Wandering Eyes

Freehold Raceway, which has hosted harness racing on its New Jersey site since the 1830s, will cease operations Dec. 28, according to a story first reported Thursday by Stephen Edelson of the Asbury Park Press. The story quoted Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane, who stated he learned of the closure after Freehold management told employees in an emergency meeting on the morning of Sept. 19. “We're blindsided here,” Kane told the Asbury Park Press. “We've had no contact with them about this.” The story reported that the track is owned by Pennwood, with stakes held by Penn Entertainment and Greenwood. Freehold is scheduled to run 33 more days of racing this year. Redevelopment plans for the property are not yet clear, according to the story. Edleson wrote that, “While all racetracks in the state have been eligible to open a sportsbook since sports betting was legalized in 2018, Freehold didn't open its sportsbook until late 2020. The track then closed the sportsbook last month as football season was about to begin.” The post Report: Freehold Raceway To Cease Operations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

William Hill is the new sponsor for the G1 Futurity Trophy Stakes, the bookmaker announced on Thursday. The race will now be known as the William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes, which will take place a Doncaster on Oct. 26. Previously sponsored by the bookmaker in 1976, the race headlines the two-day meeting, where eight additional races will also bear the William Hill name. There have also been five Classic winners produced from the previous seven renewals of the Futurity Trophy, and trainer Aidan O'Brien is currently after his 12th edition of the race. The current ante-post favourite, The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), is trained by O'Brien. Racing sponsorship manager for William Hill, Mark Walton, said, “We're delighted to become the sponsors of the G1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes, strengthening our relationship with Arena Racing Company as the curtain falls on the 2024 Flat season. “It's fantastic to once again be associated with such a prestigious event, the final Group 1 of the British Flat campaign, made more special by the fact that William Hill were the sponsors of the race when it became the Futurity back in 1976. I'm tremendously excited to see which 2-year-old emerges as racing's next big star.” The post William Hill Returns As Futurity Trophy Sponsor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sacred Spirit (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a winner of the Listed Grand Prix de Lyon, anchors a quintet of wildcards that were added to Arqana's Arc Sale on Thursday. Consigned as lot 15, the gelding was second in the G3 Prix de Reux and third in the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville and is rated 106. Joining the Andre Fabre-trained son of listed winner and Group 1 producer Sahrawi (Ger) (Pivotal {GB}) is lot 29, listed scorer Rosa Salvaje (Ire) (Maximum Security); multiple group-placed and 109-rated Supercooled (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (lot 42); Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux et Jouvencelles heroine La Guapisima (Fr) (City Light {Fr}) (lot 43); and G3 Prix de Lutece runner-up Chartwell (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}) (lot 49). The sale will take place at Saint-Cloud on Saturday, Oct. 5. For the full catalogue, please visit the Arqana website. The post Listed Winner Sacred Spirit Leads Wildcards For Arqana’s Arc Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Monmouth Park sits on 310 acres of land in Oceanport, NJ, but, as is the case with most tracks in a modern era where on-track crowds have dwindled, much of the property includes empty stands and parking lots. But that is about to change as real estate developer and horse owner Morris Bailey has unveiled plans to develop 80 acres of the property that will be used to for a 298-unit residential building, a 200-room hotel, a youth sports center and, perhaps, a concert venue. Dennis Drazin said it has yet to be determined when construction will begin, but there have been reports that it will start in the fall of 2025. “We are embarking on the next phase of a journey that began over a decade ago when we developed plans to reimagine and reinvent the Monmouth Park experience that has brought so much joy to generations of horse racing enthusiasts,” Bailey said. “We have always been staunch advocates for returning the area to its rightful place as the premier destination for horse racing and family entertainment while including important components that serve the community at large. After an intensive, complex and lengthy process, our plans will create a vibrant lifestyle destination for future generations and will put the racetrack on a trajectory for enormous growth.” The project actually began to take shape in 2012 when Bailey, the owner of Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, sought to buy Monmouth when the state of New Jersey put it up for sale. Ultimately, he could not work out a deal and the plans were put on hold as the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association took control of the track. Dennis Drazin, whose company, Darby Development, has assumed full custody of the property under a new 85-year lease agreement, said that Bailey had waited for the real estate market to change before launching the project. “At that point in time the economics just weren't there,” Drazin said. “But the real estate market has changed so much over the past several years. It has just exploded here in Monmouth County. The prices are unbelievable. If you would have told me 20 years ago that there were going to be multi-million-dollar condos in Long Branch, I never would have believed it. But that's the reality.” Dennis Drazin | EquiPhoto Darby Development and Bailey have worked out a revenue sharing agreement which equates to more purse money and the ability to address other racing-related expenses. The guarantee is that racing at Monmouth Park remains a viable business for years to come. “Monmouth Park Racetrack is an iconic New Jersey attraction,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “We are thrilled to see this project move forward, which will bolster the local economy and ensure that the area is a popular destination for years to come. Through this important development, the history and legacy of this racetrack will not only be solidified but expanded and enhanced so that more New Jerseyans can experience its excitement.” While Drazin has said that several additional projects, including the concert venue, are still being considered, the hotel and the residential building are seen as the most important facets on the project. The residential building will be built on the large parking lot across the street from the track, which, on most days, sits empty. Drazin said it will be 55-and-over residence so as not to overwhelm the local schools. It has yet to be decided where the hotel will be built. Drazin said that the concert venue and other “entertainment type projects” will also be considered. With Monmouth not receiving anything in the way of revenue from slot machines or casino gaming, Drazin and his team are always on the lookout for new sources of revenue. The state gives the track an annual subsidy of $10 million to go toward purses, but more money is needed for Monmouth to be able to improve its racing product and solidify its future. The new projects will help. “There's a requirement in the lease, basically a 50-50 split on the revenue,” Drazin said. “Thirty five percent of the total revenue will get spent on racetrack related expenses and 20 percent of that will go into the purse account. It's all positive. Morris has always had racing foremost in his vision.” Drazin said that the global sports and event architecture firm Populous has signed on to handle the project. Populous is the same firm that is behind the rebuilding of Belmont Park and Pimlico. “They are a top-flight, really great company,” Drazin said. “They created the vision.” Drazin said that the construction will not create any problems for on-track fans other than that Monmouth will need to find additional parking space for the late crowd that shows up each year for the running of the GI Haskell Stakes. The post With Plans To Build A Hotel, Residences And More, A New Look For Monmouth Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Andy Makiv has been appointed as Godolphin Australia's new managing director, it was announced on Thursday. Makiv joined Godolphin Australia in 2008 and was based in Victoria, first as nominations manager and then as general manager which saw him oversee the Carbine Lodge racing stable and Northwood Park. In 2021, he was appointed head of sales. The managing director role was vacated by Vin Cox, who moved over to run Yulong Stud at the end of last year. “I'm honoured to be part of such a dynamic organisation,” said Makiv. “I'm excited to continue working with our great people, elite bloodstock and world-class facilities as we pursue further success both on the track and with our stallion roster. “We have a great team at Godolphin. We have very experienced and dedicated stud managers, an experienced bloodstock manager and head trainer, as well as a great corporate team. A lot of our key senior people have been here a long time. It was essentially business as usual even without someone in that lead role.” He added, “Our business is the racing and stallion business and the team's success is shown through having colts like Traffic Warden and Broadsiding heading to Group 1 races this spring. “We also have a fantastic line up of stallions with Street Boss and Harry Angel having amazing springs, the first of the Bivouac progeny set to hit the racetrack, the first foals by Anamoe arriving, and Newmarket winner Cylinder new at stud in Victoria.” The post Andy Makiv Named as Managing Director of Godolphin Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Applications are now open for the 2024 Keith and Faith Taylor Equine Scholarship, which supports the future of New Zealand’s breeders in travelling to Ireland and completing the world-renowned Irish National Stud Diploma Course. This scholarship offers an invaluable opportunity to undertake the internationally-recognised National Stud Diploma in Ireland with an all-expenses paid trip, open to any individual 30 years or under with an interest in furthering their career in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Initially funded by the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the scholarship has been funded since 2006 by the K.I.A Charitable Trust and Trelawney Stud’s Taylor family, being renamed the Keith and Faith Taylor Family Equine Scholarship. Attendees of this course have gone on to careers in the breeding realm, and well as training in New Zealand, dating back to the first recipients of the scholarship, Grant Hunt and Russell Rogers. The successful candidate will be provided with a return economy airfare, fees for the National Stud Diploma course, accommodation and a cash advance to cover some personal expenses. The Process: Applicants must include a covering email and attached CV, to be emailed to nztba@nzthoroughbred.co.nz. Applications Close: Friday 11th October 2024 at 5.00pm View the full article

Suspended jockey, Jamie Kah. (Photo by Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Jamie Kah will miss the Caulfield Guineas and Caulfield Cup meetings after being found guilty by the Victorian Racing Tribunal of not permitting Let’sfacethemusic every opportunity for a best placing in last month’s Group 3 McNeil Stakes at Caulfield. Racing Victoria stewards on Thursday called for the champion rider to be suspended for a period of not less than six weeks, but the VRT determined the breach of ARR 129 (2) was worthy of a three-week suspension. Kah’s ban begins from midnight on September 28 and goes through until Sunday, October 20, which is the day after Caulfield Cup Day. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge of not permitting Let’sfacethemusic every opportunity of a best placing in the McNeil Stakes after failing to take runs between the 175-metre mark and 100-metre mark and again near the 75-metre mark. VRT deputy chairperson Kathryn Kings handed down the verdict just before 3pm on Thursday, where she said the tribunal was satisfied Kah had not taken all permissible measures to obtain the best placing in the field. After a short break following penalty submissions, Kings said: “We are satisfied that between the 175-metre and 100-metre mark, there was a sufficient gap and opportunity for you to be able to ride your mount with sufficient vigour or purpose to improve your position. “We are satisfied that this ride did not involve a mere error of judgement on your part but when viewed objectively, the failure to take the run, which presented itself and was available to be taken for approximately eight strides, represented a breach of rule 129 (2) and was a departure from the standard of racing to be expected of a rider of your standing. “We acknowledge that the horse raced keenly at the early stages but during the relevant period the horse raced tractably. “Further, in relation to your ride in the last 75 metres of the race, we are satisfied you failed to ride out your mount with sufficient vigour when it was reasonable and permissible to do so. “While we acknowledge the evidence of the historical racing manners of each horse, we are satisfied that you did not use sufficient vigour or purpose, therefore not giving your horse every opportunity to obtain the best possible place in the field.” The hearing was adjourned for lunch at around 1:40pm after both RV stewards and Kah’s representative Matthew Stirling had completed submissions on the charge and when it returned, Kah was found guilty. Let’sfacethemusic ($8.50) ultimately finished fifth in the race, some 4.5 lengths from the winner. Corie Waller, who was acting chief steward on the day at Caulfield, told the tribunal that Kah’s ride was a culpable one under the rule as she did not give her horse every chance to obtain its best placing after failing to take the run in the home straight between Band Of Brothers and Stay Focussed. RV stewards last week issued Kah one charge under AR 129(2), which reads as follows: AR 129(2): A rider must take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that the rider’s horse is given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field. Kah told the tribunal that although the vision of the race shows there appears to be a gap for her to take, she said she did not feel safe in doing so. “Out there, I didn’t feel like the gap was open,” she said. She said Let’sfacethemusic had proven difficult to ride and earlier in the race had locked its jaw, which meant she lost control for a short period. She conceded that her opinion that Let’sfacethemusic was a dangerous horse may have contributed to her not taking the run in question on the day. Waller said stewards believed Let’sfacethemusic had more to give in the race and said that despite Kah’s evidence, there was no sign in the replay of the race that the colt was difficult to ride and appeared ‘responsive to the actions of its rider’. He said stewards had estimated it was reasonable and safe for Kah to take the gap between the two leaders for a total of eight strides from about the 175-metre mark. Tthe eight strides amounted to about 56 metres or 15 per cent of the home straight at Caulfield, where stewards argued it was reasonable for Kah to take the run. Stirling said given the unruly manners of Let’sfacethemusic, the jockey simply did not feel confident to take the run given its racing manners and the strong wind at Caulfield on the day. According to Stirling, the horse was ‘literally dangerous’ in his racing manners and so it required due caution from Kah when considering taking the run. Kah told stewards that Let’sfacethemusic had locked its jaw during the race and had done so five days earlier when she rode the colt for the first time in a track gallop. She said a rider loses control over a horse that locks its jaw. Stirling said Kah had intimate knowledge of the ramifications of riding a horse that locks its jaw as that it what happened when she took a near-fatal fall at Flemington in 2023, which left her in a coma for six days and unable to ride again for six months. Stirling said an extremely windy day can have an effect on racehorses, who ‘hate’ such conditions, but it can also dull the hearing of jockeys. He said if any of the three horses involved had shifted a ‘quarter of a horse or half a horse, the jockey’s finished. They are in the ambulance’. “Who are the stewards to criticise Kah for that ride?” he said. “She was the one that spent a week in in ICU last year because of a horse locking its jaw. I think she knows the risks of riding a horse with those traits a little better than the stewards and, with respect, a little better than (the trainer) Mr Price.” Horse racing news View the full article

Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) has been ruled out of Sunday's G1 Preis von Europa at Cologne due to a minor setback, it was announced on Thursday. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Goliath has been off the track since his shock 25-1 victory in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July, with prominent American owner John Stewart subsequently purchasing a majority share in the four-year-old from Philip Baron von Ullmann. Goliath had been set for a rematch with King George third Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in Cologne, but his connections will now have to consider other options as they plot a path to the G1 Japan Cup at Tokyo on Sunday, November 24. Von Ullmann told www.galopponline.de, “This morning I received a call from trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who told me that Goliath had developed a small foot abscess after his final work. “It's nothing long-term, but safety comes first and we don't think it's right to let him run in Cologne if he's not at 100 per cent and is causing the horse additional discomfort. Animal welfare is always our top priority. “John and I were really looking forward to running in Cologne and he was planning to fly from America to Cologne, but that's horse racing. We're still aiming for the Japan Cup, but we'll have to see what the exact plan is now.” Graffard still hopes to give Goliath a prep run before his planned trip to Japan. “He has a foot abscess and was not 100 per cent, so we won't take any risks any with him,” said the trainer. “I'll have to look at the programme book and see. Hopefully, we'll have one run before he can go to Japan.” Graffard was able to provide a more positive update on star three-year-old Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who is on course for a heavyweight clash with Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) in the G1 Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, October 19. He was last seen filling the runner-up spot behind City Of Troy (Justify) in the G1 Juddmonte International at York. “Calandagan is in top form and training to go to Ascot,” Graffard added. The post Minor Setback Forces Goliath to Miss Sunday’s Preis von Europa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Caspar Fownes, Jack Wong and Mark McNamara offer their unique perspectives on the most successful galloper Hong Kong has seen.View the full article

Superstar jockey Jamie Kah has been handed a three-week penalty after she was found guilty by the Victorian Racing Tribunal for failing to take all reasonable and permissible steps to improve her position on Let’sfacethemusic in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes last month. View the full article

Son of Epaulette ‘in very good form’ ahead of the Class Two Woodpecker Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin.View the full article

A return to Caulfield when he was successful on debut is expected to suit Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon). A roomier track and a draw away from the fence are expected to produce an improved performance from Public Attention at Caulfield. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained galloper runs in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on Saturday, looking to turn around a disappointing showing at Moonee Valley at his most recent outing. Public Attention was successful at Caulfield over 1200m on debut in July before finishing fifth to Angel Capital, an opponent on Saturday, in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) on September 7. Price said an inside draw and the tighter confines at Moonee Valley worked against Public Attention at his second race appearance. Public Attention drew barrier two and was locked up on the fence with little galloping room. “He had no luck at Moonee Valley and he’s not the right type of horse for The Valley,” Price said. “I thought the race would suit him if he drew out and was allowed to finish off, but it didn’t suit him because he drew in and got in traffic and he’s a big, long-striding horse. “He’ll go to the Caulfield Guineas Prelude on Saturday and then we’ll see whether we press on to the Guineas after that.” The Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) will be run October 12 and Price and Kent Jnr have been planning an assault on the race since the colt’s debut win. Price has the utmost respect for Angel Capital, a fellow Cranbourne-trained galloper the trainer sees in trackwork most mornings. “He’s a very good horse that Angel Capital,” Price said. “I see him in the mornings and say ‘you have got a motor’. “I’ve just got to train my own horse and have him as fit as we can, so we’ll turn up on Saturday and do our best to try and beat him.” View the full article

Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will return to Moonee Valley for a tilt at a second win in the Feehan Stakes. Lindsay Park has locked in the next start for Mr Brightsideon his path towards the Cox Plate. The Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on AFL Grand Final Eve, September 27, will be one of two races Mr Brightside has before the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) on October 26. The Group 1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 12 will be Mr Brightside’s final assignment before Moonee Valley’s showpiece two weeks later. The Ben, Will and J D Hayes-trained galloper returned to winning form at Flemington last Saturday taking out the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes where he wore down Pride Of Jenni in the final stages. Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside’s recovery from that race was the best it had been for two years. “He pulled-up just as well as he did first-up and that was the best he had pulled-up for two years,” Hayes said. “The wet track definitely worked in his favour and the way the race panned out, it was perfect. “He’s in good order with further improvement to come, which is nice. “We’re going to the Feehan, then we’ll go to the Might And Power two weeks after that and then two weeks to the Cox Plate. “I think that is the best way for him to get to what his Grand Final is.” Mr Brightside won the Feehan Stakes in 2022 when the race was run three weeks earlier than where it is now placed before going on to run seventh to Anamoe in the Cox Plate. A tinker to Mr Brightside’s gear aided the gelding’s post-race recovery following his Makybe Diva Stakes success. Mr Brightside had previously worn a tongue tie in recent starts until a tongue control bit was worn in his victory on Saturday. Hayes explained the Lindsay Park team had concerns Mr Brightside was getting his tongue over the bit which was affecting his breathing. “I think the tongue tie was annoying him, which is why he was getting tongue out the side of his mouth,” Hayes said. “He raced well with it, but it was one little thing that he doesn’t need to worry about now. “He’s racing well, so you have to trust him. He jumps, he travels, Craig points him, and he goes.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing is putting another Group One-winning mare on the market with the auction of Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca) on Gavelhouse Plus. Romancing The Moon was bought by David Ellis for $50,000 from Westbury Stud’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2021, and she turned that into more than $370,000 in stakes from a high-class career. “She was an outstanding racehorse for Te Akau, particularly as a three-year-old filly,” Ellis said. “I knew from the moment I saw her during yearling inspections that she was going to be a terrific racing prospect – she was a lovely, correct yearling with good attitude and a quality pedigree behind her. She went on to do a fantastic job in our colours, and I think she’s going to make a lovely broodmare as well.” In an outstanding three-year-old season, Romancing The Moon traversed most of the length of New Zealand – including two separate trips to the South Island – and had 11 starts for four wins, four second placings and more than $320,000 in prize-money. She finished second in two of her first three starts including the Listed O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui, then cleared maiden ranks when she romped home by three and a half lengths at Matamata in early October of 2022. That earned a return to black-type fillies’ company for Romancing The Moon, who was runner-up in the Group Three Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa in her next start. That was a particularly strong edition of the race and was won by the exceptional filly Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), while another budding superstar in Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) finished third. Romancing The Moon then ventured to Christchurch to contest the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, where she finished a creditable fourth behind Legarto. After returning from a summer freshen-up with another win at Matamata in January, Romancing The Moon ran sixth in the Group Two Wellington Guineas (1400m) on her way back down to the South Island. She kicked off her second southern mission with a second placing in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1400m), then won the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) by five and a half lengths in a hugely impressive performance. Romancing The Moon saved her best for her last start as a three-year-old, scoring an outstanding victory in the Group One Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham in March of 2023. She won by a length and a half from her stablemate Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel), who has herself gone on to be a Group One winner. “It really was a superb three-year-old season, she showed real class, toughness and durability,” Ellis said. “I can see her passing those attributes on to her progeny.” Romancing The Moon is one of 10 individual stakes winners for her sire, El Roca. The Fastnet Rock stallion has finished in the top five on the New Zealand premiership in both of the last two seasons, and he has been represented by a total of 162 winners from 264 runners. The dam of Romancing The Moon is the well-performed mare Underthemoonlight (NZ) (El Hermano), who herself won six races including the Group Two Foxbridge Plate (1200m) and the Group Three Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). She also placed in the Group One Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings. Romancing The Moon is her first foal. Romancing The Moon’s granddam Midnight Dip (NZ) (O’Reilly) is a half-sister to the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m) placegetter Midnight Kiss (NZ) (Groom Dancer), who went on to be an influential broodmare in the United States, producing the Grade One Santa Anita Derby (1800m) winner Midnight Interlude (War Chant) and Listed winner Midnight Crooner (War Chant). Both of that pair went on to stallion careers. Bidding on Romancing The Moon is open now on Gavelhouse Plus and will close from 7pm (NZT) on Tuesday September 24. Meanwhile, entries for the next gavelhouse.com fortnightly mixed bloodstock sale are due online by 10pm on Monday 23September. View the full article

Kelvin Tyler will have two competitive lightweight hopes in Saturday’s Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m), with talented pair Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer) and Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto) set for the Wanganui feature. Based in the deep south at Riverton, Tyler is a regular visitor in the North Island to campaign his horses, with Master Marko making his first journey since returning from Australia in June. A winner of four races in Queensland, Master Marko has been in sizzling form this campaign, winning three of his five starts, including back-to-back successes in Saturday fields at Riccarton Park. Leaving his horses in the care of Howie and Lorraine Mathews at Otaki, Tyler was thrilled to see them in prime condition when he arrived on Tuesday. “I arrived up to Otaki and all the horses are looking outstanding,” Tyler said. “Master Marko is going pretty well and I can’t fault him, he had a nice gallop on the course proper here and I think he’s as good as we can get him. “He seems to like to go forward, I don’t know whether drawing one will be good or bad though. He drew that in the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m) and got bogged down a bit there, but this is a smaller field than that race. “The forecast doesn’t look flash so I’m picking the rail will be off, so we’re just going to have to come up with a plan to get him out of there somehow.” Joining the son of Contributer will be Tyler’s well-performed miler Lightning Jack, a winner of nine races who placed in the 2023 Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). Often tasked with the top-weight, Lightning Jack will have a luxury 54kg to carry under Kavish Chowdhoory, half a kilogram more than his stablemate, who will be ridden by Leah Hemi. The Per Incanto gelding kicked off his North Island preparation with a ninth-place finish behind Hi Yo Sass Bomb three weeks’ ago at Wanganui, a performance Tyler is happy to look past. “He’s coming along really well, in his first-up run he drew one and that was just no good for him, he likes to get off the rail, so he was just bogged down in there,” Tyler said. “If he could get out and around them, he would’ve been a lot better I believe, but I can’t fault him since then and he’s galloped really well yesterday. “The loose track should help him and coming in with no weight is a real royalty for him. “I don’t mind having a go up here, it’s good prizemoney and better options. They are very happy horses at the moment, so hopefully we can pick up some crumbs.” On Sunday, Tyler had intended to prepare a team of horses for the meeting at Gore, but after its rescheduling to Oamaru, he will have a sole representative in Albatross contesting the Thomas Green (1600m). Albatross will reunite with apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait, who rode her to success at Wingatui in a similar race a fortnight ago. “She’s doing really well and back at the mile, it should hopefully be wet enough for her up there,” Tyler said. “It’s a bit of a shame that these races have gone from an hour away to five hours away for us, so I had to take a few other ones out as just logistically, it’s tricky to get up there with me in the North Island. “Fortunately, she’s got a ride up there and her work has been outstanding, it seems like she’s coming into it quite nicely. “She’s a conditioned and fit horse, so she’ll go another good race.” View the full article

Ballarat trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy are hoping they are in for an exiting spring with promising three-year-old Rue De Royale (NZ) (Per Incanto), with the ultimate goal being to gain a slot in next year’s $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Bred by Little Avondale Stud, Rue De Royale is by their resident stallion Per Incanto, and he was offered through Sledmere Stud’s 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing Pty Ltd and Belmont Bloodstock Agency for A$180,000. Rue De Royale has proven to be an astute buy for the McEvoys, with the colt taking the father-and-son training duo to the pinnacle of juvenile racing in Australasia last season. While he didn’t win a race as a two-year-old, Rue De Royale finished runner-up in the A$2 million Inglis Millenium (1100m), A$1 million Inglis Golden Gift (1100m) and Gr.2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), and earned his place into the Gr.1 Golden Slipper (1200m) and Gr.1 Blue Diamond (1200m), where he finished 12th and 10th respectively. The McEvoys have been pleased with the way Rue De Royale has returned as a three-year-old, breaking through for his maiden victory second-up over 1300m at Bendigo earlier this month. “He always looked like he was going to be a better three-year-old, but he was just so natural as a two-year-old and got us to all the big races,” Calvin McEvoy said. “He was placed in a A$1 million race, a A$2 million race, and then got us to the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper. “He has been a dream for connections. He lost the maiden tag the other day and I am sure he will win a really good race at some point.” Rue De Royale will get his first opportunity of the spring to score a stakes scalp at The Valley next Friday in the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1600m), with his performance in the race dictating the remainder of his spring path. All going to plan, Rue De Royale will contest the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12 before returning to his homeland to tackle the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiword Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park on November 9, with the winner securing the Canterbury Jockey Club’s slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8. “We are giving good consideration to running in the Caulfield Guineas and we just thought the 2000 Guineas might be a really nice option,” McEvoy said. “He is by Per Incanto and what we would love is to get him a spot in The Kiwi.” McEvoy said The NZB Kiwi is a great concept, and while a slot in the race was a major drawcard to contest the 2000 Guineas, so was the $650,000 prizemoney on offer in the three-year-old feature. “What a great initiative, they are really keeping up with the times, and these slot races are all over the world now,” he said. “It is great money. We thought the money for the Guineas was fantastic at $650,000 as well. It is at the same time as The Carbine Club (A$500, Gr.3, 1600m) so it is certainly a good opportunity to give him another opportunity at Group One level for a colt, for more money. “We have got a really well-bred colt that would be a live chance in a Group One.” View the full article

What Underwood Stakes Day 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, September 21, 2024 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble A Group 1 day of racing awaits punters on Saturday afternoon at Caulfield as the Underwood Stakes (1800m) headlines a stacked 10-race meeting. With showers forecast in the lead up to raceday, the track is likely to be in the soft range come race one, with runners likely heading to the middle of the track as the day progresses. The rail comes out 6m the entire circuit, with Underwood Stakes Day commencing at 12:10pm AEST. Race 1: BM78 Handicap (2000m) Gold Wolf may have only beaten four horses home first-up, but his run was better than what it reads on paper. 1800m is short of best, so the step up to 2000m on the weekend looks ideal for the son of Tivaci. He is already a winner at the 2400m here at Caulfield, but with a genuinely run race expected, it should suit Gold Wolf perfectly. Celine Gaudray’s 1.5kg claim gets him in nicely with 60kg on his back, and with even luck in the home straight, he looks a great each-way play. Selections: 2 GOLD WOLF 3 CONVENER 8 QUANTUM CAT 5 DENMARK Best Value Race 1 – #2 Gold Wolf (3) 4yo Gelding | T: David & Coral Feek | J: Celine Guadray (a1.5) (61.5kg) +2200 with Unibet Race 2: BM78 Handicap (1600m) Federer has been breathtaking at both his starts when saluting by a combined 9.5 lengths. The four-year-old has come from off the speed and shown an electric turn of foot, before being throttled down to suggest we are yet to see the best of the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding. Barrier one may be a touch concerning, but if Ben Allen can find clear running at the right time, Federer should have no issue in serving up another masterclass. Selections: 11 FEDERER 5 LE ZEBRA 2 NAILS MURPHY 4 REGAL ZEUS Best Bet Race 2 – #11 Federer (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ben Allen (56kg) -133.33 with Neds Race 3: BM84 Handicap (1400m) Poifect has not been seen since finishing midfield in Group 2 company at Doomben on May 25, but first-up this spring, she looks to have found the right race to exert her class on. Having won at Listed level prior to that effort at Doomben, the Pierro mare showed she has bigger wins in store throughout her career. Mick Dee will likely have her leading the field up, and with a cheap sectional or two, Poifect will prove too hard to run down. Selections: 3 POIFECT 2 LOVAZOU 1 SASSY BOOM 6 QUICKSTER Race 4: Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) Silmarillion disposed of a similar field at Moonee Valley on September 7, and despite going up 1.5kg for Saturday’s assignment, the Too Darn Hot filly looks the goods once again. She gains the services of Blake Shinn from barrier one, who will likely stalk the lead throughout the 1400m event. Silmarillion is the class horse in this field, and if she is anywhere near her best, she should be too good once more. Selections: 1 SILMARILLION 4 TOO DARN LIZZIE 5 SAKIMA 2 JENNI’S MEADOW Next Best Race 4 – #1 Simarillion (1) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Blake Shinn (57.5kg) +180 with Playup Race 5: Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) Another Wil could not have been more breathtaking when saluting first-up at Caulfield with 60.5kg on his back. He needed to sustain a long run from the rear of the field that day and got up in the shadows of the winning post to get the better of Here To Shock, who he meets again. Barrier one means he will need some luck in the home straight, but if he is afforded any, Another Wil looks too hard to hold out once again. Selections: 3 ANOTHER WIL 1 BUFFALO RIVER 9 CRAIG 5 LIGHT INFANTRY MAN Race 6: BM100 Handicap (1100m) The Inferno has not won in over three years, but the now eight-year-old gelding will get his chance to break that drought in BM100 company. He has chased home Imperatriz at his last two first-up runs and has been far from disgraced in either of those runs at Group 1 level. Despite this being a handy field, it is one of the weaker fields he has faced in a while. He will be at the rear of the field under Ethan Brown, but come the final 200m, The Inferno will be scorching down the outside, and hopefully get his head down where it matters most. Selections: 1 THE INFERNO 11 COMMEMORATIVE 8 JIMMYSSTAR 12 REY MAGNERIO Race 7: Group 3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) Win and you are into the Caulfield Cup (2400m), that is what is on offer for the winner of the Group 3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m). As pointed out in the Follow Files, Que Tempesta produced a strong local debut over 1700m, and stepping up to the 2000m second-up looks to be the recipe for success. He was hitting the line better than most last time out, despite racing in tight quarters, but if he can find clear air in the home straight, Que Tempesta looks the goods. Selections: 1 QUE TEMPESTA 15 SAINT GEORGE 13 THE MAP 14 POSITIVITY MRC Foundation Cup Race 7 – #1 Que Tempesta (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Mark Zahra (59kg) +600 with Dabble Race 8: Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) It may not be an iconic edition of the Underwood Stakes, but there looks to be plenty of winning chances heading into Saturday’s feature. Deny Knowledge is simply the wrong price, considering she looks to be the only leader in the race, and with Jye McNeil on board, the pair can dictate terms throughout. Much like Pride Of Jenni, Deny Knowledge will look to break the field up upon settling and hold a big lead, and it’ll all come down as to whether her rivals can chase her down. She is a winner first-up in the past, and if we’re on an improving surface, the $27 on offer with horse racing bookmakers is too hard to ignore. Selections: 12 DENY KNOWLEDGE 2 PERICLES 7 FAWKNER PARK 3 MUNHAMEK Underwood Stakes Race 8 – #12 Deny Knowledge (9) 7yo Mare | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Jye McNeil (57kg) +2600 with Picklebet Race 9: Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) The Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) has attracted an even field and following an unlucky run first-up at Moonee Valley, Epimeles can bounce back to the winners stall in this. The Dundeel colt was shuffled back to last approaching the home turn and was doing his best work late once balanced up. From barrier 10, John Allen will have him in the moving line throughout and will look to keep luck out of the equation turning for home. If Epimeles produces anything like he showed as juvenile, he should be winning. Selections: 3 EPIMELES 5 WANARUAH 2 ANGEL CAPITAL 8 PUBLIC ATTENTION Caulfield Guineas Prelude Race 9 – #3 Epimeles (10) 3yo Colt | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: John Allen (57kg) +800 with Bet365 Race 10: 4YO+ Mares Open (1200m) In what shapes as a tough way to finish the meeting, A Little Deep has done nothing wrong at her two runs this campaign and can build her winning streak to three. The Deep Field mare produced a barnstorming finish to claim Listed success at Moonee Valley on September 7, and was a smart Caulfield winner first-up over 1100m. She stays at the 1200m, and from barrier three under Jamie Kah will gain an economical run in transit throughout. With a similar finishing burst and fitness under her belt, A Little Deep should prove a little too good. Selections: 6 A LITTLE DEEP 8 EXTRATWO 5 COMRADE ROSA 4 RED CARD Underwood Stakes Day quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections September 21, 2024 1-2-9-11-13-14-15 2-3-7-8-11-12-13 1-2-4-5-8 6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Pierre Ng was runner-up in last season’s trainers’ championship. Pierre Ng hopes Taj Dragon’s imposing course and distance prowess will offset the gelding’s weight challenge in the Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 September). Taj Dragon has won six times and placed twice from 12 starts over Sha Tin’s 1400m trip, but Ng is aware the Irish-bred gelding will have to post a new career high when he shoulders 135lb against six rivals this weekend, having never won with more than 133lb previously. To face Flying Ace, Healthy Happy, Packing Treadmill, The Golden Scenery, Chiu Chow Spirit and Wonder Kit, Taj Dragon will start from barrier one under Vincent Ho. “Taj Dragon’s doing well, training really well but the one concern I have is the topweight in a Group 3, carrying 135 (pounds),” Ng said. “He’s only a small horse, which makes it more difficult but he’s got the class to run well. “He’s come back really well, so we have planned for 1400 metres and next run will be 1200m (Group 2 Premier Bowl on 20 October) with the blinkers. I think he can run really well on Sunday.” Formerly known as Taj Alriyadh when trained by Karl Burke, Taj Dragon won three races up to 1200m in Great Britain before transferring to Ng’s stable. The young horseman is hopeful the 111-rater can add to the HK$13.46 million in prizemoney he has amassed since arriving in Hong Kong. “Long term, hopefully he can get another one or two Group 3 races. Depending on the schedule, if there’s a Class 1, he could go there if the race is suitable,” Ng said. Last season’s Celebration Cup winner Healthy Happy, who will be ridden by Matthew Chadwick, returns for this year’s race along with last season’s third place-getter The Golden Scenery, who will be partnered by Brenton Avdulla. While Ng is eager to add to the Group 3 spoils he claimed during a memorable 2023/24 campaign, he is happy with Mugen’s progress Group 1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan on 29 September. “He’s settled in well, it’s been very hot there for the last couple of days so he will recover from that and everything seems normal,” Ng said of the upcoming clash with fellow Hong Kong speedster Victor The Winner. Following the lead of fellow Group 1 winners Romantic Warrior, California Spangle and Invincible Sage, who impressed with trial performances on Tuesday (17 September), Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) winner Beauty Eternal contested a barrier trial at Sha Tin this morning (Thursday, 19 September). Ridden by Zac Purton, the gelding finished seventh – beaten three and three quarter lengths – behind Patch Of Time in 1m 12.32s. Sunday’s 10-race meeting at Sha Tin starts with the Class 4 Hwamei Handicap (1650m, dirt) at 1pm. A farewell ceremony will be held at 3.10pm for champion galloper Golden Sixty, the only Hong Kong horse to win 10 Group 1s and a record HK$167 million in prizemoney. The three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year will be feted by Hong Kong racing purists to mark the contribution to the city’s racing and his phenomenal achievements. Racegoers who wear a top or a cheering scarf, featuring a motif of Golden Sixty or his racing silk elements, can enjoy free admission to the Sha Tin Public Enclosure from 11am. Horse racing news View the full article

Habana will contest the Almanzor – Proven Value 1400 at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Lance Noble is keen to test the versatility of his well-performed sprinter-miler Habana this preparation. Cambridge Stud’s private trainer has the son of Zoustar in good order to resume at Ellerslie in Saturday’s open 1400m handicap, appropriately named in the honour of farm resident Almanzor. Noble will be hoping the smart debut victory of Flash Effect on the synthetic track at Cambridge on Wednesday can be a forerunner to further success in the coming days. “The (outside) draw wasn’t ideal but she has always showed a bit of speed out of the gates, we thought she could cross and it helps to be handy on the all-weather,” he said. “She showed a good turn of foot and tenacity to keep going, so it was good result.” Habana has won eight races up to 1600m, including the Group 3 Rich Hill Mile and the Listed Fulton Family Mile and will be tested over more ground with a summer Group 1 goal in mind. “We are quite keen to see if he can stetch out to 2000m this time around and I think he will the way he races,” Noble said. “He does relax and has always hit the line well over a mile, so the main target will be the Zabeel Classic (Group 1, 2000m). “We are conscious that he is a gelding and quite high up in the ratings so he’s always going to be carrying a lot of weight in handicap. The weight-for-age route might be a bit easier on him.” Habana hasn’t raced since he finished midfield in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) and will, as usual be partnered by Warren Kennedy. “He’s very well and is another year older, but he’s had two trials and gone well in both of them,” Noble said. “He’s a big, strong horse and to me he has come back as well as ever. “He runs well fresh, whether he can win over 1400m first-up with 60kg is another story but I’m sure he’ll run well.” Stakes-performed stablemate Luberon will also make a fresh start at Ellerslie in the Sistema Handicap (1200m). “She has come up well and has gone really well in two trials,” Noble said. “She had a couple of hiccups at the end of last season, but she sees over them and I’m looking forward to seeing her back on the track.” Kennedy will be aboard Embellish mare Luberon and he will also guide the fortunes of barnmates Villarta (The Belle Family Handicap, 1100m) and Love Symbol (NZB Mega Maiden Series, 1200m). Per Incanto’s daughter Villarta is a genuine type with a win and four placings from seven appearances. “She didn’t do a lot wrong last season from limited starts and trialled up nicely,” Noble said. “She has won at Taupo before, she’s got a good draw and I expect her to be pretty competitive.” Well-bred Savabeel filly Love Symbol, a member of the famed Eight Carat family, and her unplaced effort on debut last season isn’t indicative of the ability she possesses. “I’ve got a bit of time for her, she has been a bit of a handful at the starting gates, but hopefully we are over that,” Noble said. “She has showed plenty at home, she just needs to put it all together on race day and she is getting better all the time.” Horse racing news View the full article

No Compromise will contest the Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Wanganui on Saturday. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Bill Thurlow is looking forward to kicking off the campaigns of several exciting horses on Saturday at Wanganui, including Group 1 winner No Compromise in the Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m). “It’s really nice to have three or four good horses around us, it’s what you look forward to and every trainer’s ideal to have a nice horse heading into the spring,” Thurlow said. “We’re very lucky to have a couple of nice ones, so I’m really looking forward to it.” Now an eight-year-old, No Compromise has spent time on both sides of the Tasman with plenty of success, highlighted by his triumph in the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) in 2022 while in the care of Chris Waller. In the mid-stages of last year, he returned to his homeland and placed in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m), before two unplaced efforts at Group 1 level completed his season. “He’s coming along well, he’s had a jump-out and a trial and I’m really happy with him,” Thurlow said. “He’ll need the run obviously, but this isn’t his end goal. I’d say he’ll probably get back a little bit, he’s only got a reasonably short sprint on him so if he can be held up until late, hopefully he can find the line strongly, that’s the aim for Saturday.” Thurlow has also nominated the son of Pins for the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2050m) on October 12. The Waverley horseman was thrilled with the progress of his talented mare No Rain Ever during her three-year-old term, placing in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) before travelling to Riccarton and winning the Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m). No Rain Ever was sighted finishing on strongly at the Foxton trials on August 22, setting her up for the H&T Agronomics/Agricom OPN 1200. “She’s got a lot of ability, we think that maybe this time around she may be more of a sprinter, but obviously it’s well-known that they can get away with going over ground against their own age group,” Thurlow said. “We think she’s possibly more of a 1400-1600m horse, but as we go into the season, she will tell us where she needs to be. “It’s not a bad wee field that she’s in, so as long as she’s running on well at the end, I’ll be happy. “She’s been effective over 1200m before fresh, but once again, there are a couple of really nice races for her later on the season so this is good starting point. “Physically, mentally and fitness-wise, she’s reasonably forward.” Already making his presence felt this term has been Battle Secret, the seven-year-old going back-to-back in Rating 75 contests through August. “He’s been going super, he’s another horse that can come back from injury and is in a really purple patch of form,” Thurlow said. “We couldn’t ask any more of him and he’s done well since he raced, he doesn’t mind a bit of water around so we’re really happy. “He’s got a bit of weight to carry and it’s a step-up from what he’s been racing against, but we can’t fault him.” To be ridden by Johnathan Parkes, Battle Secret will contest the Nufarm/Property Brokers 2040, while Kelly Myers will take the ride aboard progressive galloper Frank The Tank in the CR Grace LTD/Waterforce 1340m earlier on the card. An imposing son of Burgundy, Frank The Tank won three races in his opening season on the track as a four-year-old. “He had a really good season last year, it probably tapered off a little bit in his last couple of runs and we weren’t sure why,” Thurlow said. “But he’s had a nice break, come back, and had a nice jump-out and trial to prepare. He’s really pleased us with the way he’s performed in both. “He’s drawn wide, but he’s got a very good rider in Kelly, so he’ll probably get back and we expect him to be running on too. I think he can go a good race though. “He’s a horse that’s had a couple of wind issues, so whether he can get over ground I’m not sure. A mile will be his friend when he pushes on a bit, but we’re not sure whether he’ll get a 2000m, we could give that a try this time around.” Completing Thurlow’s contingent will be Crunchie Boy in the Manawatu Toyota/John Turkington Forestry 1200, and Wire Rope on debut in the Treadwell Gordon/Marsh Insurance Brokers MDN 3YO 1200. “Wire Rope trialled again today (Wednesday) because he was a bit naughty in his first start at Woodville, he was a bit like a little schoolboy,” Thurlow said. “We were really happy with him today, he was settled and he is a sensible horse. I’m not sure what happened to him in the first start, but that can happen with young horses and that’s just one of those things. “I’m looking forward to him running, he’s quite a progressive horse. “Crunchie Boy is a head-scratcher, we thought he was going to be a very good horse and he’s just been one of those types that hasn’t quite done it. “We’ve tried lots of different things with him, so you just have to see what version of him turns up on Saturday. I’ve stopped predicting what he may do at this point.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Ballarat Races Where Ballarat Turf Club – 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest VIC 3352 When Friday, September 20, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEST Visit Dabble The $100,000 Gold Nugget will headline the eight-race card at Ballarat Turf Club this Friday afternoon, where the first event is set to jump at 1:30pm AEST. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, and with more rain forecast in the lead-up, expect the surface to stay in the Soft range throughout the meeting. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit. Gold Nugget tip: Indispensable Indispensable finished an underwhelming last place in the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes first-up; however, he has been to the trails since, where the Melody Cunningham-trained gelding won by eight lengths over 1600m at Colac. The son of Akeed Mofeed will take good fitness benefit from his fresh run and strong trial performance, which will hold him in good stead for this start. If Craig Newitt can find the front and run the race to suit his mount, Indispensable will prove very hard to run down. Gold Nugget Race 7 – #2 Indispensable (3) 8yo Gelding | T: Melody Cunningham | J: Craig Newitt (58kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Ballarat: Reserve Bank Reserve Bank will return from a 15-week spell with the benefit of an 800m trial victory at Cranbourne under his belt. The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained colt was entered in the Listed Poseidon Stakes at Flemington last Saturday before being scratched in favour for this contest. This son of Capitalist won by a big margin on debut at his only start, and if he shows a similar finish over 1000m here, Reserve Bank will be winning. Best Bet Race 6 – #11 Reserve Bank (14) 3yo Colt | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Luke Currie (57.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Ballarat: Extreme Virtue Ben, Will & JD Hayes will take Extreme Virtue to Ballarat following her narrow victory at Bendigo first-up over 1400m as she seeks to record back-to-back wins to start her second racing preparation. The daughter of Extreme Choice settled outside the leader before taking over at the top of the straight and just held on from the fast-finishing Mornington Pier. Following her fresh win and with no other speed influence in this race, Extreme Virtue only has to improve slightly to salute again. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Extreme Virtue (4) 4yo Mare | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Dakota Keane (a2) (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Ballarat quaddie tips – 20/9/24 Ballarat quadrella selections Friday, September 20, 2024 4-5-7-12 4-11 1-2-5-7-12 4-7-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Exciting three-year-old Rue De Royale. Photo: Brett Holburt (Racing Photos) Ballarat trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy are hoping they are in for an exiting spring with promising three-year-old Rue De Royale, with the ultimate goal being to gain a slot in next year’s $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Bred by Little Avondale Stud, Rue De Royale is by their resident stallion Per Incanto, and he was offered through Sledmere Stud’s 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing Pty Ltd and Belmont Bloodstock Agency for A$180,000. Rue De Royale has proven to be an astute buy for the McEvoys, with the colt taking the father-and-son training duo to the pinnacle of juvenile racing in Australasia last season. While he didn’t win a race as a two-year-old, Rue De Royale finished runner-up in the A$2 million Inglis Millenium (1100m), A$1 million Inglis Golden Gift (1100m) and Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), and earned his place into the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) and Group 1 Blue Diamond (1200m), where he finished 12th and 10th respectively. The McEvoys have been pleased with the way Rue De Royale has returned as a three-year-old, breaking through for his maiden victory second-up over 1300m at Bendigo earlier this month. “He always looked like he was going to be a better three-year-old, but he was just so natural as a two-year-old and got us to all the big races,” Calvin McEvoy said. “He was placed in a A$1 million race, a A$2 million race, and then got us to the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper. “He has been a dream for connections. He lost the maiden tag the other day and I am sure he will win a really good race at some point.” Rue De Royale will get his first opportunity of the spring to score a stakes scalp at The Valley next Friday in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m), with his performance in the race dictating the remainder of his spring path. All going to plan, Rue De Royale will contest the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12 before returning to his homeland to tackle the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park on November 9, with the winner securing the Canterbury Jockey Club’s slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8. “We are giving good consideration to running in the Caulfield Guineas and we just thought the 2000 Guineas might be a really nice option,” McEvoy said. “He is by Per Incanto and what we would love is to get him a spot in The Kiwi.” McEvoy said The NZB Kiwi is a great concept, and while a slot in the race was a major drawcard to contest the 2000 Guineas, so was the $650,000 prizemoney on offer in the three-year-old feature. “What a great initiative, they are really keeping up with the times, and these slot races are all over the world now,” he said. “It is great money. We thought the money for the Guineas was fantastic at $650,000 as well. It is at the same time as The Carbine Club (A$500, Group 3, 1600m) so it is certainly a good opportunity to give him another opportunity at Group One level for a colt, for more money. “We have got a really well-bred colt that would be a live chance in a Group 1.” Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Kelvin Tyler pictured with Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m) contender Lightning Jack. Photo: Race Images South Kelvin Tyler will have two competitive lightweight hopes in Saturday’s Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m), with talented pair Master Marko and Lightning Jack set for the Wanganui feature. Based in the deep south at Riverton, Tyler is a regular visitor in the North Island to campaign his horses, with Master Marko making his first journey since returning from Australia in June. A winner of four races in Queensland, Master Marko has been in sizzling form this campaign, winning three of his five starts, including back-to-back successes in Saturday fields at Riccarton Park. Leaving his horses in the care of Howie and Lorraine Mathews at Otaki, Tyler was thrilled to see them in prime condition when he arrived on Tuesday. “I arrived up to Otaki and all the horses are looking outstanding,” Tyler said. “Master Marko is going pretty well and I can’t fault him, he had a nice gallop on the course proper here and I think he’s as good as we can get him. “He seems to like to go forward, I don’t know whether drawing one will be good or bad though. He drew that in the Winter Cup (Group 3, 1600m) and got bogged down a bit there, but this is a smaller field than that race. “The forecast doesn’t look flash so I’m picking the rail will be off, so we’re just going to have to come up with a plan to get him out of there somehow.” Joining the son of Contributer will be Tyler’s well-performed miler Lightning Jack, a winner of nine races who placed in the 2023 Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). Often tasked with the top-weight, Lightning Jack will have a luxury 54kg to carry under Kavish Chowdhoory, half a kilogram more than his stablemate, who will be ridden by Leah Hemi. The Per Incanto gelding kicked off his North Island preparation with a ninth-place finish behind Hi Yo Sass Bomb three weeks’ ago at Wanganui, a performance Tyler is happy to look past. “He’s coming along really well, in his first-up run he drew one and that was just no good for him, he likes to get off the rail, so he was just bogged down in there,” Tyler said. “If he could get out and around them, he would’ve been a lot better I believe, but I can’t fault him since then and he’s galloped really well yesterday. “The loose track should help him and coming in with no weight is a real royalty for him. “I don’t mind having a go up here, it’s good prizemoney and better options. They are very happy horses at the moment, so hopefully we can pick up some crumbs.” On Sunday, Tyler had intended to prepare a team of horses for the meeting at Gore, but after its rescheduling to Oamaru, he will have a sole representative in Albatross contesting the Thomas Green (1600m). Albatross will reunite with apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait, who rode her to success at Wingatui in a similar race a fortnight ago. “She’s doing really well and back at the mile, it should hopefully be wet enough for her up there,” Tyler said. “It’s a bit of a shame that these races have gone from an hour away to five hours away for us, so I had to take a few other ones out as just logistically, it’s tricky to get up there with me in the North Island. “Fortunately, she’s got a ride up there and her work has been outstanding, it seems like she’s coming into it quite nicely. “She’s a conditioned and fit horse, so she’ll go another good race.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, September 21, 2024 First Race 3:07pm ACST Visit Dabble There will be 38 starters for the five-event meeting at Darwin’s Fannie Bay, with a host of chances in each race. It hadn’t rained in Darwin since July 26 before 54.4mm fell this week. It is set to be partly cloudy on Saturday and there is the possibility of further showers with a top temperature of 33C. The rail will once again be in the true position, and as usual, it will be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: Siberian Larch Siberian Larch debuted in Darwin in March and in four starts, his best effort was a second in a 1000m maiden. The son of Russian Revolution sat just off the pace over 1000m three weeks ago before sprinting clear in the home straight to seal victory by two lengths. He will carry an extra 2kg on Saturday, but Siberian Larch’s last start win caught the eye. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Siberian Larch (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Chloe Baxter | J: Hannah Le Blanc (a3) (59kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Yaki Ishi Yaki Ishi has not put a foot wrong since making his Fannie Bay debut in late June. He finished third over 1100m (0-62) first-up before managing two minor placings over 1300m. The son of Maurice was second in the $50,000 Magic Millions Top End Classic (1300m) on Darwin Cup Day, so it was no surprise to see him prevail over 1300m (0-58) on August 31. Debating and Royal Signal won’t make it easy, but a much better gate gives Yaki Ishi the edge. Next Best Race 3 – #2 Yaki Ishi (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Neil Dyer | J: Adam Nicholls (60kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: To The Point It was July last year when To The Point last tasted success at Fannie Bay—he has had 17 starts in the Top End since for just four minor placings. A second over 1100m at Katherine on August 17 was followed by a last start fourth over 1200m at Darwin three weeks ago. The son of Bull Point missed the start and settled at the tail in the six-horse field before hitting top gear in the home straight to finish 1.5 lengths adrift. The 3kg claim enhances To The Point’s hopes immeasurably. Best Value Race 1 – #4 To The Point (7) 6yo Gelding | T: Chloe Baxter | J: Hannah Le Blanc (a3) (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 21/9/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, September 21, 2024 1-2-3-6 1-2-3 1-2-3-6 1-2-4 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Newcastle Gold Cup Day 2024 Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling St, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Friday, September 20, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Feature racing returns to hunter region on Friday afternoon, with the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) headlining a bumper eight-part program. The Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) and Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m) make for a mouth-watering undercard, and with the rail in the true position the entire circuit, the track should play fair throughout the afternoon. There’s no rain forecast in the lead-up, so punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface when racing gets underway at 1pm local time. Newcastle Gold Cup Tip: Etna Rosso Etna Rosso was disappointing in the Listed Wyong Cup (2100m) on September 6. The son of Decorated Knight couldn’t build the revs off a slow tempo, but the lightly raced five-year-old warrants forgiving as he did his best work late to get within 2.2 lengths of Lion’s Roar. The speed should be genuine in this year’s edition of the Newcastle Gold Cup, and provided Etna Rosso can show the blistering turn-of-foot that allowed him to salute the start prior, this guy will be mounting a strong challenge down the centre of the course. Newcastle Gold Cup Race 6 – #9 Etna Rosso (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (54kg) Bet with Neds Cameron Handicap Tip: Nugget Nugget got a pass mark returning in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 7 and hit the line well despite conditions being unsuitable for backmarkers. The eight-year-old boasts a formidable second-up record of seven starts for two wins and three minor placings and appears superbly placed getting to the 1500m. Dylan Gibbons should lob into a mid-field position with cover throughout from barrier six, and provided they go around at a genuine clip, Nugget should get the last crack at them turning for home. Cameron Handicap Race 7 – #2 Nugget (6) 8yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Dylan Gibbons (58.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Tibbie Stakes Tip: Roots Roots returns after an 82-day spell and looks to be the class runner in this year’s Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m). She’s first-up after finishing behind Bella Nipotina in the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 29, with that form-line jumping off the page compared to some of her key rivals. It means she needs to lug 58.5kg to victory, however, with stall one to aid her journey along with James McDonald in the saddle, Roots should have this lot covered. Tibbie Stakes Race 5 – #1 Roots (1) 6yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Bet at Newcastle: Extreme Diva Extreme Diva looks ready to peak third-up into the campaign after two testing runs over the sprinting trip. The daughter of Extreme Choice was simply no match for her rivals in a fast-run edition of the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on August 31, and looks far better suited dictating the tempo as she steps out to the 1400m for the first time. Watch for Tommy Berry to launch across from the inside draw (2), and provided she can show a semblance of her two-year-old form, Extreme Diva will prove hard to chase down. Best Bet Race 3 – 1 Extreme Diva (2) 3yo Filly | T: Anthony Cummings | J: Tommy Berry (61kg) Bet with Playup Friday quaddie tips for Newcastle Newcastle quadrella selections September 20, 2024 1-5-7-10 3-4-9 1-2-11-12-13 1-4-6-10-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article