get these wins on the board.” Bellatrix Star took her overall record to four wins from eight starts, including victory in last season’s Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe in her native New Zealand. Walker’s Cranbourne-based assistant trainer Ben Gleeson said it was a “confidence-booster” to see the filly step up again after her Flemington win. “She obviously won dominantly last start, but for her to put that field away again and improve and show that she’s certainly up to maybe a better level, gives us a really good confidence booster,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

Pride Of Jenni ridden by Declan Bates wins the Feehan Stakes. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Following her defeat in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, Pride Of Jenni bounced back with an all-the-way victory at Moonee Valley to claim the Group 2 Feehan Stakes. The race that was billed as a match race between Ciaron Maher’s mare and Mr Brightside from the Ben, Will & JD Hayes stable, and in the end there wasn’t much of a contest. With only four horses in the field, Declan Bates was always going to lead on his star mare, and within 400m, it was easy to see that Bates wasn’t hanging around and waiting for anyone as Pride Of Jenni shot out to a four-length lead. By the time the daughter of Pride Of Duba hit the halfway point, she found herself over 10 lengths in front of her main rival. Mr Brightside, Antino and Attrition started to take ground of the eventual winner; however, they gave themselves too much of a task and Pride Of Jenni recorded a gritty 1.5-length victory. 2024 Feehan Stakes replay – Pride Of Jenni Ciaron Maher was clearly emotional in his post-race interview. “Unbelievable,” Maher exclaimed. “Just can’t thank the team enough. Sammy, Jack, Adrian, just everyone that’s strapped her to it tonight because Sammy got injured, but fantastic. “Tony and Lynn and the whole family and team. “To have her back, that’s what racing’s all about, nights like this. “Really good racing and a brilliant job by Dec. He understands her so well and the atmosphere tonight is electric. “I thought she was pretty close to right and thankfully she’s right back. “I thought she was home a fair way out, but got a little bit scared last time. “She’s just very special. Everything she does is special. “She’s the ultimate professional. She’s just great to deal with and I love her.” Declan Bates echoed similar thoughts to Maher as he spoke post-race. “I sat on her Monday morning and I’ve been looking forward to tonight ever since because I knew she had just come on from that last run and she was just on it,” Bates said. “She was ready for a, she was really ready for a Moonee Valley race where she could just roll along and skip away. I was pretty positive on her, too. “A lot of times I do like to just take it easy on her through that first 200, but I really just let her stride from the word go today and probably got a little breather, about 2000, and then from the 800, I asked a lot of her today, but I knew around here on this ground that’s how we, you know,were up against the champion in Brightside and had to do what I had to do to beat him. “And look, I’ve just got an absolute champion of a horse here.” Pride Of Jenni has moved into equal favouritism with Fangirl at $3 with horse racing bookmakers in the King Charles III futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article