Wandering Eyes

The X-Ray Files, now in its second year and presented in cooperation with the Consignors and Breeders' Association, uses conversations with buyers and sellers to contribute to the dialogue on the sales and training process. Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock has purchased top-level winners all over the world, from his native Australia, to England and the U.S. He purchased 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Obviously (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}) at the Tattersalls October sale, while 2021 GI Frank Kilroe Mile winner Hit the Road (More Than Ready) was acquired at the Keeneland September sale and Australian Group 1 winners Scales of Justice (Aus) (Not a Single Doubt {Aus}) and Tuvalu (Aus) (Kermadec {NZ}) were purchased at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. Preparing for the two-week blitz of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Rounsefell compared his experiences at yearling auctions across the globe. “I enjoy working the U.S. yearling sales, particularly Keeneland September, due to the large volume of horses offered and thus the opportunities this presents,” Rounsefell said. “The nature of this sale and the system at Keeneland is such that you are inspecting whilst the sale is going on, whereas in Australia all your inspections are complete before the sale starts. I think this may detract from the sales experience for buyers and owners in this scenario, as there is little time to entertain. Although Keeneland has first-class facilities and is always working to improve the buyers' experience.” Rounsefell also sees a difference when it comes to scoping horses at U.S. yearling sales versus their Australian counterparts. While there was a concerted push to encourage buyers at American sales to use video scopes provided in the repository some five years, it seems to remain a far more utilized technology overseas than it does in the U.S., according to Rounsefell. “In Australia, the large majority of the buying bench are happy to rely on a video scope taken on the sales grounds and lodged in the repository,” he said. “Whereas in the U.S., the vets are still individually scoping a large portion of the yearlings at the sale. This obviously presents its own issues when a horse is popular.” Rounsefell has proven it is possible to find Grade I performers without breaking the bank. He purchased Hit the Road for $160,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September sale, while Scales of Justice was acquired for just about that same price at Inglis in 2014. Hit the Road earned over $600,000 on the track, while Scales of Justice has banked well over $1.6 million. The Australian credits his bargain purchase successes with focusing on the individual in front of him, rather than the catalogue page. “We have had success in the middle market, both in Australia, U.K. and U.S. by focusing on type rather than pedigree,” Rounsefell explained. “I think particularly at a yearling sale, if you are working on a lower budget, you have to forgive in one area. All of the trainers I work with always remind me that they can only train what is on the end of the shank, so the physical is paramount. To find value, we look for stallions that are successful, but not fashionable at the time for whatever reason due to their age or commercial appeal. Similarly, it may be an unknown stallion from a mare that has thrown runners and this can also give you an opportunity to get a decent runner on a budget.” One area where it's not always possible to compromise is on the vet report, Rounsefell said. “Generally, the trainers I buy for don't compromise on their vetting, especially for places like California or Hong Kong,” he said. “Although this very much depends on where the horse will be trained as to the risk tolerance of the vetting.” Rounsefell has served as president of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents of Australia since 2020. Formed in 1988, the organization sets an ethical standard for its members to live up to. “In Australia, the FBAA aims to raise the standard for bloodstock agents,” Rounsefell said. “We have 30 accredited members who agree to be held to account by our strict and enforceable code of ethics.” A similar group in the U.S. could give buyers more confidence when entering the sales pavilion, according to Rounsefell. “I think having a Federation of Bloodstock Agents in America would be a positive step for the industry as a whole and I am somewhat surprised one has not been established,” he said. “It would increase transparency and thus confidence in the market and encourage new investment.” Transparency is also a buzzword for Rounsefell's social media presence. The Boomer Bloodstock website features a “Learn” tab which provides detailed information on everything from breeding and racing to buying and selling and insurance. “Boomer Bloodstock works with Kick Collective to produce content for social media with a large emphasis on education,” Rounsefell said. “We felt there was a lack of reliable information that is accessible for those interested in horse ownership or even for those that have been in the game for many years. So we started the learning center on the Boomer Bloodstock website, which is amplified through social media. I think by sharing your IP in the various areas of racing and breeding, it is a positive step to removing barriers to entry for horse ownership and involvement in the industry.” The post The X-Ray Files, Season 2: Craig ‘Boomer’ Rounsefell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Another year older and stronger, Anisette and Didia square off again in the Sept. 7 John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar.View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Idea Generation in the Flower Bowl Stakes, as Klaravich Stables and trainer Chad Brown earned meet titles at Saratoga on Labor Day. Dubawi Longshot Pillar To Post In The Flower Bowl Klaravich Stables and Chad Brown enjoyed a Saratoga double on Aug. 31, and Idea Generation (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) brought up the second half of that milestone when taking the GII Flower Bowl Stakes in front-running fashion (video). Bred by Epona Bloodstock at Croom House Stud, the daughter of Knocknagree (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) caught the eye of Mike Ryan on behalf of Klaravich Stables to the tune of 340,000gns during the 2021 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1. Her dam's most recent produce are colts by Too Darn Hot (GB) and New Bay (GB) born in 2023 and 2024, respectively, both sons of Dubawi. Second dam Tyrany (GB) (Machiavellia) foaled a trio of stakes winners, including sires Zoffany (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), who won the G1 Phoenix Stakes, and Wilshire Boulevard (Ire). Darley's Dubawi holds an enviable record in the U.S., with 44 winners from 86 runners (51%). Approaching a quarter-century of stakes winners with 23, he has now sired 18 graded winners with Idea Generation's success. Idea Generation (IRE) wins The Flower Bowl and is IN the @makersmark #BreedersCup Filly & Mare Turf! #BC24 pic.twitter.com/9ZhedDEvIr — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) August 31, 2024 Lope De Vega Colt Strikes Early At Saratoga Klaravich Stables' Early Adopter (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) closed to take a Saratoga affair for trainer Chad Brown on Aug. 31 (video). Bred by Luca and Sara Cumani's Fittocks Stud in partnership with Arrow Farm & Stud, the chestnut was a 170,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling when picked up by Mike Ryan for Seth Klarman's operation. The winner is out of G2 Park Hill Stakes heroine and G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes runner-up Silk Sari (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}). He is a half-brother to the dam of G1 Kennedy Oaks heroine Zardozi (Aus) (Kingman {GB}). This is the extended family of another Klaravich/Brown runner, three-time Grade I winner Program Trading (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Ballylinch Stud's Lope De Vega now has 44 winners from 79 runners (71%) in the U.S. His 10 stakes winners are anchored by Grade I winners Program Trading, Newspaperofrecord (Ire), Carl Spackler (Ire) and Aunt Pearl (Ire). Two turns on debut is no easy task, but #8 Early Adopter passed the test in R2 at Saratoga at 4/1! Chad Brown trains this 2YO colt and @jockeyfranco was in the saddle. pic.twitter.com/CsvOXhx8Fv — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 31, 2024 Nashville Derby Glory For Bellum Justum Bellum Justum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) delivered in the $2,337,160 GIII DK Horse Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs for Andrew Balding (video). He is raced by King Power Racing, whose The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) ran second in the 2023 GI Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes. Bred by Rabbah Bloodstock Limited, the 375,000gns Book 1 yearling selection by SackvilleDonald at Tattersalls won the Listed Blue Riband Trial prior to running seventh in the G1 Derby this year. He was then third in the G3 Hampton Court Stakes and second in the G3 Gordon Stakes prior to his American heroics. The second foal out of the winning Natural Beauty (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Bellum Justum is followed by a yearling colt by Mehmas (Ire). He is kin to multiple group winner Laaheb (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud third Fox Tal (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The Aga Khan Studs' Sea The Stars (Ire) has 67% winners Stateside, with 21 winners from 43 runners. A quintet of horses have struck at graded level among his 11 stakes winners in that locale, with Grade II winners Ottoman Fleet (GB) and Legend Of Time (GB) the best of the bunch. Bellum Justum lands the Grade 3 Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs for @FrankieDettori and @AndrewBalding2! pic.twitter.com/lqUMNlqYS9 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 31, 2024 Dubawi Filly Finds The Spa To Her Liking Stephanie Seymour Brant's Opulent Restraint (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) won at second asking at Saratoga for trainer Chad Brown (video). The White Birch Farm-bred is out of multiple graded winner Significant Form (Creative Cause). Peter Brant's White Birch Farm acquired the grey's dam for $575,000 out of the OBS Spring 2-Year-Old Sale, and she would go on to score in the GIII Miss Grillo Stakes, GII Ballston Spa Stakes, GIII Noble Damsel Stakes, and GIII Intercontinental Stakes, throughout her career. Opulent Restraint is kin to a yearling full-sister and a weanling half-sister by Kingman (GB). Her dam was covered by Justify later this spring. Significant Form is a half-sister to graded winner Hay Dakota (Haynesfield), while under the third dam is GII Nassau County Breeders' Cup Stakes heroine Hello Liberty (Forest Camp), second in the GI Acorn Stakes, Grade III winner Cairo Memories (Cairo Prince) and GI Blue Grass Stakes hero and young sire Zandon (Upstart). As mentioned above, Dubawi's progeny thrive in the U.S. Of his 10 Grade I winners there, Master Of The Seas (Ire), Modern Games (Ire), Yibir (GB), Rebel's Romance (Ire), Wuheida (GB), and Space Blues (Fr) have all captured at least one Breeders' Cup race. Jockey @iradortiz sweeps the first two races at Saratoga! #9 Opulent Restraint graduates today in R2 at on the card for trainer Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/ba0g6c08tt — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 1, 2024 Child Of The Moon Thrives In Allowance Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb and Louis Lazzinnaro's Child Of The Moon (Fr) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}) prevailed in Saratoga Springs on Labor Day (video). Yet another Chad Brown trainee, the 4-year-old filly was bred by Patrick Chedeville. Sold for €110,000 by Haras du Petit Tellier to Hubert Guy at the Arqana October Yearling Sale, the daughter of G3 Prix Fille de l'Air heroine Ma Preference (Fr) (American Post {GB}) is a half-sister to stakes winner and GI Flower Bowl Stakes-placed Onthemoonagain (Fr) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Racing in the colours of Ecurie Jean-Louis Tepper, she made five starts in France for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, winning her fifth start there by seven lengths. Resless Kara (Fr) (Akarad {Fr}), who shares the same third dam as Child Of The Moon, won the G1 Prix de Diane in 1988. All five of The Grey Gatsby's runners in the U.S. are winners. His pair of stakes winners include the GIII The Very One Stakes heroine Mylady (Ger) and Atomic Blonde (Ger). The last-named has placed three times at the graded level. Chad Brown is unstoppable today! CHILD OF THE MOON delivers his fifth win of the day in the 11th race with Flavien Prat in the saddle. pic.twitter.com/T0dVV43Nee — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) September 2, 2024 Belardo Runner Remains Perfect Hronis Racing's Raw Ability (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) showed just that when landing a Del Mar contest on Sept. 2 (video). Her record is now a flawless two-for-two after taking a Gowran Park affair earlier this summer for owner Kate McNamara and trainer Eric McNamara. Now trained by John Sadler, the Gary Aspell-bred filly was a €1,000 Goffs August yearling RNA before selling for £140,000 to Shawn Dugan during the Goffs London Sale. Her dam, the winning mare Que Sera Sera (GB) (Dansili {GB}), has fillies by Buratino (Ire) and Raven's Pass born in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Sire Zambezi Sun (GB), also by Dansili, won the G1 Grand Prix de Paris, while European champion sprinter Continent (GB) (Lake Coniston {Ire}) is also a far-flung member of this clan. Bearstone Stud resident Belardo has now sired seven winners from eight runners in America (87.5%). His best there are Grade I winner Gold Phoenix (see below) and multiple graded winner Bellabel (Ire). Repeat Winners: Gold Phoenix (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) made it three consecutive GII Del Mar Handicaps with a victory on Aug. 31 for Phil D'Amato (video). The 6-year-old gelding is raced by Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables and Marsha Naify. Muhaarar (GB)'s Motorious (GB) claimed the GIII Green Flash Handicap for Anthony Fanticola and trainer Phil D'Amato on the final day of August (video). He won the GIII San Simeon Stakes at Santa Anita previously in the spring of 2023. Maman Joon (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), already a winner at the Oceanport oval this year, scored by 1 3/4 lengths in the Violet Stakes at Monmouth Park on the last day of August (video). She races for Amo Racing USA and trainer Chad Brown. The post Making Waves: Klaravich And Brown Dominate Saratoga Standings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wagering on U.S. races, plus available and paid purses, all saw increases to varying degrees when compared to a year ago in August, while the number of race days and races themselves saw a slight uptick during the month, according to information released by Equibase on Thursday. Total wagering of over $1.1 billion on races during the month represented a 5.53% increase over the same period from 2023, while available purses of over $142.7 million were up by 7.38%. The figure of over $136.6 million for paid purses in August was up 8.37%. As for the total number of race days, they went from 409 to 416 (+1.71%) and the number of U.S. races was up slightly from 3,204 in August 2023 to last month's tally of 3,232 (+0.87%). Average field size in August was also up from over a year ago when it was 7.16, and checked in at an average of 7.21 runners, an increase of 0.72%. Average daily wagering increased by 3.75% to $2,807,622 and the average available purse number per race day was up 11.29% to $343,109 from the figure of $308,293 in 2023. When it comes to the year-to-date figures, through August of 2023 wagering on U.S. races came in at $8.249 billion, while this year the amount is 8.081 billion (-2.03%). Those numbers include worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races. The post August Economic Indicators, Wagering And Purses On The Rise appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British EBF is to refocus part of its National Hunt prize-money contribution to support the junior hurdle programme, it was announced on Thursday. Now in their fourth year, Junior National Hunt Hurdle races are designed to enhance the potential of young horses through earlier jumping education. Racing against their own age group, the development of the programme aims to mirror the early education options available to National Hunt trainers in Ireland and France. Open exclusively to three-year-olds from October to December and four-year-olds from January to April of the following year, Junior Hurdle runners must not have previously competed, except for running in a NH Flat or Junior 'NH' Hurdle. They carry the same status as NH Flat and point-to-point races, in that winners will not be precluded from competing in novice hurdles during the following jumps season. “We are constantly looking at the best ways to strategically support the race programme,” said Simon Sweeting, chairman of the British EBF. “With guidance from the BHA, we agreed to lend support to this relatively new initiative so it had time to gain traction with owners and trainers and give its creators [the TBA and BHA] time to assess its value to the wider National Hunt racing and breeding landscape.” Simon Cox, chairman of the TBA National Hunt Committee, added, “We are delighted that the British EBF are supporting the Junior 'NH' Hurdle races from this autumn through sponsorship. These races provide a vital education for NH-bred horses to compete against each other at the same development stage, without the burden of taking on more mature Flat-breds. “As a NH Committee, we were pleased with the interest that these races have had from the first to the second year, and as more and more stakeholders understand the concept and its benefits, we anticipate the standard to keep on improving.” The post British EBF to Support Junior Hurdle Programme appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Carrying a seven-pound penalty for his taking debut win at Newmarket last month, Wathnan Racing's Defence Minister (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}–Tears Of The Sun {GB}, by Mastercraftsman {Ire}) shrugged off the extra burden to win decisively in his six-furlong novice at Haydock on Thursday. Settled behind the leaders early by James Doyle, the 11-8 favourite surged to the front inside the final furlong for a 1 1/2-length defeat of Arabian Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). The Hamad Al Jehani trainee, who was a €210,000 Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze Up purchase, is currently the last known foal out of a daughter of the Listed Rosemary Stakes winner Perfect Star (GB) (Act One {GB}), whose leading progeny is the G3 Prestige Stakes winner Kilmah (GB) (Sepoy {Aus}). Strong form Defence Minister makes it 2-2 in what looked on paper a good little novice event @haydockraces. The winner looks a very smart juvenile @BritishEBF | @the_doyler pic.twitter.com/4UYpJbyh65 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 5, 2024 The post Wathnan Have Another Smart One As Too Darn Hot Colt Strikes Again appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, Alan Carasso takes a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Chukyo Racecourse: Saturday, September 7, 2024 4th-CKO, ¥13,720,000 ($95k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m AMERICAN STAGE (c, 2, Into Mischief–Bonita Mia, by Warrior's Reward), a half-brother to three-time Grade III-winning sprinter Super Chow (Lord Nelson) and SW Princess Indy (Lord Nelson), was a $500,000 purchase out of last year's Keeneland September Sale by Yoshizawa Stable Co. The colt's unraced dam is a half-sister to Miss Match (Arg) (Indygo Shiner), an elite-level winner in Argentina and the U.S.; and to former 'TDN Rising Star' and 2016 GI Acorn Stakes winner Carina Mia (Malibu Moon), whose most recent foal–a colt by Epiphaneia (Jpn)–made $2.3 million at this year's JRHA Select Sale in July. Argentinian champion and GI Spinster Stakes victress Miss Linda (Arg) (Southern Halo) appears under the third dam. B-Spendthrift Farm LLC (KY) CHUWA CHIEF (c, 2, Tom's d'Etat–Figure, by Overanalyze) made $60,000 as a Keeneland September yearling last fall and matured into a $190,000 OBS March breezer after working an eighth of a mile in :10 1/5. The March foal's stakes-placed dam is a half-sister to Grade III winner Ben's Duchess (Munnings) and the deeper female family includes GI Hollywood Derby winner Vergennes and MGISW turfer Nijinsky's Secret. B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY) Sunday, September 8, 2024 4th-CKO, ¥13,720,000 ($95k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200mT T O ELVIS (c, 2, Volatile–Stopshoppingdebbie, by Curlin) is the latest to the races for his dam, winner of no fewer than eight stakes races at Emerald Downs and subsequently the dam of Generous Tipper (Street Sense), third in last year's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity. The dual stakes-winning second dam Taste the Passion (Wild Again) is responsible for six winners from nine to start, including five-time Emerald stakes winner Shampoo (Gulch)–also a stakes producer–and treble black-type winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies participant Smarty Deb (Smart Strike), herself the dam of two stakes winners. B-Jeff & Melissa Prunzik (KY) The post ‘American’ Owner Yoshizawa Unveils Into Mischief Colt at Chukyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Goffs Irish Champions Sale, slated for Leopardstown during the Irish Champions Festival, has been postponed due to a lack of suitable stabling, the sales company announced on Thursday. Instead, horses will be re-routed to the second edition of the Goffs QIPCO British Champions Day Sale at Ascot on Oct. 19. Last term, Rogue Lightning (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) sold to Richard Brown on behalf of Wathnan Racing for £1 million at the latter sale. Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby said, “It became apparent this morning that we would be unable to use the racecourse stables to house the sale horses as we have done in the past, despite working proactively with Leopardstown and the IHRB. This is largely due to the expected increase in runners given the expanded racecard and the number of very welcome overseas runners. Naturally we are disappointed, however, as the only option would be to build temporary stables for the sale, we feel this is not appropriate for the quality of horses we intended to offer. “We will instead redirect those horses suitable to the Goffs QIPCO British Champions Day Sale at Ascot on 19 October. We hope to revisit the Champions Sale concept in 2025 with the benefit of this years' experience and with more time to plan for all eventualities.” The post Irish Champions Sale Postponed By Goffs Due To Lack Of Stabling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

G3 Chester Vase runner-up Agenda (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Irish Derby fifth Keeper's Heart (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) have been sold to continue their racing careers in Hong Kong, it was reported by Hong Kong Racing (@HongKong_Racing) on X on Thursday. Last seen finishing seventh in the G2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, Agenda is reportedly set to join the stable of David Hall. He follows several other horses formerly trained by Aidan O'Brien who have been recruited to the Hong Kong ranks this summer, with the others including the Listed Dee Stakes winner Capulet (Justify) and Leopardstown maiden scorer Igor Stravinsky (Ire) (No Nay Never). That pair will continue their careers in the care of Danny Shum and Tony Cruz, respectively, while G2 Dante Stakes fourth Cambridge (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and last year's G2 Gimcrack Stakes runner-up Johannes Brahms (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) have both joined Pierre Ng since leaving Ballydoyle. Earlier this year Massive Sovereign (Ire) (No Nay Never) won the Hong Kong Derby for Dennis Yip, having previously won two of his five starts for O'Brien when known as Broadhurst, while multiple Group 1 winner Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is another former Ballydoyle inmate to excel after moving to Hong Kong. Keeper's Heart was beaten around seven and a half lengths behind Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) when making his final appearance for Ger Lyons in the Irish Derby. He too is set to join Ng, along with Donnacha O'Brien's three-time winner Naval Force (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) and wide-margin Newmarket scorer Validated (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). Another high-profile import from Britain this year is the former Ed Bethell trainee Mickley (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), who will be part of John Size's team in Hong Kong after winning the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot on his final start on British soil. The post Agenda and Keeper’s Heart Join List of Hong Kong Imports from Britain and Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A $1.8 million 2-year-old, Nooni has daylighted her competition in her two starts and returns to attempt grade 1 company in the Debutante.View the full article

Godolphin's €1.25-million Arqana August graduate Silver Peak (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}–Pretty Spirit {GB}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) backed up a debut fourth at Kempton last month to shed maiden status in Thursday's Watch On Racing TV EBF Novice Stakes at Haydock. The eventual winner trailed all four rivals through halfway in the one-mile contest. Coaxed closer in the straight, the 11-8 favourite quickened to the front approaching the furlong pole and was pushed out to assert by an ultimately comfortable two lengths from Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Silver Peak, a €1.25-million Arqana August graduate, is the third of five foals and second scorer produced by a half-sister to multiple Group 1-winning sire Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). The March-foaled bay is half to a yearling colt by St Mark's Basilica (Fr) and a weanling colt by Mehmas (Ire). A work in progress 1,250,000euros Dubawi colt Silver Peak eventually sweeps to victory having still looked green early on. A horse who we'll be hearing plenty more of. @godolphin | @WilliamBuickX | @haydockraces pic.twitter.com/OaOt3kGSjg — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 5, 2024 The post Godolphin’s €1.25-Million Arqana Graduate Silver Peak Sheds Maiden Status at Haydock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

“The venture was a disaster and I fell in love with it,” Ed Seltzer said of his initial foray into racing nearly 65 years ago. Now, 90, Seltzer is in the midst of dispersing his bloodstock and an offer will be horses from families he has cultivated over six decades. On offer during Monday's first session of the Keeneland September Yearling sale will be filly by Gun Runner (hip 117) from the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment. Seltzer's involvement with the family goes back five generations. “We bought Overpowering and she was pretty old at the time, but we got one foal out of her and that was Over Your Shoulder,” Seltzer recalled. “We have had the family ever since then. It's a family that has been very rewarding.” Over Your Shoulder, in turn, produced Harbour Club (Danzig), the dam of True Legacy (GB) (A.P. Indy). True Legacy produced Verdana Bold (Rahy), who fortuitously for Seltzer, failed to sell as a weanling at the 2005 Keeneland November sale. A graded stakes winner in Seltzer's colors, she has produced a pair of stakes winners; Ghalia (Medaglia d'Oro) and graded-placed Lucrezia (Into Mischief), the dam of hip 117. “She is a lovely individual,” Seltzer's daughter, farm manager and veterinarian Krista said of the yearling. “She is very balanced. She reminds me a lot of her mom. She is feminine, but a decent size. I really like her.” “But ask my dad about her,” Krista insisted. “He's better at looking at horses than he thinks.” Seltzer's response? “She's wrong,” he said with a laugh. “The same horse walked by me twice and I didn't realize it was the same horse. I can't look at a horse. I've never been able to.” But from the time he bought a small piece of a horse when he was in his 20s, Seltzer has been in love with the game. “I had never been to a horse race, I'd never been around horses and I didn't know anything about it,” Seltzer explained. “But I bought an eighth of a horse in a card game. A guy that I was close to bought a quarter, I think. I was young and I didn't have any money. We grew up poorer and I went to school on an athletic scholarship, so I could throw a ball a little bit. But anyway, at the end of the day, as you go along, you start out with claiming horses, and find horses that you love and you get lucky every now and then. Pretty soon, you start breeding and racing and it's grown from there. I have been very, very lucky and it's grown beautifully for me. From claiming horses, to allowance horses, to stakes horses. We haven't bought a horse in 20 years because we've been breeding our own. We've won a lot of races.” While Seltzer studied up on his pedigrees, his daughter always knew her love of horses would be a more hands-on endeavor. “I was born in Chicago, we lived in downtown Chicago,” she recalled. “For my second birthday, all I wanted was a horse and my dad took me for a pony ride in downtown Chicago. Tthat was my horse for my second birthday–it really wasn't, but I was in this little pink dress with the biggest smile on my face. I've always loved horses. And then when I was eight or nine, all I wanted to be was a veterinarian. I used to ask my brother, 'Can you just bring me some ripped stuffed animals and I will be the doctor?' and he would play along and I would sew them up.” For father, the joy he feels at being able to work with his daughter is palpable. “A lot of people think if your daughter works for you, they can't get a job doing anything else,” he said with a chuckle. “I lost a son and I lost my wife years ago, so we have gone through life with a lot of grief. My daughter went to vet school and wound up at Davis and she was offered a good partnership in California. You don't like to say anything and you don't like your children to do what you want them to do or to be where you want them to be. You don't want them to think you are lonely, so I didn't say anything. But one day she called me and told me she didn't want to be that far away from me. 'I want to come home.' It's been the most wonderful time of my life.” Father and daughter form a complementary team. “I'm hands on,” Krista said. “My dad is brilliant with the business and with racing, and reading a Racing Form. He started out in claiming, but I would venture to guess he may not even know how to put a halter on. He was never hands on. But brilliant with the rest of it. But for me, I always loved the horses. And then I am just lucky in a sense, because I ended up by osmosis really falling in love with the industry.” Another obviously valued member of the team is trainer Curtis Garrison, who they brought on board after buying Solera Farm in Williston, Florida in 2005. “After we bought the farm, we wound up hiring Curtis,” Seltzer said. “He is one of the two best day's work I've ever done in my life. He is irreplaceable. It's not only his training and his ability to do what he does, but he looks after everything and he takes care of my daughter and the farm and me. For the rest of his life, he will be with me, no matter what.” Among the horses Seltzer has bred in his six decades in the racing industry is 1985 GI Preakness Stakes winner Tank's Prospect (Mr. Prospector), as well as graded winners Surgical Strike (Red Giant), Sky Treasure (Sky Mesa), Sparkling Review (Lemon Drop Kid) and Customer Base (Lemon Drop Kid). He also campaigned multiple graded winner Field Commission (Service Stripe). But asked for a favorite, Seltzer names a former claimer from his early days in the racing business. “I remember I claimed a horse in 1964–something like that–a horse called Going Abroad,” Seltzer said. “I claimed him for $10,000 and he wound up winning the Arlington Handicap and a whole bunch of stakes. It was an unbelievable experience for me.” He continued, “I look at all the photographs on my wall and I go all the way back, so many years and so many pictures. It's hard to pick one over the other. You look at your wall and you're just happy with where you are.” Seltzer began dispersing his stock at the OBS June sale to dissolve a partnership. The dispersal continues at Keeneland this month and at the breeding stock sales in November, which will include Lucrezia, in foal to Curlin, as well as her weanling colt by Flightline. Lucrezia | SV Photography “We are dispersing our entire horse operation, as you know,” he said. “Not because we want to, but because of some circumstances that have come up. Hopefully, my daughter and a couple of good friends of mine will buy some of these horses. But it's time for us to cut back anyway. Curtis is getting older and so am I. I am 90. A lot of the babies and a lot of the families that we built will go on for years, but I won't. I doubt that I will live to be 110.” But Seltzer doesn't sound like someone ready to sit at home and rest on his laurels. “We have a tremendous amount of money coming in in the next three or four years,” he said. “We have to reinvest it and I want to do it in this area that I live in. When I came here, the farm was the first thing I ever bought in my life that I didn't expect to be worth more money later. I loved it and I wanted to be involved and it was beautiful. And it turns out this whole area, Ocala, Williston, is growing like a weed. It's unbelievable. So we happen to be in a great place to reinvest the money we have coming in. I have a great guy, Evan Pitts, with me to help me do it and we are going to look for things to do in this area, not only because it's a prolific area that is growing, but it's nice to have it here and my daughter is here and can enjoy seeing the investments we make. It will be in this area, but not necessarily in the horse business.” Of his time in the racing industry, Seltzer said, “It's been a lovely relationship. I have been in this for about 64 years and I've loved every minute of it.” The post Gun Runner Filly Marks End of an Era for Seltzer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John 'Shark' Hanlon, the trainer of last year's popular G1 King George VI Chase winner Hewick (Ire) (Virtual {GB}), has had his licence withdrawn for a period of 10 months and received a fine of €2,000 for “acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct, or good reputation of the sport”, it was announced by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Thursday. The IHRB is said to have initiated an investigation on Sunday, June 16 after images appeared on social media which showed the carcass of a deceased horse being transported on an open trailer drawn by a horsebox belonging to Hanlon. “Although there had been some attempts by Mr Hanlon to conceal the carcass from public view by covering it with a tarpaulin prior to departure from the paddock, these had failed completely by the time the box and trailer combination reached Paulstown, County Kilkenny at around 5pm, such that the carcass was completely uncovered and fully visible to members of the public,” said the IHRB in a press release following a meeting of its Referrals Committee on Friday, August 30. “Having considered the evidence and the admissions by Mr Hanlon, the Committee was satisfied that the IHRB had established that Mr Hanlon was in breach of Rule 272(i), by reason of the fact that he transported a deceased animal through Paulstown in a completely uncovered state, using a highly identifiable horsebox, which caused significant prejudice to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of the sport of horse-racing. “The Committee was satisfied that the prejudice caused by the conduct of Mr Hanlon was compounded by the wide dissemination on various social media platforms of the recording of these events, and the ensuing adverse reaction and commentary.” Of the punishment handed out to Hanlon, the ruling read, “Having duly considered these matters, the Committee concluded that Mr Hanlon was grossly negligent in the supervision of the transport of the horse carcass on the day in question, and that the breach of Rule 272(i) therefore involved high culpability on his part. “In relation to the breach of Rule 272(i), the Committee identified a headline sanction of 10 months withdrawal of Mr Hanlon's licence to train, together with a fine of €2,000. The fine was levied at a significantly lower level than that advocated by the IHRB, in anticipation of the financial and other consequences for Mr Hanlon of the primary sanction of withdrawal of his licence.” However, following admissions from Hanlon on the morning of the hearing “regarding his conduct and the consequences thereof”, plus an unannounced inspection of his yard that showed no welfare issues and no relevant previous rule breaches, the Committee left the door open to later halving his suspension. The ruling stated, “The Committee is disposed to consider a future application to conditionally suspend the last five months of the 10 month withdrawal sanction. The possible partial suspension of such a sanction to reflect mitigating factors is consistent with the previous approach of this Committee.” The post Hewick Trainer Shark Hanlon Banned from Having a Licence for 10 Months appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

AmWest Entertainment LLC, the operator of AmWager.com, has received a license from the California Horse Racing Board and is now available to Golden State residents, the betting platform said in a release early Thursday. Horseplayers in California who are 21 years and older can now place wagers on over 450 U.S. and international tracks through AmWager's interface, which brings the number of states that the site is available in to 31. “Expanding into California is a significant milestone for AmWager, and we are excited to bring our premier wagering platform to this major horse racing market,” said William Alempijevic, Chief Operating Officer of AmWest Entertainment LLC. “We appreciate our longstanding customers and look forward to introducing horseplayers from California to our platform.” The post AmWager Now Available In California appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer racing season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings, which attract its fair share of high-priced offspring from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, with links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Friday's program at Del Mar: Friday, September 6, 2024 Del Mar 3, $75k, 2yo, f, 1mT, 7:00 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Ce La Vi Charli (Classic Empire), OBSAPR, 40,000, :10 1/5 C-Grade One Investments, agent; B-George Papaprodromou, agent Resolve (Midnight Lute), OBSMAR, 250,000, :10 1/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (Ciaran Dunne), agent; B-CA Racing Partners, Joe Ciaglia Jr, Zap/Murphy, agents The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: September 6, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Flamin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) was scratched from a race at Cranbourne for a contest in Adelaide.The younger brother of Group 1 winner Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) is bound for Adelaide in search of his first city victory. Flamin’ Romans runs in the Sportsbet Handicap (1950m) on the Morphettville Parks tracks on Saturday, his third try at success on a city course. Like his brother Smokin’ Romans, Flamin’ Romans has been a slow developer. Smokin’ Romans won his first two starts on the Ballarat synthetic track and it took until start 13 for the gelding to gain a win in town. But that got Smokin’ Romans on a roll, going on to run second in the Bendigo Cup in 2021 and following it up with a win in the Pakenham Cup, with better to come the following year with victory in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. Smokin’ Romans was then afforded the opportunity to run in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in 2022, finishing seventh in both races. A five-year-old, Flamin’ Romans has been taken along quietly by the Ciaron Maher stable and will be lining up for his eighth start on Saturday. He was successful in a Bendigo maiden at start number two and second-up this preparation took out a 1741m race at Geelong. Most recently, Flamin’ Romans finished third over 2040m at Moonee Valley on August 10. Flamin’ Romans is prepared from Maher’s Ballarat stable, and assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the gelding found the Moonee Valley circuit against him last time out. The gelding was scratched from Cranbourne on Thursday after drawing wide in gate 17. “He’s a progressive stayer that wants a bigger track, so the track over there should suit him,” Turnbull said. “The Moonee Valley run was good, but it was possibly the wrong track in hindsight. “He was back and chasing and had to come around horses. He’s a big-framed horse and just got out of sorts and didn’t corner as well as we would have liked. “There was a lot of merit in the run, and at a track like Sandown, Bendigo, Geelong, he’d be able to level up. “He had a back-straight gallop on the grass up at Ballarat to prime him for this race. “The work was good, he pulled-up fine, so he’s ready to and providing he travels over fine, I’m sure he’ll run well.” View the full article

2023 Blue Diamond winner Little Brose (NZ) (Per Incanto) has been retired due to a tendon injury, with news on a stud deal still to come. The son of Per Incanto was trained by Ben, Will and J.D. Hayes and won Victoria’s premiere juvenile contest before a consistent but winless three-year-old campaign. A shift to David Hayes’ Hong Kong base followed, where he debuted with an eighth placing at G1 level and then ran a respectable second down in class. However, disaster followed before he could get to the races again, as the entire bowed his tendon in his first trial of the campaign back in June. Hayes and owners Peter Young Wai-po and David Young Yuk-chuen have taken the last two months taken to consider his future, but HKJC commentator Tom Wood reported on Wednesday that Little Brose’s retirement had been confirmed. The injury was a devastating blow for Hayes, who said the galloper had been in superb shape going into the trial. “He’s bowed his tendon and there’s never a good bowed tendon, is there?” Hayes told the South China Morning Post after the injury was sustained. “I’ll be having a meeting with the owners next week when that final scan comes through and we’ll make a decision on his future. “Before the trial, I was standing there at Conghua and said to my staff ‘this is a trophy horse for next season’. Ten minutes later, he was on a horse ambulance.” Bred by David Wallace, Little Brose is by Little Avondale’s high-class sire Per Incanto and out of the American stakes-winning mare Mohegan Sky and is the fourth winner from six foals. View the full article

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) heads a field of 16 sprinters confirmed for Saturday's G1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Rested since his fifth as favourite for the G1 July Cup, the Kevin Ryan-trained homebred returns to the scene of his success in the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes in May with regular rider Tom Eaves retaining the ride. “Inisherin is in great form,” his trainer said this week. “We've had an uninterrupted preparation and all his work has gone to plan when we wanted it to. He is very fresh and well. Knowing the horse, we haven't had a concern with him in any of his work and I'm confident we are in the right place. There is a fair chance he'll put some of the pace to the race anyway. The good thing about him is that he can go on or take a lead.” Also representing the owner-breeder is the Karl Burke-trained G3 Hackwood Stakes winner Elite Status (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), with Burke also saddling the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and July Cup runner-up Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}). The three-strong Irish contingent includes Amo Racing's G1 Phoenix Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Bronsan Racing's G3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes scorer Givemethebeatboys (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}). The post Inisherin Faces 15 In Haydock Sprint Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Crocetti will contest the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Newly turned four-year-olds have a proud record of making early spring statements in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) in recent years, and one of New Zealand’s most exciting racehorses is poised to follow suit at Hastings on Saturday. Crocetti heads into the season-opening Group One feature with eight wins and a second to his name from just nine career starts, and horse racing bookmakers have him a $2.10 favourite to add the Tarzino to his outstanding record. He will attempt to become the 11th four-year-old to win the Tarzino in the last 20 years, following on from Starcraft (2004), Xcellent (2005), Seachange (2006), Keep The Peace (2010), Ocean Park (2012), Survived (2013), Melody Belle (2018), Callsign Mav (2020), Dark Destroyer (2022) and Skew Wiff (2023). Crocetti soared to prominence around this time last year, winning the first two starts of his three-year-old season by a combined margin of nine lengths, including the Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka. The Zacinto gelding went on to add the Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m), the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), then suffered the only defeat of his career to date when he ran a gallant second in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in February. Crocetti returned to Ruakaka for a resuming run over 1100m on August 3, overcoming deteriorating Heavy8 ground and his 60kg topweight to score a hard-fought win over quality sprinter Master Fay. He capped his Tarzino preparation with a stylish trial at Taupo on August 21, and co-trainer Danny Walker believes the build-up has gone perfectly to plan. “Under the circumstances, I thought he did a great job at Ruakaka first-up,” he said. “It probably wasn’t the track that we were expecting when we sent him up there, although at least it was loose instead of really sticky and testing. He got through it well and it was good to come away with the win. “At that stage we weren’t entirely sure what the Hastings weather and track would be like for the Tarzino, so he wasn’t a certain runner. But we’re pleased to see that the weather’s come right in Hawke’s Bay. It should be nice ground for him on Saturday and we’re looking forward to getting him down there for the race. “He’s really been spot on all the way through this preparation so far. He’s been working well. We gave him a nice trial at Taupo the other day, which kept him up to the mark.” Crocetti will be ridden by Warren Kennedy, whose seven rides on the chestnut have produced six wins and a second. The Tarzino could be the final appearance in New Zealand this spring for Crocetti, who will potentially be pointed towards the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 2. “The plan is probably to get him across to Australia after this, but we’ll focus on Saturday for now and see how he comes through it before committing to anything,” Walker said. Horse racing news View the full article

Newly turned four-year-olds have a proud record of making early spring statements in the Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy (1400m) in recent years, and one of New Zealand’s most exciting racehorses is poised to follow suit at Hastings on Saturday. Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) heads into the season-opening Group One feature with eight wins and a second to his name from just nine career starts, and the TAB rates him a $2.10 favourite to add the Tarzino to his outstanding record. He will attempt to become the 11th four-year-old to win the Tarzino in the last 20 years, following on from Starcraft (2004), Xcellent (2005), Seachange (2006), Keep The Peace (2010), Ocean Park (2012), Survived (2013), Melody Belle (2018), Callsign Mav (2020), Dark Destroyer (2022) and Skew Wiff (2023). Crocetti soared to prominence around this time last year, winning the first two starts of his three-year-old season by a combined margin of nine lengths, including the Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka. The Zacinto gelding went on to add the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m), the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), then suffered the only defeat of his career to date when he ran a gallant second in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in February. Crocetti returned to Ruakaka for a resuming run over 1100m on August 3, overcoming deteriorating Heavy8 ground and his 60kg topweight to score a hard-fought win over quality sprinter Master Fay. He capped his Tarzino preparation with a stylish trial at Taupo on August 21, and co-trainer Danny Walker believes the build-up has gone perfectly to plan. “Under the circumstances, I thought he did a great job at Ruakaka first-up,” he said. “It probably wasn’t the track that we were expecting when we sent him up there, although at least it was loose instead of really sticky and testing. He got through it well and it was good to come away with the win. “At that stage we weren’t entirely sure what the Hastings weather and track would be like for the Tarzino, so he wasn’t a certain runner. But we’re pleased to see that the weather’s come right in Hawke’s Bay. It should be nice ground for him on Saturday and we’re looking forward to getting him down there for the race. “He’s really been spot on all the way through this preparation so far. He’s been working well. We gave him a nice trial at Taupo the other day, which kept him up to the mark.” Crocetti will be ridden by Warren Kennedy, whose seven rides on the chestnut have produced six wins and a second. The Tarzino could be the final appearance in New Zealand this spring for Crocetti, who will potentially be pointed towards the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 2. “The plan is probably to get him across to Australia after this, but we’ll focus on Saturday for now and see how he comes through it before committing to anything,” Walker said. View the full article

Nearly two decades following his first success in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m), Andrew Scott will be hunting for his third scalp in the Group One feature. Back in 2005, Scott was training in partnership with Michael Moroney when the pair produced one of the race’s most iconic wins with the formidable Xcellent, a memory the Matamata horseman looks back on fondly. “It’s like anything, you don’t really appreciate it at the time as you’re so focussed and involved with the process of preparing the horse, and worried about the result,” he said. “There was a natural sense of relief after the race, and with a lot of time to reflect on the performance of Xcellent, his effort on the day was at a very high standard. He had so much ability and the strong pace in the race allowed him to get over the top of them. “It gives you a great appreciation for the horse, he was a yardstick in my career and gave me experience with a serious athlete who could do what a lot of normal racehorses couldn’t. “He was called Xcellent and he just had that x-factor, he was amazing. “Those kinds of horses, you just feel very fortunate to be a part of their story.” 17 years on, Scott was back in the winner’s circle at Hastings, but this time alongside current training partner Lance O’Sullivan with Dark Destroyer. The Wexford partnership have also collected a Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) title with Pure Champion and a Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2050m) with Willie Cazals. “Dark Destroyer had a fantastic preparation and campaign in Brisbane, then we brought him home and he put in a wonderful performance in this race,” Scott said. “It’s a proper challenge getting horses out of the winter in the Waikato, up to the Group One standard of fitness and performing well on the quick ground that we often get at Hastings. We do enjoy the challenge and we’ve been very fortunate to have success there over a long period of time. “Looking back, Xcellent went on to win the Kelt (Livamol Classic) five weeks’ later, then Willie Cazals won the Kelt in 2016 for the Wexford team, which was probably one of the most satisfying wins that I’ve been involved with throughout my career. “It was a massive team effort to get that horse, who was well-tried, reinvigorated and beat such a good field. “In any Group One, they are the pinnacle of our racing and are the races we want to win. Any winner at that level is very special, and we’ll be looking to do it all over again on Saturday.” Leading the Wexford trio in this year’s edition is Waitak, the spectacular winner of the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) last season, who finished fourth to race-rival Bonny Lass in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) when resuming at Te Rapa last month. “We were very pleased with his run in the Foxbridge, he probably ran into ground that was slightly not to his liking and he didn’t have all favours in the run, but his performance was very good,” Scott said. “He meets much quicker ground this weekend. He’s gone to drawing the outside gate to the inside, which is going to be quite an aid around Hastings, you need advantages there. “He’s proven at Group One level and we believe he’ll be much more competitive on Saturday, we’re expecting a bold performance.” Masa Hashizume has been engaged for the ride aboard the son of Proisir, who will be joined by his well-performed stablemates Geriatrix and Grail Seeker in the feature. Geriatrix picked up a quartet of victories in his three-year-old term including at Benchmark 78 level in Queensland, while Grail Seeker capped off a string of black-type placings with a deserved Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) success in March. “Geriatrix had a successful campaign in Brisbane, he’s a four-year-old stallion that is very focussed and we’ve got him very forward for this race,” Scott said. “We brought him back to target the Tarzino, he missed a trial due to them being called off, but he’s done plenty of work at home and has trained the best of the three leading in. “He’s going to make a strong account of himself and we believe he is up to this level on ability, it’s just whether this race may come a little bit soon for his ringcraft against proven Group One horses. “Grail Seeker is a lovely mare and one that we think is going to get to this level, she’s certainly going to be competitive in this grade throughout the season. “She’s struggled a little bit in training on the soft ground here at home, but at the trials, she went really well. “She’s done a good load of work and will be forward for the weekend, she’s got a good draw which is a massive assist, and we think she will sprint very well fresh. “Depending on performances and whether their runs warrant looking for the mile, all three could be back in three weeks’ time (for the Arrowfield).” The Wexford contingent at Hastings is completed by Sassy Lass and Reptak, with the former aiming for a fourth win in succession when contesting the Collier’s Commercial Hawke’s Bay Premier (2000m). “She’s absolutely airborne,” Scott said. “She had 10 days off after her last race out at Ross and Corrine Kearney’s (owners) lovely farm and she’s come back with some nice fresh batteries. “She meets the quick ground as many horses in this race in particular do, but on the fresh side and Warren knowing her very well, we expect something similar.” Reptak broke through for his maiden win at Taupo after a consistent run of form, with the MAAT conditions of the NZB Ready To Run Trainers Series Premier (1200m) placing him among just four race winners in the 13-horse field. “He enjoyed the better ground at Taupo last start and meets a similar surface this weekend, we think he’s taken good confidence from that race and he’s going very well,” Scott said. “He’s taken a wee bit of making, but he’s really got a grasp on racing now and we expect a similar performance from him as well.” View the full article

La Crique winning at Eagle Farm last Saturday. Photo: Grant Peters Racing Queensland advises that meetings will resume at Eagle Farm from Saturday, September 14. In consultation with the Brisbane Racing Club, Queensland Jockeys’ Association, Australian Trainers’ Association and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, eight barrier trials were successfully conducted on the Eagle Farm course proper this morning following the introduction of mitigation strategies near the home turn. As a condition of nomination today, it was mandatory for all horses to sight the construction area near the 600m mark prior to starting which will continue next week. QJA General Manager Glen Prentice said the jockeys were happy to resume riding at Eagle Farm following the steps that have been implemented over the past month. This includes QRIC implementing a protocol requiring jockeys to canter their horses near the 600m mark prior to each race until further notice. “After discussions with the jockeys at the Eagle Farms trials, all felt the sighting of the building before the commencement of the trials gave their mounts a good appreciation of the building site and it was great to see the trials go without incident,” Mr Prentice said. “At the conclusion of the trials, the ATA, QJA, BRC, RQ and QRIC met to discuss the way forward and QRIC stewards advised they will be issuing directives to trainers and jockeys in regards to the return to Eagle Farm to ensure all risks are mitigated for the future.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Moir Stakes Day 2024 Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, September 7, 2024 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Spring is officially here, and Group 1 racing in Victoria returns to Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon for a competitive 10-race meeting from 12:10pm AEST. The Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) takes top billing, with a more than suitable undercard set to provide key form references throughout the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Perfect conditions should greet punters, with the track likely to remain a Good 4, and with the rail in the true position, expect the deck to a quick one. Race 1: 3YO Open Handicap (1600m) Cocobill put 4.8 lengths on his maiden rivals at Seymour on debut. The three-year-old gelding had no issue finding the rail from barrier five and leading throughout under Jordan Childs, and from barrier two on the weekend, a cut-and-paste job is expected. The son of Vadamos is likely to have an uncontested lead and should prove too hard to run down in the opener. Selections: 4 COCOBILL 3 CAPTAIN BARBOSSA 1 EVAPORATE 2 PERU Race 2: BM74 Handicap (1600m) Despite being seven weeks between runs, Arqana presents as great value with horse racing bookmakers. The five-year-old mare was a smart Sandown winner on June 15 before charging home late at Flemington on June 20, with both victories coming over 1600m. Despite drawing barrier one in this competitive BM74, if Jaylah Kennedy can get her off the rail approaching the 600m mark, Arqana can build through her gears and overhaul her rivals once more. Selections: 2 ARQANA 4 LE MANS 1 WAIMARIE 6 OUR EMPRESS ZOE Best Value Race 2 – #2 Arqana (1) 5yo Mare | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Jaylah Kennedy (a2) (61kg) +900 with Unibet Race 3: BM84 Handicap (1600m) Le Zebra is yet to fill a placing in three goes at 1600m, although he showed promise at Flemington last start when beaten 1.5 lengths by subsequent Listed winner Rise At Dawn. The son of Rip Van Winkle was forced to cover extra ground in the first half of his run and was left flat-footed when the sprint went on. With front-runner Aramco drawn underneath him, Damian Lane should gain a nice cart across the field to land in a gun spot and give Le Zebra every chance. Selections: 8 LE ZEBRA 1 ARAMCO 6 TROSETTEE 9 REGAL ZEUS Race 4: BM78 Handicap (2040m) Former Kiwi Lincoln Rocks has been super impressive in four Australian starts, registering two wins and two minor placings. He was nutted by Lauding, who he meets a touch worse at the weights, but is drawn much more favourably than his key rival. The son of Road To Rock will likely be in the second half of the field, but if he can gain a cart into the race approaching the home turn, Lincoln Rocks should proves a touch too classy this time. Selections: 4 LINCOLN ROCKS 2 LAUDING 10 CORONA LAD #3/span> DENMARK Next Best Race 4 – #4 Lincoln Rocks (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Mark Zahra (60kg) +170 with Playup Race 5: Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) Arkansaw Kid was scratched from The Heath 1100 (1100m) at Caulfield last weekend to be saved for the Listed Chautauqua Stakes, and it looks set to be the right decision. The four-year-old gelding is without a doubt the best sprinter in the race, and based on his return victory at Caulfield on August 17, the gelding operation has certainly done the trick. He will be stalking the speed from barrier two throughout, and barring any bad luck, Arkansaw Kid should have this race sewn up with 100m to go. Selections: 3 ARKANSAW KID 6 A LITTLE DEEP 5 SNAPPER 4 WHO DARES Chautauqua Stakes Race 5 – #3 Arkansaw Kid (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Currie (55kg) +110 with Dabble Race 6: Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) Sakima caught the eye when finishing strongly in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick first-up. She was badly held up for a run until the final 150m before quickening nicely to go down by 2.2 lengths to Ameena and Silmarillion. She faces those two rivals again, but if she can find clear air at the right time this time around, she looks a better play at a $7 quote than the others do. Selections: 5 SAKIMA 1 AMEENA 3 SILMARILLION 8 SASSY JENNI Atlantic Jewel Stakes Race 6 – #5 Sakima (3) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Snowden | J: Damian Lane (56kg) +600 with Bet365 Race 7: Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) Stoli Bolli looks to be the one the market has missed in the Listed McKenzie Stakes. The three-year-old gelding was brilliant in behind Daggers at this track and trip on August 24, when he was badly held up for a run before charging through the line. From barrier eight, he should have no traffic issues this time around, and with a similar finish, he can spoil the party for Epimeles and Public Attention. Selections: 8 STOLI BOLLI 5 RED SEA 2 EPIMELES 3 PUBLIC ATTENTION McKenzie Stakes Race 7 – #8 Stoli Bolli (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (56kg) +650 with Picklebet Race 8: So You Think Stakes (1500m) Pericles beat all bar subsequent Memsie Stakes winner Pinstriped and placegetter Gentleman Roy first-up in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m). That form has obviously stood up nicely, and he looks perfectly weighted at 59kg — just 4kg above minimum — in the So You Think Stakes. Despite not tasting success in over 12 months, Pericles is the class horse in the race and, outside of bad luck, should prove far too good for his rivals. Selections: 2 PERICLES 1 ATTRITION 5 BUFFALO RIVER 4 MUNHAMEK Best Bet Race 8 – #2 Pericles (8) 5yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) +140 with Neds Race 9: Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) Excitement is high for the 2024 Moir Stakes, where a star-studded field will do battle over 1000m. Can the new-season three-year-olds handle weight-for-age pressure? Or will proven talents like I Wish I Win and Chain Of Lightning assert their class? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Moir Stakes Race 10: BM84 Handicap (1200m) It took a gun ride from Blake Shinn on Extratwo to roll Suparazi at this track and trip on August 24. Tayla Childs sticks on board and claims 3kg, getting the son of Super One in with just 59.5kg on his back despite being an 89-rater in a BM84. That claim will come in handy in the home stretch, with Suparazi likely to be charging down the heart of the track in a bid to overhaul some vulnerable leaders after a genuinely run six furlongs. Selections: 1 SUPARAZI 10 PIASTRI 8 MISS ARIA 2 HOME RULE Saturday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, September 7, 2024 2-3-5-8 2 1-2-3-5-6-7-8-9 1-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Farnley Stakes Day 2024 Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, September 7, 2024 First Race 12:14pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Farnley Stakes will headline the nine-race program at Belmont Park, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 12:14pm AWST. With more rain forecast for Friday and Saturday, the Soft 5 track rating could be downgraded if it rains during the meeting. The rail will be pushed out to the +6m position for the entire circuit. Farnley Stakes tip: Vast Art Vast Art has produced two strong performances without winning to begin this preparation, particularly his last-start third in the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes. Darren McAuliffe has been working his five-year-old gelding up to peak fitness, and he will be cherry ripe for 1400m in the 2024 Farnley Stakes. This son of Flying Artie has a great record at the Belmont 1400m (4:2-1-0), and if he can find a back to follow around the home turn, Vast Art will prove hard to hold out. Farnley Stakes Race 8 – #8 Vast Art (10) 5yo Gelding | T: Darren McAuliffe | J: Steven Parnham (54.5kg) +300 with Dabble Best Bet at Belmont: Deferred Deferred’s winning streak was broken last start when running third after settling too far back on a slow tempo. The daughter of Epaulette won her first three starts of the campaign with relative ease, and although she was beaten last time out, she flew home and made up plenty of ground. With four speed influences in this contest and a faster tempo expected, Deferred can bounce back with a good win. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Deferred (7) 4yo Mare | T: Simon Miller | J: Chris Parnham (57.5kg) +140 with Picklebet Next Best at Belmont: Flash Paddy Flash Paddy recorded an impressive victory at this track and trip on August 21, running home strongly from the back of the field to win by 1.5 lengths. The son of Dane Shadow was given a smart ride by Luke Campbell, who took off at the 800m mark and kept up that gallop to sprint away late. With Campbell retaining the ride and taking 1.5kg off his back, a similar performance will give Flash Paddy every chance to bring up back-to-back wins. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Flash Paddy (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Raquel Williams | J: Luke Campbell (a1.5) (60kg) +400 with Neds Best Value at Belmont: Secret Intent Secret Intent will be looking to go one better after flashing home for second over 1200m at Pinjarra on debut. This daughter of Playing God settled near the rear of the field and was allowed to balance up on the outside of runners before letting down with a brilliant turn of foot on a Heavy track. Although Tony Triscari will look to settle towards the rear of the field, if Secret Intent is within four lengths of the leaders on the home turn, she will break her maiden. Best Value Race 3 – #9 Secret Intent (8) 3yo Filly | T: Tony Triscari | J: Joseph Azzopardi (54kg) +900 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, September 7, 2024 2-4-7 2-8 1-2-5-8 2-3-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article