Wandering Eyes

On Wednesday, Aug. 28 it was reported that HISA and the local horsemen's group pressured Parx management to close down its turf course. Now the racetrack is planning to put the surface through a series of tests, according to a statement issued by HISA on Thursday. Parx management has informed the oversight organization that they have arranged for Racing Services Testing Laboratory (RSTL) to test and evaluate the turf surface. Additionally, HISA has requested that members of the Track Surface Advisory Group visit in the coming days to assess its condition. A HISA official walked the track on Wednesday, Aug. 28 to record additional video of the entire turf course in advance of these visits. HISA was made aware of concerns with Parx Casino and Racing's turf course this past weekend when a horse broke down over the grass in the Aug. 24 Parx Dash Stakes. Parx management has suspended turf racing until further notice. The post Update: Parx Turf Course To Be Tested Per HISA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Quietside and Bellacose, two impressive winners from earlier in the meet, seek their first graded wins. View the full article

After a dozen years as lessee of Monmouth Park Racetrack, the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NJTHA), in conjunction with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA) has transferred the racetrack, effective immediately, to Dennis Drazin's Darby Development LLC, under a new 85-year lease agreement, the track said in a release on Thursday. Darby had been the operator of the racetrack under the NJTHA and will now take full custody of the grounds with sights set on further expansion. “Let me start by thanking Governor Murphy for entrusting me, and my entire team, with one of New Jersey's most iconic landmarks and one of the nation's top racing venues,” said Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Darby. “While we have been operating the racetrack for just over the past decade, we can now implement our vision for the future, which includes, in conjunction with Morris Bailey, a world-class housing project with full amenities, sports complex, first-class hotel and much, much more. All of this will complement and support our main business, horse racing.” Bailey, who's JEMB Realty owns and operates commercial and residential properties throughout North America as well as the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, will spearhead the development projects at Monmouth Park, with groundbreaking set for late 2025. “We are committed to providing fans with top-quality racing at a venue second-to-none,” Drazin said. “Today's actions will ensure a robust future for Thoroughbred racing in the Garden State and it's with great pride and humility that we embark on a new future for Monmouth.” “Monmouth Park Racetrack is an iconic New Jersey attraction,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We are thrilled to see this project move forward, which will bolster the local economy and ensure that the area is a popular destination for generations to come. “Through this important development, the history and legacy of this racetrack will not only be solidified but expanded and enhanced so that more New Jerseyans can experience its excitement.” “The NJTHA have been great tenants and partners for the last 12 years,” said Paul Juliano, President and CEO of the NJSEA. “I, along with everyone at the NJSEA, join the Governor in taking great pride in securing sustainability and the long-term success of Monmouth Park Racetrack with the new lease for generations to come.” Now in its 79th season of racing and with roots dating back to 1870, Monmouth Park Racetrack, saw a rebirth in 1946 under Amory L. Haskell, the namesake of the racetrack's signature race, the $1 million Haskell Stakes. In 1986, the State of New Jersey acquired the racetrack and operated it under the NJSEA until 2012, when the NJTHA took the reins as lessee. The post Monmouth Transferred To Dennis Drazin’s Darby Development Under New 85-Year Lease appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Federation of Bloodstock Agents [FBA] member Charlie Dee has urged industry stakeholders and racing fans alike to attend the 'Finding Value At The Yearling Sales' forum at Park Paddocks on the eve of the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale. The discussion will be chaired by Gina Bryce and the panel features Oliver St Lawrence, Alex Elliott, Matt Coleman, Amy Murphy and Harvey Bell. The event is due to kick off at 5pm in the Tattersalls sales ring prior to the summer barbeque. An open invite has been extended to anyone who wishes to attend and Dee promises lively debate where some of the key issues will be tackled head on by the panel. He explained, “We haven't done anything like this before but we felt that, given so many of the leading buyers are FBA members, we thought it would be a great idea to share such knowledge and expertise. We're expecting between 100 and 200 people to show up. I know slightly more people than that would have turned up to the pinhooking seminars but that's the rough number we're looking at. Everyone is invited.” Asked about what topics would be up for discussion, Dee added, “It's quite a diverse panel of people who buy at different levels so it should be very insightful. I know that Gina will reflect on Goffs and Arqana, to see if anything can be learned from those sales, and the panelists will be asked to look ahead to the bloodstock market on the whole. Alex was at Saratoga and he could comment on the market in America while we will also be going through the buyers' processes before and during a sale and how they find value. “There's lots of other things, including thoughts on first-season sires, so we're really looking forward to it and it promises to be an entertaining and insightful evening.” The post Dee Urges Fans To Attend ‘Finding Value’ Bloodstock Forum At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Promising Juddmonte homebred Laurel (GB) (Kingman {GB}) sustained a fatal heart attack during training on Thursday. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the 2022 G1 Sun Chariot Stakes runner-up was last seen running second to Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion) in the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. A winner of Newmarket and Kempton novices in July and September of 2022 prior to her Sun Chariot near miss, Laurel also won the Listed Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes at Kempton over a mile last April before running 10th in the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May of 2023. After a 396-day break, the Duke Of Cambridge was her first start back. Her record stands at 6-3-2 and $175,608 in earnings. “She was a great filly and I think her better days were still to come as John was always adamant that she was a Group 1 filly,” said Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon. “Last year she obviously missed most of the season with an injury and she had such a promising comeback run at Ascot, we were really excited. “She was due to head to France for the Prix Jean Romanet and unfortunately she had a heart attack and dropped dead on the gallop, which was very sad. Luckily her jockey and everyone was OK, but it's never a nice thing unfortunately.” She was the eighth foal out of the Danehill mare Promising Lead (GB), who won the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes, and was placed in the G1 Prix de l'Opera. Her dam, a half-sister to GIII Oak Tree Stakes and G3 Princess Margaret Stakes winner and five-time Group/Grade 1-placed Visit (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), is credited with eight winners overall. Blue hen Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) is a full-sister to Laurel's granddam, the stakes winner Arrive (GB) (Kahyasi {Ire}). The post Juddmonte’s Laurel Dies From Heart Attack On The Gallops appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

City Of Troy (Justify) will head to Southwell for a racecourse gallop on September 20 as part of his build-up to the Breeders' Cup Classic. Winner of the Derby and Eclipse, City Of Troy stamped his authority at York last week when making all for victory in the Juddmonte International, smashing Sea The Stars's course-record time in the process. Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners have made no secret of their Classic ambitions, with City Of Troy appearing a perfect candidate for the headline event at Del Mar. The Ballydoyle handler is now planning to simulate full raceday conditions at Southwell next month, with American starting stalls employed and a team of stablemates set to accompany City Of Troy in a public workout. Chris Armstrong, who was representing O'Brien at Navan on Thursday afternoon, said, “It's been confirmed this morning that City Of Troy will go to Southwell on September 20 for a racecourse gallop. “We're delighted that Southwell have been able to accommodate the request and Aidan and all the team are delighted that it will fit in nicely to his programme. “It will be four weeks after York and will give him five weeks before he leaves for the Breeders' Cup. He will work with a group of horses over a distance of about a mile from American stalls with the bell ringing and it should leave him right for the Breeders' Cup Classic.” Southwell has been used by O'Brien in the past to prepare his Breeders' Cup runners, with Giant's Causeway working there in 2000 before being beaten just a neck in the Classic, while Derby winner and subsequent supersire Galileo did the same a year later, although his American bid was not as successful. Armstrong added, “The finer details such as timings have yet to be confirmed, but we have spoken with Southwell and Aidan and all the team are more than happy to open the doors to everyone and all racing fans and the media can watch the piece of work. “It will be an experience for everybody and a bit like a normal raceday. It will be a new track to him and a new surface which will be good for him. He will fly over in the morning, have a rest in the stables like he normally does before a race, work in the afternoon and then fly home in the evening. Everything fits into his schedule beautifully and it's something we are looking forward to.” The post O’Brien Team Confirms City Of Troy Set For Breeders’ Cup Workout at Southwell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club has elected new stewards and members to its rolls, the organization said in a release on Thursday morning. The new stewards are Gary Fenton, David O'Farrell, Everrett R. Dobson and Vincent Viola. William S. Farish Jr. (vice chair) was re-elected. The remaining stewards are Stuart S. Janney III (chair), Ian D. Highet (treasurer), William M. Lear (secretary), Barbara Banke, Louis A. Cella, Terry Finley and R. Alex Rankin. The new members who were added include, Joseph Appelbaum, John Ballantyne Ph.D., Rick Gold, Marshall Gramm Ph.D., M.V. Magnier, Jon Miller, Garrett O'Rourke and Jessica Steinbrenner. The post Jockey Club Elects New Stewards Fenton and Viola, New Members Magnier and O’Rourke, Among Others 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 Friday at Saratoga: Friday, August 30, 2024 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 12:35 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Nod to Tran (Mineshaft), OBSMAR, 100,000, :10 C-Navas Equine, agent; B-Joe Migliore, agent for Jesse Iglesias Saratoga 2, $90k, 2yo, (S), 1 1/16mT, 1:07 p.m. I'm Due (War Dancer)-AE, OBSJUN, 25,000, :22 1/5 C-Whitman Sales LLC, agent; B-Starry Night Racing Mossad (Bernardini), OBSAPR, 140,000, :10 1/5 C-Kinsman Farm, agent; B-Patrice Miller, EQB Inc, agent Saratoga 7, $80k, 2yo, f, (R), 6 1/2f, 3:54 p.m. ET Another Cleeshay (Volatile), FTMMAY, 40,000, :10 4/5 C-Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, agent; B-Gary Contessa, agent Central Casting (World of Trouble), OBSJUN, 40,000, :20 3/5 C-Sweet River Thoroughbreds, agent; B-Mazel Stable Partners Gaga's Hamsome (Maximum Security), OBSJUN, 16,000, :22 C-Ocala Stud, agent; B-Danny J Chen Saratoga 8, $90k, 2yo, (S), 1 1/16mT, 4:29 p.m. ET Brunch (Thousand Words)-MTO, OBSAPR, 30,000, :10 3/5 C-Royal Bloodstock Sales, agent; B-L Lewis, agt Philip Harding The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: August 30, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This letter originally appeared on the Walking L Companies website and is republished in the TDN unedited and with permission. I believe that we are all involved in whichever corner of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry we each occupy because of our love first and foremost for the HORSES and that we all want to see racing grow and thrive for decades to come. Of course, there are many problems and challenges within our industry and many things that we need to fix in order for it to continue, let alone grow. There are many individuals and groups that focus on one problem or another and many that address a variety of them within their jurisdictions or regions. We all can, and must, discuss our industry's problems, challenges, and opportunities and share ideas and work on good solutions to each of them–it is our obligation. As a relative newcomer (still in our stable's first decade) I have tried to be a participant in industry initiatives and groups with a mixed bag of acceptance, but will try to be even more ardent in my desire to participate in such going forward and also to be more vocal when I think that can be helpful. This note to all of you is an example of that–albeit for one particular issue, primarily in one particular jurisdiction (although it certainly applies nationwide). It's a start and I encourage others to do the same–with small steps, one thing at a time, we can hopefully make a difference. This past weekend we had a horse that was scratched at the gate by a Kentucky Regulatory Veterinarian at Ellis Park. Let me stop and say this loudly–we absolutely are not interested in running any of our horses if there is any question about their health or condition–the vet scratch in and of itself is not the problem, it's a judgement call that whether we agree with or not, is not up for discussion. This instance is the fourth or fifth regulatory vet scratch we have had in a year (unlike this one, the rest of those were at the morning inspection). At best, we have been told some version of “he looks off in his front left to me”, but more often we have simply been told some version of “she doesn't look right”, “I don't like how he's walking”, etc. There is no arguing, and we won't (even if we could) question it–better safe than sorry, but please give us something for our private veterinarians to work from, please tell us in your trained and expert opinion what you specifically see. In this past weekend's case and in every other one in the past year, when our vet looks at them–they see nothing wrong. We have X-Rays and scans done–nothing to see. So what did the state vet see??? Please let the trainers and owners know exactly what you see–share your opinion that led to your decision to scratch the horse. If we have the state vet's opinion, it is a good place to make sure we not only double check, but triple check, and address if needed. The need for this added transparency and detailed information from the Regulatory Veterinarian following a decision to scratch a horse must be addressed and made a standard practice in the Kentucky (KHRC) rules and guidelines. The second thing that must be addressed is the overall process of being on, and working off, the Vet's List. The horse in question, who has no issues found by the detailed examination and imagery completed by our private veterinarian, is now on both the State Vet List and the HISA Vet List. We can ignore the published differences between HISA and the KY lists as to dates, etc–but the final answer is that the horse cannot work until 9/7 (two weeks after the scratch). The horse will have to work in the presence of a regulatory veterinarian (which will have to be scheduled and isn't that simple to do in experience), then must have a blood test which in KY involves a delay until the next Thursday to be processed, and then a wait for the results to be cleared from the Vet List. All of this must be completed to be entered (6 days prerace now in KY) and run a race. You can do the math, even if the Condition Book works out perfectly, you are a month removed from the scratch that started all of this at best before you get a chance to go back to the starting gate. In our current situation, this is all for a horse that we can't get a veterinarian to find anything wrong with, just told that the horse “looks off in the front left”. This process must be addressed and streamlined for cases like this within the Kentucky (KHRC) rules and guidelines. I have shared all of this specific to Kentucky, but the same or very similar issues and lack of processes exists everywhere. It is something that a single set of detailed rules and process across all the states could easily solve (ala HISA–which we support the concept of and see it moving in the right direction procedurally and in understanding the industry–but that can all be another discussion). Now–what does any of this really matter? Can't Scott just shake his head and wait to run the horse next month? Yes, he could, but this all adds up and it's at a tipping point for our participation going forward if things don't change. Following the scratch last weekend, I shared through social media that we were “waving the white flag” and that it has become impossible to succeed the way things are. I will share my thoughts and what that means. We aren't a mega owner, either in count or $$ spent, but we do invest a significant amount of money in the yearling market each year and in stallion fees for our broodmare band–all in addition to the normal daily cost of operating our racing and breeding stables. We need to make money in this industry to continue and have been fortunate that success on the track has provided purse revenues along with the sale of yearlings and broodmares that help us to that goal. However, the way the purse money is elevated in Kentucky right now, it is imperative that we have most of our Spring-Fall focus in Kentucky to earn our share of those purses. When it becomes harder to rely on running consistently in Kentucky because of the issues I've raised without proper transparency and better defined guidelines and processes, it has become time to ask are continued investments a smart idea. We aren't ready to stop participating in this industry, but based on the current situation, we have made a decision to not buy any yearlings at the auctions this fall. We will continue to operate our racing stable with the 2YO's and older horses that are in training, still have a nice crop of homebred yearlings along with one bought earlier this summer that are just starting their early training, we have some very nice 2024 foals on the ground and growing, and much of our broodmare band is in foal and expecting for 2025. We will see how the industry evolves, hopefully this and other issues are discussed and worked on, and we will periodically reassess our position as the calendar moves along. For now, our horses will continue to make noise on the track and I will make some noise and rattle some cages to do my part to help improve our industry–which I truly do enjoy being a part of! –Scott Leeds, Walking L Thoroughbreds The post Letter To The Editor: One Small Step For Horse Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Darwin trainer Gary Clarke, who has won the Top End and Country premiership for the past 12 years, will be aiming for further success when racing resumes at Fannie Bay for the first time this season on Saturday. After winning the Top End and Country trainers’ premiership for a 12th straight year and claiming the Darwin Cup Carnival’s leading trainer title for the 11th time, Gary Clarke was pleased to have a break. Darwin Cup Day was August 5, and despite taking a small team to Katherine a fortnight ago, Clarke has had plenty of time to recharge the batteries. Pink Panther was second in the Katherine Cup behind Kerry Petrick’s Venting. They’re back racing at Fannie Bay on Saturday, with the Darwin Turf Club hosting six races. It’s National Jockeys Celebration Day, and the 1000m feature (BM76) honours the late Melanie Tyndall, who passed away following a fall at Fannie Bay on August 31, 2019. Clarke’s Doc O’Connor and Rising Sphere take on Chris Nash’s Ideas Man and Lisa Whittle’s stablemates Expert Witness and Canton Kid. Rising Sphere broke the 1000m track record (55.96) winning the Simone Montgomerie Lightning Plate on Darwin Cup Day. Doc O’Connor, who defeated Rising Sphere in the 2023 Montgomerie Lightning, set a cracking pace before getting overrun and finishing third in this year’s edition, while Expert Witness was second and Canton Kid was sixth. Ideas Man was third in the Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3 after finishing second in the same race a year ago. “As far as having a break, it’s an instant relief straight after the Darwin Cup,” Clarke said. “We had another successful season, it was good. “We’ve built a big business, but it took a long time to get to where we are now. “We employ up to eight people, so we have to keep the wheels turning. “Jarrod and I haven’t lost our appetite for success, Jarrod’s still pretty hungry. “To win 12 premierships is not something I aimed for, but I would have liked to have won at least one premiership.” Jarrod Todd has won the jockeys’ premiership for the past five years and was the leading rider during the Darwin Cup Carnival for the eighth occasion. Clarke (68) and Todd (60) topped the charts at the end of the 2023/24 season, while Clarke (13) and Todd (11) dominated during Cup Carnival. “Doc O’Connor was unlucky in the Lightning, but you can’t dwell on those things, and for Rising Sphere to break 56 seconds was extraordinary,” Clarke said. “It’s a cracking race on Saturday, all five horses have a chance. “Whoever steps cleanest out of the gates and gets the best run could win it. “I also like Adelaide Fever, but I’ve also got a new one in the same race in Devil’s Delight who doesn’t go too bad over 1000m.” During Cup Carnival, Clarke and Todd won the NT Derby (Masatora), Metric Mile (Wolfburn) and Dabble Cup (Shakattak). Wolfburn (Todd) was second in the Chief Minister’s Cup and Darwin Cup, Pink Panther (Aaron Sweeney) was second in the Metric Mile, and Lumber Punk (Sweeney) was second in the Palmerston Sprint. “Wolfburn stuck his head in front twice up the straight in the Darwin Cup and Hadouken kept kicking back,” Clarke said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, August 31, 2024 First Race 2:12pm ACST Visit Dabble Action in the Top End resumes with 38 runners accepting for the six-race meeting on Saturday afternoon. Sunny conditions and light winds with a top temperature of 33C is the forecast for Saturday. The rail will once again be in the true position, and it will be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: Debating Debating finished seventh in an 1100m maiden on his Top End debut in December, but since then he has hardly put a foot wrong. After two narrow seconds over 1200m in January and February, Debating headed to Alice Springs in March and was second against fellow three-year-olds over 1400m (BM68) before finishing fourth in the NT Guineas (1600m). In three starts during the Darwin Cup Carnival in July and August, the son of Reward For Effort finally sealed that first win in a 1200m maiden before getting pipped on the post on two occasions when leading over 1200m (0-58). Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Debating (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Ella Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (61kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Yaki Ishi Yaki Ishi is still looking for that first Darwin win, but he has been extremely competitive in four starts. A first-up third over 1100m (0-62) in June was followed by a second over 1300m (0-62). The five-year-old gelding wasn’t all that far away when third in the $40,000 Dabble Cup (1300m) before finishing half a length adrift in second place in the $50,000 Magic Millions Top End Classic (1300m. Yaki Ishi carries an extra 3kg and jumps from the outside gate, but he has the form on the board. Next Best Race 1 – #1 Yaki Ishi (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Neil Dyer | J: Stan Tsaikos (60kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: Royal Signal A $9 quote during the week with horse racing bookmakers, it was hard to ignore Royal Signal after an impressive first up win over 1200m (0-58) on August 5. Jumping from the inside gate before settling midfield, the five-year-old mare got off the fence turning for home and powered to the line to overcome Debating by 0.8 lengths. She carries a similar weight on Saturday and the outside gate might prove a hurdle; however, the mare clearly has ability. Best Value Race 4 – #8 Royal Signal (8) 5yo Mare | T: Jason Manning | J: Vanessa Arnott (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 31/8/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, August 31, 2024 1-4-7 1-4-5-6-8 1-2 1-2-3-4 Horse racing tips View the full article

Unlawful gambling operators are accessing the mass market ‘like never before’View the full article

The sales action rolls on to Baden-Baden this Friday for Germany's major yearling auction, the BBAG September Sale. If the talk in the build-up is to be believed then there will be more overseas visitors than ever landing at Karlsruhe airport to make the short journey to the sales grounds and its neighbouring racecourse during a lively week of action in both spheres. They surely can't all be going solely for the excellent eve-of-sale barbecue, featuring the traditional jumbo bratwurst and Elvis impersonator. Far more important than that fun night is the fact that six of the last ten G1 Deutsches Derby winners are graduates of this sale, including this year's winner Palladium (Ger) (Gleneagles {Ire}). The colt who provided young jockey Thore Hammer-Hansen with his first Classic victory was bred and sold two years ago by Gestut Fahrhof for €80,000 to Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten's Liberty Racing. This year, the Fahrhof consignment will include the first yearlings by its sole stallion Alson (Ger), the Group 1-winning son of the late Areion (Ger), whose 11 youngsters in the sale include lot 54, a half-sister to the Group 3 winner Winterfuchs (Ger) (Campanologist) and the G1 Preis der Diana third Wonder Of Lips (Ger) (Champs Elysees {GB}). Alson is by no means the only freshman sire represented. The Deutsches Derby winners Windstoss (Ger) and In Swoop (Ire) each have yearlings in the book, but by far the biggest representation comes from Gestut Etzean's Japan (GB), the former Coolmore representative whose sire Galileo (Ire) notched his 100th individual Group 1 winner last week at York. Japan, bred by Fahrhof's former sister stud Newsells Park, was one of those centurions, winning both the G1 Juddmonte International and G1 Grand Prix de Paris among his six Group wins. On paper, one of the standouts from his large selection of yearlings catalogued is lot 81, from his home stud of Etzean and a half-brother to the G1 Preis der Diana victrix Miss Yoda (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), herself a former co-sale-topper at BBAG when sold to Tom Goff on behalf of Georg von Opel's Westerberg operation for €280,000. One yearling to have enjoyed a timely update this week is lot 43, the Magna Grecia (Ire) colt out of Salve Venezia (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), from one of Germany's signature families of Sacarina (GB) (Old Vic {GB}). Offered by Gestut Ohlerweiherhof, he is a half-brother to the juvenile Santagada (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), winner of Wednesday's G3 Renate und Albrecht Woeste – Zukunfts Rennen in the colours of Helmut von Finck on the racecourse next door to the sale ground. It's a safe bet that the man in the hat, Jeremy Brummitt, will be one of the earliest on patrol at BBAG. The agent never misses this sale and unearthed a smart filly there two years ago when buying Tamfana (Ger) for just €20,000. The daughter of Soldier Hollow (GB) went agonisingly close in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket when beaten just a length in fourth after suffering trouble in running, and was subsequently third in the G1 Prix de Diane for Quantum Leap Racing and partners. She is currently favourite for Saturday's G3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown. And it is not just classy Flat runners that can be found at BBAG either. Gaelic Warrior (Ger) (Maxios {GB}), the winner of the G1 Arkle Challenge Trophy at this year's Cheltenham Festival, is yet another talented flagbearer for the auction house. Bred by the Niarchos family, he was sold as a yearling for €9,000 and has now won seven races for Willie Mullins, earning almost £400,000 in the process. Klaus Eulenberger, managing director for BBAG, said that he is expecting a good turnout from foreign buyers for Friday's sale. “We're very happy to have another Derby winner from the sale this year, and Gaelic Warrior was our first big Cheltenham-winning graduate,” he noted. “Many international clients have already booked their hotels and we have many new people coming this year from Spain, Italy, France, Ireland and England. We are really looking forward to welcoming them all to the sale, and we will have our traditional German barbecue the night before the sale with 'Elvis' performing.” He continued “Windstoss was a BBAG graduate himself and we have three yearlings from his first crop here this year. They are very good-looking horses from strong Rottgen families and we are really excited about that. “There are 26 Japan yearlings in the catalogue. He was well supported by German and international breeders in his first year and we've seen some really nice horses by him this year. We are also excited by the first yearlings of Alson. There aren't so many proven stallions in Germany at the moment but there are some exciting young stallions. “We also have two In Swoop yearlings in the catalogue. It was a big loss for Germany not to have him standing here as a Flat stallion, especially after the loss of Adlerflug, but we have another of Adlerflug's sons here, Torquator Tasso and he will have his first yearlings next year so we can look forward to that.” If a reminder was needed as to the excellence of German bloodlines, the late Adlerflug's son Goliath (Ger) provided the perfect boost for the nation when winning becoming the third German-bred winner of the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the last 12 years. Last week it was announced that American owner John Stewart had bought a major share in the four-year-old to continue his racing career in association with breeder Philipp von Ullmann of Gestut Schlenderhan. We've long seen German horses excel around the world. Now it is time for the world to visit Germany in pursuit of the next big star. Don't forget to pack your blue suede shoes. The post Classic Winners, Top Chasers and Elvis: Best and Wurst at BBAG appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SAPPORO, Japan — While other racing nations are becoming accustomed to lauding the overseas success of Japanese runners and looking on with awe at the huge financial clout of the country's domestic racing programme, it would be folly to think that Japan's racing scene does not face its own specific issues. Indeed, the host nation for the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) was put under the spotlight in Sapporo on Thursday when leading trainer Yoshito Yahagi and breeder Kenichiro Mishima took to the stage to discuss ways in which Japanese racing has progressed in recent decades and how it could be enhanced. Yahagi is now a familiar name on the international scene. This season alone he is taking aim at two of the biggest prizes in Europe and America this autumn with Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) having just arrived in Chantilly ahead of his bid for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe while the Kentucky Derby third Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) should head to the Breeders' Cup Classic after a prep race at home in Japan in early October. Issuing an update on his two globetrotters, Yahagi said first of Shin Emperor, the full-brother to the 202o Arc winner Sottsass (Fr), “The journey was quite long so he was a little tired and has lost some weight but it hasn't affected his performance and I am very happy with his condition.” Shin Emperor, who was third in the Japanese Derby to Danon Decile (Jpn), will run first in the Irish Champion Stakes as he builds up to the Arc. France's flagship race was highlighted by the trainer as the “top” race in the world that he would like to win. He continued, “I have always wanted to try the Arc with a three-year-old. [Shin Emperor] still has the chance to run next year but I want him to run this year to make the most of the experience for next year or years to come. “The Irish Champion Stakes is one of the most prestigious races in Europe and it attracts really top-quality horses. I want to know how well Shin Emperor can run against the other European contenders.” Forever Young, who won the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan in March before his near miss in a rough running of the Kentucky Derby, will return to America after he lines up in the Japan Dirt Classic at Oi racecourse on October 2. Yahagi said, “Forever Young will run on the Wednesday of the week of the Arc so that will be a very busy week for me. “I knew that either Shin Emperor or Forever Young would have to run against City Of Troy and I am very happy that Aidan O'Brien is going to run him in the Breeders' Cup Classic.” Yahagi was joined on stage by Mishima, the breeder of his G2 Godolphin Mile and G3 1351 Saudi Turf Sprint winner Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). “There have been dramatic changes in Japanese breeding the last few decades, in feed management, the stock getting stronger,” said Mishima who also outlined the challenges posed by extremely cold winters on the island of Hokkaido, where the majority of Japanese thoroughbreds are born and raised. “We used to depend on imported stallions but now we have very good domestic stallions,” he added. “Sunday Silence coming to Japan was one of the triggers that allowed Japan's horses to compete outside Japan.” The 1989 Kentucky Derby winner is now famed for having been a key breed-shaper in the country, notably through his hugely influential Japanese Triple Crown-winning son Deep Impact (Jpn). “I think we can divide the era – before and after Sunday Silence,” Yahagi agreed. “It's not just my stable but I genuinely feel that the quality of Japanese horses is getting stronger every time I travel abroad.” He continued, “The Classic, the Arc, the Cox Plate are all run on very different racetracks so it is important to work out if each horse is suitable for those conditions. Then there is whether the racecourses involved are passionate about inviting Japanese horses to run. That is an important consideration – whether we can rely on subsidies or not is really important as air travel for horses has become very expensive.” Earlier on the conference stage Yahagi had highlighted his desire to see more women employed in Japanese racing. He is currently acting as a mentor to Japan's first licensed female trainer Kyoko Maekawa, who featured in these pages a fortnight ago and is completing an apprenticeship with Yahagi before setting up as a trainer in her own right next March. “Looking at the Japanese horseracing industry I would say that about 95% of those working in the industry are men,” he noted. “I truly hope that more young women will be able to join our industry. That's my strong wish. I think their participation is extremely important and I do believe that with them the horseracing and breeding industry will be viewed to be more attractive [for others].” He also noted that, under the JRA rules, he will only be allowed to continue as a trainer for another seven years until he will be required to retire. “I just want to do my best as a trainer until I reach the age of 70,” said Yahagi, who also owns a spelling farm on Hokkaido. “And in my retirement I want to give something back to the horses. I might start a retirement farm for aftercare.” The retraining of racehorses and aftercare was the subject of the day-long IFAR conference on Tuesday, when the JRA showcased the efforts being made in this regard at its equestrian centre alongside Sapporo racecourse. Yahagi continued, “Finally it has gained attention fully and some of things discussed have been put into action. Globally, Japan is still behind the world trend and the horsemen should take the initiative to improve the welfare for retired horses.” Mishima added, “In order to retain the horseracing industry around the world the welfare of the horse is going to be a crucial issue. There are some issues regarding funding but we are now seeing the emergence of an organisation dealing with this.” The post Yahagi has the Arc on his Mind at the ARC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Elsdon Park are saddened to report the passing of star mare Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel). The triple Group One winning heroine was days away from being covered in Australia by leading stallion Zoustar. For her owners Lib and Katrina Petagna, Lucia Valentina provided some huge thrills. “Lucia Valentina has a special place in our hearts. She was named after our daughter and enabled us to enjoy some phenomenal family events,” recalled Lib Petagna. “The whole family really got behind her and we had a lot of thrills with her. “When you have a horse like Lucia, you bring people into racing that aren’t naturally interested and they get a real buzz out of it. This is what she enabled for us with our friends and family.” Lucia Valentina was initially purchased by Bruce Perry for $60,000 from the draft of Blandford Lodge at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale. “She had so much presence and personality from day one,” Perry said. “She was pretty determined and had an incredible will to win. She knew who she liked and who she didn’t – i.e. some people and most horses. However, if you were one of the few she liked, she gave you everything.” The Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax-bred daughter of Savabeel and Staryn Glenn won on debut at three for trainer Stephen Marsh and after winning the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Trentham, made her way to Australia to the yard of Kris Lees. Under Lees’ guidance, she distinguished herself as the Group One winner of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and the Turnbull Stakes (2000m). Lucia Valentina pictured at Elsdon Park with her filly foal by I Am Invincible in 2022 Photo: Ange Bridson Victory would also come in the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), along with Group One placings in the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Ranvet Stakes (2000m), Australian Oaks (2400m) and the Underwood Stakes (1800m). Lucia Valentina was the Top Filly of the 2013-14 Australasian 3YO Classification (Int.), the Joint Top Filly on the 2013-14 NZ 3YO Free H (1600m+), NSW Provincial Champion Horse of the Year in 2015 and boasted a World Thoroughbred Ranking of 117 in 2016. “For me, her stand-out win was the Queen Elizabeth, where she stumbled twice, but picked herself up under Damien Oliver to explode away from her rivals. No one would have beaten her that day,” Perry said. Having also enjoyed success on her in the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes, Damien Oliver likewise held the mare in the highest regard. “She was a lovely mare, who I have a lot of fond memories of. She was a dream to ride and definitely punched well above her weight. RIP beautiful girl,” Oliver said. Since her retirement from racing, Lucia Valentina has produced five foals. Her legacy is set to continue at Elsdon Park through her Group One-placed Snitzel daughter Luella Cristina and through her Per Incanto colt, who is now a yearling. “A loss is always sad, but to lose a mare like Lucia who brought so much joy to so many people is really tough. She was a proper character and a great mother. Her legacy will live on at Elsdon Park, as will the many treasured memories she leaves us with,” said Elsdon Park General Manager, Kerrie Cox. View the full article

Group One winner Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) took trainer Jim Wallace and her army of owners on the ride of a lifetime when taking out the New Zealand-Australian Oaks double last year, and just 18 months on the Opaki horseman thinks he might have another filly just as capable. Ardsley Stud filly Merkel (NZ) (Reliable Man) has reminded Wallace a lot of her stable predecessor and she has pleased him when placing in her three trials to date. “I have said several times that she is similar to what Pennyweka was at the same stage, only with a little bit more speed,” Wallace said. “That gives some encouragement, but it took Pennyweka a little while to win a race, but when she did, she made up for it.” Wallace has decided to roll the dice with his filly in her raceday debut, with the daughter of Reliable Man set to line-up in the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m) on Saturday. “I think she has got a bit more than average ability and you have got to start somewhere and this may be the place,” Wallace said. “If she happened to run a place then she is stakes placed and enhances her value and gives us a good indication of where we might go.” If everything goes to plan this weekend, Wallace intends on giving Merkel a light spring preparation before heading towards some key Classic races in autumn. “She will just have a light spring,” he said. “If she comes through okay and does things right, she will be aimed for the (New Zealand) Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) in March. That is the long-term plan for her, it would be nice to double down on that.” While excited about the future with Merkel, Wallace is just as enthused about the prospects of stablemate and fellow three-year-old Skippers Canyon, who beat Merkel in one of her trials. A fellow Ardsley Park product, Skippers Canyon is likely to have one further trial before making his raceday debut. “Skippers Canyon is coming along very well,” Wallace said. “I have had a big opinion of him for a long time. “He has taken a bit of teaching, he is not the sharpest knife in the draw, but he can run really fast. “We will probably go back for one more trial with him, he was a lot better in his last trial. He did poke between horses for the first time. It took him a little while to make up his mind to do it, but when he did, he burst through very well. “We will just play it by ear, but I think he is a decent horse in the making. I think he is very similar to his three-quarter brother in Australia, (stakes winner) Golden Path.” They say good things come in threes, and that is exactly the case this season for Wallace, who rates another three-year-old as his most exciting prospect. Ocean Park gelding Liberty Park won his 850m trial at Foxton last week and Wallace said he has received plenty of interest in him following the run. “He might be the best of the lot of them,” he said. “If someone doesn’t want to buy him I will end up racing him somewhere. I am at the stage of life where I don’t need a whole lot of racehorses around me, one or two is fine. “I am very fortunate to walk into the barn in the morning knowing that I have got three or four animals that are a bit better than average.” View the full article

Elsdon Park are saddened to report the passing of star mare Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel). The triple Group One winning heroine was days away from being covered in Australia by leading stallion Zoustar. For her owners Lib and Katrina Petagna, Lucia Valentina provided some huge thrills. “Lucia Valentina has a special place in our hearts. She was named after our daughter and enabled us to enjoy some phenomenal family events,” recalled Lib Petagna. “The whole family really got behind her and we had a lot of thrills with her. “When you have a horse like Lucia, you bring people into racing that aren’t naturally interested and they get a real buzz out of it. This is what she enabled for us with our friends and family.” Lucia Valentina was initially purchased by Bruce Perry for $60,000 from the draft of Blandford Lodge at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale. “She had so much presence and personality from day one,” Perry said. “She was pretty determined and had an incredible will to win. She knew who she liked and who she didn’t – i.e. some people and most horses. However, if you were one of the few she liked, she gave you everything.” The Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax-bred daughter of Savabeel and Staryn Glenn won on debut at three for trainer Stephen Marsh and after winning the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Trentham, made her way to Australia to the yard of Kris Lees. Under Lees’ guidance, she distinguished herself as the Group One winner of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and the Turnbull Stakes (2000m). Lucia Valentina pictured at Elsdon Park with her filly foal by I Am Invincible in 2022 Photo: Ange Bridson Victory would also come in the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), along with Group One placings in the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Ranvet Stakes (2000m), Australian Oaks (2400m) and the Underwood Stakes (1800m). Lucia Valentina was the Top Filly of the 2013-14 Australasian 3YO Classification (Int.), the Joint Top Filly on the 2013-14 NZ 3YO Free H (1600m+), NSW Provincial Champion Horse of the Year in 2015 and boasted a World Thoroughbred Ranking of 117 in 2016. “For me, her stand-out win was the Queen Elizabeth, where she stumbled twice, but picked herself up under Damien Oliver to explode away from her rivals. No one would have beaten her that day,” Perry said. Having also enjoyed success on her in the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes, Damien Oliver likewise held the mare in the highest regard. “She was a lovely mare, who I have a lot of fond memories of. She was a dream to ride and definitely punched well above her weight. RIP beautiful girl,” Oliver said. Since her retirement from racing, Lucia Valentina has produced five foals. Her legacy is set to continue at Elsdon Park through her Group One-placed Snitzel daughter Luella Cristina and through her Per Incanto colt, who is now a yearling. “A loss is always sad, but to lose a mare like Lucia who brought so much joy to so many people is really tough. She was a proper character and a great mother. Her legacy will live on at Elsdon Park, as will the many treasured memories she leaves us with,” said Elsdon Park General Manager, Kerrie Cox. View the full article

Trainer Matthew Williams is hopeful a good break for Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote) after an underwhelming late-summer preparation can be the catalyst to a better spring campaign for the Stakes-winning mare. Wrote To Arataki will resume in Saturday’s Group 3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield, a race she finished third in 12 months ago, before going on to win the G2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) later that spring. It will be her first start since finishing fifth in the Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February, in what was her second start of that preparation. “We thought last preparation she was just a couple of lengths off her best off the back of a longer spring,” Williams said. Wrote To Arataki’s spring last year was extended to include a crack at the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes in mid-November, after having to be scratched from the G1 Empire Rose Stakes a couple of weeks earlier. “It was very late into the spring then and the turnaround time, trying to get her back for those races in the autumn, she just didn’t get long enough of a break and we just felt she wasn’t going as good as she could,” Williams said. “We put her out and gave her a good spell. She had a good eight weeks out.” Williams has also had the time to be able to give Wrote To Arataki three jumpouts in the past month in preparation for her race return and the mare has drawn a middle barrier in Saturday’s Cockram (1200m) with Jamie Kah to ride. “We’ve been happy with her trials, but I’m just not totally convinced she’s as sharp as what she’s been in previous preps,” the Warrnambool-based trainer said. “Whether she’s really going to need the 1400 metres to get herself back into the winner’s stall, that’s a possibility. “But normally she would run very well under this sort of circumstance fresh. So we’ll probably get a fair idea of where we’re at off the back of Saturday’s race. “I’d love to see her just charging at the line and being within a couple of lengths of the winner. “If she’s anywhere within that sort of margin, we’d be saying we’re happy that she’s come back.” Williams says the mare ‘looks terrific’ heading into her first-up assignment. “She’s lovely and sound and we’re happy with her at home,” he said. “But just when you’ve had a prep where you think she was probably a couple of lengths off her best, you just want to see them come out and do it on race day the next prep.” Williams said he will likely follow a program of running Wrote To Arataki in mares’ races during the spring around the 1400-metre mark, but is unsure whether to try to stretch her out to 1600m. View the full article

Brucey Lee (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) 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.” View the full article

Promising gelding Martell (NZ) (El Roca) will face his sternest test to date when he heads to Wanganui on Saturday to tackle the Balance Accountants Open 1200. It will be the furthest the five-year-old gelding has travelled away from trainer Jim Collett’s Matamata base, and his handler doesn’t think it will pose any issues. “He raced at Taranaki one time. Wanganui is a bit further, but he travels well,” Collett said. The son of El Roca has won three of his four starts this preparation, including his last two outings over 1200m and 1230m at Tauranga and Rotorua respectively, and Collet believes he is capable of adding to his six-win haul this weekend. “I am really happy with his work this week. He is going to come in with a nice, light weight (52kg), and will be a realistic chance,” he said. While confident in his horse’s ability, Collett said Martell will face his sternest test to date against a handy line-up, but it will be good to get a gauge on his gelding ahead of a potential trip to the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival next month. “This is a bit of a test, this will be the best field he has lined up against,” Collett said. “He hasn’t run against horses like Old Town Road, Tavis Court and co. “He hasn’t done a lot wrong. He has only had the 15 starts and he is a very genuine horse. I think he could be up to this lot. “If he goes well on Saturday, we might have a crack at one of the days at Hawke’s Bay. There is an open sprint on the 28th of September. “He may have two more starts, if that. As soon as the tracks get firm I will give him a nice break until the autumn where he should be a stronger horse again.” Collett likes to space Martell’s races, with the gelding generally having a month between runs, and it is something Collett intends to continue. “He loves a month between runs. When he is stronger he may be able to cope with more, but at this stage I like to space his races,” Collett said. If Martell continues on his current trajectory, Collett said there will likely be stakes targets for the gelding next preparation. “This time next year he might be a Foxbridge Plate (Gr.2, 1200m) horse,” he said. “That is a long way off, but if he got up in the ratings a bit, there is not a lot on offer for him and you get to a stage where you have got to have a crack at some of those races.” Martell is currently a $3.90 Fixed Odds favourite with TAB Bookmakers for Saturday ahead of Spencer ($5) and Saint Bathans ($5.50). View the full article

Apprentice prepares for ‘really big step up’ as she becomes first woman on the roster in seven yearsView the full article

Race 2 BIG BLADE HURDLE 3100m LORD SPENCER (L Douglas) – Trainer Ms. J Rayner reported to Stewards, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of LORD SPENCER and it is her intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation. The post Egmont Racing Club @ Hawera, Sunday 25 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Jim Wallace pictured with family following Pennyweka’s win in last year’s Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Group 1 winner Pennyweka took trainer Jim Wallace and her army of owners on the ride of a lifetime when taking out the New Zealand-Australian Oaks double last year, and just 18 months on the Opaki horseman thinks he might have another filly just as capable. Ardsley Stud filly Merkel has reminded Wallace a lot of her stable predecessor and she has pleased him when placing in her three trials to date. “I have said several times that she is similar to what Pennyweka was at the same stage, only with a little bit more speed,” Wallace said. “That gives some encouragement, but it took Pennyweka a little while to win a race, but when she did, she made up for it.” Wallace has decided to roll the dice with his filly in her raceday debut, with the daughter of Reliable Man set to line-up in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) on Saturday. “I think she has got a bit more than average ability and you have got to start somewhere and this may be the place,” Wallace said. “If she happened to run a place then she is stakes placed and enhances her value and gives us a good indication of where we might go.” If everything goes to plan this weekend, Wallace intends on giving Merkel a light spring preparation before heading towards some key Classic races in autumn. “She will just have a light spring,” he said. “If she comes through okay and does things right, she will be aimed for the (New Zealand) Oaks (Group 1, 2400m) in March. That is the long-term plan for her, it would be nice to double down on that.” While excited about the future with Merkel, Wallace is just as enthused about the prospects of stablemate and fellow three-year-old Skippers Canyon, who beat Merkel in one of her trials. A fellow Ardsley Park product, Skippers Canyon is likely to have one further trial before making his raceday debut. “Skippers Canyon is coming along very well,” Wallace said. “I have had a big opinion of him for a long time. “He has taken a bit of teaching, he is not the sharpest knife in the draw, but he can run really fast. “We will probably go back for one more trial with him, he was a lot better in his last trial. He did poke between horses for the first time. It took him a little while to make up his mind to do it, but when he did, he burst through very well. “We will just play it by ear, but I think he is a decent horse in the making. I think he is very similar to his three-quarter brother in Australia, (stakes winner) Golden Path.” They say good things come in threes, and that is exactly the case this season for Wallace, who rates another three-year-old as his most exciting prospect. Ocean Park gelding Liberty Park won his 850m trial at Foxton last week and Wallace said he has received plenty of interest in him following the run. “He might be the best of the lot of them,” he said. “If someone doesn’t want to buy him I will end up racing him somewhere. I am at the stage of life where I don’t need a whole lot of racehorses around me, one or two is fine. “I am very fortunate to walk into the barn in the morning knowing that I have got three or four animals that are a bit better than average.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Friday, August 30, 2024 First Race 4:45pm AEST Visit Dabble Another season of night racing commences at Pakenham on Friday night with an eight-race program set down for decision on the all-weather surface. With showers forecast throughout the day in Melbourne’s south-east, riders will look to avoid racing in tight quarters to avoid kickback throughout the card. The Pakenham synthetic races on August 30 is set to commence at 4:45pm AEST. Best Bet at Pakenham: Si Si Milano Si Si Milano was a dominant Pakenham synthetic maiden winner two runs back over 1200m and backed it up with a strong victory at the track over 1400m on August 19. The three-year-old gelding returns to the track and trip from his previous success and as he steps up to BM64 grade, looks the best horse in the race. The son of Yes Yes Yes looks to be blessed with some of his sire’s finishing ability, and on the back of a genuine tempo, Si Si Milano can bring up a third straight win. Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Si Si Milano (13) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Tradeworx The Stephen Brown-trained Tradeworx has found a new lease on life on the synthetic surfaces at Ballarat and Pakenham in recent times and looks poised to continue his winning form at Pakenham. A dominant victory over 2200m in a BM64 at Pakenham followed a strong 2100m victory at Ballarat. He returns to that track and trip on Friday and despite stepping up to a BM70, gets in nicely with just 54kg on his back. If Luke Cartwright can land a midfield spot with cover, Tradeworx will take a power of beating with confidence on his side. Next Best Race 7 – #6 Tradeworx (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Stephen Brown | J: Luke Cartwright (54kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best Again at Pakenham: Vino Grande Vino Grande will have his first start as a three-year-old when he steps out over 1400m on Friday. The Vino Rosso progeny caught the eye on debut at Donald back in May, where he was held up for a run, before charging home to place over 1200m. That run and a recent Echuca 1100m trial suggest that the 1400m first-up will suit him perfectly. Barrier 11 is offset by his want to get back upon settling, but armed with a strong finish, Vino Grande looks likely to break maiden ranks. Next Best Again Race 3 – #8 Vino Grande (11) 3yo Colt | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates (58kg) Bet with Dabble Friday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Friday, August 30, 2024 3-7 1-4-8-9 4-6 1-2-3-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Martell will contest the Balance Accountants Open 1200 at Wanganui on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising gelding Martell will face his sternest test to date when he heads to Wanganui on Saturday to tackle the Balance Accountants Open 1200. It will be the furthest the five-year-old gelding has travelled away from trainer Jim Collett’s Matamata base, and his handler doesn’t think it will pose any issues. “He raced at Taranaki one time. Wanganui is a bit further, but he travels well,” Collett said. The son of El Roca has won three of his four starts this preparation, including his last two outings over 1200m and 1230m at Tauranga and Rotorua respectively, and Collet believes he is capable of adding to his six-win haul this weekend. “I am really happy with his work this week. He is going to come in with a nice, light weight (52kg), and will be a realistic chance,” he said. While confident in his horse’s ability, Collett said Martell will face his sternest test to date against a handy line-up, but it will be good to get a gauge on his gelding ahead of a potential trip to the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival next month. “This is a bit of a test, this will be the best field he has lined up against,” Collett said. “He hasn’t run against horses like Old Town Road, Tavis Court and co. “He hasn’t done a lot wrong. He has only had the 15 starts and he is a very genuine horse. I think he could be up to this lot. “If he goes well on Saturday, we might have a crack at one of the days at Hawke’s Bay. There is an open sprint on the 28th of September. “He may have two more starts, if that. As soon as the tracks get firm I will give him a nice break until the autumn where he should be a stronger horse again.” Collett likes to space Martell’s races, with the gelding generally having a month between runs, and it is something Collett intends to continue. “He loves a month between runs. When he is stronger he may be able to cope with more, but at this stage I like to space his races,” Collett said. If Martell continues on his current trajectory, Collett said there will likely be stakes targets for the gelding next preparation. “This time next year he might be a Foxbridge Plate (Group 2, 1200m) horse,” he said. “That is a long way off, but if he got up in the ratings a bit, there is not a lot on offer for him and you get to a stage where you have got to have a crack at some of those races.” Martell is currently a $3.90 favourite with bookmakers for Saturday ahead of Spencer ($5) and Saint Bathans ($5.50). Horse racing news View the full article