Wandering Eyes

In an outstanding renewal of Doncaster's G1 St Leger on Saturday, it was the much-missed colossus Galileo (Ire) who had his inimitable stamp on proceedings with his sons Jan Brueghel (Ire) and Illinois (Ire) waging war in a clear demonstration of one of the most common characteristics of his breed. While the eventual winner Jan Brueghel had yet to go into the red zone in a career that only commenced in May, the son of Devoted To You (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) who had already provided a Classic winner in Sovereign (Ire) was able to draw on the innate steel handed down by his sire supreme and outlast his battle-hardened stablemate in a thrilling finale on Town Moor. Free initially for Sean Levey with the pace set by the other Galileo in the works Grosvenor Square (Ire) not as exacting as was expected, the 11-4 joint-favourite was restrained to sit three lengths off the lead and soon settled into a more suitable rhythm for this extended 14-furlong stamina test. Delivered alongside the other marker-leader Illinois as they came to have it between them approaching the two-furlong pole, the G3 International Stakes and G3 Gordon Stakes-winning TDN Rising Star took until the last 100 yards to truly assert his superiority and prevail by a neck. There was another 1 1/2 lengths and a nose back to Deira Mile (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) in third and fourth, but the stewards saw fit to reverse those placings and provide the latter with a second Classic placing. Levey, the former Ballydoyle apprentice who was winning a second British Classic, was impressed by the Westerberg colour-bearer who was providing Galileo with his 101st group 1 winner. “It was very straightforward,” he said after helping Aidan O'Brien to an eighth St Leger. “He was willing, but still babyish and did it well with a bit in reserve. He's a nice horse going forward and could be anything.” “He was quite keen initially, but I got him settled and then he was completely off the bridle and started to race lazily,” he explained. “Ryan said when he gets to the front he might think he's done enough, as he's a baby and when he started to get into a competitive position, I always felt I was going to go by Illinois. I had great times at Ballydoyle and it's nice to come around full circle–nice to get the ride and nice to deliver.” Colossal performance! Jan Brueghel battles to glory in the @Betfred St Leger Stakes! An eighth winner of the race for Aidan O'Brien… pic.twitter.com/RWm3Eyv1ZB — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 14, 2024 Saturday, Doncaster, Britain BETFRED ST LEGER STAKES-G1, £743,000, Doncaster, 9-14, 3yo, 14f 115yT, 3:04.52, gd. 1–JAN BRUEGHEL (IRE), 129, c, 3, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Devoted To You (Ire) (MGSP-Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) 2nd Dam: Alleged Devotion, by Alleged 3rd Dam: Morning Devotion, by Affirmed TDN Rising Star. 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & D Smith; B-Barronstown Stud (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Sean Levey. £421,355. Lifetime Record: GSW-Ire, 4-4-0-0, $760,875. *Full to Sovereign (Ire), G1SW-Ire, G1SP-Eng, $1,173,919; and Dawn Rising (Ire), G1SP-Ire, GSP-Eng, $277,824. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Illinois (Ire), 129, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Danedrop (Ire), by Danehill. O-D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. £159,745. 3–Sunway (Fr), 129, c, 3, Galiway (GB)–Kensea (Fr), by Kendargent (Fr). (€300,000 Ylg '22 ARAUG). O-Guy Pariente Holding & Qatar Racing Ltd; B-Guy Pariente Holding SPRL (FR); T-David Menuisier. £39,825. Margins: (NK, 1HF, NO). Odds: 2.75, 2.75, 5.50. Also Ran: Deira Mile (Ire), Grosvenor Square (Ire), Wild Waves (Ire), You Got To Me (GB). The post Jan Brueghel Leads A Galileo One Two In Epic St Leger appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tom Marquand had a tactical dilemma from the outside stall in Saturday's G1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, but what could have been a disaster was quickly turned around as the rider excelled in steering Isa Salman Al Khalifa's Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}–La Pomme D'Amour (GB) (Peintre Celebre) to glory in the feature. Sent forward from the compromising draw to keep Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) hemmed in to his inner, the William Haggas-trained 7-4 favourite had first run on last year's winner and swooped to the front approaching the furlong pole. Briefly headed by his chief market rival soon after, the game chestnut who had worked his way here via the educational stepping stones of the G2 Dante Stakes and G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano dug in to quickly regain the advantage and assert for a thrilling neck success. The third and fourth Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) ran standout Arc trials, 3/4 of a length and a head further behind respectively in another epic renewal of this contest. “He's an absolute warrior as well as a top horse and very few horses are both,” Marquand said. “I ended up in a nice position, Auguste Rodin turned up and he battled really well.” WHAT A FINISH! Economics denies Auguste Rodin in the @BahrainTurfClub Irish Champion Stakes! A brilliant run from Japanese raider Shin Emperor in third, too #シンエンペラー | #競馬 | @netkeiba@LeopardstownRC | @TomMarquand | @WilliamHaggas pic.twitter.com/Kcjv0GWVvA — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2024 Saturday, Leopardstown, Ireland ROYAL BAHRAIN IRISH CHAMPION STAKES-G1, €1,250,000, Leopardstown, 9-14, 3yo/up, 10fT, 2:03.20, gd. 1–ECONOMICS (GB), 129, c, 3, by Night Of Thunder (Ire) 1st Dam: La Pomme D'Amour (GB) (MGSW-Fr, $313,702), by Peintre Celebre 2nd Dam: Winnebago (GB), by Kris (GB) 3rd Dam: Siouan, by So Blessed (GB) 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (42,000gns Wlg '21 TADEWE; 160,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Isa Salman Al Khalifa; B-Copgrove Hall Stud (GB); T-William Haggas; J-Tom Marquand. €725,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng & Fr, 5-4-0-0, $1,183,824. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Auguste Rodin (Ire), 135, c, 4, Deep Impact (Jpn)–Rhododendron (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). TDN Rising Star. O-M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €250,000. 3–Shin Emperor (Fr), 129, c, 3, Siyouni (Fr)–Starlet's Sister (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). (€2,100,000 Ylg '22 ARAUG). O-Susumu Fujita; B-Ecurie des Monceaux (FR); T-Yoshito Yahagi. €125,000. Margins: NK, 3/4, HD. Odds: 1.75, 2.25, 16.00. Also Ran: Los Angeles (Ire), Ghostwriter (Ire), Luxembourg (Ire), Royal Rhyme (Ire), Hans Andersen (GB). The post Night Of Thunder’s Economics Wins Irish Champion Battle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Proving herself the complete racing machine on Saturday, Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Barry Fowler and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing's Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio–Too Precious {Ire}, by Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) added Leopardstown's G1 Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes to her already enviable top-level tally with the minimum of fuss. Coming of age this summer with wins in the G1 Coronation Stakes and G1 Falmouth Stakes, the pride and joy of Donnacha O'Brien's stable who had also captured last year's G1 Cheveley Park Stakes was a touch free and fresh in the hands of Tom Marquand behind the early pace. Dispelling any idea of a contest with her superior acceleration between the two and the one, the 5-4 favourite took command there before appearing to stargaze in front en route to a length defeat of Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) was third, half a length away in third. “She's electric,” Marquand said. “She's the best filly in Europe at this distance and it's a joy to be aboard her. She killed the race in three strides and she never gives you a moment's worry–every run seems to go faultlessly, as she's so easy to ride and is an absolute star. All her owners are here, so it's fantastic.” All class! PORTA FORTUNA completes a Group One hat-trick in the @coolmoreamerica 'Justify' Matron Stakes What a superstar she is #itallcomesdowntothis | @LeopardstownRC | @TomMarquand pic.twitter.com/ZZdHCWozhW — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2024 The post Caravaggio’s Porta Fortuna In Command Again In The Matron appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars FAMILY JEWEL - R1 (3) Raced without luck last weekend and should enjoy the step up in trip Jay Rooney AEROINVINCIBLE - R5 (2) Drops back to a suitable grade, trialled well and gets Purton for the first time Jack Dawling FAMILY JEWEL - R1 (3) Found plenty of traffic last start and looks poised to make amends Phillip Woo CHATER GOLD - R7 (9) Is heading in the right direction and appears capable of winning here Shannon (Vincent Wong) ISLAND GOLDEN - R4 (3) Drops into Class Four for the first time and has trialled well at Conghua Racing Post Online CAPITAL DELIGHT - R8 (1) Smart galloper bagged three wins last season and seems ready to strike Tom Wood LUCKY IMPACT - R7 (6) Ran well on his debut with a fast closing sectional and this extra distance is idealView the full article

Following near-misses in the first three black-type events of this “Super Saturday”, Team Ballydoyle restored normal order with TDN Rising Star Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}–Sweepstake {Ire}, by Acclamation {GB}) in the G2 Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown. Not seen since beating the subsequent G3 Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes winner Tarawa (Ire) (Shamardal) by seven lengths in the nine-furlong G3 Meld Stakes here due to his intended target at Saratoga being abandoned, the 10-11 favourite was quickly into his stride shadowing the leader. Sent to the front by Ryan Moore approaching the furlong pole, the half-brother to his Australia-sired heavyweight stablemates Broome (Ire) and Point Lonsdale (Ire) who had captured the G2 Champions Juvenile Stakes on this card 12 months ago stretched to a 1 1/2-length verdict over course specialist Mutasarref (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Back-To-Back wins for Diego Velazquez, who gets Aidan O'Brien up and running on the card benefitting from a lovely ride from Ryan Moore, taking the @TonyBet Solonaway Stakes in good style @BreedersCup | #itallcomesdowntothis pic.twitter.com/rij3M3Y7eo — Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) September 14, 2024 The post Frankel’s Diego Velazquez In Command In The Solonaway appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Doncaster's G2 Champagne Stakes lost a key actor on Saturday as Cheveley Park Stud's TDN Rising Star Chancellor (GB) (Kingman {GB}) was withdrawn at the start, leaving it to Victorious Racing's acquisition Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}–Bloomfield {Ire}, by Teofilo {Ire}) to extend his perfect sequence in the seven-furlong staging post. Always travelling smoothly tracking the free-running Righthere Rightnow (Fr) (Kodiac {GB}), the George Scott-trained Sandown and Chelmsford novice winner who had been sold by Clive Washbourn after his debut was sent forward by Callum Shepherd to take control with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining. Staying on strongly as Monumental (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) gave chase, the 9-2 shot had half a length to spare over that Ballydoyle runner at the line, with the other Aidan O'Brien runner Aftermath (Ire) (Justify) 2 1/2 lengths away in third. “He probably got a little bit lonely in front, but he's got a really good attitude and tries very hard–he's a special horse to us,” Scott said. “I will think about supplementing for the [G1 Prix Jean-Luc] Lagardere or the [G1] Dewhurst.” Bay City Roller holds off Monumental to land the @Betfred Champagne Stakes at @DoncasterRaces!@CallumSheppy | @GScottracing pic.twitter.com/zWJ1DnbljM — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 14, 2024 The post New Bay’s Bay City Roller Wins The Champagne For Victorious Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Handed the unenviable task of taking on the might of Ballydoyle in Leopardstown's G2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes on Saturday, Marc Chan's homebred Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett (GB}–Emerald Green {GB}, by Galileo {Ire}) proved up to the task to provide his owner-breeder with a red-letter day. The first horse bred by Chan, the Jessica Harrington-trained relative of Power (GB) and Footstepsinthesand (GB) was sent up by Shane Foley to track Aidan O'Brien's second-string Bernard Shaw (Into Mischief) throughout the early stages with the stable's 5-6 favourite Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) waiting in behind. Tackling the leader approaching the furlong marker with Delacroix labouring in pursuit, the 5-2 second favourite had half a length to spare at the line over Delacroix as Bernard Shaw faded to be a further 3/4 of a length away in third. “He's pretty good and is very relaxed, but that was hard work there into the headwind and he keeps on finding,” Harrington said. “He'll be a lovely mile-and-a-quarter or mile-and-a-half horse next year, as he's got bit of furnishing to do.” Green Impact (Wootton Bassett) shows a tenacious attitude to fend off the Aidan O'Brien challengers and win the @KPMG_Ireland Champions Juvenile Stakes! The @Jessica_Racing team look to have a very smart prospect #itallcomesdowntothis | @LeopardstownRC | @kateharro1989 pic.twitter.com/r5hwtoZJMP — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2024 The post Marc Chan’s Wootton Bassett Homebred Green Impact Wins The Champions Juvenile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The remarkable story of Kiwi-bred champion Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) rolled into his seven-year-old season with a historic defence of his title in the A$750,000 Gr.1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. The Bullbars gelding became the first back-to-back winner of the weight-for-age feature since it was renamed in honour of the great Makybe Diva in 2007. Under its previous name, the Craiglee Stakes, the repeat winners were Chicquita (Commands) (1950-51) and Sailor’s Guide (1956-57). The 2024 edition of the Makybe Diva Stakes was the seventh Group One triumph overall for Mr Brightside, who has had a total of 36 starts for 17 wins, 10 placings and more than A$14 million in stakes. That extraordinary haul of prize-money is a far cry from his two trips through the Karaka sale ring in 2019, where he was a $22,000 purchase from the May Sale before being passed in with a $50,000 reserve during the Ready to Run Sale. “He’s a bit of a history-maker, winning this race twice and also being a dual Doncaster (Gr.1, 1600m) winner as well,” co-trainer JD Hayes said. “He’s unbelievable. He truly is unique. We don’t take it lightly having a horse like him. He’s been so important to our careers. “For him to come back and perform like that today is huge. He’s like a fine wine – just getting better and better.” There was a strong New Zealand flavour to the Makybe Diva Stakes, in which Mr Brightside scored a thrilling win over the Trelawney Stud-bred Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai). The up-and-coming Redwood gelding Antino (NZ) finished third, with War Decree four-year-old Warmonger (NZ) – a runaway last-start winner of the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) – producing an eye-catching finish for fourth. But the big story was the spectacular showdown between Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni – two great rivals who have now locked horns eight times since last November. Pride Of Jenni beat Mr Brightside into second in their first meeting in the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m), then Mr Brightside reversed that result in the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) in February. Pride Of Jenni headed another 1-2 finish for the pair in the All-Star Mile (1600m), and she went on to run second in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) with Mr Brightside behind her in fifth. The scoreline moved further in Pride Of Jenni’s favour in her unforgettable front-running romp in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April, in which Mr Brightside finished third. The pair’s rivalry resumed in last month’s Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), where Mr Brightside ran second and Pride Of Jenni was fifth, and Saturday’s Makybe Diva Stakes produced one of their greatest battles yet. Pride Of Jenni adopted her customary tactics, putting the handlebars down and opening up a huge lead. She never looked like slowing down and threw down a huge challenge to her rivals to try to chase her down in the straight. The only one able to bridge the gap was Mr Brightside, who moved into second place rounding the home turn and then began to close the gap with every powerful stride. Mr Brightside drew up alongside Pride Of Jenni with 100m remaining and the pair fought tooth and nail through the final stages, with Mr Brightside edging past his great rival to win by a long neck. There were another four and a quarter lengths back to the third-placed Antino. “That was thrilling – what a spectacle,” JD Hayes said. “Pride Of Jenni was so brave out in front, as she always is, and our bloke had to knuckle down to the task. He’s a model of consistency and we’re so glad to have him.” Mr Brightside was guided to Saturday’s epic win by his regular rider Craig Williams. “He’s just a sensational horse,” Williams said. “Ben, JD and Will Hayes have done a great job training him. I’m just the one with the privilege of riding him on raceday. “It was a hard slog on a wet track today, but he has that tenacity and will to win. He’s an amazing racehorse.” The Lindsay Park team will now consider upcoming spring targets, including the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 19 and the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley a week later. Mr Brightside was runner-up in both races last year, beaten by a mere nose in the Cox Plate. “Those two races are a lot of prize-money to be mentioning in a single sentence,” JD Hayes said. “We’ll have to look at nominations and work out a plan. He’s always been a point-and-shoot horse who will be super competitive in whatever race you put him in.” Mr Brightside was bred by Ray Johnson in partnership with his late wife Martha. He was sold as a yearling for $22,000 via Janine Dunlop’s Phoenix Park at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock May Sale, then failed to meet his $50,000 reserve when re-offered at the Ready to Run Sale. An opportunity later arose for Johnson to buy him back on gavelhouse.com for just $7,750, in conjunction with Cambridge trainer Ralph Manning and good friend Shaun Dromgool. Mr Brightside finished a luckless fifth in his sole New Zealand start at Matamata for Manning, having previously won a trial. He was subsequently sold privately to clients of the Hayes stable via Australian agent Wayne Ormond. View the full article

New Zealand-bred mare Grinzinger Belle (NZ) (Shamexpress) made a bold start to her spring campaign with a commanding front-running performance in Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.2 Furphy Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. The daughter of Shamexpress led all the way for a black-type win over the same course and distance in the Gr.3 Vanity Stakes (1400m) in her first-up run in the autumn, and trainer Danny O’Brien repeated the same formula fresh up in the fillies and mares’ feature on Saturday. Urged forward in the early stages by jockey Damian Lane, Grinzinger Belle hit the lead inside the first 200m in a Let’s Elope that was run in testing and deteriorating Heavy8 track conditions. The four-year-old mare dominated the race every step of the way from there. Grinzinger Belle poured it on in the straight and blasted clear, opening up a winning margin of four lengths over the placegetters See You In Heaven (Divine Prophet) and Alsephina (Star Turn). “She was very good,” Lane said. “She’s a good fresh horse. Her first trial was so-so and then she trialled much better last time. She obviously took good improvement from that and she was cherry-ripe for today. “The conditions obviously didn’t affect her performance and she won very well.” Grinzinger Belle has now had 12 starts for three wins, four placings and A$450,155 in stakes. “Very happy,” O’Brien said. “She won the Vanity in the autumn first-up and we thought she was in similar order today, although she was tackling a deeper field. There were some very classy mares in that race today. “She always travelled well in the run, but I didn’t think she’d open up and win like that. Really pleased that she’s come back as well as she has. “She’s a good Kiwi-bred by Shamexpress, who we trained and is so close to our hearts. She seemed to handle today’s conditions well.” O’Brien will now point Grinzinger Belle towards the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in November. “She cuts out at the mile, but we’d aim to be here on Derby Day for the Group One race for fillies and mares,” he said. Grinzinger Belle was bred by Windsor Park Stud and is out of Ripsomemore, a Rip Van Winkle half-sister to Group Three winner Golden Parachute. Grinzinger Belle is another good graduate of the New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale at Karaka, where she was purchased by owner John Wheeler for $32,000. View the full article

Experienced seven-year-old Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj) has accumulated plenty of travelling miles under his belt since making his raceday debut in December 2019 for owners, the Te Akau Perfection Syndicate. In that time though he has built an imposing record that he added to on Saturday with a win in the Pryde’s Easifeed Open Handicap (1600m), the tenth in a 38-race career to date. Allowed to start at the generous odds of $13.40 by punters, the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained son of Iffraaj made a steady beginning from an outside barrier (11) for apprentice Amber Riddell, who reduced his topweight of 62kgs down to a more manageable 58kgs with her 4kg claim. Despite being posted wide throughout Riddell had her mount travelling like a winner as they hit the front with 400m left to run. Perfect Scenario fought like a tiger as he held off the challenges of Adannaya (NZ) (Niagara) and Matscot (NZ) (Haradasun) to claim victory for a beaming Riddell by a neat length on the line. Co-trainer Sam Bergerson heaped plenty of praise on both horse and rider after the event. “I said to Amber there are no real instructions just give him a good warm-up before the start as he is a straight-forward sort of horse,” Bergerson said. “He has always been very good to the apprentices as he is just so genuine and a pleasure to have around the stable. “He’s still pretty woolly so there is improvement to come and I must say it was a fantastic ride by Amber as she kept him balanced the whole way. “He is such a gentleman and you’d like a whole lot more like him around the stable.” Riddell, who is the daughter of well-known Central Districts rider Jonathan Riddell, is one of six apprentice jockeys to win aboard Perfect Scenario who boasts consecutive victories in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) amongst his ten career victories. “I wasn’t in an ideal position as I didn’t have any cover but he was just travelling so well,” Riddell said. “It is such a privilege to ride a really good horse like him and I’m so thankful to Te Akau for giving me the ride. “I thought at the 400m I had them covered and he just flew home. “Christchurch is my family home as my Mum is from here and my Nana is here today so it is really special.” Perfect Scenario has now won over $394,000 for his ownership group after being purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for $165,000 from the Woburn Farm draft during the 2019 Book 1 Sale at Karaka. – Trackside.co.nz View the full article

Newtown Anner Stud's Chantez (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Lady Lara {Ire}, by Excellent Art {GB}) fired the opening salvo on Irish Champions Weekend with a dominant, albeit wayward, victory in Saturday's Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown. The 220,000gns October Book 1 graduate, who posted a three-length maiden victory over the same seven-furlong strip in her second outing last month, broke well from an outer gate and tracked the leaders in third through halfway. Taking closer order off the home turn, the 6-5 favourite quickened to the fore approaching the final furlong and kept on strongly, despite rolling around in front, to prevail by 3/4-of-a-length from Garden Of Eden (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}). The runner-up's Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemate and 'TDN Rising Star' Bubbling (Ire) (No Nay Never) ran on well to finish a head adrift in third. Smart filly! The well-supported Chantez (Wootton Bassett) overcomes greenness to win the Listed @BallylinchStud @IrishEBF_ Ingabelle Stakes for Ger Lyons and @ctkjockey at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/PNj1n0kIMF — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Chantez Collects First Black Type Rosette in Leopardstown’s Ingabelle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mutasaabeq (GB) will be leaving the National Stud in Newmarket after one covering season, having been sold to stand at stud in India. The Shadwell-bred son of Invincible Spirit (Ire) and Classic winner Ghanaati (Giant's Causeway) won back-to-back runnings of the G2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket, where he also won the G2 Bet 365 Mile in the year it was transferred from Sandown. He retired at the end of his five-year-old season and covered 52 mares this spring. Explaining the difficult decision to sell one of the National Stud's five resident stallions, CEO Anna Kerr said, “The market in the UK unfortunately just did not support the stallion in year one to a sufficient level, so he is moving to a jurisdiction where he will get the support that he deserves. “It is really disappointing but we have some very nice mares in foal to him and we are looking forward to seeing what they produce. We are working closely with breeders who did use the horse to achieve the best outcome for them.” The post National Stud’s Mutasaabeq Sold to India appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington delivered a thrilling finish, with the Team Hayes-trained Mr Brightside cementing his status as a racing legend by claiming his second consecutive victory in the prestigious Group 1 race. The race, part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, featured a competitive field of talented horses. Mr Brightside, the […] The post Mr Brightside Claims Back-to-Back Makybe Diva Stakes Wins appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Arkansaw Kid ridden by Craig Newitt after winning the Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Ben, Will & JD Hayes have enjoyed the back end of the Flemington program, with Arkansaw Kid ($7) taking out the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality 35 minutes after Mr Brightside claimed the feature race. Although he was beaten as an odds-on favourite at Moonee Valley last start, the son of Harry Angel has backed up after seven days to claim a tough win down the Flemington straight. Craig Newitt was legged aboard for his first ride on the four-year-old gelding, and he couldn’t have given him a better ride. Arkansaw Kid travelled well outside of Griff ($23) in the lead on the grandstand side, behind The Astrologist ($16), who ran alone on the inside rail, while Stretan Angel ($8) loomed up to challenge at the 300m mark. However, the eventual winner was left alone out in front as the other on-speed runners dropped off and the swoopers started to finish off on the outside fence. Skybird ($9), Right To Party ($3.60) and Buenos Noches ($5) all challenged Arkansaw Kid, but he was able to hold them off in the final 100m to claim a narrow victory. 2024 Bobbie Lewis Quality replay – Arkansaw Kid Ben Hayes represented the stable post-race, and he was very happy with Craig Newitt’s ride on the winner. “Last start in the Chautauqua he ended up getting a pair further back than we expected and he was just a bit fresh in the run and overraced with the fast tempo, didn’t finish off and got run over the top,” Hayes said. “He pulled up so well and we thought this race would be suitable for him. “The way he pulled up we were happy with him and thought we’d get down in the weights a bit more. It worked out perfectly. “Well done to ‘Froggy’ (Newitt). He rode him perfectly. “We’ve always had a high opinion of him and he bounced back today. “I was a little bit disappointed with his performance last week but he was back this week and strong to the line. He loved the wet track. “I think so (Gilgai Stakes next). “He’s a Group 2 winner now. Since he’s been racing in group ones and fourth in a Coolmore down the straight. Very deserving.” Craig Newitt only had three rides at Flemington on Saturday, and he claimed two black-type victories from those rides. “It has been a really good day and I only had the three rides,” Newitt said. “He’s a progressive sprinter, this bloke, on the quick back-up. “He travelled really well throughout and when I asked him to accelerate he picked up on the ground and really appreciated it. “The boys were very bullish before the race. “I haven’t had a ride for them in a while so it is good to get a winner.” Horse racing news View the full article

Encap returning to the mounting yard after claiming the Theo Marks Stakes. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Gary Portelli and Jason Collett combined with Encap ($7.50) claiming victory in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday, marking a year to the day of his last victory coming in the 2023 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m). The son of Capitalist was second-up after a gallant first-up display behind Jolistar in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) at Randwick on August 24. He was made to work for the victory in a blanket finish on Saturday, however, with Bases Loaded ($4.00) showing a clean pair of heels in the final 400m despite leading out at a relatively strong tempo. Rediener ($34.00) and Boom Torque ($6.00) were both doing sensational work late, but were unable to reel in Encap, chalking up just his second win heading into his four-year-old season. Gary Portelli was delighted with the victory in his post-race assessment and suggested the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) would be the main target this time in. “Yeah, just good to see him bounce back,” said Portelli. “He was a bit plain first up, but a good gallop last Saturday. I’ve done very little with him all week and I was just hoping. “He’s been a bit of a giant killer in his career like he’s beaten some real quality horses over the time. And now he feels like he might be stepping into his own after a big win like that. “You know we’re aiming toward a Golden Eagle so I think we’re in good order right now, so what does the path look like to get there? Well probably we’ll sit down there and work out the program now after seeing what he’s done today.” Jason Collett wasn’t sure if Encap had the capacity to get by Bases Loaded in the home straight, but was impressed with the performance before suggesting the Golden Eagle must be the target this spring. “I knew I’d have a good turn of foot late,” said Collett. “I must admit, Bases Loaded did kick pretty well then kept kicking as I got close. “You’ve got to aim there as a four-year-old, that’s the race, and this is a good starting point to get towards it. He’s quite small and a bit unassuming, you look at him and there’s not a great deal of him but he’s starting to fill into that small frame. His ability, he’s got a lot of it, and that was great to see today.” Encap is now considered a $26.00 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Golden Eagle on November 2. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, September 15, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (3pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing resumes at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program lined up for punters. The rail moves out slightly to the A+3 position, and with scattered showers unlikely to affect the Good 4 rating, it should be a fair day of racing. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Family Jewel Family Jewel is on the one-week back up after a luckless effort over 1400m last Sunday. The son of Time Test was crowded for room the entirety of the home straight, with the four-year-old forced to produce a glorified barrier trial. Stepping up to the mile should be ideal, and with Hugh Bowman taking the reins this time from barrier four, Family Jewel should get every conceivable chance to make amends this time around. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Family Jewel (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Super Infinity Super Infinity was winless in three starts last preparation, and although he’s become a costly commodity, this Class 4 contest lacks depth compared to what he faced last season. Zac Purton is yet to give up on the son of Star Witness, taking the reins for the third time and on the back of two strong barrier trials heading into this first-up assignment, Super Infinity should have no excuses attempting to break his maiden status. Next Best Race 3 – #4 Super Infinity (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Zac Purton (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sha Tin: Magic Control Magic Control was well-supported on Hong Kong debut at Happy Valley on June 12 and had to be considered extremely underwhelming. He finished 5.3 lengths away in seventh spot behind Youthful Spirits, and although he was crowded for room at times, it was largely a disappointing effort. His Sha Tin barrier trial on August 31 was too impressive to ignore, however, and provided he can reproduce the peak that allowed him to claim the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Australia, Magic Control should be right in this. Best Value Race 9 – #4 Magic Control (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Cody Mo | J: Matthew Chadwick (60kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections September 15, 2024 2-4-6-10 1-3-5-6-12 1-3-4-6-11 2-5-6-9-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Mr Brightside ridden by Craig Williams wins the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Mr Brightside has gone back-to-back in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, giving his trainers Ben, Will & JD Hayes another Group 1 victory early in their training careers. Affectionately known as Mr B, the son of Bullbars has become the third horse in history to win successive Makybe Diva Stakes, joining Chiquita (1950 & 1951) and Sailor’s Guide (1956 & 1957) as the only horses to win the race multiple times. As expected, Pride Of Jenni took up the lead and careered away to lead by over four lengths at one stage, while Antino and the eventual winner tracked up behind the mare. Declan Bates went for the leader before the home turn, and as soon as she gave a kick, Mr Brightside started to work home nicely, passing Antino with ease by the 250m mark. The race favourite with top horse racing bookmakers, Via Sistina, never really got into the race, leaving Mr B and Pride Of Jenni to fight out the finish as he began to wear her down late. Mr Brightside took over in the shadows of the post and held on to claim one of his best victories of his 36-start career. 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes replay – Mr Brightside JD Hayes spoke on behalf of the stable following the win. “That was thrilling. What a spectacle,” Hayes said. “Pride Of Jenni was so brave out in front as she is and our bloke had to knuckle down to the task. “He’s a model of consistency and we’re so glad to have him. “He’s unbelievable. He truly is unique. “We don’t take it lightly to have a horse like him in the stable. “To come back now as an older horse and perform like that is huge. He’s like a fine wine. “He’s always been a point and shoot type of horse and he’s going to be super competitive (wherever he goes next).” Regular jockey Craig Williams spoke post-race and was very complimentary of his mount. “He’s a sensational horse,” Williams said. “The Hayes’ have done a great job with this horse. “Will who straps the horse told me he’s in great order. “I was very bullish about his chances today. “The way he felt, the way he pulled up. It was a harder slow today but he’s got that tenacity to win. He’s an amazing racehorse. “Now he’s one of the best milers in Australia. He is an absolute delight. “The boys even added another gear change today so they’re still working on him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Traffic Warden winning the Group 2 Run To The Rose. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Godolphin has continued their excellent record in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with Traffic Warden ($9.00) making it a hat-trick of wins across the last three editions of the three-year-old feature. Following in the footsteps of Cylinder (2023) and In Secret (2022), Traffic Warden was wound up and ready to go on the back of an impressive piece of work at Hawkesbury on August 26, and although the son of Street Boss was first-up, his class was able to offset the lengthy layoff. Zac Lloyd elected to be patient aboard the progressive three-year-old, taking a sit slightly worse than mid-field throughout the journey. It turned out to be the ideal scenario, with typical speedster and heavily-backed favourite Storm Boy ($1.90), missing the start and being forced to be roused along by Adam Hyeronimus in the middle stages. It meant a strong tempo throughout, with fellow Coolmore galloper Switzerland ($10.00) pushed out towards an early lead, while Anode ($17.00) was ridden more conservatively than in the past. When the whips were cracking with 400m left to travel, there was only one horse you wanted to be on, however, with Traffic Warden building the revs under Zac Lloyd, proving too classy despite being first-up with bigger fish to fry this time in. 2024 Group 2 Run To The Rose Replay – Traffic Warden James Cummings was on course to discuss the win of his colt and suggested all options are on the table after the Golden Rose (1400m) in two weeks’ time. “Yeah, he’s just come back perfectly and pretty exciting horse race to be a part of,” said Cummings. “There’s $100 million worth of horse flesh walking around the enclosure here and big performances like that from Traffic Warden. “Another week goes past. Another big performance from a son of Street Boss. You know, he’s run the numbers on Street Boss. He’s going pretty good. And Traffic Warden is really asserting himself now, having just done that this afternoon, as a very serious colt for the spring. “It’s obviously like not everything went ideal for other horses in the race, admittedly, but he savaged the line. You didn’t see the best of him last prep. “it’s very, very straightforward from here. His assignment should be the Golden Rose in two weeks. Gives him a group one opportunity. He had the race absolutely shot to pieces in the AJC Sires in the Autumn and only just got rolled on that wet track. “But I think he’s a better horse now and he will certainly be taking some beating in the Golden Rose. If it’s not for his stable mate, Broadsiding, he’s certainly going to arrive there a fit horse, second up and ready to fire.” Zac Lloyd was impressed with the victory and praised team Godolphin for the opportunity. “That’s a top-notch feeling,” said Lloyd. “That was incredible, to ride a colt for the team who they obviously value very highly, to get the trust in a lead-up race to the Golden Rose to get the job done, it’s a massive credit to the team and I’m very happy to get the job done.” Traffic Warden is now on the third line of betting at $5.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) on September 28. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sunshine Coast races Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Sunday, September 15, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Sunshine Coast Turf Club will host a competitive eight-race card this Sunday afternoon. The track was a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, and it is expected to remain in that range throughout the meeting. The rail will be in its true position, while the Sunshine Coast races are set to start at 1:10pm AEST. Best Bet at Sunshine Coast: Colleagues Colleagues should be attempting to win his third race in four starts, but he was narrowly beaten by Diablo Bolt last start after a chequered run in the home straight. Even so, the David Vandyke-trained galloper did enough late to challenge the eventual winner. Michael Rodd jumps aboard, and although he drops back in trip to 1600m, Colleagues will get every chance to win another race on his home track. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Colleagues (5) 6yo Gelding | T: David Vandyke | J: Michael Rodd (60kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Sunshine Coast: Dark Chill After a streak of good losing runs, Dark Chill produced a strong finish to win at this track over 1600m on September 1. The son of Dawn Approach settled behind the speed, peeled out wide on the home turn, and booted clear at the 200m mark to run away with a 2.8-length victory. If Jack Bruce has been able to keep his five-year-old gelding at peak fitness deep into the campaign, Dark Chill will take a power of beating again. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Dark Chill (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Jack Bruce | J: James Orman (60.5kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best Again at Sunshine Coast: Lost His Beans Lost His Beans recorded a massive win first-up at the Sunny Coast on September 1, travelling wide without cover before looping the field to win by half a length. This son of Spill The Beans has never finished outside the quinella and has won his last two starts at this track. Although he rises in trip to 1200m, if Lost His Beans gets a better run in transit, he will only have to produce a similar finishing burst to win again. Next Best Again Race 8 – #8 Lost His Beans (7) 4yo Gelding | T: David Vandkye | J: James Orman (59.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunshine Coast quaddie tips for Sunday Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Sunday, September 15, 2024 2-4-9 7-8-9-10-11 2-3-5-6 3-8-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Mauritian jockey has high hopes for promising four-year-old as he searches for first triumph this term at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

Grinzinger Belle ridden by Damian Lane wins the Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Damian Lane and Danny O’Brien have combined with consistent fresh performer Grinzinger Belle ($15), who caused a boilover in the Group 3 Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington. The daughter of Shamexpress recorded a victory when first-up in the Group 3 Vanity Stakes at the same track and trip last preparation, and she has replicated that result with a strong front-running performance on Saturday afternoon. Lane took his four-year-old mare straight to the front in horrible conditions and showed the rest of the field a clean pair of heels throughout the 1400m journey. As the field turned for home, Grinzinger Belle gave a massive kick and put up a big margin on the chasers, as Alsephina ($7.50) and See You In Heaven ($6.50) came out of the pack to chase the leader down. However, it was all in vain, as Lane kept the mare galloping along and she careered away to win by a massive four-length victory over See You In Heaven and Alsephina. 2024 Let’s Elope Stakes replay – Grinzinger Belle Danny O’Brien was ecstatic with the victory, and he spoke post-race. “Very happy,” O’Brien said. “She won The Vanity in the autumn first-up and we thought she was in similar order today tackling a deeper field. Very classy mares in that race today. “She always travelled well in the run but I didn’t think she’d open up and win like that. “Really pleased that she’s come back as well as she did. “She’s a good kiwi-bred who is by Shamexpress who we trained and is close to our hearts. She seemed to really appreciate it (conditions). “She really cuts out at the mile but we’d aim to be here on Derby Day for the mares Group 1.” Damian Lane was complimentary of his mare in his post-race interview. “She was very good. She’s a good fresh horse,” Lane explained. “First trial was so-so and then she trailled much better last time. “She took good improvement from that and she was cherry ripe for today. “It seems as though she’s been in the paddock with plenty of weather because she wanted to face towards it so I had to explain to her that you’re better off facing your bum to the hail. “Once she figured that out she handled it quite well. “She huddled up with a couple of others and it obviously didn’t affect her performance.” Horse racing news View the full article

Lady Shehandoah winning the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au First-up after a 112-day spell and a trip to Queensland, the Chris Waller-trained Lady Shenandoah ($5.00) has stormed over the top to break her maiden status in stylish fashion, claiming the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. It turned out to be a masterstroke by Sydney’s leading trainer, with the three-year-old filly only needing one barrier trial leading into Saturday, proving far too classy for her rivals despite giving fitness to the well-supported favourite Mayfair ($4.80). The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained colt was happy to stride out and lead under Tim Clark, and the son of Fastnet Rock was brave throughout the 1400m journey, giving a bold kick in the home straight. Godolphin’s Snack Bar ($12.00) loomed large in the final 400m and appeared to be travelling best of those in behind, however, it was Jay Ford aboard Lady Shenandoah closing best, with 53kg on her back proving a vital difference in the concluding stages. 2024 Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality Replay – Lady Shenandoah The Snitzel filly couldn’t have been more impressive given she was only first-up into the campaign, and Chris Waller stable representative Charlie Duckworth couldn’t have been happier with the performance. “She is supremely talented,” said Duckworth. “She has probably marginally underperformed for what we expected in her two runs last preparation, purely down to racing on a soft six and heavy eight tracks. “Back on top of the surface today, she is a real talent. We just said to Jay (Ford), forget about the first half of the race because 1400-metres first-up was obviously going to be a bit of a question mark. “But she began so well, Jay had to land in the position he landed in. He was trying to be as soft as he could within the rules of racing, I think, but she had to dig deep in terms of her fitness levels late and there is plenty more to come.” Jay Ford was elated with the victory and suggested the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) would be in the realm of possibilities. “She’s high class, the stable gave me a very big push for her,” said Ford. “They said she’s quite a quality horse and she’d come back well and only had one trial. Straight to a 1400, had a lovely run rounding them up really nicely. “Got a little bit tired but wayward nonetheless but she’ll improve with more racing experience. She’s well on her way. Like you said for a maidener to come and break straight into black type augurs well for the path ahead she’s gonna take. “She’d be competitive in that (Flight Stakes)? I’d have to think so but you’d have to ask them. I’m just warming the seat for JMac but look she’s quality, whatever she contests, she’s gonna aim up to it for sure.” Lady Shenandoah is now on the third line of betting at $8.00 for the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) set to be run and won on October 5. Horse racing news View the full article

What Bathurst Cup Day Where Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing – 55 Eleven Mile Dr, Bathurst NSW 2795 When Sunday, September 15, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Bathurst on Sunday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. The $50,000 Bathurst Cup (1800m) headlines the action, with Big Dance eligibility up for grabs. The rail sits in the true position the entire circuit, and with warm spring conditions forecast throughout the weekend, participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1pm AEST. Bathurst Cup Tip: Money From The Sky Money From The Sky looks perfectly placed in the Bathurst Cup after a terrific first-up effort at Rosehill on August 31. The son of Frankel lacked race-day fitness returning after a 238-day spell but never shirked the task, being produced from near-last turning for home to get within four lengths of Too Much Caviar. Stepping up to 1800m second-up should prove to be an ideal setup, and with a 4kg swing on his main rival, Money From The Sky should be able to turn the tables this time around. Bathurst Cup Race 7 – #3 Money From The Sky (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Sara Ryan | J: Benjamin Osmond (a1.5kg) (59kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Bathurst: News Bound News Bound demolished her rivals by five lengths debuting at Tamworth on January 25 and looks to be much better than country grade. The Rodney Northam barn elected to head straight to the paddock with the then three-year-old mare, and after 234 days off the scene, the daughter of Press Statement looks prepared for a first-up assault. Chelsea Hillier gets legged aboard once again, and with gate three allowing her to slot into the one-one throughout, News Bound should have no issues remaining undefeated. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 News Bound (3) 4yo Mare | T: Rodney Northam | J: Chelsea Hillier (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Bathurst: Ellipsis Two strong barrier trials should have Ellipsis ready to fire on debut. Her most recent trial at Rosehill on September 5 particularly caught the eye, with the Bjorn Baker-trained filly roused along to get within a length of Gattodance. Andrew Adkins has every option available from stall two, and provided Ellipsis can replicate that trial form on race-day, watch for this filly to be rattling home to claim victory. Next Best Race 4 – #5 Ellipsis (2) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Andrew Adkins (55kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Bathurst Bathurst quadrella selections September 15, 2024 2 3-5-11 1-2-3-4 1-3-6-7-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

New Zealand import Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) made a perfect start to her four-year-old season with a strong-finishing success in Saturday’s A$160,000 NSW Thoroughbred Breeders Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill. The Benchmark 78 event was the third win of a 14-race career for Firestorm, who had previously shown promise in feature age-group company on both sides of the Tasman. The daughter of Satono Aladdin began her career in the Cambridge stable of Paul Mirabelli, for whom she won on debut in January of 2023 before running sixth in the Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), eighth in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). In the latter event, she produced an eye-catching late finish to get within four lengths of the winner Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High). Subsequently sold into the all-conquering stable of Chris Waller, Firestorm won on the Kensington track in March and went on to finish fourth in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), third in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m), third in the Gr.3 Drinkwise Mile (1600m) and midfield in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). Waller gave Firestorm two trials leading into Saturday’s resuming run, and the bay mare produced a first-up performance that suggested there could be further black-type impact to come. Apprentice jockey Ben Osmond settled Firestorm near the back of a strung-out field down the back of the Rosehill track, then hooked her out to the outside to launch her run 300m from the finish. Firestorm changed gears and powered home out wide on the track, getting up to win by half a length from the fellow Kiwi-bred mare Chica Mojito (NZ) (Zacinto). The third-placed Mare Of Mt Buller (Dundeel) completed a remarkable trifecta for Waller, with all of that trio being four-year-old mares who competed in Queensland as winter three-year-olds. “It’s a terrific result,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “The horses have all run right up to their merits. “The winner was really good. We might have ended up a bit further back than we would have liked, but she really rallied late. “I’m delighted for the owners, the Ritchies. They’ve invested quite heavily in our stable and haven’t had the best of luck, particularly with this filly. She had a chequered path into the Queensland Oaks, which was the race we bought her for. She was either drawn too wide or balloted out of various lead-up races, so she missed out on having a full crack at Group One level in that race. She seems to have come back very well as a four-year-old, so hopefully she can go on to measure up in black-type company this season.” Firestorm was bred and originally owned by Carl Ferguson. She is one of three winners from five foals to race out of the Istidaad mare Dancing Embers (NZ), who herself won three races and placed in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton. View the full article

A hard-fought victory by Raziah (NZ) (Niagara0 in Saturday’s Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton Park provided trainer Tony Pike and jockey Matt Cartwright with a second feature three-year-old success within the space of a week. Pike and Cartwright teamed up seven days earlier at Hastings to take out the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) with all-the-way winner Poetic Champion (NZ) (Super Seth). Saturday’s Canterbury Belle brought a different style of win by Raziah, but it was a similar story of impressive development between the ages of two and three. Pike sent Raziah to the South Island this spring as a maiden, but the Niagara filly had placed in two of her three starts including the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui in June. Raziah had also shown promising signs with a stylish win in a 950m trial at Cambridge on August 30. Raziah was sent out as a respected $8.40 third favourite in Saturday’s Canterbury Belle Stakes, and she took her promising career up a notch with a valuable black-type win. Cartwright rode Raziah patiently through the first half of the race and settled fourth-last before beginning to build momentum as the field left Riccarton’s 1200m chute and joined the course proper. Raziah had moved up to fourth by the top of the home straight, looming on the outside of Great Time (NZ) (Time Test), The Victress (Zousain) and Lavender Haze (Dubious). Cartwright drove Raziah home over the top of that trio. The talented filly surged to the front, then turned back a late challenge from Dream Of The Moon (All Too Hard) to score by half a neck. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, Raziah has now had four starts for a win and two placings, banking $67,950. “She’s a very genuine filly who’s obviously improved a lot from two to three,” Pike said. “She just had a bit of a short run-up to be taking on the good three-year-olds up at home at this stage of the spring. It’s a nice progression for her down here, and she’ll only get better as she gets up over further as well. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with her. “Matt’s riding really well. We’ve formed a great relationship with him since he came across from Australia. He gave this filly a peach of a ride today, tracking behind the speed and getting her out at the right time.” Raziah became the third black-type winner in New Zealand for Cartwright, who rode a feature double at Hastings last Saturday. Barely two hours after his Listed win with Poetic Champion, he landed a breakthrough Group One victory aboard Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m). “It’s been a beautiful week,” Cartwright said. “This filly was the main reason I came down here today. I thought she’d trialled up very well. “Tony has done a great job with her. She wasn’t sharp early in the race, but she was really good late, so I think getting up in distance will suit her. “She’s a nice filly. She’s put away a nice enough field today, so she should take confidence from that and go on with it.” The TAB now rates Raziah a $10 chance for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 16. She shares third favouritism with Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel), while the market is headed by Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) ($3) and Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) ($4.50). Raziah became the fifth individual stakes winner for Niagara, who stands at Hau Ora Farm for a service fee of $2,500. The dam of Raziah is Justa Secret (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret), who is a full-sister to the dam of last season’s Group One-performed three-year-old Antrim Coast (NZ) (Roc De Cambes). Second dam Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper) herself won the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) in the blue and white colours of The Oaks Stud, and she is a half-sister to the stud’s champion mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross). View the full article