Wandering Eyes

LONDON, UK — City Of Troy (Justify) and Laurel River (Into Mischief), owned by two of racing's superpowers, Coolmore and Juddmonte, have been jointly crowned Longines World's Best Racehorse for 2024. At a ceremony to mark the Longines Racing Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London on Tuesday it was revealed that they had each gained a rating of 128, marking the first time since 2019 that two horses had shared the top spot in the world rankings. The top-rated performance for City Of Troy came in the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York, which was the top-rated race of last year, with runner-up Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) being awarded a mark of 125. City Of Troy also won last year's Betfred Derby and G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes. Calandagan was however only the second-top-rated horse in France as his Francis Graffard stable-mate Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) was ranked fourth on 126 for his victory in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. With Aidan O'Brien, Christy Grassick and Ryan Moore in London to accept the award for the world's leading turf horse, it was Moore who was handed the microphone first and, while he admitted with a wry grin that he wished he could pass it over to the trainer, he said of City Of Troy, “When he won the Juddmonte it was probably the best performance I've ever been involved with on a racehorse.” Moore added, “There was no end to him. One he got comfortable and once he got building he was relentless.” O'Brien joined the praise of his former stable star. “He'd have had no problem being a Royal Ascot two-year-old … we were just very lucky to have him. “He always had a great stride and he was 16.1 [hh],” he said, before pausing for comic effect to add, “and getting bigger.” The top-rated filly or mare in the world was Via Sistina (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), a Group 1 winner on two continents who enjoyed a stellar 2024 in the colours of Yulong Investments. Now trained by Chris Waller, she posted her career-high rating of 127 at the age of six with an eight-length win in the G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate. It was Laurel River's record eight-and-a-half length victory in the G1 Dubai World Cup which earned him co-Horse of the Year status and made him the world's best horse on dirt. Now seven, the Juddmonte homebred is trained by Bhupat Seemar and he has been nominated for the G1 Saudi Cup. Douglas Erskine Crum, CEO of Juddmonte Farms, said, “He was one of the last homebred horses that Prince Khalid decided the mating for, so he is particularly important for us.” Seemar added that Laurel River, who has not raced since the Dubai World Cup, is set to run at Meydan on Friday “as a springboard for the Saudi Cup”. In Riyadh the seven-year-old could face Breeders' Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who was rated co-fifth in the world rankings on 125 along with G1 Japan Cup winner Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), GI Travers Stakes winner Fierceness (City Of Light) and the aforementioned Calandagan. Completing the top ten was Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), whose mark of 124 was achieved when winning the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by Qipco). Just outside that level there was a five-way tie for 11th place between Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}, Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) and Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who were all given a rating of 123. The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) was the top-rated filly in Europe on 122, which was the same mark awarded to Kyrpios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was the top-rated stayer in the world. On a rating of 121, Cogburn (Not This Time), I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) and Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) were the co-champion sprinters of 2024, while Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) was the leading sprinter in Europe on 118. Among last year's Classic generation, the 2,000 Guineas and Irish 2,000 Guineas winners Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) were each rated 122, while Prix du Jockey Club winner Look De Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) was given a mark of 120. Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and Oaks heroine Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) were both on 115. In 2024, 273 horses trained in 15 different countries were awarded a rating of 115 or higher. World's Top Races in 2024 The ratings for the world's top 100 Group/Grade 1 races of 2024 were also published on Tuesday in tandem with the Longines World Racing Awards. As mentioned above, the Juddmonte International at York came out on top for the second time, with a 2024 rating of 124.25 earned through the average rating of the first four finishers, City of Troy, Calandagan, Ghostwriter and Bluestocking. Saratoga's Travers Stakes, won by Fierceness, was next on 123.75, followed by Randwick's Queen Elizabeth Stakes (123.00) and Ascot's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (122.75). The Japan Cup in association with Longines, Longines Breeders' Cup Classic and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe were tied on 122.50, while Ireland's top-rated race, the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, achieved a rating of 122.25. In the five respective distance categories, the top-rated races were: James Squire T. J. Smith Stakes (121.25, Sprint); Winx Stakes (121.50, Mile); Juddmonte International Stakes (124.25, Intermediate); King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (122.75, Long); and the Gold Cup (118.50, Extended). On 117.50, the Qatar Prix Vermeille (117.50) was the world's highest-rated race for fillies and mares, while the top three-year-old race was the Travers Stakes. A total of 106 races made the list this year owing to a nine-way tie in the rankings for the 98th spot. Of the 11 countries represented, Australia was responsible for 30 of those races, followed by Great Britain (20), Japan (13), France (11), United States (11), Hong Kong SAR, China (8), Germany (4), Ireland (4), United Arab Emirates (3), Saudi Arabia (1), and South Africa (1). The Longines World's Best Jockey Award is decided from the list of top races, with riders notching 12 points for a win, six points for second, and four points for third. Australian-based New Zealander James McDonald won the title 2024, having previously been top jockey in 2022. Ryan Moore and Frankie Dettori have each won the title on four occasions. The post City Of Troy and Laurel River Share Longines World’s Best Racehorse Title appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Danny Shum’s superstar is ranked inside the top 10 as Ka Ying Rising shares best sprinter award.View the full article

Sam Agars SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Purton jumps back aboard in-form horse from improved draw Jay Rooney SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Massive run last start and looks well placed with Purton back on Jack Dawling HAPPY FAT CAT - R8 (10) Can build on promising effort last start and dictate proceedings tonight Phillip Woo SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Is in a purple patch of form and looks a major chance from gate two Shannon (Vincent Wong) ROCKET SPADE - R7 (3) Back to his favourite trip and looks hard to beat in this contest Racing Post Online SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Kept on well enough for third last start and can score with Purton aboard Tom Wood BEAUTY ALLIANCE - R4 (1) Put up a good performance from a wide draw last start and can strike hereView the full article

Dual Group 1 winner and leading 2,000 Guineas hope Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has been crowned the European Champion Two-Year-Old of 2024 with a rating of 120. The Middle Park and Dewhurst Stakes winner joins fellow Charlie Appleby-trained colts Pinatubo (Ire) and Native Trail (GB) on the Champion Two-Year-Old roll of honour. “I would imagine he'll go straight into a Guineas,” Appleby said at the European Two-Year-Old Classification Press Conference on Tuesday. “I don't really want to test him over the mile beforehand. Firstly, timing-wise and secondly, I'd rather keep our powder dry and the dream alive going into the Guineas.” He added, “On the evidence of what we saw at the back-end of last season, the way this horse relaxes and his mannerisms, he gives himself the best chance to see out a mile. There'll always be question marks on the back of some of his pedigree, but if you actually dig into it there's enough substance there to say a mile should be within his compass. “I'm very pleased with how he's done physically. He was a strong individual at two, short-coupled, but he's lengthened. As a physical, you'd have a job to knock him. He looks great in his coat and has done all the maturing you'd want to see from two to three at this stage. With a clear run into the Guineas, you'd have a job to knock him in the paddock, that's for sure.” Lake Victoria | Horsephotos Aidan O'Brien's triple Group 1/Grade I winner Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) ended the campaign rated just 1lb inferior to Shadow Of Light. Victory in the Moyglare, Cheveley Park and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf saw Lake Victoria create history by becoming the first filly to win three races at the highest level at two and she rightfully ended the campaign as the Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. O'Brien said, “We won't be in a rush with her this year-we will take our time with her. Obviously what she did was very unusual. You couldn't really believe that a two-year-old filly could do that–to win three Group 1s over three different distances. She's quick and she got the mile well in America. You'd imagine she's going to be a miler-type and might get a mile-and-a-quarter. But who knows? She's by Frankel and out of Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), who was very quick. Very unusual what she did. We haven't seen that before.” He added, “She's big, she's powerful and obviously has a great mind–a great constitution. She was obviously going through her races very easily and doing her work very easily. She travels very well in her races and, when she quickens, she puts her race to bed. A lot of class. That's what she has and it makes her very different.” O'Brien also trained the joint-third horses [rated 118] in the Classification, Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), with the latter winning both his starts before suffering a bruised foot ahead of the Dewhurst-a race he was favourite for-which brought a premature end to his season. The leading juvenile filly in Britain was Godolphin's Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who achieved a rating of 117 following an unbeaten two-year-old campaign that ended with a five-and-a-half-length success in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile. On Expanded and The Lion In Winter, O'Brien commented, “We thought the world of Expanded in the spring but ran out of time so he didn't start until late. We always thought he was very good. What we did to him wasn't very fair, to bring him back a week after winning a maiden to go straight into a Dewhurst. He's an unusual horse in that he has speed and we always thought he'd get a mile-plus. We always thought he'd get a Derby trip–he's out of a Galileo mare and has a very easy and relaxed way of going. He's a very exciting horse.” He added, “The Lion In Winter could go to the Guineas but obviously he looks a Derby-type horse. If he doesn't go to the Guineas he'll start in a [Derby] trial. He's not over-big, is a nice-sized type of horse. He looked mature as a two-year-old. Obviously he has a great mind and what he did is very unusual. When he won his maiden, he quickened up very well and when he went to York, I suppose the way he dominated the race and the pace that he showed and the way he quickened and found plenty, it made him look very exciting to everyone.” A total of 42 horses achieved a rating of 110 or more last year. Notably, Wootton Bassett was responsible for 13 two-year-olds who achieved ratings off 100 or higher in Ireland last year. The senior Irish Flat handicapper Gary O'Gorman commented, “That is unusually high. In terms of that Wootton Bassett and Galileo nick, there were two two-year-olds last year in Expanded and another horse I am really keen on, Green Impact (Ire), who won a Group 2 on Irish Champions Weekend. The two mares in question were trained by Aidan O'Brien-both were probably as bad as he has trained and they couldn't win maidens and were rated around the 60s. But both mares are responsible for horses rated 118 and 112 respectively.” The post Dual Group 1 Winner Shadow Of Light Crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The autumn campaign of three-year-old Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon) is soon to get underway, with the classic-bound colt set for an important trial in Sydney on Thursday. The son of Written Tycoon is being put on a Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) path, with the colt’s co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr claiming he will present as a much tougher rival this autumn at his second racing campaign. “He did a wonderful job in his first and only preparation to get right the way through to the Group One (Caulfield Guineas),” Kent Jnr said on Tuesday. “He was the least experienced horse in that field and I left that day thinking that he would have the most improvement of any horse from that race. “He then headed north to spell up at Coolmore’s Mt White Farm and he did really well. He’s had an exclusive prep at our Rosehill stable and his campaign will be based around the Randwick Guineas.” Public Attention first came to notice last September with his narrow second placing in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude, before a fighting fifth placing in the A$3 million classic won by Private Life. Kent Jnr said it is intended for Public Attention to get to the Randwick Guineas after two lead-in runs. “He’ll trial on Thursday at Warwick Farm and is due to kick off first-up in the Eskimo Prince (Stakes over 1200 metres on February 8),” he said. “He’ll step into the Hobartville (Stakes, 1400m on February 22) second-up and then the Randwick Guineas (March 8) third-up at the mile.” Kent Jnr said Public Attention could also be sporting a different look this autumn. “We are probably going to tinker with some headgear this prep,” he said. “We have worked him in blinkers a couple of times this prep and it seems to have really switched the colt on. “He’s got a lot of natural talent, but he seems to give a bit extra when he gets the blinkers on, so it’s likely you’ll see them on at some stage this prep.” View the full article

One of New Zealand’s most successful thoroughbred nurseries, The Oaks Stud, has officially been presented for sale by Donovan + Co in a landmark opportunity for the equine and investment communities. The prestigious estate and renowned stallion and breeding operation, spanning an expansive 500 acres, is primed to attract leading industry stakeholders, breeders, land developers and investors from across the globe. Nestled just 2km from Leamington, Cambridge—an area famed for its premier stud farms—The Oaks epitomises the heritage of New Zealand’s equine industry. With exceptionally built infrastructure complemented by comprehensive amenities, the estate’s natural beauty is all encompassing, highlighted by the famous Oak tree-lined gated, bitumen driveway. These elements underscore the property’s enduring commitment to quality and excellence in equine operations. Beyond its iconic stature, The Oaks Stud offers substantial potential for further development. The extensive 203.82 hectares, divided into six titles, provides a unique opportunity for subdivision, neighbouring Cambridge township. The Waikato region’s high demand for exclusive rural lifestyle properties positions The Oaks as an attractive prospect for those looking to capitalise on both equine and residential markets. For decades, The Oaks has produced outstanding champions, with notable Group One winners such as the celebrated Seachange—a seven-time Group One victor—alongside other elite-level performers including Recite, Artistic, Risqué, Devise, Keepa Cruisin, and Catalyst. Horses bred and sold by The Oaks have continued to achieve globally, including celebrated Group One winners Shuka, Sakhee’s Soldier, and Zagalia. “It’s an absolute privilege to offer the iconic ‘The Oaks Stud’ on behalf of long-term owner and fellow Queenslander, Dick Karreman,” Donovan + Co Principal Clint Donovan said. “Dick has enjoyed immense satisfaction and delight at the success of one of the world’s great stud farms under his ownership, and now it’s time to pass the baton on.” “This is an incredibly unique scenario with options to purchase on a walk in walk out basis including stallions, mares and racing stock, or any combination” “The Oaks’ immediate proximity to the fastest growing regional community in New Zealand, the incredibly beautiful Cambridge township, highlights an undeniable truth that this is a land banking play for the future,” Donovan added. View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, January 22. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Mornington, Randwick-Kensington and Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – January 22, 2025 Mornington Racing Tips Randwick-Kensington Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top horse racing bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 22, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Bryce Newman was in familiar territory when he picked up a double at Wanganui on Monday, but a new challenge is now on the horizon for the Bulls trainer as he prepares Abbakiss for Saturday’s $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). An exciting week for Newman commenced as he’d hoped, with Uncle Arch and Blue Jeanie breaking maiden status in their respective contests. Uncle Arch (NZ) (Tivaci) was equal favourite for the Terry Brothers MDN (1600m), a contest that was swiftly turned on its head when pacemaker Deciphering Me dislodged jockey Marc Lerner at 1200m. That left the son of Tivaci in front under Kavish Chowdhoory, who had him travelling well into the straight and he kicked away to score by a length. “There was obviously an incident in the race, but he did well to carry on while he was left on his own for a while there,” Newman said. “He’s a progressive type of horse, we see him as a stayer probably into next season. It was good to see him get one out of the way and I think there’s a bit left in store for him this preparation.” His stablemate Blue Jeanie (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was rated a $21 chance in the Smart Naturals 2040, but she second-rated her rivals after getting the perfect run in transit in the hands of Chowdhoory. Settling in midfield, the Satono Aladdin mare saved plenty of ground on the inside turning for home and powered away, the final margin nearly four lengths. “That was super pleasing,” he said. “She hasn’t had many starts and the first couple weren’t overly inspiring, but we’ve had this family for a long time and she’s about the fourth generation, so we know they take a bit of time. “Although it was very nice to see her do it, I think the second place a couple of weeks ago put the writing on the wall that she was finding her form and doing what the family does. “Both of these horses are homebred, which is always quite nice as well.” Abbakiss (inside) will contest Saturday’s TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) While Newman has had a multitude of success with his homebred gallopers, it will be a filly he purchased at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale in Abbakiss (Microphone) who will take on the million-dollar feature at Ellerslie later this week. The daughter of Microphone was purchased by Newman’s Raumai Bloodstock for $60,000 out of Carlaw Park’s draft, and in her four raceday starts as a juvenile, she has recorded a win and three placings. After her maiden success at Tauherenikau last November, Newman had started to consider a tilt at the Karaka Millions, a hope that became reality when Abbakiss went down by a short head in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) earlier this month, won by To Cap It All. “It’s always in the back of your mind, it’s pretty exciting to get to a race like that, but we’ve said all the way through that it wasn’t the be all and end all, she’s a lovely filly that we think will train on,” he said. “After the run at Wellington, where she got caught three-wide no cover and had the tenacity to go down by such a short margin, it gave us the confidence that we should have a go in Auckland. “It’s what you always hope to do, we race a lot of homebreds and only buy one or two a year, but as soon as Michelle and I saw this filly at the sales, we fell in love with her straight away. Our son Jack is big into pedigrees and he gave her the big tick in saying she’ll go pretty early, so it was nice that she fitted into our budget and we could afford a filly of her quality. “She’s moved up north this week, she’s happily settled in Cambridge at Chad Ormsby’s place. We’re just happy to be at Karaka and to have a horse good enough to represent us in a race like that.” A former top-level eventer in New Zealand and overseas, Newman knows a thing or two about high-pressure sport, but he said the two environments were difficult to compare. “It’s totally different,” he said. “I found a little bit at the start (of training) that handing a horse over to someone else was the most difficult thing, because I always felt I rode well under pressure when I rode myself, even though these guys are professionals and do it day in, day out. “In a former life, I would’ve loved to be a jockey myself, and I still ride a lot of horses at home every day. “I find that you put a bit of pressure on yourself through expectation and I think I’d be less nervous if I was riding myself, but we’re just going to go up and enjoy it, what will be will be. The syndicate are really looking forward to Saturday night.” View the full article

Champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) continued his comeback from an injury with a 1000m turf trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as he heads towards the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 30 March. The multiple Group One winner has been off the scene since last April when he had surgery on his left front fetlock after he was injured when winning the 2024 edition of the Gr.2 Sprint Cup. Ridden by Matthew Poon in the barrier trial, the four-time Group 1 winner finished second of eight runners, a length and a half behind California Touch, who clocked 58.62s. Fresh from Ka Ying Rising’s stunning triumph in the Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on Sunday, David Hayes hopes Sight Happy can propel Zac Purton closer towards Hong Kong history at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Purton, 42, needs only two more wins to overtake Douglas Whyte’s tally of 1,813 Hong Kong victories and takes seven rides at Happy Valley tomorrow night – John Size-trained Spirit Of Peace and Beauty Alliance, Firefoot for Chris So, Aestheticism for Pierre Ng, David Eustace’s Riding Together, View Of The World for Dennis Yip and Sight Happy for Hayes. Hayes, who has provided 10 of Purton’s 72 winners this season, including five with record-breaking sprint star Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), is optimistic Sight Happy can snare his second victory this campaign when he contests the Class 4 Kowloon Park Handicap (1200m) from barrier two. “Zac can hopefully settle midfield and, with a bit of luck, he can put his run up,” Hayes said. “He’s had some bad barriers but the last couple of runs, he’s been able to show what he’s capable of. He’s a healthy little horse and very sound, so hopefully he’ll keep putting the runs up.” Purton believes another solid book of rides has the potential to deliver the record tomorrow night. “We’ll see how we go, Happy Valley is always a little bit tricky. You need to get the right run and a few things go your way, but I’ve only got two (wins) to go now, so nearly there,” the seven-time Hong Kong champion said. “View Of The World (NZ) (Derryn) won nicely last time, but he drew the right gate (one), had a soft run behind the leaders and skipped home against an average field, so he had all the favours but I like the way he did it and he gets around the Valley nicely, so I’m hoping he can go on with it.” With a Sha Tin double last Sunday leaving Purton with 1,812 wins, the Australian is spearing towards an eighth Hong Kong championship with 72 wins for the season – 39 clear of Hugh Bowman (33) – after 39 of 88 scheduled meetings. View the full article

Bryce Newman was in familiar territory when he picked up a double at Wanganui on Monday, but a new challenge is now on the horizon for the Bulls trainer as he prepares Abbakiss for Saturday’s $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). An exciting week for Newman commenced as he’d hoped, with Uncle Arch and Blue Jeanie breaking maiden status in their respective contests. Uncle Arch (NZ) (Tivaci) was equal favourite for the Terry Brothers MDN (1600m), a contest that was swiftly turned on its head when pacemaker Deciphering Me dislodged jockey Marc Lerner at 1200m. That left the son of Tivaci in front under Kavish Chowdhoory, who had him travelling well into the straight and he kicked away to score by a length. “There was obviously an incident in the race, but he did well to carry on while he was left on his own for a while there,” Newman said. “He’s a progressive type of horse, we see him as a stayer probably into next season. It was good to see him get one out of the way and I think there’s a bit left in store for him this preparation.” His stablemate Blue Jeanie (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was rated a $21 chance in the Smart Naturals 2040, but she second-rated her rivals after getting the perfect run in transit in the hands of Chowdhoory. Settling in midfield, the Satono Aladdin mare saved plenty of ground on the inside turning for home and powered away, the final margin nearly four lengths. “That was super pleasing,” he said. “She hasn’t had many starts and the first couple weren’t overly inspiring, but we’ve had this family for a long time and she’s about the fourth generation, so we know they take a bit of time. “Although it was very nice to see her do it, I think the second place a couple of weeks ago put the writing on the wall that she was finding her form and doing what the family does. “Both of these horses are homebred, which is always quite nice as well.” Abbakiss (inside) will contest Saturday’s TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) While Newman has had a multitude of success with his homebred gallopers, it will be a filly he purchased at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale in Abbakiss (Microphone) who will take on the million-dollar feature at Ellerslie later this week. The daughter of Microphone was purchased by Newman’s Raumai Bloodstock for $60,000 out of Carlaw Park’s draft, and in her four raceday starts as a juvenile, she has recorded a win and three placings. After her maiden success at Tauherenikau last November, Newman had started to consider a tilt at the Karaka Millions, a hope that became reality when Abbakiss went down by a short head in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) earlier this month, won by To Cap It All. “It’s always in the back of your mind, it’s pretty exciting to get to a race like that, but we’ve said all the way through that it wasn’t the be all and end all, she’s a lovely filly that we think will train on,” he said. “After the run at Wellington, where she got caught three-wide no cover and had the tenacity to go down by such a short margin, it gave us the confidence that we should have a go in Auckland. “It’s what you always hope to do, we race a lot of homebreds and only buy one or two a year, but as soon as Michelle and I saw this filly at the sales, we fell in love with her straight away. Our son Jack is big into pedigrees and he gave her the big tick in saying she’ll go pretty early, so it was nice that she fitted into our budget and we could afford a filly of her quality. “She’s moved up north this week, she’s happily settled in Cambridge at Chad Ormsby’s place. We’re just happy to be at Karaka and to have a horse good enough to represent us in a race like that.” A former top-level eventer in New Zealand and overseas, Newman knows a thing or two about high-pressure sport, but he said the two environments were difficult to compare. “It’s totally different,” he said. “I found a little bit at the start (of training) that handing a horse over to someone else was the most difficult thing, because I always felt I rode well under pressure when I rode myself, even though these guys are professionals and do it day in, day out. “In a former life, I would’ve loved to be a jockey myself, and I still ride a lot of horses at home every day. “I find that you put a bit of pressure on yourself through expectation and I think I’d be less nervous if I was riding myself, but we’re just going to go up and enjoy it, what will be will be. The syndicate are really looking forward to Saturday night.” View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, January 22, 2025 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Happy Valley Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-part program set to take place under lights. The rail moves to the C course for the meeting, and with pristine conditions forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface throughout the night. All the action is set to get underway at 6:40pm HKT. Best Bet at Happy Valley: View Of The World View Of The World made a mess of his rivals at this course and distance on December 26 and goes in search of back-to-back wins in this Class 3 contest to end the evening. The son of Derryn put his Class 4 rivals away with relative ease in his latest outing, with the four-year-old producing a stunning turn-of-speed to secure the 2.3-length victory eased down by Zac Purton in the concluding stages. Purton will look to lob into the one-one from stall five, and provided he doesn’t get caught wide, View Of The World should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 9 – #4 View Of The World (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Dennis Yip | J: Zac Purton (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Spirit Of Peace Spirit Of Peace had no luck last start at Happy Valley on January 8, with the gelding by Harry Angel held up behind a wall of horses at a crucial stage. The four-year-old maiden still had the audacity to close within two lengths of Happy Soul despite the torrid run, suggesting it’s worth forgiving the John Size-trained gelding heading into this third-up assignment. Zac Purton will attempt to sit one-off the rail this time to get his crack at them late, and with even luck this time around, Spirit Of Peace should be finishing off best. Next Best Race 3 – #10 Spirit Of Peace (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (57.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Happy Valley: Beauty Alliance Beauty Alliance heads to Happy Valley for the first time after suffering a 2.8-length defeat at the hands of Legend St Paul’s at Sha Tin on New Year’s Day. The son of Starcraft didn’t have much luck on that occasion, forced back from barrier 14 and sitting on the three-wide line with cover throughout the journey. He was a dominant winner two starts back with Zac Purton in the saddle, and provided he can replicate that maiden-breaking performance, Beauty Alliance will prove hard to hold out at a good price with Picklebet. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Beauty Alliance (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections January 22, 2025 4-5-8-9-11 3-8-10 2-3-4-5-12 4 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Wednesday, January 22, 2025 First Race 2:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Twilight racing returns to the Kensington circuit at Randwick on Wednesday afternoon, with a quickfire six-part program set for decision. The rail moves out +5m the entire circuit for the meeting, and although the track is rated a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, punters can expect an upgrade into the Good range courtesy of drying conditions on Monday and Tuesday. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 2:55pm local time. Best Bet at Kensington: King Of Dragons The Gary Portelli-trained King Of Dragons has been unfortunate to retain his maiden status, finding the frame in three of his four starts this preparation. The son of Harry Angel only found one better in his most recent outing in the Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1100m) on the Gold Coast on January 11, getting nosed out on the wire by Heavenly Impact after attempting to make every post a winner. Expect identical tactics with Braith Nock taking 3kg off his back after the claim, and provided he can pinch a break stepping up to the 1250m, King Of Dragons will take plenty of catching. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 King Of Dragons (6) 3yo Colt | T: Gary Portelli | J: Braith Nock (a3kg) (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Kensington: Sly Boots Sly Boots has been crying out for a step-up in trip after closing off strongly behind Autumnmation at Randwick on January 4. The Toronado gelding appeared one-paced turning for home, eventually regaining his momentum in the final furlong to finish a half-length away in third. Regan Bayliss has all the options at his disposal from stall six, and although Sly Boots will be tested with the 61kg on his back, this guy deserves his chance at the current price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Sly Boots (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Regan Bayliss (61kgkg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Kensington: Imposing Pier It was hard not to be impressed with the first-up performance of Imposing Pier at Kembla Grange on January 4, with the son of Pierata breaking his maiden stylishly after leading all the way to score by 1.8 lengths. He appears well-placed in this BM64 contest, with the three-year-old likely to dictate terms from the front with Tyler Schiller in the saddle. This must be considered his toughest task to date, but with plenty of upside compared to some key rivals, punters can expect Imposing Pier to get the job done. Best Value Race 6 – #9 Imposing Pier (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Tyler Schiller (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Kensington Kensington quadrella selections January 22, 2025 1-3-6-8 1-3 3-4-5-8 2-8-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Wednesday, January 22, 2025 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Melbourne Racing Club will host a twilight meeting at Mornington that will feature eight races on the program. With dry weather forecast in the lead-up, the track is expected to remain in the Good range after being posted as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 3:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Mornington: Written Bligh Written Bligh will be seeking to put a run of second-place finishes behind her when she returns to Mornington on Wednesday, following her tough run in defeat behind Harry’s Yacht over 1200m on January 8. The Grahame Begg-trained mare was hampered in the first 100m and last 100m of the race, but she still battled on gamely to only finish one length off the winner. Now third-up for the campaign, Thomas Prebble can settle behind the speed from barrier one, and if Written Bligh gets the breaks before the home turn, she can go one better. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Written Bligh (1) 4yo Mare | T: Grahame Begg | J: Tom Prebble (a3) (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Mornington: Skipjack Skipjack returned with a dominant victory when well backed with horse racing bookmakers at Cranbourne, as the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained gelding recorded a two-length win. The son of Rubick jumped slowly but quickly recovered to find a nice position behind the speed before railing smartly underneath the leader. With the aid of Emily Pozman’s 3kg claim, expect Skipjack to settle in a forward position, and if he can produce a similar performance, Skipjack will prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Skipjack (10) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Emily Pozman (a3) (60kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Mornington: Ziryab Ciaron Maher sent Ziryab to the Caulfield Heath track for his Australian debut on December 26 over 1500m. The ex-European didn’t let his connections down, running away from a small field to record a dominant first-up victory. Although he settled behind a hot speed, this son of Kingman continued to find and claim a 1.8-length win, indicating a rise in trip to 1600m should be no worry. If Mark Zahra can settle Ziryab in a similar position from barrier three, there is no reason why he can’t win again. Best Value Race 8 – #2 Ziryab (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (60.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Wednesday, January 22, 2025 1-2-3-6 1-3-6-8 3-7-10 2-4-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Chairman’s Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025 Location: Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1000m The Chairman’s Stakes is a Group 3 race for two-year-olds conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club at Caulfield. First run in 1990 and won by Wrap Around, the Chairman’s Stakes has become a key lead-up to the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). Initially a Listed race, the Chairman’s Stakes was upgraded to Group 3 status in 2014. Traditionally held over 1000m, it has varied between 1000m and 1200m due to changes in scheduling. The Chairman’s Stakes offers a prize pool of $200,000 as of 2025 and is run under set weights and penalties conditions. Redoute’s Choice famously won both the Chairman’s Stakes and Blue Diamond in 1999, while Extreme Choice later followed suit. Crystal Lily went on to claim the Golden Slipper after winning this race. In 2003, Vengeance Of Rain (then named Subscribe) won before becoming a Hong Kong champion. Loving Gaby, the 2019 winner, later secured Group 1 glory in the Manikato Stakes. Other notable past winners include Tennessee Mist (1992), Road To Success (2000), Yell (2002), Headway (2009), and Enthaar (2021). 2025 Chairman’s Stakes betting odds 2025 Chairman’s Stakes odds are currently unavailable. HorseBetting will update the Chairman’s Stakes odds once released. How to bet on the Chairman’s Stakes All Australian online bookmakers featuring horse racing will have Caulfield races available to bet on. Like most Group 3 races, Chairman’s Stakes betting opens when nominations come through, typically on the Monday prior to the Chairman’s Stakes. Australians can bet on the Chairman’s Stakes at the following betting sites: Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? 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Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Chairman’s Stakes News Coleman thrashes his rivals in Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Matt Laurie and Ben Melham have combined with Coleman to take out the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield on … Read More Caulfield races betting preview & best odds | February 3, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) headlines a stacked 10-race card at Caulfield on Saturday. Check out HorseBetting’s free … Read More Zulfiqar punches his ticket to the Blue Diamond Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Zulfiqar and Ben Melham have combined for a front-running masterclass in the Chairman’s Stakes to ensure a spot in the … Read More Sandown racing preview & quaddie tips | February 4, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago What Sandown Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Saturday, February 4, 2023 First Race … Read More Sebonack dominates the Chairman’s Stakes Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Having absolutely smashed his rivals in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes, the Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained Sebonack is now … Read More Caulfield racing tips & top value bets | Saturday, February 5 Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago HorseBetting’s Victorian form analyst brings you his best bets and quaddie numbers for the nine-race card at Caulfield on Saturday, … Read More 2025 Chairman’s Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Chairman’s Stakes final field is released. Previous Chairman’s Stakes Fields 2024 Chairman’s Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Coleman Matt Laurie Ben Melham 2 59kg 2 Eneeza Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Damian Lane 6 57kg 3 Scampi Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 5 57kg 4 Counteroffensive Peter & Paul Snowden Blake Shinn 7 57kg 5 Evaporate Ben, Will & JD Hayes Michael Dee 1 57kg 6 Express Yo’self Amy & Ash Yargi Jye McNeil 3 55kg 7 Tippytay Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Craig Williams 4 55kg 2024 Chairman’s Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Caulfield-2024-Group-3-Chairmans-Stakes-03022024-Coleman-Matt-Laurie-Ben-Melham.mp4 1st – Coleman (+110) 2nd – Eneeza (-250) 3rd – Counteroffensive (NTD) Recent runnings of the Chairman’s Stakes: 2024: Coleman justifies favouritism Coleman powered home over the top of his rivals to take out the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield. Counteroffensive ($9.50) set a solid tempo out in front and after he pinched a couple of lengths on the race favourite and eventual winner, it looked as though he would take some running down with 300m to go. However, once Ben Melham gave the son of Pierata a crack with the whip and allowed him to go through his gears, he picked up the leader and powered away in the final 150m. The second favourite Eneeza ($2.40) from the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman yard settled near the rear and made good ground in the home straight to run into second place but was no match for the super impressive winner. 2023: Zulfiqar proves too hard to run down Zulfiqar and Ben Melham combined for a front-running masterclass in the Chairman’s Stakes. Ben Melham was able to shoot straight to the lead on the inside running rail for James Cummings and team Godolphin, in very similar fashion to his win in the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes from the spring. He led throughout on that occasion to score at Flemington and that’s exactly what eventuated in the Chairman’s Stakes over the 1000m. He was joined up on speed by first-starter Perilous Fighter and Craig Williams, ensuring a decent tempo for back markers to come into play. When Melham asked for an effort from his two-year-old, Zulfiqar obliged after being headed with 200m to go and proceeded to kick clear of his rivals to score by just over a length. 2022: Sebonack cruises to victory Jye McNeil made it three wins from the first four races at Caulfield when guiding Sebonack to a comfortable win in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m). The Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained two-year-old colt was on debut in the Group 3 feature, but that didn’t stop punters rallying behind him, as he firmed from $6 into $5.50. The son of Capitalist was a $260,000 yearling purchase at the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sales, and he quickly recouped some of that, taking home the $120,000 winner’s cheque. After jumping well from barrier two, McNeil had to guide the debutant through the field and set out after the favourite Renosu in the straight, but he ultimately did it with ease, winning by 1.25 lengths on the line. 2021: Enthaar lives up to the hype Boom two-year-old filly Enthaar tightened her grip on favouritism on the forthcoming major two-year-old races when she glided around to win the Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield. Enthaar was seemingly under a double grip for the entire race by jockey Mark Zahra yet still won by 2.25 lengths and recorded a time 57.28 seconds for the 1000 metres which was 1.31 seconds outside the course record on a Good 4 track. Previous winners of the Chairman’s Stakes Chairman’s Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Coleman Ben Melham Matt Laurie 2023 Zulfiqar Ben Melham James Cummings 2022 Sebonack Jye McNeil Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes 2021 Enthaar Mark Zahra Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 2020 Mildred Jordan Childs Grahame Begg 2019 Loving Gaby Damian Lane Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 2018 Ennis Hill Stephen Baster David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2017 Formality Craig Williams David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2016 Extreme Choice Damien Oliver Mick Price 2015 Thurlow Craig Williams Robert Smerdon 2014 Nayeli Vlad Duric Gai Waterhouse 2013 Metastasio Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2012 Mama’s Choice Dwayne Dunn David Hayes 2011 Atomic Ben Melham Lee Freedman 2010 Crystal Lily Brett Prebble Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra 2009 Headway Luke Nolen Peter G Moody 2008 Whisper Bay James Winks David Hayes 2007 Gibraltar Campion Corey Brown Lee Freedman 2006 Ulfah Craig Williams David Hayes 2005 Under the Floor Damien Oliver Lee Freedman 2004 Tirade Glen Boss Mathew Ellerton 2003 Vengeance of Rain Danny Nikolic Bradley Marzato 2002 Yell Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2001 Spitz Peter Mertens Lee Freedman 2000 Road to Success Danny Nikolic John Salanitri Chairman’s Stakes winners pre-2000 Chairman’s Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Redoute’s Choice 1998 Coup De Grace 1997 Bonegilla Tom 1996 Balcanny 1995 Tennessee Magic 1994 Fluoro 1993 Lady In Reality 1992 Tennessee Mist 1991 Pampas Fire 1990 Wrap Around Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article

Australian handler confirms Ramadan is not ready for the first leg of the four-year-old series, but My Wish and Talents Ambition are heading that way.View the full article

World Pool will be introduced to New Zealand in Saturday’s Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie. Photo: Nicole Troost The Karaka Millions twilight meeting on Saturday is shaping to be another exciting spectacle for punters, and adding more excitement to the mix is the introduction of World Pool to the iconic event. The presence of World Pool will bring eyes from 25 racing jurisdictions around the world to Ellerslie on Saturday for three races – the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m), Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), and Karaka Millions 3YO (1200m) – and will provide much larger pools for New Zealand’s TAB customers to bet into. Cameron Rodger, managing director of Entain NZ, said the presence of World Pool at Ellerslie this weekend is a massive coup for the New Zealand racing industry, and he is heartened by the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, who power World Pool. “World Pool is a concept from the Hong Kong Jockey Club where they bring together various tote pools from 25 jurisdictions around the world into one single pool,” Rodger said. “Usually, punters here are betting into a pool that is New Zealand and maybe a bit of Australian money. On Karaka Millions night, for those World Pool races there is going to be the ability to bet into the same pool as 25 other jurisdictions around the world. That will increase the liquidity and amount of money in there and give better stability to punters. “It’s massive, just not for the punter, who get access to the liquidity, but I think it is a vote of confidence for the state of New Zealand racing. World Pool doesn’t go anywhere unless there is quality racing.” The transfer of the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) from its traditional New Year’s Day timeslot to the Karaka Millions meeting was instrumental in bringing World Pool to New Zealand. “A pre-requisite is to have a Group One on the card, so the Railway move was really important to ticking that box,” Rodger said. “It is not just enough to have a Group One on the card, it has to be enough of a spectacle and to a standard that they (Hong Kong Jockey Club) think meets the requirements.” Prior to Ellerslie on Saturday, World Pool will head to Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Friday where there will be a distinct New Zealand flavour, with expat Kiwi hoop James McDonald set to ride Hong Kong hero Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge (1900m). “It is a shame for us in some ways because if he (McDonald) wasn’t booked to ride Romantic Warrior I suspect he would have been down here again (to ride at the Karaka Millions meeting),” Rodger said. “It is pretty amazing to have a Kiwi out there doing what he is doing. It is a great teaser for us for the races the next day.” The Karaka Millions meeting will be the first of two World Pool meetings in New Zealand, with the second taking place on the newly created Champions Day on March 8, also at Ellerslie. “To have not just those three races on Karaka Millions night but also Champions Day now locked in as well, I think it is a big vote of confidence for where racing is at currently in New Zealand, it’s very exciting,” Rodger said. Horse racing news View the full article

Ndola. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Lindsay Park Racing is optimistic about the upcoming autumn campaign of their Justify colt Ndola, who is set to begin in Saturday’s Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Sandown. The three-year-old was initially slated for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last October but didn’t make it to the prestigious Group 1 event. Trainers Ben, Will, and JD Hayes are hopeful that Ndola can make up for that absence by aiming for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1. A three-time winner from five starts, Ndola prepped for Saturday’s Group 3 race with a jump-out at Werribee on Friday, where he finished strongly in second over 800 metres. “That was his first jump-out for the prep, he’s a very naturally fit horse, very happy with him through the line,” Ben Hayes told Racing.com. “Looking forward to him getting to the track, he’s a horse that we have a high opinion of. “Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get to the race (Caulfield Guineas) but we backed off and we’ve given him a good break and he’s filled out into his big frame and he’ll hopefully be on an Australian Guineas path. “If he pulls up well, we’ll probably kick him off in the Manfred.” Ndola is currently a $7 hope for the Manfred Stakes with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Powers Of Opal. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au John Sargent acknowledges that Powers Of Opal was beaten fair and square by Treasurethe Moment during last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival, but the Randwick-based trainer remains hopeful of getting the better of that rival in the upcoming autumn. Sargent is eager to have another go at the Matt Laurie-trained filly, who forced Powers Of Opal into second place in both the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m). Powers Of Opal is approaching her trial stage and is set for a campaign focused on the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 29, followed by the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick two weeks later. “We’ll be on our home track (in the ATC Oaks), we’ve raced up here and we won’t have to travel, so that will all be a big help,” Sargent said. “Let’s hope she can turn around the seconds into wins and the Victorian filly that beat her comes up.” Powers Of Opal will have a couple of trials before targeting the three-year-old fillies’ races. “She had about four weeks out. I couldn’t give her much longer because it’s a quick turnaround after you run down there in the Oaks. You’re better to have them back here in work in case something goes wrong and you’ve got a bit of residual fitness in them,” Sargent added. Powers Of Opal is currently a $7 equal favourite with Neds for the ATC Oaks alongside Treasurethe Moment. Horse racing news View the full article

Price Tag. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Trainer Sam Freedman is confident that Price Tag can make an impact this Saturday when she resumes in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Fillies’ Preview (1000m) at Sandown. The $250,000 race has been relocated to the Sandown Lakeside course due to Caulfield being out of action. This will be the filly’s first start away from Flemington after finishing third in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) and fourth in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) last spring. Freedman, who trains in partnership with his father Anthony, believes the change in venue will be beneficial for the Zoustar filly. “She was very green, she didn’t know a lot and was running down the straight,” Freedman said. “Both times she was wayward, looking for a rail or a bend. “We’ve noticed she’s been better out of the barriers this preparation, she’s taken a forward position and I think around a bend she’s going to be much more effective.” Price Tag, a half-sister to the $2.8 million Snitzel colt from the recent Magic Millions Yearling Sale, has shown good form in her preparation. She won a 700-metre jump-out at Mornington on New Year’s Eve and followed up with a narrow second-place finish over 800 metres at the Caulfield Heath track last Wednesday. The Blue Diamond Fillies’ Preview will serve as the first step towards the $2 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. Freedman added, “She’s strengthened right up, but is carrying good condition, so she’ll improve with every run.” Horse racing news View the full article

KTA/KTOB in a Jan. 20 statement said live racing and alternative forms of gaming can create a business climate that benefits all constituents if managed properly. "Decoupling is not it," said executive director Chauncey Morris.View the full article

HRNZ has decided on the 26 May as the implementation date for new regulations on Handicapping, Programming and Ratings. This revised date was selected for two reasons. Firstly, to release everything at once. Secondly, to cause minimal disruption to planned race series in the autumn (for which conditions have been set), and to avoid significant races from now until then. The regulations will be in three parts: a. Part A – The Rating System. The major IT work for this has been completed. b. Part B – Updated Handicapping Regulation, including programming, and relevant rules where needed; and c. Part C – Update process for nominations, acceptances, scratchings etc. The draft of these regulations will be uploaded to this website in early February. We will provide a question-and-answer responses, and trainers and owners will be able to ask FURTHER questions on implementation. The core of these changes can be found in the Utilisation Reference’s Group’s Second Report that was endorsed by the Board in September 2024. You can read it here The National Racing Bureau is also expected to be operational by that date, with a launch expected on April 7. View the full article

These six horses have trialed pleasingly in recent weeks and this week they head back to the racetrack. Words (4m Downbytheseaside – Premier Crus) Tr. G Shirley As yet unraced but qualified back in August 2024, won a Pukekohe workout (16/1/25) after trailing in 5 horse heat then dashing along the inside to grab the win in impressive fashion MR:2:05.8, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 27.4 Noted its won another 3 workouts last year and now finally makes a long awaited debut at Cambridge this Friday night and has secured a handy draw over the 1700m in Race 2 Dam by Bettor’s Delight owned by Woodlands Stud and this is her first foal. This mare has some breeding to recommend as a potential racehorse. Auctioneer (4g Orlando Vici – Nia) Tr. T Mitchell Cambridge workout winner (11/1/25), settled last of 7 before putting in a big run 500m out 3 wide and swept to the front soon after, holding on for a gritty win. MR:2:06.0, 800m in 59.7, 400m inn 28.4 Interestingly, bred to trot (same sire as Just Believe) but has won a race pacing (at Cambridge) & gets into a small field this Friday on the same course in Race 3. Natural improver from his last start 7th (17/1/25) which was his first raceday start for near on 6 months, his odds could be quite juicy. Midnight Miki (3g Always B Miki – Weownthenight) Tr. M & N Purdon Freshened after winning his 2yo bonus in October in a 1:56MR at only his 4th start and trialled very nicely at Rangiora (15/1/25) when a close up 4th against some highly credentialed opposition. MR:2:00.6, 800m in 55.5, 400m in 27.3. Sat parked on that occasion and wasn’t extended to get right in the photo at the finish. Preferential draw snares him the inside draw at Addington this Friday (Race 2) and a likely improver from his trials effort. Full brother to Breeders Crown winner Kiss (6 wins + $183k to date) and held in some regard by a leading stable. High Step (4m Father Patrick – High Gait) Tr. R Butt Freshened since last racing in December and trialled stylishly at Rangiora (15/1/25) running 2nd in a 3 horse heat without being asked for a real effort. MR:2:07.4, 800m in 57.9 The winner of 5 races to date and respectable when chasing Keayang Sahara around in the NZ trotting Oaks Cops the pole at Addington on Friday night (Race 3) and looks a revitalised horse since going to the beach at Woodend Ruby Roe (4m Captaintreacherous – Arden Caviar) Tr. N Williamson Back at the Wyndham workouts (17/1/25) and after settling 7th of 8 in indian file, improved in the open from the 600m & not extended to get within a neck of the pacemaking winner. MR:2:02.9, 800m in 56.8 Treks north to Addington this week to take on the best mares in Race 7 and although drawn the 2nd line, the southern mare should not be underestimated. Has won 5 from just 14 starts and most times races in the best company Gem’s Delight (9m Bettor’s Delight – Pocket The Gem ) Tr. B Norman Eyecatching run in the same heat as Ruby Roe (above), came from 4 deep at the 400m & put plenty of dash into her finish to claim 3rd No ‘spring chicken’ but heads to Forbury Park on Wednesday, Race 2 and the country’s top reinsman Blair Orange hops on. Only had the 18 career starts and based on her workout effort she should prove competitive in an open line up. Punters note this meeting being run at Oamaru (all weather) View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Ohaupo based trainer Jason Teaz starts three runners today at Otaki’s grass track meeting and is hoping that with a bit of luck they can feature amongst the placings. Teaz heads into the meeting fresh off the back of a winning double on Sunday, with both Major Break and Veronica Jane winning their respective races. Today Major Break starts in the Grant Plumbing Ltd Otaki Cup Mobile Pace, while Veronica Jane steps out in the Bebbington Country Cup Handicap Trot. “They both won well on Sunday but they’re significantly up in grade today and will find it tougher” said Teaz “But I’m heartened that Peter Ferguson has elected to stick with them and drive them again today.” Major Break’s scored her second career win on Sunday with the mare leading from start to finish to win by a neck over the fast finishing Sweet Spirit. In today’s feature pace, the Art Major mare starts from barrier six, with plenty of speed drawn inside her. “She’s jumped up in grade quite a bit in today’s race but she likes the grass and is racing tough at the moment” says Teaz “I think Lord Delmar will likely lead and from our draw we may get left hanging but she’s a good place chance and a few of her owners are locals here so it’s great for them to have one running in the cup and that they got a win with her on day one.” In the Bebbington Country Cup Handicap Trot, Veronica Jane starts off a ten metre handicap and is easily the least experienced horse in the field having only had six race day starts. In three of those starts she got things wrong, with the remaining three starts yielding two wins. Her victory on day one of Otaki’s meeting was well fought, when after a conservative trip sitting four back on the fence, she took the passing lane to hit the front half way up the straight before being tackled stride for stride by Trippy Tyron, finally drawing ahead in the final strides to win by half a length. “She won really well on Sunday, but it would have been nice for her to have run a few more placings along the way to get some more race experience before having to start in this grade” says Teaz “In saying that she’s competitive enough, and they went a few seconds quicker in her race than the open trot.” “I don’t think the extra distance over 2700 metres today will worry her, she’ll go all day and tries pretty hard but maybe lacks a little speed” says Teaz “provided she gets away from the start ok we’ll be looking to drive her similar to Sunday and sit quietly and just have one run at them.” “She has a bit more to learn yet, but we’re here so may as well have a crack and this trip away will really do her good.” Alongside his Country Cup runners, Teaz also starts Hawthornden Beach (8) in the Tall Poppy Real Estate Otaki Mobile Pace. “It was a steep learning curve for her having her first start on Sunday and she got things wrong, but we’ve pulled her hopples up and she is capable of better so hopefully we see that today.” The Racing action at Otaki gets underway today at 3.42pm. View the full article

Group One power has fuelled Cambridge Stud’s 42-strong Book 1 draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. The farm’s proven stallion duo of Almanzor and Hello Youmzain and exciting younger associate Sword Of State dominate the Karaka consignment. “It’s a reflection of us backing our own with this foal crop, a representation of our own stallions and we’ve got the utmost confidence in them,” Head of Sales and Nominations Scott Calder said. “We were happy to support them heavily and now we’re very happy with the horses we’ve got to take to the market.” With recent graduates including Australian Group One stars Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) and El Castello (Castelvecchio), spirits at Cambridge Stud are high and further boosted off track by the hot reception Sword Of State’s first youngsters have received. “His progeny sold above expectations at the Gold Coast off a $15,000 fee and the returns were exceptionally good,” Calder said. That trend is expected to continue for Snitzel’s son Sword Of State at Karaka. “Lot 628 is out of a stakes winning two-year-old (Fuld’s Bet) by I Am Invincible so he fits the mould of a really precocious colt,” Calder said. “Lot 225 is the first foal out of a stakes performed mare (Pullyoursocksup) and it’s a successful Windsor Park family and the dam is a sister to Prince Mambo who ran second in the Manawatu Sures’ Produce (G1, 1400m) so there is precocity in the family.” Almanzor’s stocks continue to rise and cementing his position among the leading stallions. “For me, the benchmark of a good stallion is that five per cent stakes winners to runners and he’s running at six per cent in the Southern Hemisphere,” Calder said. “He compares very favourably with the very best stallions here and in Australia. This crop is his first conceived at a higher fee and out of higher calibre mares.” Calder said their draft featured an outstanding line of Almanzor fillies with rich three-year-old Classic potential. “Lots 37, 273 and 421 are all top quality and Lot 474 is out of Bavella and that family has been so good for us in the last few years,” he said. “This filly is out of a stakes-winning two-year-old by Snitzel and we’ve got her half-sister Vernazza, a Group Two winning juvenile, and half-brother Pinarello won the Queensland Derby (Gr.1, 2400m). “Of the colts, two to put a circle around is the one (Lot 26) out of It’s Our Showtime and a brother to Geriatrix who was a beautiful yearling, and this horse is an imposing colt. “The colt out of Egyptian Cross (Lot 574) is a half-brother to Red Sea who was a Group One-performed two-year-old last season.” Hello Youmzain has made a top impression in Europe and there’s an abundance of confidence in his Southern Hemisphere prospects. “He couldn’t have done anymore, the results from his French crop have been very encouraging with 20 first crop winners and two Group winners and one a Group One performer,” Calder said. “It’s encouraging and from a brief glimpse in the Southern Hemisphere we’ve seen Remala an impressive Boxing Day winner and Hello Romeo is here for the Karaka Millions,” Calder said. Among Hello Youmzain’s leading Karaka contenders is a filly whose pedigree features the multiple Australian Group One winner Regal Power. “Lot 401 out of Western Belle is one of those really successful Bob Peters families and this filly is the best one we’ve bred out of the mare,” Calder said. “Of the colts, Lot 280 is out of the imported mare Semillon and he’s a very athletic horse who looks more of a three-year-old type. “Hello Youmzain’s best horse in Europe is Misunderstood who won a Group Three over a mile and he’s out of a stout family and I think Hello Youmzain will get some lovely middle-distance horses,” Calder said. “All in all, we’re really excited about the sale with some really nice horses to present and there’s plenty to be excited about on the local racing scene with the prize money levels. “We’re in a more fortunate position than we’ve been in for a long time.” View the full article

The first half a decade of Bourbon Lane Stable’s expansion into New Zealand has exceeded even the most optimistic predictions of the American investors. The group has celebrated a long line of successes with the likes of Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) placegetter Bourbonaire (NZ) (Darci Brahma), Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) winner Bourbon Empress and fellow stakes winners To Cap It All, Super Photon and Glamour Tycoon. At the same time, the New Zealand thoroughbred landscape that they are becoming a major part of has undergone a revitalisation and significant prize-money boost. “It’s all gone 100 percent the right way since we decided to get involved in New Zealand,” said bloodstock agent Mike McMahon, who manages Bourbon Lane in partnership with his co-founder Jamie Hill. The pair have become familiar names on the New Zealand scene, along with their major client and investor Dennis Foster. “You could name 10 changes that have happened in the last few years that have taken things to a new level that we could never have really imagined. We’ve seen all those racing and prize-money improvements, the course at Ellerslie, the introduction of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), the list goes on and on. It really couldn’t have been a better scenario for us.” Bourbon Lane was established in the United States in 2010 and quickly became a notable player in American racing, prompting the partners to look offshore. “We’d been doing partnerships in the United States for a number of years, and in 2018 a lot of our competitors started offering a southern hemisphere option to their customers,” McMahon said. “We actually tried South Africa first, and we were lucky enough to have a graded stakes winner there, but we eventually decided that New Zealand would be a better option. NZB really reached out to us and were very helpful in getting us established. Their North American representative Joe Miller, along with Danny Rolston who was there at the time, went above and beyond and could not have been more helpful. “So NZB played a big part in dragging us into New Zealand, and Dennis Foster has a daughter living there as well, so it made a lot of sense.” The Bourbon Lane partnership teamed up with leading Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh, and they made their New Zealand sale-ring debut at Karaka 2019. They bought four yearlings at that sale for a total of $375,000. Mega Bourbon won three races, All Black Bourbon was a winner, and Sacred Bourbon placed twice. But the big success story from that first Karaka intake was Bourbonaire. The son of Darci Brahma was a $120,000 purchase from the draft of Little Avondale Stud, and his five New Zealand starts produced a debut victory at Matamata and second placings in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m). Bourbonaire earned $119,900 and was subsequently sold to Hong Kong, where he won another two races and banked HK$7.3 million (NZ$1.67 million). “Bourbonaire was our very first horse, so the success that we had with him was extraordinary,” McMahon said. “We owned a big majority share in him, with Stephen Marsh himself having a small share alongside us. So it gave us the best possible start in New Zealand. “And he was one of a couple of good sales that we’ve been able to do with Hong Kong. That’s a way of really greasing the wheel. “Hong Kong seems to like the New Zealand breed better than just about any other in the world, which is definitely an attraction and adds to our options. The New Zealand breeders are really honed in on that market as well.” Bourbon Empress winning the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Bourbonaire was far from being simply a stroke of beginner’s luck. Bourbon Lane’s firepower has only grown since, which is illustrated by a remarkable start to 2025. Their $80,000 Karaka 2022 purchase Bourbon Empress (NZ) (Proisir) won the $270,000 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, followed by highly rated two-year-old fillies Tale Of The Gypsy and To Cap It All making winning debuts at Te Aroha on January 4 and in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) at Trentham a week later. Those recent successes all came from fillies and mares who are adding real broodmare value to their CVs. While breeding is not currently on the radar for Bourbon Lane in New Zealand, it is an option they are keeping open for the future. “We haven’t been active in the breeding space yet in New Zealand, although we are in the United States,” McMahon said. “So far, we’ve been sellers in New Zealand. Stephen ‘the knife’ Marsh has had a tendency of gelding our colts! “But we have built some relationships with stallion farms and studs. I hope that we might be able to move into that space in the future if we have the right horse to do so.” In the meantime, the Bourbon Lane team is focusing squarely on the rich Karaka Millions twilight meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday. Bourbon Empress is set to carry their colours in the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m), while last-start winner and proven black-type performer Bourbon Proof (Justify) contests the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Last month’s Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) placegetter She’s Untouchable (Capitalist) is being pointed towards the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m). Last-start winner Bourbon Proof will contest the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) Photo: Kenton Wright “We are loaded right now and have a number of exciting horses aiming for that Karaka Millions night,” McMahon said. “We’re in great shape with a lot of great partners, a fantastic team set up around us, and a very good trainer and bloodstock agent. “We try to find the types of horses that Jamie and I like and have had success with in the past, and it seems to be paying off. “The Karaka sale is absolutely top-drawer. The team at NZB do a fantastic job and really streamline it for people outside the country. They are an amazing company, and that shows in the fact that the consignors are happy to take their top-quality yearlings there and do all of the incredible hospitality that they do. The standard is really set from the top down. “We always have a very enjoyable time at Karaka, and I’m hoping that we’ll keep on coming down there every year for the next 20 or so years. “We almost always have around 10 of our owners with us at Karaka. We all missed it during the Covid years – it’s just not the same when you’re on the other side of the world and just have your catalogue and a computer screen. “We like to get out there and get our hands dirty around the sale grounds, getting a real feel for the horses and the crew that they all have around them. “Our partners love to travel and are looking forward to doing that again this week. We’ll have a big team there to see our horses run on Karaka Millions night.” Another unexpected development is the partnership between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park racecourses in the United States. The collaboration was announced earlier this month and connects New Zealand’s new Champions Day race meeting in March with the rich Pegasus World Cup and California Crown. Winners of Gulfstream’s Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) and Gr.2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) earn ballot-free entry into the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) respectively, while the winners of the Rich Hill Stud Middle Distance Series and Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series are offered golden tickets into the Gr.1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m) and Gr.2 California Crown Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m). Travel and freight costs are also covered for golden ticket-winning horses that travel internationally to compete. “That’s another one of those 10 things in New Zealand racing that we could never have expected,” McMahon said. “Taking our New Zealand horses to the United States and vice versa has never been in our game plan, but who knows? Having the travel costs covered to go and compete for such big money certainly has some appeal. “But the downside of that is that you might travel all of that way and take a beating, and then you’ve put your horse off its calendar and have nothing to show for it. So it’s a risk. “There’s big money right around the international thoroughbred scene at the moment, whether it’s in the UAE, Saudi Arabia or even Australia, where we haven’t had many runners yet. It’s an exciting time and there’s a lot of opportunities available around the world.” View the full article