Wandering Eyes

GI Arkansas Derby winner Muth (Good Magic) marked his return to the races Sunday with a victory in the Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar. Checking off the initial box on his road back, the $2 million OBS March topper is now poised to take the next step on the road to this fall's Breeders' Cup, which will be held at Del Mar Nov. 4-5. “He's always been a really smart horse,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “You can place him wherever you want to. He had to move a little earlier because my other horse [Imagination] was breathing down his neck [in the Shared Belief]. It's good see him back off that long layoff. Now we can point for the California Crown.” The new GI California Crown, formerly the Awesome Again, will be run at Santa Anita on Sept. 28. The nine-furlong test is worth $1 million and is a “Win and You're In” for the Classic. Precluded from running in the Kentucky Derby due his trainer's ineligibility, the Zedan Racing colt was knocked out of last spring's GI Preakness Stakes due to illness. “It was so disappointing to have him ready for the Preakness then he gets sick,” Baffert recalls. “Something I was always worried about throughout my career, that these big horses would get sick. During the Triple Crown with [American] 'Pharoah' and Justify I went all those years and finally it hits. I think that's what every trainer worries about is sickness. When they get sick and they're travelling, that's why it hit him so hard.” Muth broke his maiden first out and then ran second in last year's GIII Best Pal Stakes, followed by a win in the GI American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita and a runner-up finish to Fierceness in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He started this year with victories in the GII San Vicente and Arkansas Derby before falling ill in May. “That was a really tough race,” Baffert noted of this weekend's Shared Belief. “There were some good 3-year-olds. It was like a Grade II race. There are no easy spots down here at Del Mar. All of them are going to be tough.” The post “One Step at a Time, Baby Steps”: Baffert on the Return of Muth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Using pedigree and proven stallions, Casse put together a successful roster of 2-year-olds for the summer meet. View the full article

A strenuous Southwell workout is on the agenda for City of Troy this month when Aidan O'Brien is keen to replicate the early intensity of the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) by having some of the fastest horses he can find go flat out over a mile.View the full article

The Dubai Racing Club Membership gives patrons access to the Parade Ring Lounge for all 16 Dubai Racing Carnival meetings, as well as a range of exclusive benefits.View the full article

As the final few days of the Saratoga Race Course meet rolled to an end, the traditional blend of excitement and electricity were back. View the full article

City Of Troy (Justify), a winner of the G1 Derby, G1 Eclipse Stakes, and G1 International Stakes this spring and summer, is still on target for a Sept. 20 Southwell gallop, trainer Aidan O'Brien revealed during the Irish Champions Festival media event at Ballydoyle on Monday. The colt is aiming for a start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 2. O'Brien said, “He can go a mile, probably with four or five other horses and we'll go a good, strong pace and see what will happen. He'll work out of American [starting] stalls, so we'll have it as close as we can [to a race]. “Obviously we won't have the surface, but that's not a bad thing because we're coming off the grass and it's a little bit of a step in between, rather than the big jump straight away. “We'll work the fastest horses we can and we'll go very hard for the first half [of the gallop]. I don't know what's going to happen as any horse we've sent to Southwell has never worked well, they always just about finish with their lead horse and maybe this will be the same, I don't know.” Flawless at two with three wins including the G1 Dewhurst Stakes and G2 Superlative to his name from three starts, the bay made his 3-year-old bow when ninth in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. He's visited the winner's circle in each of his starts since, and made all of the running in the International Stakes at York on Aug. 21. “We were waiting to let him go forward, but we only wanted to let him do it before the Classic as while he was aggressive the last day, he'll be more aggressive the next day,” he said. “We didn't want to do that until very late because of what happened in the Guineas. It just took a long time to get back and we had to do it very subtle without him knowing. We had to keep him moving forward, so it took us a long time to get back to [front-running] at York. “Ryan (Moore) went forward at York, but it was still controlled aggression. I know him and the next day he will hit the gates and want to go.” A victory in the Classic has proven elusive for O'Brien, who added, “We think what he did is going to set him up well for America. We've never won the Classic, we've tried very hard for 25 years and it's a very difficult race to win. “There's no doubt probably [he could be better as a 4-year-old], but he's unique and he's a different kind of a horse, so I'd imagine he'll have to go off to stud. “He's just too different and from day one he was like that. He's a great shape–he's not too weak, he's not too small. He's perfectly proportioned and balanced and not extreme in any way.” The post Southwell Gallop Details Emerge For City Of Troy Ahead Of Breeders’ Cup Classic Bid appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Second Stride has received a combined donation of $25,000 from the horsemen of the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino. “Second Stride does an excellent job in horse aftercare,” said HBPA Executive Director Tim Glyshaw. “Whenever the Indiana HBPA or Horsehoe Indianapolis run into a situation where aftercare is needed, Second Stride has always been there to help us.” Additionally, Claiborne Farm's 7th Annual “Runhappy” 5K and 2.5K run/walk event, which will benefit Second Stride, will take place Sept. 20. The price to register is $35 (there are 39 spots left). To register, click here. The post Indiana HBPA, Horseshoe Indianapolis Make $25K Donation to Second Stride appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amateur rider Lauren Keen-Hawkins sustained a major head injury in a fall at Worcester on Sunday and has been hospitalised in Birmingham, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) announced on Monday. The rider was aboard trainer Kim Bailey's Faerie Cutlass (GB) (Black Sam Bellamy {Ire}) in the last race of the day, a 2 1/2-mile handicap hurdle and was dislodged three flights from the winning post. Keen-Hawkins has a win aboard Dandy Dan (Ire) (Midnight Legend {GB}), as well as a second-place finish at Worcester in July to her credit. In a statement released on Monday, the IJF said, “Amateur jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins had a fall in the last race at Worcester Racecourse yesterday and was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. “Lauren has suffered a serious head injury and is now in critical care. Her parents and partner are with her and they kindly ask for privacy at this difficult time.” The post Amateur Jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins Hospitalised Following Fall At Worcester appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), placed twice at the highest level, is in good order ahead of a start in the G1 Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Sept. 15, according to Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Harry Herbert. A winner of the G2 Sapphire Stakes over the minimum trip at the Curragh in July, the 4-year-old filly was third to Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) in the G2 King George Stakes at Goodwood, before running fan favourite Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) to three-quarters of a length in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes on Aug. 23. He said, “A wonderful performance and sensational splits through those last two furlongs so we head to the Curragh for the Flying Five, on a track where she won a Group 2 last time and hopefully she will be highly competitive again. “She's an extraordinary animal and giving everyone a lot of fun, so we hope it doesn't get too soft over in Ireland and she can go one better. “We'll see who turns up and what the ground is like and see what the final field for the Saturday looks like. Game on [for the rematch with Bradsell]. He's a wonderful horse, Bradsell, fantastic, and we weren't that far away on the wrong side. “This is a straight five and hopefully we can get Ryan [Moore] again and Bradsell will obviously be a pretty warm favourite and we hope to go one better.” Last out G3 Prix de Lieurey heroine Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) is another Highclere filly hoping to make her mark at the highest level. Also slated for a start on Irish Champions Weekend in mid-September, the 3-year-old will start in the G1 Matron Stakes, all being well. Herbert said, “She's thriving, she's fantastic and I think what we learned in France was very much that we won't be afraid to ride her prominently. “She's had this little bit of a quirk where she's running free and then it's settle her down, settle her down at the back and in fact what she wants to be doing is be much more prominent. “She seems to really enjoy that style of racing so in Ireland that will very much be the plan to ride her sensibly but don't give her too much to do.” The post Highclere Fillies Target Irish Group 1s appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

George Murphy revealed Sept. 2 that White Birch (GB) will miss the remainder of the season after picking up an injury to his hock.View the full article

The lucrative purses offered by Kentucky Downs have done the job in attracting top horsemen from around the country to participate, but trainer Joe Sharp has separated himself from the pack through the first three days of the meet.View the full article

As the final few days of the Saratoga Race Course meet rolled to an end, the traditional blend of excitement and electricity were back. View the full article

Last week, the 40th Asian Racing Conference took place in Sapporo, Japan. You may ask what relevance that has for anyone with horses in Continental America or Europe? The answer is many owners and trainers today play on the global stage. As an extremely small owner and breeder, even I have horses in the U.S., Ireland, England, France, and fractional ownership in Australia. And what do we all do first thing every morning? Read the Thoroughbred Daily News, and many listen to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast. In doing so, we have a rough oversight of what is happening in our industry on a daily basis. Sometimes word filters via 'bush telegraph' from countries outside the U.S. long before it ever hits media sources. I'm sure there are perhaps other industries as globally connected, but I can guarantee not to the same extent, and this makes this industry unique. The connectivity of the Thoroughbred industry affords us the opportunity to manage information, to market, to publicize, to promote any message. Do we recognize this? Do we utilize this? NO. Why? Because we are all too siloed, too busy paddling our own canoes, too fractionalized to work together for the greater good of our sport and business. The chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, spoke of racing's social licence and “the challenge of how we as an industry are seen by people who are not in racing.” The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR), whose one-day conference preceded the Asian Racing Conference, did much to place the topic of aftercare on the minds of those in the corridors of power of racing jurisdictions around the world. There has been too much bad press on the subject on what happens to Thoroughbreds when their racing careers are over. Sadly, this is not unfounded, and it does need to be exposed, but unfortunately we as a collective have failed miserably to address this situation. Yes, great strides have been made in the last 15 or so years, but it is only since the inception of IFAR that the topic has been addressed uniformly. The organizations we have are brilliant, and are a gallant attempt to stuff the dike. They are a base from which to work to develop a model we can be proud of as an industry, and not a stopgap. We all know racing's social licence is wafer-thin. We know our fan base is diminishing in not all countries, but most. There are a gazillion marketing strategies out there with ways to attract a new and younger audience. The issue is the majority of the younger demographic today has no reference to horses, and has probably never even seen one in real life. Horses are about as relevant to them as dinosaurs. What we do have in the Western world is a mental health crisis, be it children with ADHD, learning issues, social anxiety, depression, isolation; adults who are the victims of domestic abuse, alcohol or drug addiction, PTSD, veterans, prisoners or those battling suicidal tendencies. The field of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) is one which has expanded exponentially over the last 20 years, to where today, many governments around the world are now helping to fund various EAS programs which are proving to be so much more effective than any recognized form of therapy or medication. The fact that EAS is changing lives is possibly one of the best-kept secrets of the 21st century. Today, there are a number of EAS programs using Thoroughbreds, and we are discovering that the Thoroughbred is ideally suited for this type of work. It is not a given, however, that this could be an avenue for many of our retired racehorses, as outside of the Thoroughbred community, our industry is viewed by many with suspicion and distrust. We are certainly not held in high esteem outside of our bubble. But we could be, and we could be leaders, IF instead of each paddling our own canoe, we come together collectively to promote the work being achieved by our retired racehorses engaged in the various models of EAS around the world. Not only could we inform, but we could reach a huge swath of the population and connect them to these magical creatures, creating an understanding of the bond which has existed between horses and humans throughout the centuries. Guarantee you wouldn't be finding articles in the Daily Telegraph titled “Should we be riding horses?” any more. Call EAS an olive branch to reconnect this industry to the rest of society, or carry-on selfishly banging your own drums proclaiming all the good you all individually do. (FYI, it's not working.) It's time to do better. We have an opportunity to create meaningful change, but this will not happen until organizations and corporations come together to work jointly to the same end. I have asked the world's auction houses to facilitate information on the many different modalities of EAS programs available. I now ask the racing and bloodstock media outlets if they would be prepared to do so? And whether the world's racecourses would take a look at programs such as Abijahs currently in operation at Canterbury Park with a view to replicating something similar. We are a global community. It's time to begin acting as ONE, and not as individual fiefdoms, if we are to survive as an industry. Suzi Prichard-Jones is an owner/breeder, and the author of 'Byerley, The Thoroughbred's Ticking Time Bomb.' She is also founder of the Byerley Turk & Godolphin Arabian Conservation Project. The post Letter to the Editor: A Unique Opportunity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A trio of new memberships offering enhanced access to the horseracing action at Meydan Racecourse for the 2024-2025 Dubai Racing Carnival, were announced by the Dubai Racing Club (DRC) on Monday. The Dubai Racing Carnival begins on Friday, Nov. 8. The Dubai Racing Club membership gives patrons access to the Parade Ring Lounge for all 16 Dubai Racing Carnival meetings, as well as a range of exclusive benefits. Rewards include complimentary food and house beverages, 10 entries to the DRC draw, valet parking and invitation to the Dubai World Cup post position gala in April. Members will also receive a complimentary desert ride at Emirates Equestrian Centre and discounts off guest admission to the races. It is priced at AED4,795. The general public season pass also gives entry to the DRC draw and Dubai World Cup meeting, while the trackside season pass encompasses complimentary self-parking in the VIP Zone, plus discounts on food, beverage and merchandise. The general public season pass is priced at AED70, while the trackside season pass is AED730. Ali Al Ali, board member and CEO of the DRC, said, “Our loyal fans are a huge part of what makes Meydan Racecourse such a special place and we are looking forward to welcoming them back for an exciting 2024-5 Dubai Racing Carnival. “To help bring racegoers even closer to the action we have launched three new membership options: DRC membership; the general public season pass and the trackside season pass. We recognise the importance of providing membership levels that suit everyone, from families who want to enjoy a fun evening out, our avid horseracing fans and to those who wish to visit for our unique hospitality.” For more details, or to reserve your membership, please visit the DRC website. The post New Memberships Launched By Dubai Racing Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A Gold Award, in recognition of their sustained support of the British Armed Forces community, was awarded to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the organisation announced on Monday. The highest accolade available as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition scheme, the award is granted by the UK Government to employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to those who serve and have served, including veterans, reservists and their families. The BHA has introduced a range of measures as part of their commitment to the armed forces community including bespoke advice and assistance programmes, flexible employment policies, additional leave to assist with training and deployment and a forces-friendly approach to recruitment. The BHA had signed the Armed Forces Covenant in October 2022. BHA director of Legal, Governance and Business partners, Catherine Beloff, said, “We are immensely proud that less than two years after signing the Armed Forces Covenant we have achieved the highest accolade awarded by the Employer Recognition Scheme. Securing a Gold Award is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to our collective efforts to strengthen the BHA's valued relationship with the Armed Forces community. “The BHA is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our colleagues and will continue to ensure that our employment policies recognise and reflect the unique skills, knowledge and experience that serving personnel, veterans and military families can bring to the organisation.” The post BHA Given Gold Award By British Armed Forces appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1-winning sprinter Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) faces 21 rivals in Saturday's G1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock at the latest entry stage. Trained by Kevin Ryan, the 3-year-old colt won the G3 Sandy Lane Stakes in the spring, before prevailing in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Favoured for the G1 July Cup, he could only manage fifth, and has been benched since. Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), successful in that July Cup, was followed home by Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), who is trained by Karl Burke for Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum. Philip Robinson, assistant racing manager for the sheikh, said, “All is going well and it has been the plan for a while since she ran at Newmarket. “She was beaten about a length and a half last year and I think she is at least two lengths better this year, so hopefully she will be thereabouts. “It's the perfect race for her and one that has been on the cards for a long while.” Burke will also saddle G3 Prix de Meautry hero Spycatcher (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}) and multiple group winner Elite Status (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), with the latter also owned by Inisherin's owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. There will be three contestants from William Haggas's Somerville Lodge, including Commonwealth Cup second Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never), G3 Chipchase Sxtakes victor Motassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) and Cheveley Park Stud's Unequal Love (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}). Flora Of Bermuda (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is a late addition to the Sprint Cup, and was supplemented at a cost of £20,000 on Monday. The Bermuda Racing Limited runner won the G3 Summer Stakes two starts ago. Other likely starters are Group 1 winner Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Jasour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Givemethebeatboys (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), and Shouldvebeenaring (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), who was a neck second in the 2023 edition. The post Sprint Cup Field Contains 21 Rivals For Inisherin At Latest Entry Stage appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Camelot (GB)'s Los Angeles (Ire) is likely to contest the G1 Irish Champion Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend alongside Aidan O'Brien stablemates August Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Luxemborg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), O'Brien revealed on Monday. The master of Ballydoyle also outlined plans for other runners from his stable for the mid-September meeting. Five-for-six in his young career, with a third in the G1 Derby followed by victories in the G1 Irish Derby and G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes in June and August, respectively, Los Angeles faces a tough ask in the 1 1/4-mile Leopardstown affair on Sept. 14. He is also entered in the G1 St Leger Stakes at Doncaster that same day. “It looks like at the moment Los Angeles is going to run,” said O'Brien. “We had it in our head going to York that we might go that way and that was the reason for doing it. “We thought he's the kind of horse that could finish in the first three, four or five in a [Irish] Champion Stakes and could go onto an Arc. That's what we still think and if the ground got soft in France he'd have no problem with that. “Obviously we were delighted with his run in York. We could go to the Leger with him, but we have three others [by Galileo (Ire)] that look like real Leger horses (Illinois {Ire}, Jan Brueghel {Ire} and Grosvenor Square {Ire}) that will get the trip very well and we didn't think that he needs to go that trip. “It definitely won't do him any harm to run over a mile and a quarter and we'll learn a lot about him. He could be an Arc horse and I'd say there's no doubt he'll stay in training next year.” In 2023, Derby/Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin used a win in the Irish Champion as a springboard to a thrilling victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf. Although a winner of the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, the 4-year-old is aiming for some redemption after a fifth-place run in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes last out on July 27. The G1 Japan Cup is the long term goal for the son of Deep Impact. “He loves fast ground and his last bit of work was excellent, he showed a lot of zest in it,” added O'Brien. “He went by his lead horse very easy, whereas usually he wouldn't at that stage of the work. He was very confident and it was a bit different. “The plan is to go to Leopardstown and then go to Japan after it. We think he's a mile-and-a-quarter horse that gets a mile and a half, but he doesn't want any further than that. He's a very slick horse who travels very well and does everything very easy. “If he [Auguste Rodin] runs I'd imagine Ryan will ride him. I suppose if the ground got soft everything might change, but I'd imagine he will ride him.” Another Irish Champion Stakes entrant is Luxembourg, who claimed the G1 Coronation Cup in May. The 5-year-old entire led for part of the King George before succumbing to the charge of Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and finishing sixth. “Luxembourg is a very consistent, strong horse,” said O'Brien. “He'll go forward–over a mile and a quarter he doesn't mind making the running and you have to follow him because he won't be stopping.” On the juvenile front, the unbeaten Railway/Futurity Stakes hero Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) looms large in the G1 National Stakes, with G3 Acomb Stakes-winning stablemate The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) more likely for the Goffs Million on Sept. 28. Multiple group winner Bedtime Story (Ire), a winner of all four of her starts, and Lake Victoria (Ire), who sports a win in the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes, will represent Frankel in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. The Cheveley Park Stakes is the aim for two-time Group 3 scorer Fairy Godmother (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). “That [National Stakes] was always the plan for Henri Matisse and the lads will decide whether the horse that won in York will run or not, but he's still there,” said O'Brien. “If he doesn't go there he'll go to the Goffs. He's being kept on the boil for the National Stakes, but the plan is that he'll go to the Million.” Group 1 winner Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is on song to race in the G1 Matron Stakes, while standout stayer Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is aiming for his second consecutive G1 Irish St Leger. Opera Singer (Justify) is targeting the G1 Prix Vermeille in the hopes of enhancing her G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe credentials. The post Los Angeles Likely For Irish Champion, As O’Brien Reveals Plans For Stable Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Executive Order, a 2-year-old Unified gelding, earned a 7 3/4-length victory on debut in an Aug. 31 maiden auction race at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

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High-class older horse White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) is set to miss the remainder of the season due to a hock injury, it was reported by At The Races on Monday. Trained by John Murphy, White Birch kicked off the campaign in the best possible fashion with three straight wins at the Curragh, notably gaining his first success at the top level when last seen beating Auguste Rodin by three lengths in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in May. That performance identified him as potentially a leading player for the major middle-distance prizes during the summer, but he was subsequently ruled out of the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Coral-Eclipse due to unsatisfactory blood results. The Murphy team had hoped to get him back for the autumn and a tilt at next weekend's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, but those plans have now had to be shelved after this latest setback. More to follow. The post Hock Injury Sidelines White Birch for the Rest of the Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cambridge thoroughbred nursery Wentwood Grange were thrilled to watch farm graduate Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) add to her burgeoning record when victorious first-up in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Bred by Peachester Lodge principals Graham and Linda Huddy, Quintessa was born and raised at Wentwood Grange, who offered her through their 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where she was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $170,000. She won her sole start as a juvenile before winning her first two starts as a three-year-old, including the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings. She went on to finish runner-up in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day before taking out the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham in January. She stepped up to weight-for-age for the first time at her next start where she finished fourth in the Gr.1 BCD Group Spring (1400m) and posted the same result in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m), and was runner-up in the Gr.2 Alister Clarke Stakes (2040m). The daughter of Shamus Award was lumbered with topweight of 60kg in Saturday’s resumption, but she proved to strong for her foes, running out a three-quarter length victor, much to the delight of Wentwood Grange’s Dean, Sean and Leigh Hawkins. “It was fantastic to get that result,” Dean Hawkins said. “She was obviously a top-class three-year-old, so it is always great to have them come back at four and win very impressively like that with 60 kilos on their back.” Hawkins said Quintessa was an impressive younger animal and oozed potential when parading at Karaka two years ago. “The thing about her was her walk,” Hawkins said. “She had a brilliant presence about her and her walk was her strongest attribute at the sales. She was a very strong, forward filly.” Hawkins said the Huddys have been clients of the farm for a decade, which was further enhanced when their four-time Group One winner Preferment came to New Zealand to stand at Brighthill Farm. The Queensland-based couple purchased several mares to send to New Zealand to be served by their stallion, including five-win High Chaparral mare Chaquinta, who they bought for A$65,000 out of the Magic Millions 2020 Rosemont Exclusive Online Sale. Chaquinta had four foals in New Zealand, with Quintessa being the first, followed by a Preferement colt and filly in the following two seasons, with a King Of Comedy yearling colt set to go through the Karaka sales ring next January. “He is a nice horse and he is going to continue to thrive and we look forward to getting him there,” Hawkins said. Chaquinta has returned to Australia in-foal to Little Avondale Stud Stallion Per Incanto, with a view to being served by Shamus Award. Hawkins said the entire Wentwood Grange team got a massive thrill out of Quintessa’s weekend result, particularly for the Huddys. “Our clients are an integral part of the farm,” he said. “Our blessing is the farm and the way they (horses) are grown and raised. “Getting results for clients is just as special as breeding our own. The whole team put so much effort into it that it’s fantastic to get that success. “It is also great for the Te Akau team as well, they are huge supporters of New Zealand racing and it is great to get their colours winning a big race off the farm.” View the full article

Wrote continues to find favour with breeders and the tried horse market also remains strong for the progeny of High Chaparral’s Group One-winning son. The Highview resident’s flagbearer has been his daughter and Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Pulchritudinous (NZ) while his son Read About It (NZ) gives every indication he will be a major player at the elite level this season. Trainer Robbie Patterson has his sights set on the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) with Read About It who claimed the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) last term. He successfully opened his three-year-old campaign on Saturday with victory in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) to keep Wrote to the fore. “He’s a pretty talented horse and there were no excuses for the others, he gave them a head start and went around the Cape and still won it easily,” Highview’s Brent Gillovic said. “There’s been more phone calls off the back of that and Wrote’s close to being full at around 90 (mares).” The Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Stakes (1600m) winner also has a strong following in Hong Kong where he has had five winners from six representatives. “I’m predicting he’ll have a really good season up there and the appetite for his trial winners has been massive,” Gillovic said. “We’ve sold three and I fielded more phone calls for the last one we sold after he won a trial at Te Awamutu than I have had in a long, long time and they were all from Hong Kong. “Wrote leaves good-looking horses, they’ve got nice temperaments and they’re not hard to sell.” Meanwhile, Highview newcomer Mr Mozart has also been warmly received in his first season. “He’s going well and we had the biggest crowd we’ve ever had at our stallion parade last week,” Gillovic said. “Bookings have been solid since then for him and Wrote, in particular.” A son of Snitzel, Mr Mozart won the Gr.2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) and the Doncaster Prelude Handicap (1500m) and Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) at Group Three level. However, one stallion on the roster who hasn’t attracted the numbers Highview believe he deserves is Choisir’s well-related Divine Prophet. “I’m bewildered about it, he’s a brother to Proisir and won the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and has left over 130 individual winners,” Gillovic said. “He’s a gift and to my mind, for anybody who wants to get on the Proisir train I just don’t know why they wouldn’t be jumping on this one. “He’s a magnificent horse with a beautiful head. Santos is getting steady support and Divine Prophet is the only one on the roster who’s been a bit slow.” A son of I Am Invincible, Santos won the Gr.2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) during a brief racing career and his progeny are headed by the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) winner Ulanova (NZ). “Platinum Attack looks to be one out of the box as well,” Gillovic said. Trained by Lisa Latta, the now four-year-old has four consecutive victories from six appearances to his credit. View the full article

Cliff Goss is looking forward to stepping his talented mare Casino Princess (NZ) (Casino Prince) back up in distance at Matamata on Wednesday, while he will also unveil another promising type earlier on the card. A dominant winner of the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) in June, Casino Princess has established an enviable record of five victories from 12 attempts in her light racing career. Goss, who prepares the daughter of Casino Prince at Tauranga, opted to freshen her after the stakes success in preparation for an Open 1200m contest a month later, but she found the distance a touch sharp, finishing fourth behind Martell (NZ) (El Roca). “The 1200 was just a bit too short for her, but I didn’t have many other options so I thought maybe with a freshen-up, she might get the 1200,” Goss said. “As it turned out, it was just too short, but since then she’s really gone ahead and she’s spot on for Wednesday.” Casino Princess will line-up among the favoured runners in the Robert Bruce Clothier Memorial (1600m), with young apprentice Gareth Lahoud decreasing her impost to just 53.5kg. Beyond Wednesday’s race, Goss is unsure where he will turn to next for the mare as she continues a rapid rise through the ratings. “There’s not a huge amount for her coming up because she’s getting up in the weights in open handicaps, and if she was to win on Wednesday, she’d be carrying 60kg next time,” he said. “We would have to go for a weight-for-age type of race and there aren’t too many of those for her.” Goss and long-time owner Darryl Heaphy own Casino Princess, and the pair also combined to purchase Happy Venture (NZ) at the 2023 Ready To Run Sales, with the son of El Roca set to debut in the Pam Gerard – Ballymore Racing 1200. Happy Venture’s early education was undertaken by Matamata conditioners Peter and Jessica Brosnan, and after pleasing with a fourth-placed trial in April, he returned to the care of Goss and has made a strong impression on his trainer. “He’s a pretty good horse this one, I’d be expecting him to be in the first three,” Goss said. “He’s had a trial and went very well as a two-year-old, Peter Brosnan broke him in and took him to the trials. He was wide all the way and finished off well for fourth. “He may just need this race to learn a bit about it, but apart from that, he’s a nice horse.” Bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey, Happy Venture is the eighth foal out of Margravine (Red Ransom), who has produced six individual winners from seven horses to race. “We bought him at the Ready-To-Run for $60,000, I liked his movement, and his mother won a two-year-old race so there might be a bit of early speed there,” Goss said. “Looking at him now, I think he’ll be more of a miler as he’s already 16.1 hands, which we’ll get to later on.” View the full article

What Benalla Races Where Benalla Racing Club – Midland Hwy, Benalla VIC 3672 When Tuesday, September 3, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEST Visit Dabble A competitive eight-race meeting awaits punters out of Benalla Racing Club on Tuesday afternoon. A combination of clear skies and strong winds leading into raceday should see the Soft 7 rating improve prior to race one. The rail comes out 3m from the 800m to 400m markers, with it remaining in the true position the remainder. The Benalla races on September 3 are set to commence at 1:30pm AEST. Best Bet at Benalla: Dhanush Dhanush arguably should have finished closer than what he did at Warracknabeal on August 17 after being held up for a run and launching home late to be beaten 1.3 lengths. He has run into the minor money at his last three starts, with each performance suggesting the 2100m on Tuesday will be ideal. The son of Smart Missile gets Blake Shinn back on board, and from barrier six, he can land a midfield spot with cover. A similar finish to what he produced at Warracknabeal should see Dhanush break maiden ranks. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Dhanush (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Leon & Troy Corstens | J: Blake Shinn (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best at Benalla: Single ‘N’ Ready Single ‘N’ Ready was racing in much tougher company than what she faces on Tuesday and she looks to have found the right race to return a winner in. The More Than Ready mare finished 2.5 lengths off the classy Sassy Boom two runs before heading for a spell, and a repeat performance of that effort should see her prove superior. From barrier 10, Blake Shinn will likely land outside lead, from there, Single ‘N’ Ready can pinch a break on the home turn and prove too hard to run down. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Single ‘N’ Ready (10) 4yo Mare | T: Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans | J: Blake Shinn (60kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Benalla: Starlacca Starlacca has been building towards an overdue victory this campaign, and her last two runs, especially on the Ballarat synthetic surface, can see her salute. Two runs back, she was beaten a half length after hitting the line strongly over 1100m, and produced a similar performance over 1200m last time out. The Star Turn mare will be towards the rear of the field, but with a strong finish can see her feature at a nice price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 8 – #10 Starlacca (9) 4yo Mare | T: Shane Nichols | J: Zac Spain (58.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Tuesday quaddie tips for Benalla Benalla quadrella selections Tuesday, September 3, 2024 2-4-5-6-8 1-3-4-7-13 7-10 1-5-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Hong Kong’s top home-grown jockey eager to continue momentum after off-season stint overseasView the full article