Wandering Eyes

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

Riccarton trainer Anna Furlong will have a couple of nice chances at her home meeting on Saturday. Photo: Nicole Troost Promising four-year-old El Chapeau opened his preparation in perfect style and is in the right order to make a bold bid for two wins on the bounce when he runs at his home meeting at Riccarton on Saturday. The Anna Furlong-trained son of El Roca will step up to Rating 65 company in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Handicap (1400m) and will again be partnered by Leah Hemi. She will also be aboard stablemate Tommy Shelby who also looks a strong chance in the opening event on the card, the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden (1400m). Hemi guided El Chapeau to a first-up maiden victory at Oamaru following three minor placings last term and has pleased with his subsequent progress. “He’s got a tidy record and he’s a stayer in the making, he’s big and raw and doesn’t hold a lot of condition,” Furlong said. “He had a really good prep in his three-year-old season without a lot of luck. He always seemed to be wide in the running and not a lot went his way. “He showed promise, so it was nice to get that win straight off the bat this time in and he’s come through it very well.” The only niggle is a wide barrier (13), and Furlong is hoping the early breaks go El Chapeau’s way. “It’s a shame about the draw, especially with the rail being out so far, but if he pops the gates he might be able to slot in somewhere,” she said. “Leah is riding so well and is super consistent, she gives them every chance and hopefully he gets a good run.” Tommy Shelby finished sixth on the course in his debut last season and came home well to run third when returning to action over 1200m at Oamaru earlier this month. “He was good last time out and it was only his second start,” Furlong said. “He drew wide so we had to ride him quietly from the back and he got home nicely. “He’s drawn one this time so hopefully he can get a nice trail and he will definitely appreciate the step up to 1400m.” The stable’s other runner at Riccarton is the capable Goldie’s Chance in the NZ Cup Week Tickets On Sale 1 September Rating 75 Handicap (1200m). The Iffraaj mare is a two-time winner and will be having her first start for Furlong this weekend with Tina Comignaghi booked for the ride on the five-year-old. “She’s obviously new but she trialled really well in a smart field so it will be nice to get her up and going on Saturday,” she said. “Her work has been super and the way she trialled I think she will be competitive, I’d like to think she can be in the first four.” Goldie’s Chance will be making her first appearance since January and has placed twice before in a fresh state. Horse racing news View the full article

Race 7 FIBER FRESH ACTIVE 1000m THAT’S DAISY (T Bau) – Trainer Ms. A Davies reported to Stewards, upon return to the stable, THAT’S DAISY, was examined where it revealed the mare to have minor lacerations to both back legs receiving the appropriate treatment. A Davies further advised it is her intention to continue on with THAT’S DAISY’S current preparation. The post Feilding Jockey Club @ Awapuni Synthetic, Friday 23 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Lucia Valentina passes away. Elsdon Park are saddened to report the passing of star mare Lucia Valentina. The triple Group 1 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 Group 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 1 winner of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and the Turnbull Stakes (2000m). Victory would also come in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), along with Group 1 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 Group 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 1-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. Horse racing news View the full article

What Memsie Stakes Day 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, August 31, 2024 First Race 12:05pm AEST Visit Dabble A new season of Group 1 racing in Victoria commences at Caulfield Racecourse this Saturday afternoon, where the Memsie Stakes (1400m) takes centre stage on a 10-race meeting. With black-type racing littered throughout the meeting, there will be plenty of horses to follow throughout the spring out of this meeting. With rain forecast on Friday and Saturday, it is unlikely the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances will hold true, with the likelihood of the track coming up in the soft range. Memsie Stakes Day is set to commence at 12:05pm. Race 1: BM84 Handicap (1400m) There is simply no knocking what Lovazou has put forward in three runs this campaign on rain-affected going and on a Good 4 last time out to show her versatility. She returns to the Caulfield 1400m, where she has proven too strong late at her last two starts, and drawn the pole will be given every opportunity to keep her purple patch going. Carleen Hefel will need a touch of luck in the home straight, and if it comes, Lovazou looks the goods. Selections: 4 LOVAZOU 3 SASSY BOOM 9 VIVY AIR 8 STREET DELIGHT Next Best Race 1 – #4 Lovazou (1) 4yo Mare | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Carleen Hefel (58kg) +400 with Playup Race 2: BM78 Handicap (1400m) If the rain does come, then the each-way price with horse racing bookmakers about El Rocko may tighten. The six-year-old gelding does his best work on rain-affected ground, winning five times from 23 attempts and placing on another six occasions. He draws to gain the gun run in transit under Damian Lane from barrier one, and if the gap appears at the right time, El Rocko possesses a strong finish and will look a winning chance inside the final furlong. Selections: 3 EL ROCKO 1 THE OPEN 12 CRAIG 7 HE’S BESET Best Value Race 2 – #3 El Rocko (1) 5yo Gelding | T: John McArdle | J: Damian Lane (60.5kg) +1100 with Neds Race 3: BM78 Handicap (1800m) Mathew had excuses when well-beaten at Moonee Valley on August 10, and looks well-placed as he steps back to the 1800m. The six-year-old son of Tavistock raced keenly throughout, and post-race it was revealed he had a throat issue. Prior to that, he was a determined Sandown winner over classy duo Star Vega and Lincoln Rocks. If he produces a similar performance to that effort two runs back, then Mathew will prove too good for his rivals once again. Selections: 3 MATHEW 12 RISE TO IT 16 FRETTA 6 FLOSSING Race 4: Open Quality (2000m) Some classy stayers return here over 2000m, but third-up from a spell, import Alder shapes as the one to beat. The five-year-old gelding was the best of the beaten brigade behind Point King over 2040m at Moonee Valley last time out and is sure to only benefit approaching peak fitness. Jamie Kah will likely settle the son of Australia towards the rear of the field, and if he gets a genuinely run affair, Alder will be the one hitting the line strongly down the heart of the track. Selections: 11 ALDER 12 ARAMCO 1 VOW AND DECLARE 3 YOUNG WERTHER Race 5: Group 3 Vale Black Caviar (1100m) Registered as the Group 3 The Heath 1100 (1100m), the late Black Caviar will be honoured as a field of seven sprinters line up in the Vale Black Caviar. He may be no Black Caviar, but the way Arkansaw Kid resumed from a spell when winning the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m), the gelded son of Harry Angel looks over the odds in the first black-type event on Saturday. Luke Currie will likely have Arkansaw Kid stalking the likes of Recommendation and Acromantula, and when asked to quicken, expect Arkansaw Kid to sail on by with fresh legs. Selections: 4 ARKANSAW KID 1 KALLOS 3 CHAIN OF LIGHTNING 2 RECOMMENDATION Vale Black Caviar Race 5 – #4 Arkansaw Kid (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Currie (58kg) +500 with Dabble Race 6: Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) Growing Empire was a dominant Group 3 Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner at Morphettville before being spelled, and at his first look at Caulfield in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m), shapes as the one to beat. He arguably should be undefeated through three starts, having thrown away victory on debut. Mark Zahra will look to take up the running from barrier nine, and without much early pace in the race, should do so without burning too many carrots. If Growing Empire is anywhere near his best, he blows the McNeil Stakes field away. Selections: 1 GROWING EMPIRE 3 STAY FOCUSED 6 WONDER BOY 2 BAND OF BROTHERS McNeil Stakes Race 6 – #1 Growing Empire (9) 3yo Colt| T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (58.5kg) +180 with Bet365 Race 7: Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) The mares take centre stage in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) where South Australian galloper Aviatress maps to get the best run in the race. This is obviously a massive step up in class after finishing second in a BM78 over 1000m at Morphettville, but the way she hit the line suggests that 1200m third-up will be ideal. If the Smart Missile mare can show the early barrier speed she produced early on in her career, she can be in a prominent spot throughout from barrier two. From there, with even luck, Aviatress can run a bold race at an each-way quote. Selections: 16 AVIATRESS 13 CASTE 3 SKYBIRD 5 COMRADE ROSA Cockram Stakes Race 7 – #16 Aviatress (2) 4yo Mare | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Craig Williams (56kg) +900 with Picklebet Race 8: Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) Rise At Dawn has won three of his last five starts when giving nothing else a chance from out in front. The four-year-old gelding looks set to gain an uncontested lead when he steps up to 1700m for the first time in his career, and based on how he was hitting the line at 1600m, it should prove to be no issue. With just 54kg on his back, Mick Dee will look to make this a sprint home, and if that happens, the race sets up perfectly for Rise At Dawn. Selections: 13 RISE AT DAWN 1 MUNHAMEK 5 JIMMY THE BEAR 10 SHOWMANSHIP Race 9: Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) The first Group 1 of the 2024/25 season in Victoria, the Memsie Stakes, shapes as a match-race between arch rivals Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside. Will it be another exhilarating chapter in one of racing’s biggest rivalries? Or is their an upset brewing in the Memsie Stakes? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Memsie Stakes Race 10: BM100 Handicap (1400m) Another Wil is one of the horse’s to follow this spring, and despite drawing barrier 16 first-up from a spell, simply looks a class above his rivals on Saturday. Jamie Kah will roll forward on the son of Street Boss, and with speed drawn directly underneath him, he should gain a beautiful cart across the field. He does need to lug 60.5kg upon return, so we may get a bigger price closer to the start of the race. If Another Wil is anywhere near his best, his rivals will be chasing him from a long way out. Selections: 2 ANOTHER WIL 1 HERE TO SHOCK 11 JENNILALA 7 BANK MAUR Best Bet Race 10 – #2 Another Wil (16) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jamie Kah (60.5kg) +160 with Neds Memsie Stakes Day quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, August 31, 2024 Field 1-5-13 1-6-7 2 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Belmont Races Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, August 31, 2024 First Race 12:09pm AWST Visit Dabble Racing will return to Belmont this Saturday afternoon, where a nine-race program is set down for decision. With cool weather and some rain forecast, the track is expected to stay in the Soft range after being rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be pushed out to the +3m position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 12:09pm AWST. Best Bet at Belmont: Cleanmeup Cleanmeup will seek to keep her undefeated start to her career intact when she heads to the races on Saturday. The Dion Luciani-trained filly couldn’t have been more impressive when settling on speed before booting clear halfway down the straight to win by 1.6 lengths eased down at this track and trip. William Pike has ridden a few of her market rivals in this race, but he has chosen to stay with this girl, which must be seen as a big push. If Cleanmeup can settle outside the leader and show a similar burst of acceleration in the final 400m, she will win again. Best Bet Race 2 – #5 Cleanmeup (4) 3yo Filly | T: Dion Luciani | J: William Pike (56kg) +125 with Picklebet Next Best at Belmont: Queen Of Jerusalem Adam Durrant and Clint Johnston-Porter will combine with Queen Of Jerusalem for the fourth straight start as the six-year-old mare seeks to maintain a strong run of form. This daughter of God Has Spoken won three starts back before recording back-to-back third-place finishes at this track and trip. Although she rises in grade for this contest, this girl will carry much less weight than she has previously, and with that in her favour, she will prove very hard to beat. Next Best Race 4 – #5 Queen Of Jerusalem (6) 6yo Mare | T: Adam Durrant | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (54.5kg) +240 with Neds Best Value at Belmont: Patron Of Kings Patron Of Kings returned from a 21-week spell with an encouraging third-place finish at the Belmont 1200m, where the Chris & Michael Gangemi-trained galloper ran home nicely from the back of the field. This son of King’s Troop didn’t enjoy the firmer tracks last preparation, and now that he strikes another wet track, conditions will suit him much better here. With a good tempo expected to be set, Patron Of Kings turn of foot will see him play a prominent role in the finish. Best Value Race 7 – #6 Patron Of Kings (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris & Michael Gangemi | J: Shaun McGruddy (57.5kg) +1200 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, August 31, 2024 3-4-5 1-4-5-6 2-4-8 1-2-3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Race 5 SAVABEEL 2100m IN A PICKLE (W Kennedy) – Trainer Mr. R Manning advised Stewards, that on Thursday 22 August, IN A PICKLE underwent chiropractor treatment for overall general soreness. R Manning further advised it is his intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation and he may look to nominate IN A PICKLE for the Taranaki Racing Inc meeting on Saturday 14 August. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Te Rapa Saturday 24 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Jockey Club’s Michael Fitzsimons labels extreme shortening of prices racing’s ‘perception challenge’View the full article

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, August 31, 2024 First Race 11:45am AEST Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The three-year-olds take centre stage this weekend, with the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) and Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) sharing top billing, both of which will frame some key features later in the spring. The rail is out +2m for the meeting, and with nothing but sunny skies predicted in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 11:45am local time. San Domenico Stakes Tip: Storm Boy The San Domenico Stakes has been built as a race in two, with the returning Storm Boy set to take on Gatsby’s. The son of Justify returns after a 147-day spell, and although he was a shade disappointing towards the end of the campaign, the now three-year-old was sent around in the leading autumn features, including a luckless effort in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m). His trials suggest he’s ready to fire on resumption, and with barrier one to aid him on his journey along with Adam Hyeronimus boasting an undefeated record aboard the Waterhouse & Bott-trained colt, Storm Boy should get every chance to make impression first-up. San Domenico Stakes Race 6 – #1 Storm Boy (1) 3yo Colt | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Adam Hyeronimus (57.5kg) +140 with Neds Up And Coming Stakes Tip: Autumn Glow There is simply no going past Autumn Glow in the Up And Coming Stakes. The Chris Waller-trained filly couldn’t have been more impressive on debut at this course and distance on August 17, bounding away to score by 2.5 lengths with plenty left in hand. This is clearly a tougher assignment on paper, but with the race shape likely to allow Kerrin McEvoy to sit quietly behind a hot tempo, watch for Autumn Glow to be storming down the centre of the course to make it back-to-back wins for this untapped three-year-old. Up And Coming Stakes Race 7 – #5 Autumn Glow (8) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (53kg) +100 with Playup Best Bet at Rosehill: Up And Under Up And Under caught the eye first-up in his second Australian campaign, closing within two lengths of Secret Plan at Rosehill on August 3. The son of Lope De Vega never got off the bridal when turning for home, running into nothing but backsides in the final 400m to go through the line under a stranglehold for Kerrin McEvoy. Punters might be paying the ‘J-Mac tax’ second-up, but provided he can hold a position and gets clear from barrier five, Up And Under should prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 5 – #5 Up And Under (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (59kg) +270 with Picklebet Next Best at Rosehill: Vivy Air The 1200m proved too sharp for Vivy Air first-up and she should appreciate the immediate step-up in trip. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old couldn’t show her best in a slowly run affair at this track on August 8, but still fought on to finish within 1.3 lengths of Cosmonova. James McDonald elects to stick aboard second-up and provided he can lob close to the one-one from barrier seven, punters can expect a much-improved effort by Vivy Air as she tackles harder races than BM78 company deeper into the campaign. Next Best Race 2 – #7 Vivy Air (7) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: James McDonald (58kg) +250 with Bet365 Best Value at Rosehill: Communist The Michael Freedman-trained Communist got a pass mark first-up at Rosehill on August 17 and appears well over the odds with horse racing bookmakers. The son of Russian Revolution was forced to make a sustained run down the centre of the course, closing off well despite a torrid run in transit. He got to within two lengths of Ceolwulf in the same race, and with that horse coming up a clear favourite, punters should be willing to latch onto the each-way odds about the Group 1 winner in this wide-open BM100 contest. Best Value Race 8 – #7 Communist (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Tommy Berry (59kg) +2000 with Unibet Saturday quaddie tips for Rosehill Rosehill quadrella selections August 31, 2024 5 2-5-6-7-9-10-13 2-4-5-9-12-14-16-18 2-3-4-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, August 31, 2024 First Race 11:53am AEST Visit Dabble Racing will return to Doomben this Saturday afternoon for a nine-race card. The track is expected to improve from the Soft 6 rating into the Good range with warm weather and no rain forecast for the remainder of the week. The rail will be in the +5m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 11:53am AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Moulin Miss Moulin Miss will seek a hat-trick of wins this weekend, with the Tony Gollan-trained filly coming off a strong 1.4-length victory over 1110m at this track. This daughter of Spirit Of Boom has returned as a stronger filly this preparation, and following two strong victories, she will drop in weight and take on her own age group here. If Angela Jones can settle in the first four from barrier seven on Moulin Miss, she will prove hard to hold out late. Best Bet Race 3 – #6 Moulin Miss (7) 3yo Filly | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (54kg) +160 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Brereton Tony Gollan and Angela Jones will combine again with Brereton, who will be seeking to return to winning ways after recording a second-place finish behind Daytona at this track and trip previously. This five-year-old gelding has only had three starts for the Gollan stable and hasn’t finished outside the top two in those runs. Although this contest is a sharp rise in grade, he will jump from an inside barrier (3) and carry a light weight of 53kg, which will give Brereton every chance to win again. Next Best Race 9 – #12 Brereton (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (53kg) +360 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Intrecciato Intrecciato has been involved in two close photo finishes in his last two starts, with the Kevin Martin-trained mare recording a win and a second in those races. This daughter of Danerich was too good in Class 1 grade two starts back and did everything but win in a Benchmark 65 Handicap previously. Karl Zechner has been on board this five-year-old galloper in her last five runs, and with him sticking here, Intrecciato is a great each-way play with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #10 Intrecciato (4) 5yo Mare | T: Kevin Martin | J: Karl Zechner (54kg) +1000 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, August 31, 2024 2-5-7-10 5-7-11-15-17 2-5-7-10-11 8-12-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

Lammas, a multiple stakes winner in Northern California, will take on Southern California competition in the Del Mar Mile.View the full article

Promising four-year-old El Chapeau (NZ) (El Roca) opened his preparation in perfect style and is in the right order to make a bold bid for two wins on the bounce when he runs at his home meeting at Riccarton on Saturday. The Anna Furlong-trained son of El Roca will step up to Rating 65 company in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Handicap (1400m) and will again be partnered by Leah Hemi. She will also be aboard stablemate Tommy Shelby who also looks a strong chance in the opening event on the card, the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden (1400m). Hemi guided El Chapeau to a first-up maiden victory at Oamaru following three minor placings last term and has pleased with his subsequent progress. “He’s got a tidy record and he’s a stayer in the making, he’s big and raw and doesn’t hold a lot of condition,” Furlong said. “He had a really good prep in his three-year-old season without a lot of luck. He always seemed to be wide in the running and not a lot went his way. “He showed promise, so it was nice to get that win straight off the bat this time in and he’s come through it very well.” The only niggle is a wide barrier (13), and Furlong is hoping the early breaks go El Chapeau’s way. “It’s a shame about the draw, especially with the rail being out so far, but if he pops the gates he might be able to slot in somewhere,” she said. “Leah is riding so well and is super consistent, she gives them every chance and hopefully he gets a good run.” Tommy Shelby finished sixth on the course in his debut last season and came home well to run third when returning to action over 1200m at Oamaru earlier this month. “He was good last time out and it was only his second start,” Furlong said. “He drew wide so we had to ride him quietly from the back and he got home nicely. “He’s drawn one this time so hopefully he can get a nice trail and he will definitely appreciate the step up to 1400m.” The stable’s other runner at Riccarton is the capable Goldie’s Chance in the NZ Cup Week Tickets On Sale 1 September Rating 75 Handicap (1200m). The Iffraaj mare is a two-time winner and will be having her first start for Furlong this weekend with Tina Comignaghi booked for the ride on the five-year-old. “She’s obviously new but she trialled really well in a smart field so it will be nice to get her up and going on Saturday,” she said. “Her work has been super and the way she trialled I think she will be competitive, I’d like to think she can be in the first four.” Goldie’s Chance will be making her first appearance since January and has placed twice before in a fresh state. View the full article

Welcome to another Entain Edition – the first one for the 2024/25 season. Last week, the full Entain Australia and New Zealand Executive team came together in Sydney to take stock of where we are at, and to ensure we are on the same page in terms of priorities. These sessions are not what most would expect. There are no PowerPoint presentations. No cumbersome bureaucratic processes to wade through. No long-winded papers that are heavy on corporate jargon and light on ideas. We genuinely keep things pretty simple at Entain – what is working, what isn’t, what do we need to change, and how are we going to change it. It’s a formula that works for us and is also what has allowed us to continue to move at pace since our last Edition. Whether it was the soft launch of our new betcha platform on 7 August (check out the hype reel), the further expansion of Trackside’s Freeview terrestrial coverage last week, or putting the finishing touches on trackside.co.nz which we will launch in early September as a new go-to digital hub for racing and punting content, these things are all unlocked through our keep it simple – keep it moving approach. Will every idea work? Absolutely not. But you really do miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and it’s been a joy to watch more and more of our stakeholders adopting a similar philosophy and coming to understand that now is the time to be bold and dream big. Hope you enjoy this month’s edition. As always, you are welcome to share or forward this newsletter to anyone in the industry who you think might like to read this. They can sign up to receive the Entain Edition directly by contacting communications@entaingroup.co.nz. Likewise, if you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please contact the same address. Thanks for reading. Cameron Rodger, Managing Director – New Zealand Entain Australia and New Zealand Jumps racing turnover at a glance The Grand National meeting is behind us for another year, and with about a month to go in the 2024 jumps season, it is a good opportunity to look at jumps racing across our key metrics. Jumps turnover (up until 19 August this year) has continued to hover around similar levels to previous years. Turnover on hurdles and steeplechases has also stayed consistent when compared between turnover and total number of races – jumps turnover has been approximately 1.5% of total NZ thoroughbred racing turnover, while making up close to 3% of races on the calendar. From a customer perspective, 41,000 of our customers have bet on a jumps race over the past 12 months, however less than 1000 of these 41,000 customers have jumps racing making up more than 10% of their total turnover. I Wish I Win chasing redemption The band is back together for this year’s edition of The Everest, the world’s richest race on turf. After going so close in last year’s edition of the A$20m slot race, it made perfect sense for Trackside Media to grab a slot and join up with I Wish I Win to have another go at winning the 1200m dash for cash. With Moody Coleman Racing and Waikato Stud making up the team alongside “Wish”, we’re all set for October 19, particularly off the back of Wish’s winter form in Brisbane. Alongside this, we saw amazing growth in turnover in last year’s race, and the wheels are in motion for some other initiatives to continue the emergence of The Everest in the New Zealand punters’ consciousness. Read more at entaingroup.co.nz and this hype reel will get you positively fizzing for The Everest. Support extending beyond the track As part of our commitment to the racing industry, Entain is proud to get behind two initiatives this month. We’re thrilled to have been confirmed as a Principal Equine Welfare Supporter of the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust. There are now nine purpose-designed ambulances nationwide, and a 10th is not far away. This will mean six horse ambulances are available in the North Island and four in the South. Horse ambulances attended almost 700 race meetings, trials, and events during the last racing season and play a critical role in the care and welfare of our equine athletes. The racing industry’s true strength is its people, which is why we are supporting OnTrack, which launched its website earlier this month. OnTrack is a charity established to support everyone working and volunteering in our racing community, working together to improve mental health and prevent suicide. Please check out the information and resources at ontrack.org.nz. We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting Daffodil Day at the Tarzino Trophy meeting at Hastings next week (September 7). As with previous years, the Daffodil Day silks will be assigned to a leading runner in each race and if the jockey in those silks returns at the head of the field, we’re contributing $2000 towards the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society. That bumps up to $5000 for the big feature, the $400,000 Group 1 Tarzino Trophy. This is a partnership we continue to cherish, and with cancer directly affecting 1 in 3 New Zealanders at some point in their lifetime, it’s a vitally important one as well. We also got behind Harness Racing New Zealand’s Blue September campaign to raise awareness for prostate cancer, which went to a different level – or altitude – this year, with three leading drivers Blair Orange, Jonny Cox and Robbie Close – agreeing to sky dive if they reach up to $3000 in donations which they did on Monday. Check out this teaser and tune in to Friday Night Lights this week for the full story. This is the fourth year of HRNZ running a Blue September campaign, with $30,000 raised last season through driver sponsorship and donations from clubs and HRNZ. Find out more at hrnz.co.nz. Rugs and straight tracks new greyhound innovations It’s been a big month for greyhound racing with two key initiatives rolling out. The launch of the Whanganui Straight Track on June 17 was an important milestone for the greyhound code, and the reports after four meetings over the 313m distance are very promising. Meetings at the venue will settle into a fortnightly rhythm from this month on, providing punters with consistency for their betting. We also joined forces with Greyhound Racing New Zealand to launch The TAB Dog promotion. From August 1, every greyhound drawn Box 3 in domestic greyhound races is wearing a specially-branded rug featuring the TAB logo and colours, and will be known as “The TAB Dog”. Two greyhound race meetings a week will feature Bonus Back specials on The TAB Dog, with the concept simultaneously aimed at driving turnover and promoting the TAB brand. Catwalk up in lights at the Sarten We’re delighted to confirm that Catwalk has been chosen as Entain’s charity in NZTR’s Public Slot Auction for their slot in The NZB Kiwi. As part of the pre-auction process, Entain & Catwalk will be randomly allocated a runner in the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa in late October, and if that runner wins, Catwalk will receive any proceeds above the auction reserve price for the slot. We are thrilled to be able to continue our support of Catwalk and look forward to cheering on our horse in the Sarten! The World Pool and its importance The World Pool is quickly becoming a key part of our global racing language, so we thought we’d share some more information about it. The World Pool sees money from multiple racing jurisdictions pooled together on certain bet types for certain races. Many of you will be familiar with commingling between New Zealand and Australia (where Kiwis and Aussies bet into the same tote pools), but with the World Pool, racing punters betting in Hong Kong or the UK for example, will be betting into the same market as us. This has several benefits – not only does it mean greater pricing stability in these markets and the potential for larger payouts through exotic racing bets, but from our perspective, the World Pool also means enhanced exposure of feature races from this part of the world. The World Pool was in action at the Stradbroke meeting at Eagle Farm in June and we’re exploring opportunities to bring the World Pool down to God’s Own. We get plenty of questions from punters and participants alike about the World Pool, and wanted to let you know that it is firmly on our radar. News in brief: – Following on from the inaugural Industry Excellence Awards late last month, we’ve been catching up with the category winners, as well as the supreme Entain Excellence Award winner, Cameron Ring. You can check out their stories by visiting entaingroup.co.nz/news and using the Categories filter to select Industry Excellence Awards stories. – We share regular updates on LinkedIn around what’s happening in the world of Entain Australia & New Zealand. If you’re on LinkedIn, keep up to date by following us. Entain team profile Name: Pip Eriksen Role: General Manager – Marketing (NZ) Time with Entain: 15 months What excites you about the strategic partnership? This partnership has opened up countless opportunities to elevate our brands and engage a much broader audience, which we know is crucial for attracting new interest to the category. It’s been fantastic to see the new TAB campaign performing above expectations and such positive feedback and engagement from customers. The launch of betcha is another key highlight — having recently wrapped up our campaign shoot, seeing our vision for this digitally led new challenger brand come to life has been a dream to be part of. The partnership has also meant that I get to work with an amazing talented team across New Zealand and Australia – the collaboration, support and energy is so refreshing. The race or event I’m most looking forward to? Kiwi horse I Wish I Win racing at this year’s The Everest at Randwick. Closer to home, having spent my childhood days at our local country club — sweeping floors and selling race books — it would be remiss of me not to mention the Kurow races on December 30 every year. View the full article

Federer ridden by Ben Allen wins at Sandown. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) After a dominant debut victory at Ballarat on August 8, the Ciaron Maher-trained Federer delivered an even more remarkable performance at Sandown on Wednesday, winning a Benchmark 64 (1600m) by six lengths. Wearing the colours of Colin McKenna’s Halo Racing—the same colours sported by his three-time Group 1-winning dam, Jameka—the four-year-old gelding was heavily backed from even money into $1.60 with horse racing bookmakers. He never appeared in danger down the home straight, comfortably defeating Heavenly Eagle. “Impressive—just the fact he went back, relaxed, travelled very strongly into it, and was kept on the bridle a long way out,” Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull told Racing.com. “He was very strong through the line, and very collected—it was as good as you could see in this grade stepping up. Obviously, the trip was the big plus, and yeah, it’s what you want to see. “He’s bred to be a star and he hasn’t done much wrong to date. “We’ll see what Ben says, and have a chat to Ciaron, but I would naturally think he’ll step up in trip if that’s what we need, and I’d say he’ll tackle stronger events in the future.” Horse racing news View the full article