Wandering Eyes

After almost spoiling the party for Point King in The Archer in terms of gaining a Melbourne Cup start, versatile stayer Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) will be aimed at a lesser race on the same day in the inaugural The Australian Heritage Cup. The Symon Wilde-trained Hit The Road Jack was the only horse in The Archer not nominated for the Melbourne Cup, and in a slogging finish went down narrowly to Point King who gained a ballot-free exemption into the big race. Co-trainer Liam Hoy said when they saw it was going to be a wet track they decided to have a throw at the stumps. “He ran a great race. Jamie Kah on Point King said to Harry Coffey they had a great duel, and he made the other horse keep surging,” Hoy said. He said the introduction of the new staying event on Melbourne Cup, The Australian Heritage Cup, was an ideal race to set Hit The Road Jack for. The Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) is restricted to Australian and New Zealand-trained stayers and replaces the Benchmark 96 over the same distance. There are six qualifying races for the event with one held in each state. The Victorian qualifying race will be held at Caulfield on October 16 with a Benchmark 84 (2400m). “He’d be a beauty for the Heritage Cup. That would be a perfect race for him as he’s now had two starts at Flemington for a first and a second. “ Before The Archer, Hit The Road Jack was placed in two hurdle races. “We just wanted to see how he came through his second at Ballarat in the hurdle and with the wet weather there was no reason to turn him out,” Hoy said. “That’s going to be the key going forward as well, as the key to him is the wet tracks. There’s no reason to put him out when there’s a bit of give in the ground.” Hoy said stablemate Dashing Duchess proved she couldn’t handle the heavy conditions and she struggled in them to finish sixth. View the full article

Team Hayes will consider backing Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) up in Saturday’s Gr.1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield after his gutsy performance to win the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. Ben Hayes said it was one of three options he will discuss with his co-trainers and brothers Will and JD on Monday morning. “He’s pulled up well and we can consider running in the Underwood Stakes this week,” Ben Hayes said on The Wrap. He said the other options were the Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on September 27 and the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 5. Hayes said Mr Brightside loved The Valley and had won the race before in 2022. “He’ll tell us. He’s still a bit woolly and he’s got nice improvement. He’s back and he’s sound.” Hayes said the Makybe Diva Stakes was the clash everybody wanted to see. “I thought it was a great watch and Mr Brightside improved and was strong to the line.” “At the 300m, we thought we had it won; at the 150m we kind of stopped because Pride Of Jenni kept kicking then the last 50m was an enjoyable watch. Credit to her, as she improved out of sight, but it was good to see our boy get his head out in front.” Hayes said it was really satisfying to see him win after Mr Brightside had been on the end of some criticism. “He’s never run a bad race. The worst race he’s run was a seventh in the Cox Plate. We worked out his average earnings per run is $450,000. He’s an incredible horse, his record speaks for himself and he’s only seven.” Hayes said the more rain fell the more confident he got as he loved a wet track which he hadn’t had for two years. View the full article

Darwin jockey Jarrod Todd landed a winning treble at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) Normal transmission resumed in Darwin on Saturday, with trainer Gary Clarke and jockey Jarrod Todd dominating. Clarke, the leading trainer in the Top End and Country premiership for 12 years, celebrated four wins with Siakam ($4.60), Flying Annie ($8), Devil’s Delight ($5) and Magnetic Tycoon ($5). Todd partnered Flying Annie over 1100m (0-70), Devil’s Delight over 1100m (BM54) and Magnetic Tycoon over 1600m (0-58), while Ianish Luximon rode Siakam in an open 1200m handicap. Phil Cole’s Ny Kee ($3.70), with Victorian apprentice Hannah Le Blanc aboard, took out the 1200m maiden. Siakam helped set the early pace before taking a sit in third place, but once swinging for home he powered away to win by 1.4 lengths from stablemates Seguso ($2.70 fav) and Doc O’Connor ($6). Returning after a last start seventh in the Simone Montgomerie Lightning (1000m) on Cup Day (August 5), Flying Annie was camped three deep outside the early pacemaker Mr Have A Chat ($6.50). Flying Annie battled it out with Mr Have A Chat at the top of the straight with 300m remaining before edging clear to win by 1.7 lengths – Canton Kid ($4.60) was third. Devil’s Delight missed the start before finishing fifth on debut on August 31 and failed to settle early on Saturday. He then clicked into gear before storming home to nail the gallant Shecanmixit ($2.60 fav), who shared the early lead, right on the line with Just For Marcus ($8), who travelled deep throughout, third. Magnetic Tycoon, sixth in the Magic Millions Top End Classic (1300m) on Cup Day, settled midfield in his return to racing before building momentum approaching the home turn. He had to rally in the home straight before dispensing with the courageous front-running I’m A Dreamer ($3.20 fav) by half a length – Capistan ($6.50) was third. While Cole was celebrating two wins at Bedourie in Queensland, Ny Kee skipped away at the 200m after sharing the early lead to overcome Hotim English ($11) and Prohibited ($12) by a length. It was a win on debut for the mare after racing in NSW and SA, while Le Blanc continued her excellent record in the NT since August 25. Horse racing news View the full article

Sunlight Power and Magic Control produce commanding victories on Sunday afternoon.View the full article

Champion jockey breaks new ground with fastest start to a campaign after backing up season-opening performance.View the full article

Driver Penalties N Williamson | Wyndham 5 September (heard Invercargill 12 September); allowed runner to shift into passing lane; suspended 20-22 September inclusive. B Butt | NZ Metropolitan 13 September; use of whip; suspended 16-22 September inclusive and fined $350. R Holmes | Oamaru 15 September; careless driving; fined $300. Trainer Penalties B Purdon & S Phelan | Auckland 13 September; failed to affix gear so as not to come adrift; fined $100. M Heenan | Oamaru 15 September; late to present runner on to track; fined $100. T Bagrie | Oamaru 15 September; late gear notification; fined $50. Horse Penalties BERTHA’S PRIDE | Waikato Bay of Plenty 10 September; broke in running; must complete trial. TEQUILA SUNRISE | Waikato Bay of Plenty 10 September; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. LINCOLN LA MOOSE | Auckland 13 September; broke in running; must complete trial. ALWAYS IMPRESSIVE | NZ Metropolitan 13 September; lame; veterinary clearance required. KNOWING ME | Oamaru 15 September; broke in running; must complete trial. MISS GRACIE | Oamaru 15 September; broke in running; must complete trial. Protests WHODREAMINGNOW | NZ Metropolitan 28 July; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st. WIND OF CHANGE | Waikato Bay of Plenty 10 September; excessive galloping during race; disqualified from 4th. The post 9-15 September 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Trainer Danny Shum confirms connections are considering a bold tilt at the richest race on the planet.View the full article

Dog Penalties HOMEBUSH CRICKET | Christchurch 9 September; failed to pursue the lure (second offence); stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. KING KOBORI | Southland 11 September; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. STOLEN SAPPHIRE | Waikato 12 September; unsatisfactory manners on way to lure; must complete trial. General Race 3 at Christchurch GRC 12 September was declared a no-race due to safety reasons. The post 9-15 September 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties A Balloo | Canterbury 11 September; careless riding; suspended 15-22 September inclusive. G Lahoud | Matamata 13 September; medical clearance required. S Weatherley | Matamata 13 September; medical clearance required. O Bosson | Canterbury 14 September; careless riding; suspended 16-27 September inclusive. T Comignaghi | Canterbury 14 September; careless riding; suspended 15-22 September inclusive. N Downs | Waikato 15 September; use of whip; suspended 16-29 September inclusive and fined $1,600. T Moodley | Waikato 15 September; use of whip; suspended 22-29 September inclusive. N Hailey | Waikato 15 September; failed to make weight; fined $200. H McNeill | Waikato 15 September; double engagement; fined $200. K Chowdhoory | Rangitikei 15 September; careless riding; suspended 23 September – 2 October inclusive. Trainer Penalties C Isdale | Matamata 13 September; incorrect gear; fined $100. R Liefting | Waikato 15 September; late rider declaration; fined $50. R Patterson | Waikato 15 September; incorrect gear; fined $50. L Latta | Rangitikei 15 September; incorrect gear; fined $50. Horse Penalties BAD FLAMINGO | Canterbury 11 September; epistaxis; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. MISS SAILOR | Canterbury 11 September; reared at start; must complete trial. ASTORIA BROOKE | Matamata 13 September; late scratching after becoming fractious in barrier; veterinary clearance required and must complete trial. SANIBEL | Taranaki 14 September; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. GREAT TIME | Canterbury 14 September; severe lacerations to leg; veterinary clearance required. DA VINCI GIRL | Canterbury 14 September; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. TAHUROA HEIGHT | Waikato 15 September; lame; veterinary clearance required. IMA WONDER | Waikato 15 September; tendon injury; veterinary clearance required. SUSIE JANE | Rangitikei 15 September; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. General The Taranaki RI meeting of 14 September was abandoned after Race 3 due to weather and track conditions. The post 9-15 September 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Leading Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan walked away from Antino’s (NZ) (Redwood) brave third in the Makybe Diva Stakes proud of his run, but still in a quandary as to whether to push on towards a Cox Plate. Gollan said the Cox Plate was still the likely goal, but he was giving consideration to keeping him at 1600 metres. “I’m not certain about 2000 metres. He was out on his feet late, but it might have been the ground and also he had to do the donkey work in chasing Pride Of Jenni,” Gollan said. “We’ve always thought he would get further, but we’re not certain after today.” He said it was still likely Antino would head to the Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) on September 27 at The Valley and then they would decide as to whether he should press on towards the Cox Plate. Gollan pointed out that Antino had to do the donkey work in chasing Pride Of Jenni which might have caused him to tire in the closing stages. “I thought his run was excellent. He was out on his feet over the last furlong but was it the ground or was it the fact he had to chase Pride Of Jenni,” Gollan said. Gollan was pleased that on Saturday Antino jumped well in contrast to the Memsie Stakes. “He stepped away well, which was far preferable to being out the back with the cab catchers.” he said. “He put himself into the race and sat there in second placing. He then had to do the donkey work to bring Mr Brightside up to Pride Of Jenni.” Gollan said he also had a doubt as to whether the heavy track suited him. Blake Shinn, who rode Antino, was full of admiration for his efforts. “He ran his guts out to run third, beaten by two superstars. He jumped well, put himself in the spot to give himself every chance and ran well,” Shinn said. View the full article

Lux Libertas (NZ) (Almanzor) continued to make every post a winner at Te Rapa on Sunday, collecting a fourth-consecutive victory in the Waikato Construction 1400 with plenty left in store. Since breaking her maiden in late July, Lux Libertas was unbeatable in her following two starts over 1200m, and punters had every faith a step up to 1400m would pose no issue for the mare, starting her the $2.30 favourite ahead of Fancypants ($4.30). After travelling closer to the speed at her most recent appearance at Matamata, regular rider Warren Kennedy took a more conservative approach from the jump, easing her back to third-last in the early stages. A keen pacemaker in Midnight Scandal maintained a strong tempo throughout the running and the field compressed turning for home, with Lux Libertas held up for clear air behind the leader until a gap opened at the 200m. Kennedy released the mare and she stormed into the lead with considerable ease, drawing clear by three-quarters of a length at the post to a tough Midnight Scandal and Belles Beau. Having ridden Lux Libertas at each of her four successes to date, Kennedy was pleased with her progress while indicating she still has further ringcraft to develop. “It was more of what we expect, I think she is a stakes mare and she’s progressing really well,” he said. “I said last time that her win was better than what it looked like, so today the plan was to ride her really quietly and get there as late as possible as she can get to the front easily and gawk around a bit. “I just bided my time and when the gaps presented themselves there was a little bit of a wait, but when I asked her to quicken, she’s loomed up pretty easily and was gawking around a bit so I had to give her a reminder, but she’s won with a bit in hand. “She’s capable anywhere from 1200 up to possibly a mile given the right circumstances of the race, but where they’ve got her now at the 12-14, that’s probably her niche at the moment. “As she gets older with more racing experience, she’ll do the mile no problem.” Kylie Bax is a co-owner of the Almanzor four-year-old, who is prepared by the flying stable of Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott. “It’s so thrilling, every time I just hope she will run well and get a good run, and Warren’s given her a great ride,” Bax said. “He always is cool, calm and collected and gives her every possible chance. “I was a little bit concerned about the step-up in distance, but Warren was never concerned about that and she’s presented really well, her coat is in great order. “She was very calm in the birdcage as well, so that gave me a bit of hope. “I would love to see her step-up into some stakes races, but I’m going to leave that all to Wexford for plan out. I think she’s got the goods.” Out of a Makfi mare Miss Fi, Lux Libertas was bred by Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax alongside JML Bloodstock, and has won four of her six starts with over $78,000 in stakes earned for connections. View the full article

Allan Sharrock’s talented pair of Lazio and Islington Lass demonstrated their class in the open grade contests at Te Rapa on Sunday, with contrasting stakes assignments now on the horizon. The testing conditions at Te Rapa on Sunday caused a myriad of scratchings in the Norris Ward McKinnon 1200, leaving a field of seven where the lowest-rated, but a fast-improving runner in Lazio (NZ) (Per Incanto) burst into short-priced favouritism at $2.50. Alongside his Group Three-performing stablemate Sumi, Lazio was slow away from the barriers but soon ranged three-wide while racing keenly for apprentice Rihaan Goyaram, who decreased his impost to just 50kg. Descending strongly down the home straight, Lazio bounded over the top of the leaders at the 100 metre mark and drew away in the finish finishing a length ahead of Tanner, with a further length back to a fast-closing Sumi. Sharrock explained soundness issues had hindered a very promising career for the five-year-old son of Per Incanto, who collected a third victory in just his fifth career start, stepping up from Rating 65 grade at his most recent appearance. “It was a terrific run,” Sharrock said. “He’s a horse that could’ve been anything but he’s got knee issues, hence why in his fifth start I’ve run him in an open class race because there was no Rating 75 1200m races in off ground, so we’ve had no choice. “If he was 100% sound, he’s the real deal, but we’ve just got to deal with what we’ve got. “There’s a 1000m race in three weeks to a month’s time, then a Listed sprint at Te Rapa not long after, so those are the logical targets for him.” The race Sharrock was referring to is the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m), to be run at the Waikato venue on November 9. Raced by Explosive Breeding Ltd, Lazio is out of Sharrock’s Listed-winning mare Madonna Mia, who has most-notably produced champion Hong Kong sprinter Lucky Sweynesse, alongside Group Three-performer Signora Nera. “She (Madonna Mia) due to drop a Savabeel in October and I’m hoping and praying we’re going to get a filly, for myself and Mr Chittick,” he said. “She’s been a great mare for us, she’s left a champion and a Group horse, she’s been a very good broodmare.” Sharrock was also more than satisfied with the performance of Sumi (NZ) (Atlante), who is now on target for the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in three weeks’ time. “She was very good as well, she’s gone in with one jump-out and she’ll go to the Breeders Stakes at Hawera now. That’ll tighten her up nicely for that and I was quite impressed with her,” he said. Islington Lass powers down the inside of Sharp ‘N’ Smart to win the Waitoa Free Range Chicken Mile (1600m). Photo: Trish Dunell Later on the card, stablemate Islington Lass (NZ) (Proisir) lined up as favourite in the Waitoa Free Range Chicken Mile (1600m) and was also slow away, but she swiftly recovered cruising up the rail to settle in behind the speed. As the pace quickened at the 600 metres, the mare was under pressure and was near last turning for home, while Sharp ‘N’ Smart, under a mammoth 63.5kg impost, loomed up and looked the winner for most of the straight. With nearly 10 kilograms less weight on her back, Islington Lass found her feet in the closing stages and stormed up the inside to claim a remarkable win, much to the surprise of her jockey Triston Moodley. “At the top of the corner I didn’t even think I was going to run a place, but she’s just a top quality mare and showed that today,” Moodley said. “We were gone on the corner, so for her to pick up and win going away is really good from her.” Sharrock was equally impressed with the performance, with the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2050m) now firmly in her sights come October 12 at Hastings. “It was a terrific run from her, Sharp ’N ’Smart was huge with the weight he had to carry,” Sharrock said. “I don’t think this mare likes heavy ground so she did well to get off the deck and win. It was a full tribute to her ability, she’s well on target for the Livamol.” View the full article

West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) further cemented his status as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever steeplechasers with a stirring defence of his title in the $150,000 Ben & Ryan Foote Racing Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) at Te Rapa on Sunday. Both of West Coast’s Great Northern triumphs have come under gruelling 73kg topweights, and they sit proudly on his mantelpiece alongside his unprecedented three straight wins in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton. All in all, the Williamson family’s jumping marvel has had 15 steeplechase starts for 11 wins, four placings and $555,035 in stakes. “He’s probably the best I’ve had,” master jumps trainer Mark Oulaghan said. “He’s more or less the complete picture. He stays so well and he jumps every fence just about perfectly. He almost puts half a length on them at every fence. He’s a great jumper. “It was a big effort today. He had to tough it out, and he really showed what he’s made of.” In his first Great Northern victory last September, West Coast had to dig deep to withstand a withering late run from Captains Run down the home straight. West Coast called on all of his champion qualities that day and held on by an ever-shrinking margin of a short neck. Fast-forward 12 months, and the 2024 Great Northern produced a thrilling rematch. West Coast was again lumped with his customary 73kg topweight, while Captains Run again got in on the 66kg minimum. For the second year in a row, Captains Run was the biggest threat. But for the second year in a row, West Coast repelled his challenge. Jockey Shaun Fannin sent West Coast to the lead in the early stages of the 6500m gut-buster, but then he was happy to sit in second when Renegade Fighter went past him as the field made their way down the back straight on the first of three occasions. After settling at the rear of the field for most of the race, Captains Run’s rider Nick Downs threw down the gauntlet with a bold move in the last lap. He swooped around the outside of the field, and by the turn out of the back straight, he had moved into second on the outside of Renegade Fighter. That early move reversed the scenario of last year’s race, where West Coast took a clear lead in the home straight but then had to hold out Captains Run’s late charge. This time West Coast found himself two lengths behind his lighter-weighted rival and with a mountain to climb in the final 1000m. Coming down the side of the track for the last time, Renegade Fighter’s mighty front-running effort took its toll. He began to give ground, while Captains Run and West Coast drove forward on either side of him. Fannin skimmed along the inside rail on West Coast and clawed his way up alongside Captains Run, and it developed into a two-horse shootout down the straight. West Coast’s jumping prowess, class and courage shone through, pulling ahead of his gallant foe and opening up a winning margin of two and a quarter lengths. Captains Run was runner-up again, six lengths ahead of Auld Jock and Renegade Fighter. West Coast and connections. Photo: Trish Dunell “What a wonderful, wonderful animal he is,” Fannin said. “This horse means the world to me. He just keeps stepping up and carrying these big weights to win time-honoured races. He gives so much every time. He’s a champion. “He got a soft lead in the first three-quarters of the first lap, and then the other one (Renegade Fighter) took over from there and he got a nice drag behind him. “He’s such a good jumper, and combined with such a big heart, that makes him the champion that he is. “I’ve got so much faith in his stamina and his jumping ability. When they put the pressure on going down the back the last time, I was confident that he’d be able to build his momentum up and catch up. Luckily enough we got a good run along the inside, and his staying ability was telling at the finish.” Fannin has now won more Great Northern Steeplechases than any other jockey with six. His double on West Coast was preceded by victories on Kick Back (2016), Wise Men Say (2019), Magic Wonder (2020) and Kiddo (2022). “It’s incredible to think of the great riders that have won the Great Northern in its long history,” Fannin said. “To be at the top of that list now is something I’ll have with me forever.” Still only a nine-year-old, West Coast could potentially race overseas in future campaigns. Oulaghan suggested that the Mettre En Jeu gelding’s connections are likely to work through their options in the coming months. “I’ll go wherever he goes,” Fannin said. View the full article

Young trainer Dominic Sutton has only been training six months but is hoping to be one of the contenders during the Melbourne Spring Carnival. With five winners to his name from 47 career starters, Sutton is set to start stable favourite Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) in the Gr.3 Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Feroce gave Sutton his first winner when successful at Pakenham in March and followed up the following month to provide the trainer with a city win at Caulfield. Sutton is still searching for his maiden Stakes success which he hopes will come on Saturday. Feroce has had one run back from a spell, finishing second last in the Gr.3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield last month when ridden by Billy Egan. Sutton said he was non-the-wiser following the gelding’s outing as he was not let off the bridle. “Billy said he had a lapful of horse and nowhere to go. He reckons he finishes second or third with clear running,” Sutton said. “The winner is pretty smart, but he said he had so much horse underneath him going to the line and he felt he would have run top three. “He’s come on well since. His work has been really good. He’s bright, he’s happy, his coat has come out a bit from that first-up run, so I can’t fault him at the moment.” Both of Feroce’s wins have been at 1200m and the one time he was tried over 1400m, the gelding finished fourth to Epimeles in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes at Flemington, after which he was spelled. Sutton hopes after Saturday to head to the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12 but will be guided by Feroce’s performance. “I’ve always felt that he’s a horse that will get out over further than 1400 metres,” Sutton said. “We’ve just had to teach him to harness his speed a little bit early as he can be an aggressive type of horse early when he wants to be, but I think the 1400 metres will suit him down to the ground. “He’d need to run a pretty bold race in the Prelude to warrant to go on to the Guineas and the mile will probably see him out at this stage. “I don’t want to give him a too taxing spring as he’s still developing. “There is the Carbine Club Stakes during Cup week on the radar as a run after if we do go to the Guineas, but we’ve still got to take the right steps and if we decide to bypass the Guineas, there’s lots of races around the fringes that we could look at. “There’s even the Sandown Guineas later in the spring. “It’s pretty much an open book at this stage.” Feroce was sold by Kilgravin Lodge at last years Ready To Run Sale for $160,000. View the full article

Guy Heveldt, Emily Bosson and Jayne Ivil take a deep dive into the Canterbury Belle Stakes, and the Makybe Diva Stakes. Plus, take a look at the other races from around New Zealand and Australia. Weigh In September 15 (youtube.com) View the full article

A stunning come-from-behind performance carried Lord Spencer (NZ) (Zed) to a Peter Kelly – Bayleys Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) upset at Te Rapa on Sunday, handing trainer JJ Rayner and jockey Lemmy Douglas their biggest moments in jumps racing. The seven-year-old Zed gelding flew under the radar into the $150,000 feature, stepping out as a $28.60 outsider against a star-studded field. Lord Spencer had only one previous win to his name from 13 starts over hurdles, although he has made a habit this year of chasing home New Zealand’s benchmark hurdler Berry The Cash. He ran second to him in the Awapuni Hurdle (3000m), then third in the Waikato Hurdle (3200m), fourth in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3100m), second in the Sydenham Hurdle (3100m) and fourth in the Grand National Hurdle (4200m). Victories in all of those races earned Berry The Cash red-hot favouritism for Sunday’s Great Northern, but the race was turned on its head at around the halfway point. As the field made its way down the Te Rapa home straight for the second time, Invisible Spirit fell directly in front of Berry The Cash and the superstar hurdler was brought down. In the blink of an eye, Berry The Cash’s six-race winning streak was snapped, and the 2024 edition of the Great Northern was thrown wide open. But even then, Lord Spencer’s chances looked remote. He was second-last turning into the back straight for the final time, and he dropped further and further behind as the speed cranked up. Mont Ventoux, Taika and Nedwin all surged forward to take their shots at Great Northern glory, stringing the field right out and leaving Lord Spencer languishing a long way behind them. Douglas began to move Lord Spencer through his gears coming down the side of the track, but he still had more than a dozen lengths to make up as Mont Ventoux charged towards the home turn with a clear lead. Mont Ventoux showed no sign of slowing down in the straight, shaking off the challenges of Taika, Nedwin and Mugshot early in the run home. But then Lord Spencer launched a barely believable finish through the final 400m of the 4200m marathon, gobbling up an eight-length deficit and meeting Mont Ventoux at the final hurdle. He took command 75m from the finish and bounded away to win by four and a quarter lengths. Lord Spencer’s 36-start career has now produced three wins, 11 placings and $177,080 in stakes. Lord Spencer with trainer JJ Rayner. Photo: Trish Dunell “I can’t speak,” said Rayner, who trained in partnership with her father Evan until his retirement during the 2018-19 season. “It means so much. I’m so grateful to the owners for trusting me with this horse. Mum and Dad will be watching at home, and it’s just awesome. “Lemmy gave the horse a great ride. It was a shame to see the other two fall, you don’t really want to win like that, but I’m just so proud of the horse.” It was an equally special moment for Douglas, who started out as a jumps jockey when he arrived in New Zealand from England in 2018 but has since switched to predominantly riding on the flat. “This is everything jockeys dream of,” the 30-year-old said. “I’ve come and gone from jumps riding a little bit, but I came to New Zealand to be a jumps jockey all those years ago, so this is the highlight of my career. “It was a great performance from the horse. He always hits a bit of a flat spot in his races, but he just grabbed the bit coming up to the home turn. I just had to keep him on his feet from there. “I was confident the horse could do it, but he can be a bit of a tricky horse sometimes and he just had to turn up on the day. He did that.” Invisible Spirit and Berry The Cash, and their jockeys Stephan Karnicnik and Portia Matthews, escaped injury in their mid-race fall. View the full article

What Hamilton Races Where Hamilton Racing Club – Henty Hwy, Hamilton, VIC, 3300 When Monday, September 16, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble A new week of racing in Victoria is set to get underway at Hamilton Racing Club on Monday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting is scheduled. Clear skies in the leadup to the meeting should mean that the Heavy 8 track rating at the time of acceptances should improve into the soft range. The rail remains in its true position, with action set to commence at 1:30pm AEST. Best Bet at Hamilton: Kusini Kusini has not done much in two harder assignments at Sandown to begin this campaign, but a return to a country BM58 should see her return to the winners stall. She was beaten less than a length behind A Little Deep last campaign and wasn’t far off subsequent Group 1 winner Mornington Glory and Group 1 placegetter Johnny Rocker when a touch unlucky. The Magnus mare will need a touch of luck to land midfield with cover under Sarah Field, but if the pair can find a bum to follow, Kusini has the finish under the bonnet to overhaul her rivals. Best Bet Race 8 – #3 Kusini (11) 5yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Sarah Field (a3) (62kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Hamilton: Chosen Legend Chosen Legend is a filly who has plenty of ability, and it looks like she just didn’t come up during her one run in the autumn. The Extreme Choice progeny started favourite at Moonee Valley last spring when finishing third on debut behind Bold Bastille and Hayasugi, both horses who have gone on to higher honours. She has trialled up nicely ahead of her return, and from barrier three under Tom Madden, she is sure to gain every favour in running. With even luck in the home straight, Chosen Legend should prove a touch too classy for maiden company. Next Best Race 1 – #5 Chosen Legend (3) 3yo Filly | T: Archie Alexander | J: Tom Madden (56kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Value at Hamilton: Pulveriser Pulveriser showed his versatility two runs back when managing to lead throughout under a well-rated ride at Casterton, and outside of a poor run at Mount Gambier last time out, has been racing in decent enough form to figure here. From barrier 11, John Allen will likely look to hold a forward position on the son of Preferment, and with his ability to handle rain-affected surfaces, he looks well placed by Andrew Bobbin. He is a stayer who will grind away in the home straight, but at $11 with horse racing bookmakers, it is value too hard to ignore. Best Value Race 7 – #3 Pulversier (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Andrew Bobbin | J: John Allen (61kg) Bet with Neds Monday’s quaddie tips for Hamilton Hamilton quadrella selections Monday, September 16, 2024 1-2-3-4-5-9 1-4-5-6-12 3-5-10-13 1-3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Following up on his Canadian Derby (G3) win, August Rain scored his second graded victory in a row when winning the CA$125,000 British Columbia Derby (G3) Sept. 14 at Hastings Racecourse.View the full article

LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland September Yearling Sale entered Book 3 with a session dominated by colts as buyers targeted stallion prospects Saturday in Lexington. Leading the way was a son of Practical Joke who sold for $900,000 to the bid of Monique Delk, bidding on behalf of Vinnie Viola's St. Elias Stable. During Saturday's session, 273 yearlings grossed $47,904,000 for an average of $175,473 and a median of $150,000. The average was up 7.09% and the median rose 15.38% from the corresponding session a year ago when 285 head sold for $46,697,000 for an average of $163,849 and a median of $130,000. From a catalogue of 418, 370 went through the ring with 97 failing to meet their reserve for a buy-back rate of 26.22%. It was 23.18% a year ago. The top 15 prices Saturday were all for colts and Gainesway sold the session's top three-priced offerings–and four of the top 10. “It was such a competitive Book 2 that now it's trickled down so that the top offerings, especially colts that look like they could be a stallion if they run, are breaking through,” said Gainesway's Brian Graves. “If a mare is young, it escalates the price of some of these stallion-prospect colts. Good broodmare sires and a little sire power is the secret formula to having a chance to hit a home run.” Delk was busy throughout the session, signing–alone or in partnership–for seven horses for $3.18 million. “For the good horses, it's very competitive,” Delk said. “They are bringing the money. I felt like earlier on, it was a little slower, but I feel like the momentum has picked up. Good horses are going to sell well whatever book they are in. And they really stand out, so those are the ones that are really hitting it home.” The Keeneland September sale continues through Saturday with sessions beginning each day at 10 a.m. Practical Joke Colt to St Elias Monique Delk, bidding on behalf of Vinnie Viola's St. Elias Stable, went to $900,000 to acquire a colt by Practical Joke (hip 1361) from the Gainesway consignment Saturday at Keeneland. The yearling is out of Ridingwiththedevil (Candy Ride {Arg}) and is a half-brother to multiple Grade I-placed Reinvestment Risk (Upstart). “He is a beautiful colt,” Delk, who did her bidding in the new seating area at the same table as the yearling's co-breeder, Mandy Pope, said. “He checked all of our boxes. He had a beautiful physical and a beautful walk. He seemed to be all class.” Of the colt's final price tag, Delk added, “For a horse like that, you have to expect that can happen. We were willing to go the extra bit, but I thought he would be a little less than that.” Later in the session, Delk partnered up with Whisper Hill Farm on a colt by Constitution (hip 1458) for $675,000. The dark bay was consigned by Gainesway and bred by Whisper Hill. In total, Delk purchased seven yearlings Saturday for a total of $3,180,000. In addition to the colt purchased with Whisper Hill, she also teamed up with Donegal Racing on a colt by Maxfield (hip 1236) acquired for $170,000 from the Bluewater Sales consignment. Gainesway purchased Ridingwiththedevil, with the Practical Joke colt in utero, for $210,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November sale. The yearling was bred by Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, Gainesway, and Gainesway farm manager Brian Graves. “The horse sold a fair ways over the reserve,” Graves said. “It's just been a competitive market for the top offerings. And I suppose that's the answer. People thought he was a top offering. He was a real leggy colt, one of the best walkers on the farm. It does seem like when you have sire power and enough dam side to make a case for a stallion prospect, that prices like this can materialize. We are really grateful to Monique and the buyers and wish them the best of luck. We hope he updates the mare.” Ridingwiththedevil produced a colt by Not This Time this year and was bred back to Life is Good. Graves has earned a reputation as a weanling-to-yearling pinhooking maestro, but shortly before hip 1361 was in the sales ring, he enjoyed another success with a homebred when a colt by Liam's Map (hip 1343) brought a final $700,000 internet bid from the Bernhard's Pin Oak Stud. Bred by Gainesway and Graves, the gray yearling is out of Pop a Choc (Bernardini), a half-sister to multiple graded winner Airoforce (Colonel John). He is the first foal out of the mare who was purchased for $265,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. “When I saw the vet work coming in on him, I thought he could sell really well,” Graves said. “We were delighted with the price. Again, Bernardini mare with enough graded-stakes quality in the pedigree that you could see him becoming a good stallion prospect in the future if he can run.” Asked how many mares he owns, Graves said, “About 20.” He added with a laugh, “Most of them don't do this.” Hip 1361 delivers at $900,000! Monique Delk, agent purchased the Practical Joke half-brother to G1 placed Reinvestment Risk, from the @Gainsway consignment. #KeeSept pic.twitter.com/xxj6mNGXUY — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 14, 2024 The post Colts Drive The Market As Keeneland September Ticks Into Book 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Even trainer Charlie Appleby can send out a horse who needs a race. Not often, but on occasion. A case in point is Godolphin's Beautiful Love.View the full article

From a plane crash in Australia to the winner's circle of the Iroquois Stakes (G3) with a potential Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, it's been quite the year for Richard Rigney and Phil Bauer. View the full article

Economics outbattled Auguste Rodin to win the Sept. 14 Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown.View the full article

16-1 longshot Musical Mischief (Into Mischief) upset the GII Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove Stakes Saturday to earn her first graded stakes win. The $300,000 yearling had shown a prior affinity for the dirt at Churchill Downs, romping late last year in an off-the-turf allowance race by 11 1/2 lengths and going right into the 1 1/4-mile GI American Oaks at Santa Anita where she managed third behind the talented Anisette (Awtaad {Ire}). Second in the Allaire Dupont Distaff Stakes at Pimlico May 17, Musical Mischief returned to Churchill to win an optional claimer June 30 before coming in fourth, beaten just a length, in the one-mile Groupie Doll Stakes at Ellis Park last out Aug. 11. Back out to the 1 1/16-mile distance Saturday at twice her morning line, Musical Mischief broke alertly from the rail but was swarmed by speed to her outside led by Louisiana-bred Free Like a Girl (El Deal) and Pigalle (Blame) with Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief) keeping her boxed in against the fence through the opening fractions of :24.16 and :48.29. Ready to roll but still stuck behind the leaders at the quarter pole, Musical Mischief tried to make a rail move but was shut off and had to check back and angle out for clear air, splitting the leaders with a furlong to run and rolling home late to win easily. “When she ran last time at Ellis in the Groupie Doll we thought the flat mile might be a bit too short for her that day,” said winning rider Edgar Morales. “She still ended up running well but we had a lot of confidence in her that she'd improve going two turns today. She was loaded turning for home. I waited a little bit at the rail to try and find room. Once we got outside and she got clear running room she just took off.” “Early in the winter, she really wasn't herself so we sent her home and when she came back here in Kentucky she was back to her old self,” added winning trainer Michael McCarthy. “Today, three furlongs from home, I could tell she was loaded. Edgar did a great job to bide his time and be as patient as he could. It really paid off.” Pedigree Note: This is the 161st stakes winner for leading sire Into Mischief and his 77th individual graded stakes winner. Dam Sophia's Song, sold to Japan's Shadai Farm for $1.35m at FTKNOV last year, has already produced Musical Mischief's year older half-brother, GISW Bright Future (Curlin). Sophia's Song is also herself a half to GSP Unbridled Beauty, a $1.4m KEENOV broodmare responsible for MSW/GSP Meal Penalty (Tale of the Cat) and GSP Danny Boy (Harlan's Holiday) while another half-sister is the dam of Canadian GSW Ironstone (Mr Speaker). This is the family of Eclipse Champion Sprinter Housebuster (Mt. Livermore). Sophia's Song has a 2-year-old Tiz the Law colt yet to race and her yearling colt by Maxfield sold earlier in the week at Keeneland September for $800,000 to Repole Stable and Grandview Equine. She was not reported bred for next year. #1 Musical Mischief checked at the top of the stretch then comes out on top at 16/1 in the G2 Locust Grove at @churchilldowns under @emoralesracing for trainer Michael McCarthy! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/HyZ2jVSdzw — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 14, 2024 Saturday, Churchill Downs FASIG-TIPTON LOCUST GROVE S.-GII, $380,060, Churchill Downs, 9-14, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16m, 1:42.91, ft. 1–MUSICAL MISCHIEF, 121, f, 4, by Into Mischief 1st Dam: Sophia's Song (SW & GSP, $155,892), by Bellamy Road 2nd Dam: Dreamscape, by Mt. Livermore 3rd Dam: Big Dreams, by Great Above 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($300,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Stoneway Farm; B-Clearsky Farms (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Edgar Morales. $240,420. Lifetime Record: GISP, 12-4-2-1, $515,024. *1/2 to Bright Future (Curlin), GISW, $947,940. Werk Nick Rating: D+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Corningstone, 121, f, 4, Kantharos–Ice Women, by Street Sense. ($90,000 Wlg '20 KEENOV; $75,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Five Fillies Stable LLC and Balios Racing Stable; B-Deann & Greg Baer DVM (IN); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $58,200. 3–Shotgun Hottie, 121, m, 5, Gun Runner–Re Entry, by Malibu Moon. ($45,000 2yo '21 OBSAPR). O-Omar Aldabbagh and Jeff Ganje; B-Vincent Colbert (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. $39,100. Margins: 3 1/4, HF, 1HF. Odds: 16.82, 43.60, 1.21. Also Ran: Pigalle, Taxed, Loved, Hoosier Philly, Free Like a Girl. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Bombs Away In The Locust Grove As Musical Mischief Springs The Upset appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Even trainer Charlie Appleby can send out a horse who needs a race. Not often, but on occasion. A case in point is Godolphin's Beautiful Love (IRE). View the full article

Slipping up the inside of front-running stablemate Filo Di Arianna, Live Oak Plantation's Win for the Money rallied to score a 13-1 upset under Patrick Husbands in the CA$1 million Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1) Sept. 14 at Woodbine.View the full article