Wandering Eyes

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Thursday, November 28, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing heads to Hawkesbury on Thursday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set to get underway at 1:15pm local time. The rail is out +3m between the 1100m to 450m markers, while the remainder is in the true position. The track is rated a Good 4 at the time acceptances, but with plenty of rain forecast on race-day, punters can expect a downgrade into the Soft range at some point throughout the afternoon. Check out our best bets and quaddie selections down below. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Froebel Star The Ciaron Maher-trained Froebel Star returns after a 200-day spell and looks perfectly placed in this BM64 for the fillies & mares. The daughter of Zousain comes through quality formlines last preparation, breaking her maiden status before coming undone on heavy ground in the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast on May 11. Her trial at this course on November 14 suggests she’s ready to fire first-up, and with Mollie Fitzgerald taking 3kg off her back, Froebel Star should have issues taking care of this lot. Best Bet Race 6 – #2 Froebel Star (6) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mollie Fitzgerald (a3kg) (60.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Hawkesbury: Shambretta Shambretta debuts on the back of a barrier trial victory at Randwick on November 11 and should get every chance to make an impression first-up. Kerrin McEvoy will be looking to dictate terms from barrier two, and with a lack of early speed, the son of Shamexpress should have no issues crossing to the front. He lacks race-day experience compared to some key rivals, but provided he can tick over a soft sectional in the middle stages, Shambretta should give a bold sight at a good price with BlondeBet. Next Best Race 3 – #2 Shambretta (2) 4yo Gelding | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Kerrin McEvoy (59kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Hawkesbury: Miss Jones The Richard & Will Freedman-trained Miss Jones has caught the eye in two recent barrier trials at Rosehill and appears primed for a first-up assault. The unraced three-year-old cruised through the wire in her latest piece of work, getting to within a nose of Burj under a tight grip by Jason Collett. She could have above-average ability, and with Collett likely to lob into the ideal stalking position from stall one, punters can expect Miss Jones to be right in the finish. Best Value Race 4 – #13 Miss Jones (1) 3yo Filly | T: Richard & Will Freedman | J: Jason Collett (55kg) Bet with Picklebet Thursday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury Hawkesbury quadrella selections November 28, 2024 2-5-6 2-9 1-2-3-4 1-4-5-6-7-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray’s stayer Nereus(NZ) (Savabeel) carried the colours of Waikato Stud to win last Saturday’s Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m), and at Te Aroha on Wednesday, their exciting three-year-old Tycoon Prince(NZ) (Written Tycoon) put Cambridge Stud’s name to the forefront with an impressive maiden success. A gelding by Written Tycoon, Tycoon Prince debuted as a juvenile in mid-February before going for a spell, and since returning, his talent has been evident with a runner-up finish to Osteria at Pukekohe on November 7. Starting an equal favourite with Para Para in Wednesday’s December Final Hurrah Of 2024 3YO (1150m), Tycoon Prince flew from the gates, but Ryan Elliot had no intention of leading and allowed a trio of runners to duel for the pace in front. Para Para hit the lead early in the straight with Tycoon Prince in pursuit, and his big, bounding strides were too powerful late to score by a neck, with the third placegetter a further three lengths adrift in Mulan Ardeche. Ritchie couldn’t have been happier with the performance, crediting his training partner and Elliot from an educational point of view. “He’s a big horse and he’s been a little bit claustrophobic in the barriers, so Colm has spent a lot of time teaching him to relax and getting that nervousness out of him,” he said. “It’s paid dividends today. “He’s a lovely big horse and we’re very keen to get him to 1400m, but we just feel he’s over-racing a bit at the moment and sitting outside the leader. “I thought it was a great educational ride by Ryan, just to take that sit on him. He clearly could’ve crossed and led, but it will greatly benefit the horse in the future by letting those three go and sitting in behind them, then coming out on the corner. “Teaching him to follow, I believe, is the key to getting him to 1400m and a mile later on in life, if he can retain that turn of foot over a mile he’s going to be awfully hard to beat in those later three-year-old races, and as a four and five-year-old.” Tycoon Prince was bred by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, who entrusted the gelding in Ritchie and Murray’s care after he was withdrawn from the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. “My understanding is that he went to a sale and unfortunately he didn’t meet what they expected for him, so wisely they decided to keep him,” Ritchie said. “If you’re not going to get the right price, it’s to our benefit if they’re going to retain horses of his quality. “We’re very lucky as trainers though, we are in the situation where we are getting to train for the likes of Cambridge Stud today and we won a Counties Cup for Waikato Stud last Saturday. These are guys that have been in the game and breeding horses from properties that have been around for years and years, and that makes it a privilege to train for them. “It gives you the quality animal you are wanting to work with and it’s so much easier to do the job we do.” Going forward, Ritchie intends to spend as much time in the bright lights of Ellerslie as possible with Tycoon Prince, with the ultimate goal of contesting the lucrative age-group races being staged there in the new year. “He’s good on top of the ground, so we’ll start having a look at Ellerslie as much as we can, given that the better three-year-old money is there,” he said. “We will have a programme to race him there as much as we can on their nice firm track and hopefully that will give the horse his best chance to win the maximum amount while he’s at that prime age. “We’re well aware of how important it is for a three-year-old to get black-type, because once they turn four, it’s not always the easiest year for them. We will try to take advantage of that. “We have spaced his races to this point, so it’ll be interesting to step him up and see how good we are against those better three-year-olds.” Another promising thee-year-old in the stable, Tuxedo, will make his stakes-level debut at Otaki on Thursday, lining up in the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m). The Tivaci gelding won on debut at Te Aroha on October 30 over 1400m, narrowly defeating Withallmyfaith, who went on to win in Premier Rating 65 company at Pukekohe last Saturday. Joe Doyle will retain the ride in the feature where Tuxedo is rated a $6.50 hope in a condensed market topped by He’s Lucid ($5). “I really like this horse, the horse he beat last time has gone on to win two in a row so the form around him is very good,” Ritchie said. “He is a bit green, he gets things a bit wrong and he wanted to over-race early at his first start, and then when he got to the front he wanted to wait a little bit, which he’s mimicking in training. “He’s got a bit to learn so he will be vulnerable, but we see him as a Derby type of a colt and that awkward gate (9) is probably the best thing for him, because we’ll allow him to find his feet tomorrow and I don’t think he’s the sort of horse that we want getting to the front too soon. “It’s a big step, for a horse coming out of a maiden race straight into a Group Three, but having said that, it’s basically a Rating 65 race in his age group. “That little bit of cut in the ground is why we’ve elected to go here instead of the two Ellerslie races in the next couple of weeks, because he’s quite a big horse and we want him to gradually get used to the firmer tracks. A Soft 5 and the rain forecasted tomorrow, it should set up nicely for the firmer tracks over the summer where he hopes he excels over further.” View the full article

Waikato hoop Darren Danis is on the sidelines once more after sustaining a fractured neck following an incident at the Waipa trials last Monday. Danis was about to ride Beau Miller in his first trial for trainer Janenne Dalley, but the three-year-old gelding showed his greenness when entering the gates and took fright, dislodging Danis, who suffered whiplash in the process, resulting in his injuries. “I was riding a first time trialler who got scared going into the gates,” Danis said. “I (fractured) my C4 and C5 (vertebrae), which is right in the middle of the neck, and I have torn some ligaments there. The doctors reckon it is from whiplash.” Danis is now forced to wear a body suit brace for the next six weeks while his injuries heal, which is proving to be a frustrating process for the active horseman. “I am in a body suit, which is like a neck brace but continues down to the chest,” he said. “If someone comes from the side to say hello, I have to turn my entire body to see them, and I can’t drive because I can’t check my blind spots. “Sleeping is the worst. It feels a bit claustrophobic with this thing on 24 hours a day. “Luckily, I have got Hayley (Hassman), my partner, she has been helping me out a lot.” Major injuries are nothing new to the 32-year-old Singapore native, having broken his back several years ago in another riding incident, and he said last week’s pain was nearly identical. “In the ambulance, I was telling the lady (paramedic) that my neck hurt and it was the exact pain as when I broke my back,” Danis said. “I could pinpoint which vertebrae and which spot, it was a similar sharp pain, so I knew it was broken. “But I could feel my fingers and toes, and all the sensations, so that was a good sign.” With multiple injuries over his riding career, Danis said he has built up a high pain threshold, and it’s the limiting ability of the body brace that is the major frustration at the moment. “They were asking me if I wanted more pain killers in the hospital, but I told them it was okay. I have got a high pain threshold as I have been there and done that,” he said. “It is only the brace that is annoying because even when I broke my back, I didn’t have to wear this, I was back up and walking within two weeks.” Danis has recently returned from a riding stint in Singapore and was working hard to reestablish himself in New Zealand’s riding ranks, something he has been forced to do on several occasions. While he still has a passion for horses and riding, he said it will be another test of his tenacity to break into the competitive Waikato riding scene once more after he has healed. “I have been unlucky, it happened just as I started to get on a roll again,” he said. “It was a bit quiet when I came back from Singapore and as I just start to get more rides this happens at the trials. “It has been quite a rough ride with these injuries. There is a lot of competition nowadays and you have to get a roll on and the moment you step out of the scene you lose your spot. That is the difficult part about it. “I still love the game, and I still love the horses. I just have to keep my spirits high and keep my options open.” View the full article

Kelvin Tyler’s annual working holiday rolls around like clockwork with the Cromwell Racing Carnival, a weekend he is looking forward to with nearly a dozen horses engaged across the two days later this week. Based at Riverton, Tyler has endured plenty of inclement weather over the past couple of months and will be greeted by a much firmer racing surface on Friday than experienced in the south of late. “It’s really good to get away from the weather we’ve had down here, the track is always in really good condition and it’s a nice change of environment for horses and humans,” Tyler said. “We normally go up for the weekend, get a house and have a good time away. We’re taking a few of the staff up and enjoy ourselves, with a bit of racing in the meantime.” Tyler will bring a mix of experience and up-and-coming talent to the Central Otago meeting on Friday, headed by Albatross(NZ) (Sacred Falls) in the Girl On The Ground and Urban Fencing (2030m). The daughter of Sacred Falls won three in a row through the spring period and finished third to Spot On Time over Cup Week, and after finishing back in last Sunday’s Winton Cup (1400m), Tyler is happy to test her over the middle distance. “It’s always hard to judge a run at Invercargill because there is a frontrunner’s bias normally, but maybe she’s lost a bit of her freshness and looking for some more ground,” he said. “It looks not an overly strong field, so she has a good chance.” Albatross will be joined by stablemate Vamos(NZ) (Vadamos) in the contest, who was a dominant victor two starts back at Wingatui, before working hard early to finish midfield in a strong Rating 75 at Riccarton. “He probably did a much too much early in that race, getting out of the gates quick and setting it up for the back runners,” Tyler said. “It’s hard to find a race for these 75 staying horses, so this was the only suitable one around. He seems good and he’ll be a runner’s chance.” Tyler is looking forward to the return of consistent mare Go Lotte(NZ) (Telperion) across the weekend, but he is unsure whether she will be seen in Friday’s Catalyst Performance Clare Memorial Cup (1220m), or the KB Contractors Open (1400m). A winner of eight races, Go Lotte has been most dangerous in the 1335-1400m range, which may sway Tyler’s decision. “We’ll definitely only start the one day with her, I’m not sure which one yet and 1200 is probably a bit sharp,” he said. “I’ll see what the track’s like when I get up there and make a decision, but she’s doing really well and always goes well fresh. I think she’ll be in for another good season.” Vadamos mare Radiant Reach(NZ) (Vadamos) actually jumped really well, and beat a tidy field of horses. If she can do everything right, she’ll take a bit of beating I believe.” Tyler’s younger contingent will include the well-related More Sass(NZ) (Mongolian Falcon) in the Jackson Smart Roofing and Omakau Auto Centre (1220m) and Indie Ardie(NZ) (Ardrossan) in the Fowler Decorators and Versatile Cromwell (1400m), with the former coming out of an open three-year-old contest won by stakes performer Lil Zena. “She (More Sass) got really lost up there at Riccarton, she just got back on the inside and panicked,” Tyler said. “We’ve changed some gear on her so hopefully that will help, she should take a bit of beating as well.” Earlier in the week, Tyler will be keeping a close watch on the Otaki meeting on Thursday, where his talented galloper Lightning Jack(NZ) (Per Incanto) will make his final Group One preparations in the Bobby Foundations Backing Kiwi Legends Mile (1600m). The eight-year-old gelding was an impressive fourth in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata in early October, and finished in the same position in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) last-start. “He’s just the same every week old Jack, he’s just a darling of a horse,” Tyler said. “He’s pretty hardened to the travel now, but he just loves it up there. Lorraine and Howie (Mathews) spoil him rotten, they do a really good job and I’m very appreciative of that. He’s a no-hassle horse, nothing bothers him and he’s the kindest horse you’ll get. “He’s got a bit of weight off his back tomorrow and he’ll go around with 58 which isn’t a bad weight for him. “It’s a nice hit-out for him, his next race will be the TAB Mufhasa Classic (Gr.1, 1600m) next Saturday and this fitted in well. He was meant to run there (Trentham) last week when the races were called off, so this was our back-up plan. “He’s working really well during the last wee while and by the sounds, he’s on track.” View the full article

In any other year Group One-winning mare Skew Wiff(NZ) (Savabeel) would likely be on her way to the breeding barn, however, with the level of prizemoney now on offer, owner-breeder Mark Chittick of Waikato Stud has decided to continue with her as a racing proposition. The daughter of Champion New Zealand stallion Savabeel has four wins to her credit to date, including last year’s Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings and Gr.3 HKJC Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day. She returned to New Zealand ahead of the new season and impressed her connections with her performances over the early part of spring, including placings in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m). Off the back of those runs, and the increased prizemoney over summer, including the introduction of the Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series, Chittick elected to keep his five-year-old mare in work with trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at Matamata following a freshen-up. “The beauty about Entain and the prizemoney here, and in Australia, it gives a mare like that incentive to race on,” Bergerson said. “There are so many good races for her over summer, especially with that sprint series. “She raced so well in the spring, we gave her a break and brought her back and Mark (Chittick, Waikato Stud principal) was keen to have another season with her racing.” Skew Wiff validated Chittick’s decision with a pleasing trial win over 900m at Taupo on Tuesday and is on track to try and add to her elite-level haul over summer. “We didn’t expect her to trial that well,” Bergerson said. “We were mindful that Waipa is next week, and it could be quite firm, so we brought that trial forward. Opie (Bosson, jockey) said she was so well and so keen, you couldn’t go any quieter on her. “I am really happy with how she pulled up, she had a good blow and looks fantastic, probably the best she has ever looked. “She will go onto another trial towards the middle of December and then hopefully onto the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m) and the Railway (Gr.1, 1200m), which look the two logical options for her initially.” Bergerson was also pleased to see exciting filly Damask Rose return to the trials on Tuesday, with the three-year-old daughter of Savabeel finishing runner-up in her 1000m heat behind stablemate Polly Plum. “Opie rode her and he was happy with everything, she felt great. She had a bit of a blow on pulling up so she will definitely improve,” Bergerson said. Damask Rose was a standout juvenile last term, winning on debut at New Plymouth before finishing runner-up to Velocious in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). She picked up an injury during that run and was ruled out of the rest of the season, but returned in good form earlier this spring where she placed behind star fillies Alabama Lass and Captured By Love in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings. “She chipped a fetlock in the Karaka Million and we were mindful that they sometimes don’t come back from an injury like that, but the Gold Trail showed she still wants to do it and she has come back in good order,” Bergerson said. “She was really good in the Gold Trail and then we tipped her out as we thought she needed a bit more time, and she seems to have come back in really good order. Fingers crossed she is in for an exciting summer.” Damask Rose is set to resume at Te Rapa next month, with and eye towards the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 25. “She will go to Te Rapa on Waikato Cup Day, there is a three-year-old 1200m and then potentially onto the Auckland Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) on Boxing Day, and then onto the Karaka Million hopefully.” View the full article

What 2024 Winterbottom Stakes Where Ascot Racecourse – Perth, Western Australia When Saturday, November 30, 2024 Prizemoney $1,500,000 Distance 1200m Conditions Weight For Age 2023 winner Overpass (10) | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Joshua Parr (58.5kg) Visit Dabble The Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes will headline proceedings at Ascot this Saturday afternoon, with the feature event scheduled for 4:56pm AWST. A full field of 16 runners are expected to line up in the 1200m contest, with one of those being defending champion, Overpass. Unlike most of the Western Australian feature races, the Winterbottom has been good to runner trained in the Eastern states, with eight winners of the last 15 editions hailing from stables on the other side of the country. Will Bjorn Baker and Overpass continue their dominance in Ascot sprinting features, or will a local horse claim the Winterbottom Stakes in 2024? 2024 Winterbottom Stakes odds Horse racing bookmakers have not let Overpass get under their guard once again in 2024, opening the betting market with the defending champion at the top at $2.70. Behind the Bjorn Baker-trained runner, the Grant & Alana Williams-trained Western Empire sits on the second line of betting at $5, with Lady Laguna ($6) and Maharba ($9) rounding out the runners marked under $10. Rope Them In ($15), Bravo Centurion ($15) and Almighty Class ($16) bring good form into the Winterbottom Stakes and they will attract money at each-way prices. 2024 Winterbottom Stakes speed map The key speed influences have all drawn wide barriers, which should allow Overpass, Bravo Centurion and Boots Like Bruce time to cross the field and fight out the lead. With a strong speed expected, the likes of Lady Laguna, Almighty Class and Man Crush will settle behind the speed from their inside gates. Maharba, Western Empire and Saloon Bar will appreciate the strong tempo at the back of the field, and if you can make ground on the day, they will be flying home down the middle of the track in the final 400m. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Winterbottom Stakes. Winterbottom Stakes 2024 preview & form The lethal combination of Team Williams and William Pike will combine with Western Empire as they seek their second victory in the race, after Graceful Girl claimed the Winterbottom Stakes in 2021. The 2021 Railway Stakes winner has won or placed in Western Australia’s best races; however, this will be the first time the son of Iffraaj competes in the Winterbottom. The Grant & Alana Williams-prepared gelding finished as unlcuky second place in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) as the race favourite, but given the strength of his last 200m, Western Empire will appreciate a rise to 1200m and a much better barrier (4). If Overpass does go back-to-back in the Winterbottom Stakes, he will have done it the hard way after jumping from the widest barrier and settling on a hot speed. We won’t be losing on the race if the Bjorn Baker sprinter proves too good once again. Outside of the top two, Almighty Class can bounce back from a torrid run in the Colonel Reeves, likewise Saloon Bar, who will appreciate the hot speed and will be flying home from the back of the field. Winterbottom Stakes 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 2 WESTERN EMPIRE 1 OVERPASS 13 ALMIGHTY CLASS 6 SALOON BAR $100 betting strategy $50 win Western Empire (#2) @ +400 with BlondeBet $50 win Overpass (#1) @ +170 with Playup 2024 Winterbottom Stakes Final Field 1. Overpass (16) T: Bjorn Baker J: Joshua Parr W: 58.5kg F: 81x1x Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Vancouver Dam: Walkway +170 -232.56 2. Western Empire (4) T: Grant & Alana Williams J: William Pike W: 58.5kg F: 2×241 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Iffraaj (GB) Dam: Western Jewel +400 +100 3. Red Can Man (11) T: Steve Wolfe J: Shaun O’Donnell W: 58.5kg F: 6×063 Age: 8YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Gingerbread Man Dam: Brocky’s Ace +5000 +1250 4. Hot Zed (2) T: Lou Luciani J: Jason Whiting W: 58.5kg F: 0x067 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Red Hot Choice Dam: Zedfire +5000 +1250 5. Maharba (6) T: Grahame Begg J: Jordan Childs W: 58.5kg F: 13×31 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Blizzardly +800 +200 6. Saloon Bar (13) T: Daniel Morton J: Steven Parnham W: 58.5kg F: 32218 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sessions Dam: Paris Cracker +1600 +400 7. Man Crush (7) T: Luke Fernie J: Clint Johnston-Porter W: 58.5kg F: 07132 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Manhattan Rain Dam: Crushed +10000 +2500 8. Snowdome (10) T: Neville Parnham J: Brad Parnham W: 58.5kg F: 6x77x Age: 5YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Rommel Dam: Snow Pixie +5000 +1250 9. Rope Them In (9) T: Steve Wolfe J: Shaun McGruddy W: 58.5kg F: 1521x Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Playing God Dam: Lead Rope +1400 +350 10. Boots Like Bruce (14) T: Anne King J: ALan Kennedy W: 58.5kg F: 74×11 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Alfred Nobel (IRE) Dam: Smithfields +10000 +2500 11. Bravo Centurion (15) T: Luke Fernie J: Chris Parnham W: 58.5kg F: 11111 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: National Defense (GB) Dam: Comme Ca +1400 +350 12. Rockin’ Rupert (3) T: Sean & Jake Casey J: Lucy Fiore W: 58.5kg F: 5×115 Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Winning Rupert Dam: Love the Rock (NZ) +5000 +1250 13. Almighty Class (5) T: Mitchell Pateman J: Jarrad Noske W: 58.5kg F: 411×0 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Playing God Dam: My Classy Lady +1500 +375 14. Crippalenko (8) T: Greg Beauglehole J: TBC W: 58.5kg F: 0311x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Maschino Dam: Brookesmebaby +20000 +5000 15. Lady Laguna (1) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg F: 036×7 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Overshare Dam: Catalina de Lago (NZ) +500 +125 16. Laced Up Heels (12) T: Luke Fernie J: Joseph Azzopardi W: 56.5kg F: 6860x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Toronado (IRE) Dam: A City Girl +5000 +1250 Horse racing tips View the full article

Race 8 CHRISTMAS AT THE RACES THURSDAY 5 DECEMBER 2024 MAIDEN 1600m BLUE JEANIE (H Grace) – Trainer Mr. B Newman reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of BLUE JEANIE and it is his intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Taranaki TRI @ New Plymouth Raceway, Friday, 22 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Overpass winning the Group 3 Sydney Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass is set to chase a fourth Perth sprint feature victory this Saturday in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot. The five-year-old gelding boasts an impressive record in Western Australia, having claimed victory in the first two editions of The Quokka (1200m) as well as last year’s Winterbottom Stakes. After finishing unplaced in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington earlier this month, Overpass heads into the Winterbottom off a strong first-up win in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) last month. “I think he’s better,” said Bjorn Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton. “We thought he was better first-up and that he’d improved again going to the Champions Sprint. “He just doesn’t go down the straight as well as he goes around the bends.” Hilton highlighted the gelding’s adaptability in cornered races compared to straight-track events. “When you look at the race (Champions Sprint), the way it panned out, you had *Sunshine In Paris* only two lengths off him, whereas around a bend race, she’d be five and six lengths off him. “He loves Perth – he has done it so many times now, and I’m confident he will bounce back. “I think he’s better than he was 12 months ago.” Horse racing news View the full article

Race 4 AWASSI MAIDEN 1400m NOZUMI (J Riddell) – Co-trainer Ms. S Thompson-Brown reported to Stewards, that on Wednesday 20 November, NOZUMI, underwent a veterinary examination which included an endoscopic examination and blood tests, which revealed no abnormalities. S Thompson-Brown further advised it is the stables intention to continue on with the gelding’s current preparation. The post Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club @ Woodville, Sunday 17 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Pisces. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) James Cummings and the Godolphin team are optimistic about stepping Pisces up to 1600 metres for Saturday’s Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield. Now a gelding and more mature, Pisces has impressed this campaign, claiming a win in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) on November 16 and finishing in the placings in his other start. Blake Shinn, who rode Pisces during his two-year-old season when he placed second and fourth over 1400 and 1600 metres at Flemington, played a key role in shaping the team’s strategy. Reflecting on Pisces’ earlier campaigns, Godolphin assistant trainer Nacim Dilmi noted: “We did question the 1400 (metres) last time in when Blake Shinn rode him at Flemington, saying he feels like he could probably go beyond, so we gave it a try, but he was coming off a big prep. “When Blake came back, he said it was either the distance or the extended prep.” The team responded by giving Pisces a well-earned break, and the results have been encouraging. “His run in the Red Anchor was good, his run here two weeks ago was very good, and we have no doubt that over the 1600 this time he’ll be competitive,” Dilmi added. Horse racing news View the full article

What Caulfield Heath Races Where Caulfield Heath Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Thursday, November 28, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Heath track at Caulfield is the destination for racing in Victoria on Thursday afternoon. The track was rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances on Tuesday, and with persistent rain forecast on Wednesday before a clear day on Thursday, it is unlikely we will see an upgrade. The rail comes out 2m for the entire circuit, with the first race set to jump at 1:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Caulfield Heath: Inexorable Inexorable has had excuses for each of his last two starts at Moonee Valley. The four-year-old was badly held up before powering home two runs back, then was obliged to race three wide with no cover last start and over-raced throughout. If Damian Lane can find cover from barrier 11 and get this bloke to settle, Inexorable has the finish to overhaul his rivals. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Inexorable (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Grahame Begg | J: Damian Lane (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Caulfield Heath: Capulet Capulet saw zero daylight until it was too late at Moonee Valley last time out, but her form prior suggests she is the best way home in the Caulfield Heath finale. The four-year-old mare disposed of her BM58 rivals by four lengths at Wangaratta three runs back before a respectable effort in metro company at Morphettville. She retains the services of Jaylah Kennedy, whose 2kg claim gets Capulet in perfectly at the weights. Next Best Race 8 – #2 Capulet (7) 4yo Mare | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Jaylah Kennedy (a2) (61kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Caulfield Heath: Disturbia At an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers, Disturbia can run a big race in the quaddie opener. The five-year-old mare seems to do her best racing when up on speed, and from barrier eight, Luke Nolen will look to have the Turn Me Loose mare outside the lead throughout. In a race without much speed, Nolen will look to apply the pressure when turning for home, and from there Disturbia should prove hard to run down over 1600m. Best Value Race 5 – #4 Disturbia (8) 5yo Mare | T: Emma-Lee & David Browne | J: Luke Nolen (60kg) Bet with Picklebet Thursday quaddie tips for Caulfield Heath Caulfield Heath quadrella selections Thursday, November 28, 2024 1-2-3-4-7-8 1-2-4-6 1-2-4-6 2-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Werribee Racing Club has announced a major new partnership with online bookmaker Picklebet, marking the company’s first foray into racecourse sponsorship. As part of the agreement, the venue will now be called Picklebet Park Werribee, and the Werribee Cup (1600m) will also adopt the Picklebet name. Club manager Adam Wilkinson expressed his excitement about the partnership. “We are thrilled to welcome Picklebet as a key partner of Werribee Racing Club,” he said. “They are an outstanding example of how a disruptor in the betting industry can drive innovation and excitement. “Their fresh perspective and forward-thinking approach align perfectly with our vision.* “This partnership not only strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional race days but also helps us connect with the next generation of racegoers, ensuring the long-term vibrancy of our club.” Horse racing news View the full article

Race 7 JENNY LAMING MEMORIAL PREMIER 1200m TENGIZ (K Hercock) – Trainer Mr. S Woodsford reported to Stewards, after being transferred by the horse ambulance to a local veterinary clinic for further veterinary evaluation, results showed significant tendon damage to the right hind leg, with the mare having to be humanely euthanised. The post Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park, Saturday 16 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 8 GREENLIGHT INSURANCE BROKERS 1400m KALLEDU THUNDER (J Riddell) – Co-trainer Ms. L Zydenbos advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, however, KALLEDU THUNDER has now been sent for a spell. The post Racing Rotorua @ Arawa Park, Tuesday, 19 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission (PHRC) on Tuesday voted to grant Thoroughbred racing dates for 2025 that will feature 150 programs at Parx, 105 at Penn National, and 76 at Presque Isle Downs. Prior to the vote on the dates, however, executives from each track were asked to do something rarely required by racing commissions in this country: Principals from each venue were requested to explain the rationale behind the 2025 takeout rates that accompanied each licensee's dates request. Takeout rates, the per-bet pricing structure that tracks and states impose upon wagers, are the bane of horseplayers because they are akin to a tax on betting. But takeout rates also provide the financial backbone the sport derives from the pari-mutuel process, because the money generated that way goes, in part, to pay for purses and to keep tracks operational and regulated. Yet price-conscious horseplayers for decades have lamented not only how high some of the takeouts have risen, but also how notoriously difficult it is to find comprehensive lists of those rates so that bettors can either comparison-shop, or, at the very least, know how much money will be removed from the pools prior to the calculation of winning prices. Pat Cummings, an industry expert whose advocacy for more transparent takeout rates has been featured in TDN on numerous occasions over the years, wrote in 2020 that horseplayers have long been frustrated at how “a single source of updated takeout rates for bets across all tracks was unavailable, and [how] sourcing the exact rates was nearly impossible.” When TDN touched base with Cummings via email Tuesday to see if that situation had improved, Cummings wrote back that, lamentably, there is still “not a single source for the industry which keeps up with this information routinely.” Against that backdrop, even though the explanations at the Nov. 26 PHRC meeting amounted to only brief remarks required before a vote on licensure, they provided a welcome trickle of information for horseplayers who are used to being kept in the dark about how tracks come up with their takeouts. This is what Pennsylvania's track operators had to say about their rates for 2025, listed in the order that each made their presentations. (Bear in mind that the commission had asked the executives in advance to prepare their remarks, so no one was caught unaware of this discussion). Eric Johnston, director of racing operations at Penn National, where takeout rates for 2025 will be 17% win-place-show; 20% exactas, doubles, Jackpot Pick 6 and Jackpot Pentafecta; 31% trifectas, twin trifectas; 30% superfectas and Pick 6; 25% Pick 3, 4 and 5. “Ours are comparable with those around the country. The one thing that you do see is a little high is the trifecta wagers, which come in at 31%. And in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't seem like it's that outrageous when you consider the history of racing over the years in Pennsylvania,” which, Johnston added, has transitioned from an era of robust on-track betting to being more simulcast-wager driven. “The business has changed. Of the live wagering, what's bet on the Penn National card every day is less than 10% of the total handle. So this money, these takeout rates, are one of the things that keep us out there. There's a lot of simulcast sites, a lot of computer wagerers who bet on us because of those rates. If we start cutting those, we will become less valuable. “We're certainly not getting rich off what [is being bet] there, but it's all part of the bigger story. I mean, the business has changed. The higher takeouts are along with the pools that have the highest payout, so it's not as noticeable. But it's not something that, you, know, it's not worth losing our outlets to lower those rates.” Matthew Ennis, the director of racing at Presque Isle, where takeout rates for 2025 will be 17% win-place-show; 20% exactas, doubles; 25% trifectas, superfectas; 23% Pick 3 and 4; 15% Pick 5. “Just looking at everything competitively, where we stand, compared to my parent company at Churchill Downs [Incorporated], I do feel that Presque Isle Downs has in place a takeout structure on our wagering options that serves the dual purpose of attracting the pari-mutuel dollar and generating the revenue needed to guarantee quality race cards and field sizes. “I don't feel as if our wagering structure is out of line in any manner. It's very competitive. We look at providing takeout options that are appealing to players in relation to takeouts on wagering menus offered by other tracks. And although I felt that our takeout rates do not tell the whole story of how players choose to wager their dollars, having the player-friendly takeout structure is beneficial in our process of generating larger handles at Presque Isle… “Of course, I have the protocol to follow with my corporate team at Churchill Downs, and abide by the ranges that they give.” Joe Wilson, chief operating officer at Parx, where takeout rates for 2025 will be 17% win-place-show; 20% exactas, doubles; 25% trifectas, superfectas, Pick 3, 4 and 6; 15% Pick 5. “Up until close to five years ago, our takeouts were 17% on win/pace/show; 20% exactas, doubles; 26% on 'pick' bets, and 30% on tris and supers. “Jan. 1, 2020, we reduced our takeout to 17%, 20% and 25%. So the tris and supers went from 30% to 25%; the 'pick' bets went from 26% to 25%. And a couple of years ago we added our Philly Big Five, and that's at 15%. “And it's amazing to me to where I still see people commenting on social media that Parx should lower their takeout, when in fact we lowered takeout five years ago. “Our blend [of takeout rates] right now is at 19.8%, [compared to neighboring Maryland tracks] at 21.25%. So we're [approximately] 1.5 points lower than Maryland. We're even with Delaware, and we're even with Monmouth Park. So we are as competitive as anybody in the area. “The other thing, if you were to lower your takeout too much–remember our signal goes out worldwide–and if you were to have a drastically reduced takeout, [importers] basically aren't going to promote your signal, because it's not [financially] in their best interest.” The post Pennsylvania Tracks Pull Back Curtain–a bit–on Takeout Rates appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group One-winning mare Skew Wiff will continue racing over the summer. Photo: Race Images In any other year Group One-winning mare Skew Wiff would likely be on her way to the breeding barn; however, with the level of prizemoney now on offer, owner-breeder Mark Chittick of Waikato Stud has decided to continue with her as a racing proposition. The daughter of Champion New Zealand stallion Savabeel has four wins to her credit to date, including last year’s Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings and Group 3 HKJC Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day. She returned to New Zealand ahead of the new season and impressed her connections with her performances over the early part of spring, including placings in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m). Off the back of those runs, and the increased prizemoney over summer, including the introduction of the Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series, Chittick elected to keep his five-year-old mare in work with trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at Matamata following a freshen-up. “The beauty about Entain and the prizemoney here, and in Australia, it gives a mare like that incentive to race on,” Bergerson said. “There are so many good races for her over summer, especially with that sprint series. “She raced so well in the spring, we gave her a break and brought her back and Mark (Chittick, Waikato Stud principal) was keen to have another season with her racing.” Skew Wiff validated Chittick’s decision with a pleasing trial win over 900m at Taupo on Tuesday and is on track to try and add to her elite-level haul over summer. “We didn’t expect her to trial that well,” Bergerson said. “We were mindful that Waipa is next week, and it could be quite firm, so we brought that trial forward. Opie (Bosson, jockey) said she was so well and so keen, you couldn’t go any quieter on her. “I am really happy with how she pulled up, she had a good blow and looks fantastic, probably the best she has ever looked. “She will go onto another trial towards the middle of December and then hopefully onto the Telegraph (Group 1, 1200m) and the Railway (Group 1, 1200m), which look the two logical options for her initially.” Horse racing news View the full article

There will be a changing of the guard in August when Stuart Janney, III steps down from his long-held position as the Chairman of The Jockey Club. His replacement will be owner-breeder Everett Dobson. Janney recommended Dobson, and the board of stewards of The Jockey Club agreed. Dobson has long involved himself with some of the sport's most important and influential organizations. He is on his second term as a steward of The Jockey Club. He serves on the executive committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and is immediate past chairman of the American Graded Stakes Committee. Dobson serves as a member of the Breeders' Cup in addition to being a trustee of the Keeneland Association. He now takes over one of the most important jobs in the sport, but it's one that requires hours of work, no salary and will involve slings and arrows from those who are not happy with the direction The Jockey Club has gone. So why would he take the job? That was among the questions Dobson was asked when he joined our crew for this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. Dobson was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. “My wife says that I am a glutton?' Dobson said. “So now I am. I just have a calling, I guess. I was asked to do it and I feel like I am capable and qualified to do it, so here I am.” Dobson will not be your prototypical Jockey Club Chairman. He didn't grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth as part of a wealthy family and he's not an Ivy Leaguer. He went to Southwest Oklahoma State University. Some, including Mike Repole, have accused The Jockey Club as being an “old boys club,” in need of new blood and new ideas. Does he see his appointment as being symbolic of a changing of the guard? “I think there's something to that,” he replied when asked a question about his being new blood. “I'm coming to you from Oklahoma, which has been my residence for many years. I do have a farm in Kentucky and spend a fair amount of my time there. I think as much as anything, this is a recognition that the sport is evolving and it's changing. It's not the legacy sport that we knew from 100 years ago or even 25 years ago. My perspective is going to be from a business background. It's going to come from my being an owner and my involvement in the breeding and the racing side of the sport as well. I also have an investment in an NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. So I will have a perspective on that. Stuart and I had a lot of conversations about my capabilities and what I might bring to the sport as well as the other stewards. I know many of them well and the rest I will get to know well. But I think there is a recognition that the sport is evolving and changing. And, hopefully, I can I can bring those perspectives that are going to matter in the future.” Prominent and outspoken, Repole was a severe critic of The Jockey Club and Janney in particular. Has Dobson had a chance to sit down with Repole yet and perhaps mend some fences? “I mentioned that I have plans to meet with everybody,” Dobson said. “I was at the Breeders' Cup and Mike and I were able to spend three hours together in a private room and had a great conversation. Very little did we disagree on. We do disagree on what our priorities should be. But Mike comes at it from a similar approach that I do in that he comes at a lot of the issues from a business background. This business is all about change. Business is about growing and being better. So on that, Mike and I agree. Only our styles are a little bit different. But that's okay. We laugh about that. But I do think Mike is like a lot of people in a sport in that he wants to see some improvement and some help.” Can Repole, the former nemesis, be an asset to The Jockey Club? “Yes,” Dobson said. “I don't think there's any question about that. I know Mike and I respect Mike. When it comes to what he's been saying, on a lot of topics, he is spot on. Now, his tactics, you know, sometimes they might differ with mine a little bit. But regardless, we need Mike.” In our weekly breeding spotlight section, we took a look at the Winstar stallion Timberlake. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, and XBTV.com, the team of Zoe Cadman, Bill Finley and Randy Moss talked about the return of White Abarrio (Race Day), an impressive winner in a Gulfstream Park allowance that will be one of two preps for the GI Pegasus World Cup. The impressive win by Two Sharp (Twirling Candy) in the GIII Chilukki S. at Churchill was another topic of discussion. They then turned their attention to the mess that is California racing and the brutally honest comments made recently by Aidan Butler, president of TSG's 1/ST business. Butler continues to lobby for some sort of merger of the Northern and Southern California circuits and said to do otherwise would be “suicide” for both regions. For the video version of the podcast, click here. For audio only, click here. The post Everett Dobson Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wexford Stables co-trainer Andrew Scott had an eventful start to the Taupo trial meeting and one he was happy to quickly move on from. Scott had a brief glimpse of life behind the microphone on Tuesday, answering a call to fill in for commentator George Simon, who was stuck in traffic, and was grateful to hand over to the voice of the north when he arrived on course. “It was a short-lived career, I’m telling you now, it was so much harder than you could imagine,” he said. “I’ve got a much greater appreciation now of the job commentators do. I did two heats and that was enough for me.” He was back in his usual role in time to see elite-level winer Grail Seeker(NZ) (Iffraaj) stretch her legs in an open 900m heat ahead of her summer campaign. The daughter of Iffraaj was given a quiet time by rider Masa Hashizume with Scott and training partner Lance O’Sullivan more than satisfied with her progress. “We were really pleased with her trial and she settled well, which was good as last prep she was in a wee bit of a hurry,” he said. “Masa knows her well and said she moved along strongly, she is coming up well. “She will trial again on December 17th (at Pukekohe) and then go fresh up into the Telegraph (Gr,1 1200m) and that run will dictate which way she goes from there.” Grail Seeker only made one appearance in the spring and produced a career-best performance to romp home in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m). “Quite often, some of the four-year-olds can go missing in the spring and she had done her job,” Scott said. “We put her away early and she has come back a big, powerful mare and a lot more mature so she should have a good summer.” The stable is blessed with an abundance of sprinting talent, with further black-type targets awaiting Lux Libertas(NZ) (Almanzor) and Waitak(NZ) (Proisir), respective last-start placegetters in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m). “Lux Libertas has been amazing, she keeps lifting the bar and she’ll most likely run in the Group Three 1400m (J Swap Sprint) on Waikato Cup Day,” Scott said. “She continues to thrive and was given time early and we’re getting it at the other end now. “Waitak pleased us with the blinkers on, he raced kindly and hit the line well. The 1100m may have been a little sharp for him and he could run in the Concorde (Gr.3, 1200m) on Saturday week.” Meanwhile, Wexford’s black-type hopes this weekend will rest with Checkmate(NZ) (Mongolian Khan) in the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m) at Ellerslie while Uderzo is seen as an improver when he steps out in the NHR Group Handicap (1300m). “Checkmate’s a promising horse and he’s obviously only just out of maidens, but we have a good opinion of him,” Scott said. “While he lacks a bit of confidence and experience, we think he has plenty of ability and he should run a strong 1500m and then hopefully move on to some of the better stuff over the summer months.” Uderzo(NZ) (Vadamos) was unplaced when resuming at Te Rapa, but connections weren’t disappointed with his effort. “His sectionals were pretty good, he got run off his feet a bit but he was hitting the line and he gets around Ellerslie well,” Scott said. “A bit further will help him and he’s in for a good summer as he handles the quick ground well.” View the full article

Wanganui is becoming a happy stomping ground for Matamata raider Drop Of Something(NZ) (Telperion), and trainer Wayne Hillis is hoping their good association with the Central Districts track continues this weekend. Hillis trekked down to Wanganui with Drop Of Something last Saturday and was rewarded with victory in the Emmetts Truck Services Open (2040m). “He had a good run right behind the leader (My Maebelline Girl) and that is the one he beat, he did well. It was a really good run,” Hillis said. “He has come through it really well. He ate up everything and travelled well and is the same weight as he was before he went down.” Hillis has elected to back his gelding up in this Saturday’s Listed Steelform Roofing Group Wanganui Cup (2040m), where he is set to be met by a similar field. “We are heading down again for another trip, and he seems to handle it alright,” Hillis said. “Some of the ones we raced against last time have been nominated, along with a few extra ones too. The topweight (Aljay), if he stays in, will be pushing the weights down, so that will help us.” Drop Of Something will likely have a freshen-up after the weekend, with Hillis looking for options in the new year for his five-year-old. “I will probably give him an ease up after this after going down there twice, and then we will make a plan for after Christmas,” he said. Meanwhile, Hillis will also be represented at Ellerslie on Saturday by Brian Lamont in the Dunstan Feeds Stayers Qualifying Race (2400m). “He is up a grade, but he has won four races,” Hillis said. “The 2400m should suit him. He has had three goes at that and has just been a bit unlucky in those. It seems to be what he wants and right-handed is his go to, that is why he has been going to Ellerslie.” View the full article

Drop Of Something will contest Saturday’s Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Wanganui is becoming a happy stomping ground for Matamata raider Drop Of Something, and trainer Wayne Hillis is hoping their good association with the Central Districts track continues this weekend. Hillis trekked down to Wanganui with Drop Of Something last Saturday and was rewarded with victory. “He had a good run right behind the leader (My Maebelline Girl) and that is the one he beat, he did well. It was a really good run,” Hillis said. “He has come through it really well. He ate up everything and travelled well and is the same weight as he was before he went down.” Hillis has elected to back his gelding up in this Saturday’s Wanganui Cup (2040m), where he is set to be met by a similar field. “We are heading down again for another trip, and he seems to handle it alright. “Some of the ones we raced against last time have been nominated, along with a few extra ones too. The topweight (Aljay), if he stays in, will be pushing the weights down, so that will help us.” Drop Of Something will likely have a freshen-up after the weekend, with Hillis looking for options in the new year for his five-year-old. “I will probably give him an ease up after this after going down there twice, and then we will make a plan for after Christmas,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

When veteran New York trainer Gary Contessa ran a horse named Answer the Call (Dialed In) in a Sept. 25 claiming race at Delaware Park, he had no idea that he had violated a rule. He claimed the horse out of an Aug. 4 race at Saratoga and believed the filly was allowed to run outside of New York because more than 30 days had transpired since the claim. Little did he know that only a few days earlier, the rule was changed so that a claimed horse had to stay in New York for at least 60 days. When he was told by New York State Gaming Commission Steward Braulio Baeza, Jr. that he was being fined $4,000, Contessa was outraged. Not only did that seem like a lot for a relatively minor offense, but as of Sept. 25, the listing of rules on the New York Racing Association website still had the old rule of 30 days. “They put the rule into effect July 24,” Contessa said. “On Oct. 17, when I got this ruling, the NYRA website still hadn't been changed to reflect the new rule. Braulio reached out to me and said, 'I have to fine you for this.' I figured the fine would have been $500. I wouldn't have fought that. I might not even have fought a fine of $1,000. The horse earned $1,103. I made $100. He comes up with a $4,000 fine. The horse ran at Delaware 52 days after I claimed her. She had already run once in New York and was well beyond the 30 days, which was the rule for 30 years. I went on to NYRA's website and I double checked it. It said 30 days, end of story. When I said that to Braulio, he said it was my responsibility to know the Gaming Commission rules. Please. I don't think you could find a trainer in America who has ever gone on the Gaming Commission site to look at their rules because we get everything from NYRA. When I fill out a stall application, it says I am agreeing to follow NYRA's rules. NYRA didn't change the rules on their website. “I said to Braulio, '$4,000, isn't that an awful lot considering the circumstances?' He said, 'That's my minimum fine. We give fines that count now.' The Gaming Commission reached out to me and offered a $2,000 fine. That was still too much. I would have paid a $1,000 fine. The $2,000 is too much because NYRA didn't even care to change the rule on their website.” Contessa has hired attorney Drew Mollica who has already filed an appeal with the Gaming Commission. He called the $4,000 fine “outrageous.” “The fine, even if there even should be one, is so outlandish, that this had to stop,” he said. “The game is dying in New York because small trainers are dying by the minute. Seven is a big field, the barn area is three-quarters full. The rule was in place for 30 years and then they just changed it. $4,000? What did he do, kill the Lindbergh baby?” Mollica said that in New York, administrative fines are upheld unless “they shock the conscience.” He believes $4,000 for such a relatively minor offense is a matter of shocking the conscience and will use that in his defense. “If this doesn't shock the conscience, this gaming commission has no conscience,” he said. “That fine is so disproportionate to the alleged crime that it shocks the conscious, and it can't. That is the rule.” New York State Gaming Commission spokesman Brad Maione said there would be no comment. “We have no comment while the matter is under appeal, adding that “the text of the ruling speaks for itself.” As has been the case numerous times over the last several years, Baeza is once again at the center of a controversy. His fines come across as heavy handed, he doesn't seem to consider the mitigating circumstances that may be involced, and he has made a number of mistakes himself, for which he has been held blameless. In December, Baeza, who is easily the most powerful steward among the group of three, took down the wrong horse in the $500,000 division of the Great White Way Stakes for New York-sired horses. “He took the wrong horse down in the stakes back in December,” Mollica said. “Did he get fined? No. He let a race start at the wrong distance. Did he get fined? No. He fined Frank Gabriel $2,000 for something he had absolutely nothing to do with. Are we trying to kill the game or grow the game? How can the horsemen's association allow these draconian penalties? You can go 100 miles per hour in a school zone and not get fined $4,000. It's abject craziness.” “Braulio thinks he is untouchable and he also forgets that he was once a broke horse trainer,” Contessa said. “He forgot that. There was time when he didn't have two nickels to rub together. I guess he's forgotten about those days. On this, the punishment doesn't fit the crime and I am going to dig my heels in and fight this one.” The post Contessa Fined $4,000 by Gaming Commission Steward, Vows to Fight ‘Outrageous’ Punishment appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Nov. 18-Nov. 24View the full article

Fittingly this year on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28—just as the weather across much of the United States is turning cooler, resulting in horses and horsemen headed south—Gulfstream Park begins its elite season, the Championship Meet. View the full article

Three is the magic number for trainer Phil D'Amato at Del Mar Nov. 29 as he sends a trio of runners to the post in an attempt to win his third $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2T).View the full article

A 1/50th share in first-season sire Hello Youmzain (Fr) (lot 4) brought a sale-topping €250,000 from Laurent Benoit's Broadhurst Agency during Tuesday's Arqana Online November Sale. The son of Kodiac (GB) has 19 winners worldwide. His pair of Group 3 winners are G3 Prix des Chenes hero Misunderstood (Fr), and G3 Prix Eclipse hero Electrolyte (Ire). Kullazain (GB) was third in the G3 Cornwallis Stakes, and Afentiko (Ire) was placed in a French listed affair. He stands for €40,000 at Haras d'Etreham next year. Group 1 sire Kameko's 1/50th (lot 7) share sold for €180,000 to Wertheimer et Frere. Already the sire of GI Summer Stakes scorer New Century (GB), the son of Kitten's Joy has G2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) to represent him, as well. The latter was third in the G1 Futurity Trophy. Kameko also has 14 winners in his first crop. Lot 13, a 1/50th share in fellow first-season sire Persian King (Ire), brought €150,000 from Haras du Chateau. Of his 45 runners, he has 14 winners. Overall, 13 shares and four breeding rights sold for a gross of €1,019,000. A 1/50th share in established stallion Zarak (Fr) did not reach its reserve and was passed in at €650,000. The post Share In Hello Youmzain Tops The Arqana Online November Sale At €250K appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article