Wandering Eyes

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features a son of Wootton Bassett (GB) and So Wonderful (War Front). 12.25 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, 8fT Coolmore homebred DOUBLE VISION (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the first foal produced by G1 Irish 1000 Guineas and G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes third So Wonderful (War Front) and faces a fully subscribed cast of 26 in this debut. Rivals include his Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemate Propose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who is a son of GI Del Mar Oaks third Prize Exhibit (GB) (Showcasing {GB}); and Craig Bernick's €320,000 Arqana August graduate Mousse (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), who is a sibling of G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Sydney Cup hero Gallante (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) from the Jessica Harrington yard. The post Son Of So Wonderful In Line To Make Curragh Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As top American hopeful Cogburn burnt out on the lead, it was Mrs. Fitriani Hay's Starlust who closed from last and emerged victorious at 33-1 in the $920,000 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T).View the full article

Believing was a late veterinary scratch from the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) after flipping in the gate and unseating rider Ryan Moore.View the full article

A year after being on the Breeders' Cup sidelines and watching his former trainee, White Abarrio, win the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., Saffie Joseph Jr. now knows what it is like to experience Breeders' Cup success.View the full article

Given a William Buick ride befitting one of the world's top middle-distance runners, Godolphin's REBEL'S ROMANCE (IRE) (g, 6, Dubawi {Ire}–Minidress {GB}, by Street Cry {Ire}) was sent into the lead a quarter mile from the finish and just outlasted Japan's Rousham Park (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) to add Saturday's GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf to his victory in the same race at Keeneland back in 2022. Alertly away from his wide draw, the handsome dark bay settled ahead of midfield in the early exchanges as longshot Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) kicked on with it, but Buick clicked up Rebel's Romance on the turn, asking him to improve into a pace-pressing position entering the stretch for the first time. 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel) enjoyed the run of the race as he tugged his way along from third. Traveling sweetly down the backstretch, Rebel's Romance was asked to kick approaching the final corner and smoothly took command entering the stretch. Well clear into the final furlong, the globetrotter was all out to hold off a final surge from Rousham Park to score by a half-length. Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) traveled to the inside of his commonly owned compatriot into the stretch and closed off well once into the clear to fill the runner-up spot for the second consecutive year. French raider Jayarebe (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}) collapsed on the course while being pulled up and was loaded on to a horse ambulance. Lifetime Record: 22-15-0-1. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby. Quelle victoire de Rebel's Romance (@WilliamBuickX – C.Appleby – @godolphin) dans la @BreedersCup Turf (Gr.1) ! Il remporte cette épreuve pour la deuxième fois après 2022 (@keenelandracing) et enregistre une 7e victoire de Groupe 1 ! pic.twitter.com/Sh3Ic63dmb — Equidia (@equidia) November 2, 2024 The post Rebel’s Romance Holds Off Japan’s Rousham Park For Second Win In the Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thorpedo Anna capped a sensational 3-year-old campaign with an emphatic score over older rivals in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) Nov. 2 at Del Mar.View the full article

Star National Hunt sire Doctor Dino (Fr) will stand for an increased fee of €24,000 at Haras du Mesnil in 2025, the Jour de Galop reported on Saturday. He stood for €22,000 this term. It is a record covering fee for a French-based jumping stallion. The 22-year-old has sired numerous Grade 1 winners, among them 2024 Champion Hurdle hero State Man (Fr), Paddy's Rewards Club Chase winner Dinoblue (Fr) and French Grade 1 winner Master Dino (Fr). He is one of the leading stallions in the NH sale sphere, as well. His foals averaged €85,500 at Arqana last year, while another youngster made €350,000 to top the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale this past June. “Next season, Doctor Dino will be limited to 100 mares,” said Marc-Antoine Berghgracht on behalf of the syndicate that manages the stallion. “This is the first year he will be limited. He will be 23 years old and we want to respect him and continue to select the mares offered to him. He deserves it.” The post Doctor Dino’s Fee Increased To €24,000 At Haras Du Mesnil appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Champion Aussie pacer Leap To Fame is still a huge chance of contesting Tuesday week’s $1m IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway despite a shock twist to his trip yesterday. Trainer-driver Grant Dixon said he was “almost fully packed and ready to go” when a precautionary blood test showed Leap To Fame’s levels weren’t quite right. “I was surprised, shocked even,” Dixon said. “He’d gone so well at Menangle last Saturday night winning and everything seemed good this week. “I just thought I’d take a precautionary blood test from him and Aroda before we took them all that way and didn’t give it much more than that. “I couldn’t believe it when it came back and his level was out a bit and the vet said we’d be better not taking any risk by travelling him. “In himself he seems fine and if I hadn’t done the blood test, he’d have been on that flight.” Leap To Fame had been expected to arrive in Christchurch later tonight (Sunday). Dixon said Tuesday was now D-Day. “They do final field (for the NZ Cup) on Wednesday and I don’t want to stuff them around, so I said I’ll get another blood done Tuesday and we’ll tell them if he’s still going across,” he said. “As I said, he seems fine, so I’m hoping whatever it was is gone by Tuesday. “If the bloods are good Tuesday, there’s a flight he can get on next Sunday. “While it’s not how we’d like to do it, we’ll still take him. “I’d say, if the Tuesday bloods are good, I might get one more done next Saturday before we put him on the flight the day after.” The usually unflappable Dixon admitted it had been “a frustrating few weeks.” “I can’t complain too much because we’ve had such a great run with him as far as injury and health goes, but we’ve had some ups and downs these past few weeks,” he said. “It’s a big thing to go over there (NZ) and race and we’re seeing that now.” Leap To Fame’s first hiccup came when he was scratched from the Group 1 Victoria Cup as a $1.20 favourite on the eve of the race. That put his NZ trip in serious doubt, but an impressive Menangle win last Saturday turned things around. X X X Star Aussie trotter Callmethebreeze’s New Zealand trip is off. But his trainer Andy Gath is pushing ahead with plans to have former Miracle Mile winner Catch A Wave on Tuesday’s flight from Melbourne to Auckland. “As hopeful as we were and as much as we tried, Callmethebreeze’s foot still isn’t right,” Gath said. “We tried some remedial shoeing, but it hasn’t worked like we hoped. He’s not going to NZ. “We’ll give him a break now and he won’t be seen until next year. Hopefully, he recovers in time for us to get him right for the Great Southern Star. “It’s disappointing, but he’s still relatively young for a trotter (six) with plenty of racing ahead of him when we get him right again.” Catch A Wave only finished sixth to in-form former Kiwi pacer Cantfindabettorman in last night’s $50,000 Group 3 4 & 5YO Championship at Melton. “It doesn’t read well, but he was a mile off the two dangers, who were first and second in the run, and his sectional times were terrific,” Gath said. “I know he was still beaten a long way and he got a bit tired in the last 30m or so, but I was happy enough with the run. “The owners are keen to go and, for some reason, he seems to do his best racing away from home these days.” X X X Team Bond has found its next stable star with recent Kiwi import Christopher Dance. The Sweet Lou colt made it three wins from as many WA starts when he destroyed his rivals in last Friday night’s $200,000 Group 1 WA Derby at Gloucester Park. It was Team Bond’s fifth win in the classic, the most recent coming with Patronus Star in 2020. Christopher Dance could not have been more impressive, drifting back to last from a despised outside front row draw before grabbing a three-wide trail home and putting the race away quickly on the home bend. He roared away to win by 10.5m in a slick 1min56sec mile rate for the long 2536m trip, taking 0.1sec off the race record of Mighty Ronaldo from three years ago. It was a terrific drive and fourth Group 1 win for the outstanding 29-year-old Deni Roberts. Team Bond had five of the 12 Derby runners and the other eye-catcher was fourth-placed Golden Lode, who was caught in traffic at a crucial stage and did a mighty job to finish fourth. On the same card, Team Bond’s star mare Aardiebytheseaside returned to winning form ahead of WA’s biggest mares’ races, starting with Friday night’s $100,000 Group 2 Norms Daughter Classic. X X X The gamble to take talented Victorian comeback pacer Captain Ravishing to Perth has already paid dividends. The one-time pin-up pacer of Australia opened his WA campaign with a sparkling win in last Friday night’s $50,000 Group 3 Navy Cup at Gloucester Park. It was the perfect pipe-opener to next Friday’s $450,000 Group 1 WA Pacing Cup. Sure, his opposition will be much stronger next week, but Captain Ravishing’s class and speed will make a serious player with the right run. It was only Captain Ravishing’s fifth run back from 10 months on the sidelines and he’s won 12 of his 23 starts. The win continued the stunning success of Victorian raiders in WA, following Catch A Wave winning the huge Nullarbor/Fremantle Cup double back in April. X X X No wonder Like A Wildfire is a real stable favourite for Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin. The premier stable is best known for its amazing success with young horses, but former Kiwi gelding Like A Wildfire is a rising 10-year-old. And he added another feature win with a typically tough performance in the Swan Hill Pacing Cup (2790m) last Friday night. Despite coming from last and doing the work outside the leader, Like A Wildfire won comfortably and took 0.2sec off the track record with a slick 1min56.1sec mile rate. It was his 29th win and took Like A Wildfire’s earnings to $445,526. X X X While Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars prepare for their big NZ raid, stable favourite Triple Eight showed what a marvel he is again at Melton last night. The Kiwi-bred rising 10-year-old defied his age and a tough run to win the Melton free-for-all in a slick 1min52.2sec mile rate for 1720m with James Herbertson aboard. Triple Eight’s won 27 of his 147 starts with 48 placings. He’s now over $860,000 in career earnings. X X X Young gun driver Jason Lee was another who tuned-up for his NZ Cup Week trip when he brilliantly won the Aldebaran Park Trotters’ free-for-all (1720m) at Melton last night. The emerging Keayang Chucky ripped to the front and never looked in danger, racing clear to win by 10.6m in a brisk 1min55sec mile rate. Lee will head to New Zealand to unbeaten filly Keayang Zahara who is a hot favourite in the brand new $500,000 Majestic Horse Floats LP THE ASCENT at Addington Raceway on Friday, November 15. X X X Kiwi-BRED filly Waterfront brilliantly won last night’s $40,000 Tasmanian Oaks in Hobart. It was the filly’s ninth win from as many starts since joining Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin’s stable in Victoria. Stewart and Tonkin also won the Tasmanian Derby on the same card with the talented Always B Miki colt Kingman. View the full article

In a race that was hers to lose after several prominent withdrawals, 'TDN Rising Star' and champion-elect 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna (f, 3, Fast Anna–Sataves, by Uncle Mo) effortlessly captured Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar. Traveling comfortably despite 4-1 second choice Raging Sea (Curlin) staying glued to her outside flank, Thorpedo Anna at 2-5 set easy fractions of :23.81 and :47.99, then simply pulled away in the stretch to put both daylight on the field and an exclamation point on her championship season, which included five Grade I victories. Her sole loss this year was by a head to last year's champion 2-year-old colt Fierceness (City of Light) in the GI Travers Stakes. She returned to the winner's circle to cheers from the crowd and immediate consideration for Horse of the Year honors. Thorpedo Anna got the Distaff's nine furlongs in 1:49.10. Raging Sea held second, while Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}) finished third. Trainer Kenny McPeek confirmed in the winner's circle that the plan is to race Thorpedo Anna next year at four. O-Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks, and Magdalena Racing; B-Judy Hicks (KY); T-Kenny McPeek; J-Brian Hernandez, Jr. Thorpedo Anna wins the $2 Million @LonginesEq #BreedersCup Distaff! Congrats to her connections! #BC24 pic.twitter.com/RRE4eNhLT5 — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 2, 2024 The post Thorpedo Anna Caps Stellar Year with Breeders’ Cup Distaff appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mrs Fitri Hay's STARLUST (GB) (c, 3, Zoustar {Aus}–Beyond Desire {GB}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) gave trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Rossa Ryan another memorable success on the international stage in an eventful running of the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar. With the rail-drawn Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) a late scratch, having flipped in the gate and delaying the start by a good 10 minutes, Cogburn (Not This Time) left a bit tardily but rushed up and set the pace as Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) came across to dispute it from his wide draw. The top European sprinter was flat-footed on the bend, allowing Cogburn to get away and the favorite looked gone. But he began to paddle inside the final furlong, and Starlust made eyecatching progress inside, came out and looked to bother Isivunguvungu (SAf) (What a Winter {SAf}) and was home first as Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) and Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy) were also involved in the finish. A stewards' inquiry took place, but the result was allowed to stand after a lengthy discussion. Ryan and Beckett teamed to win the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}). Sales history: 55,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 18-6-3-3. O-Mrs Fitriani Hay; B-Branton House Stud; T-Ralph Beckett. Starlust wins the $1 Million @prevagen #BreedersCup Turf Sprint! Congrats to all connections! #BC24 pic.twitter.com/UU87OSYyVI — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 2, 2024 The post Zoustar’s Starlust Takes An Eventful Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Under a bold ride from Frankie Dettori, European shipper Raqiya upset the $302,500 Goldikova Stakes (G3T) in front-running fashion Nov. 2 at Del Mar.View the full article

She needed wings to do it. Soul of an Angel (m, 5, Atreides–Factor One, by the Factor), dead last by open lengths from the first jump, stormed up the outside to secure an upset victory at odds of 19-1 in the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Double-digit lengths behind the field nearly the entire way up the backstretch, the GIII Princess Rooney winner found momentum around the far turn and just kept coming up the outside as a host of rivals battled it out in in a driving finish. Best only in the final strides, Soul of an Angel nailed Society (Gun Runner) and Pleasant (Munnings) completed the trifecta. Lifetime Record: 40-5-7-5. O-C2 Racing Stable LLC, Agave Racing Stable and Reimer, Ken T.; B-Westbrook Stables, LLC; T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. Sales History: $3,000 ylg '20 FTKOCT The post Soul of an Angel Opens Breeders’ Cup Action With Huge Price In F&M Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) sired a new stakes winner on Saturday with Dantsu Elan (Jpn), who clawed out a nose victory in the G3 Fantasy Stakes at Kyoto. Fourth choice, the filly was under a tight hold and raced just behind the first flight as the field raced right-handed down the backstretch. Mozu Nana Star (Jpn) (Mozu Ascot {Jpn}) held a clear advantage, but was under fire from Bel Be Stallone (Jpn) (Strong Return {Jpn}), just off of her shoulder. The tightly bunched field fanned out once they hit the straight. Dantsu Elan ranged up with long strides inside the final furlong and just pipped Mozu Nana Star by a nose, with a like margin back to Bel Be Stallone in third in a three-way blanket finish. Voulezvous (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}) was a half-length behind that trio in fourth. Dantsu Elan, a winner of a newcomers race over 1600 metres at Niigata in August, entered the Fantasy off a third-place run in the Rindo Sho at Kyoto over this trip on Oct. 5. Pedigree Notes Japan's 2012/2013 champion sprinter and miler and 2013 Horse of the Year, Lord Kanaloa now has 55 stakes winners, 36 of them at group level internationally. Sent to Japan after selling for $120,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale to JS Company in foal to Omaha Beach, Mischievous Misty (Into Mischief) delivered that resulting filly on Apr. 2, 2020 who is unnamed. The latest foals out of the stakes-placed mare are a yearling filly by Contrail (Jpn) and a weanling colt by Saturnalia (Jpn). This is the extended family of American Champion Sprinter Kona Gold (Java Gold), who won the 2000 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Saturday, Kyoto, Japan KBS KYOTO SHO FANTASY STAKES-G3, ¥56,370,000, Kyoto, 11-2, 2yo, f, 1400mT, 1:22.80, vsf. 1–DANTSU ELAN (JPN), 121, f, 2, by Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) 1st Dam: Mischievous Misty (SP-US), by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Kona Kat, by Mountain Cat 3rd Dam: Double Sunrise, by Slew o' Gold 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Tetsuji Yamamoto; B-Miyauchi Farm (Jpn); T-Masaru Honda; J-Taisei Danno; ¥29,539,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1, ¥39,472,000. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Mozu Nana Star (Jpn), 121, f, 2, Mozu Ascot–Grand Prix Angel (Jpn), by Agnes Digital. 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Capital System; B-Kiyoshi Uemura (Jpn); ¥12,154,000. 3–Bel Be Stallone (Jpn), 121, f, 2, Strong Return (Jpn)–T M Nadeshiko (Jpn), by Zenno Rob Roy (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (¥3,410,000 Ylg '23 JBBAHOK). O-Toshiya Miyazaki; B-Taniguchi Farm (Jpn); ¥7,377,000. Margins: NS, NS, HF. Odds: 8.50, 18.50, 84.70. Also Ran: Voulezvous (Jpn), Kawakita Mana Lea (Jpn), Sourire Mignon (Jpn), Castle Lake (Jpn), Water Airy (Jpn), Nishinocoupdecoeur (Jpn), Tamamo Tea Cup (Jpn), Karpuz Pelus (Jpn), Gorgeous (Jpn), Water Gerbera (Jpn), Lavendel (Jpn), Hi Fi Speed (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post Fantasy Stakes For Lord Kanaloa’s Dantsu Elan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Most recently promoted to the victory in the G3 Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood on July 31, Shadwell homebred RAQIYA (IRE) (f, 3, Blue Point {Ire}–Rihaam {Ire}, by Dansili {GB}) was beautifully rated from the front by Frankie Dettori and had plenty left for the dash to the wire, registering a 5-1 success in Saturday's GIII Goldikova Stakes at Del Mar. The well-backed East Coast raider Sacred Wish (Not This Time) was first away from her low draw, but the typically aggressive Paco Lopez took a tug to get her off the speed, and Dettori took full advantage, sending Raqiya along to lead more or less crossing under the wire for the first time as fellow European-based galloper Kathmandu (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and Hollie Doyle prompted from second through an opening section of :23.04. The race was won, for all intents and purposes, down the back through the middle furlongs, as Dettori steadied the tempo noticeably, and though Doyle continued to shadow Raqiya around the turn, the Italian was taking confident looks behind, knowing he hadn't spent a penny in the lead. Thrown a few crosses in upper stretch, Raqiya responded beautifully and was never in danger as longshot Uncorked (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) emerged out of the pack for second. Sacred Wish was home third. Raqiya is the second U.S. graded winner for her young sire, joining last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint hero Big Evs (Ire). Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng, 8-5-0-0. O/B-Shadwell Estate Company Limited; T-Owen Burrows. #10 RAQIYA ($12.20) got to the lead easily and had plenty left in the stretch to win the $300,000 Goldikova Stakes (G3). @FrankieDettori was in the irons for Owen Burrows. Watch more on @FanDuelTV and wager here https://t.co/GFVAAW6Sp7 pic.twitter.com/mFOkz5JnFJ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 2, 2024 Saturday, Del Mar GOLDIKOVA S. PRESENTED BY YAAMAVA'-GIII, $302,500, Del Mar, 11-2, 3yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:36.09, fm. 1–RAQIYA (IRE), 118, f, 3, by Blue Point (Ire) 1st Dam: Rihaam (Ire), by Dansili (GB) 2nd Dam: Wissal, by Woodman 3rd Dam: Wasnah, by Nijinsky II O-Shadwell Stable; B-Shadwell Estate Company Limited (IRE); T-Owen Burrows; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $180,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng, 8-5-0-0, $319,581. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Uncorked (Aus), 121, m, 5, Pierro (Aus)–Piaf (NZ), by Iffraaj (GB). (130,000 Ylg '21 MMGYRL). O-The Elkstone Group LLC (Stuart Grant); B-Mr. A Galbraith (AUS); T-Philip D'Amato. $60,000. 3–Sacred Wish, 121, f, 4, Not This Time–Indian Wish, by Indian Charlie. ($80,000 Wlg '20 KEENOV; $70,000 RNA Ylg '21 KEESEP; $50,000 2yo '22 EASMAY). O-Black Type Thoroughbreds, Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson, Christopher Dunn and Anthony Spinazzola; B-John R. Penn (KY); T-George Weaver. $36,000. Margins: 1HF, HF, 3/4. Odds: 5.10, 29.70, 2.30. Also Ran: Mouffy, Lucky Girl (Ire), Aspen Grove (Ire), Kathmandu (Ire), Fluffy Socks, Omaha Girl, Fuente Ovejuna (GB). Scratched: Nadette (Fr). Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Dettori Makes All On Blue Point’s Raqiya In the Goldikova appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 20-1 shot Panja Tower (Jpn) (Tower Of London {Jpn}) defended his unbeaten record with a neck score in the G2 Keio Hai Nisai Stakes at Tokyo on Saturday. The Deep Creek runner won a newcomers' affair at Chukyo on Sept. 8. Away without incident, the bay drifted back through the field to sit in seventh as rail-runner Marino Tonitrus (Jpn) (Thunder Snow {Ire}), Craspedia (Jpn) (Mr Melody {Jpn}) to her outside, and Shin Forever (Complexity), three deep, battled for supremacy during the early stages and approaching the turn. On the bend, Marino Tonitrus and Shin Forever continued to slug it out with Craspedia stalking them. At the quarter pole, Panja Tower was rallying strongly up the center of the course. Just a quarter-mile from home, he continued to close relentlessly to just nail new leader Meiner Ticket (Jpn) (Danon Ballad {Jpn}) on the wire. Yankee Barows (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) closed from well off the pace to take third, 1 1/2 lengths back. Pedigree Notes Japanese first-crop sire Tower Of London, who's biggest claim to fame was a tally in the 2019 G1 Sprinters Stakes, sired his first stakes winner and group winner with Panja Tower. Seventeen of his 57 runners have won to date, with Arlington Row also third in the G3 Kokura Nisai Stakes. The first winner for his unraced dam Clarksdale (Jpn) (Victoire Pisa {Jpn}), Panja Tower is her second foal. She has a yearling filly by Declaration Of War and a weanling Pyro colt still to come. Japanese stallion and 3-year-old champion Logi Universe (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}), who won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) prior to the race receiving international Group 1 status, is a half-brother to Clarksdale. Globetrotter and multiple Group 1 winner Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), named the Japanese Champion Miler and Older Mare in 2023, is under the third dam. Saturday, Tokyo, Japan KEIO HAI NISAI STAKES-G2, ¥72,700,000, Tokyo, 11-2, 2yo, 1400mT, 1:21.20, gd. 1–PANJA TOWER (JPN), 123, c, 2, Tower of London (Jpn) 1st Dam: Clarksdale (Jpn), by Victoire Pisa (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Acoustics (Jpn), by Cape Cross (Ire) 3rd Dam: Soninke (GB), by Machiavellian 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Deep Creek; B-Champions Farm (Jpn); T-Shinsuke Hashiguchi; J-Kohei Matsuyama; ¥38,490,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, ¥45,690,000. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Meiner Ticket (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Danon Ballade (Jpn)–Entry Ticket (Jpn), by Matsurida Gogh (Jpn). O-Thoroughbred Club Ruffian; B-Big Red Farm (Jpn); ¥15,126,000. 3–Yankee Barows (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Epiphaneia (Jpn)–Candy Barows (Jpn), by Deep Impact (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Hirotsugu Inokuma; B-Tomita Farm (Jpn); ¥9,563,000. Margins: NK, 1HF, NK. Odds: 20.00, 6.80, 6.60. Also Ran: Hishi Aman (Jpn), Craspedia (Jpn), Shin Forever, Bunny Rabbit (Jpn), A Shin Wand (Jpn), Kitano Kunikara (Jpn), Endless Summer (Jpn), Marino Tonitrus (Jpn), Lemon Balm (Jpn), Kaga Babel (Jpn), Real Shot (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post First Stakes Winner For Tower Of London appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Kaikoura View the full article

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1st-BAQ , 90K, Msw, 2yo, 1m, 12:10 p.m. UNCLE HULKA (Uncle Mo), a $750,000 OBS March grad who worked in :10.2, debuts Sunday to open the closing day card at Belmont's Aqueduct meet for trainer Chad Brown and the partnership group of Spendthrift Farm, Big Easy Racing, Titletown Racing Stables, Rick Kanter, Golconda Stable, Ali Goodrich and Mark Parkinson. Bred by White Birch Farm, the colt is the second foal out of a winning Candy Ride (Arg) first dam who has already produced one winner from one to race. Making his second start is Whisper Hill Farm's Fun to Tap (Tapit), a $1.2m FTSAUG buy who came home fifth after hitting the gate in his debut going 6 1/2 furlongs over the local track Sept. 21. Todd Pletcher puts blinkers on this half-brother to MGSW/GISP Mr. Money (Goldencents). TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: $750k Uncle Mo Colt Headlines BAQ Closing Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Takingtimeoff (Curlin–Gap Year, by Bernardini), a half-sister to Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and certain Eclipse Award winner Immersive (Nyquist), has been added to Monday's Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Offered by Hunter Valley Farm, agent, in foal to Yaupon, the mare is cataloged as hip 318. The first produce for her dam, a daughter of GI Ballerina Breeders' Cup Stakes winner Dubai Escapade (Awesome Again), Takingtimeoff amassed a record of 1-2-0 from six starts for Godolphin and trainer Mike Stidham and produced a colt by Frosted in 2023 before selling to Sean S. Perl Bloodstock for $20,000 in foal to Midshipman at this year's Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale in February. The mare foaled a filly by the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Mar. 26 and subsequently visited Yaupon. The Spendthrift sire's first yearlings were warmly received at auction this year, with a colt selling for $900,000 and four other youngsters changing hands for better than $500,000. Like Nyquist, Yaupon is a son of champion and fellow Juvenile winner Uncle Mo. The Fasig-Tipton November Sale begins Monday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at the auction house's Newtown Paddocks. The post Immersive Half-Sister Added To Fasig-Tipton November Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Awesome Result, the Japan-based daughter of Justify and the third choice (4-1) in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) was scratched Nov. 2. Cherie DeVaux trainee Pipeline, slated to run in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), is also out. View the full article

Sam Agars SOARING BRONCO - R3 (11) Unlucky when racing wide last start and could be underrated here Jay Rooney MARKWIN - R5 (4) Big run on debut when held up several times but looks well placed to atone Jack Dawling MASSIVE SOVEREIGN - R7 (3) Derby winner has been trialling well and looks poised to progress this term Phillip Woo BEAUTY MISSILE - R2 (3) Is an attractive runner off his current mark and can score Shannon (Vincent Wong) MASSIVE SOVEREIGN - R7 (3) Trialled well and should be ready to run a big race in his much-anticipated return Racing Post Online GENEVA - R2 (1) Won well last start and looks to have found a winnable race again Tom Wood CHEERFUL WORLD - R4 (4) Unlucky at his last start, definitely worth following todayView the full article

What 2024 Melbourne Cup Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Tuesday, November 5, 2024 Prizemoney $8,560,000 Distance 3200m Conditions Handicap 2023 Winner Without A Fight (16) | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (56.5kg) Visit Dabble The race that stops the nation, the 2024 Melbourne Cup (3200m) is finally here. A capacity field of 24 runners will fight for the $8,560,000 on offer in the marquee race on the Australian horse racing calendar. Top horse racing bookmakers have opened with joint favourites for the 2024 Melbourne Cup, with Vauban and Buckaroo holding a +500 quote post barrier draw. Last-start Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator (+700) and Bendigo Cup victor Sea King (+850) are the only other runners at a single-figure quote. Outside of those top four, upwards of +900 is available for runners like Absurde (+900), Zardozi (+1300) and Land Legend (+1800) with all other runners at +1900 and longer. The 2024 Melbourne Cup is set to jump at 3pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 5. Keep reading for our full runner-by-runner preview of the 2024 Melbourne Cup. Vauban T: Willie Mullins J: William Buick Age: 7YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galiway (GB) Dam: Waldfest (GB) Vauban 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +500 Place: +130 Best odds at Playup 1. Vauban (11) 7yo G | T: Willie Mullins | J: William Buick (55.5kg) Willie Mullins brings 2023 Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban back for another crack at the great race, and following a rough showing 12 months prior, could it be a second time lucky for the European gun? Since his run in last year’s Cup, the son of Galiway has hardly run a poor race back home and has chased home superstar stayers Kyprios in two of his last four starts. He was last seen finishing second, beaten 2.3 lengths behind Kyprios in Group 1 company, which stands out like a sore thumb here. He only carries 0.5kg more than last year and from barrier 11, look for William Buick to have him settled midfield with cover throughout. He would prefer a Soft track, but on class alone, he is a deserving favourite and will be hard to beat. Buckaroo T: Chris Waller J: Joao Moreira (54.5kg) Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Roheryn (IRE) Buckaroo 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +700 Place: +180 Best odds at Picklebet 2. Buckaroo (21) 6yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Joao Moreira (54.5kg) Buckaroo brings obviously the best form to the Melbourne Cup in terms of the local brigade, but the real question will be whether he can see out the two miles? He answered the queries around his ability to see out the 2400m when running on strongly to finish second behind Duke De Sessa in the Caulfield Cup. His chances were dealt a massive blow on Saturday though when drawing barrier 21, so ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira will need to be at his best to make sure he isn’t too far back in the field and forced to sustain a long sprint. Because of that, he is one of the easiest Melbourne Cup favourites in recent times to take on, in fact, a top-four finish looks unlikely. Circle Of Fire T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Fiery Sunset (GB) Circle Of Fire 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +4000 Place: +1000 Best odds at Neds 3. Circle Of Fire (24) 5yo Horse | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (54.5kg) Circle Of Fire could be poised to strike in this year’s Melbourne Cup. The Ciaron Maher-trained stayer won the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) fourth-up into his autumn campaign early this year and comes to this fourth-up some seven months later. He was arguably going better back then than what he is at the moment, but his proven ability to stay the trip cannot be underestimated in a field like this. Barrier 24 is offset by his want to settle towards the rear of the field, but Mark Zahra will need a back to follow into the race approaching the 800m mark. If the pair are afforded that luxury, you could do worse than to have something each-way at the +900 quote with Playup. Warp Speed (3) T: Noboru Takagi J: Akira Sugawara Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Drefong (USA) Dam: Deep Love (JPN) Warp Speed 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +2600 Place: +650 Best odds at Neds 4. Warp Speed (3) 6yo H | T: Noboru Takagi | J: Akira Sugawara (54.5kg) The sole Japanese runner in the race, Warp Speed, will appreciate getting back on top of the ground after seemingly struggling on a softer surface in the Caulfield Cup. He has been aimed at the Melbourne Cup for some time, and Noboru Takagi and his stable will have him raring to go on the first Tuesday in November. He draws barrier three and will gain a cosy run in transit, but it all depends whether he can compete with some of the more fancied runners here and there is doubts. Kovalica T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane (53.5kg) Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Vitesse (NZ) Kovalica 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1600 Place: +400 Best odds at Bet365 5. Kovalica (17) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (53.5kg) Chris Waller opts to put the blinkers on 2023 Queensland Derby winner Kovalica and they should be the ideal gear change for him. Since his win in the Derby of May last year, the son of Ocean Park has yet to find his way into the winners stall since. He hardly runs a bad race, and his closing sectionals in the Cox Plate when well-beaten and everything else he has shown suggests he will see out the 3200m. He has become a bit of a non-winner and he will be hitting the line strongly, so perhaps throw him in a trifecta or first-four bet. Sharp ‘N’ Smart T: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson J:Michael Dee Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Redwood (GB) Dam: Queen Margaret (NZ) Sharp ‘N’ Smart 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +7000 Place: +1750 Best odds at Neds 6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (15) 5yo G | T: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson | J: Michael Dee (53.5kg) Sharp ‘N’ Smart is a ridiculous price with horse betting sites. The Graeme & Deborah Rogerson-trained Kiwi has had plenty of excuses this campaign, but can turn it all around at a +7000 quote on Tuesday. He struggles on wet ground, which is what he faced at his first three runs this campaign, before finding the bright lights at Moonee Valley a bit too much in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. It could all be coming together nicely at Flemington. A NZ Derby winner at three over 2400m, he seemingly will get the trip and has the ability to settle closer to the speed than some. He may not win necessarily, but a top five or six bet with certain bookmakers could be the play at the right price. Just Fine T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Jye McNeil Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Bint Almatar Just Fine 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Unibet 7. Just Fine (13) 7yo G | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Jye McNeil (53kg) Just Fine booked his spot in the Melbourne Cup when running his rivals off their feet in The Bart Cummings (2520m) two runs ago when just hanging on and will look to do lead from the outset once again. He then backed it up with a stinker in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup when failing to beat a runner home. He is proven at 2400m and did win at 2520m two starts back, but the 3200m against some top-class stayers looks a stretch too far for Just Fine in the 2024 Melbourne Cup. Land Legend T: Chris Waller J: Zac Purton (53kg) Age: 5YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Landikusic (IRE) Land Legend 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1200 Place: +300 Best odds at Bet365 8. Land Legend (18) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Zac Purton (53kg) Land Legend was victorious in the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap two runs back and backed it up with a third-place finish in the Caulfield Cup last time out. He simply never settled when racing along the rail with Zac Purton forced to come off the rail 900m to give him the clear air he desired. He should race much nicer on Tuesday having drawn barrier 18, and should have clear air whenever he pleases. Despite needing to make up five-lengths on Buckaroo, he looks more likely to see out the two miles, and is another who can be in the finish. Absurde T: Willie Mullins J: Kerrin McEvoy Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Incroyable (USA) Win: +1600 Place: +400 Best odds at Dabble 9. Absurde (7) 7yo G | T: Willie Mullins | J: Kerrin McEvoy (52.5kg) The second of Willie Mullins’ pair, Absurde, also returns to Flemington chasing Melbourne Cup glory. The seven-year-old son of Fastnet Rock has been racing inconsistently in the UK with a win over the hurdles back in March and a win in Listed company on August 31 his best efforts. In between those runs came a 31-length defeat to Grosvenor Square who was expected to be hard to beat if he came to Flemington. There isn’t much star power in this year’s Cup field, so a forward showing is expected, and despite being a +900 fancy, he is another punter should be looking to take on. Athabascan T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd (52kg) Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Alzubra (GB) Athabascan 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Bet365 10. Athabascan (2) 6yo G | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Zac Lloyd (52kg) Athabascan has eight lengths he needs to make up on the like of Land Legend and Zardozi from when they clashed in The Metropolitan two starts back and despite winning at Group 3 level last time out, the +4000 is far too short a quote for such an inconsistent runner. Knight’s Choice (6) T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon J: Robbie Dolan Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Extreme Choice Dam: Midnight Pearl Knight’s Choice 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2000 Best odds at Bet365 11. Knight’s Choice (6) 5yo G | T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon | J: Robbie Dolan (51.5kg) Knight’s Choice is +15000 for a reason. He has struggled massively throughout his four starts in Melbourne this time in and will be lucky to be beat a runner home in this year’s Melbourne Cup. Okita Soushi T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Kah Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Amicus More Felons 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1600 Place: +400 Best odds at Bet365 12. Okita Soushi (10) 7yo H | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jamie Kah (51kg) Last-start Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Okita Soushi beat a handful of his rivals when they last clashed and has to be respected on that fact alone. However, a deeper dive will see he gained every favour in running that night and was aided by a gun ride from Billy Egan. He will likely roll forward under Jamie Kah and will look to settle alongside Just Fine on just off him. The 3200m might see him out if forced to do all the chasing, but a top-four finish wouldn’t shock entirely. Onesmoothoperator T: Brian Ellison J: Craig Williams (51kg) Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dialed In (USA) Dam: Sueno D’oro Onesmoothoperator 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +550 Place: +140 Best odds at Picklebet 13. Onesmoothoperator (12) 7yo Gelding | T: Brian Ellison | J: Craig Williams (51kg) Onesmoothoperator was utterly dominant in his Australian debut when saluting in the Group 3 Geelong Cup on October 23. The seven-year-old gelding was forced to sustain a long run and did so with ease going on to win by 2.3 despite pulling up lame post-race. With that in mind and a cut heel almost derailing his Melbourne Cup hopes, Onesmoothoperator could be a bit vulnerable on Tuesday. Having said that, if he produces anything close to what he put forward at Geelong, then the 3200m should not be an issue and his turn of foot will take him a long way in this year’s Melbourne Cup. Zardozi (4) T: James Cummings J: Andrea Atzeni Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) Zardozi 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1400 Place: +380 Best odds at Dabble 14. Zardozi (4) 4yo M | T: James Cummings | J: Andrea Atzeni (51kg) Our on top selection for the 2024 Melbourne Cup is Zardozi. The James Cummings-trained mare should have won the Metropolitan three runs back when nosed out of it by Land Legend, and then had plenty of excuses when finishing fourth in the Caulfield Cup. She seemingly didn’t handle Caulfield and copped an almighty bump just as she building through her gears. James Cummings has undertaken his grandfather Bart’s theory in racing Zardozi on a three-day backup after an eye-catching run in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). She will be rock-hard fit and Sydney Cup-winning hoop Andrea Atzeni sticking on board will be given every chance in running from a midfield spot from barrier four. If Zardozi brings her best, she is the one to beat. Sea King T: Harry Eustace J: Hollie Doyle (50kg) Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Pamona (IRE) Sea King 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +800 Place: +200 Best odds at Boombet 15. Sea King (1) 6yo G | T: Harry Eustace | J: Hollie Doyle (50.5kg) Sea King could not have been anymore impressive when saluting in the Bendigo Cup and on the six-day backup cannot be dismissed in the Melbourne Cup. Harry Eustace has had this race pencilled in a long way out for this son of Sea The Stars and the ease of which he disposed of a strong Bendigo Cup field has him right in the mix on Tuesday. Barrier one is a slight concern considering how keen he was underneath runners on his Australian debut, but if Hollie Doyle can have him one off the rail as they leave the home straight, Sea King will be in this for a long way. Valiant King T: Chris Waller J: Craig Newitt Age: 5YO Color: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Assembly Valiant King 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Bet365 16. Valiant King (22) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Craig Newitt (50.5kg) Valiant King simply is not going good enough this campaign to be featured in the finish on Tuesday. He finished 16/16 first-up defeated 13.8 lengths, finished seven lengths off Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes and finished midfield beaten 13.2 lengths in a Caulfield Cup. Group 1 company over 3200m hardly looks like his recipe for success. Fancy Man T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Ron Stewart Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride Of Dubai Dam: Fancy (IRE) Fancy Man 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2500 Best odds at Neds 17. Fancy Man (19) 7yo G | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Ron Stewart (50kg) Fancy Man is another at a big price who is set to struggle on Tuesday. The seven-year-old gelding was defeated 9.7 lengths in the Caulfield Cup when given every chance from a low draw. He draws out wide in barrier 19 and risks being caught three wide the trip. Expect a bigger price than +8000 to be bet on Tuesday. Interpretation T: Ciaron Maher J: Teo Nugent Age: 7YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Daldiyna (FR) Interpretation 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +1000 Place: +250 Best odds at Picklebet 18. Interpretation (14) 7yo G | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Teo Nugent (50kg) Back for his third crack at the Melbourne Cup, Interpretation is arguably going as well as ever. He hit the line powerfully in The Bart Cummings and backed it up with a similar performance in the Geelong Cup to suggest he is ready for the two-mile trip once more. Teo Nugent will likely need a touch of luck to find some cover from barrier 14 and attempt to find a midfield spot, because the son of Galileo only has a short sharp sprint. If he can gain a tow into the race, the +1600 looks a juicy price, but if he has to sustain a long run, others will prove strong late in the piece. Manzoice (8) T: Chris Waller J: Declan Bates Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Choice (NZ) Manzoice 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +6000 Place: +1300 Best odds at Dabble 19. Manzoice (8) 5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Declan Bates (50kg) Much like his stablemate Kovalica, the Chris Waller-trained Manzoice has found winning hard in recent times. The five-year-old has not won since his 2022 VRC Derby win and has struggled in similar company to this field. He needs to overturn a 4.7 length defeat in The Bart Cummings and a 3.6 length defeat in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, and despite being in the right barn, it is still to big of an ask. Mostly Cloudy (16) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Karis Teetan Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Harzand (IRE) Dam: Clarinda (FR) Mostly Cloudy 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2000 Best odds at Picklebet 20. Mostly Cloudy (16) 6yo G | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Karis Teetan (50kg) Mostly Cloudy hardly runs a poor race, but that is exactly what he put forward in The Bart Cummings when finding a truly run 2520m a bit too hard. This is likely going to be a stronger test and despite just 50kg on his back, Mostly Cloudy will be gasping for air a long way out. Positivity (20) T: Andrew Forsman J: Winona Costin Age: 4YO Color: Bay/Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Pussy O’Reilly (NZ) Positivity 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +10000 Place: +2000 Best odds at Boombet 21. Positivity (20) 4yo M | T: Andrew Forsman | J: Winona Costin (50kg) Since stepping up past 2000m, the Andrew Forsman-trained Positivity has struggled to have much of an impact. She showed some good signs when chasing home Just Fine in the Bart Cummings, but was beaten a long way when disappointing in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on October 25. A sharp form reversal is required, so the +10000 on offer looks about right. Saint George (9) T: Ciaron Maher J: Tyler Schiller Age: 5YO Color: Grey Sex: Horse Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Lady Dragon (IRE) Saint George 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +3000 Place: +750 Best odds at Neds 22. Saint George (9) 5yo H | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Tyler Schiller (50kg) Saint George has continually put in eye-catching performances in his four runs this campaign, and despite not winning, cannot be discounted in the 2024 Melbourne Cup. The five-year-old trainer by Ciaron Maher was hitting the line as well as anything in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and seemingly would have finished closer if it wasn’t his first look at the track. He returns to Flemington, albeit the track he put in his worst performance at this campaign, but the step up to 3200m at this stage of his prep looks perfect. Tyler Schiller will have him settled midfield with cover and if he can replicate his finish from last time out, he is certainly a trifecta hope at a big price. The Map T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray J: Rachel King Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Alpine Eagle Dam: This Moment The Map 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +5000 Place: +1250 Best odds at Boombet 23. The Map (23) 6yo M | T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray | J: Rachel King (50kg) When The Map booked her ticket into the Cup when winning the Ramsden Stakes earlier in the year, the world was her oyster. However, the six-year-old mare has hardly caught fire in four runs this campaign and was well held when beaten five-lengths in the Geelong Cup by Onesmoothoperator. Barrier 23 is far from ideal as well, and it would be a surprise if The Map started shorter than the +4000 she opened at post barrier draw. Trust In You T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley J: Mark Du Plessis (51kg) Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sweynesse Dam: Shinko Bay Trust In You 2024 Melbourne Cup Odds Win: +20000 Place: +5000 Best odds at Unibet 24. Trust In You (5) 6yo G | T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley | J: Mark Du Plessis (50kg) Despite an eye-catching run in the Metropolitan two runs back, Trust In You is a deserved rank outsider in the Melbourne Cup. He finished 2.4-lengths off Athabascan last time out and simply needs everything to go his way if he is to be fighting out for even a top 10 finish. Melbourne Cup 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 14 ZARDOZI 1 VAUBAN 3 CIRCLE OF FIRE 6 SHARP ‘N’ SMART $100 betting strategy $100 win Politely Dun (#17) @ +1500 with Neds Horse racing tips View the full article

Irish raiders dominated the turf races at the Breeders' Cup on Friday and on Saturday morning it was the turn of William Haggas to strike for England with a “mind-boggling” win in Sydney's $10 million Golden Eagle with Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never). Fellow European challenger Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) was half a length back in second for Jerome Reynier and Nurlan Bizakov after making the running. Owned by Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, Lake Forest continued a phenomenal run of success for the Newmarket trainer with his Australian raiders, Addeybb (Ire) having won three Group 1 races there in 2020 and 2021 followed by the victories of Dubai Honour (Ire) in last year's G1 Ranvet Stakes and G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Haggas has now notched 10 wins in Australia from 22 starts. “That was great, absolutely amazing. We love our little raids,” said Haggas after watching the Rosehill action from Italy. Dropped out early by Cieren Fallon, Lake Forest was toward the rear of the 20-runner field for much of the race before launching an audacious run down the rail to claim victory within a few strides of the line. “It was mind-boggling,” Haggas said. “We've never sent a three-year-old [to Australia] before, so for me that was an experiment, to see how he could cope with it. But we hope that he can come back and be a nice horse next year in England. He'll wait there for 10 days and then come home.” The winner of the G2 Gimcrack Stakes last year, Lake Forest was bred at Newsells Park Stud by John and Tanya Gunther under the banner of Sahara Group Holdings. The colt took second in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June and was also runner-up in the G3 Hackwood Stakes before his trip to Australia. His victory provided a first major international success for Fallon, though it was bittersweet as the jockey was later handed a month's suspension and record $10,000 ban for careless riding for allowing Lake Forest to drift left into Lazzat. The latter's rider Antonio Orani was also suspended for a month and fined $30,000 for causing interference to fifth-placed Stefi Magnetica (Aus). Haggas said that Fallon plans to appeal the punishment. “The French weren't very pleased because we crossed him at the end but it was all over,” Haggas said. “To beat Lazzat was a pretty impressive effort, I thought, because he's a [G1] Maurice de Gheest winner.” He added, “From a publicity point of view it's all about the Breeders' Cup today but what this horse has achieved is fantastic.” The post ‘It Was Mind-Boggling’: Haggas Hails Lake Forest’s A$10m Golden Eagle Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Melbourne Cup is set to be a thrilling contest, with a field of 24 top-class stayers ready to tackle the iconic two-mile journey at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday November 5. Chris Waller Dominates the Field Trainer Chris Waller has a strong hand in this year’s race, with five runners in the official Group […] The post 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Field, Barriers & Betting Update appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The all-important 2024 Melbourne Cup (3200m) barrier draw has been revealed on Saturday evening at Flemington Racecourse, with a capacity field of 24 set to line up in the race that stops the nation. Australia’s greatest race is set to be run and won at 3pm on Tuesday afternoon, and the Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo may have it all to do after drawing out in barrier 21. Despite the awkward draw, Marantelli Bet haven’t hesitated to install the six-year-old as the $5.50 favourite with for the event, with plenty of early money keeping Buckaroo solid in the market. The ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira is set to take the reins aboard the son of Fastnet Rock and will need to lug 54.5kg to victory after finishing runner-up in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup on October 19. The first of two Willie Mullin-trained gallopers Vauban will need to lug the top-weight of 55.5kg to victory in this year’s edition after coming up short 12 months ago, however, will be aided by barrier 11 and William Buick in the saddle. Kerrin McEvoy is booked to ride stable companion Absurde and has firmed into $10.00 after drawing barrier seven. Fellow European imports Onesmoothoperator ($8.00) and Sea King ($9.00) should get lovely runs in transit after drawing gates 12 and one respectively, with the pair sure to have plenty of admirers having tasted victory on Australian shores heading into Tuesday. Craig Williams is booked to maintain his association with Onesmoothoperator, while Hollie Doyle will make the trip down under to partner Sea King. Hong Kong-based hoop Zac Purton will return to Australia to partner Land Legend ($15.00) from barrier 18, while Teo Nugent will be legged aboard Interpretation ($15.00) to disengaged from stall 14. There should be a genuine tempo in this year’s Cup, with the likes of Just Fine ($34.00) and Okita Soushi ($23.00) likely to be roused along in the early stages. Meanwhile, The Map ($41.00) and Circle Of Fire (34.00) could have it all to do drawn out in the car park. The chances don’t end there, and with so many different form-lines to dissect, this may be one of the most wide-open Melbourne Cup’s in recent years with plenty of value available in Melbourne Cup betting markets with Playup. The Melbourne Cup is scheduled to get underway at 3pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 5. 2024 Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw 1. Vauban (11) T: Willie Mullins J: William Buick W: 55.5kg F: 21342 Age: 7YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galiway (GB) Dam: Waldfest (GB) +500 +125 2. Buckaroo (21) T: Chris Waller J: Joao Moreira W: 54.5kg F: 22118 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Roheryn (IRE) +400 +100 3. Circle Of Fire (24) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 54.5kg F: 098×1 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Fiery Sunset (GB) +3300 +750 4. Warp Speed (3) T: Noboru Takagi J: Akira Sugawara W: 54.5kg F: 0x523 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Drefong (USA) Dam: Deep Love (JPN) +4000 +900 5. Kovalica (17) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 53.5kg F: 6243x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Vitesse (NZ) +2500 +600 6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (15) T: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson J: Michael Dee W: 53.5kg F: 3020x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Redwood (GB) Dam: Queen Margaret (NZ) +7000 +1500 7. Just Fine (13) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Jye McNeil W: 53kg F: 01050 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Bint Almatar (USA) +3300 +750 8. Land Legend (18) T: Chris Waller J: Zac Purton W: 53kg F: 3160x Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Landikusic (IRE) +2000 +500 9. Absurde (7) T: Willie Mullins J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 52.5kg F: x14x1 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Incroyable (USA) +1000 +250 10. Athabascan (2) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd W: 52kg F: 1008x Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Alzubra (GB) +4000 +900 11. Knight’s Choice (6) T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon J: Robbie Dolan W: 51.5kg F: 5009x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Extreme Choice Dam: Midnight Pearl +15000 +3300 12. Okita Soushi (10) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Kah W: 51kg F: 1208x Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Amicus +1600 +400 13. Onesmoothoperator (12) T: Brian Ellison J: Craig Williams W: 51kg F: 1471x Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dialed In (USA) Dam: Sueno D’Oro (USA) +700 +180 14. Zardozi (4) T: James Cummings J: Andrea Atzeni W: 51kg F: 54256 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) +1300 +320 15. Sea King (1) T: Harry Eustace J: Hollie Doyle W: 50.5kg F: 1×631 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Pamona (IRE) +850 +210 16. Valiant King (22) T: Chris Waller J: Craig Newitt W: 50.5kg F: 906×6 Age: 5YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Assembly (USA) +6000 +1300 17. Fancy Man (19) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Ron Stewart W: 50kg F: 635×0 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Fancy (IRE) +10000 +2000 18. Interpretation (14) T: Ciaron Maher J: Teo Nugent W: 50kg F: 26800 Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Daldiyna (FR) +1800 +450 19. Manzoice (8) T: Chris Waller J: Declan Bates W: 50kg F: 7032x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Choice (NZ) +8000 +1800 20. Mostly Cloudy (16) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Karis Teetan W: 50kg F: 044×2 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Harzand (IRE) Dam: Clarinda (FR) +2000 21. Positivity (20) T: Andrew Forsman J: Winona Costin W: 50kg F: 8712x Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Pussy O’Reilly (NZ) +10000 +2000 22. Saint George (9) T: Ciaron Maher J: Tyler Schiller W: 50kg F: 5948x Age: 5YO Colour: Grey Sex: Horse Sire: Roaring Lion (USA) Dam: Lady Dragon (IRE) +3300 +750 23. The Map (23) T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray J: Rachel King W: 50kg F: 6509x Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Alpine Eagle Dam: This Moment +2500 +600 24. Trust In You (5) T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley J: Mark Du Plessis W: 50kg F: 44036 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Sweynesse Dam: Shinko Bay (NZ) +15000 +3300 Horse racing news View the full article