Wandering Eyes

After White Abarrio (Race Day) trounced his competition in an allowance race Friday, his connections started plotting his upcoming schedule, with the GI Pegasus World Cup as the main goal. Normally, the Dec. 21 GIII Harlan's Holiday S. is the main prep for the Pegasus, but co-owner Mark Cornett said he is leaning toward running the soon-to-be 6-year-old instead in the Dec. 28 GIII Prospector S. at Gulfstream. The Mr. Prospector is run at seven furlongs while the Harlan's Holiday is a mile-and-a-sixteenth race. “We will look at the two races, the Harlan's Holiday and the Mr. Prospector,” said Cornett who operates C-2 Racing Stable along with his brother Clint. “We had such success when we ran him in two one-turn races in New York. He ran in a seven-furlong race and we ran him the Met Mile, a one-turn mile race. It was only after that we stretched him out in the Whitney, which was, arguably, his best race of his career. So I'm tempted to go in the Mr. Prospector going seven furlongs, to give him one more-one turn race and then stretch him out for the Pegasus. We're looking at both spots, but I'm leaning toward giving him one more race at the seven-eighths around one turn until we stretch him out for the Pegasus.” Prior to Friday's allowance, Cornett admitted that he wanted to see a big performance from White Abarrio, which would put to rest concerns that he was no longer on top of his game. He has had just two starts this year, finishing 10th in the G1 Saudi Cup and fifth in the GI Metropolitan H., but a powerful 10 1/4-length victory Friday signaled that White Abarrio is back. “He showed us what we wanted to see, “Cornett said. “Irad [Ortiz, Jr.] did a great job. We had talked to him before the race and said that if he got the opportunity around the eighth-pole to squeeze on him a little bit. We wanted to see a good final furlong and then a really good gallop out, which he did. The horse just kind of ranged up and cruised up to the eighth-pole and when he got to the eighth-pole, Irad did squeeze on him a bit. He quickened and dropped down like we wanted to see and galloped out very good.” Cornett said a return trip to the Saudi Cup will be considered, but that they have made no plans beyond the Pegasus. Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia is among the ownership group. One C-2 Racing Stable star that is definitely being pointed to the Saudi Cup is the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Soul of an Angel (Atreides). “Soul of An Angel is doing really good” Cornett said. “I saw her Saturday morning. She's at Gulfstream now with Saffie [Joseph, Jr.]. We kind of backed off on her to let her get over the travel back and forth from California. She'll go back to training Monday and she will be pointed to an 11-26, one-turn, one mile race here. That will be her prep. Our ultimata goal with her is the Saudi Cup. We think she's a one-turn specialist and best at seven furlongs to a mile-and-an-eighth.” When asked if he had any reservations about running a mare against males, he said he did not. “I'm not worried about fillies versus boys,” he said. “The purse structure is so big that even if she runs second, third or fourth you're looking at anywhere from $1 million to $5 million. It's hard to make that kind of money in stakes in the U.S.” The post Connections Reveal Plans for White Abarrio, Soul of An Angel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Vertical Blue (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) won the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac she led home a one-two for her trainer Francis Graffard as she pipped the Aga Khan Studs' Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Ire}) on the line. The runner-up, who went into the race unbeaten, including a victory in the G3 Prix d'Aumale, had started odds-on favourite with Vertical Blue as one of the outsiders of the field, but the latter's success came as no surprise to Graffard, who had held her in high regard from the outset. “She's a big filly with a lot of attitude – but a good attitude, I've always liked her,” he says. Vertical Blue now presents the rare opportunity to buy a readymade Classic prospect. The Group 1 winner, owned by Gemini Stud and Argella Racing, heads to the second Sceptre Session of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale next Tuesday as a wildcard entry, lot 1770A. The filly who thwarted the Aga Khan's runner on Arc weekend traces back to a family which has been incorporated into the Aga Khan Studs as her fourth dam is Vadsagreya (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}), who was bred by Jean-Luc Lagardere. Closer up in the family, Vertical Blue's granddam Spinacre (Ire) (Verglas {Ire}) won the listed Flame of Tara Stakes, while her dam Krunch (GB) is a dual-winning daughter of Sea The Stars (Ire) who made €310,000 when sold at Arqana as a yearling. Vertical Blue is her first foal. Graffard recalls, “She showed some precocity so she started early in Saint-Cloud. She had a bad draw but she showed an impressive turn of foot so we were pleased with that run and the form of that race has worked out really well.” From her debut runner-up slot, Vertical Blue had to settle for second again when she appeared next at Chantilly. “She was again unlucky on her second start and again showed a good turn of foot, but for me as her trainer, these two runs were very important for the filly for the rest of her career because she matured without having a hard race,” Graffard says. At Clairefontaine in July, Vertical Blue stepped up to a mile and made it a case of third time lucky. “She showed what we all thought about her at that stage,” says the trainer. “Then the plan was to go for a listed race and get some black type. She was very unlucky in that listed race at Lyon. She got too far back and finished strongly but too late. Mickael [Barzalona, jockey], when he saw he wasn't going to catch the winner, just gave her an easy race.” Another second-place finish in the book and some black type earned. It may well have been off to winter quarters for Vertical Blue then had it not been for the fact that she was indicating to Graffard that she was still very well in herself. “We always thought she would make a nice three-year-old but she was so well we decided to give her one more run on Arc weekend because I was very pleased with the condition of the filly,” he says. “We put absolutely no pressure on [jockey] Alexis Pouchin. We were just hoping for her to run well. My Aga Khan filly took her with her when she accelerated and Vertical Blue is a fighter and she put her head in front. “My other filly is a very nice prospect for next year and the form was really strong. I think it will work out well.” Despite her achievements of this year, Graffard says that he fully expects Vertical Blue to improve again at three. He notes, “She's a big, scopey filly with a big stride and she is very nice and relaxed during her races so I don't see why she won't stay a trip next year. Her mother is by Sea The Stars and for me she is very effective over a mile. She has experience because she has run five times this year, and she could be an Oaks filly too in France over 10 furlongs. I don't see why not. She has run on fast ground and obviously she can also cope with soft ground. “She's the highest-rated two-year-old in France, even above the colts, so it's good to have her in the boxes.” Vertical Blue is one of three juvenile Group 1 winners for her sire this year, along with the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Magnum Force (Ire) and National Stakes winner Scorthy Champ (Ire). “My wife and myself recommended to the owner to buy a Mehmas,” Graffard says. “I've been very lucky with him – I've had [group/graded winners] Malavath and Chez Pierre – so they bought this filly, and obviously he's been a lucky stallion for me but also for lots of other people as well.” He adds of Vertical Blue, “She has a good eye on her, she's happy, and I can't wait for next year with her.” The post France’s Top Juvenile Vertical Blue Bound for Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Tattersalls December Sale is played out, akin to panto season, over two weeks, matinees and evening performances, incorporating almost every facet of the bloodstock sales business, from foals to yearlings, horses in training, broodmares, and sometimes the odd stallion or two. The Sceptre Sessions are only in their third year but they are already embedded as an integral part of the annual finale at Park Paddocks. And there is little doubt that the theatrical highlights come on the Monday and Tuesday of the second week, as dusk settles in and and the ring fills up. Few who were there will forget Dancing Rain (Ire) going through that ring carrying would would become one of the first-crop foals of Frankel (GB). Then there was Marsha (Ire), a six-million-guinea showstopper who rendered even her loquacious trainer Sir Mark Prescott speechless for a moment or two. In Dancing Rain's year, Immortal Verse (Ire) topped the sale at 4,700,000gns. An eye-watering price for many, but in hindsight, and in the fevered tier that is the top end of the bloodstock market, one could almost call that money well spent. Her offspring now include the dual Group 1 winner Tenebrism (Caravaggio), Group 2 winner Statuette (Justify) and, most recently, the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). “That was a great December Mares Sale day,” says Jimmy George, hijacking Breeders' Cup Friday as only a marketing man could but, as it turns out, with some justification. “Henri Matisse is out of Immortal Verse, [Juvenile Turf Fillies winner] Lake Victoria is out of Quiet Reflection, who made 2,100,000gns, and [Juvenile Turf Sprint winner] Magnum Force is out of a mare that cost 38,000gns. “So that's the December Sale encapsulated. With sales like this, you want people to feel confident at all levels of the market. And when you are shelling out huge sums of money, like 4,700,000 on Immortal Verse, well, Coolmore have now got a stallion.” He adds, “Then last year there was the extraordinary Via Sistina, turning 2,700,000gns into about £3,500,000 in prize-money, within a year, and she's still going.” The example of Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is all the more remarkable given that she first appeared at the December Sale in the yearling section, when she was sold for 5,000gns to Stephen and Rebecca Hillen, in whose colours she later won the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh. The race was sponsored by Yulong, who five months later owned the winner. If you'd like a quick historical reminder of how the elite sale within a sale got its name, here's an account of the life of the great racemare Sceptre from TDN two years ago. Looking ahead to this year's Sceptre Sessions, it is easy to imagine a few more footnotes in the 258-year history of Tattersalls will be written. While Goffs had Gouache (Ger) (Shamardal), the dam of Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), the mother of another of this year's Japan Cup runners, Fantastic Moon (Ger), is catalogued at Tattersalls. Frangipani (Ger) (Jukebox Jury {Ire}) is being offered by The Castlebridge Consignment as lot 1747 on behalf of her breeders Philip and Marion Stauffenberg and the 10-year-old mare is again carrying to Fantastic Moon's sire Sea The Moon (Ger). The 2023 German Classics were kind to Sea The Moon. As well as the Fantastic Moon's Deutsches Derby win, he was also responsible for the G1 Preis der Diana winner Muskoka (Ger), and her dam Morning Mist (Ger) (Peintre Celebre), who is from the family of one of the modern-day German greats in Monsun (Ger), is also in the Sceptre Sessions as lot 1464 from Ronald Rauscher. She is carrying to Sea The Moon once more. Remaining on the German theme for one moment, there is the chance, also within the Rauscher draft, to buy a full-sister to the 2021 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Torquator Tasso (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the form of Tiara Hilleshage (Ger). The four-year-old filly has not one but two Group 1-winning brothers, including Tunnes (Ger) (Guiliani {Ger}), and she is herself a winner, in the colours of her Dutch breeder Paul H Vandeburg. From The Track To The Ring Some of this year's star performers on the track will doubtless produce notable performances of a different kind at Park Paddocks next week. The Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is still very much a racing prospect and is naturally a major draw in that prime Tuesday slot, selling as lot 1753, just one lot after the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes winner Rogue Millennium (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) for what will be her third appearance in this sale in just four years. As an unraced two-year-old she was a good buy by Billy Jackson-Stops at 35,000gns. Last year she fetched 1,650,000gns when sold from Tom Clover's stable. The four-year-old Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), offered as lot 1740 from Highclere Stud, has had a busy and fruitful year highlighted by her win in the G2 Sapphire Stakes. She was also twice runner-up to Bradsell (GB) – in the G1 Nunthorpe and G1 Flying Five. You Got To Me wins the Irish Oaks | Racingfotos “I think it caught the imagination from the word go, some innovations do, some don't. But this one very definitely has,”says George of the Sceptre Sessions. “I think it's slightly aspirational as well, for people who've got smart fillies and mares. And the buyers, as well, recognise it as a hallmark of quality – these are elite fillies and mares. It doesn't mean there aren't elite fillies and mares throughout the catalogue, because of course there are others. And we've always got these very smart consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte and Shadwell, that are mini annual dispersals of some very smart stock. So it's not just about the Sceptre Sessions, but they are a focal point.” Alex Elliott manages to juggle various responsibilities come sales time, and as well as being a busy agent he also set up his own consigning business, Imperium Sales, several years ago. He has his most important client to date among the owners of the horses in this year's draft as lot 1733, Azure Blue (Ire) (El Kabeir), whose eight wins include the G2 Duke of York Stakes, is owned by his mother, Anne, in partnership with Peter Appleton. Another notable 'blue' is Mehmas's daughter and Classic prospect Vertical Blue (Ire), the winner of the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac, who is making her way over from Francis Graffard's Chantilly stable to come under the hammer in Newmarket as lot 1770. George's tenure at Tattersalls, which stretches back to 1986 with a brief three-year hiatus in the early days, will soon be coming to an end, so he speaks with experience when he notes significant purchases from the lower end of the price spectrum. He says, “There's quality throughout the December Sale. And as we all know, a jewel can be found anywhere. Looking back, I think it was my first year here, 1986, the lowest-priced filly or mare of the Jim Joel Dispersal turned out to be the most influential. [Regal Beauty] became the dam of High Estate and King's Theatre, and Michael Poland bought her for 5,200 guineas.” George continues, “Then there was Senta's Dream, the dam of Order Of Australia, Iridessa and Santa Barbara. She was bought on the last day of the December Sale, back in 2013, for 14,000gns. “You never know where your life-changing filly or mare is going to spring from and I think that's the hallmark of the December Sales, and it's what brings so many people from so many different parts of the world every year. Certain people will have their own pet families, their own favourites, and it might not be that obvious on the catalogue page.” Another last-day purchase in 2023 was the Cape Cross (Ire) mare Zurigha (Ire), herself a listed winner and a half-sister to Group 3 winner Lily's Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) from the high-flying family of Bellarida (Fr) (Bellypha {Fr}). At 25,000gns she was the fourth-top lot of that final session and, though she had been covered by Too Darn Hot (GB) she was not in foal when sold. In the interim, however, her Too Darn Hot three-year-old Oversubscribed (GB) – a 400,000gns Book 1 purchase by Mike Ryan for Klaravich Stables – has won the listed Wild Applause Stakes at Aqueduct and was recently runner-up in the G3 Pebbles Stakes. Unsurprisingly, Zurigha, now in foal again to the young Darley sire, returns to Park Paddocks next week as lot 1687 with Barton Sales. Blue Chip Bloodstock, her purchaser last year, looks set to make a nice profit. International Outlook, Inward Investment Along with the buyers attending Tattersalls with a view to exporting mares around the world, the new wave of high-spending owners to have based their racing interests in the UK and Ireland will doubtless start to be felt at the mares sales as well as in the yearling and breeze-up sector. Emerging international operations such as Amo, Wathnan, Victorious and KHK Racing, all have or will have stallions to support, even if they are not standing under their own banner – think King Of Steel, Bucanero Fuerte (Fr) Persian Force (Ire) at Tally-Ho Stud, Isaac Shelby (GB) at Newsells Park Stud, Vandeek (GB) at Cheveley Park Stud, and Bradsell (GB) at the National Stud. Amo's Kia Joorabchian was explicit in his intentions when buying well-bred individuals during Book 1, stating that he and his partners have their hearts set on competing consistently at the top level. That is likely to include the purchase of some established broodmares or well-credentialed race fillies too. “It's hugely important and demonstrates that enduring appeal, and a diverse appeal,” George says. “Apart from anything else, it's bringing overseas investment into Britain, something that might be lost on the current government, given their stance on all things agricultural, but might be something that should be drawn to their attention. That inward investment in the rural community and rural-based industries is massively important, and it is encouraging to see.” He continues, “There's no shortage of quality in the catalogue. You've got an Irish Oaks winner in the shape of You Got To Me, you've got the highest rated two-year-old in France, in the shape of Vertical Blue, and the likes of Believing, and Idea Generation and Rogue Millennium, and the dam of Kalpana as well, Zero Gravity. And of course there's a handful of very well-bred mares, in foal to Southern Hemisphere time, all of them to Too Darn Hot.” George adds, “We have a Tattersalls Online Sale in association with Inglis Online, where we'll be featuring mares bred to Southern Hemisphere time as well, taking place in the middle of December. This is a part of the market that's growing, and the online platforms make that easier to do.” The post December Mares Sale: ‘A Jewel Can Be Found Anywhere’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran handler attends a race meeting for the first time this season at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

Exciting southern mare The Grey Goose (NZ) (Reliable Man) continued her faultless preparation with an impressive performance to win Sunday’s Hyde Landscaping and Wash Rite Winton Cup (1400m) at Ascot Park. Prepared at the course by Jo-Ann Gordon, The Grey Goose rose through the grades last term culminating in a victory in the ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m), before finishing a game fourth in the TAB Southern Alps Challenge (1600m). Returning from a lengthy spell, the daughter of Reliable Man showed her customary strong finish to win fresh-up at Wingatui on Melbourne Cup Day, and with Rohan Mudhoo back in the saddle, she was rated a $2 chance ahead of Willis ($4.50) in the local feature. The Grey Goose was away positively from barrier five but soon settled back, with the only runner in her rearview being Willis, who missed the start by five lengths. Racing fiercely at times behind a slow tempo, Mudhoo angled The Grey Goose out three and four-wide approaching the home turn and she soon was in the fight with pacemaker The Good Shepherd, who didn’t lay down and was only beaten a half-length by the mare at the post. Willis was an eye-catcher in the field, storming into third under Tina Comignaghi. Often seen settling well back in her races, Gordon was pleased to see The Grey Goose so prominent in the running on Sunday. “It’s nice to see this year that she’s keeping up with them a lot more, last year she could be five-six lengths off the second last horse at times,” she said. I thought this may be too short for her and the track has dried out, so I thought she might struggle. “They do usually run off the front, but today, they didn’t go too hard and she sat there quite comfortably, in fact she was over-racing. It was a good win, really nice. “We’ve always really rated her but I’ve always spaced her races to keep head right. This year, she’s grown up a lot, she’s been lovely to be with all day. “We’re getting there slowly.” Before the race, Gordon had indicated the upcoming Southern Staying Series was an appeal for The Grey Goose, but her performance over 1400m could warrant a change in plans. “I was looking at the Southern Staying Series after Christmas, but I always thought a mile was her distance,” she said. “We’ll just keep her shorter, around 1400 for a bit and go from there.” The Grey Goose was a $2000 purchase through gavelhouse.com as a weanling and she is raced by Maurice Paskell. From just 16 starts, she has won six races and over $245,000 in stakes. The five-year-old is out of an unraced Sakhee’s Secret mare Out Of The Barn, who also produced Mother Goose, a winner of two races for Gordon’s stable. View the full article

Local jockey overcomes recent run-ins with stewards to land three-timer, including Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m).View the full article

Second-season handler continues hot form thanks to victories from Super Wise Dragon, Alluring Laos and Offroad Master.View the full article

Trainer Penalty L Anderton | Non-raceday dated 18 November 2024; failed to present runner free of prohibited substance; fined $1,000 (sentence suspended for 1 year). Dog Penalties ALPHA SHELDON | Christchurch 18 November; cramped; must complete trial. HURUNUI MOUSE | Christchurch 20 November; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. GOLDSTAR HARMONY | Christchurch 22 November; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. Protests SAPPORO BALE | Christchurch 9 September; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st. LOVE IT | Auckland 24 November; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. The post 18-24 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Driver Penalties J Buckland-Stevens | Rangiora 20 November; use of whip; suspended 21 November – 20 December inclusive. T Herlihy | Auckland 22 November; out of position at start; fined $100. Horse Penalties DREAM ON LOU | Manawatu 19 November; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. BONO BROWN | Rangiora 20 November; atrial fibrillation; veterinary clearance including ECG required and must complete trial. LA DAMA | Manawatu 21 November; muscle tie-up; veterinary clearance required. BURNING LOVE | Invercargill 22 November; broke in running; must complete trial. SMART I AM | Invercargill 22 November; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. TAIKA | Timaru 23 November; broke in running; must complete trial. LONNEKERS | Timaru 23 November; broke in running; must complete trial. KOTARE RATA | Banks Peninsula 24 November; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. RADIOACTIVE JAFFA | Banks Peninsula 24 November; broke in score up; must complete mobile start trial. Protests WAI B NGARO | Manawatu 19 November; late scratching after displaying unsatisfactory manners prior to start. SOD’S LAW | Timaru 23 November; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. DONTTELLTHEBOYS | Banks Peninsula 24 November; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. The post 18-24 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties D Danis | Rotorua 19 November; medical clearance required. K Stott | Te Aroha 12 November (heard Rotorua 19 November); careless riding; suspended 24 November – 14 December inclusive. R Beeharry | South Canterbury 21 November; use of whip; fined $250. M Hashizume | Taranaki 22 November; careless riding; suspended 1-6 December inclusive. T Mitchell | Auckland 23 November; use of whip; suspended 28 November – 5 December inclusive. J Riddell | Auckland 23 November; weighed in heavier than weighed out; fined $200. K Chowdhoory | Wanganui 23 November; careless riding (2 charges); suspended 29 November – 19 December inclusive. R Muniandy | Winton 24 November; careless riding; suspended 2-11 December inclusive. K Mudhoo | Winton 24 November; failed to make weight; fined $200. D Tait | Winton 24 November; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalties L O’Sullivan & A Scott | Rotorua 19 November; late rider declaration; fined $50. S Simon | Non-raceday dated 22 November; failed to ride trackwork free of prohibited substance; fined $3,000 and costs of $187.50. S Gordon | Wanganui 23 November; late rider declaration; fined $50. Horse Penalties PINKER | Rotorua 19 November; late scratching after becoming fractious in barriers; must complete trial. RED STAR BELLA | South Canterbury 21 November; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. DIABLO BLANCO | South Canterbury 21 November; elevated heart rate and sore; veterinary clearance required. WYWORRY | Taranaki 22 November; late scratching after failing to parade to start; must complete trial. FREEBELLE | Taranaki 22 November; late scratching after throwing itself to track in preliminary; must complete 2 trials. MR FANTASY | Taranaki 22 November; late scratching after becoming fractious in barriers; must complete trial. Protest VELTON | Wanganui 23 November; caused interference; relegated from 1st to 2nd. The post 18-24 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Ridden quietly from the tail of the field by 55-year-old Yutaka Take, DO DEUCE (h, 5, Heart's Cry {Jpn}–Dust and Diamonds, by Vindication) produced a telling turn of speed down the Tokyo straight in Sunday's G1 Japan Cup at Toyko Racecourse and held off a resurgent 2022 Arqana August topper Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) and top stayer Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn})–who dead-heated for second–en route to a narrow victory. Shin Emperor took up the running prior to the first corner, but was displaced on the front end by 2023 G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) hero Durezza, who was sent into the lead by William Buick midway down the backstretch. Take had Do Deuce three wide and out of harm's way into the final 1200 metres and held him together entering the second turn. Durezza was committed by Buick at the top of the long Tokyo straight, banking on his strong staying ability, but Take went for Do Deuce in earnest and they sprinted home best of all to prevail, albeit narrowly. As he did when third in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes, Shin Emperor displayed admirable battling qualities late in the piece and fought on to earn a share of second at the wire. Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) was outrun in the early stages and tugged Christophe Soumillon right onto the back of Shin Emperor down the back before sitting three back the fence into the turn. He remained in contention deep into the final stages before finishing sixth. Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), having the final start of his career, got a bit warm in the preliminaries, but traveled nicely throughout and was in position, but couldn't muster the necessary kick and finished eighth. Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) was 11th, but beaten only about a half-dozen lengths. It was a fifth Japan Cup for Take. Lifetime Record: 16-8-1-1. O-Kieffers Co Ltd; B-Northern Farm; T-Yasuo Tomomichi. DO DEUCE with a great turn of foot and magnificent ride by legend Yutaka Take, wins the G1 JAPAN CUP, SHIN EMPEROR with a great comeback finished 2nd in a Dead Heat with DUREZZA DO DEUCE cae con fuerza desde los 400 finales para aventajar a SHIN EMPEROR y DUREZZA,… pic.twitter.com/cZ1T5nNufJ — Agentes305 (@agentes305) November 24, 2024 The post Do Deuce Defeats Shin Emperor, Durezza in Japan Cup, Goliath Best of Euros appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) has been the goal for Sierra Leone (NZ) (Sun City) from the moment she was purchased at the Yearling Sales, and she took an important step towards the $1 million feature with a game second in Saturday’s Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). A filly by Sun City, Sierra Leone showed plenty of promise on debut splitting subsequent race winners Cool Aza Rene and Abbakiss, earning herself an opportunity for black-type honours at Pukekohe Park. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Return To Conquer was back as though unbeatable in the juvenile field and delivered on that promise, but Sierra Leone gained plenty of admirers, tracking the colt throughout and finding a tidy turn-of-foot in the finish, the final margin between the pair being 2 – ½ lengths. Sierra Leone is trained by Hollie Wynyard at Cambridge, who was pleased with her filly’s efforts. “It was a tough run, she was trying to foot it with the colt (Return To Conquer) the entire race and she was off the bridle and out of her comfort zone, but she was tough to the line,” Wynyard said. “When he quickened, she got left a bit flat-footed and a bit lost going right-handed for the first time, but when she got to the 200 and picked herself up, she’s found the line really well. “She’ll just have one more run before the Karaka Millions, obviously she’s in now, so we’ll find a nice race in between and hopefully she’ll be peaking for that.” Sold from the draft of Westbury Stud, Sierra Leone was purchased for $130,000 by Wynyard’s former training partner Johno Benner, who owns the filly alongside Simon Barber, Noel Nicholson and Sam Pinfold. Benner has had a multitude of success in the past at Karaka Millions, winning the 2014 edition of the 2YO contest with Vespa and the $1 million Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m) in 2018 with Scott Base, the latter while training with Wynyard. “Johno bought her as a real two-year-old Karaka Millions filly, she had a lot of speed on the dam side and I think Sun City is the leading Australian two-year-old sire,” Wynyard said. “She really appealed to him as a Karaka Millions type, that’s what the owners were looking for and that’s what it looks like she’s going to be.” The fourth foal out of an unraced Dream Ahead mare in Flippity Lass, Sierra Leone is a half-sister to Inundation, who has won four races in Australia for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. View the full article

Guy Heveldt, Aidan Rodley and Jayne Ivil speak with jockey Joe Doyle, discuss La Crique’s victory in the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, look back at the Counties Cup and pay tribute to Danny Champion. Weigh In, 24th November View the full article

Tight photo finishes were the story of Saturday’s meeting at Pukekohe Park, and in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers Championship Qualifier (1600m), there was no exception with a four-way go topped by Aladdin Sane (NZ) (Satono Aladdin). The four-year-old gelding had finished runner-up in each of his starts at competitive Rating 65 grade this preparation, and regular rider George Rooke remained on board as he contested a field of progressive types over the mile. A wide barrier draw (12) forced Rooke to press forward from his three-wide position, settling in the first trio outside of Rule Of Law and Sinhaman. Aladdin Sane and Sinhaman were on even terms all the way down the Pukekohe straight and were joined by Subtle Power and the fast-closing Rosetown Princess on the line, with the photo eventually favouring the son of Satono Aladdin by a nose. Aladdin Sane is prepared by Roger James and Robert Wellwood at Cambridge, who were thrilled to see his consistent form rewarded. “He’s been very honest and has been knocking on the door. It was great to see him get the win, albeit very tight,” Wellwood said. “Unfortunately drawn wide, he’s had to settle three or four wide, and he’s probably a better horse ridden quietly. It was an unavoidable circumstance meaning he had to press forward, which made the win even better. “He ended up right there and nearly in front a long way out, and he was just tough to the line.” In its 26th year, the Dunstan Stayers Series culminates on Boxing Day at Ellerslie with the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers Championship Final (2400m), a race firmly on the radar for Aladdin Sane. “He’ll probably have one run over 2000-2100m somewhere, there’s a number of options for him,” Wellwood said. “Hopefully then, we’ll go on to the Dunstan Final on Boxing Day.” Bred by Rich Hill Thoroughbreds, the Cambridge trainers purchased Aladdin Sane for $32,000 on the New Zealand Bloodstock Online Yearling Sale in 2022. Raced by a large ownership group, the gelding has finished in the first pair in six of his eight starts, earning $83,695 in stakes. “At that stage, it was early days of Satono Aladdin, but he was a stallion that we liked,” Wellwood said. “He (Aladdin Sane) came up online and he was a good type that walked very well. We didn’t pay a lot for him, but he’s been a very genuine horse and with time, as he goes further, he’s only going to do more. “It’s exciting for the ownership group going forward.” View the full article

What Grafton Races Where Grafton Racecourse – 273 Powell St, Grafton NSW 2460 When Monday, November 25, 2024 First Race 12:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble A new week of racing commences in NSW with a bumper nine-race meeting at Grafton Racecourse on Monday afternoon. With plenty of rain in the region leading into the meeting, the track came up as a Heavy 8 at the time of acceptances, but with warm days forecast across the weekend, we should be racing on a Soft-rated surface. The rail comes out 5m from the 800m to the 400m and is out 3m the remainder, with action commencing at 12:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Grafton: Second Sun Matthew Hoysted opts to take the lightly-raced Second Sun to Grafton following consecutive placings at Doomben to begin his campaign. The four-year-old gelding was forced to cover extra ground last time out when finishing second, beaten a half-length, and was left vulnerable late on. He arguably should have won that BM62 over the mile, but third-up from a spell and staying at the trip, Second Sun should be winning third-up for the second time in his career. Best Bet Race 8 – #1 Second Sun (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Matthew Hoysted | J: Andrew Mallyon (Weight kg) Bet with BlondeBet Next Best at Grafton: Saxinoue Saxinoue was rolled as favourite when returning at the 1181m at Grafton, but second-up at 1410m, the son of Saxon Warrior looks poised to strike. The three-year-old produced a similar performance on debut in his initial campaign but improved significantly with the run under his belt to score on a Heavy 8. Hopefully, he is a horse who just derives great benefit from his fresh run, because if he is anywhere near his best, Saxinoue should have a bit too much class on his side in the quaddie opener. Next Best Race 6 – #4 Saxinoue (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Matthew McGuren (59kg) Bet with Playup Best Value at Grafton: Silver Canvas Silver Canvas produced a strong form reversal when narrowly defeated over 1400m at this track when racing close to the speed. The six-year-old gelding was just battling away in BM66 company prior and appreciated the step back to BM58 grade and put in a much better performance. Claire Ramsbotham sticks on board, and with her 3kg claim from barrier three, the pair look set to follow the speed throughout. With even luck in the home straight, Silver Canvas looks the wrong price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 7 – #1 Silver Canvas (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Shannon Manwarring | J: Claire Ramsbotham (a3) (62.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Monday quaddie tips for Grafton Grafton quadrella selections Monday, November 25, 2024 5-7-9 1-2-5-7 1-4 1-3-4-8-9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Skinner returned to the winner's circle for the first time since February 2023 with a gritty score in the $100,000 Native Diver Stakes (G3) Nov. 23 at Del Mar.View the full article

The Queensland racing industry today is mourning the loss of Hall of Fame trainer, Pat Duff, who passed away last night. Universally admired and respected, Pat was widely considered to be one of the true gentlemen of racing, enjoying a decorated training career that spanned more than 60 years. Raised at Wondai in the South Burnett, Pat spent time training from the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Brisbane, registering his last winner at Ipswich just three weeks ago when Optimus Maximus saluted in a maiden. He was 84-years-old. “Pat’s influence on and off track over the last 60-odd years has been simply remarkable,” Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said. “His ability to train horses was there for all to see, but he also had a great skill in developing people. “He will be sorely missed.” Over the journey, Pat trained some incredible thoroughbreds including Our Cavalier, a Queensland Horse of the Year, along with Scomeld, Handsome Prince, Star Of Florida, Hard Rock, Hard To Catch and Heart Of The Citi. His Queensland feature wins included multiple Toowoomba Cups and Prime Minister’s Cups, a Magic Millions 3YO Trophy, a Weetwood Handicap, BTC Sprint and PJ O’Shea Stakes (now the Q22). He also enjoyed interstate success with Star Of Florida winning an AJC San Domenico Stakes and a pair of AJC Challenge Stakes. His stable was also a family affair with his twin brother, Cedric, working alongside him for more than 40 years, along with his deceased wife, Dina, and his children Michael, Peter and Suzanne. “The family is overwhelmed by the love shown to Dad,” Michael Duff said. “He loved horses, he loved the industry but most all he loved the people in it. He was a man of great integrity who did a job he loved for 60 years. “We are proud of the positive impact he had on so many people’s lives and the industry. Our thanks to everyone who has reached out it is appreciated.” Pat won three Toowoomba trainers’ premierships and also finished second in the 1990/91 metropolitan trainers’ premiership behind the legendary Bruce McLachlan. In more recent years, he was inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame and was also honoured by the Queensland arm of the Australian Trainers’ Association, who introduced the Pat Duff Trophy to recognise those who go above and beyond to assist their colleagues in the racing industry. “He was a legend,” ATA Queensland representative Cameron Partington said. “Just the respect people held for him with the way he conducted himself. That’s why we honoured him with the award that we put in place with the Pat Duff Trophy. “He was as sharp as a tack right to the end, but his body just couldn’t fight anymore (after a recent fall).” Aside from his training feats, Pat was highly regarded for his record mentoring apprentice jockeys, including the likes of Mick Dittman, Michael Pelling and Jim Byrne, who all came through his stable. His support for female apprentices and jockeys was just as comparable, providing countless opportunities aboard his mounts. Horse racing news View the full article

La Crique winning the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) La Crique sprouted wings in the Pukekohe straight on Saturday to come from a near-hopeless position and win the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in a photo finish. The Vadamos mare went into the fillies and mares’ feature as the class act of the field, having won eight races and more than $1.3 million including Group One victories in the Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and the Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). In her first start since taking out the $500,000 Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) in Brisbane back in June, La Crique showed all the right signs with a strong finish into second with a 60.5kg topweight at Tauranga on November 2. La Crique jumped as a $2.20 favourite with BlondeBet in the Breeders’ Stakes on Saturday, where she was ideally suited by the switch from handicap to weight-for-age conditions. But her chances appeared to plummet over the course of the next 60 seconds. The six-year-old dropped a long way back and settled near the tail of the field, then got pushed out wide on the track in the early part of the home straight. As the 12 mares lined up across the track to lodge their claims with 200m remaining, La Crique was still among the last of them and had a mountain to climb to even get into the top three. But what happened next showed why La Crique is one of New Zealand’s standout thoroughbred talents. She responded to the urgings of first-time rider Michael McNab and launched a stunning late burst, making up half a dozen lengths in those last 200m and charging up alongside Lux Libertas in the final few strides. That rival gave her all to try to hold on, but La Crique caught her in the shadows of the post and won by a head. Lux Libertas finished second, a short head in front of Marotiri Molly, with a similar margin back to Hi Yo Sass Bomb in fourth. 2024 Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes Replay – La Crique https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pukekohe-2024-Group-2-Auckland-Thoroughbred-Breeders-Stakes-23112024-La-Crique-Simon-Katrina-Alexander-Michael-McNab.mp4 “She just got left a little bit flat-footed at the top of the straight,” McNab said. “A horse on the inside of us was sort of rolling around a bit and pushed us out. “It took her a while to wind up, but once she got into stride, she was brilliant. At about the 150m I thought she was really starting to let rip, but I wasn’t sure if she had enough time to get up. I was still cursing after the line. “But I’m rapt to win on her and just rapt to ride her. I’m looking forward to the rest of her preparation.” La Crique’s summer itinerary includes the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham on December 7 and the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Horse racing bookmakers now rate her a $2.50 favourite for the TAB Classic. “I really had to see the replay and the photo finish to be truly convinced that she won that race today,” said Katrina Alexander, who trains La Crique in partnership with her husband Simon. “It was a super run by a gutsy, gutsy mare. “She probably got further back than I wanted, but she’s a horse that just keeps on coming. That’s why we’re keen to get her up over ground when we find the right targets for her on good tracks. “She’ll go to the TAB Classic at Trentham next, and then we want to carry on towards Ellerslie on Boxing Day. That was always the campaign that we had in mind for her at this point of the season.” Horse racing news View the full article

Nereus winning the Group 3 TAB Counties Cup (2100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising stayer Nereus put his current campaign back on track when he captured an action-packed Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) on Saturday. The field of fourteen runners was thrown into chaos after 500m when Arby dropped rider Matt Cartwright after making contact with the inside running rail leaving the straight for the first time. Severely checked in the incident were Cognito, Blue Moon, Sassy Lass and Ess Vee Are while the rest of the field were also subsequently hampered as the riderless Ess Vee Are raced through the field to land in front of pacemakers Bosch and Quality Time, causing all riders to proceed with extreme caution from there on in. While all this was happening, Nereus and rider Joe Doyle enjoyed an economical run in midfield before improving wide on the home turn with the Te Akau Racing pair of Qali Al Farrasha and Cognito tracking him at every stride. Nereus, sporting the well-known colours of the Chittick family, and Qali Al Farrasha set down to fight out the finish at the 150m with the Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained son of Savabeel gaining the upper hand at the post by half a length with Cognito, who did a wonderful job to put himself into contention after the early check, shading The Odyssey for third. 2024 Group 3 Counties Cup Replay – Nereus Ritchie was delighted to take out the contest with the Waikato Stud homebred five-year-old who had made a mixed start to his spring campaign, forcing a slight tinkering with his race plans including dropping him back to 1600m at his last start before stepping up in distance again for the Counties feature. “We backed off him and went back to the mile last time always thinking he would make a stayer,” Ritchie said. “He just wasn’t there that last ten percent (lately), but the warmer temperature overnight has brought his coat through while he is a horse that goes best with his races spaced. “He has really picked his appetite up in the last week so the signs were there he would go well and he has. “It was a messy race with some hard luck stories I’m sure, but it is fantastic for Colm and I to have a horse like this winning in the Waikato Stud colours. “They are obviously a big part of New Zealand racing and it is great to do it for Mark and George (Chittick) who are here at the track.” Ritchie is keen to look ahead to more of the big Summer Cup races if the horse can continue on his development path. “He has a magnificent pedigree being by a champion stallion who keeps producing and out of a fantastic mare,” he said. “It suggests he is going to get to a Cups trip and it would be nice if we could get him to run two miles as there is a lot more money in those races.” Doyle, who brought up a winning stakes double on the day after earlier taking the Listed Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m) aboard Luberon, was pleased with how the race had panned out despite some challenges. “I followed Ryan Elliot around (No Compromise) and didn’t think I was in a bad spot,” he said. “I thought we’d be following something good and when the loose horse went around the speed was really on and that set it up nicely for us. “Going down the back I thought we would be right in it and he was good and tough up the straight. “The Te Akau horse (Qali Al Farrasha) went past him and he knuckled back down and got to the line.” Horse racing news https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pukekohe-2024-Group-3-Counties-Cup-23112024-Nereus-Shaune-Ritchie-Colm-Murray-Joe-Doyle.mp4 View the full article

Luberon winning the Group 3 Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Quality mare Luberon put a classy field of sprinters to the sword at Pukekohe on Saturday when she dashed away in the closing stages to score a handsome victory in the Group 3 Counties Bowl (1100m). The Lance Noble-trained daughter of Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish was shooting for a winning treble to open her spring campaign after taking out a rating75 1200m contest at Ellerslie back in September, followed by the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1200m) at Rotorua last month. Drawn ideally in barrier one, rider Joe Doyle bounced her away nicely to take the trail behind pacemaker Shoes, where she dropped the bit and relaxed beautifully in the early stages before starting to rev up approaching the home bend. Doyle quickly had her off heels and into the clear early in the run home and once balanced up he pushed the turbo button which saw the mare explode clear before easing to the line two lengths to the good of Sacred Satono, Waitak and Crocetti who were in a line for the minor placings. 2024 Group 3 Counties Bowl Replay – Luberon https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pukekohe-2024-Group-3-Counties-Bowl-23112024-Luberon-Lance-Noble-Joe-Doyle.mp4 Noble was delighted with way his charge had sprinted so quickly in the run home although he was well aware she had a decent pull in the weights of between five to seven kilograms on her main rivals. “That 7kgs in the weights made a difference and when she accelerated she put a couple of lengths on them,” Noble said. “I think we learnt a lot last year and their three-year-old year can be hard on the fillies. We’ve made some plans to keep her fresh, keep her happy and they are working which is very exciting.” Noble was also relieved to see Luberon on her best behaviour after costing herself a near certain victory just over a year ago at the venue when she ducked outwards at the 300m in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1600m), striking the outside rail and nearly falling before being pulled out of the race. “A year ago, we were here and we all know what happened that day,” he said. “To come back and win is very very satisfying. “Obviously the sprint series is pretty tempting while the Telegraph (Group 1, 1200m) fits in nicely as I think she may be slightly better left-handed. “We’ll just take it one day at a time but that’s the plan.” The Sprint series Noble was referring to is a new innovative ten-race series initiated by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Entain New Zealand & Australia this season that includes races in Australia and New Zealand that culminate on Champions Day at Ellerslie on 8 March. Points will be allocated to the first four placegetters of each race in the series, with a bonus pool of $500,000 being shared amongst the owners of the three highest point scoring horses at the conclusion of each series. Horse racing news View the full article

C R K Stable's Skinner (Curlin), second as the favorite as a 3-year-old in last year's GIII Native Diver Stakes, went one better in Saturday's renewal in a breakthrough performance. The $40,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $510,000 OBS April breezer (:10 1/5) had made only one start since, finishing a very useful second sprinting in an optional claimer on the Breeders' Cup Friday undercard. Last of six beneath Hector Berrios through an opening quarter in :23.15 here, the 7-2 chance was up a spot in a well-placed fifth through a half mile in :46.15. Skinner began to roll three furlongs from home and set his sights on dueling leaders Tarantino (Pioneerof the Nile) and Mixto (Good Magic) at the top of the stretch. Skinner stormed on by in the lane despite hanging on his left lead to get the money by a length. “When you looked at the pp's, there was a lot of speed in the race,” winning trainer John Shirreffs said. “Hector (Berrios) did a great job. He didn't let them drop back too far. He hustled a little out of the gate, then he got a nice position and he waited. He crept up then he went to riding him.” Third as a maiden in the 2022 GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity, Skinner was a very good third in the following term's GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby. Scratched from the GI Kentucky Derby after developing a fever, he was second in the Los Alamitos Derby in July, then rolled a pair of fives versus older horses in both the GI Fanduel Racing Pacific Classic Stakes and GI Awesome Again Stakes. He was placed on the shelf after finishing within 1 1/4 lengths of Mr Fisk (Arrogate) in this race last year. Skinner was featured in our 'Second Chances' series following a debut fifth at Del Mar in 2022. #3 SKINNER ($9) under @HIBerrios runs down the leaders in the stretch and pulls away to win the $100,000 Native Diver Stakes (G3) at Del Mar. The 4yo son of Curlin trained by John Shirreffs gets his second career win. Congrats to all the connections! pic.twitter.com/aDGvzarG4a — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 24, 2024 Pedigree Notes: Skinner becomes the 63rd graded/group winner worldwide for leading sire Curlin. Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Skinner is out of 2012 GIII Rancho Bernardo H. winner Winding Way. The full-sister to MGSW & GISP Kauai Katie brought $82,000 from Solis/Litt in foal to Maclean's Music at the 2021 KEENOV sale. Skinner is bred on the same Curlin x Malibu Moon cross responsible for champion 3-year-old filly Stellar Wind. The wildly successful Curlin x A. P. Indy (sire of Malibu Moon) pairing has produced standouts such as Malathaat, Nest, Global Campaign, Idol, et al. Winding Way is also responsible for a Nyquist filly of 2023 and a Jackie's Warrior filly of this year. She was bred back to the latter stallion. Saturday, Del Mar NATIVE DIVER S.-GIII, $100,500, Del Mar, 11-23, 3yo/up, 1 1/8m, 1:48.95, ft. 1–SKINNER, 121, c, 4, by Curlin 1st Dam: Winding Way (GSW, $208,188), by Malibu Moon 2nd Dam: More Than Pretty, by More Than Ready 3rd Dam: Pretty Livia, by Forest Wildcat 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($40,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $510,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR). O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-John A. Shirreffs; J-Hector Isaac Berrios. $60,000. Lifetime Record: MGISP, 12-2-3-3, $377,300. Werk Nick Rating: A++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Tarantino, 121, g, 6, Pioneerof the Nile–Without Delay, by Seeking the Gold. ($610,000 Ylg '19 KEESEP; $240,000 RNA 2yo '20 KEENOV; $235,000 3yo '21 KEENOV). O-David A. Bernsen LLC and Rockingham Ranch; B-Fred W. Hertrich III & John D. Fielding (KY); T-Peter Eurton. $20,000. 3–Mixto, 125, c, 4, Good Magic–Musical Mystery, by Concerto. ($140,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR). O-Calumet Farm; B-Farfellow Farms Ltd. (KY); T-Chief Stipe F. O'Neill. $12,000. Margins: 1, HD, 6 1/4. Odds: 3.50, 13.40, 3.10. Also Ran: Ultra Power, Salesman (Ire), Mirahmadi. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Skinner Breaks Through for Career High in Native Diver appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $286,005 Commonwealth Stakes (G3T) Nov. 23 at Churchill Downs was a tale of two trips. Lagynos ended a nine-racing losing streak with his first victory of 2024.View the full article

In a study of perseverance, Lagynos (c, 3, Kantharos–Steamy, by Speightstown), who has now run in 10 consecutive black-type events this year, finally got one to call his own when capturing the $300,000 GIII Commonwealth Turf Stakes Saturday at Churchill Downs. Last seen fifth in a troubled trip Oct. 26 in the GIII Bryan Station Stakes at Keeneland and seventh in the GIII Nashville Derby Aug. 31 at Kentucky Downs, Lagynos races for HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud. “He deserved this win,” said Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen. “[Lagynos has] gotten in so much trouble in his last couple starts and even this spring at Keeneland. We're very proud of his effort to win a race like this today. He's shown up for every start and runs hard each time.” Lagynos stayed out of trouble in the Commonwealth Turf. He broke smoothly, settling midpack behind cover and between horses. Up front, King's Plate runner-up My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) showed the way through :23.08 and :47.34 fractions with two-back Toronto Cup Stakes winner Piper's Factor (The Factor) sitting off his flank, while Bryan Station third Herchee (Twirling Candy) and favored GIII Jockey Club Derby fourth Dashman (Oscar Performance) tracked as a pair. As the field bunched up on the turn, Lagynos looked full of run but lacked room. When he found a seam in early stretch, he dashed through and sailed home a convincing winner as Bryan Station fourth Evade (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) chased him home and last-out Hawthorne Derby winner Ak Sar Ben Derby (Tapiture) closed from the very back for third. The final time of 1:40.83 set a new stakes record; the Commonwealth Turf has been run since 2004. “He broke well and I got him to relax going into the first turn,” said rider Flavien Prat. “I knew I wanted to be close but would have to wait for room. Down the lane I was able to split horses late and he really finished up nicely.” Lagynos broke his maiden at first asking 14 months ago at Kentucky Downs before capturing a 1 1/16-mile, off-the-turf allowance at Churchill nearly a year ago to the day. That would be his last win prior to the nine stakes attempts this year leading into the Commonwealth Turf. His on-the-board finishes in 2024 included the GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes, the GII American Turf Stakes, and the GIII Transylvania Stakes. Agent Chad Schumer signed for Lagynos for $200,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sale from the Valkyre Stud consignment. Pedigree Notes: Hill 'n' Dale stallion Kantharos is the sire of Lagynos and 10 other graded winners, as well as 43 black-type winners. The son of Lion Heart–himself a two-time winner at Churchill, including in the 2010 GIII Bashford Manor Stakes–has four stakes performers out of Speightstown mares. Lagynos makes it 75 total stakes winners for daughters of the late Speightstown. Lagynos is the second graded winner out of his unraced dam, Steamy, and the fourth generation of his family in the hands of breeder Robert Spiegel. Steamy's dam, Ruff, raced as a homebred for Spiegel and won, among other races, the 2000 GIII Miss Grillo Stakes on Belmont's inner turf. Steamy's first foal, Vision Perfect (Pollard's Vision), won the 2018 GIII Parx Dash Stakes for Mr. Amore Stables, in addition to five other black-type races. The mare has a 2-year-old filly named She's My Honey (Not This Time), a weanling colt by Golden Pal, and was bred back to Practical Joke for 2025. Flavien Prat with a patient ride aboard Lagynos to win the G3 Commonwealth Stakes! pic.twitter.com/1fn4A4OOSL — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) November 23, 2024 Saturday, Churchill Downs COMMONWEALTH TURF S.-GIII, $286,005, Churchill Downs, 11-23, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.83, fm. 1–LAGYNOS, 118, c, 3, by Kantharos 1st Dam: Steamy, by Speightstown 2nd Dam: Ruff, by Clever Trick 3rd Dam: Marked Well, by Well Decorated 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($200,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud; B-Robert Spiegel (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Flavien Prat. $180,350. Lifetime Record: 13-3-2-3, $700,553. *1/2 to Vision Perfect (Pollard's Vision), GSW, $802,154. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Evade (Fr), 118, g, 3, Wootton Bassett (GB)–Angel Falls (GB), by Kingmambo. (€300,000 Ylg '22 ARAUG). O-Resolute Racing and Qatar Racing; B-Ecurie Des Monceaux, Ecurie Loick Fouchet, R. Meahjohn, Kastro Stud Farm (FR); T-Michael J. Maker. $48,500. 3–Ak Sar Ben Derby, 120, g, 3, Tapiture–Mensa Member, by Flatter. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($67,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Millard R. Seldin Revocable Trust; B-Paul Tackett Revocable Trust (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $29,250. Margins: 3/4, 1, NK. Odds: 3.56, 5.61, 16.53. Also Ran: Piper's Factor, My Boy Prince, Herchee, Dashman, Will Take It. Scratched: Telescopic. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Kantharos Colt Lagynos Breaks Through in Commonwealth Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Return To Conquer winning Saturday’s Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Return To Conquer headed into his raceday debut in Saturday’s Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) with a big price tag, big reputation and big expectations, and the million-dollar colt produced a Pukekohe performance worthy of the hype. Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis paid $1.3 million to secure Return To Conquer from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January. The well-related colt is by champion Australian sire Snitzel and is the first foal to race out of the unraced Lonhro mare Vaujany, whose full-sister Ghisoni won the Group 2 Surround Stakes (1400m) and is the dam of stakes winner Renosu. Return To Conquer made a favourable impression in putting together a perfect three-from-three record at the trials this spring, winning at Te Rapa on August 6, at Matamata on October 8 and by almost three lengths at Waipa on October 29. He was sent out as a $1.20 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for his eagerly anticipated first start on Saturday, and in the end he had too much class for his six opponents. Return To Conquer broke sharply from his inside gate, and jockey Wiremu Pinn allowed him to roll forward and take the lead. That was where he stayed, cruising around the Pukekohe track and straightening for home under a firm hold. Pinn allowed Return To Conquer to lengthen stride 200m from home, and the hot favourite soon drew clear with his ears pricked. He coasted to victory by two and a half lengths over Sierra Leone and Vega For Luck. “He’s an absolute machine,” Pinn enthused. “I’ve ridden some pretty good horses in my time, and he’s right up there with the best of them. He gave me an unbelievable feel. To be honest, he hasn’t even really tried today. He’s just a freak of a horse. “I knew I was on the best horse in the race today, so I just wanted to take bad luck out of the equation and lead. They could try and catch me in the straight if they were good enough, but they couldn’t. “It was obviously his debut today, so he’s still got plenty to learn, but he’s a super horse.” Return To Conquer is ineligible for the lucrative Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie in January. His trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will weigh up other options for the late summer and autumn, which could include the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie in March or a potential Australian campaign. “Leading might have been Plan B rather than Plan A for this race today, but he’s done it nicely in the end,” Walker said. “He can have a little break now and then we’ll work out a plan after that. “We’ll look at all options. The main thing will be to give him 10 days out now and see how he does. There’s some Matamata trials on January 14, which is where we’ll probably have him resume. Then we can think about whether we go to Australia or whether we stay here and concentrate on something like the Sistema.” The Sistema Stakes has been a special race for Te Akau Racing, who won it with Maroofity (2003), Warhorse (2012), Heroic Valour (2016), Sword Of Osman (2018), Yourdeel (2019), Cool Aza Beel (2020) and Sword Of State (2021). Horse racing news View the full article

Two Sharp answered any questions about her distance limitations Nov. 23, decimating her competition by 5 3/4 lengths in the $300,000 Chilukki Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.View the full article