Wandering Eyes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.: The GI Whitney Stakes turned into a perfect prep for Arthur's Ride (Tapit) for the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup on Sunday. The Glassman Family 4-year-old colt showed that he had legit speed in his first try in a stakes race. With regular rider Junior Alvarado as his pilot, he confirmed that that his resounding 12-length victory in his two-turn debut on June 7 was no fluke. He stayed and won at 6-1, giving Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his first victory in one of Saratoga's most prestigious stakes races. The Whitney's “Win and You're In” ticket to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic is secured and he is on to the race Mott has been aiming for. “Just hope he fires the same shot back that he did last time,” Mott said. “I think if you look at his races this year, I think he's had four races and three of the four have been really good efforts. The only bad one was in a mucky track at Churchill.” That was on May 3, on the GI Kentucky Oaks program. He failed to break alertly, did manage to get within four lengths in the sloppy going after six furlongs, but ended up ninth. He did handle the wet track in the Whitney, though. Arthur's Ride was purchased for $250,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale. He ran second both starts at Saratoga in 2022 and broke his maiden in February 2023. A tendon injury kept him out of racing for 13 months. He returned in mid-March with a 7 ½ length win at Gulfstream. Mott said the June victory during the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga meet at the Gold Cup distance of 10 furlongs was where Arthur's Ride showed himself being ready to graduate to the top level of the sport. “It was an allowance race, but he was very impressive,” Mott said. “I think he impressed a lot of people that saw it, visually. Then I think the speed figures came back good, too.” Flanagan Complete Name Game Trifecta Chancer McPatrick | Sarah Andrew What's in a name? Sean Flanagan thoughtfully packed a bit into the one he gave to Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie), who will make his second career start in the historic GI $300,000 Hopeful Stakes Monday Flanagan chuckled Saturday morning as he described the process. “I never named a horse for my son, and his name is Patrick,” he said. “That's a tough name to work with. I was thinking of just going with McPatrick, but he's a bit of a prankster and a jokester. Nice kid. Nicest kid in the world.” Flanagan said that a couple of months ago he asked a visitor from Ireland about ta word he was considering. “I said, 'what do you know about what's a chancer because I've heard that?” Flanagan said. “I've been in Ireland a couple few times. 'It's not a derogatory term is it?'” He said,' Oh no, no. It might be a guy that's been at the local pub that might hustle you in a game of darts or something like that.' “I said, 'Perfect.' I just thought it had a nice ring to it, that it was a very unique name. I threw the Mc in there for McKenzie. Solved all three of those puzzles.” Flanagan was at home isolating with a case of Covid when Chancer McPatrick broke his maiden at Saratoga for trainer Chad Brown on July 27. The $725,000 OBS April purchase had a bad start and was last of 10 early. “That cost him six lengths, easy,” Flanagan said. “I looked up, and he's back in the field. Flanagan said he was looking at the horses who were near the lead when he realized that Chancer McPatrick under Flavien Prat was making a move. “I'm thinking that hopefully he finishes well and he learns from this,” Flanagan said. “All of a sudden, I see him coming on the outside, and I was just hoping he got second or third.” Chancer McPatrick, sent off as the 2-1 favorite, did better than that. He completed the last-to-first rally and won by one length. “I really wish I was there, because my parents were there in the stands, and my father said to me, 'I've never seen a horse fly like that in the stretch in my life.' And he's been going there for 60 years. It was very, very exciting. We have our fingers crossed for Monday, but it's a very tough field.” Beckman Said Nothing on the Schedule for Honor Marie After Travers Disappointment Honor Marie with Whit Beckman | Sarah Andrew Better things were expected for Honor Marie (Honor Code) in last week's $1.25 million GI Travers Stakes Trainer Whit Beckman said he was still trying to figure out what went wrong after Honor Marie ran the worst race of his career when finishing eighth-and last-in the Midsummer Derby. “Maybe it was the blinkers, I don't know,” Beckman said by phone. Honor Marie was equipped with blinkers for the first time in his eight-race career in the Travers. He finished 34 lengths behind Fierceness (City of Light) and was never a factor. “A little bit,” Beckman said when asked how surprised he was with the effort. “It was the only time he hadn't really run for us.” Beckman said that Honor Marie could be shut down for the rest of the year and be pointed to a four-year-old campaign. “I think a four-year-old year for him could be pretty productive,” said Beckman, who was starting his first horse in the Travers. “We have options. Some time off between now and then would not be the worst thing for him.” Beckman said at this time it was not probable that Honor Marie would be pointed to the $1 million GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx on Sept. 21. Before the Travers, Honor Marie had finished fourth in the GI Belmont Stakes and eighth in the GI Kentucky Derby after less-than-desired trips. He was second in the GII Louisiana Derby and that made him a player on the Triple Crown trail. Beckman says the long campaign might have caught up with his horse. Honor Marie is owned by Ribble Farms, Michael Eiserman, Earl Silver, Kenneth Fishbein and Dave Fishbein. “He really hasn't had a break since April,” Beckman said. “You get to a point where when has he had enough? I don't think Parx is on our radar, but things can change. Right now, I think everyone is content to say he had a strong 3-year-old campaign. He competed in all those top races against the top ones, and he ran very legitimately. Give him the time if he needs it. That is more likely the option than going to Parx.” The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented by NYRA Bets: Arthur’s Ride Won’t Be A Surprise in the Gold Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Freshman sire Tiz the Law (by Constitution) picked up his 10th winner as NON COMPLIANT (f, 2, Tiz the Law–Sensitivity, by Street Sense) came home an easy winner Saturday at Del Mar. The more highly-regarded Bob Baffert runner of the two in the field, the 5-2 shot sat off the speed of her stablemate and pounced off the far turn, edging 3-5 favorite Margarita Girl (Twirling Candy) to win first time out. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Hunt, Georgia Antley, Giglio, Jeff and Rogitz, John L.; B-Ashview Farm & Old Oak Farm; T-Bob Baffert. Sales History: $15,000 wlg '22 KEENOV, $35,000 ylg '23 FTKJUL, $150,000 2yo '24 EASMAY. The post Non Compliant An Easy Del Mar Winner For Tiz The Law appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This column is highlighted by the victory of Zulu Kingdom at Saratoga. Ten Sovereigns's Zulu Kingdom Best In With Anticipation The undefeated Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) made his American bow in style to take the GIII With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga by a neck on Aug. 29 (video). The Chad Brown trainee races in the silks of Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, William Strauss and Michael Caruso. Ecurie Peregrine SAS bred the son of Zindziswa (Smart Strike), who bolted up by 3 1/2 lengths in a Saint-Cloud maiden in June for trainer Andre Fabre in the colours of his wife Elisabeth. Already a half-brother to Listed Prix Turenne hero Zulu Warrior (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), the colt is followed by a half-brother by Magna Grecia (Ire). His granddam, the Zieten mare Zinziberine, won the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte and G3 Prix Eclipse, before foaling a trio of stakes winners anchored by Group 3 winner and sire Zanzibari (Smart Strike). The star turn in the U.S. for young Coolmore sire Ten Sovereigns, Zulu Kingdom is one of five winners from seven runners there (71%). The son of No Nay Never, whose eldest foals are 3-year-olds, has another quartet of black-type placers, among them the graded placed pair of Mansa Musa (Ire) and Kalispera (Ire). Flavien Prat ties the record for most stakes wins in a Saratoga season with 15! He did it aboard ZULU KINGDOM in the Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes for trainer Chad Brown! What a ride, what a season! pic.twitter.com/SJSyqWuhFF — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 29, 2024 Cathkin Peak Pillar To Post In John's Call Flying P Stable's Cathkin Peak (Ire) (Alhebayeb {Ire}) led a procession home in the John's Call Stakes at Saratoga in late August (video). The Mike Maker trainee was bred by G. Kinch in Ireland. The 6-year-old son of Drumcliffe Dancer (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) has spent all barring one start in the U.S., and was picked up by Johnny Murtagh for €17,000 out of the Goffs Sportsman's Yearling Sale before running fourth in his only Irish start at Navan. He won the Listed Eddie Logan Stakes, as well as placing five times at the graded level, including a third in the GI Hollywood Derby. The gelding is also a half-brother to El Astronaute (Ire) (Approve {Ire}), who was a stakes winner and third in the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye. This is the family of G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Silver Frost (Ire) (Verglas {Ire}). Meelin Stud's Alhebayeb has a 100% strike rate of both winners and stakes winners from limited American opportunities. Besides Cathkin Peak, his only other runner in that locale is the stakes winner and multiple graded placed Talk Or Listen (Ire). Jockey @jose93_ortiz went right to the front aboard #6 Cathkin Peak (IRE) ($9.90) and never looked back in a blowout win in the John's Call Stakes at #Saratoga for trainer Michael Maker. pic.twitter.com/QaOjrCfjEk — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 21, 2024 Siyouni Filly Hands Repole Another Winner On Travers Day Just 55 minutes prior to the victory of Fierceness (City Of Light) in the GI Travers Stakes, Repole Stable's High Handed (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) steamed home a winner for trainer Kevin Attard at Woodbine (video). Bred by Bjorn Nielsen, who is better known as the owner/breeder of star stayer and current National Stud resident Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), this filly placed in two of her four UK starts for her breeder when trained by Brian O'Rourke. After selling for €250,000 at the 2023 Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale to Mike Repole's operation, the dark bay was making her first U.S. appearance on Travers Day. The 14th and final foal out of Hoity Toity (GB) (Darshaan {GB}) who died in 2023, High Handed is a half-sister to none other than blue hen producer Lillie Langtry (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), a winner of the G1 Coronation Stakes, and the dam of Galileo (Ire) Group 1 winners Minding (Ire), Tuesday (Ire) and Empress Josephine (Ire). Minding has already earned Group 1 producer status as the dam of G1 National Stakes hero Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The Aga Khan Studs' stallion Siyouni has accrued a record of 18 winners from 42 runners in North America (43%). His best progeny in that sphere include Grade III winners Sacred Life (Fr), La Signare (Fr), and Love And Thunder (Ire). Mehmas Miss Graduates At Woodbine LNJ Foxwoods-owned French Laundry (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}) duly trotted up at the second time of asking at Woodbine for trainer Josie Carroll last weekend (video). A daughter of Ile Flottante (GB) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}), the filly was bred by the Ile Flottante Syndicate, and changed hands for 75,000gns when bought by Peter and Ross Doyle Bloodstock at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale before selling for 190,000gns when sold to Solis/Litt on behalf of LNJ Foxwoods at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale last year. Already a half-sister to stakes winner Rising Star (GB) (Fast Company {Ire}) and to the G3 Premio Regina Elena (Italian 1000 Guineas) third Aquila Reale (GB) (New Bay {GB}), French Laundry is a granddaughter of G1 Fillies' Mile heroine Aqaarid (Nashwan). Tally-Ho Stud's Mehmas has been going from strength to strength as a sire, and 16 of his 25 North American runners (64%) have found pay dirt. Of his five stakes winners in America, two have won at the Grade I level–Going Global (Ire) and Chez Pierre (Fr). Make Believe's Vina Arana Takes Spa Maiden MHM Stables and Sterling Stables' Vina Arana (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) relished the firm Saratoga turf en route to victory for trainer Jack Sisterson last week (video). Funcheon Bloodstock bred the daughter of Sunset Dazzle (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), and she blossomed from a €20,000 RNA as a Goffs November foal to a €30,000 Goffs Sportsman's yearling when picked up by Kevin Ross Bloodstock in 2022. The bay did take third in this year's G3 Mutamakina Stakes in May in her fourth and final appearance for Ben Halsall and trainer Henry de Bromhead. Purchased privately by these connections, Vina Arana was making her first American start. Second dam Sunset Avenue (Street Cry {Ire}) was a half-sister to stakes winner and dual Grade II-placed True Cause (Storm Cat), while the G3 Blandford Stakes-winning third dam Dearly (GB) (Rahy) is a half-sister to GI Frizette Stakes heroine Balletto (UAE) (Timber Country). Ballylinch Stud's Make Believe now has two winners from seven starters (29%) in the U.S. Overall, the son of Dubawi (Ire) has been represented worldwide by 12 stakes winners, with his best the three-time Group 1 winner Mishriff (Ire), now a stallion for Nurlan Bizakov at Montfort et Preaux under the Sumbe banner in France. VINA ARANA (@BallylinchStud Make Believe) makes a deep impression on debut @Saratogaraces1 for MHM & Sterling Stables @JackSisterson @Tyler_Gaff Private purchase earlier this year from @HenrydeBromhead @brhals @annarossKRB pic.twitter.com/ZQT6GNnViE — Alex Elliott (@A_C_Elliott) August 24, 2024 Roman Candle Filly Hits The Jackpot At Del Mar Bottle Rocket (Fr) (Roman Candle {GB}), who races in the silks of BHMFR, LLC, won second out at Del Mar for trainer Leonard Powell recently (video). The Anita Nesser-bred filly is her dam Lawnmower (Red Rocks {Ire}) only foal to date. Fourth dam Dayanata (Ire) (Shirley Heights {GB}), herself a full-sister to star sire Darshaan (GB) among others, produced multiple group winner Courteous (GB) (Generous {Ire}), third in the GI Canadian International, while another offspring, the Barathea (Ire) filly Portmanteau (GB) is the dam of multiple Group 1 winner and sire Hunter's Light (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The somewhat obscure stallion Roman Candle, by Le Havre (Ire), now has one winner from two runners in the States (50%). A winner of the G2 Prix Greffulhe in 2019, he stood at Haras de la Hetraie this season for €2,800. Repeat Winners: Beaute Cachee (Fr) (Literato {Fr}) captured her fourth American stakes race with a neck score in the GII Ballston Spa Stakes at Saratoga (video). Trained by Chad Brown for Louis Lazzinnaro LLC, Madaket Stables LLC, Michael Caruso and Michael Dubb, the gray won the GI Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland, as well as the GIII Matchmaker Stakes earlier in the year. Bridlewood Farm and Madaket Stables LLC's No Show Sammy Jo (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) returned a winner in a Colonial Downs contest in late August (video). The 4-year-old filly, who is trained by Graham Motion, was a Belmont maiden winner last year. The post Making Waves: Saratoga Graded Winner For Ten Sovereigns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fo match race spoilers the emotional and long overdue major victory of Pinstriped in the Aug. 31 Memsie Stakes (G1) at Caulfield will live long in the memory.View the full article

Black Forza (Complexity), the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Sunday's $1 million National Thoroughbred League Juvenile Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs, had some new visitors Saturday morning at the barn area at Kentucky Downs. Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle and owner Eleanora Kennedy were there to fetch a look at the colt, who has won two of his first three starts – the first two in Ireland and the third, the G2 Markel Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. Lauren Faulkner, assistant to trainer Michael O'Callaghan, has been with Black Forza since he got to the United States last week. O'Callaghan's first day here was Wednesday. Kennedy flew in from Ireland Friday; Browne McMonagle was on the ground Saturday morning after flying from Ireland after riding there Friday. “Every day has been better and better for him,” O'Callaghan said about Black Forza. Browne McMonagle, 21, rode Black Forza for the first time in the Richmond Stakes. He was on Black Forza for his Saturday morning training session at Kentucky Downs. “Just a little canter,” Browne McMonagle said. “He is moving good, and he seems fresh. All roads lead to tomorrow.” This will be the second time that Browne McMonagle has ridden in the United States. He rode three horses in last year's Breeders' Cup, the best finish being a second in the Juvenile Turf with Mountain Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never) for trainer Aidan O'Brien. His main client to ride for in Ireland is Joseph O'Brien, Aidan's son. “He is not an up-and-coming rider anymore,” O'Callaghan said “He is one of the main jockeys in Ireland. He has won several Group 1 races and has ridden several winners for us. World-class. We are delighted to be able to get him to come out and ride Black Forza because he knows him.” Browne McMonagle, like many who have come to Kentucky Downs from Europe, raved about the turf course, saying it reminded him of tracks back home. He smiled and shook his head when the lucrative purse structure at Kentucky Downs is brought up. “It's crazy,” he said. “I think in the future, there will be a lot more European horses coming over and trying to take some of it. It's huge.” O'Callaghan and Browne McMonagle spent part of Saturday morning walking the Kentucky Downs course. The trainer said there would be no further instructions to the jockey before Black Forza takes his swing in the Juvenile Sprint Stakes. “At this level, if you ask them what they are thinking, 99 times out of 100, it's what you are thinking,” O'Callaghan said. “You leave it up to them. It gives them a bit of freedom and takes a little pressure off when the gates open. This is a different kettle of fish. They are race jockeys, and they have to use their experience and decide in a blink of an eye what they are going to do. You can't tie them down with instructions.” The post Jockey McMonagle Gets His First Look at Kentucky Downs Aboard Black Forza appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Operations have ceased at Pimlico Race Course as of Saturday, August 31, in order to allow the construction of the new Pimlico under the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. Saturday, Maryland Jockey Club Acting president and General Manager Mike Rogers issued a statement marking the event. “On July 1, 2024, ownership of Pimlico Race Course was officially transferred from The Stronach Group to the State of Maryland as part of the plan to secure the Preakness Stakes's continued presence in Baltimore and establish Pimlico as the permanent hub for year-round Thoroughbred racing in Maryland,” reads the statement. “In conjunction with this transfer, a strategic investment of $10 million was announced through the Park Heights Renaissance in consultation with the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to enhance housing, employment training, and workforce development in the Park Heights area. For the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority and the Maryland Stadium Authority to move ahead, today, August 31, marks the final day for all racing, training and wagering operations at Pimlico Race Course. This closure includes all customer facing activities and the backstretch. Pimlico has been a valuable part of our organization. The Stronach Group thanks our customers and the community, particularly the Park Heights community, for their patronage and support. To the employees, backstretch workers, owners, trainers, jockeys and riders, and industry stakeholders we thank you for your partnership in delivering world-class Thoroughbred racing and training while maintaining the highest standards of operation and horse care and safety at Pimlico. We look forward to continuing to work with Maryland racing stakeholders for many years to come and to the upcoming Preakness 150 at Pimlico.” This spring, the Stronach Group donated Pimlico to the state of Maryland. While Pimlico is being rebuilt, racing will move to Laurel. The Stronach Group will retain ownership of the Preakness through 2025 and 2026, before it is turned over to the new state entity. The post Racing, Training Operations Cease at Pimlico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bethany Baumgardner has won two races in a training career that began in April as the Florida trainer for Glen Hill Farm. Both winners are racing this weekend at Kentucky Downs, including Bridle a Butterfly in the $1 million Juvenile Sprint Sept. 1.View the full article

From the same connections as 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage, Ferocious is the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the $300,000 Hopeful on Saratoga Race Course's closing day Sept. 2.View the full article

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Alice Springs jockey Ianish Luximon gives the thumbs up after guiding the Gary Clarke-trained Rising Sphere to victory at Darwin’s Fannie Bay on Saturday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) The Gary Clarke-trained Rising Sphere once again had too much speed for his rivals in the feature race at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Fresh from his win in the Simone Montgomerie Lightning Plate (1000m) on Darwin Cup Day on August 5 – where he broke the track record (55.96) – the seven-year-old gelding returned to seal the National Jockeys Celebration Day Melanie Tyndall Memorial BM76 Handicap (1000m). The race honoured former Top End jockey Melanie Tyndall, who tragically lost her life following a fall at Fannie Bay on August 31, 2019. Starting at $4 with online bookmakers in an open five-horse field, Rising Sphere (Ianish Luximon) jumped from the inside gate and settled on the fence before sharing the lead with Lisa Whittle’s Expert Witness ($4.20) and Chris Nash’s Ideas Man ($3.90). Clarke’s Doc O’Connor ($3.30 fav) butchered the start, but made up ground and wasn’t all that far behind the leaders exiting the back straight, but he looked to go four deep and with 400m to go he was shot. Swinging for home at the 350m, Rising Sphere (59.5kg) had skipped two lengths clear of Ideas Man (64kg) – third in the Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3 – and was never troubled before prevailing by 2.5 lengths with Whittle’s $7 hope Canton Kid (56kg), a distant fifth passing the 800m, finishing nicely along the fence to grab third place. Runaway leader Doc O’Connor set a ferocious pace in the Montgomerie Lightning before wilting at the 200m, thus allowing backmarkers Rising Sphere and Expert Witness to swoop. Rising Sphere, who had an off day when eighth in open company over 1200m on July 27, has starred for the Clarke stable with the son of Exosphere posting seven wins and eight minor placings from 20 starts. Victorian trainer Neil Dyer, who is now operating a fulltime stable in Darwin, celebrated success at the first meeting held since Cup Day when five-year-old gelding Yaki Ishi (Stan Tsaikos) finally claimed that first win from five starts since arriving in the Top End. A first up third over 1100m (0-62) in June was followed by a third and a second once Cup Carnival started in July before finishing third in the $40,000 Dabble Cup (1300m) and second in the $50,000 Magic Millions Top End Classic (1300m) on Cup Day. Settling three deep after sharing the early lead on Saturday, Yaki Ishi ($2.40) and Phil Cole’s Hadrian’s Wall ($2.05 fav), hugging the rails, held sway leaving the back straight before Dyer’s horse kicked three lengths clear at the 400m approaching the home turn. Well ahead at the 100m, the son of Japanese sire Maurice was never in danger of defeat before overcoming Clarke’s fast-finishing Extreme Edition ($8.50) by 0.9 lengths with Hadrian’s Wall a further 3.5 lengths adrift in third place. Dyer, a long-time supporter of Top End racing, returned home following this year’s Darwin Cup Carnival, but intends to farewell Victoria permanently once selling his Kyneton stables. His son James is currently taking care of a small team of horses that remained in Darwin following Cup Carnival. Horse racing news View the full article

Sunday Racing's Magic Sands (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) retained his unbeaten tag when reeling in long-time leader Arma Veloce (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) to land the G3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes in a tight finish. Heavy rain through the night and into the early afternoon in Sapporo had rendered the turf track yielding but the sun was out by the time the sole graded race of the card was run, with 12 runners facing the judge, seven of whom had raced just once previously. Bred by Northern Farm, Magic Sands made his two-length winning debut in a newcomers' race at Hakodate on July 7. The margins were a little tighter here, with fellow Northern Farm graduate Arma Veloce having made most of the running going the shortest route along the inside rail. Only a nose separated the pair as Magic Sands closed late up the centre of the track to force a photo. There was another length and a half back to Feiern Kranz (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) in third. Pedigree Notes Magic Sands is the sixth foal of the King Kamehameha (Jpn) mare Kona Brewers (Jpn}), herself a stakes winner at Sapporo when landing the Ozora Tokobetsu over 1,200m. She is a daughter of the G3 Hakodate Nisai winner Ambroise (Jpn) (French Deputy). Kona Brewers's five-year-old son Kona Black (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {GB}) has also won at the same track this season, lifting the Sapporo Sponichi Sho back in early August. The latter's full-sister Kona Coast (Jpn) was runner-up in last year's G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1,000 Guineas). Saturday, Sapporo, Japan SAPPORO NISAI STAKES-G3, ¥59,230,000, Sapporo, 8-31, 2yo, 1800mT, 1:50.30, sf. 1–MAGIC SANDS (JPN), 121, c, 2, by Kizuna (Jpn) 1st Dam: Kona Brewers (Jpn), by King Kamehameha (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Ambroise (Jpn), by French Deputy 3rd Dam: Fusaichi Mignon (Jpn), by Sunday Silence 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O-Sunday Racing; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); T-Naosuke Sugai; J-Daisuke Sasaki; ¥31,441,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, ¥38,641,000. *1/2 to Kona Coast (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), G1SP-Jpn, $750,704. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Arma Veloce (Jpn), 121, f, 2, Harbinger (GB)–Rakuami (Jpn), by Daiwa Major (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. (¥30,000,000 Wlg '22 JRHAJUL). O-Teruo Ono; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); ¥12,126,000. 3–Feiern Kranz (Jpn), 121, c, 2, Duramente (Jpn)–Colorful Blossom (Jpn), by Heart's Cry (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Sunday Racing; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); ¥7,863,000. Margins: NS, 1HF, 3HF. Odds: 3.30, 22.40, 2.50. Also Ran: Mondo Dell'Amore (Jpn), Reve De l'Opera (Jpn), Matenro Son, Ask Stein (Jpn), Shonan MacBeth (Jpn), Laurel Orb (Jpn), Nishino Tanguy (Jpn), Top On The Hill (Jpn), Vaselina (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post Magic Sands Swoops Late In Nisai Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Kentucky Downs, $180,800, Msw, 8-31, 2yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.60, fm, 2 1/4 lengths. DESTINO D'ORO (f, 2, Bolt d'Oro–Heart of Destiny {GISP, $242,089}, by Lion Heart), debuting at 8-1 in her first start since bringing $185,000 at OBS April earlier this year, found herself towards the back of the field after a slightly awkward beginning and was kept off the pace on the outside as Wonderland (Medaglia d'Oro) set speedy fractions of :23.06 and :46.01. Out in the center of the track around the far turn, she came roaring up into contention, sped right past the tiring lead pack and came home under wraps with only Golden Sunshine (Medaglia d'Oro) eating into her 2 1/4-length winning margin late. The last reported foal out of GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes runner up Heart of Destiny, Destino d'Oro is her dam's fifth winner from as many runners. This is the family of GISW and $1,000,000 broodmare Rosalind (Broken Vow). Sales History: $20,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $185,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $102,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Steve Landers Racing LLC; B-Hurstland Farm, Inc. & James H. Greene Jr. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. #6 Destino d'Oro takes to the @kydownsracing track and graduates on debut in the opener today at 8/1! Flavien Prat was up for trainer @bradcoxracing. This 2YO filly is by @spendthriftfarm stallion Bolt d'Oro. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/NeAj81xhZX — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 31, 2024 The post Destino d’Oro Rolls In Kentucky Downs Maiden Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – After having his picture taken with debuting Early Adoptor (GB) Lope de Vega (IRE)) following the second race Saturday, trainer Chad Brown promptly dropped names and words of praise. “My assistant, Luis Cabrera, at Monmouth, I want to give him a lot of credit,” Brown said. “He had this horse all summer. He was rained out at Monmouth a couple weeks ago and he says, 'you know, boss this is probably a Saratoga-level horse. Go ahead and try him up there.' And he was right.” Indeed. With Manny Franco aboard, the Klaravich Stables chestnut colt turned in a solid run through the stretch to win the $100,000 maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds on the inner turf course at Saratoga Race Course by a neck over Authentic Gallop (Authentic). They completed the 1 1/16th miles in 1:43.70 and paid $10.80 as the 4-1 third choice in the field of nine. Authentic Gallop and jockey Dylan Davis led the way until a few strides before the wire when Early Adoptor arrived in a hurry. Leaving from Post 2 and wearing blinkers for the first time, Authentic Gallop turned in early split times of :23.96, :48.76. He got six furlongs in 1:13.60 and the mile in 1:37.57. Meanwhile, Franco guided Early Adoptor to the rail from Post 8 before they reached the first turn. They sat comfortably in fifth, 3 1/2 to 4 lengths off lengths off the pace. In the second turn they moved four or five paths off the rail entering the stretch and steadily moved past the competition. Even though Franco dropped his crop inside the eighth pole, Early Adoptor delivered another surge and caught Authentic Gallop. 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 “It's just a maiden race, but he did everything right,” Brown said. “He's got a bright future.” Brown purchased Early Adaptor for Klaravich for 170,000gns ($215,754) at the 2023 Tattersalls October Yearling sale. The colt was bred by Fittocks Stud & Arrow Farm & Stud “Mike and Mary Ryan are the ones who help me over there,” Brown said. “They're my partners and they find all the horses. We've had good luck buying off this breeder, Luca Cumani. We also bought Program Trading (GB) (Lope de Vega (Ire))–amongst other good horses–off him.” Program Trading has won five of seven starts for Klaravich and Brown, three of them Grade I's. Chad Brown with Manny Franco after the race | Sarah Andrew 2nd-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-31, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:43.70, fm, neck. EARLY ADOPTER (GB) (c, 2, Lope de Vega {Ire}–Silk Sari {GB} {GSW & G1SP-Eng, $363,251}, by Dalakhani {Ire}) broke well to track the top flight from fifth as Authentic Gallop (Authentic) put up the fractions. Well-placed behind a :48.76 half and called on for more as 1:13.60 sailed by, Early Adopter swung four wide into the stretch and threw down the gauntlet as that longtime leader gamely held on to his advantage. Despite Manny Franco losing his crop, the chestnut relentlessly closed the gap and nailed Authentic Gallop by a neck on the wire. A half-brother to the dam of Australian Group 1-winner Zardozi (Aus) (Kingman {GB}), who is also dual Group 1-placed and a Group 2-winner this season, the victor is the most recent to the races for G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes-placed Silk Sari, whose last registered offspring is a yearling filly by Too Darn Hot (GB). The mare is herself a half-sister to the dam of MGISW Program Trading (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who races for these same connections. Klaravich Stables have enjoyed a good track record with Lope de Vega offspring sourced from the Tattersalls October sale, among the most notable being MGISW Newspaperofrecord (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and the aforementioned Program Trading for 200,000gns in 2017 and 250,000 in 2021, respectively. This is the extended family of European Horse of the Year Barathea (Ire). Sales history: 170,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Fittocks Stud & Arrow Farm Stud (GB); T-Chad C. Brown. The post Team Effort Produced Klaravich Winner Early Adopter appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Irish Guineas heroine Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) has been purchased by Wathnan Racing, the organisation's racing adviser Richard Brown confirmed to the TDN on Saturday. The 3-year-old filly had been previously campaigned by Clipper Logistics and trainer Karl Burke. The news was first reported by the Nick Luck Daily podcast. Browniser said, “She's a tremendous athlete, already a dual Group 1 winner, and we're very excited to see what she can do in the months and seasons ahead.” Bred by Branton Court Stud, LLP, the daughter of G2 May Hill Stakes winner and G1 Fillies Mile second Agnes Stewart (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}) won three of her four starts at two, including the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes and G3 Sweet Solera Stakes. Unplaced in the G1 1000 Guineas, she ran out a 2 3/4-length victress of the Irish equivalent in May. Her current record stands at 6-4-1-0 and $622,881 in earnings. She is targeting the G1 Matron Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend in September. She is a half-sister to the G3 Stanerra Stakes second Divine Jewel (GB) (Frankel {GB}), herself a half-sister to the stakes winner and dual American graded-placed Sorrel (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). This is the extended family of G1 National Stakes winner and sire Definite Article (GB) (Indian Ridge {Ire}). The post Wathnan Buys Irish 1000 Guineas Winner Fallen Angel From Clipper Logistics appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Emulating the feat of his sire Kingman (GB) in winning Sandown's G3 Solario Stakes on Saturday, Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star Field Of Gold (Ire) continued his upward trajectory for the Gosdens who have enjoyed some big moments in this seven-furlong juvenile staging post. Impressive when dealing with some smart contemporaries in a Newmarket novice at the July Festival, the grey son of the well-connected Princess De Lune (Ire) (Shamardal) was keen early for Kieran Shoemark tracking the pace set by chief market rival Royal Playwright (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Committed approaching two out, the 5-4 favourite may have been idling late as Matauri Bay (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) got to 3/4 of a length at the line, 1 1/2 lengths ahead of the tiring Royal Playwright. John Gosden's tally of six winners in this include the luminaries Raven's Pass and Too Darn Hot (GB) as well as Kingman. Field Of Favourite Field Of Gold comes out best in the Group 3 @SkyBet Solario Stakes to make it two wins from three starts. A colt with Classic aspirations for 2025.@JuddmonteFarms | @thadygosden pic.twitter.com/D459hNXIG5 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 31, 2024 The post Juddmonte’s TDN Rising Star Field Of Gold Emulates Kingman In The Solario appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a familiar story at The Curragh on Saturday as Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore dominated the card's juvenile races with Ides Of March (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Nickname, by Scat Daddy) bringing up an afternoon treble for connections in the G3 Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes. Impressive over this six-furlong trip and track last month, the son of the GI Frizette Stakes heroine was able to ease to the front after the early stages and power clear from two out with impressive sectionals en route to a 3 1/4-length success from the filly Usdi Atohi (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) and reward 2-5 favourite backers. In a different league Wootton Bassett colt 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 powers his way to Group 3 success in the Round Tower Stakes, shaping like a colt that will be dining at the top table very soon.@Ballydoyle | @coolmorestud | @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/N19jPNKqDh — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 31, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Ides Of March Continues Ballydoyle’s Hot Streak 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 at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Kentucky Downs, 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 Sunday at Saratoga, Kentucky Downs and Del Mar: Sunday, September 1, 2024 Saratoga 2, $100k, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 12:37 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Hampton's Affair (Authentic), OBSAPR, 130,000, :10 C-Global Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Wellbourne TB Investments LLC KY Downs 1, $100k, 2yo, f, (R), 1mT, 1:25 p.m. ET Giant Storm (Get Stormy), OBSJUN, 27,000, :21 2/5 C-Jose Munoz; B-Carlo Vaccarezza KY Downs 2, $170k, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:57 p.m. ET Bembridge Ledge (English Channel), OBSJUN, 45,000, G C-Boutte Sales, agent; B-Three Diamonds Farm LLC Saratoga 7, $100k, 2yo, f, 7f, 3:25 p.m. ET Scottish Lassie (McKinzie), OBSMAR, 85,000, :21 C-Gene Recio, agent; B-Parkland Thoroughbreds KY Downs 6, $170k, 2yo, 1mT, 4:07 p.m. ET Lazlo (English Channel), OBSJUN, 70,000, :21 3/5 C-Wildheart Thoroughbreds, agent; B-Super Model Stables Master Controller (Tapiture), FTMMAY, 75,000, :10 3/5 C-Scanlon Training & Sales, agent; B-Alice McEwen Del Mar 1, $75k, 2yo, 6f, 4:30 p.m. ET Freedom's Not Free (Omaha Beach), FTMMAY, 300,000, :10 2/5 C-Top Line Sales LLC, agent; B-Blinkers On Racing Stable KD 10, JuvSprint, $1m, 2yo, 6 1/2fT, 6:24 p.m. ET Black Forza (Complexity), GOFAPR, 273,903 C-Powerstown Stud; B-Michael O'Callaghan Complex Music (Complexity), OBSMAR, 110,000, :10 2/5 C-Cortez Racing & Sales, agent; B-Mike McCarty Eighty West (Speightstown), OBSAPR, 40,000, :21 1/5 C-Eddie Woods, agent; B-David Berman, S.O.K. Racing Williams Empire (Classic Empire), OBSAPR, 60,000, :10 2/5 C-GOP Racing Stable Corp; B-Jeremy Ramsland The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: September 1, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At present, there seems to be no limit to the collective achievements of Aidan O'Brien's 2-year-olds and in particular the fillies in that category and it was the Niarchos colour-bearer Dreamy (Ire) (American Pharoah–Tapestry {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) who provided further strength in depth in Saturday's G3 Newtownanner Stud Irish EBF Stakes at The Curragh. Off the mark on debut at the Goodwood Festival last month, the daughter of the G1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine was placed behind the leading pair early by Ryan Moore. Cajoled to the front a furlong out, the 6-5 favourite readily asserted to score by 1 1/2 lengths from Fiery Lucy (GB) (Without Parole {GB}), whose form links in with another Ballydoyle starlet in Heavens Gate (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Still unbeaten Fillies' Mile entry 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐲 bags Group 3 honours to make it two wins from as many starts. That's a double for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore @curraghrace @IrishEBF_ pic.twitter.com/PUEa8qVGKK — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 31, 2024 The post American Pharoah’s Dreamy Another Group Winner For Ballydoyle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-Del Mar, $76,500, Msw, 8-30, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 1:09.06, ft, 5 lengths. SEISMIC BEAUTY (f, 3, Uncle Mo–Knarsdale {SP, $103,692}, by Medaglia d'Oro), a $400,000 FTKNOV weanling turned $550,000 KEESEP yearling, led into the final furlong of her Aug. 3 unveiling, but was beaten on the wire by One Magic Philly (Good Magic) while earning a 79 Beyer Speed Figure. Accordingly sent away as the 1-5 jolly and carrying the Peter Leidel colors, Seismic Beauty jumped beautifully and alternated outside a rival through an opening quarter in :21.99. Firmly in front as they hit the turn, the Maryland-bred lengthened her stride when asked after a half in an effortless :44.74 and galloped away from her rivals to graduate by daylight. Matt Dorman's Determined Stud acquired Knarsdale for $430,000 with this filly in utero at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale, and the mare's current 2-year-old, Cincazul (Bernardini), was one of four horses to make $500,000 last year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Sale. Her yearling daughter of Essential Quality, already named My Steel Magnolia, was hammered down to LCI for $225,000 the Fasig-Tipton July Sale and she produced a full-sister to Seismic Beauty this season before being bred to Charlatan. Sales history: $400,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $550,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $60,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-MyRacehorse & Peter Leidel; B-2500 Determined Stud (MD); T-Bob Baffert. #6 SEISMIC BEAUTY ($2.40) dominated the sixth race at @DelMarRacing. The three-year-old filly by @CoolmoreAmerica's Uncle Mo breaks her maiden for owners @MyRacehorse and Leidel. @JJHernandezS19 was aboard for trainer @BobBaffert. pic.twitter.com/ZOwsisUJ0W — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 31, 2024 The post Uncle Mo’s Seismic Beauty Shakes, Rattles and Rolls at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Odds of 2-11 in The Curragh's opening maiden on Saturday said it all about the regard in which Acapulco Bay (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}–Je Ne Regretterien {GB}, by Galileo {Ire}) is held at Ballydoyle and the blueblood duly delivered while appearing to do the bare minimum to make it TDN Rising Star number 43 for his illustrious sire. Such an eye-catcher when closing from behind to be second to the stable's fellow TDN Rising Star Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) over seven furlongs here three weeks ago, the relative of Magic Wand (Ire) et al was quickly away this time in contrast to his debut and able to sit in front and allow Ryan Moore to control affairs. Pushed out to assert from the two-furlong pole, the Westerberg colour-bearer had opened up a 1 3/4-length margin over another Rosegreen runner in Genealogy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) at the line. That 400,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 relative of Finsceal Beo (Ire) (Mr. Greeley) was in turn 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Flaxman Stables' Joseph O'Brien-trained Emit (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who had trailed another TDN Rising Star in Hill Road (Quality Road) on debut at Leopardstown last month. “He was very green in front–the last day he came from behind and Ryan said he never really picked up the bridle at all today,” Aidan O'Brien said of Acapulco Bay, the 11th TDN Rising Star among the stable's juveniles in 2024. “He felt that he was in second gear the whole time. He didn't go forward and engage at all, but it was just stage fright and he is a lovely horse who will have no problem stepping up in trip and with an ease in the ground.” “Some are just happy to follow and he's not a natural leader, so obviously he's going to be a horse that will take his time in a good race. We saw what he did the last day over seven, when he came flashing home,” he added of the winner, who adds his name to a list that includes the stable's future group 1 winners Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Saxon Warrior (Jpn). “I'd say he's quicker than he looked today.” No mistake this time Acapulco Bay, who holds multiple Group-race entries, makes just about all the running to open his account at the second time of asking. Stablemate Genealogy, who impressed @Ruby_Walsh in the paddock, shaped nicely in second.@curraghrace pic.twitter.com/y9c5XWSKeC — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 31, 2024 The post Acapulco Bay Brings Up A 43rd TDN Rising Star For Dubawi appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In-form galloper Rise At Dawn (NZ) (Almanzor) got off the canvas to score an unlikely victory in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday as he made it three wins in succession. The son of Almanzor is prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes and has raced well through the winter months and may yet snare some spring riches after his tenacious win on Saturday. Ridden in his customary positive manner by Michael Dee, Rise At Dawn looked to be under siege deep into the home straight but rallied late to get the better of resuming stayer Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor) as less than a length covered the first six across the line. The gelding has now won seven of his 12 starts and been placed on a further two occasions, with A$492,085 in earnings to date. “He is tough. He was definitely headed and fought back and we really didn’t get out of our chairs until the last 50m, it was a great win,” JD Hayes said. “We have just ever so slightly continued to raise the bar and full credit goes to the horse, he has been up a long time. “He had a freshen-up and he has winter fitness and it is just an incredible result for a great ownership group which has grown with each race.” Hayes said he was loathe to turn out an in-form Rise At Dawn. “If he is sound and well and licking the bin, he will tell us, but I am sure we can get a bit crafty in our placement, and there is a nice win in him,” Hayes said. Winning rider Michael Dee is a fan of the smart four-year-old, but admitted he had his doubts of another victory turning for home. “I thought we were beaten at the top of the straight, but I think the horse knew what he was doing because we were headed there but he found a second-wind and lifted again,” Dee said. “As we know, he is in a rich vein of form but he is turning up every time and trying his best. “I like his demeanour. He walks around the yard conserving a lot of energy and when the gates open he knows it is race time, so he has some great attributes.” Both the first and second horses are stakes-winning progeny of Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor, whose eldest Southern Hemisphere progeny are now four-year-olds and have made a terrific early impression. The triple Group One winning son of Wootton Bassett stands for $30,000 this breeding season and has sired 19 stakes winners to date, including Group One winners Circle Of Fire (Almanzor) and Manzoice (Almanzor). Bred by the Smithies family’s Monovale Holdings, Rise At Dawn was purchased by Lindsay Park for A$90,000 at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. Rise At Dawn is an older brother of last season’s Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) placegetter Kay’s Ruebe (NZ) with their dam the Listed Newmarket Handicap (1200m) winner and multiple Group One placegetter Kay’s Awake (NZ). View the full article

An explosive second-up win by Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) runner-up Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) at Rosehill has put trainer Joe Pride in two-minds about the best path to pursue this spring. Pride had identified the Gr.1 Metropolitan (2400m) as a target but said the turn of foot Ceolwulf demonstrated in Saturday’s Bankstown Sports Handicap (1500m) had all but forced him to entertain the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m). “To see him do something like that so early in the spring, it is hard not to get excited,” Pride said. “I was a little bit surprised by that. I would have been happy to see him grinding home as he is getting ready for 2000m. “But that may open a few more options as it shows he might be a bit sharper.” Ceolwulf ($3.10) settled worse than midfield before James McDonald allowed him to creep into the race coming to the 800m. Once the four-year-old balanced for home, he lengthened stride beautifully and shot clear for an effortless two-length win over Riyazan (Iffraaj) ($13) with Amor Victorious (Caravaggio) ($2.30 fav) holding down third. Pride said he would likely proceed as planned to the Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on September 21 before deciding whether to bring Ceolwulf back in journey for the Epsom or extend him in distance. “It is going to be a great journey because he is a beautiful horse to work with and in my mind, everything he does tells me he is going to keep getting better,” Pride said. “The plan was to go to the Kingston Town Stakes next and I will probably still go there, but that impressed me and maybe we can get somewhere this spring. “With an immature horse like him, maybe this race and the next one will see him out. “I never get ahead of myself in this game but he’s a pretty special horse. I have been in love with him for a long time.” McDonald was keen to be within striking distance on straightening on the son of Tavistock. He was really taken by the horse’s run. “I wanted him to see the front and had a game plan of settling where I was but pretending the winning post was at the furlong,” McDonald said. “I wanted to see what he could do and he was brilliant and really put them away. I loved the way he attacked the line, so it was a good effort. “His run in the Derby was phenomenal so the writing is on the wall.” Bred by Cambridge Stud, Ceolwulf has now won two of his 11 starts but has finished second in the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and Gr.3 Ming Dynasty Stakes (1400m). Out of the Shamardal mare Las Brisas, Ceolwulf is a graduate of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, with Pride going to $170,000 to secure him from Riversley Park’s 2022 draft. View the full article

Winter warhorse Verry Flash (NZ) (Zed) recorded the 14th win of his career in Saturday’s Wanganui Insurance Brokers (2060m), and in the process he provided an unforgettable moment for his 22-year-old jockey Amber Riddell. The Wanganui open handicap was the first win as an apprentice jockey for Riddell, who had previously recorded four wins as an amateur. “I’m just so happy to get this win, because it’s taken a couple of weeks,” said Riddell, a daughter of Group One-winning jockey Jonathan Riddell and former jockey and trainer Trina Marshall. “I’m so glad to get it, and especially on Flash, who’s one of my favourite horses in the (Kevin Myers) stable. It’s extra special that the first win came on one of Kevin’s horses. I can’t thank him enough for giving me a go and taking me on as his apprentice.” Riddell’s 4kg claim reduced Verry Flash’s 60kg topweight to 56kg in Saturday’s $50,000 feature, and the 10-year-old enjoyed a comfortable run in midfield as Faustian Bargain (NZ) (Wrote) and What A Charma (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) set the pace. The field bunched right up coming down the side of the track, giving Riddell a few nervous moments as Verry Flash was full of running but struggling to find room. But Riddell found clear air in the straight and allowed Verry Flash to take care of the rest. He surged through on the inside of Sacred Pearl (NZ) (Sacred Falls), who had swooped into the lead around the turn. It developed into a two-horse war down the straight, with Verry Flash digging deep and edging away in the last 100m to win by a length and a quarter. “I was just trying to find some room to get him out, because he was travelling really well,” Riddell said. “Luckily I got some room in the straight and he just flew home. I was pretty confident from that point on, because he was just going so well.” Verry Flash was bred by Don Goodwin, who shares ownership with the gelding’s former trainer Nick Bishara. The son of Zed and the Danroad mare Opulence (NZ) is a full-brother to the 11-time Group One winner Verry Elleegant (NZ). Verry Flash has himself performed in black-type company, winning the Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m) in 2022 and placing in two editions of the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m). He has had a total of 71 starts for 14 wins, 18 placings and $373,284 in stakes. In addition to his 11 wins on the flat, Verry Flash has also recorded three wins and two placings in a promising six-start hurdling career. View the full article

Group One winner Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) returned with a bang when running out a resounding winner of the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday. The Mark Walker-trained mare lumped 60kg topweight under Daniel Stackhouse and looks set to contest races over sprint-mile distances this campaign after getting out to 2400m when fourth in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks last autumn. Coming from midfield, Quintessa forged away from her rivals to record a three-quarter length victory from Extratwo (Tornonado) and La Danseuse Rouge (Manhattan Rain). Although racing out of Walker’s Cranbourne stable, Quintessa returned to Te Akau Stud in New Zealand to spell between her three and four-year-old seasons and did much of her preparation out of the stable’s Matamata base, including a trial at Te Awamutu in mid-August. “She actually went home and spelled and has been prepared over there,” Walker’s Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson said. “She had one trial over there and they had been really happy with her. She had a gallop just before she came over and she really pleased Mark. “Hindsight is a wonderful thing in racing and while she is bred to stay, this preparation Mark has thought that if we train her a bit fresh and keep her at the shorter trips, she might be that sprinter-miler sort of mare and that tale has been true today. “There is a lovely program for these fillies and mares. She will go two weeks to the Let’s Elope Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) and ideally we will get her to the Empire Rose (Gr.1, 1600m) during Cup Week at Flemington. “That is probably the perfect race for her.” Te Akau Racing has previously enjoyed success in the Cockram Stakes with star mare Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) winning the 2021 edition under the tutelage of now Hong Kong-based trainer Jamie Richards. Prior to Saturday’s Group Three victory, Quintessa had already amassed an impressive CV, having won the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) and Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), plus stakes placings in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m). Bred by Linda and Graham Huddy’s Peachester Lodge, Quintessa was born and raised at Wentwood Grange in Cambridge and the daughter of Shamus Award has finished fourth in three Group One races including the Waikato Sprint (1400m), the Australian Guineas (1600m) and Australian Oaks (2400m). Te Akau principal David Ellis purchased Quintessa out of Wentwood Grange’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $170,000 and she has now won five of her 11 starts and A$729,779 in prize money. View the full article

Exciting three-year-old prospect Read About It made all the headlines in the feature event at Wanganui, the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m). The Robbie Patterson-prepared galloper was having just his third start on Saturday but had created plenty of buzz around his chances and future prospects after closing off his two-year-old campaign with a scintillating victory in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki. Patterson was keen on his chances prior to the contest and despite settling towards the rear in the seven-horse field, Read About It never gave him a moment’s worry as he put in a clinical effort to secure the victory. Rider Craig Grylls slowly moved the son of Highview Stud stallion Wrote around the field to issue his challenge rounding the home bend and after a brief tussle with eventual runner-up Unbridled Joy, he eased clear to score by a length and a half in a respectable 1.16.61 for the 1200m journey on a Heavy10 rated surface. Patterson was pleased to see his charge return with a win as he looks ahead to bigger prizes later in the season. “He was very professional and Gryllsy summed the race up perfectly,” Patterson said. “He rode him the way we had planned out and I just like the way he gets to the front and then buttons off. “He’s a lot like Dan Carter (former All Black) in that he always has a lot of time on his side. “Going forward I think he is an out and out stayer and I have been going on about the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) for him as he is so relaxed and is very exciting.” Paterson also alluded to the fact that numerous offers have been made to buy the horse however owner Kirk Devers, who races Read About It under his KRD Racing banner, has so far resisted that interest and has kept the horse in Patterson’s care. “I gives you a lot of confidence when an owner puts that much trust in you as it is a lot of money (the purchase offers) and it would be life-changing for me,” he said. “We don’t normally get to keep these ones so I’m just going to savour the moment. “We will go home and have a think but I’m not keen on going to Christchurch for the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) as he has a big season ahead of him and I don’t want to bury him now.” The Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), raced on the 8th of March at Ellerslie, will be one of the major highlights on the biggest day of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand next year with seven stakes races including four Group One events plus the inaugural running of New Zealand’s first thoroughbred slot race, the NZB Kiwi (1500m) for three-year-olds, on the card. Read About It is out of the unraced Iffraaj mare Diggilou, who is a half-sister to the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) placegetter Perfect Rhyme. View the full article