Wandering Eyes

by Heather Anderson & Alan Carasso Something of an unknown commodity when he arrived from Kazakhstan into the Dubai yard of Chief Stipe Watson a little over a year ago, Kabirkhan (California Chrome) announced his arrival on the world racing scene with a barnstorming victory in the 2024 G1 Al Maktoum Challenge (1900m) at Meydan. The flashy chestnut, who bears a striking resemblance to his G1 Dubai World Cup-winning sire, returns for the first time since disappointing in last year's $12-million feature and squares off against an internationally flavoured group. Sent to America for a possible summer/fall campaign with Brad Cox, Kabirkhan never made it to the races and goes fresh-up back in Watson's hands on Friday. “The team at WinStar Farm did a really good job with him over the summer,” the conditioner told the Dubai Racing Club. “He seems a bit stronger this year, coming into his 5-year-old year. We're looking forward to him.” The chestnut faces a strong international challenge headed up by Team Valor International and Gary Barber's reigning G1 Dubai Turf hero Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}), who tries the dirt for the first time in his career for trainer Jerome Reynier en route to a possible appearance in Riyadh next month. “The plan was to send him to Dubai for the winter and try him on dirt before the big race [Saudi Cup],” Reynier said. “He's training really well on the surface, but it will be a very different scenario with the rhythm and the kickback and everything. If he copes with conditions, he will go for the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, but if he's not in the first three he'll go for the Singspiel Stakes on Super Saturday and then the Dubai Turf.” Dolkong (Afleet Alex) struck at the 2019 Carnival for Korea with a listed win and Group 1 placing, and 2024 Horse of the Year and champion older horse Global Hit (Kor) (To Honor and Serve) flies the flag for the nation on Friday, having most recently won the valuable Grand Prix at home over 2300 metres on Dec. 1. Head and shoulders above his turf contemporaries on Friday's card on paper is the 125-rated Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), who is using the G1 Jebel Hatta presented by Longines as a springboard to the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup. Yes, he'll have to handle a different surface in that King Abdulaziz Racetrack affair next month, but he's well proven on turf in one of the toughest jurisdictions on the planet. Riding a seven-race winning streak all at either Group 1 or Group 2 level, the world's richest racehorse–with $22.82 million in the bank–landed the Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Dec. 8 for an unprecedented third straight time last out. “I believe he's at 80-90% of his best condition,” trainer Danny Shum said. “He doesn't need to be in top form right now, because our main goals are the following two races. For his next race on Friday, we don't need to push him too hard.” Opposing the Peter Lau Pak Fai-owned Hong Kong wunderkind does not appear an easy task, with Godolphin's 2024 victor Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) the closest on ratings at 118 and carrying a course record-setting win in the G2 Al Rashidiya on Festive Friday, Dec. 20 into this test. Appleby, who has won this race four times, said, “We are following the same route we took with Measured Time last year and he was an impressive winner of the Al Rashidiya on his comeback run. He goes into this in great order.” The Supporting Cast Last year's G1 Dubai World Cup hero and the joint Longines World's Best Race Horse at 128, Laurel River (Into Mischief) holds pride of place in Friday's G3 Firebreak Stakes over 1600 metres. Bound for the G1 Saudi Cup in February and one of two in the race for Juddmonte alongside stakes winner and G2 Al Maktoum Mile third and 'TDN Rising Star' Artorius (Arrogate), he leaves from stall four in the 10-horse field. Wathan Racing's newly acquired listed winner and multiple graded-placed Cagliostro (Upstart) will start from stall nine. “Our goal is the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, so this is just a prep,” said Laurel River's trainer Bhupat Seemar. “He's ready for it, he's doing very, very well. He's as fit as he can be without having had a race.” RRR Racing homebred Rafid (Into Mischief), a homebred son of 2018 G3 UAE Oaks heroine Rayya (Tiz Wonderful) placed three times from four starts in the states for Antonio Sano and takes in Friday's G3 UAE 2000 Guineas against the likes of Golden Vekoma (Vekoma), who defeated Russian raider Nimble Boy (Upstart) by 2 1/4 lengths in the Guineas Trial over 1400 metres Jan. 3. Bhupat Seemar has always worked wonders with older sprinters, and the outstanding Tuz (Oxbow) is no exception. The 8-year-old, imperious in taking out last year's G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, looks impossible to oppose in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint. The ride of champion jockey Tadhg O'Shea, Tuz enters off easy victories in the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint and G3 Dubawi Stakes, where he had stablemate Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) well behind in second on both occasions. Godolphin's Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) looks to make it back-to-back wins in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort (1400m) against 2023 G1 Al Quoz Sprint upsetter Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), third in this longer test last term. Multiple group winner Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) aims for redemption in the G2 Blue Point Sprint presented by Longines after a runner-up performance in 2024. Meydan's Friday card is completed by the G3 Al Khail Trophy presented by Longines with Godolphin's two-time listed winner King Of Conquest (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) clear on ratings. The post Kabirkhan Faces Eclectic Group In Defence Of Al Maktoum Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GISW Finnegans Wake (Powerscout {GB}) will shift from stud duty in Northern California to stand the 2025 breeding season at Wolfpaw Stables in Bear River, Wyoming, according to a press release from the farm on Thursday. The move to Wyoming comes at a time when racing in the northern part of California has undergone drastic changes over the past year. Finnegans Wake heads to a state where historical horse racing as a funding source for the sport is on the rise. A stallion with currently four crops to his credit, last year the sire's owners Eddie Rich and Hunter Stallion Station offered complimentary seasons in an effort to assist distressed California breeders. “My decision is to move my stallion Finnegans Wake from Northern California to Wolfpaw Stables in the state of Wyoming is due to the recent developments and the end of racing in the region,” owner Eddie Rich said via an email. “While this decision was not made lightly, it reflects the changing landscape in our industry. That being said, I remain confident in Finnegans Wake as a stallion and believe he'll be a very positive addition for the Wyoming Thoroughbred breeding program.” Campaigned by Donegal Racing and Rockingham Ranch, Finnegans Wake's racing career included scores in the GI Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the GII Hollywood Turf Cup and the GIII Arlington Handicap. With earnings in excess of $1.5 million, he is a half-brother to Puca, the dam of classic winning full-brothers Mage and Dornoch. “We are thrilled to welcome a stallion of Finnegans Wake's caliber to Wolfpaw Stables”, said Samantha Scheffler, Wolfpaw owner. “His blend of elite racing ability, proven bloodlines and direct connections to recent Triple Crown race winners makes him an exciting addition for serious breeders looking to produce top-tier runners.” According to Wolfpaw, Finnegans Wake will be available for inspection by appointment starting Jan. 31. His stud fee terms are under private agreement. The post GISW Finnegans Wake To Stand At Wolfpaw Stables In Wyoming appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Chukyo and Nakayama Racecourses: Saturday, January 25, 2025 3rd-CKO, ¥11,850,000 ($76k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1400m BLUE AROMA (f, 3, American Pharoah–Comical, by Into Mischief) is the first foal from her dam, winner of the 2019 GIII Schuylerville Stakes, second in the GI Chandelier Stakes and third in the GI Del Mar Debutante Stakes. A daughter of the stakes-placed Kayce Ace (Tiznow), herself a full-sister to MGISW Colonel John, Comical fetched $925,000 from JS Company at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. Foaled on Jan, 29, 2022, Blue Aroma was offered at that year's JRHA Select Sale, hammering for approximately $226,000. The now 2-year-old half-brother by top sire Kitasan Black (Jpn) made $354,000 at the same auction in 2023. O-Toshio Terada; B-Shimoyahiki Bokujo; T-Ryo Takahashi 4th-CKO, ¥11,850,000 ($76k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1800m INDIGO (JPN) (f, 3, Tiz the Law–Some Kind of Blue, by Union Rags), a $290,000 in-utero purchase at Keeneland November in 2021, is out of an unraced daughter of Silver Colors (Mr. Greeley), whose daughter Eskimo Kisses (To Honor and Serve) upset the 2018 GI Alabama Stakes and also resides in Japan, having fetched $2.3 million from Shadai Farm at KEENOV in 2019. Eskimo Kisses is the dam of two winners from three to race. The filly's third dam is champion and GI Kentucky Derby heroine Winning Colors (Caro {Ire}), whose immediate descendants have also performed well in Japan. O/B-Kanayama Holdings Co Ltd; T-Kenji Nonaka. Sunday, January 26, 2025 4th-NKY, ¥11,850,000 ($76k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1200m REVE DE ANGE (f, 3, Maximum Security–Tiz Midnight, by Midnight Lute), a half-sister to MGSW & GISP Midnight Memories (Mastery), is out of a track record-setting GSW & GISP daughter of Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow), winner of the GI Ruffian Handicap and GI Lady's Secret Stakes. Also from the family of MGSW and recent GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes hero Rocket Can (Into Mischief), Reve de Ange cost this owner $60,000 at last year's OBS June Sale. Tiz Midnight fetched $57,000 in foal to Game Winner at KEENOV last year, while Midnight Memories was sold to Katsumi Yoshida in foal to Curlin for $1.45 million at the same event. O-North Hills Co Ltd; B-Michael E Pegram, Paul Weitman & Karl Watson (KY); T-Hiroko Kawashima The post Coolmore Stallions Feature Prominently In Japanese Newcomers’ Events appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

MGSW Blueskiesnrainbows (English Channel) at the age of 16-year-old passed away due to complications from colic last week, Marcinda Mitchell, DVM from Sunlight Farm and Bad Boy Racing said in a Thursday press release. Blueskiesnrainbows was campaigned by Bad Boy Racing (Kelly Mitchell) and Whizway Farms (Stan Whisenant). During his racing career he was conditioned by Hall of Famers Bob Baffert and Jerry Hollendorfer. According to Equibase, Blueskiesnrainbows made 28 starts, got his picture snapped seven times and took home $672,552 in earnings. His wins on dirt at Southern California tracks included the GII Swaps Stakes, the GII San Pasqual Stakes and the GIII Native Diver Stakes. He was the runner-up to London Bridge (Arch) in the GII Breeder's Cup Marathon Stakes. At stud the Virginia-bred began his career in Indiana and then moved in 2019 to Sunlight Farm in Oklahoma. Over the course of seven crops the stallion was responsible for 51 foals. The post MGSW Blueskiesnrainbows Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year's G1 Deutsches Derby winner Palladium (Ger) (Gleneagles {Ire}) made a successful first appearance over hurdles at Huntingdon on Thursday in the colours of Lady Bamford. Bought last October for €1.4 million at the Arqana Arc Sale, the four-year-old was switched from the stable of Henk Grewe to Nicky Henderson and was sent off as odds-on favourite under Nico de Boinville for his first run for 123 days. Henderson, who also trains the hurdler First Street (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) for Classic-winning owner-breeder Lady Bamford, said that he plans to return the colt to the Flat later in the year. He told Racing TV after the race, “There's obviously a certain amount of relief but you couldn't find a nicer colt in the world. He's got such a good temperament. When we started there it was obvious that he's got a great attitude to life, and that makes a big difference. “He's basically going to go Flat racing but his attitude to this was so good. He enjoyed his jumping. He's just really likeable.” Henderson continued, “He's the only colt I have on the place and one is conscious that they want quite a bit more work than an ordinary gelding. We gave him a nice break when he came back and Nico said that there's a lot of improvement to come out of that. “I think he wants to get his toe in to a certain degree, you wouldn't want it very quick. We'll have to think when the summer comes round as to where he'll go Flat racing.” Palladium delivers in workmanlike fashion German Derby winner €1.4 million purchase Successful start over flights @NdeBoinville | @sevenbarrows | @Huntingdon_Race pic.twitter.com/TxMNtdB4gV — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 23, 2025 Palladium is quoted at around 16/1 for the G1 Triumph Hurdle, which is sponsored by Lord Bamford's company JCB. Despite the longer-term aim of a Flat campaign, an appearance at the Cheltenham Festival has not been ruled out. “Having got this far we might as well look at it,” said Henderson. “Our first take of that, Nico and I, is that another run would do him good, in which case it almost certainly means that the Adonis [Juvenile Hurdle] at Kempton is the place to go. “We've done very little galloping with him and I was a little bit nervous, thinking 'Have we done enough?' I got Nico to sit on him on Monday just to see where we were. We've done lots of schooling but very little galloping and he had a good blow. We both think there's a lot more to come, his jumping was slick and he will have learned a lot all the way round today.” The post Classic Winner Palladium Makes Successful Hurdles Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The best of his time and the likes of which we will never see again are just two of the many accolades being showered on Octagonal in the week announcing the champion galloper’s induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Octagonal raced during an era of great horses, living up to his blue-blooded pedigree and magnificent conformation with 10 Group One wins from two to four years. A member of the first crop of Zabeel from iconic broodmare Eight Carat, he was the champion Australian two-year-old of 1994-95 and rose to even greater heights in his second season. In the spring he was a rare three-year-old winner of the W S Cox Plate and in the autumn he completed the Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby treble, as well as beating the older horses for a second time at weight-for-age in the Mercedes (Tancred) Classic. He again took Australian age-group honours as well as the supreme Australian Horse of the Year title. Octagonal’s sole win in the first half of his four-year-old season was the Underwood Stakes, but he returned in the autumn with wins in the Chipping Norton Stakes, Australian Cup and another Mercedes Classic. In his final raceday appearance he had to settle for second in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. A race record of 14 wins and seven seconds from 28 starts for stakes of A$5.8 million provides some measure of Octagonal’s ability, however reflecting on his career with those most closely associated with him brings to bear the champion qualities that set apart the horse known affectionately by racing fans as Occy or The Big O. “In a way he was destined to be a great horse,” says John Hawkes, the Australian Hall of Fame trainer who prepared Octagonal for Bob and Jack Ingham, Australia’s pre-eminent owners at the time. “He was a cracking yearling when we saw him in the Cambridge Stud draft ahead of the Karaka sales and we were always going to buy him. He wasn’t cheap at $210,000, which was a lot for a yearling by a first-season sire, but he had a lot going for him as a son of Eight Carat, and to be fair we would have gone higher if we had had to.” Octagonal, who was to become the fourth of an incredible five Group One winners produced by Hall of Fame broodmare Eight Carat, showed ability from the start, winning on debut as a December two-year-old and beginning his autumn campaign with victory in the Gr. 2 Todman Stakes. He had to settle for second, bursting from the pack but just failing to overhaul Flying Spur, in the Golden Slipper, but after winning the second leg of the Sydney juvenile triple crown, the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes, and finishing second in the Champagne Stakes, he claimed age-group honours. Kiwi jockey Grant Cooksley was Octagonal’s jockey at that point of his career and into the spring with two lead-up wins confirming a trip to Melbourne, but with that a change of jockey to Darren Gauci for the Caulfield Guineas. Enter another Kiwi making big waves in Australian jockey ranks, Shane Dye, who was well aware of Octagonal’s ability but had never had the chance to ride him. “During the autumn I used to say to Johnny Hawkes that he could win the Cox Plate with the colt, he was that good,” Dye recalls. “He was one of those horses that was older than what he was.” After finishing third in the Caulfield Guineas to New Zealand three-year-old Our Maizcay, Octagonal was confirmed for the Cox Plate and as one of the few leading jockeys able to ride at 48.5 kilos under the race’s weight-for-age scale, Dye got his chance. “That was the first of many times he proved to me just how tough he was. It was a big field full of top horses, I rode him back and when I brought him around to challenge on the turn he wasn’t going to get beat. It took a very good horse in Mahogany to push him all the way, but he had his measure and won like the champion he was. “He knew where the winning post was, he never won by much but more times than not he came out on top. He just loved a scrap and the more pressure you put on him the more he gave you.” Dye didn’t get to ride Octagonal again until the final four starts of his career as an autumn four-year-old, winning the Chipping Norton Stakes, Australian Cup and Mercedes Classic, but being denied a perfect five from five on him when beaten by Intergaze in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. “I’d have to say that if he was racing now, with the whip rules now in force he wouldn’t have won the races he did. I rode a lot of very good horses, and Octagonal was one of the very best.” Another revelation around Octagonal’s career came this week from Hawkes, dating back to the lead-up to the Australian Cup. “All week leading up to the race we were battling a foot abscess with him. We couldn’t get on top of it properly and on the day he still wasn’t 100 per cent, but he went out there and he still won. “The sort of horse he was, they don’t make them like that any more. I’ve been lucky to train a lot of good horses – All Too Hard, Chautauqua, Octagonal’s own son Lonhro and others – but he’s my favourite and always will be.” Bob and Jack Ingham have since passed, but one member of the Ingham family able to pay tribute to Octagonal is Bob’s daughter Debbie Kepitis, best known as the part-owner of the great mare Winx but well versed in horses from another era. “Octagonal was Dad and Bob’s all-time favourite, he gave them so many thrills, the races he won and how he won them, he was definitely special to them. “It would be fair to say the Cox Plate was the pinnacle – they hadn’t won that race until then and they didn’t win another one either. They would have loved to have won the Slipper with him too, but it all came a bit soon and he was running on raw ability. “He went on to prove what a champion he was and it’s such an honour that he’s going to be inducted into your Hall of Fame. He’s already in the Australian Hall of Fame and it takes a very special horse to be in both – that proves just how good Octagonal was.” *The 2025 NZ Racing Hall of Fame Induction Dinner is scheduled for Sunday May 11 at SkyCity, Hamilton. For further information and tickets go to www.racinghalloffame.co.nz View the full article

A wink could turn into the lion’s share of $1 million for trainer Gavin Sharrock on Saturday when he contests the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) with Daylight Robbery (NZ) (Super Seth). The two-year-old son of Super Seth is aptly named, with Sharrock paying just $10,500 for the colt out of Waikato Stud’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus last year, after he was passed in at Karaka after failing to reach his $70,000 reserve. Sharrock was taken by the colt when watching his video online, with the last frame sealing the New Plymouth horseman’s decision to buy him. “I looked at his video 100 times and in the last frame of his video he winked at me every time,” Sharrock said after selecting gate nine at the barrier draw on Wednesday. “Nobody bid on the horse, he was passed in for $70,000 when he came here (Karaka) and I rang Cliff, my other owner, and I said I am going to have a go at this horse, so I put a $12,000 autobid on and we got him for $10,500. “I am still pinching myself. I can never afford a yearling with that breeding under normal circumstances. Daylight Robbery is out of Group Two-winning mare Villifye, a half-sister to Group One winner Miss Keepsake, and she is the dam of Group Three performer Traduce. Daylight Robbery has already repaid his purchase price, accumulating $22,000 in prizemoney in his three starts to date, with a victory bookended by two runner-up results, including behind Karaka Millions favourite To Bravery Born at Ellerslie last start. “I think he is peaking at the right time, he has got the right attitude, can withstand a bit of pressure and I hope he is right there,” Sharrock said. “100m out it looked like he was only going to run fourth (last start) and he really dug it in and held second. He blew hard afterwards, and I think there is a bit of improvement in him. “He went home to Taranaki, it is not a bad trip. He travels well and he never left an oat. He was back out in the paddock the next day and has just worked quietly on the plough, so there’s no pressure on his joints. Hopefully all goes well on Saturday.” Daylight Robbery is currently a $21 winning chance with TAB bookmakers, with the market headed by To Bravery Born at $3.30 and Too Sweet at $4.60. View the full article

After two consecutive weekends on the road viewing stallions, everywhere from Tally-Ho Stud to Haras de Bonneval, I now find myself chasing my tail in an attempt to catch up with the key all-weather action I've missed since the last edition of Winter Watch went to print over a fortnight ago. It would be hopeless trying to do justice to every three-year-old who has won a maiden or novice in that time, nor has that ever been the brief for this column. The main idea has always been to focus on the most interesting sorts among them, those with the potential to make an impact at a higher level as we head deeper into 2025. With that in mind, this week I've narrowed it down to a top five, specifically those performances from the last couple of weeks which I've deemed the most noteworthy, for one reason for another. In true Top of the Pops style, I'll go through them in reverse order, starting with a son of Study Of Man who had the decency to wait until my travels were behind me before making his eye-catching debut… 5. Chess Dad Study Of Man (Ire)–Mosuo (Ire), by Oasis Dream (GB) The one-mile novice at Newcastle on Tuesday seemed to revolve around the Karl Burke-trained Inspired (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the first foal out of the G2 Dahlia Stakes winner Worth Waiting (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), who was sent off the 4-7 favourite to make a successful debut. Everything appeared to be going to plan when he moved up to challenge with two furlongs to run, still seemingly full of running, but his response when asked for his effort ultimately fell short of what was required, certainly against a willing rival like Chess Dad (GB) who found plenty in the closing stages to pull away for a length-and-a-quarter victory on debut. Bred by the Niarchos family, Chess Dad has a useful pedigree of his own as he became the third winner from as many runners out of his unraced dam, with the others including the Royal Hunt Cup scorer Dark Shift (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Mosuo, in turn, is out of the Oaks heroine Light Shift (Kingmambo), making her a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and sire Ulysses (Ire). Of course, the Niarchos family, also bred and raced the sire, Study Of Man, their Prix du Jockey Club winner who has made such a promising start with his first two crops. Both that pedigree and the way he finished the race at Gosforth Park suggest Chess Dad will be suited by 10 furlongs, at the very least, and he looks well capable of defying a penalty in a similar event should his connections decide to go down that route. Trained by Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole for owners Commercium, he already looks potentially well bought at the €75,000 it cost to secure him at Book 1 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale. Smart debut winner! Chess Dad – a half-brother to Royal Hunt Cup winner Dark Shift – strikes first time of asking for @HollieDoyle1 and @UrloxheyStables at @NewcastleRaces… pic.twitter.com/mtbSo5SY7y — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 21, 2025 4. Treasure Fleet Kingman (GB)–Pure Excellence (GB), by Exceed And Excel (Aus) For a horse still a couple of months shy of his third birthday, Treasure Fleet (GB) has already managed to fit in more than many horses do in a lifetime. Three times he's been offered at public auction, while he'd also been gelded prior to the next chapter in his life at Wolverhampton on January 7, when he kicked off his racing career with a cosy success in the novice run over an extended mile. Admittedly, it's difficult to get excited about the bare form of that race, with just a length and a half covering the first four at the line. The runner-up had also failed to trouble the judge in three previous runs, while the third has since trailed home last of five in the race won by Chess Man at Newcastle. However, it would be a big surprise if this proves the ceiling of Treasure Fleet's ability and there was plenty to like about the way he got the job done, coming from further back in the field than the other horses who finished in the frame. He was arguably never stronger than at the line, looking value for more than the three-quarters-of-a-length he won by, having picked up really well once switched off the rail in the straight. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Treasure Fleet has perhaps taken a bit longer to come to hand than might have been expected when connections went to 800,000gns to secure him at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale. That was a significant pinhooking result for the team at Lynn Lodge Stud, who bought him for 230,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale. It was also a reward for their persistence, having taken him home after he went unsold at 140,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. This gelding is the third winner from four runners out of his Listed-winning dam, with the others including his full-sister, Parent's Prayer (Ire), who gained her biggest victory in the G3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes. That filly didn't peak until her four-year-old season and, similarly, Treasure Fleet appeals as one who should leave the form of his Wolverhampton win well behind in time. Debut victory! The well-bred Treasure Fleet grabs victory from the jaws of defeat at @WolvesRaces, finding a key change of gear when it matters in the @godolphin blue under @CallumSheppy… pic.twitter.com/kTx2wAi1Lk — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 7, 2025 3. Humam Kodiac (GB)–Her Honour (Ire), by Shamardal Andrew Balding's Humam (Ire) was sent off the even-money favourite for the seven-furlong novice at Lingfield on Saturday, with good reason, too, when you consider how well the form of his first two starts has worked out. The Newmarket novice in which he finished third on his debut in October continues to look a red-hot contest, with the fifth- and seventh-place finishers also having won on the all-weather this winter. It appeals as such strong form that I make no apologies for repeating that I believe the winner of that heat, Treble Tee (Ire) (Persian King {Ire}), to be one of the more exciting three-year-old prospects for the season ahead, certainly outside of those already proven in Pattern company. Humam followed his Newmarket effort with a runner-up finish in a Doncaster maiden a couple of weeks later, chasing home So Darn Hot (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who doubled his career tally when winning a handicap at Newcastle on Friday from a BHA mark of 82. Humam was beaten just half a length by that rival on Town Moor, despite leaving the impression the drop back to six furlongs was against him. Back up in trip at Lingfield, the son of Kodiac was ultimately much the best under a confident Jason Watson, coming from last to first to win by a length and a half, without his jockey having to resort to the whip. Admittedly, it probably wasn't the strongest race of its type, but he still impressed with the turn of foot he showed to seal matters, completing the final two furlongs around 0.6 seconds faster than the winner of the handicap run over the same course and distance earlier on the card. Purchased by Al Shaqab Racing for 260,000gns at Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale, having initially sold for €230,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale, Humam is the fifth winner from as many runners out of his dam, who fetched €725,000 herself when offered at last year's Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale. The standout performer out of Her Honour to date is Vadream (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), the winner of the G3 Bengough Stakes and G3 Palace House Stakes for the Charlie Fellowes stable. Crucially, all but one of Humam's siblings to make it to the track have earned black type, so don't be surprised if he's competing in similar company before the year is out. Seriously confident ride from @_JasonWatson as Humam, a half-brother to Vadream, comes from last to first at @LingfieldPark for @AndrewBalding2… pic.twitter.com/lzz7z5qoyK — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 18, 2025 2. City Of God Kodiac (GB)–Rare (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) Another one in the top five for Tally-Ho Stud stalwart Kodiac and another success for our 'Winners In Waiting', with City Of God (Ire) having appeared in our New Year's Day edition of Winter Watch after his promising debut in the fog at Wolverhampton a few days earlier. Beaten only two and a quarter lengths on that occasion, despite looking desperately in need of the experience, City Of God duly took a nice step forward when opening his account in the one-mile maiden at Southwell on Friday, justifying favouritism with an authoritative, pillar-to-post victory. He still looked a bit green in the closing stages but was always doing enough to hold off the challenge of the runner-up, ultimately winning by three-quarters-of-a-length. Owned by footballer Ryan Kent, City Of God was picked up for 135,000gns at Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale. He was bred by the eponymously-named Rare Partnership out of their unraced mare, a half-sister to the 1,000 Guineas, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks winner Blue Bunting (Dynaformer). A few weeks before City Of God first stepped foot on a racecourse, Rare was sold for €48,000 at the November Breeding Stock Sale. As for City Of God's second dam, the unraced Linamix (Fr) mare Miarixa (Fr), it's fair to say that she's left quite the legacy. Her other daughters by Galileo (Ire) include Stars At Night (Ire), the dam of the G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein and G2 Zabeel Mile winner Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), and Monday Monday (Ire), the dam of the G2 German 1,000 Guineas and G2 May Hill Stakes scorer Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Like Darnation, City Of God is trained by Karl Burke, who has assembled a formidable team with less than 10 weeks to go until the start of the British Flat season on turf. Only time will tell where this colt fits in, but he's certainly made an encouraging start to his career and there should be plenty more to come from him as he gains in experience. Pillar to post! An across the card double for the @Karl_Burke team as City Of God gets off the mark under @SamJock22! pic.twitter.com/wWIlDgKs1q — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 17, 2025 1. Purple Rainbow Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Daphne (GB), by Duke Of Marmalade (Ire) Tom Marquand wasted no time getting back among the winners after returning from a stint riding in Japan, with his first full book of rides at Kempton on January 15 yielding a brace for the man who could well have champion jockey aspirations in 2025. Marquand had to be at his strongest to get Coul Angel (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}) home by a head in the six-furlong novice, but his win aboard Purple Rainbow (GB) in the first division of the one-mile fillies' maiden was achieved in altogether more straightforward fashion as she proved herself in a totally different league to her eight rivals. Her jockey kept things simple from the front, but it was by no means just an example of his filly enjoying the run of the race and quickening off slow fractions. Instead, she set an honest gallop throughout and gradually ground her rivals into submission as she lengthened in the straight, ultimately winning by three and three-quarter lengths with plenty in hand. It wasn't a performance characterised by an electric turn of foot, but the overall time was still around 1.8 seconds faster than the second division won by another Night Of Thunder filly in Sorbus (GB). Runner-up on her debut over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton, Purple Rainbow seemed to relish the extra distance at Kempton, which was to be expected of one with her stamina-laden pedigree. She is the second winner from three runners out of her strong-staying dam, who was a Listed winner over a mile and a five furlongs at Lingfield. Daphne's first foal, Perfect Alibi (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}), also won at Listed level, in her case over a mile and six furlongs at Yarmouth. Trained by William Haggas for The King and The Queen, Purple Rainbow was bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who painstakingly nurtured this family over many generations. It began with the purchase of this filly's sixth dam, the Nell Gwyn Stakes and Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Amicable (Doutelle {GB}), as a yearling. At stud Amicable produced, among others, Expansive (GB) (Exbury {Fr}), the winner of the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes for her owner-breeder. In turn, Expansive features as the dam of Trying For Gold (Northern Baby), who was just an ordinary racehorse herself but continued the legacy by coming up with another Ribblesdale winner in Phantom Gold (GB) (Machiavellian). Phantom Gold later produced Daphne's dam, the winning Daylami (Ire) mare Daring Aim (GB), as well as the Oaks runner-up Flight Of Fancy (GB) and multiple Listed winner Golden Stream (Ire), both by Sadler's Wells. In 2022, Golden Stream's son, Reach For The Moon (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), looked a serious Classic contender for his owner-breeder, having shown himself to be a smart juvenile when winning the G3 Solario Stakes by four lengths. Alas, it wasn't to be, but here's hoping Purple Rainbow can give the reigning monarchs something to shout about in the months ahead, with a step up to a mile and a half, and beyond, promising to suit. Hope you were on your Majesty Nice effort from the front by Purple Rainbow @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/hTsK0X8W8f — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 15, 2025 Winners In Waiting Dancing Teapot (Ire), runner-up at Dundalk (November 22) since publication Padua (Ire), seventh at Kempton (December 4) since publication Marhaba Ghaiyyath (Ire), winner at Lingfield (December 3) since publication Safe Idea (GB), third at Wolverhampton (December 21) since publication Indian Springs (Ire) Spanish Voice (GB) Noble Horizon (GB) Dixieland Blues (GB) City Of God (Ire), winner at Southwell (January 17) since publication War And Love (GB), runner-up at Chelmsford (January 11) since publication The post Winter Watch: Rainbow Tribute to the Late Queen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Seven-time champion jockey changed the landscape of Hong Kong racing en route to his record-breaking success.View the full article

Hong Kong superstar’s presence in the city comes during a continued push to entice the world’s best for extended winter stints.View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Saturday, January 25, 2025 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Sandown Racecourse is back in action on Saturday afternoon, where a bumper 10-race card awaits punters on the Lakeside circuit. The Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) headlines proceedings, whilst the Blue Diamond Series gets underway with the juveniles split into two divisions, the boys and the girls for the Blue Diamond Preview’s. The track will be a Good 4 throughout the day, while the rail is set to remain in its true position. The first race is set to jump at 12:15pm AEDT. Race 1: BM70 Handicap (1400m) Porter has seemingly put it all together this campaign, winning two of his last three starts, including a dominant on-pace triumph at Sale on January 9. The four-year-old gelding seemingly does his best work when racing up on speed and having his rivals off the bit a long way out. From barrier 10, Damian Lane will look to cross the field and settle outside the lead, and when asked to quicken, Porter should have no issue fending off his rivals once more. Selections: 8 PORTER 3 EUGENIUS 2 EMPRESSIVE ENUFF 1 HE’S BESET Race 2: BM70 Handicap (1600m) The Liam Howley-trained Steal The Sun has not received the best of luck at her last two starts, but if she finds clear air at the right stage on Saturday, she is worth siding with. The five-year-old mare missed the kick last time out and was held up for a run at a crucial point before hitting the line strongly over 1700m at Flemington. If Ethan Brown can get her out of the gates a bit cleaner, Steal The Sun has an impressive turn of foot and will be fighting out the finish. Selections: 11 STEAL THE SUN 7 REVELARE 1 SIR ATLAS 3 REAL SENSATION Race 3: Listed Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) (1000m) Shining Smile is the only juvenile colt or gelding in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview and it looks set to pay dividends if he brings what he produced in his initial campaign. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained colt has already been twice-placed in Stakes company and before heading to the paddock, was a smart maiden winner on the Caulfield Heath circuit. Daniel Stackhouse will ensure the son of Spirit Of Boom gains the run of the race from barrier two, and barring any bad luck, Shining Smile should be winning. Selections: 1 SHINING SMILE 3 MENSHEVIK 5 REDDERS 4 OLATUNDE Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) Race 3 – #1 Shining Smile (2) 2yo Colt | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (56kg) +120 with Dabble Race 4: Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (F) (1000m) Debut wins as a two-year-old do not come anymore impressive than what Miss Celine prouduced in the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) during the spring. The Magnus filly was last on the Caulfield home turn and still had four lengths to make up on her rivals with 200m to go before producing a stunning finish to win by a length. She has to give most of her rivals 2kg on return from a spell, but with a genuinely run affair, Miss Celine has shown enough already that says she will be able to run down her rivals in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (F). Selections: 1 MISS CELINE 2 PALM ANGEL 5 PRICE TAG 4 WILTSHIRE SQUARE Blue Diamond Preview (F) Race 4 – #1 Miss Celine (3) 2yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Mark Zahra (58kg) +750 with Bet365 Race 5: Listed W.J. Adams Stakes (1000m) Fickle has four wins and two seconds to her name through six runs this campaign, and if the Tom Dabernig-trained mare holds her form, she should be winning once again. The four-year-old mare looks to run her rivals off their feet, and from barrier two under Jamie Melham, she should get the lead with relative ease upon settling. As long as she is not pressured relentlessly throughout, Fickle should prove too slick and justify her favouritism with horse racing betting sites. Selections: 6 FICKLE 4 PONDALOWIE 2 MRS CHRISSIE 3 PHILOSOPHER Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Fickle (2) 4yo Mare | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Jamie Melham (54kg) +150 with Neds Race 6: BM78 Handicap (2100m) Inevitable Award was a gritty Flemington winner on January 1 and looks poised to go on with the job on Saturday. The four-year-old gelding was forced to travel three wide with no cover on that day, and despite covering plenty of ground, had the audacity to hit the line strongly over 1800m. Based on that last run, as long as Daniel Moor can find cover from barrier 10, the 2100m should prove to be no issue, as Inevitable Award looks to ground down his rivals. Selections: 10 INEVITABLE AWARD 1 SAMUEL LANGHORNE 11 THEDOCTOROFLOVE 3 MISS TARZY Race 7: BM84 Handicap (1600m) There is little doubt that Le Zebra should have won first-up at Flemington on January 11, but gets his chance to right those wrongs in the quaddie opener. The four-year-old gelding was badly held up for a run for the majority of the home straight, and once the gap arrived inside, the final furlong stormed home to be beaten a half-length, while the quinella had all of the momentum down the outside. From barrier 10, Jamie Melham should have no issue finding clear air at the right time, and once Le Zebra quickens, it should be enough to put his rivals away. Selections: 5 LE ZEBRA 6 FARHH FLUNG 4 SMOKIN’ PRINCESS 9 ASPEN COLORADO Next Best Race 7 – #5 Le Zebra (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Emma-Lee & David Browne | J: Jamie Melham (56.5kg) +190 with BlondeBet Race 8: Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) Aztec Ruler was not given much hope in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m), but the way the son of Universal Ruler hit the line suggests he is a force to reckon with on Saturday. Having run It’sourtime to within a head down the straight, the run was even better considering it was his first look at the “Flemington Six”. Back around a corner and up to 1400m – a trip he has won five of 11 starts at – should see Aztec Ruler go one better in the Listed John Dillon Stakes. Selections: 2 AZTEC RULER 4 CHORLTON LANE 1 JUST FOLK 5 BUFFALO RIVER John Dillon Stakes Race 8 – #2 Aztec Ruler (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Stefan Vahala | J: Jye McNeil (56kg) +190 with Picklebet Race 9: Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) Saturday’s feature, the Manfred Stakes, has attracted an even bunch of three-year-olds, but if Ndola brings his best first-up from a four-month spell, he is worth a flutter at $6 with Boombet. Lindsay Park Racing had Group 1 aspirations with the son of Justify during the spring, so he clearly has plenty of class, which was evident in his win before heading for a spell. On the Hillside track at Sandown, the colt produced a strong turn of foot to win in impressive style and a repeat effort should be enough to see Ndola secure Group 3 success. Selections: 5 NDOLA 2 ODINSON 7 ROYAL INSIGNIA 6 WONDER BOY Manfred Stakes Race 9 – #5 Ndola (3) 3yo Colt | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Currie (57kg) +500 with Boombet Race 10: BM74 Handicap (1200m) New York Lustre is a mare going places and is looking to add a fourth win in successions and a third win from as many starts this campaign. The Enver Jusufovic-trained mare is a natural front-runner and has shown a tendency to settle outside the lead and kick clear when asked to. From barrier 12, the plans should be simply for Jamie Melham once again, and as long as the Manhattan Rain mare does not get caught wide, New York Lustre should send favourite punters home happy. Selections: 13 NEW YORK LUSTRE 8 SUNSHINEINMYPOCKET 3 CARBONADOS 1 HOLY RACKET Saturday quaddie tips for Sandown Sandown quadrella selections January 25, 2025 4-5-6 2-4 1-2-5-6-7 1-3-8-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sunshine Coast Cup Day 2025 Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Saturday, January 25, 2025 First Race 12:13pm AEST Visit Dabble The Listed Sunshine Coast Cup will headline the 10-race meeting at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances; however, with warm weather forecast in the lead-up, expect a perfect Good 4 surface throughout the day. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 12:13pm AEST. Sunshine Coast Cup tip: Grand Impact Grand Impact broke a two-year winless run at Wyong last start when he led a strong field every step of the way before running away with a strong victory. The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained gelding took care of a much better field than what he will face in this race, and if he produces a similar performance, Grand Impact will bring up back-to-back wins. Sunshine Coast Cup Race 8 – #11 Grand Impact (13) 5yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Ryan Maloney (56.5kg) +500 with Neds Best Bet at Sunshine Coast: Termagant Termagant was sent out as the race favourite with horse racing bookmakers first up at Eagle Farm but had to settle for second place behind Flag Hall after racing erratically in the home straight. The Matthew Hoysted-trained mare still recorded the fastest last 600m section of the race and will have taken good fitness benefit from the run. With an undefeated second-up record (2:2-0-0), expect a better performance from Termegant in this contest. Best Bet Race 6 – #14 Termagant (11) 4yo Mare | T: Matthew Hoysted | J: Nikita Beriman (54kg) +250 with Bet365 Next Best at Sunshine Coast: Streak Of Winning The aptly named Streak Of Winning brought up his second straight victory to kick off his career at this track over 1200m, maintaining his undefeated record at his home track. The Stuart Kendrick-trained gelding is lightly raced but has shown great ability to race on speed and sprint off a good tempo in the final 400m. Although he has to jump from barrier 12 on Saturday, Kyle Wilson-Taylor will push forward, find the lead with Streak Of Winning, and if he gives his customary kick at the 400m mark, he will prove hard to run down late. Next Best Race 7 – #12 Streak Of Winning (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Stuart Kendrick | J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor (57.5kg) +600 with Picklebet Best Value at Sunshine Coast: Vienna Who Following an impressive finish over 1200m at Eagle Farm last start, Vienna Who will attempt 1400m for the first time in her career. The Darren Bell-prepared filly settled worse than midfield and was slightly held up turning for home; however, once she got into clear air, the daughter of Solo Flyer let down strongly. In a smaller field compared to her previous run, expect Vienna Who to settle closer to the speed and receive a better run in transit. Best Value Race 5 – #8 Vienna Who (7) 3yo Filly | T: Darren Bell | J: Angela Jones (54.5kg) +900 with Dabble Saturday’s quaddie tips for Sunshine Coast Cup Day Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Saturday, January 25, 2025 1-8-10-12 2-6-12-13 6-7-12-13 6-13-19-21 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Ascot races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, January 25, 2025 First Race 1:04pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Scenic Blast Stakes will headline the nine-race card at Ascot this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with hot weather forecast later in the week, the surface will improve into the Good range by raceday. The rail will be in the +5m position for the entire circuit, with the first race scheduled to kick off at 1:04pm AWST. Scenic Blast Stakes tip: Triple Jay Triple Jay was last seen finishing second behind Saloon Bar in the Listed Farnley Stakes in September, with that runner-up finish coming after a four-win streak. The Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained gelding has been given two good hitouts over 950m at the Lark Hill barrier trials and appears ready to strike first-up. From barrier five, Brad Parnham can settle in the one-one position and pounce on the vulnerable leaders in the final 400m. Scenic Blast Stakes Race 8 – #4 Triple Jay (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Brad Parnham (56.5kg) +400 with BlondeBet Best Bet at Ascot: Sensessional Following a strong effort over 1400m fresh, the Grant & Alana Williams-trained Sensessional will step up to a much more suitable 1600m trip second-up. Previously, the son of Sessions settled at the rear of a six-horse field and ran home strongly along the inside rail to finish second behind Yarralea. With a solid tempo expected in this contest, Clint Johnston-Porter will settle Sensessional in a similar position and attempt to round up their rivals in the final 300m. Best Bet Race 7 – #2 Sensessional (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (59kg) +170 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Horcrux Horcrux showed his rivals a clean pair of heels when giving them a galloping lesson over 1100m at this track as a heavily backed favourite with PlayUp. The Simon Miller-trained gelding led from start to finish when he returned from an eight-week freshen and looks like the one to beat again in a similar contest on Saturday. Jordan Turner will take the son of Rommel to the front and find the lead with ease from barrier one, and if Horcrux shows a similar dash in the final 300m, he will give them something to chase. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Horcrux (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Simon Miller | J: Jordan Turner (59.5kg) +170 with PlayUp Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, January 25, 2025 1-4-7-9 2-5-8 2-4-5-8-9 2-5-7-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Flying three-year-old Poetic Champion (NZ) (Super Seth) will spearhead Tony Pike’s trio of sprinters contesting the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) on Karaka Millions Night, staged this Saturday at Ellerslie. Poetic Champion was among the upper echelon of the country’s juveniles last season, placing in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) and Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m). Returning as a three-year-old, the son of Super Seth pounced on a deserved stakes victory in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings, and as anticipated by Pike, a game attempt over 1400m in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) indicated the gelding’s sweet spot was back at the six furlongs (1200m). Back at his favourite trip on New Year’s Day, Poetic Champion and his regular jockey Matt Cartwright returned to the winner’s circle, which then posed a question for connections, whether to go for the Almanzor or the $700,000 Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) against the older horses. A barrier draw of 13 in the Railway versus the ace in the Almanzor all but sealed the decision. “Johnathan Munz (owner) was quite keen to run in the Railway, but with the strength of the field, it was always going to come down to barrier draws,” Pike said. “He elected to accept in both races and obviously the draws became the telling decision in which we chose to run in, and he’s got barrier one in the Almanzor. “He’s a talented sprinting three-year-old who is in good winning form, this looks like the ideal race for him.” Pike has also entered lightly-tried fillies Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor) and Boss’N’Highheels in Saturday’s contest, with the former having carried Cambridge Stud’s colours to victory on two occasions, before finishing third behind Sought After at Ellerslie a fortnight ago. “It was her first run right-handed and first look at Ellerslie, it was a solid performance,” Pike said. “She’s going to need to improve on that run to be competitive on Saturday, but she’s a lightly-tried filly with ability and deserves her chance.” Boss’N’Highheels will come into the race fresh-up, off the back of a solid trial placing behind Captured By Love and Imprevu. “I talked to Brent and Cherry (Taylor, owners) and they were keen to have another runner on the night, and she trialled very well leading into Saturday,” Pike said. “This is another big step-up in class, but she’s an improving filly who is getting stronger with every preparation. “If she can improve a couple of lengths on her last preparation, she might be able to sneak some black-type in the placings.” The Trelawney silks will feature prominently on the night, with class mare Acquarello taking her place in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). The Group Three-winning daughter of Written Tycoon is coming into the race in a rich vein of form, having won over 1400m at the Auckland venue on January 12. “After she won in Christchurch, this looked like a nice option for her,” Pike said. “It’s great to have a runner on Karaka Millions Night, so we targeted this race, we gave her a short break and she’s come back in great form. “This will be her strongest test to date, but she’s in winning form and seems to be improving with each run she has. She’s drawn well and she’s a genuine each-way chance.” Completing Pike’s team will be Witz End (NZ) (Savabeel), the son of Savabeel chasing the major spoils in the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). Twice a Group performer over 1400m, Witz End is yet to show his prowess over a mile but will have the services of star Australian hoop Craig Williams in the race. “He was just ridden a little too positively again in the Rich Hill Mile, he worked early then was disappointing over the final stages, after a very good run at Te Rapa,” Pike said. “We’ll probably ride him a little bit quieter on Saturday, and on his best form, he’s a winning chance. I’m really happy with the way he’s going coming into this race.” View the full article

Awapuni trainer Roydon Bergerson finished runner-up in the 2022 running of the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) with Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci), and he is excited to have two bullets in the chamber to try and go one better in this year’s edition. Wolverine was undefeated heading into the race three years ago, winning on debut at Otaki before she was sold to Australian Bloodstock, and she quickly repaid her new owners with victories in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) and Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), before she was upstaged in the Karaka Millions by Te Akau’s Dynastic. The daughter of Tivaci had drawn barrier 12, and Bergerson has once again drawn unfavourably in this year’s edition with In The Air (11) and Too Sweet (15). “It was pretty deflating seeing the draws come out, but it is a horse race and anything can happen,” Bergerson said. “Wolverine drew 12, so we haven’t had much luck with draws at Ellerslie.” Bergerson’s good friend Chris Rutten bought both juveniles at Karaka, with Too Sweet (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) a $50,000 purchase out of Phoenix Park’s New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft, while In The Air (NZ) (Embellish) was purchased out of Wentwood Grange’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling & Broodmare Sale for $27,500. “He (Rutten) is a gem at buying these horses,” Bergerson said. “He doesn’t pay much money for them, and they can get up and run early and end up being pretty good horses.” Rutten’s Karaka Millions 2YO roll of honour includes 2014 winner Vespa, and he has collected minor placings with Touche (2013), Kingsman (2016), Yourdeel (2019), Avonallo (2021) and Wolverine (2022), while he won the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) with Scott Base in 2018. Rutten looks to have another leading chance this year with Too Sweet, who made an instant impression when winning on debut over 900m at Trentham in October and backed that up with a runner-up performance at the Upper Hutt track before winning the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. The daughter of Satono Aladdin has remained in the north in the care of Bergerson’s son Sam, who shares in the ownership of the filly, and his training partner Mark Walker at Te Akau Racing’s Matamata stables. Roydon Bergerson has joined his filly this week in the lead-up to Saturday’s race and he is pleased with her condition ahead of the rich feature. “She has trained on super,” he said. “She has been up with Te Akau, and thanks to Sam and Mark for looking after her for the last three weeks. “I spoke with Chris and Sam and we decided to leave her up here in the very capable hands of people who know how to win the Karaka Millions 2YO. “It has been a great ride so far and it will be a great party if she can get over the line on Saturday.” In The Air just made the cut for the Karaka Millions field, and Bergerson has been pleased with his progress, having galloped in company with his Group One performer Town Cryer earlier in the week. “He galloped the reverse way at home with Town Cryer on Tuesday and galloped really well with the blinkers on, so we decided to have a crack,” Bergerson said. “It’s not often that you get to run for $1 million. The owners have paid up to run in the race so we might as well do it.” Bergerson will also be represented on Saturday by Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). The seven-year-old daughter of Tavistock has pleased Bergerson since her placing in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) a fortnight ago, and his only concern is her wide draw of 11. “We gave her a quiet week in the swimming pool, a little bit of trotting and cantering, and she has freshened up really nicely,” Bergerson said. “She likes Ellerslie, she has got another rough draw but has got a really good jockey (Craig Williams). She is proven at Group level and she is coming into it in fine fettle.” Meanwhile, Bergerson is looking forward to welcoming back Wolverine to his stable in the coming month. The now five-year-old mare last raced for Bergerson when runner-up in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) before she continued her racing career in Australia. She failed to add to her win tally while in Australia with Newcastle trainer Kris Lees, however, she did add a number of stakes placings to her record, including the Gr.2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m), Listed Canberra Guineas (1400m) Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m), and Listed Princess Stakes (1615m). She was subsequently offered at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Broodmare Sale where she was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for A$850,000. Following six starts for Walker and Bergerson in New Zealand, the decision was made to send her back to where it all began in a bid to recapture some form this autumn. “Te Akau and ourselves discussed that we would try and take her back to her old roots, give her a decent spell, and we will try and get her back to her best form,” Roydon Bergerson said. “She is out at Chris Rutten’s pre-training at the moment and she will probably come back to me in about a month’s time. “We will go through the autumn and hopefully get some black-type with her and then she will be up for sale as we are not breeders.” View the full article

The Kentucky-based private-equity firm founder and manager John Stewart, who heads Resolute Racing, has reached an “agreement in principle” to settle a civil complaint against his MiddleGround Capital, which was sued last month by another investment company over an alleged “bad faith” refusal to pay $22 million in contractually due revenue shares. News of the in-the-works settlement was posted on the online court docket for the New York Supreme Court shortly after 5 p.m. Jan. 22. The one-page entry on the docket did not explain the terms that are being negotiated for the settlement. It stated that the defendants (MiddleGround and its principals, including Stewart) now have more time to file a legal response to the lawsuit, a formality that may not be necessary if both parties reach an agreement that leads to the lawsuit being dropped by the plaintiff. Reached by TDN on Wednesday evening, Stewart expressed confidence that would happen. Stewart, whose aggressive spending and outspoken attitude have made a big splash in the global bloodstock and racing worlds since he entered the Thoroughbred business from scratch a little more than a year ago, also told TDN he is hopeful that others in the racing industry will learn something about his character beyond what came across in last week's headlines about his firm being sued. “I can't really talk about the settlement itself because it's confidential,” Stewart said. “But situations like these happen all the time in business. They don't happen to me. It's the first time my business and I were sued. I try to be someone where my word is my agreement.” Archean Capital Partners, which in 2018 provided an initial $75-million capital commitment in exchange for a certain agreed-upon share of the revenue received by MiddleGround, had alleged that the MiddleGround defendants were “diverting funds that should have been paid to Archean as its share of Defendants' revenue to satisfy Defendants' other obligations or business pursuits.” Although the civil complaint did not make any specific claim that the allegedly diverted money went to fund Stewart's horse racing ventures, the lawsuit did claim that Stewart's immersion into Thoroughbred racing and breeding has detracted from the time and attention Archean expected him to spend running MiddleGround. “There was a commercial deal. It wasn't something that was in the best interest of my firm,” Stewart said. “I have to protect my team. I have 200 factories around the world and employ tens of thousands of people and am responsible for investing billions of dollars in investments, so it's not only my concern.” When Archean initially filed the complaint Dec. 23, 2024, it had wanted the lawsuit to be kept under seal by the court. But the judge in the case saw no reason to grant that request, and ordered all documents in the case unsealed Jan. 9, 2025, opening them to public scrutiny. “I knew this going public would be something that people would pick up on and that would make news in the private equity world as well as in the horse industry,” Stewart said. “This worked out the way I knew it would. In these situations there are always commercial discussions. I preferred things playing out in public because that way my story could get told and the facts would come out.” Stewart continued: “I believe there was a catalyst when the judge decided to not allow the case to be sealed. Once that happened, they were very quick to engage in a resolution. I don't have any ill will toward them. It's a business deal and it worked out. “I'm really glad we were able to get it resolved going into this week, so that nothing takes away from the Eclipse Awards. It's such a special night for the industry. “People in the industry, hopefully they'll learn something about me,” Stewart said. “Early on, I think people thought, 'Here's a guy spending a lot of money. He's not making good decisions.' A year later, I think people are seeing I'm making good decisions, and being a positive part of the industry.” The court document stated, in part, that since “the parties have engaged in extensive discussions in an effort to achieve a negotiated resolution of this matter; and whereas the Parties have reached an agreement in principle and require additional time to document the settlement of this matter, [the] parties stipulate and agree, through their undersigned counsel, that Defendants' deadline to answer, move, or otherwise respond to the Complaint is extended to and through February 23, 2025 to enable the parties to document their settlement agreement.” The post Resolute Racing’s Stewart Reaches ‘Agreement in Principle’ to Settle $22M Lawsuit Against His Private Equity Firm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon The wins keep coming for Junior driver Harrison Orange and Canterbury based trainer Michael House with the pair combining to clinch the Wellington – Otaki Cup double after Gotta Elect Bill took out the Grant Plumbing Ltd Otaki Cup Mobile Pace yesterday. “It was pretty cool to get back to back wins on him in these country cups” said Orange “I thought we’d possibly get a similar run to what we did on Sunday given the field and draws were pretty much the same but he was really tough and deserved the wins both days.” Starting from a wide draw of eight, Orange sent Gotta Elect Bill forward and after briefly sitting three wide early, settled in the parked position outside the leader Lord Delmar. The leader set only a moderate pace and Orange began to apply pressure from the 800 metre mark, moving forward to eyeball Lord Delmar until the top of the home straight. Gotta Elect Bill got his head in front with around 300 metres to run and showed his toughness when battling on to the line to win by a length over stable mate The Next Best Thing (2nd) and Lord Delmar (3rd). It was the six year old gelding’s eighth career win from 44 starts and brought his earning’s to just over $78,000. Orange also scored a winning driving double yesterday when Kourtney Kardash won the Raynor Holdings Ltd Mobile Pace for Pukekohe trainer Shane Butcher. It was a dominant win by Bettor’s Delight mare, who after sitting parked cleared out to win by a 4.5 length margin and gave the mare back to back wins over the two day meeting. Also of note at Otaki were two significant milestone events with Canterbury trainer Bernard Lomas scoring his first training win, and Dylan Ferguson scoring his 200th driving win on the Murray Logan trained Captain Zenzi. Lomas’ win came when The Gardener’s Pride took out the Kapiti Members and Supporters Handicap Trot and it was also the 11 year old mare’s maiden win. “I’m originally from Levin and have plenty of family up here who were all here today” said Lomas “As kids we went to the Levin and Otaki races, and it was one of my bucket list things to race a horse at Otaki, so it was pretty special to get my first win here.” “It’s really a great feeling of satisfaction as I’ve done everything with the mare from breeding and foaling her, to breaking her in and training her.” Driven by junior driver Stephanie Burley, the mare stepped quickly to head the field over the first half of the race. At the 1000 metre mark, the trailing Henrik Lundqvist peeled out and took over the lead, providing The Gardener’s Pride with cover through to the passing lane. Upon seeing open ground, the mare ran on well levelling the leader and running on by to win by 2.5 lengths after a foot perfect race. “She’d only been worked quietly leading into day one of Otaki as she’d had a minor issue, so she really needed that run on Sunday which brought her on nicely for today’s win and Stephanie drove her beautifully.” Uniquely, The Gardener’s Pride also had a daughter competing in the same event, Senior Constable Liz, who finished in sixth place. “Senior Constable Liz is named after my sister who was a police officer and unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago” said Lomas “She went well enough today and I’ll probably be back again with her next year as we have had such a wonderful time racing here. Buddy Lammas who hosted the horse, and all the locals have just been great and were full of congratulations after the win.” View the full article

By Jonny Turner Jovial Jay notched a first for one of Otago racing’s most well-known sets of silks with his win at Oamaru on Wednesday. The pacer prevailed in a hectic affair with driver Jonny Cox wearing the colours of champion thoroughbred trainer Brian Anderton. The white, red and green silks have won hundreds of races in the thoroughbred code and been carried by many of Anderton’s outstanding gallopers. “I thought I would get them registered and that was only the third time they have been out there in a trotting race,” Anderton said. “I have had them since I started out, so they have been around a fair while.” Appropriately, the colours had their first outing at Anderton’s home track at Wingatui, at its December harness racing meeting. Anderton has been racing standardbreds since the early 1970s, and his journey began with his good friend the late Bryan ‘Mouse’ Kennedy. Though there has been plenty of success along the way, things didn’t get off to an ideal start. “Mouse and I were friends for many years, he came and worked for my father when he was 13-year-old,” Anderton said. “We borrowed a mare off Mouse’s father and we bred her to Lordship.” “We got her going and she was having her first start at Timaru for Barry Nyhan.” “Barry thought she would win and she loomed up to them and then just stopped in a hole.” “It turned out she had a wind problem, so we decided to breed from her.” “We have kept breeding from that line right the way through and Jovial Jay is the latest one we have had racing.” “We have tried to go to the best stallions along the way and we have had a bit of luck.” “But we have had a lot of fun along the way too.” Anderton has raced Jovial Jay with the estate of Mouse Kennedy following his passing. Kennedy’s wife Sandra takes a keen interest in the breed and watched Jovial Jay’s victory with Anderton on Wednesday. Jovial Jay is by Sweet Lou from Anderton’s smart former race mare New Year’s Jay. Now a 19-year-old broodmare, the pacer was prepared by Amber Hoffman and Jonny Cox, who teamed up to produce Jovial Jay to win at Oamaru. New Year’s Jay produced a full sister to Jovial Jay in the spring. The mare’s two-year-old by Art Major is in work with Hoffman and is showing promise. View the full article

Too Sweet will be one of two runners for Roydon Bergerson in Saturday’s $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Awapuni trainer Roydon Bergerson finished runner-up in the 2022 running of the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) with Wolverine, and he is excited to have two bullets in the chamber to try and go one better in this year’s edition. Wolverine was undefeated heading into the race three years ago, winning on debut at Otaki before she was sold to Australian Bloodstock, and she quickly repaid her new owners with victories in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) and Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), before she was upstaged in the Karaka Millions by Te Akau’s Dynastic. The daughter of Tivaci had drawn barrier 12, and Bergerson has once again drawn unfavourably in this year’s edition with In The Air (11) and Too Sweet (15). “It was pretty deflating seeing the draws come out, but it is a horse race and anything can happen,” Bergerson said. “Wolverine drew 12, so we haven’t had much luck with draws at Ellerslie.” Bergerson’s good friend Chris Rutten bought both juveniles at Karaka, with Too Sweet a $50,000 purchase out of Phoenix Park’s New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft, while In The Air was purchased out of Wentwood Grange’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling & Broodmare Sale for $27,500. “He (Rutten) is a gem at buying these horses,” Bergerson said. “He doesn’t pay much money for them, and they can get up and run early and end up being pretty good horses.” Rutten’s Karaka Millions 2YO roll of honour includes 2014 winner Vespa, and he has collected minor placings with Touche (2013), Kingsman (2016), Yourdeel (2019), Avonallo (2021) and Wolverine (2022), while he won the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) with Scott Base in 2018. Rutten looks to have another leading chance this year with Too Sweet, who made an instant impression when winning on debut over 900m at Trentham in October and backed that up with a runner-up performance at the Upper Hutt track before winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. The daughter of Satono Aladdin has remained in the north in the care of Bergerson’s son Sam, who shares in the ownership of the filly, and his training partner Mark Walker at Te Akau Racing’s Matamata stables. Roydon Bergerson has joined his filly this week in the lead-up to Saturday’s race and he is pleased with her condition ahead of the rich feature. “She has trained on super,” he said. “She has been up with Te Akau, and thanks to Sam and Mark for looking after her for the last three weeks. “I spoke with Chris and Sam and we decided to leave her up here in the very capable hands of people who know how to win the Karaka Millions 2YO. “It has been a great ride so far and it will be a great party if she can get over the line on Saturday.” In The Air just made the cut for the Karaka Millions field, and Bergerson has been pleased with his progress, having galloped in company with his Group One performer Town Cryer earlier in the week. “He galloped the reverse way at home with Town Cryer on Tuesday and galloped really well with the blinkers on, so we decided to have a crack,” Bergerson said. “It’s not often that you get to run for $1 million. The owners have paid up to run in the race so we might as well do it.” Bergerson will also be represented on Saturday by Town Cryer in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). The seven-year-old daughter of Tavistock has pleased Bergerson since her placing in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) a fortnight ago, and his only concern is her wide draw of 11. “We gave her a quiet week in the swimming pool, a little bit of trotting and cantering, and she has freshened up really nicely,” Bergerson said. “She likes Ellerslie, she has got another rough draw but has got a really good jockey (Craig Williams). She is proven at Group level and she is coming into it in fine fettle.” Horse racing news View the full article

Malt Time will contest the Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) Shaun and Emma Clotworthy will bring a mix of experience and new blood to the table on Karaka Millions Night at Ellerslie this Saturday. Malt Time, a multiple Group One-performer, was not initially targeted towards the Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m), but the Byerley Park trainers confirmed the mare will take her place in the $500,000 feature after placing fifth-equal in a congested finish to the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1800m). “We were originally going to the BCD Sprint, and after Trentham and the trip back we thought she needed a bit more time,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “That was the thinking behind it. “I rang Bill (Borrie, owner) and had a talk to him about it, then last night, he said why don’t chuck a nom in. It’ll be a nice race for her.” The daughter of Adelaide will be partnered by jockey Wiremu Pinn. While Malt Time is all too familiar with the big-time, her younger stablemate Billy Blinx will face the biggest task of his short career in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). A $20,000 purchase out of the draft of Grangewilliam Stud at Karaka in 2023, Billy Blinx has made three appearances on raceday for two placings, including a close-up second to Lachie at Te Rapa last Thursday. “He’s a maidener, but he’s gone a couple of nice races and we’ve rated him all the way along,” Clotworthy said. “I think he’s up there with the better three-year-olds that are going around at the moment, but he’s probably just immature. “Terry (Lines) owns a share in him and he loves to have a bit of punt on everything, he decided he wanted him to race so we’ve chucked him in and he’s got a nice draw (3). We haven’t formulated a plan yet, but the horse is still learning and he was away a bit better last time at Te Rapa. “Kevin (Stott, jockey) has had a couple of rides on him so he knows him, if we can take a position that’s not too far off them would be nice, without using too much gas early.” The Clotworthy’s had identified the son of Shocking as a $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect earlier on, but after Saturday’s contest, Billy Blinx will be off to the paddock. “Long-term, he’s a horse that we had nominated for the Derby, but then we thought it was probably going to come around too quick for him,” he said. “We’ll chuck him out and bring him back in, maybe having a look at the Queensland Derby (Group 1, 2400m) or something like that. “I think he’s a very promising horse in the making, but Terry’s decided to have a crack at this. It was the deal that we would have a go and then turn him out.” Meanwhile, the stable’s current favourite for the Derby, Willydoit, will not feature on Saturday evening, with his target looming in just over a month’s time. “He’s doing well, he heads to the 75 mile (at Ellerslie) on February the first,” Clotworthy said. “He doesn’t do much at home, he’s a pretty relaxed type of horse but he looks in great order and I’m pleased with him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Romantic Warrior (left) exercises at Meydan Racecourse. Photo: HKJC Danny Shum expects Romantic Warrior to improve physically from running in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Friday night (January 24) when the Hong Kong champion chases a 10th Group 1 victory after drawing perfectly in barrier one. The world’s highest-earning racehorse with prizemoney of HK$177.3 million has not raced since posting a record third consecutive win in the HK$40 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on December 8 and Shum believes the seven-year-old will benefit significantly from Friday’s contest. “I believe he’s at 80-90% of his best condition. Actually, I don’t really like to measure it this way. If you really want me to give a specific assessment, I would say he’s a little over 80% but not quite 90%,” Shum said. “In fact, he doesn’t need to be in top form right now, because our main goals are the following two races. For his next race on Friday, we don’t need to push him too hard. This race is mainly to prepare him for the next two bigger targets.” Apart from the Jebel Hatta, Shum is also aiming Romantic Warrior at the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh on February 22 before returning to Meydan for either the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2000m) or Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) on April 5. Having overseen successful sorties into Australia and Japan with triumphs in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley and the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo Racecourse, Shum is satisfied with Romantic Warrior’s condition. “The main thing is to let Romantic Warrior get used to the track here,” Shum said. “Although James McDonald is the world’s best jockey, this is his first time riding in Dubai. Both the jockey and the horse are here for the first time, so they need time to adapt. “(On Monday, January 20), James showed his professionalism. He inspected the turf track and jogged on it. He does the same thing when he rides at Sha Tin Racecourse. He’s a very professional jockey. “Romantic Warrior seemed happy and eager. He moved out and overtook the pacemaker (Romantic Charm) and, after the gallop, he was calm and collected. He didn’t seem to have exerted much effort. “His breathing was light and he wasn’t panting. It was no big deal for him.” Romantic Warrior has drawn barrier one in the Jebel Hatta – which will run at 4am AEDT on Saturday morning (January 25) – while Charlie Appleby-trained Measured Time, last season’s Jebel Hatta winner and 1800m course record-holder, will jump from gate six for William Buick. Seeking a fifth victory in the race, Appleby is also represented by Ottoman Fleet who will start from barrier five under Mickael Barzalona, aiming to provide Godolphin with a 10th Jebel Hatta success. Competing against the smallest field he has faced since 2023, Romantic Warrior will also meet Alfareeq (barrier seven), Ancient Rome (three), Holloway Boy (four), Poker Face (eight) and Royal Dubai (two). Horse racing news View the full article

What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, January 25, 2025 First Race 1:05pm AEDT Visit Dabble Royal Randwick Racecourse is the destination for metro racing on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper nine-race program set down for decision. The rail moves out +7m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with minimal rainfall forecast heading into the weekend, hopefully the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances can hold for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:05pm local time. Best Bet at Randwick: Don Diego De Vega Don Diego De Vega returns after a 196-day spell and looks supremely placed in this BM88 contest to kick off his second Australian campaign. The son of Lope De Vega produced a win and minor placing in his two starts last preparation, with the five-year-old lugging the 61kg to victory in a competitive BM78 at this course on July 13. He was pushed out in a recent barrier trial win to get him wound-up for this first-up assignment, and with the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald barn potentially seeking black-type this time in, Don Diego De Vega needs to be taking care of this lot. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Don Diego De Vega (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Jason Collett (58.5kg) +140 with Neds Next Best at Randwick: United States The Chris Waller-trained United States debuts after one official barrier trial at Rosehill on January 7. The Snitzel colt impressed as he cruised through the wire under his own steam, getting within 2.2 lengths of Yoweri under minimal urging by James McDonald. Star hoop Kerrin McEvoy takes the reins as the two-year-old heads to the races for the first time, and with barrier two allowing McEvoy to take up a handy position throughout the journey, expect United States to get the job done and throw himself into Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) contention in the process. Next Best Race 1 – #6 United States (2) 2yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (58kg) +250 with BlondeBet Best Value at Randwick: Genzano Genzano represents terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers as she returns after a 231-day spell. The 2023 Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m) winner didn’t fire a shot in her two starts last preparation, with the daughter of Maurice having no luck from horrible barriers when racing in Queensland amongst genuine Group-level quality. Her recent barrier trial at Muswellbrook on January 2 suggests she’s ready to fire in this BM72 contest, and with Aaron Bullock likely to stalk his rivals from the one-one, watch for Genzano to be launching late at the $19.00 with Picklebet. Best Value Race 6 – #3 Genzano (2) 4yo Mare | T: Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | J: Aaron Bullock (59.5kg) +1800 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections January 25, 2025 3-8-11-12-14 1-7 3-6 1-5-6-9-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Joliestar. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au One-time Everest (1200m) favourite, Joliestar, has made a blistering return to work for the Chris Waller barn, cruising to victory in the opening 900m barrier trial at Rosehill on Thursday morning. The daughter of Zoustar did it comfortably with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle, as the four-year-old loomed large behind the likes of stable companion Lindermann (3rd), and the Matthew Smith-trained Way To The Stars (4th), with the pair pressing forward to set the sedate tempo. Joliestar was barely asked for an effort by McEvoy in the concluding stages, holding off the late challenge of Panic (2nd) in the final furlong, who appeared to be surging under the urgings of Regan Bayliss. It’s the first piece of work for the progressive mare since heading to the paddock after suffering a 2.5-length defeat in the Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 2, and with plenty of options for connections heading into the autumn, Joliestar appears to be back on track to claim a feature in 2025. Meanwhile, all eyes were on the return of the James Cummings-trained Traffic Warden (3rd) in the second barrier trial of the morning on the course proper, with the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) winner impressing as he closed to within 1.43 lengths of Shezanalister. Zac Lloyd was happy to coast in the one-one throughout the 900m journey, with the son of Street Boss making inroads under his own steam every step of the way. The three-year-old colt had a tumultuous end to his spring campaign after being scratched at the gates in the Everest before being unable to make an impression in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on November 2. Godolphin have high hopes for their promising sprinter, with the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) and Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) likely on the agenda heading into the autumn. The pair of Joliestar and Traffic Warden are currently $15 apiece with Neds for the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 5. Horse racing news View the full article

Romantic Warrior's assault on the desert riches starts on the Fashion Friday program Jan. 24 at Meydan Racecourse.View the full article

She is not the oldest living Eclipse Award winner–that honor is believed to belong to 1994 Champion Turf Female Hatoof (Irish River {Fr}), who is still going strong at Darley's Gainsborough Farm at age 36–but she's close. As the hours tick down before the newest class of champions are honored Thursday evening, it's a thrill to remember 1995 Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Serena's Song (Rahy–Imagining, by Northfields), who just turned 33 at the Bandoroff family's Denali Stud near Paris, Kentucky. This year the sport celebrates the 30-year anniversary of her spectacular Eclipse campaign, an enduring testament to the talent, durability, and remarkable capacity of a truly good horse. Conrad and Claire Bandoroff of Denali were each born the same year as Serena's Song–Claire just five days before the Hall of Famer–and were both toddlers during her racing years, but the champion is so intertwined with their lives and the identity of Denali it's nearly impossible to think of one without the other. Conrad, who was born about two years after his parents, Craig and Holly Bandoroff, started Denali, literally grew up with 'Serena,' but Claire married into the family in 2021. Leaving no doubt about how important the great mare is to the family, Serena's Song even participated in the proposal, wearing a halter with “Marry Me” inscribed on the brass plate. Why does a mare who raced before they were of an age where they could truly remember or grasp her relevance play such a part in their lives three decades later? “We call her the 'Queen of Denali,' just because she is really our foundational mare and the fact that she's still with us,” said Claire Bandoroff. “She put us on the map. I don't think anyone on the farm remembers a day without her here.” Bred in Kentucky by Dr. Howard Baker, Serena's Song was a $150,000 purchase at the now-defunct Keeneland July yearling sale for the congenial Bob and Beverly Lewis, who also won the GI Kentucky Derby twice in the late 90s with Silver Charm in 1997 and Charismatic in 1999. Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas orchestrated a masterful campaign for Serena, who thrived with the work. The 1995 Haskell, one of 11 Grade I wins for Serena's Song | Equi-Photo “From what I've been told,” said Bandoroff, “they tried to give her a layoff one time and she got so angry. She got pretty aggressive toward people that were working with her, so they decided to start her again and she was totally happy. She just wasn't happy if she wasn't at the track.” When it is said 'they don't make 'em like they used to,' Serena's Song is the modern-day poster child of a throwback racehorse. Overall, she won more graded stakes–17 in all–than many horses today see in a full career, with another 14 graded placings. This spectacular mare took home the hardware in 11 Grade I races and placed in another nine Grade Is. We simply don't see race records like hers anymore, especially at the top level. After making 10 starts at two, which included two Grade I wins and an unforgettable, epic showdown with stablemate Flanders (Seeking the Gold) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies where neither deserved to lose, Serena's Song made 13 starts in nine months at three to get that Eclipse Award which had eluded her by that head in the Breeders' Cup at two. Along the way, she beat the boys twice in the GI Haskell Invitational Stakes and GII Jim Beam Stakes (now the Jeff Ruby Steaks), ran in the GI Kentucky Derby, beat older mares in the GI Beldame Stakes, and beat her own gender and age group another six times, including in the GI Mother Goose Stakes and GI Santa Anita Oaks. She wasn't done. Serena's Song came back at four to win three more Grade I events against mares, while hitting the board against males in the GI Whitney Handicap and GI Philip H. Iselin Handicap. She retired after her 4-year-old season as the richest mare in North American racing history (at the time). The late Bob Lewis told the Los Angeles Times in 1995, “I tell people we've been fortunate to have two sons and a daughter, but I almost feel as though we have two daughters when you count Serena's Song. We realize how fortunate we are to have her. She's the epitome of a racehorse. She just flows.” Lukas spoke at her Hall of Fame induction in 2002, saying, “She had the elegance of a Grace Kelly, she had the moves of a Ginger Rogers, and she had the charisma of a Marilyn Monroe.” Denali came into the picture when Serena's Song retired. “She was the first high-profile mare we ever had,” said Bandoroff. “Obviously, I know that meant a lot to Craig and Holly because the Lewises trusted us with her. I believe Mr. Lewis sent her here essentially because he had been talking about getting into the breeding business and Craig said, 'You know, you could make a lot of money on her if you sell her off the track to be a broodmare, but I don't think you really need the money. She would be the perfect one to start your breeding program with.' That would have been in 1996 when he called Craig and asked if he could send Serena here to retire, so I know Craig was thrilled. It worked out great, obviously. She became an excellent broodmare.” Did she ever. Serena's Song produced six stakes winners and five seven-figure Keeneland yearlings, while her descendants through her daughters include 2015 champion and now sire Honor Code, as well as another 10 black-type winners. She was pensioned in 2014. Serena's Song at Denali, now 30 years removed from her phenomenal Eclipse campaign | Sarah Andrew Although the original Bandoroffs who founded Denali have stepped back and the next generation has taken the helm, one thing that hasn't changed is the reverence for the illustrious mare on the farm. “She's the stalwart,” said Bandoroff. “She's seen a lot of horses come and go, seen a lot of people come and go. She's been here for all of it. She's special.” Brendan Eldridge, broodmare manager at Denali, agrees. “She's everything. She's the foundation of Denali. She pretty much started Denali. I love working with her. I have special pictures of her framed in my house. My whole staff is so fond of her. Anytime they're not working down in their area and they're anywhere near her, they're giving her attention. She's well cared for and has a lot of people looking after her.” Eldridge said Serena's Song stands out from other mares. “For me, the difference in her is just when you look at her, she's different than other mares. She's regal. That class. That eye. She's kind, smart. And to know what she did athletically on the track is just so impressive. “She was very protective of her foals. As soon as that foal dropped, you couldn't just walk in her stall. But to see her now, it's night and day. Polar opposite, she's so sweet. She knows where she stands now with her being up in age.” The grand Hall of Famer and Eclipse Champion with Brad Herrington in the fall | Sarah Andrew Both Bandoroff and Eldridge said the remarkable mare is doing well for her advanced years. “We still had her in a field last year, but it's a little too big now, too much roaming for her, so we put her in a smaller paddock,” said Eldridge. “Her eye looks good. I always judge how she's doing by looking at her eye. Her eye is bright and she's happy. We had her with young mares for a long time and I think it served her well, kept her young. But no one ever picked with her, they knew to leave her alone.” With a laugh, Eldridge put words in Serena's mouth: “'I'm in a different class than you guys. You sense it. Leave me alone. I've produced numerous stallions, you haven't done anything yet.'” Bandoroff added, “She was so sound and healthy on the racetrack and that carried over into her broodmare career and into retirement. She's still very healthy. She just amazes us all the time. Occasionally she'll even still give us a little run when she gets turned out if she's excited.” While both of the Lewises have passed away, their son, Jeff, still owns Serena's Song. Bandoroff said he comes out to see the mare from time to time. In addition, two of Serena's daughters remain at Denali, although Bandoroff said they're owned by St. Elias now. Eldridge said the mare gets fed three times a day now in an effort to keep weight on. Age has weakened her hind end. Not even Serena can outrun Father Time forever. “She gets a sweet feed with 14% protein. We'd like to get her more fat content, more calories, but we've tried different things at times and she doesn't like it. She doesn't like oil either and we always have to go back to sweet feed. We just want to keep her happy and don't want to rock the boat too much. “She does well, she doesn't drop her feed. She's doing good. She still has all her teeth. Her teeth get done every year, just like everybody else. She's getting a little loosey-goosey around the hips at times, but she's [33]! I think her being a little bit on the light side has helped her a lot.” Bandoroff said Serena's Song's favorite treat, bar none, is peppermints. She said even in the days when Serena was protective of her foals, the promise of a peppermint was such a weak spot for the champion that peppermints were the prerequisite bribe Serena required if any human needed to handle her foals. That Serena still has all her teeth at age 33 means she can be spoiled with peppermints. “She can still do crunchy peppermints and she can still graze,” said Bandoroff. “That helps her condition a lot, especially in the spring when we have that lush spring grass. She eats that and it helps. She puts on good condition, her coat just blossoms, and she looks brand new.” Serena's “Gucci shoes” | Sarah Andrew Another concession to Serena's age is special shoes with pads and cushions to protect her feet. Because they're designer shoes, Bandoroff said with a laugh, “We call them her Gucci shoes.” Veneration for the Hall of Famer and Eclipse champion shines through at Denali, with both Bandoroff and Eldridge lighting up when talking about the living legend. Bandoroff and her husband are expecting their first child, a girl, in mid-February. Any chance the name Serena is being considered? “At the moment,” said Bandoroff this week, “we don't have Serena as part of her name, although it did certainly come up when we were initially trying to narrow down our list of potential names!” With Serena's Song aged 33 now, there's a good chance the newest Bandoroff won't get the chance to grow up with the magnificent mare as her father did, nor as her parents' marriage has. Bandoroff said it hurts to think of Denali without Serena's Song. “We know the day she passes away is inevitable,” said Bandoroff. “We always say we'll have a farm full of horses, but it will feel empty.” The post On the 30-Year Anniversary of her Eclipse Campaign, Serena’s Song Remains ‘Queen of Denali’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article