Wandering Eyes

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

What Belmont races Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, September 21, 2024 First Race 12:14pm AWST Visit Dabble Belmont Park will host a competitive nine-race card on Saturday afternoon, with the first event scheduled to kick off at 12:14pm AWST. With warm weather and no rain forecast in the lead up to the meeting, the track is expected to remain a Good 4 throughout the day. The rail will move back into its true position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Belmont: Vast Art Vast Art drops back from three Listed contests to a Benchmark 84+ Handicap fourth-up for this preparation and appears very well placed to record his first win this time in. The Darren McAuliffe-trained gelding has been finishing off nicely over 1200m, 1300m and 1400m, indicating that a rise to 1600m will be ideal for him at peak fitness. The son of Flying Artie will also strike a firmer surface, and if Clint Johnston-Porter can settle on speed from barrier five, Vast Art should prove too classy. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Vast Art (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Darren McAuliffe | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (58.5kg) +130 with Picklebet Next Best at Belmont: Otheroneson Otheroneson and Desert Nymph will meet again after they finished one-two a Benchmark 72+ Handicap on August 21 over 1300m; however, conditions will favour the former here, as he performs much better on Good ground. The Luke Fernie-trained galloper has been very good since returning from a 112-week spell, and now that he has two runs under his belt, he appears primed to win third-up. Brad Parnham will push forward from barrier seven, and if he settles outside the leader, Otheroneson will give them something to chase, turning for home. Next Best Race 4 – #3 Otheroneson (7) 6yo Gelding | T: Luke Fernie | J: Brad Parnham (58kg) +190 with Neds Best Value at Belmont: Megami Takahide Ikenushi and Jarrad Noske will combine with Megami, who will return from an 18-week spell in a much weaker grade than she contested last preparation. The daughter of Playing God owns a strong record at the Belmont 1600m (5:3-0-1), and even though she has only won once from five fresh starts, she gets a very good chance to return with a win. With $21 on offer with top horse racing bookmakers, Megami looks to be a great each-way bet in the second leg of the quaddie. Best Value Race 7 – #1 Megami (2) 5yo Mare | T: Takahide Ikenushi | J: Jarrad Noske (60kg) +2000 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, September 21, 2024 1-2-4 1-2-4-5-10 2-8 1-5-6-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The Phil Cole-trained Turnstar, with apprentice Erin Molloy in the saddle, jumping the shadow projecting from the winning post en route to victory at Bedourie in outback Queensland on Saturday Darwin trainer Phil Cole arrived back home on Tuesday after yet another successful Queensland sojourn where he featured during the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival. At meetings at Betoota (August 31), Birdsville (September 6-7) and Bouderie (September 14), Cole picked up two wins at each venue. Understandably, Cole is cooling his engines before saddling up four runners at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Injured jockey Wayne Davis, who has a long association with the stable, was running the show in Darwin in Cole’s absence. Three minor placings and a fourth on August 31 wasn’t a bad return for Davis before four-year-old mare Ny Kee saluted first up last Saturday in a 1200m maiden following her arrival from South Australia. Ny Kee ($20) backs up this weekend over 1200m (Class 2) and although she’s not without a chance, Yaki Ishi, Royal Signal and Debating will provide stiff competition. Tricky Mikki ($13), a last start second over 1000m three weeks ago, and Exceedingly Magic ($31), who has gone off the boil since toppling the fillies and mares over 1200m in July, will have their hands full over 1100m. Classy quartet Change Is Coming, American Jazz, Zoumist and Shecanmixit boast respectable form. Alfieri ($18) failed to run a place in his four Fannie Bay starts before finishing a narrow third over 1200m (BM54) on the last day of winter, so he could be decent each-way value over 1300m (0-58) against Extreme Emotion, Ariarne, Kessler and To The Point. With Davis indisposed, Cole is also missing the services of talented apprentice Emma Lines. There is speculation that Lines, who has been off the scene since Darwin Cup Day on August 5, may have severed ties with the Cole stable as the teenager is not expected to return to racing anytime soon. Visiting Victorian apprentice Hannah Le Blanc retains the ride on Ny Kee, Alice Springs apprentice Lek Maloney is booked aboard Tricky Mikki, Vanessa Arnott partners Exceedingly Magic and Aaron Sweeney accompanies Alfieri. Horse racing news View the full article

What 7 Stakes Day Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When September 21, 2024 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble The $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) headlines the action at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a quality 10-part program served up for punters. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with no rainfall forecast in the lead-up, the surface should be in pristine Good 4 condition. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 11:50am local time. Race 1: BM 72 Midway Handicap (1600m) We kick things off with a competitive BM72 Midway, where the Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello appears perfectly placed second-up. The son of Castelvecchio drops 7kg after an impressive maiden success at Warwick Farm on September 4, sitting three-wide without cover throughout to claim victory. He shouldn’t have any issues slotting in from barrier two this time around, and provided he can handle the significant step-up in grade, El Castello will prove hard to hold out. Selections: 11 EL CASTILLO 1 HUMANITY 7 FLYING BANDIT 2 GOLD PATTERN Best Bet Race 1 – #11 El Castillo (2) 3yo Colt | T: Anthony Cummings | J: Tim Clark (54.5kg) +260 with Neds Race 2: Class 3 Highway Handicap (1000m) Perennial returns after a 122-day spell and brings an unblemished first-up record into this Class 3 Highway Handicap. The lightly raced four-year-old was a dominant all-the-way winner in a BM64 at Newcastle on February 3 and continued to be competitive in strong highway company throughout the Sydney autumn. Zac Lloyd takes the reins on the back of a soft barrier trial at Scone on September 11, and with Perennial likely to sit on the leaders back throughout, this guy should get every chance to make it a hat-trick of first-up successes. Selections: 2 PERENNIAL 5 SHE’S EXOTIC 6 KREON 9 SARATOGA POWER Next Best Race 2 – #2 Perennial (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | J: Zac Lloyd (60kg) +400 with Playup Race 3: BM88 Handicap (1600m) Bear On The Loose gets the nod in what looks to be a wide-open BM88 Handicap. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained European import returns after a short 70-day stint on the sidelines, sent back to the trials to get him back on course after a disappointing performance at this track on July 13. Expect Nash Rawiller to put the foot down early and cross to the lead from barrier two, and provided he can replicate his Australian debut, Bear On The Loose will give a bold sight turning for home. Selections: 6 BEAR ON THE LOOSE 9 CLIFF HOUSE 2 ST LAWRENCE 1 GALERON Race 4: BM78 Handicap (1400m) Punters can be forgiving of the first-up performance by Congregation at this course on September 7. The Chris Waller-trained galloper was chasing on the worst part of the track and was unable to make any significant inroads along the inside running rail. Barrier six should allow James McDonald to slot into the ideal stalking position with cover throughout the 1400m, and with the rail back in the true position at Randwick, it should allow Congregation to get a fair crack at them in the final 400m. Selections: 17 CONGREGATION 10 WELL TIMED 14 PURE ALPHA 1 HOLLYWOOD HERO Best Value Race 4 – #17 Congregation (6) 4yo Horse | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +1000 with Dabble Race 5: Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) Eliyass is on the verge of a hat-trick since arriving to the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn. The son of Le Havre hasn’t put a foot wrong, showing plenty of versatility in his two victories, including a relatively soft win in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at this course and distance on August 24. He’s been kept up to the mark with a tick-over trial heading into this event, and with barrier one giving Tim Clark every conceivable option, Eliyass must be considered the one to beat in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m). Selections: 6 ELIYASS 11 CEOLWULF 8 ADELAIDE RIVER 14 VALIANT KING Kingston Town Stakes Race 5 – #6 Eliyass (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (56kg) +280 with Bet365 Race 6: Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) The Chris Waller-trained Scarlet Oak was one of the breakout stars of the winter months, claiming victory in the Group 2 Roses (2000m) at Doomben before coming to the end of her preparation in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) on June 8. There was a suggestion from the camp she might be better held back in trip, and on the back of two impressive barrier trials, this appears to be an ideal setup to find out. She gets 53kg on her back, and provided the breaks fall her way from gate one, Scarlet Oak will look the winner at some stage. Selections: 14 SCARLET OAK 13 CAFE MILLENIUM 1 AMENABLE 8 GRINGOTTS Bill Ritchie Stakes Race 6 – #14 Scarlet Oak (1) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (53kg) +600 with Picklebet Race 7: Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) How do you go past Autumn Glow in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m)? The simple answer is you don’t. She’s been phenomenal in her two wins this campaign, including a sensational victory in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on August 31. She was only getting warm as she passed the post, and with the step-up to 1400m giving James McDonald more time to build the revs from the back of this nine-horse field, Autumn Glow should prove too strong in the third leg of the Princess Series. Selections: 6 AUTUMN GLOW 3 ERNO’S CUBE 1 MANAAL 2 AMEENA Tea Rose Stakes Race 7 – #6 Autumn Glow (8) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56kg) +100 with Boombet Race 8: 7 Stakes (1600m) Nine horses are set to do battle in the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m), with three-time Group 1 winning mare Fangirl heading the market. She deserves favouritism with online bookmakers after an eye-catching performance in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 28, swooping down the outer part of the track to get within a half-length of Via Sistina. The only query must be barrier nine, however, with James McDonald likely to keep her within striking distance, Fangirl will prove a class above. Selections: 6 FANGIRL 7 ZOUGOTCHA 9 ZARDOZI 3 ROYAL PATRONAGE 7 Stakes Race 8 – #6 Fangirl (9) 6yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) +120 with Neds Race 9: Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) Lady Of Camelot was a shade disappointing first-up in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 7, however, we’re not convinced she handled the tight turning track. She never travelled under Zac Lloyd, and despite looking gone on multiple occasions, she still had the class to finish in the minor money. Tim Clark has the opportunity to take this race by the scruff of the neck from barrier nine, and provided Lady Of Camelot can return to her best, the $7.50 available with horse racing bookmakers will look too big. Selections: 7 LADY OF CAMELOT 3 STEFI MAGNETICA 10 OUR KOBISON 1 PRIVATE EYE The Shorts Race 9 – #7 Lady Of Camelot (9) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (55kg) +650 with Playup Race 10: BM88 Handicap (1200m) Whinchat returns after a 189-day spell and has been excellent at the trials heading into this BM88 contest. The David Pfieffer-trained gelding couldn’t have done more in his 2.7-length demolition job at Warwick Farm on August 27, storming through the wire under a stranglehold under Jay Ford. The only question mark is the 61kg on his back, but provided he can get a soft lead throughout, Whinchat can send punters home with a winner. Selections: 1 WHINCHAT 2 KIBOU 3 MORAVIA 12 MELODY AGAIN 7 Stakes Day quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections September 21, 2024 3-6 6 1-3-6-7-10-12 1-2-3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Gold Coast races Where Gold Coast Turf Club – Racecourse Dr, Bundall QLD 4217 When Saturday, September 21, 2024 First Race 11:58am AEST Visit Dabble Gold Coast Turf Club will host its first meeting on the course proper since March, with a very competitive nine-race program set down for decision. With no rain forecast for the remainder of the week, the track is expected to stay in the Good range after being rated as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the first race scheduled to jump at 11:58am AEST. Best Bet at Gold Coast: Plundering Plundering proved too good for his rivals at Doomben on September 7, when the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibal-trained gelding won by 1.5 lengths over 1350m. This son of Shooting To Win doesn’t win often but considering the strength of his victory and with him dropping in class slightly, he is perfectly placed to salute here. Ron Stewart has retained the ride, and from barrier one, he can settle Plundering behind the speed before peeling off leaders heels to finish strongly. Best Bet Race 6 – #12 Plundering (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Ron Stewart (52kg) +160 with Neds Next Best at Gold Coast: Barassi Barassi will return from a 21-week spell this Saturday afternoon, with the benefit of three barrier trials in readiness for only his fourth career start. The lightly raced son of I Am Invincible has been to this track for two trials and one race start, where he is undefeated with a combined winning margin of 13.5 lengths. It is clear that this six-year-old entire enjoys racing at the Gold Coast, and with little to no speed expected in this contest, Barassi should find the front on his own and prove hard to run down late. Next Best Race 7 – #12 Barassi (17) 6yo Horse | T: Toby Edmonds & Stephen McLean | J: James Orman (57kg) +320 with Picklebet Best Value at Gold Coast: Iverson On resumption from a 21-week spell, Iverson produced an impressive finish in the final 300m at Doomben to flash home for fifth place over 1350m on August 31. The Robert Heathcote-trained gelding settled at the rear of the field and picked his way through traffic early in the straight before smashing through the line late. Bailey Wheeler will have his work cut out for him from barrier 11, but if he can settle midfield with cover, Iverson will flying home down the middle of the track in the concluding stages. Best Value Race 9 – #15 Iverson (11) 7yo Gelding | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Bailey Wheeler (a1.5) (58kg) +700 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Gold Coast Gold Coast quadrella selections Saturday, September 21, 2024 9-12 1-4-12 1-2-3-6-8 2-8-14-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Our Kobison. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au An exhibition gallop by Our Kobison has jockey Dylan Gibbons feeling optimistic about the gelding’s chances ahead of his third start this campaign in The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday. Our Kobison has an impressive record of six wins from 11 starts, along with four placings, including a recent second-place finish behind Joliestar in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m). Gibbons partnered the Angela Davies-trained five-year-old in a solo workout at Rosehill last Saturday, giving a glowing report. “He felt terrific. He was in a great mindset, his manners were great, he relaxed and just lobbed along,” Gibbons said. “If I asked him to break another track record, he felt like he would have. He’s got a bit of a step up now, but he seems to be ticking all the boxes.” Saturday’s race will mark Gibbons’ first time riding Our Kobison, who has drawn barrier five. Horse racing news View the full article

The Chris Waller-trained Mergeila. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Regally-bred filly Mergeila secured her first victory on her second start at Canterbury on Wednesday. Connections have set their sights on the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) in November as her main spring target. Ridden by James McDonald, the $1.75 favourite with horse racing bookmakers improved on her debut third at Rosehill, winning by 1.15 lengths over Indecisive, with Espinho two lengths further back in third. A $750,000 purchase for Yulong Investments, Mergeila, is by Justify out of 2019 Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) winner Invincibella. Charlie Duckworth, representing trainer Chris Waller, said the stable had always rated the three-year-old highly. “Originally, she had a nomination for the Flight Stakes, but that’s going to come around too quick,” Duckworth explained. “But that’s the beauty of the Thousand Guineas being pushed back. I’d imagine Chris will plot a path working our way back from there. “It’s only a Wednesday win now, but it’s still great to get the job done.” Horse racing news View the full article

By Joshua Smith, Trackside.co.nz This spring, regally-bred trotter Father Barry will be looking to atone for a late blunder which cost him Group 1 success in autumn. The three-year-old son of Father Patrick looked to have his opposition covered when he turned for home with a length advantage in the Group 1 Breckon Farms Northern Trotting Derby (2700m) at Alexandra Park in May, but lost all chance when breaking with 150m to go. It was an untimely mistake by the promising youngster, who had won on debut at Alexandra Park in February before finishing runner-up in the Group 2 IRT NZ Sires’ Stakes 3YO Trotters Championship (2200m) in his only other race day outing. Trainer John Dickie was left frustrated following Father Barry’s indiscretion, however, put the mistake down to inexperience. “Unfortunately, he got a virus and he missed some racing,” Dickie said. “It’s a shame because I think he could have been competitive in the Derby, and he showed that it was only greenness that he galloped. “He was practically parked the whole way, and he has just jogged in the front and Josh (Dickie, driver) said he was just going easy and he got left in front and got gaga, he didn’t know what to do and galloped.” Father Barry went for a spell following his Derby disappointment and Dickie has been pleased with the way he has returned, winning his two workouts in the lead-up to his resumption in the Due Drop Events Centre Trot (2200m) at Alexandra Park on Friday night. “He has had a couple of trials and I am very pleased with him,” Dickie said. Father Barry will have a gear change on Friday, which Dickie is hoping will help keep his charge settled through the entirety of Friday’s journey. “He is so green, he is going to race with pulldowns (blinds) on. He has trialled really well with them on, so I am quietly confident,” he said. Father Barry is a sentimental favourite for Dickie, who bred him in partnership with his late friend Richard Bright, who sadly passed away in a boating accident two years ago. Father Barry is raced by his widow Brenda Bright, and Dickie would love to get a Group 1 for her. “I have known Richard since I was 18, I am now 64, so that is how far we go back,” Dickie said. Father Barry also hails from Dickie’s foundation broodmare Catherine The Great, who has proven to be an outstanding producer for Dickie, albeit from a very select number of progeny. The American-bred daughter of Royal Prestige won five of her 22 starts in New Zealand for trainer Geoff Small and was runner-up in the Group 2 Rosso Antico Trotting Stakes (2700m) before retiring to the broodmare paddock. David Phillips bred her first two foals under his National Bloodstock banner, including Group 1 winner Last Sunset and Galleons Dream, the dam of Group 1 Inter Dominion Trotters Grand Final hero Galleons Sunset. Dickie purchased Last Sunset as a yearling and was so taken by the son of Sundon during his early education that he couldn’t resist buying his dam when he saw her advertised for sale. “I bought Last Sunset as a yearling and he was the first foal out of her,” Dickie said. “He broke in so well and the following year, Dave Phillips advertised her (Catherine The Great) for sale in the Trotting Calendar. I ended up buying her for $25,000+GST in-foal to Britewell.” While Dickie enjoyed plenty of success with Last Sunset on the track, he didn’t have the same luck with Catherine The Great, who failed to produce a foal for Dickie for almost a decade. “She lost that (Britewell) foal and I couldn’t get her in-foal for nine years. It cost me a fortune,” Dickie said. “In desperation, I sent her down south to Bruce Taylor (vet), who is a friend of ours. Bruce was doing embryos and he missed the first year. I said to Bruce that it was costing me a fortune and I have just got to get out.” While Dickie was at the end of his tether with Catherine The Great, he was enticed to have one more go by Taylor, and he was glad he did. “Bruce said she was such a lovely mare and said ‘if I got an embryo for you would you give me a free embryo?’ which I agreed to after 10 years of trying,” Dickie said. “I got a colt, which was Real Deal Yankee. Bruce got the filly, which was Great Getaway.” Dickie’s initial disappointment in getting a colt was short lived, with Real Deal Yankee proving to be another standout trotter for Dickie, going on to win 11 races, including the Group 3 Hambletonian Classic (1609m), and placed in the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All (2600m), Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Derby (2600m) and Group 1 4YO Ruby (1609m). Many of the world’s problems have been solved over a pint at the local pub, and that proved to be the case for Dickie when ruing the loss of a filly out of his broodmare gem. “I went down to the pub one night, Richard (Bright) was the publican, and he said to give him (Taylor) a ring and see if he will sell that filly,” Dickie said. “I gave Bruce a ring and he said he didn’t really want to sell her, and then he rang back half an hour later. He and his wife were going on a trip around the world, so we bought her.” Bright swiftly agreed to purchase half of the filly, which the pair aptly named Great Getaway in honour of the trip that helped them secure her, and Dickie was delighted they did. “That was the last foal she (Catherine The Great) ever had,” he said. The daughter of Dream Vacation also proved to be a handy racehorse, winning 10 races, including the Group 3 New Zealand Northern Trotting Breeders’ Stakes (2700m), and placed in the Gr.1 4YO Ruby (1609m). “She was handy. She raced in a Rowe Cup and Inter Dominion Final. She was never a favourite and was never going to beat them,” Dickie said. “Her claim to fame was being the first mare home in the Inter Dominion, she ran sixth to I Can Doosit. She raced against some nice horses.” Dickie was rapt they were able to secure Great Getaway to continue on with the breed after he missed out on Catherine The Great’s only other filly foal, Galleons Dream, as a weanling. “She (Galleons Dream) went through the sales as a weanling, and I probably should have bought her,” Dickie said. “She went for $12,000, which was out of my budget at the time. She turned out to be a broodmare gem.” Great Getaway has also proven to be a handy broodmare, leaving the likes of multiple Group 1 performer Tricky Ric, who was third in the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Derby (2600m). While he has placed in the New Zealand Trotting Derby with his own breed on a number of occasions, Dickie has taken out two editions of the three-year-old feature as a trainer with Paramount Geegee (2011) and Speeding Spur (2015), and he would love to etch Father Barry’s name on the trophy later this year. Dickie has every belief in his homebred gelding but said he needs ringcraft under his belt in order to book a southern trip. “He just needs some racing and we will just see how far we go,” Dickie said. “If his form is good enough then he will go down south for the Derby. We haven’t got a slot (in THE ASCENT on Show Day, Friday, November 15), so he will have to be going pretty well to attract any attention. “He will probably have three starts at Auckland and that way he will qualify for that $100,000 race at the end of November. We are open to all options at the moment, we’ll just see how he goes, but he is good enough to go down south.” Dickie will also head to Alexandra Park on Friday with another strong contender in Bolt For The Hill, who will contest the 100% Home Magness Benrow Handicap Trot (2200m) in the hands of part-owner Stephanie Burley. “He is a funny little horse,” Dickie said. “His biggest Achilles heel is getting away from a stand. If he goes away this week, he will be very hard to beat.” Meanwhile, former stable star Old Town Road is set to make his debut for new trainer Bob Butt. Dickie, who part-owns the six-year-old gelding, said the Group 1 performer has thrived working on Woodend Beach, and he is excited to see him step out at Addington Raceway next week following a pleasing trial win over 2600m at Rangiora last week. “His legs are the best they have ever been and he has got a lot of benefit from working on the beach in a straight line,” Dickie said. “He had a very good trial last week at Rangiora and he is going to go to the Canterbury Park Classic on Friday-week. He has had the one trial, but he doesn’t need any more, Bob said he is fit enough.” View the full article

Another Wil. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher is using Saturday’s Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield as a springboard for Another Wil run in next month’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m). The Group 3-winning five-year-old impressed with a first-up victory in a Benchmark 100 (1400m) race at Caulfield last month and is currently the $3.40 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the Toorak Handicap on October 12. “He was a bit fresh and well the other day but was super,” Maher told Racing.com. “You can see he raced that little bit fresh and made it harder on himself than he needed to. “It’s a nice stepping stone, hopefully all going well and timing anyway if he runs Saturday in the Toorak. “I thought handicap-wise that would still suit him, so that’s the plan.” Horse racing news View the full article

Underwood Stakes contender, Place Du Carrousel. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Group 1-winning French import Place Du Carrousel is expected to be sharp enough to perform well in Saturday’s Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), according to co-trainer Sam Freedman. The mare, purchased by Portofino Bloodstock for €4.025 million at the end of her four-year-old season, now runs in the Yulong silks. She made a promising Australian debut in March, finishing second behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m), but was a disappointing eighth in her only other appearance since the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). “I don’t want to say she’s been surprisingly sharp, because she’s a Group 1 winner obviously, but she’s showed good tactical speed and then we’ve also ridden her off the speed, and she’s shown a good turn of foot,” Freedman explained, who trains in partnership with his father Anthony. “She’s obviously got form out to a mile-and-a-half, but to start off her prep, it wouldn’t shock at all to see her sharp enough to be very competitive on Saturday. “We’d just be pleased to see her running into the first three or four.” 2024 Underwood Stakes Final Field 1. Vow And Declare (13) T: Danny O’Brien J: Billy Egan W: 59kg F: 5×140 Age: 9YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Declaration Of War (USA) Dam: Geblitzt +5000 +850 2. Pericles (11) T: James Cummings J: Blake Shinn W: 59kg F: 13×27 Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Accessories (GB) +200 -200 3. Munhamek (1) T: Nick Ryan J: Jamie Mott W: 59kg F: 54611 Age: 9YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dark Angel (IRE) Dam: Cadenza (FR) +2200 +400 4. Huetor (6) T: Peter Snowden J: Michael Dee W: 59kg F: x0451 Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Archipenko (USA) Dam: Briviesca (GB) +4000 +700 5. Kovalica (12) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 59kg F: 3×563 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Vitesse (NZ) +750 +160 6. Bois D’argent (4) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Ben Melham W: 59kg F: x3134 Age: 8YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Toronado (IRE) Dam: Madonna Lily (IRE) +3300 +600 7. Fawkner Park (2) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Tyler Schiller W: 59kg F: x1311 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Zoffany (IRE) Dam: Za’Hara (IRE) +700 +150 8. Buckaroo (10) T: Chris Waller J: Joao Moreira W: 59kg F: 18×65 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Roheryn (IRE) +500 +110 9. Knight’s Choice (3) T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon J: Craig Williams W: 59kg F: x4324 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Extreme Choice Dam: Midnight Pearl +5000 +850 10. Duke De Sessa (8) T: Ciaron Maher J: Declan Bates W: 59kg F: 2557x Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Lope de Vega (IRE) Dam: Dark Crusader (IRE) +2000 +380 11. Place Du Carrousel (5) T: Anthony & Sam Freedman J: Mark Zahra W: 57kg F: x72x0 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Lope de Vega (IRE) Dam: Traffic Jam (IRE) +350 -125 12. Deny Knowledge (9) T: Anthony & Sam Freedman J: Jye McNeil W: 57kg F: x1204 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: The Paris Shrug (GB) +3300 +600 13. Coco Sun (7) T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy J: Jamie Kah W: 56kg F: 7×131 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Miss Hufflepuff +1800 +340 Horse racing news View the full article

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 Gr.3 Rich Hill Mile and the Listed Fulton Family Mile and will be tested over more ground with a summer Group One 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 (Gr.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 Gr.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.” View the full article

Bill Thurlow is looking forward to kicking off the campaigns of several exciting horses on Saturday at Wanganui, including Group One winner No Compromise (NZ) (Pins) in the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club 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 Gr.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 Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m), before two unplaced efforts at Group One 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 Gr.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.” View the full article