Wandering Eyes

“Please, please don't make me cry,” says Gerald Mosse as he is asked to recall his final day in the saddle at Chantilly on Bastille Day. “When you compete with all the riders, it's like we are a big family,” he continues, remembering the guard of honour from his fellow jockeys as he walked out to take that one last ride for his long-term supporter the Aga Khan. “We take a risk all together, we travel all together, and when they make something like they did to say goodbye, it was pretty emotional. I received from all my colleagues and family and trainers so much support that it became tough to say 'okay, it's enough.' But I made up my mind; it's done.” That was then. Now, as we speak, Mosse is in Deauville, and instead of being sequestered in the weighing-room at the racecourse next door, he is at the Arqana sales grounds on the hunt for horses to train rather than ride. “The good thing is I'm looking forward to the next part of my career,” says the 57-year-old. “So I don't try to think too much about what was, or the happiness to be able to ride worldwide. I have so many things in my mind. I'm already on the next page.” It is a blank page for now, but not for long. September 1 is the date on which the next chapter of the glorious racing saga of the Marseille-born Mosse will start to be written. The 41 years to have gone before include tales of Hong Kong, Melbourne, Newmarket and of course his home country, and it is back in Chantilly where stage two begins. The boxes at his stables alongside the famous gallops of Les Aigles have been repaired and refurbished through the summer. Ecurie Mosse – formally known as the Manor des Sangliers – will soon be open for business. “I decided to start on September 1 because with all the sales it's difficult to start and then not be there. So I decided to come here, having had good communication with all the owners, because there is a concentration of owners coming from all over the world for the sales. “Of course, I'm lucky to know a lot of people in the business. I used to travel, I used to compete at different tracks worldwide. And I decided to make a turn in my career at a time when I can keep my name in a good spot. It's a business and people can forget you quite quickly.” Despite Mosse's consternation, it is unlikely that his name will be forgotten any time soon. The winner of 62 Group 1 races in his home country and more than 90 worldwide, he has also notched major wins in Hong Kong, where he spent several stints with the HKJC, Britain, Germany, Italy, Dubai, Canada, and in Australia's most famous race, the Melbourne Cup, aboard Americain in 2010. That horse's trainer, Alain de Royer Dupre, supplied many of Mosse's big winners, particularly during the former jockey's eight-year retainer for the Aga Khan, and he remains an ally even after his own retirement in 2021. “Experience is something that you can't buy,” Mosse says. “I've been all over the world to ride and I've been next to the top trainers. I will just try to follow what I have seen, what I learned. Mr Dupre is very close to me. When he retired he told me then that he would be very pleased to come to help me. So if I have a man like that next to me, I will feel a little bit more secure from the beginning.” He continues, “So I think now everything's in place. The one thing I don't know is what the reaction of the people will be. Even if I was [a] professional rider, it doesn't mean that I'm going to be a good trainer. So I am just trying to show people that this is my passion, this is what I love to do and this is probably one of things that I know how to do properly. It's not completely new. And all the owners know me, so I guess they feel a bit more comfortable than [dealing with] someone they have never seen.” Those famous white gloves may no longer be seen on the racecourse but that does not mean that Mosse will not be putting his expertise to good use on a daily basis. “I need to ride horses,” he says. “That's what I miss and I will ride out in my stable because this is what I love and I have always been close to them, but I don't miss [race-riding] at all so far because my head is already focused and looking forward to the new chapter.” That includes the most pressing next step of recruiting horses to fill those boxes. The focus initially will be on horses in training to give the new trainer some ammunition while the yearlings are being broken in and learning their trade. And if he could have a fantasy pick of just one of those top horses he has ridden to include in his own stable? “When you are able to ride many champions, it's difficult to choose, but one who would come to my mind is Ashkalani,” he says. “He was a superstar who could come from last to first in five strides, and not many horse are able to do that. “But of course there's Arazi, Americain, Priolo… It's difficult for me to say one. But at least I know how good a feeling it is to be sitting on a horse like that. And I will try to build a few young horses to that level to be able to put one of my colleagues on board and enjoy the ride.” The post ‘I’m Already On The Next Page’: September Heralds New Career For Mosse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A hearing at City Hall in Lexington, Kentucky is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m. ET. in order to solicit comments from the public concerning the expansion of industrial-scale solar development in the county, the Fayette Alliance said in their monthly newsletter on Friday. After the public event, a future vote by the LFUCG Urban County Council will take place on the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment proposed by the solar development company Silicon Ranch. The Fayette Alliance recently released their official position statement regarding the development of these facilities and they said in that release that they “emphatically support the Planning Staff's recommendation of prohibiting solar facilities in Agricultural zones.” Click here to read the statement or here to watch a short video. The post Industrial Solar Development Scheduled For Lexington Public Hearing Sept. 26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mujtaba (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) (lot 150A) and Mina Rashid (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}) (lot 150B) have both been added to the Tattersalls September Sale as wildcards, the sales company announced on Friday. The sale, which takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 10, features 242 lots comprised of horses and fillies in/out of training and broodmares. Rated 109 by Timeform, Mujtaba will be consigned by William Haggas's Somerville Lodge on behalf of Shadwell Estate Company. Second in the Listed Festival Stakes at Goodwood to G2 Hardwicke Stakes hero Isle Of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), the gelding was also second in the G2 Huxley Stakes at Chester earlier in his career. The Kingsclere Stables of Andrew Balding will offer Mina Rashid, who is rated 89 by Timeform. The maiden winner is out of a sister to multiple group winner Lord Admiral (El Prado {Ire}), and to Lynnwood Chase (Horse Chestnut {SAf}), the dam of Star Catcher (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Cannock Chase (Lemon Drop Kid), and Pisco Sour (Lemon Drop Kid), a Classic winner, a Group 1 scorer, and successful twice at group level, respectively. The post Pair Of Wildcards Join Tattersalls September Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes contender Arthur's Ride (Tapit) is all business when he goes out to train in the morning. Coming back to the barn afterwards? Well, that's a different story. Damian Hinds has been assigned to Arthur's Ride as the 4-year-old colt's exercise rider throughout this year's Saratoga meet. He has grown accustomed to the GI Whitney winner's daily antics over the Oklahoma track when they start heading back to the Bill Mott barn after training. “He's a good horse to gallop, quiet and nice, but to take him home after you finish training, that's where you have to stay on,” explained Hinds with a good-natured grin. “He has some jumps and some bucks. It's not like he's doing anything bad, he's just enjoying himself and playing.” Arthur's Ride's horseplay may seem charming from afar, but being the one in the saddle takes a unique skill set. Luckily, Hinds is the perfect match for the boisterous colt. When he's not riding for Mott in the summer, the 43-year-old spends the rest of the year in Ocala, Florida helping train 2-year-olds for Eddie Woods. Working with rambunctious babies has prepared Hinds for any toddlerish tendencies 'Arthur' may show off. “You have to think quickly and pay attention to what he's doing,” said Hinds. “You know when a horse is going to do something by their ears. You can't just ride him loose because he will do something. It's the same with breaking babies. You have to prepare for whatever they're going to do.” Hinds has been riding racehorses for 26 years. Originally from Jamaica, the horseman fell in love with the sport when his uncle took him to the races as a child. At age 17, he started riding for various trainers in Jamaica. When trainer Paul Fung moved his operation to Canada, Hinds came along with him. Eventually, Hinds wound up in Florida working for Eddie Woods and his passion for racing continued to grow. “One time I broke my leg and somebody told me, 'Don't quit. These horses will show you something,'” he recalled. “So I've always been around horses since then. I never quit.” Last year, Woods introduced Hinds to Bill Mott. They worked out a system where Hinds would spend his summer in Saratoga and stay with the Mott team through the Breeders' Cup before returning to Ocala in time for the busy season of 2-year-old training over the winter. At first, Hinds was uncertain about the new job. Moving away from his home and his wife for almost five months was going to be a big adjustment. On his first day in Saratoga last summer, Hinds was wandering the outskirts of Mott's stable area wondering who to talk to so he could get started. That's when he met Erma Scott, a beloved member of Mott's stable for the past 40 years. Scott went with him that afternoon to help get his licensing in order and she instantly put him at ease. The pair formed a fast friendship that day and have been inseparable since. Damian Hinds and Erma Scott with Arthur's Ride | Sara Gordon “Whatever she says, listen to her,” Hinds said with a laugh. “She's there for the horses, too. She gives them their carrots, their massages, she does it all. She took me in and said, 'This is my son.'” “I don't know what it was about him,” said Scott, who is currently nominated for a Dedication to Racing Award through the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. “He has started calling me mama, so I like that. Everybody keeps asking me why I like Damian so much. I tell them because he's nice and he can ride.” During his first season with Mott, Hinds worked with many of the barn's best trainees. He rode Just FYI (Justify), who won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, and spent the later part of the summer and the fall aboard Horse of the Year and GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile victor Cody's Wish (Curlin). Damian Hinds aboard Cody's Wish in September, 2023 | Sarah Andrew “Cody's Wish was something special,” he said. “He was a real nice horse going to the track and coming back. He had his days where he would pull very hard. If you knew what you were doing, you'd be fine.” Hinds said that Cody's Wish, a two-time Breeders' Cup champion, is without a doubt the best horse he has ever sat on. Arthur's Ride is a close second. Attention has grown on the eye-catching gray ever since his breakout victory in the Whitney, a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 2. “There is always pressure riding those kinds of horses,” Hinds admitted. “You feel it because a lot of people are watching. You have to be on the right lead all the time and do the right things. You never know if somebody maybe has a camera on you.” Both Hinds and Scott have a soft spot for Arthur's Ride. Scott met the Glassman Racing-campaigned colt when he was just a 2-year-old learning the ropes of the racetrack at Payson Park. Erma Scott calls Arthur's Ride “the Carrot Man” | Sara Gordon “He ran a couple of times [in Saratoga] and was second and then he took a break,” she recalled. “We got him back this year and he has been doing great. He's like a little baby, but we love him. He likes to play. He likes to eat his carrots. If I call him, he looks up at me. He's special.” This weekend Arthur's Ride will take on another Challenge Series race in Sunday's Jockey Club Gold Cup. The 4-year-old already has an automatic Breeders' Cup entry with his Whitney victory, but another dominating win would seal the colt's spot as a top contender in this year's Classic. Hinds is hopeful that come November, he might be able to check the Breeders' Cup Classic off a growing list of races that his mounts have claimed. Even though being away from home for months on ends comes with its challenges, Hinds said the experience is all worth it when he gets to have a hand in campaigning stars like Arthur's Ride. “I could say that I get to get on some of the best horses in the country and I wouldn't be lying,” he said. “It has paid off.” The post Breeders’ Cup Connections: Damian Hinds the Perfect Fit for Arthur’s Ride appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

According to trainer Bob Baffert, MGISW Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) has been scratched from the GI FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic Stakes, where she was slated to face the boys on Saturday at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The story was first reported by the Daily Racing Form. When reached for comment, Baffert told the TDN, “Adare Manor is out of the Pacific Classic. She tied up a little after he gallop yesterday and was still a little tight this morning. I don't feel she's a hundred percent. She can't be off her game even a little bit tomorrow, so we're going to sit this one out.” Owned by Michael Lund Petersen, the 5-year-old was last seen winning for the second year in a row the GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at the seaside oval Aug. 3. Before that, the Baffert trainee's year began with a runner-up finish in the GI Beholder Stakes at Santa Anita Mar. 9. The $375,000 OBS June grad then won the GI Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park Apr. 13 and over a month later captured the GII Santa Margarita Stakes in Arcadia. This story will be updated when more information becomes available. The post Adare Manor Out Of The Pacific Classic, Not 100% Says Baffert appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sir Michael Stoute trainee Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}–Jovial {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}) overcame all manner of traffic problems to attain 'TDN Rising Star' status in Friday's Sri Lanka Jewel Of Asia British EBF Maiden Stakes at Sandown. Ryan Moore's mount was well away to race in a close-up third for most of this debut. Caught in a pocket along the far-side rail in the straight, the 11-4 joint-favourite was hampered when attempting to move forward approaching the final furlong and quickened smartly once into the clear to edge Centigrade (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) by a short-head, and value for much more, in the dying strides of the seven-furlong contest. Jonquil becomes the 16th Rising Star for Lope De Vega, whose roll of honour includes the multiple Group 1-placed Beauvatier (Fr). “With it being his first time at the races, we'd have preferred it to be a little bit smoother,” commented assistant trainer James Savage. “Ryan [Moore] said the tempo wasn't that fast and they all came into the race looking for room. He had to show a good bit of grit to get out of there and the way he picked up was very impressive. He's got the right mentality and did everything right. He changes gear, he quickens well and he has the right attitude for a racehorse. Obviously, there's stamina in the pedigree and there's a bit of speed on the dam's side. Hopefully, he's got a nice future.” Jonquil, half to a weanling filly by Wootton Bassett (GB), is the first of two foals produced by a dual stakes-placed daughter of the multiple Group-placed Listed Cecil Frail Stakes and Listed Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes victrix Joyeuse (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), herself a half-sister to Frankel (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). Siblings of his dam Jovial (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) include G2 Mill Reef Stakes victor Array (Ire) (No Nay Never), the dual Group 1-placed Maximal (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and G1 Coronation Stakes third Jovial (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Jonquil (Lope De Vega) overcomes trouble in running to land the Sri Lanka, Jewel Of Asia @BritishEBF Maiden Stakes for Sir Michael Stoute & Ryan Moore pic.twitter.com/dph5rmpLzf — Sandown Park (@Sandownpark) August 30, 2024 The post Juddmonte Newcomer Jonquil Overcomes Traffic Problems, Attains TDN Rising Star Status at Sandown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Chukyo and Sapporo Racecourses: Saturday, August 31, 2024 6th-CKO, ¥13,720,000 ($94k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400m YUTO THE YUTO (c, 2, Preservationist–Officer Leah, by Officer) is set to become the first Japanese starter for his young sire, who has accounted for 41 winners from his first two crops, including this year's GIII Peter Pan Stakes hero Antiquarian and five juvenile scorers from 10 starters in 2024. Hailing from the family of MSW Spanish Glitter (Glitterman), Yuto the Yuto is a three-time OBS graduate, having first sold for $15,000 at OBS January, for $30,000 at the auction house's October Yearling Sale and for $80,000 after breezing a furlong in :10 1/5 at OBS March this spring. Leading jockey Yuga Kawada sees fit to ride. B-Bruno F De Julio & Ed Barker (KY) 11th-SAP, Sapporo Nisai S.-G3, ¥59.2m ($407k), 2yo, 1800mT MATENRO SON (c, 2, Into Mischief–Miss Panthere {Jpn}), by Daiwa Major {Jpn}) hesitated at the break of his Aug. 11 unveiling over this course and distance and was forced to sit a wide, no-cover trip from well off the speed, but overcame it all to graduate by four lengths (see below, SC 9). With that victory, the homebred became the first winner for his dam, thrice successful at group level in Japan and whose subsequent produce include two progeny of Horses of the Year–a yearling colt by Authentic and a filly foal by Flightline. B-Chiyono Terada (KY) Sunday, September 1, 2024 11th-CKO, Kokura Nisai S.-G3, ¥59.2m ($407k), 2yo, 1200mT JASPER DIVINE (c, 2, Frosted–Rocket Reload, by Reload) cost owner Kazuo Kato $255,000 at this year's OBS March Sale, and the colt made an immediate down payment on that investment when wiring a 1400-meter event for newcomers at Niigata on July 27 (see below, SC 1). These are the same connections as fellow OBS purchase Jasper Krone (Frosted), who won back-to-back Group 3 contests over this track and trip just last summer. B-Denny Andrews (KY) The post US-Bred Juveniles Aim For Group Glory in Japan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital have announced plans to collaborate on an online sale of mares covered on Southern Hemisphere time. The sale will be held on the Tattersalls Online platform and will feature as the headline session of the Tattersalls Online December Sale on December 11-12. The joint venture presents an opportunity to purchase mares that have been covered by European and American-based stallions standing to Southern Hemisphere time. Following discussions with breeders and industry participants in both hemispheres, the sale has been created to meet demand for mares in foal to leading Northern Hemisphere-based sires including Frankel (GB), Justify, Kingman (GB), Lope De Vega (Ire), Night Of Thunder (Ire), Siyouni (Fr) and Too Darn Hot (GB), all of whom have already sired Group 1 winners in Australia. With entries to be announced at the end of November, the timing of the sale will allow for agents and buyers attending the Tattersalls December Mares Sale to inspect prospective mares at the same time. Katherine Sheridan, Tattersalls Online sales manager, said, “Tattersalls and Inglis have extremely close ties and we are very excited to collaborate with them on this unique concept. “Both Inglis and Tattersalls are leaders in the world of thoroughbred online sales and this venture presents a very rare opportunity to combine our expertise and international connections to meet the demands of the global market. “Following initial discussions with breeders and industry participants, the concept has been very well received and we anticipate the sale will attract a unique offering of mares with Southern Hemisphere appeal to be offered on the Tattersalls Online platform.” Sebastian Hutch, Inglis Bloodstock CEO, added, “Inglis and Tattersalls have an historic relationship which is mutually beneficial. We discuss ideas regularly and felt that this sale presented an ideal opportunity for us to collaborate and pool our collective resources. “There are some tremendous stallions in the Northern Hemisphere which are available to use on Southern Hemisphere time and typically the demand for mares carrying high profile covers is strong.” The post Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital Announce Sale of Southern Hemisphere Mares appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are 13 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, August 31. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Caulfield, Rosehill, Doomben, Belmont & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – August 31, 2024 Caulfield Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Doomben Racing Tips Belmont Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on August 31, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

The Memsie Stakes was one for the battlers. 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 Saturday at Saratoga, Kentucky Downs and Del Mar: Saturday, August 31, 2024 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 12:35 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Bernie Goes Boom (Bernardini), OBSAPR, 25,000, :10 2/5 C-Davis Breaking & Training Inc, agent; B-Tri Star Farm LLC Printer's Alley (Thousand Words) OBSAPR, 32,000, :10 2/5 C-Rivera Training & Sales, agent; B-Steven Young, agent Saratoga 2, $100k, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 12:37 p.m. ET Battle Drum (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), ARQMAY, 387,768, Video C-Grove Stud; B-Repole Stable KY Downs 1, $170k, 2yo, f, 1mT, 1:25 p.m. ET Destino d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro), OBSAPR, 185,000, :10 C-CM Thoroughbreds; B-Cary Bloodstock, agt for Steve Landers Saratoga 6, $100k, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 2:47 p.m. ET Cat Chat (Flatter), OBSMAR, 325,000, :10 1/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Taproot Bloodstock, agent Laurice (Bolt d'Oro), OBSAPR, 460,000, :9 4/5 C-Eddie Woods, agent; B-Bregman Family Racing LLC KY Downs, $170k, 2yo, 6fT, 3:34 p.m. ET Crooked Bullet (Bolt d'Oro), FTMMAY, 70,000, :10 1/5 C-Kings Equine, agent; B-Michael Maker Saratoga 8, $100k, 2yo, 7f, 3:55 p.m. ET Run of the House (Gun Runner), OBSAPR, 90,000, :10 2/5 C-Grassroots Training & Sales, agent; B-Oracle Bloodstock, agent for Twin Sports Racing LLC Del Mar 1, 2yo, f, 6f, 4:30 p.m. ET Boujee Beach (Global Campaign), OBSMAR, 200,000, :21 C-Pick View LLC, agent; B-Peter Miller, agent Magale (Vekoma), OBSAPR, 90,000, :10 1/5 C-Gene Recio, agent; B-Brooke Hubbard, agent Margarita Girl (Twirling Candy), OBSMAR, 575,000, :9 4/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (C Dunne), agt; B-Saints or Sinners LLC Non Compliant (Tiz the Law), FTMMAY, 150,000, :10 1/5 C-Navas Equine, agent; B-John Rogitz Sar 11, Spinaway S.-GI, $300k, 2yo, f, 7f, 5:41 p.m. ET Sherbini (Cairo Prince), OBSMAR, 40,000, :10 2/5 C-Empire Bloodstock LLC; B-Miami Investments The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: August 31, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 5 TAUPO PAK ‘N SAVE 3YO FILLIES 1100m VELOCIOUS (C Grylls) – Stable representative Mr. R Mildon reported to Stewards, that on Thursday 22 August, VELOCIOUS, underwent blood tests with no abnormalities being detected. R Mildon further advised it is the stables intention to continue on with the filly’s current preparation and will look to nominate VELOCIUS for the Hastings meeting on Saturday 7 September. The post Racing Taupo @ Taupo, Wednesday 21 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable is banking on a drop back to mares’ grade being beneficial for Expressiveness (NZ) (Shamexpress) at her second start in Australia. The former New Zealand-trained mare under the name Express Yourself, heads to the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday after a pleasing first-up run at the track on August 17. Expressiveness finished third, beaten 1-¼ lengths, behind the Ben, Will and J D Hayes-trained Arkansaw Kid (Harry Angel). “She was very good first-up, very brave, but was beaten by a better horse on the day and the Hayes boys have got a big rap on Arkansaw Kid,” Kent Jnr said. “She’s a big-barrelled mare that was always going to improve more than most out of the race and I think race fitness is what she needs now. “She has come on beautifully from the run. She has worked well since, and she didn’t have a hard run first-up and she’s drawn a lovely gate.” Expressiveness came across to the Price and Kent Jnr yard having won six of her 17 starts In New Zealand. Included among those starts was a narrow second in one of New Zealand’s premier sprints, the Gr.1 Telegraph Stakes (1200m) at Trentham. Kent Jnr is hopeful Expressiveness can recapture that type of form and be a competitor in some of the Stakes races through the spring. “Typical of the Cockram on Saturday, it’s always a strong race being the start of the spring,” Kent Jnr said. “It’s a big field with a bit of depth to it and she’s right in the mix. “She’s a Group class mare and whether she gets back up to the top-class level in Australia, time will tell, but we’ll give her a chance to tell us.” Expressiveness heads the market for the Cockram Stakes at $4 ahead of Extratwo at $8. View the full article

Despite the challenges posed by New Zealand’s weather and track conditions at this time of the year, Cambridge trainer Tony Pike believes his multiple black-type performer Poetic Champion is ready to kick off his three-year-old season at Hastings next weekend. The final piece of that puzzle fell into place with a 950m trial on Cambridge’s synthetic track on Friday, which Poetic Champion won by a length and a quarter. He was ridden by Matt Cartwright and beat a line-up that included talented older rivals Tossuforit, Cornelia and Val Di Zoldo. Pike has now given Poetic Champion the green light to resume in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival next Saturday. “He’s come back in great order,” Pike said. “We’ve been a bit held up with the lack of trial options on the grass. He had been due to trial at Te Awamutu on Tuesday, but those trials were called off. We had the chance to trial on the synthetic today instead and I thought he went very well. “At this stage he’ll resume in the Listed three-year-old race at Hastings next weekend. I’m very happy with how he’s coming up.” One of three first-crop stakes performers last season for exciting Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth, Poetic Champion won by six lengths on debut at Hawera last October before finishing third in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), second in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), sixth in the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), second in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) and sixth in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Pike has nominated him for the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9. Poetic Champion was just one of more than half a dozen Pike-trained three-year-olds to trial at Cambridge on Friday. Raziah and Arundel Castle won maiden three-year-old heats over 950m and 800m respectively, while Thooza – a highly impressive winner at Te Rapa in late April in her only two-year-old start – finished midfield in an open 950m heat. “Raziah and Arundel Castle both seem to have come back well,” Pike said. “Raziah showed good ability last season and was stakes-placed. We’ll have a look at options for her. There’s a chance she’ll go down to the South Island nice and early for something like the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m). “Thooza didn’t trial that well on the synthetic as a two-year-old, but I thought her trial today was okay. We’ll look at taking her to Ellerslie for a trial on the grass in 11 days’ time, which should suit her better.” View the full article

Stephen Marsh is building towards the second and third days of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival with a bit more confidence after a pleasing trial by El Vencedor on the Cambridge synthetic track on Friday. El Vencedor was one of last season’s breakout stars, improving throughout a 10-start campaign that began in August and culminated in a superb victory in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie in March. The son of Shocking also won the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) and finished second in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m), third in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m), and fourth in the Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) and Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m). El Vencedor kicked off his six-year-old preparation with victory in a 1000m trial at Avondale on August 13, and Marsh was every bit as satisfied with his performance for third behind Liquid Fire and Nancy She Wrote in Friday’s 1300m heat. “I thought he trialled up beautifully,” the Cambridge trainer said. “He was just there for a quiet little look around. We didn’t really ask him to do anything. “I particularly loved the way he settled today. He just had a tendency to go that little bit hard in his last preparation, and he was probably a bit firm on the bridle in his first trial this time in as well. With the ear muffs on today, he went terrific. “It was exactly what we were hoping to see from him, and Joe Doyle was full of praise for him when he came back in. “He’s ready to go. He’ll kick off in an open 1400m at Ruakaka next Saturday, and then all going well, we’ll look at the last two Group One races at Hastings.” The TAB rates El Vencedor a $10 chance for the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) on September 24, sharing the fourth line of favouritism with Campionessa. That market is headed by Orchestral ($4), Mustang Valley ($5) and Skew Wiff ($7). El Vencedor is a $7 second favourite for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on October 12, again sharing that quote with Campionessa. The favourite is Orchestral at $3.50. Meanwhile, Marsh also won heats at Cambridge on Friday with unraced three-year-olds I’m Out The Gate and Navy Icon, as well as Pinky Pie, who ran third behind the classy Magice and Whiskey ‘N Roses in her only raceday appearance. “I think we’ve got quite a nice bunch of younger horses coming through, and some of them trialled today and went really well,” Marsh said. “It was nice to give them a good hit-out on the synthetic track today. “We’ll probably take a couple of them to Ellerslie on the 10th, giving them an opportunity to trial on the turf, and then we’ll look at kicking them off on raceday. We should have a bit to look forward to once the tracks improve.” View the full article

A poor barrier draw has dented the confidence of the Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson stable as they prepare Banker’s Choice (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) towards a Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) start. Banker’s Choice heads to the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday, his second outing back after missing an autumn campaign. The stable was pleased with Banker’s Choice’s first-up run under Damian Lane in the Gr.2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) and are eyeing the rise in trip on Saturday as being beneficial. Moroney and Thompson combined for their first victory together at Sandown during the week, but Saturday’s poor draw means their second victory may be a little longer in coming. “I thought he ran really well first-up, but I fear it’s going to be a similar story on Saturday,” Thompson said. “I thought if he had drawn a gate first-up he would have run top three or four and I thought he would have been a good chance this week, but he’s drawn off the track again. “So, it’s going to a bit tricky. Hopefully Damian will be able to work something out. “He’s come back really well, and I think he can win a good race this time in.” A winner of the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on heavy ground, Banker’s Choice has not been successful since winning that race in 2022. To gain a start in the Caulfield Cup on October 19, Banker’s Choice will need to land a nice race along the way or earn a ballot exemption by taking out the Gr.3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on September 21. “At this staged he’s mapped towards the Caulfield Cup, but he’s going to have to win something along the way to get into it,” Thompson said. “He should have nearly won the Toorak Handicap last prep, and we think he’s a top-class horse that just needs things to go his way for a change. “The MRC Foundation Cup, I think is the race after this week, but we’ll see how we go on Saturday, but it’s a shame he’s drawn off the track again.” View the full article

Former champion jockey Brent Thomson does not envy those who will be taking on Australia’s latest darling of the turf Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) this spring. Pride Of Jenni makes her return in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, the official opening meeting of the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Thomson won four Cox Plates from his first four rides in the race during in the 1970’s, including three in a row, before heading to Europe for a successful career. Returning to Australia, Thomson won countless feature races and rode against Vo Rogue (Ivor Prince), who like Pride Of Jenni, used to employ daring ‘catch me if you can’ tactics. Thomson remembers well riding in races against Vo Rogue and famously partnered Dandy Andy (NZ) (Three Legs) when they overhauled the dashing front-runner in the 1988 Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington. “Nothing was too eager to match strides with Vo Rogue when he used to get out in front by those big margins back then,” Thomson said. “And I’m thinking she (Pride Of Jenni) might have a higher cruising speed, so it becomes a difficult decision when you’re trying to win and beat the type of horse that is a free going leader like she is.” When Thomson first came to Australia, he was the stable rider for Colin Hayes, the grandfather of Mr Brightside’s (NZ) (Bullbars) trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes. His advice to Mr Brightside’s rider, and all jockeys in Saturday’s race, is to ride your horse. “I suggest Craig can only ride him how he normally rides him,” Thomson said. “They asked him to ride him forward (in the Australian Cup) and it failed and then they gave too big a start last time at Randwick. “Somewhere in the middle might be the happy medium.” These days Thomson does some work with the Ciaron Maher stable, riding a few horses in slow work to keep his fitness up. He hasn’t been aboard Pride Of Jenni, leaving that to her regular rider and strapper Sammy, but has seen the mare in the flesh as she prepares for Saturday’s return. “I’ve asked Sammy who rides her when I been down there, and she said she’s absolutely enjoying herself,” Thomson said. “I only breeze into the stable and I’m out, but I’m sure they’re all pretty proud to have a mare like her in the stable. “Everyone loves a very good horse.” View the full article

Saturday’s Riccarton meeting is shaping up to be a busy afternoon for dual licenceholder Samantha Wynne. Wynne has rides in six of the nine races, including four that she trains herself – Let Me Loose, Peecee Pussycat, Iffin Doubt Dance and Zacat. Wynne has a small team in work at her Prebbleton base and has trained 10 winners since taking out her licence in the 2021-22 season. Seven of those wins have come in the last 12 months alone, including Peecee Pussycat’s back-to-back successes in his last two appearances. The son of Pure Champion won a 2200m Rating 75 on Riccarton’s synthetic track on July 12, then stepped up to open company and delivered a repeat result in a $45,000 race over the same course and distance on August 7. Peecee Pussycat will attempt to make it three in a row when he switches to Riccarton’s turf track to contest Saturday’s Group 1 Raceday Party 14 September Rating 75 (1800m). “He had those two very nice wins on the synthetic,” Wynne said. “He’s been looking well and working well since his last run. We’ll see how he goes switching back to the turf on Saturday, but he’s definitely got some confidence from those couple of wins.” Peecee Pussycat is raced by his breeders, Colin and Tina Nimmo, and is out of the Al Akbar mare Compact Pussycat. Notably, Wynne’s Riccarton team on Saturday also includes Peecee Pussycat’s half-sister Zacat. Also bred and raced by the Nimmos, the six-year-old Zacinto mare has won three times in her 39-start career and heads into Saturday’s TAB Open Mile (1600m) with a second, three thirds and a fourth from her last five starts. “Zacat has been racing so consistently in this preparation,” Wynne said. “I’ve been delighted with her since her last run. It’s a great field on Saturday, so if she can be in the top four or five again, we’ll be very happy.” Wynne’s runner in the CJC Stallion Tender Open Now Rating 65 (1800m) is the formerly Cambridge Stud-owned Iffin Doubt Dance. A dual winner in the North Island from Lance Noble’s stable, the Iffraaj mare relocated south during the winter and finished eighth over 1400m on July 26 before charging home for a close second over the same distance on August 10. “I thought she ran a great race last time,” Wynne said. “That was a Heavy10 track and it’s going to be different track conditions this time, although it should still have some of the fire out of it. “She’s done very well since her last run and I think she’ll relish the 1800m. It looks like a competitive race, so we’ll just be hoping for a bit of luck.” Three-year-old filly Let Me Loose will kick off her career in the Vale Kevin Hickman Three-Year-Old (1000m). The daughter of Turn Me Loose has picked up a win and a placing from three trials, and Wynne has nominated her for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November. “I love this little filly to bits,” she said. “She’s trialled well and is ready to go. She’s still a bit green and does some things wrong, but all that’s left to do with her now is take her to the races. I’ve got my fingers crossed that she has a good day out. “She’s a lovely little filly and she’s probably going to be one to follow.” Wynne also has a pair of outside rides, including the resuming Rhonda Wood in the NZ Cup Week Tickets on Sale 1 September Rating 75 (1200m). Last seen when third over the same course and distance on New Zealand Cup Day last November, the Redwood mare has had a total of 17 starts for four wins and five placings. Wynne has formed a good partnership with the Bruce Tapper-trained mare, guiding her to a win and a placing from two starts so far. “She’s such a cool mare and goes very well down that chute at Riccarton,” Wynne said. “It’s really nice to get the call to ride her again and I’m looking forward to it.” View the full article

Tony Pike-trained Group 2 performer Poetic Champion. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Despite the challenges posed by New Zealand’s weather and track conditions at this time of the year, Cambridge trainer Tony Pike believes his multiple black-type performer Poetic Champion is ready to kick off his three-year-old season at Hastings next weekend. The final piece of that puzzle fell into place with a 950m trial on Cambridge’s synthetic track on Friday, which Poetic Champion won by a length and a quarter. He was ridden by Matt Cartwright and beat a line-up that included talented older rivals Tossuforit, Cornelia and Val Di Zoldo. Pike has now given Poetic Champion the green light to resume in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival next Saturday. “He’s come back in great order,” Pike said. “We’ve been a bit held up with the lack of trial options on the grass. He had been due to trial at Te Awamutu on Tuesday, but those trials were called off. We had the chance to trial on the synthetic today instead and I thought he went very well. “At this stage he’ll resume in the Listed three-year-old race at Hastings next weekend. I’m very happy with how he’s coming up.” One of three first-crop stakes performers last season for exciting Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth, Poetic Champion won by six lengths on debut at Hawera last October before finishing third in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), second in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), sixth in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), second in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) and sixth in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Pike has nominated him for the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9. Poetic Champion was just one of more than half a dozen Pike-trained three-year-olds to trial at Cambridge on Friday. Raziah and Arundel Castle won maiden three-year-old heats over 950m and 800m respectively, while Thooza – a highly impressive winner at Te Rapa in late April in her only two-year-old start – finished midfield in an open 950m heat. “Raziah and Arundel Castle both seem to have come back well,” Pike said. “Raziah showed good ability last season and was stakes-placed. We’ll have a look at options for her. There’s a chance she’ll go down to the South Island nice and early for something like the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m). “Thooza didn’t trial that well on the synthetic as a two-year-old, but I thought her trial today was okay. We’ll look at taking her to Ellerslie for a trial on the grass in 11 days’ time, which should suit her better.” Horse racing news View the full article

Sam Wynne pictured aboard Peecee Pussycat. Photo: Race Images South Saturday’s Riccarton meeting is shaping up to be a busy afternoon for dual licenceholder Samantha Wynne. Wynne has rides in six of the nine races, including four that she trains herself – Let Me Loose, Peecee Pussycat, Iffin Doubt Dance and Zacat. Wynne has a small team in work at her Prebbleton base and has trained 10 winners since taking out her licence in the 2021-22 season. Seven of those wins have come in the last 12 months alone, including Peecee Pussycat’s back-to-back successes in his last two appearances. The son of Pure Champion won a 2200m Rating 75 on Riccarton’s synthetic track on July 12, then stepped up to open company and delivered a repeat result in a $45,000 race over the same course and distance on August 7. Peecee Pussycat will attempt to make it three in a row when he switches to Riccarton’s turf track to contest Saturday’s Rating 75 (1800m). “He had those two very nice wins on the synthetic,” Wynne said. “He’s been looking well and working well since his last run. We’ll see how he goes switching back to the turf on Saturday, but he’s definitely got some confidence from those couple of wins.” Peecee Pussycat is raced by his breeders, Colin and Tina Nimmo, and is out of the Al Akbar mare Compact Pussycat. Notably, Wynne’s Riccarton team on Saturday also includes Peecee Pussycat’s half-sister Zacat. Also bred and raced by the Nimmos, the six-year-old Zacinto mare has won three times in her 39-start career and heads into Saturday’s Open Mile (1600m) with a second, three thirds and a fourth from her last five starts. “Zacat has been racing so consistently in this preparation,” Wynne said. “I’ve been delighted with her since her last run. It’s a great field on Saturday, so if she can be in the top four or five again, we’ll be very happy.” Wynne’s runner in the Rating 65 (1800m) is the formerly Cambridge Stud-owned Iffin Doubt Dance. A dual winner in the North Island from Lance Noble’s stable, the Iffraaj mare relocated south during the winter and finished eighth over 1400m on July 26 before charging home for a close second over the same distance on August 10. “I thought she ran a great race last time,” Wynne said. “That was a Heavy10 track and it’s going to be different track conditions this time, although it should still have some of the fire out of it. “She’s done very well since her last run and I think she’ll relish the 1800m. It looks like a competitive race, so we’ll just be hoping for a bit of luck.” Three-year-old filly Let Me Loose will kick off her career in the Vale Kevin Hickman Three-Year-Old (1000m). The daughter of Turn Me Loose has picked up a win and a placing from three trials, and Wynne has nominated her for the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November. “I love this little filly to bits,” she said. “She’s trialled well and is ready to go. She’s still a bit green and does some things wrong, but all that’s left to do with her now is take her to the races. I’ve got my fingers crossed that she has a good day out. “She’s a lovely little filly and she’s probably going to be one to follow.” Wynne also has a pair of outside rides, including the resuming Rhonda Wood in the Rating 75 (1200m). Last seen when third over the same course and distance on New Zealand Cup Day last November, the Redwood mare has had a total of 17 starts for four wins and five placings. Wynne has formed a good partnership with the Bruce Tapper-trained mare, guiding her to a win and a placing from two starts so far. “She’s such a cool mare and goes very well down that chute at Riccarton,” Wynne said. “It’s really nice to get the call to ride her again and I’m looking forward to it.” Horse racing news View the full article

Group 1 winner El Vencedor. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Stephen Marsh is building towards the second and third days of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival with a bit more confidence after a pleasing trial by El Vencedor on the Cambridge synthetic track on Friday. El Vencedor was one of last season’s breakout stars, improving throughout a 10-start campaign that began in August and culminated in a superb victory in the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie in March. The son of Shocking also won the Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) and finished second in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m), third in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m), and fourth in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) and Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m). El Vencedor kicked off his six-year-old preparation with victory in a 1000m trial at Avondale on August 13, and Marsh was every bit as satisfied with his performance for third behind Liquid Fire and Nancy She Wrote in Friday’s 1300m heat. “I thought he trialled up beautifully,” the Cambridge trainer said. “He was just there for a quiet little look around. We didn’t really ask him to do anything. “I particularly loved the way he settled today. He just had a tendency to go that little bit hard in his last preparation, and he was probably a bit firm on the bridle in his first trial this time in as well. With the ear muffs on today, he went terrific. “It was exactly what we were hoping to see from him, and Joe Doyle was full of praise for him when he came back in. “He’s ready to go. He’ll kick off in an open 1400m at Ruakaka next Saturday, and then all going well, we’ll look at the last two Group One races at Hastings.” Bookmakers rate El Vencedor a $10 chance for the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) on September 24, sharing the fourth line of favouritism with Campionessa. That market is headed by Orchestral ($4), Mustang Valley ($5) and Skew Wiff ($7). El Vencedor is a $7 second favourite for the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on October 12, again sharing that quote with Campionessa. The favourite is Orchestral at $3.50. Meanwhile, Marsh also won heats at Cambridge on Friday with unraced three-year-olds I’m Out The Gate and Navy Icon, as well as Pinky Pie, who ran third behind the classy Magice and Whiskey ‘N Roses in her only raceday appearance. “I think we’ve got quite a nice bunch of younger horses coming through, and some of them trialled today and went really well,” Marsh said. “It was nice to give them a good hit-out on the synthetic track today. “We’ll probably take a couple of them to Ellerslie on the 10th, giving them an opportunity to trial on the turf, and then we’ll look at kicking them off on raceday. We should have a bit to look forward to once the tracks improve.” Horse racing news View the full article

Spencer will contest the Balance Accountants Handicap (1200m) at Wanganui on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Progressive sprinter Spencer gets a chance to redeem himself at Wanganui on Saturday and add to his burgeoning record. The son of Derryn will bid for further open class honours when he steps out in the Balance Accountants Handicap (1200m) off the back of a below par last-start effort at Te Rapa. Spencer had been in hot form before heading north and trainer Erin Hocquard had a nagging pre-race doubt that the five-year-old wasn’t his usual self. “Normally, he’s quite perky in the birdcage and on the toe and he wasn’t really like that. He may have got a bit too far back as well and had to go wide,” she said. “I don’t know whether he really loved that track, and it was his first trip away.’ The well-supported Spencer finished fifth and Hocquard said he had bounced through the northern venture in good heart. “He’s come through it well and he is a tough little bugger,” she said. The gelding had previously posted consecutive Rating 75 wins at Trentham and Otaki before successfully stepping up to the top grade at Hastings. He then came through his first black-type test with flying colours when runner-up to the well-performed winter galloper Belardo Boy in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m). “There are a few more options coming up for him, but it’s more race by race and we’ll see what happens first on Saturday,” Hocquard said. The winner of five of his 15 starts, Spencer can at times be a bit of a handful although he has improved with age. “Some days he can be quite spooky, but he’s growing up and is better than last year,” Hocquard said. “I’ve always thought highly of him and I think I’ve been lucky having Lisa (Allpress) on him, although that won’t be the case this time.” With Allpress sidelined by injury, Spencer will be ridden by apprentice Joe Nishizuka and will benefit from his four-kilo claim. Hocquard also has the in-form mare Our Sassie Anne in good touch for the Wanganui Chronicle Handicap (1200m) with Lily Sutherland booked for the ride. The daughter of The Bold One broke her maiden two runs back at Hawera and returned there to continue her form with a runner-up finish. “I was trying to ger her ridden back last season and that didn’t work out so she’s happy ridden closer to the pace,” Hocquard said. “She’s going well and tries hard, both of mine will handle the track and they galloped well on Thursday morning. They are both fit horses.” Horse racing news View the full article

Brucey Lee winning at Cambridge Synthetic on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Brucey Lee made the seven-hour round trip from Ruakaka worthwhile for trainer Kim Knight on Wednesday when taking out the TAB 2000 at Cambridge Synthetic. The son of U S Navy Flag had placed in his previous start over 2100m on his home track earlier this month and Knight was confident of an improved result despite his topweight of 60kg. Punters shared her thoughts and backed him into $4.40 favouritism, and he didn’t disappoint, running out a one-length victor over fellow Northland raider Richie’s Dream. “I made sure he was really fit going into it. It was good, we got what we came for,” Knight said. “He works on the beach every day and I ride him myself, except for his gallops, and he keeps on improving. “Weight doesn’t seem to bother him either. He carried 60kg and he was probably the smallest horse in the field.” The four-year-old gelding has predominantly raced at Ruakaka and Cambridge Synthetic, with Knight wanting to keep him to better tracks for now. “He is only a little fella and I am just trying to place him right. I have to give him a bit of time because he needs to get stronger,” she said. “He handles any kind of going but he needed to get strong enough to get through softer tracks. He doesn’t seem to mind Good tracks and the synthetic. “Lynsey (Satherley, jockey) said yesterday that he seems to be getting stronger, so that was good to hear.” Knight has believed her charge was an out-and-out stayer all along and she is pleased she followed her judgment. “He has been with me since he was two-year-old,” she said. “He is bred to sprint, but he didn’t give me the impression that he was a sprinter, so we have just given him more time to go over more ground. He has got some heart and it is good to get one with some heart.” Knight has had a lifelong involvement in racing, having caught the bug early through her jockey father, Peter Knight, and she has enjoyed following her passion, taking out a trainer’s license just over a decade ago and she has recorded 12 wins in that time. “My Dad, Peter Knight, was a jockey and I have been around horses all of my life,” she said. “I got involved in training and pre-training and I worked for Donna Logan for 20 years riding work and on the ground. It has always been my passion. “He (Brucey Lee) is the only one I have in work at the moment, but I have got a few young ones going around, so I am looking forward to them.” Horse racing news View the full article

Okita Soushi on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the 2023 Caulfield Cup. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher is set to debut two European imports at Saturday’s Caulfield meeting. Saint George will make his Australian debut in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m), while Okita Soushi will have his third Australian start, but first under Maher. Both horses hold Caulfield Cup nominations for the prestigious event on October 19, with Saint George also eyeing the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 26. “He’s coming along well, and in the third jump-out, he probably lacked that sharpness he showed in his first two,” Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said of Saint George. “He’s a Cups horse that will be out the back and running on hopefully, and then we can go to 2000 metres and go on from there. He’s a nice colt with a lot of quality and is one out of the box.” Regarding 2023 Royal Ascot winner Okita Soushi, who placed 12th in the Caulfield Cup and 11th in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) last year under Joseph O’Brien, Turnbull added: “He’s a horse that wants ground, and the 2000 metres is the absolute minimum. He’s still an entire, and his fitness is good—it’s just a matter of getting the miles into his legs. “He’s been hard to get a guide on. If I was to compare him to something we already have, he’s an Interpretation type.” Horse racing news View the full article

McNeil Stakes contender Growing Empire. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Last seen effortlessly claiming the Group 3 Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 27, the Ciaron Maher-trained Growing Empire is set to make his much-anticipated return in Saturday’s Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. A potential target for the colt during the Melbourne Cup Carnival is Flemington’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m). Growing Empire also secured victory in the Listed St Albans Stakes (1200m) at The Valley in March. “Certainly, he was a brilliant two-year-old and I think he’s made the step as a three-year-old,” Maher told Racing.com. “And I’m really looking forward to stepping him out on Saturday.” Mark Zahra, who guided the Zoustar colt to his Morphettville triumph, will once again take the reins in the 1200-metre race. “I hope he wins and then he can go to the Poseidon, the Danehill, and the Coolmore,” concluded Maher. Growing Empire is currently a $13 chance for the Coolmore Stud Stakes with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article