Wandering Eyes

Nineteen wildcards have been added to the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, headed by the G3 Prix du Lys winner and G1 Grand Prix de Paris third Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who will be offered as lot 749G by Coolmore. The sale takes place at Park Paddocks from Monday, October 28 to Friday, November 1, with the full catalogue available to view here. Bred by David Brown, Delius is one of five winners out of the Daylami (Ire) mare Whatami (GB), with the others including the G3 Hoppings Fillies' Stakes winner Nkosikazi (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and the Listed Wolferon Stakes scorer Juan Elcano (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who was also runner-up in the G2 Superlative Stakes and G2 York Stakes. Bought by M V Magnier for 675,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, Delius won three of his six starts in France for Jean-Claude Rouget and also filled the runner-up spot in the G2 Prix Niel. Another three-year-old colt by Frankel (GB) will be offered by Coolmore in the shape of The Euphrates (GB) (lot 749E), who won a Listed contest at Gowran Park in July, as well as the extremely valuable Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh last month. He was trained by Aidan O'Brien, along with the juvenile Monumental (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) (lot 327E), another notable wildcard as the runner-up from the G2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster in September. G2 Mill Reef Stakes runner-up La Bellota (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}, who will be offered by John Ryan Racing as lot 1129A, also features among the two-year-old additions, a group which also includes the last-time-out winners High Season (GB) (lot 1129D) and Antonin Dvorak (Ire) (lot 749F), both by New Bay (GB), consigned by Kingsley Park and Spigot Lodge Stables, respectively. The 53-strong team from Charlie Johnston's Kingsley Park was already the largest consignment due to be offered by a trainer when the original catalogue was published, while Andrew Balding's Kingsclere Training Stables had 42 lots catalogued. Balding has now added two more to that list, including the three-year-old Al Shabab Storm (GB) (Advertise {GB}) (lot 1129F), who won the G3 Goldene Peitsche at Baden-Baden earlier this year. The post Group 1-Placed Delius Added to Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former American shuttle sire Justify sired the top pair of lots during Tuesday's Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses-in-Training Sale. A colt (lot 76) out of Port Augusta (Aus) (Encosta De Lago {Aus}) made A$700,000 on the bid of Yulong. Hong Kong's Lok Lor was the underbidder. Consigned by KO Racing, the bay was a A$300,000 graduate of the Gold Coast Yearling Sale and was prepared by Kenmore Lodge for this trip back through the ring. “He was a pretty easy horse to prepare,” Kenmore's Kellie Bond said. “He had so much quality, a beautiful pedigree and was just a ripping individual. “It was pretty easy to see he was going to be a quality lot. They (buyers) were all over him the minute he got here. His breeze up was exceptional–great stride length and he's by a horse who can get an absolute superstar.” “You could easily see why he would get a good result and it was nice that Yulong was able to secure him,” Bond added. A half-brother to three winners from three to race for his dam, the colt's best half-sibling is the two-time winner and stakes performer Lady Young (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). His dam is a half-sister to Group 1 sire and runner Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) (Danehill). Nolen Racing offered lot 88, a filly by the American Triple Crown Winner. She brought A$425,000 from Bartholomew & Co. The filly is a half-sister to stakes winner Religify (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}) with the duo out of Sacred Witness (Aus) (El Moxie {Aus}). “They liked her and we liked her when we first saw her,” Bartholomew said moments after the gavel fell on the filly who breezed impressively at Seymour. “She's a lovely, big-framed filly by Justify, and you can't get any more of them. He's not coming back from America. It's all in the lap of the gods from here.” The filly changed hands for A$60,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale. The next two lots each sold for A$280,000 apiece: lot 138, an Ole Kirk (Aus) colt from Network Bloodstock and lot 166, a Zousain (Aus) colt from Nolen Racing, who both sold to Hong Kong's Magus Equine, Ltd. At the close of trade, 105 juveniles sold (65.2%) for a gross of A$7,331,000. The average increased to A$69,819 and the median was almost flat at A$40,000. It was A$41,000 in 2023. “We always thought it was going to be a polarising market and that's exactly what it was,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “I thought when the quality horses with good confirmation and by the right sire walked in the ring, there was very buoyant bidding on them.” “I thought the top 20 horses sold particularly well. All in all we've had a significant increase in gross and average price which is encouraging.” “We were hoping to have a clearance rate around 70% and we are working toward that figure. We will keep working over the next 24 to 48 hours to get more sold,” Bowditch added. For the full sale results, please visit the Magic Millions website. The post Justify Sires Top Pair At Gold Coast HIT Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup will again partner with Equine MediRecord to provide their equine welfare compliance software platform for the 2024 Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar.View the full article

Sam Agars GALVANIC - R4 (1) Drops in grade and Bowman jumps on for return to favoured dirt trip Jay Rooney TALENTS AMBITION - R7 (5) Great return over an unsuitable trip and looks well placed up in distance Jack Dawling TALENTS AMBITION - R7 (5) Flew home for third first up and can strike here en route to tougher targets Phillip Woo CAPITAL DELIGHT - R8 (1) Ready to win back in Class Three over his preferred dirt 1,200m Shannon (Vincent Wong) TALENTS AMBITION - R7 (5) Back to his favourite trip and looks hard to beat in this contest Racing Post Online GALVANIC - R4 (1) He can salute with Bowman aboard over his favourite dirt distance Tom Wood GALVANIC - R4 (1) Down in grade, a return to the dirt and Bowman in the saddle all look positivesView the full article

Chris Waller's star mare Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) had a scare at Tuesday's Breakfast With The Stars when her bandage came unravelled and she tripped, dislodging jockey James McDonald. Both horse and rider were fine, although Via Sistina galloped several laps before being caught. “We'll accept for Saturday and use all that time, right up until Saturday morning, to make sure everyone is happy,” Waller told racenet.com.au about Saturday's G1 Cox Plate. “The horse is 100% first and foremost, we'll go beyond that, take bloods, make sure the vets are happy, make sure the strappers are happy, she will only run if she's 100%. She's had a tough day on the training track, the key now, this afternoon, is a nice easy time, she'd normally have a gallop Thursday, that will be abandoned, it's not required. She'll have a light cantering in the park type work, a trip to the beach, let her be a horse, nice picks of grass and just let her chill out. It was the final Cox Plate gallop that quickly turned to drama… We have exclusive footage of J-Mac's fall from Via Sistina as they prepared for Saturday's feature at @TheValley pic.twitter.com/a4lnORPR1a — Ladbrokes.com.au (@ladbrokescomau) October 22, 2024 “Firstly, when I first saw her, I feared the worst that something tragically might've gone wrong and you take comfort that hasn't happened and she's safe. Second to that, no skin off, no hair off, horses are unpredictable animals and she just got a fright, her heart rate is back down. “We've given her a nice walk, she's had a good drink, almost a bucket of water, no different to us, replaced fluid and her heart rate is down. She dried off really quick which is a good sign, there's no more sweat, we hosed her for a second time and she's back to normal, while it's disappointing, I'm grateful the horse is 100%.” Our regular physio Tom Simpson was at the stable this afternoon to examine Via Sistina & at this early stage, has no concerns with her following this morning @TheValley. pic.twitter.com/4ymmSFOoGZ — Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) October 22, 2024 The post No Concerns For Via Sistina After Gallops Scare appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All eyes were on Ballydoyle's 10-11 favourite Giselle (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) ahead of Tuesday's G3 Staffordstown Stud Stakes, but it was the stablemate Whirl (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Salsa {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) who came up with the goods to edge the mile feature. Sent straight to the front by Wayne Lordan from the outset, the relative of Galileo's star mares Hydrangea (Ire) and Hermosa (Ire) kept digging in as And So To Bed (Ire) (Kodiac {GB} threatened and briefly headed her in the final furlong to score by half a length. Celtic Motif (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) was three quarters of a length away in third, with Giselle a short head behind in fourth having over-raced early. Gutsy effort Whirl (Wootton Bassett x Salsa) fends off all comers to land G3 honours for team Ballydoyle at @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/wUjHm0nEbQ — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 22, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Whirl Wins The Staffordstown For Ballydoyle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Curragh's Tuesday card started with a bang as Al Shaqab Racing's newcomer Saracen (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}–Soteria {Ire}, by Acclamation {GB}) made an impressive start to his career in the six-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. Restrained behind the front pair by Dylan Browne McMonagle throughout the early stages, the Joseph O'Brien-trained 3-1 shot who was a €500,000 purchase at Arqana Deauville August moved to the long-time leader Pickersgill (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining before staying on to score by four lengths. Taking debut 500,000gns buy Saracen (Siyouni) does the business in fine style @JosephOBrien2 | @AlShaqabRacing | @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/DZ5wzQLe2d — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 22, 2024 The post Al Shaqab’s Siyouni Colt Impresses In Curragh Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This year has seen a 6% decrease in the number of live foals registered to date in the General Stud Book, according to the Return of Mares, which was been published by Weatherbys. The returns to September 30, 2024 show that a total of 12,578 foals have been born in Britain and Ireland, 840 fewer than the 2023 figure of 13,438. It marks the first time in the last decade that the overall foal crop has fallen by more than 4% from one year to the next. The 6% drop is consistent both in Britain, where the number of live foals has decreased to 4,074 (from 4,356), and in Ireland, where the reported figure is 8,504 (from 9,082). Britain had previously noticed the most significant decline during Covid when the number of live foals fell from 4,655 in 2019 to 4,236 in 2020, a decrease of 9%. In total, 15,983 coverings have been recorded in Britain and Ireland in 2024, a 14% drop compared to the 2023 figure of 18,572. Of the 21,578 broodmares reported at stud, 2,205 were not covered. There were 5,759 no returns and a total of 220 were barren. Meanwhile, the 165 stallions recorded in Ireland this year is a decrease of 19 from 2023, while the number fell in Britain by 10 to 103. Top-class stayer Order Of St George (Ire) was the busiest stallion at stud in Britain and Ireland as he covered 311 mares from his base at Coolmore's Castlehyde Stud in County Cork, while another Castlehyde resident, Calyx (GB), was the busiest Flat stallion on 273. Good Guess (GB), a newcomer to Tally-Ho Stud for 2024, headed the remainder on 250, while Sioux Nation (246), Mehmas (Ire) (244), Wootton Bassett (GB) (223) and Phoenix Of Spain (Ire) (217) were the other Flat stallions who covered at least 200 mares. Dark Angel (Ire), who is on his way to being crowned champion sire for the first time in 2024, covered a book of 134 mares at Yeomanstown Stud, including the Oaks winner Qualify (Ire) and the Kodiac (GB) mare Bear Cheek (Ire), the dam of his Group 3-winning sprinter My Mate Alfie (Ire). Reigning champion sire Frankel (GB) covered another star-studded book of 192 mares at Banstead Manor Stud, including Group 1 winners and producers such as Dar Re Mi (GB), Mecca's Angel (Ire) and Quiet Reflection (GB), who is responsible for this year's leading two-year-old filly by Frankel, Lake Victoria (Ire). The dams of Frankel's fellow top-level winners Courage Mon Ami (GB), Hurricane Lane (Ire), Inspiral (GB) and Nashwa (GB) also paid return visits, and so too did Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's blue hen Reem Three (GB), the dam of Triple Time (Ire) by the Juddmonte stallion. Now 22, Dubawi (Ire) covered 106 mares at Darley's Dalham Hall Stud, including the dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and triple King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Enable (GB), plus the 1,000 Guineas heroine Mawj (Ire) and her dam Modern Ideals (GB), who has already produced the multiple Group 1 winner and sire Modern Games (Ire) from a previous mating with Dubawi. Winters Moon (Ire), the dam of another Darley stallion in Earthlight (Ire) and this year's leading two-year-old colt in Shadow Of Light (GB), also visited Dubawi, along with proven Coolmore mares such as Maybe (Ire), the dam of Saxon Warrior (Jpn), and Misty For Me (Ire), whose offspring include the multiple Group 1 winners U S Navy Flag and Roly Poly. The post Return Of Mares Shows a Six Percent Decrease in the Foal Crop of 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There’s been minimal movement in this week’s rankings for both the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup and the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot to be held at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 12. In the Cup rankings the top 10 are the same as last week with Sooner The Bettor now 11th, up one, after finishing fourth in the Fahey Fence Hire Handicap Pace won by Tact McLeod at Addington last Friday. Sooner Than Bettor swaps places with American Me (now 12th), while Wag Star, who finished second on Friday night in the same race, has improved from 31st to 24th. The only change to the Dominion Trot rankings is the Australian-based One Over All who makes the top 15 for the first time. He was 17th previously. Eurostyle also moves closer to a Dominion start following her win in the first ever running of the Group 3 Dark Horse at Ascot Park Invercargill on Sunday. She is now 17th, up two places. The last rankings for both the Cup and the Dominion will be released following the Kaikoura Cup meeting on Monday, November 4. Click here for the latest rankings. View the full article

The Caulfield Cup and Everest meetings at Caulfield and Randwick took centre stage last Saturday afternoon, while Eagle Farm and Ascot held strong support programs. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have zeroed in on two runners from Randwick and one from Ascot that are worth following throughout their spring campaigns. You can add these runners to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and receive notifications when they run. Randwick Track rating: Soft 5 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 3: Group 3 Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) | Time: 1:23.13 Horse to follow: Good Sort (3rd) Good Sort showed that 1200m was too short first-up before running a much better race in the Group 3 Reginald Allen Quality over 1400m last weekend. The daughter of Tassort settled at the rear of the field and travelled into the race alongside the winner, Aeliana. Upon straightening, this girl was going just as well, if not better, than her rival; however, she was blocked at a crucial stage and was only able to flash through a gap late for third place. When to bet: Chris Waller has nominated Good Sort for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m), but it is expected that she will have one more start before that race on November 16. The Vanity (1400m) at Flemington on November 2 looks like the ideal race for her. Race 6: Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:08.73 Horse to follow: King Of Sparta (4th) Peter Snowden and James McDonald combined with King Of Sparta in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes first-up, and the six-year-old gelding produced an encouraging run from a wide barrier (17). The son of I Am Invincible settled in the back half of the field and was made to travel three wide with cover throughout the 1200m journey before peeling out wide in the home straight. Although he was never going to pick up the winner, Overpass, King Of Sparta rattled home down the middle of the track to only just miss the placings by a head. When to bet: With no nominations listed for King Of Sparta, it is unclear where Snowden will take him next, but a rise in trip second-up will suit. The $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on November 2 looks like a nice race for him. Ascot Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +4m entire circuit Race 8: Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:22.36 Horse to follow: Super Smink (2nd) Daniel Morton will be hoping Super Smink can draw a barrier next start after the four-year-old mare flashed home from the back of the field to record a second consecutive placing. The daughter of Super One has jumped from barrier 14 in both of her runs at Ascot this time in, and she’s finished off with a blistering turn of foot over 1200m and 1400m. After settling at the rear of the field in the Eurythmic Stakes, Lucy Fiore picked her way through the field before getting Super Smink into the clear at the 200m mark to finish off strongly. When to bet: Morton has nominated Super Smink for the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 23, which appears to be the perfect race for her. Therefore, she will have to have another run to increase her rating, and that could be in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) on November 2. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Recommended! The Better Bettors! Australian-owned and operated bookmaker! Join MarantelliBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Horse racing tips View the full article

Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) will at this stage take her place in Saturday’s Cox Plate at The Valley, with the mighty mare coming through her narrow King Charles III Stakes defeat in good order. Trainer Ciaron Maher had a close eye on the Trelawney Stud bred galloper post-race last week and said she is showing no ill-effects from the gutsy run. “I followed her down to the swabbing box post her run on Saturday, just to see how she was and she pulled up pretty good,” he said. “She went down to Bong Bong, she’s been in the spa and paddock the last couple of days and there’s nothing I’ve seen to think she wouldn’t back up. “All signs are pretty positive at the moment.” Part of Pride Of Jenni’s recovery has involved the use of a hyperbaric chamber, where oxygen pressure is increased by two to three times, allowing the lungs to gather more oxygen than usual and assisting in overall healing. With the Bong Bong chamber only commencing operations in the past few weeks, Ciaron Maher Racing is at this stage the only Australian stable with one available. “The hyperbaric chamber is used a lot with people, it’s oxygen infused,” Maher said. “She (Jenni) hadn’t been in it before, she was a little bit nervous when she got in, but she settled down over the next couple of days. “It aids everything, really. Soft tissue, lungs, it just aids in the whole recovery process. “It’s going to be a tough-enough ask, but if any horse can do it, she can. The way she came out of the race the other day, we haven’t seen anything to deter us yet.” Pride Of Jenni arrives back in Melbourne on Wednesday evening and naturally priority will be ensuring her condition, with any subsequent work to be of a ‘tick-over’ nature. “She comes back Wednesday and just ticks over, keeping everything as smooth as possible,” Maher said. “It’s all about recovery, so you’re just keeping them happy. Hopefully the trip back is smooth and she can take her place on Saturday.” View the full article

Andrew Forsman still holds Melbourne Cup aspirations with Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor), despite having to be scratched from last Saturday’s Caulfield Cup. The Kiwi mare was withdrawn on Friday afternoon due to a hoof issue, but Forsman is confident he is now on top of the issue and could see the mare run as soon as Friday night in the A$750,000 Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup. “She seems fine, she did have a niggly foot that she has obviously bruised in her final gallop on Thursday morning, but she’s much improved,” he said. “We could have waited until Saturday morning, but I don’t think that would have been fair. “You can’t go into those races 95 per cent right and it was enough of a niggle to be a comfortable decision.” Positivity has accepted for the Moonee Valley Gold Cup with Jye McNeil booked to carry 52.5 kilograms. Forsman said he was also considering the Gr.3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) next Wednesday. The MRC Foundation Cup and SA Fillies Classic winner galloped at The Valley on Tuesday morning as part of Breakfast with the Best with Tom Prebble in the saddle. Forsman said if the daughter of Almanzor was to hold form at her next start he would be keen to take his place in the Melbourne Cup. “Honestly, at the start of the prep, I didn’t think we’d even be in a position to consider, but where she sits in the order, she’s a chance of getting in,” he admitted. “So, that is a factor and probably why I am leaning towards the 2400 or 2500-metre options.” Positivity is an $81 chance with Sportsbet for the Melbourne Cup. In other stable news, Forsman said Aegon would return home following his 12th placing in the Moonga Stakes. He said the seven-year-old would have a short freshen-up and likely one more start in New Zealand to determine his future. View the full article

Part One of Michael’s chat with Chris Waller. What does a day look like? What does he think about the progress of NZ racing? Is it fun being Chris Waller? Plus, we get the latest on Joliestar’s movements and wrap the weekend’s racing. Guerin Report – Ep. 8, Ft. Chris Waller View the full article

Rohan Mudhoo started a new chapter in his riding career at Ashburton on Sunday, returning from a serious health issue that took him away from the sport for the past nine months. The expat Mauritian jockey has been riding in New Zealand since 2018, earning 154 winners including nine last term, before a shock diagnosis halted his season. “I was diagnosed with cancer in February, we had to take immediate action because the results indicated I’d had it for about a year and was already in stage four,” Mudhoo said. “The doctors wanted to get my treatment fast-tracked, so I rode my last meeting at Invercargill and one week later I started chemotherapy, which I underwent for the next six months. “I am extremely lucky to have my wife Payal, she kept telling me to see a doctor as she thought something wasn’t right, but I was riding plenty of winners and was just focussing on my riding. Finally she made me go and get a biopsy which resulted in the diagnosis. “She was the closest to me at all times, I was wearing a smile outside of the house but she knew what I really went through mentally and physically. I cannot thank her enough, she is the biggest blessing in my life. “The journey was not easy, I was getting four different types of drugs and one of those was doing damage to my lungs, so they had to restrict one as it was just too strong. But I’ve come through the treatment alright and my body coped well with it, and now I’m cancer-free. “I was very fortunate to have my very close friend, Akhi Doman, living in Queenstown, so I spent a lot of time at his place to get away from Christchurch into a different environment. He was like an older brother to me and I am so grateful for that.” After receiving medical clearance to return to light trackwork, Mudhoo would come into Riccarton Park a couple of days a week, slowly building to riding up to 15 horses within the morning. “I was not doing much exercise initially as I was heavy-headed most of the time, I was coming to the track to watch and be around the horses, occasionally getting on a quiet one to do a lap on the sand track,” he said. “Most of the time, I didn’t have enough energy, so I just went for little walks out of the house or in the park. “I got to 69kg after the treatment and I was thinking about walking away from riding, but my family was amazing, pushing me and motivating me to come back. My brother was checking in on me every day too, so I had to do it for them, even though my wife cooks very good food. “Once I got the all-clear, I started riding a lot more work and getting back to the gym, running on the treadmill and getting more physically active. “I’ve been riding for about five or six different trainers at Riccarton including Andrew Carston, Mike McCann, Pam Robson and Danny Crozier, which has been good.” Sunday marked a very special moment for Mudhoo and his supporters, returning to raceday riding aboard three horses for Robson and Crozier at Ashburton. “I was very happy to come back at Ashburton, it was great to get a feel of racing again after a long time,” he said. “I just wanted to take a couple of rides to work on my fitness and I’ve come through that well, I didn’t blow after my first race even though I was hunting from about the 800m. I had three back runners and all ran on well, all the trainers were happy and the horses have pulled up nicely.” Mudhoo will continue his comeback trail at Gore on Wednesday, riding another three runners across the meeting. “My biggest supporter down south is Jo Gordon, unfortunately I’ve had a couple of my horses pull out of the meeting, but I’ll have one for her, and a couple for Barrie Blatch as well,” he said. “I’m working hard on getting my weight back down, so I can take those lighter rides as well. At the moment, I don’t want to take anything lighter than 56.5kg, because I’m already down 13kg since my treatment and I don’t want to be wasting too hard. “My biggest aim at the moment is getting back to 54kg, where I previously have ridden, and then obviously riding my first winner back and saluting the judge as soon as possible.” Mudhoo expressed plenty of gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging period, particularly in his local South Island and Canterbury contingent. “I want to say a huge thank you to the South Island racing community, Tim Mills and the Canterbury Jockey Club, NZTR and the Boys Get Paid for their amazing support,” he said. “Andrew McKerrow, the Racing Chaplain and ‘chocolate man’, helped me a lot both emotionally and mentally through the hard times. “Also, to my family, my good friend Roopesh Jaun, and my other fellow jockeys, Mose (Terry Moseley), Kylie (Williams), Tina (Comignaghi), Sam (Wynne), and so many more. The list just goes on, I apologise if I missed anyone’s name as I have just received an incredible amount of support and I’m so appreciative. “I’m just so pleased to be back.” View the full article

Kiwi-bred stayer Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) will take his place in one of two key staying races across the Tasman this week, with nominations for both the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) and Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m). The son of Jakkalberry was initially sent to Australia as a jumping prospect after winning seven races on the flat for part-owner and former trainer Shaun Phelan. He swiftly broke his maiden over fences at Warrnambool in July for Symon Wilde, but when reverting back to the flat, Hit The Road Jack continued on his winning way, scoring in the Flemington Cup (2800m). Returning to the Melbourne venue last month, Hit The Road Jack came within a neck of gaining an automatic place in the A$8 million Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) when finishing second to Point King in the Gr.3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m). His bridesmaid streak continued into the Listed R.M. Ansett Classic (2400m) at Mornington a fortnight later, much to the pleasant surprise of Phelan. “It’s been a big thrill, he’s really improved over there,” he said. “It’s been more of a surprise how well he’s running on the flat, he was initially sent over to be a jumper, so he’ll have all that ahead of him next year. “I’ve always wanted to send a horse over for the jumps and he was the right one to do it with. They go a bit quicker over there and he had ability on the flat, and he can run on all types of tracks. “Symon’s team are really happy with him at the moment, he’s had a bit of time in between runs so he’s had a racecourse gallop somewhere, which looked really good on the My Stable update they sent through. “I think they are nominating for the Moonee Valley Gold Cup as well on Friday, he’s been lucky to have rain on the day in his last couple of starts so I think they’re just looking to get a wet day. If not, I’d say he’ll be running tomorrow (at Geelong).” Hit The Road Jack’s recent form has made him an ideal fit for the inaugural running of the Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) on Melbourne Cup Day, a A$250,000 staying race which will replace the traditional Benchmark 96 race staged last season as the ‘Macca’s Run’, won by Cup-bound galloper The Map. The new edition of the contest is solely for New Zealand and Australian-based trainers. “I think they are going to aim for the Heritage Cup race, but we’ll leave it up to Symon. The horse is just thriving,” Phelan said. Hit The Road Jack was recently joined at Wilde’s stable by his full-sister Enchanted Elle (NZ) (Jakkalberry), who won six races in her homeland, including the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m). “She’s gone over there too, we suggested sending her as well after she ran third in her first hurdle start,” Phelan said. “It’s probably a bit easier for her to go over as a maidener, so I thought it may work well to keep her in work now so they can get a feel for her as well. I think she’s still got a bit of flat form and they are happy with her so far, I think she’s trialling at the end of the week and they’ve got plenty of Rating 78 staying races that she can run in. “She’ll hopefully be aimed at the Warrnambool Carnival next year in May.” View the full article

Rich Hill Stud’s John Thompson was running on empty when he had the final say on the well-related mare Temolie at the Gold Coast. Thompson was at the end of his budget with a closing bid of A$200,000 that secured the daughter of Star Witness at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale where she was offered by Edinburgh Park. “She was definitely on the list I had made before the sale and when I Iooked at her when I was doing the rounds at the sale she was a big, strong mare,” Thompson said. “I thought she would be a good match for Proisir on type and pedigree with Galileo and Zabeel there.” Temolie was purchased by Rich Hill with Greg Tomlinson’s Nearco Stud in foal to Castelvecchio, with the result the progressive filly Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio). She posted her second career success from four starts for champion trainer Chris Waller when successful in Saturday’s Gr.3 Reginald Allen Handicap (1200m) at Randwick. “Greg is a shareholder in Proisir and we decided to buy a nice mare that would suit him and I picked out Temolie and he’s halves with us,” Thompson said. “I didn’t necessarily buy her because she was in foal to Castelvecchio, but it was nice that she was in foal to a reasonably high profile first season sire.” Temolie subsequently produced a filly by Proisir who sold to Ciaron Maher and Victoria’s TFI at this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for $250,000. “We got another Proisir filly last year and she’s back in foal to him,” Thompson said. “It was quite a late service so I’m not sure whether we’ll mate her again this year, it depends when she foals.” Temolie is a half-sister to the Gr.1 Tattersalls Tiara (1400m) winner Invincibella and the Gr.3 JRA Cup (2040m) winner Secret Blaze with their dam the unraced Galileo mare Abscond. Aeliana was offered through Rich Hill’s draft at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale and sold to Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds for $180,000. “Denise raced Invincibella, who was a tremendous mare, and she wasn’t at the sale, so she rang (bloodstock agent) Guy Mulcaster,” Thompson said. “He came and had a look at the filly on her behalf and liked her, so I guess it was a bit of a no brainer.” Aeliana broke her maiden in August off the back of a debut fourth and then finished sixth before a short break and returned to claim black type honours. “She’s a nice type and I don’t think it’ll be her last one,” Waller said. “We had backed off her to try and have her ready for a race like this and booked James McDonald to ride, which was a pointer of what we think of her.” View the full article

Lindsay Park were runner-up in last year’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) with Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), and they are hoping they can go one better in this year’s edition where they will be represented once more by the Kiwi-bred, as well as his compatriot Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto). Mr Brightside heads into Saturday’s A$5 million feature at The Valley in good form, having won one and finished runner-up in three of his four starts this preparation, including victory in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last month. Trainers Ben, JD and Will Hayes have been pleased with the way he has come through his last start runner-up effort in the Gr.1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) 10 days ago, and he was kept up to the mark with a hit-out at ‘Breakfast with the Best’ at The Valley on Tuesday morning. “It (Tuesday’s work) was everything we were looking for,” Ben Hayes told Racing.com. “His action was great and he was really strong through the line. For a final piece of work, I couldn’t be happier. “He is moving great, Craig (Williams, jockey) commented how good his action felt. We are hoping he is ready to peak on the big day.” Mr Brightside worked in winkers, an additional gear change for Saturday, which Hayes is hoping will assist their charge. “We are hoping that (winkers) is the one percenter that can get that extra length,” he said. “He has won a couple of Group Ones with winkers on before.” Mr Brightside has been a consistent performer for the Hayes brothers, and they are confident of another bold showing from their charge. “He is in a good frame of mind, he is a happy horse,” Hayes said. “He is a horse that has never let us down. He has never run a bad race, he is always consistent and you would be crazy to think he is not going to be in the finish. “He is rock hard fit, he had a good, hard run at 2000m, you can just see a bit of rib now, and he is ready to go.” Hayes is also looking forward to lining-up fellow Kiwi-bred Evaporate in the time-honoured race. The three-year-old son of Per Incanto has been in a purple patch of form, winning his first four starts this preparation, including the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1600m), before placing in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). He will carry a featherweight under the weight-for-age conditions, with Hong Kong-based hoop Karis Teetan booked to ride. “I think we are going to run,” Hayes said. “With 49.5 kilos it is an opportunity you don’t often get. We did think long and hard about it and last minute we thought it would be silly not to, so we are going to have a go. “Karis Teetan has been booked, and we are just thrilled with him. He has done everything right. “When you look back through the three-year-olds, they have got a good record in this race. We beat Broadsiding home (in the Caulfield Guineas) and he has got a great record at The Valley, he is fit and ready to go. “He is running against the best, but with that weight swing you never know, and this is why I think those three-year-olds have a good record in the race. Hopefully it can all go to plan.” The Cox Plate is shaping to be a small but select field this year, and Hayes is looking forward to seeing what unfolds. “This is a unique year,” he said. “I think it is the smallest field they have had in a while. It is going to be very tactical. It has got Pride of Jenni in it and I think it is going to be an exciting race. “Every horse in the race deserves to be there and I am really excited. It is something that as a trainer you work for to try to win, and we have got a genuine chance. Sometimes you have got to sit back and stop stressing and just enjoy it.” View the full article

Kiwi trained Melbourne Cup hope Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) will miss this Friday night’s Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) after suffering an insect bite at his Warrnambool base. Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie had hoped to use the A$750,000 feature as New Zealand and Auckland Cups winner Mahrajaan’s final lead-up to the $A8.56 million Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 5. But the insect bite, which Ritchie believed was probably a spider bite, has meant a change of plans for Mahrajaan, who could now tackle Wednesday week’s Gr.3 Bendigo Cup (2400m). “He’s got an insect bite of some sort and a leg that’s blown up. We’ve scanned it and it’s not a ligament issue but with all insect bites, they take a little bit of time to get the swelling out,” Ritchie said. “He won’t be running Friday night. We’ll have to treat him for the pain and to help with the swelling and he’ll almost certainly go to the Bendigo Cup next week.” Ritchie, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray, noted that the Ciaron Maher-trained Interpretation won last year’s Bendigo Cup before finishing sixth in the Melbourne Cup six days later. “He did back up from a Metropolitan to win a New Zealand Cup last year and while I know that’s a different class, it does show he’s capable of running one week and backing up the following week,” Ritchie said of Kitten’s Joy seven-year-old Mahrajaan. “He’s in great order. The question is whether he has the turn of foot to win a Melbourne Cup, but we do know he runs the two miles out. But I’ll be reluctant to take a spot up if he can’t perform in the Bendigo Cup because we need to see more than what we saw at Caulfield last time.” Mahrajaan, assured of a start in the Melbourne Cup if connections opt to run, finished 13th in the Gr.2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield, although Ritchie was forgiving of his charge in his first run for five weeks. “He had to go back on a track which had a fierce leaders’ bias and they ran that race slower than any other on the day and the leader was off and gone,” Ritchie said. “We need an improved performance though to justify running in the Cup.” Ritchie was delighted with the way Mahrajaan had settled in at Warrnambool, where he had beach access and was enjoying a slower pace of a country stable. “He’s actually in the box next to where Prince Of Penzance was when he won his Melbourne Cup,” Ritchie said. “They are beautiful big boxes and he’s got access to water walkers and he’s right by the beach. He’s got his paddock which is the same size as home, so his environment is perfect for him as a horse who likes his routine. “From his training, we know he’s in great form, but it will just come down to class and we know the Melbourne Cup is a worldwide race now and it’s not easy to win. But he’s here and it would be nice to have him there in the best possible order to see how good he is.” View the full article

Marton horseman Fraser Auret has a number of Group One victories to his name as a trainer, but in the coming months he is hoping to add a maiden Group One breeding success to his record through the deeds of Hong Kong sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress). The exciting son of Shamexpress is on a path towards the HK$26 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) in December, and continued his dream run to the feature sprint with a dominant victory in the Gr.2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. It was the seventh victory from just nine starts for the David Hayes-trained four-year-old, who is undefeated this preparation, having won first-up over 1200m at Sha Tin last month. Auret was delighted with what he saw on Sunday and is excited to see what the first horse he bred can do in the coming months. “I think he was .07 seconds outside of the track record and he was being eased down. It’s pretty scary to think what he is doing,” Auret said. “It is a massive thrill, especially as a self-professed amateur when it comes to breeding. I think there was a lot of beginner’s luck included in there. “Seeing him as a foal and develop right the way through has been very special. He is taking everyone on an amazing journey.” Ka Ying Rising is out of the Per Incanto mare Missy Moo, who Auret trained to win five races, and ran fourth in the 2018 edition of the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ (2000m). With her owner not wanting to breed from the mare, Auret thought he would chance his arm and breed from her himself, identifying Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress as an ideal mating. “We were actually doing a bit of work for Windsor Park at the time and Shamexpress has always done a great job,” Auret said. “He has got some amazing stats, so it was a very easy decision to send her there to him.” Auret was pleased with the resulting foal, who continued to impress the respected horseman through his early education. “He was beautiful,” Auret said. “He was a really cracking foal, especially for a first foal. All the way through to the breaking in, he always had that really professional, natural racehorse mentality. We always felt like he was destined for big things right from that early stage.” It didn’t take long for Ka Ying Rising’s talents to be noticed, with bloodstock agents circling following his first public hit-out. “He went to the jump outs at Levin and was mightily impressive down there,” Auret said. “He was sold privately just on the back of that, he didn’t even get to the trials. You could clearly see in his jump outs that he was destined for a high level.” Lindsay Park were the lucky party to secure Ka Ying Rising, who continued his early preparation at their Victorian property before heading to Hong Kong late last year. Ka Ying Rising struck immediately, winning on debut over 1200m at Sha Tin in the hands of Champion Hong Kong Jockey Zac Purton. He then posted four victories, including taking out the Gr.3 The Sha Tin Vase (1200m), on his way to being crowned last season’s Champion Griffin and Most Improved Horse. Impressed by her first foal, Auret elected to breed from Missy Moo once more, this time heading to Windsor Park stallion Turn Me Loose. Auret was just as pleased with the resulting foal, who has followed the exact same path as his year older brother. “He (Turn Me Loose gelding) has gone exactly the same way,” Auret said. “He was also sold to Lindsay Park and he had one trial in Melbourne for a win and he is just coming out of quarantine up in Hong Kong at the moment. “Like a lot of brothers, you never really know if they are going to be that similar, but the Turn Me Loose was an absolutely strapping horse as well, so I am sure he is going on to bigger and brighter things.” Unfortunately, Missy Moo had to be euthanised following an ongoing issue, and while Auret doesn’t have anything to breed from in the family, he is hoping he can replicate the same success through another member of his broodmare band. “Through her (Missy Moo) racing career she had some arthritis in her back leg,” Auret said. “When she was in-foal with the Turn Me Loose, the arthritis (came back) and the more pregnant she was getting, the lamer she was getting. We made the sad but right decision to have her put down once she had the foal and nursed him through. It was unfortunate, but their welfare always comes first. “We just have those two lovely boys (out of her), and we are certainly enjoying the ride. I have found myself with another couple of mares and we will see whether lightning can strike somewhere else. “We are certainly not in any way a commercial operation, they are just a couple of nice race mares, and we will see what happens in the future.” Following his victory at Sha Tin on Sunday, Ka Ying Rising is set to return to the Hong Kong track next month to tackle the Gr.1 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) on November 17 ahead of the HK$26 million LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on December 8. Auret is keen to head to Hong Kong to watch Ka Ying Rising compete at the famed Hong Kong International Races meeting but said his workload at that busy time of year will dictate whether he can. “I am keen to (go to Hong Kong) if I can spring the weekend off,” Auret said. “It is a very busy time of year so we will have a look at that a bit closer to the time. It would certainly be lovely, but we do have a lot of commitments here as well.” View the full article

Local jockey remains upbeat despite recording 12 seconds and seven thirds to start the season.View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong (Link if we have track page) When Wednesday, October 23, 2024 First Race 7:15pm HKT (10:15pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Wednesday evening, with a competitive eight-part program set to be run and won on the all-weather circuit. The rail stays true for the entire circuit, and with no rainfall predicted in the lead-up, the track shouldn’t pose any problems throughout the meeting. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 7:15pm local time. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Fun N Fun Together After five winless attempts on the Sha Tin turf, Fun N Fun Together gets a terrific opportunity to break his maiden status on the synthetic. The son of Charm Spirit will ping the lids from barrier two under Zac Purton, and with his trials suggesting he should handle the all-weather surface, watch for the Frankie Lor-trained gelding to give a bold sight in the first leg of the quaddie. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Fun N Fun Together (2) 54yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Zac Purton (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Hakka Radiance Hakka Radiance is starting to hit his stride in Hong Kong, with his latest runner-up performance on October 6 at this course and distance catching the eye. The son of Massaat should be rock-hard fit third-up and has taken a liking to the all-weather surface in his last two starts. Barrier six should allow Derek Leung to land in the ideal stalking position throughout, and provided he can get out at a crucial stage, Hakka Radiance should be right in this. Next Best Race 3 – #6 Hakka Radiance (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Derek Leung (56.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sha Tin: Reliable Profit Reliable Profit couldn’t have been more impressive when breaking his maiden at this track and trip on September 22. He steps up into Class 4 company and looks well placed dropping 7.5kg in the weights. Matthew Poon takes the reins this time, and with gate one allowing him to stalk from the one-one throughout, Reliable Profit should prove hard to hold out. Best Value Race 4 – #11 Reliable Profit (1) 6yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Matthew Poon (51kg) Bet with Dabble Sha Tin quaddie tips – 23/10/2024 Sha Tin quadrella selections Wednesday, October 23, 2024 1-4-8 1-3-5-6-11 1-2-3-4-5 1-3-4-5-7-10 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Warwick Farm Races Where Warwick Farm Racecourse – 2 Hume Hwy, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 When Wednesday, October 23, 2024 First Race 2:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing returns to Warwick Farm for a competitive seven-race program this Wednesday afternoon, with the first race scheduled to jump at 2:15pm AEDT. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with no rain forecast in the lead-up, expect an upgrade to a Good 4 before the meeting. The rail will be in the +5m position from the 1000m to the winning post and +3m for the remainder. Best Bet at Warwick Farm: Ambassadorial Ambassadorial returned with an impressive victory at this track and trip on October 7, settling behind the speed and finishing off strongly. The son of Fiorente strikes a similar contest second-up, and even though he rises 2kg in weight, natural improvement and a good barrier (4) will offset that. If Tim Clark can settle in a similar position to last time, Ambassadorial can record back-to-back wins to start the campaign. Best Bet Race 7 – #1 Ambassadorial (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (61kg) +300 with Neds Next Best at Warwick Farm: Komodo Dragon Following a third-place finish as an odds-on favourite with horse racing bookmakers over 1300m first-up, Komodo Dragon rises slightly in trip to 1400m. The John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained galloper has a good record second-up (1:1-0-0) and at the distance (2:2-0-0), so expect further improvement after a solid fresh run. James McDonald sticks aboard, and if he can settle in the one-one from barrier five, Komodo Dragon will prove very hard to hold out. Next Best Race 2 – #2 Komodo Dragon (5) 3yo Gelding | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: James McDonald (60kg) +160 with Picklebet Best Value at Warwick Farm: Leconfield The lethal combination of Chris Waller and James McDonald will seek to strike in the opening race as Leconfield drops back to 1300m second-up. First-up over 1400m at Randwick-Kensington, this son of Snitzel settled behind the speed and battled on gamely to just hold on for fourth place. Last preparation, this galloper finished fourth behind two talented gallopers, Emirate and Swiftfalcon, and if he shows that form here, Leconfield will go very close to breaking his maiden. Best Value Race 1 – #5 Leconfield (3) 3yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +650 with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Warwick Farm Warwick Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, October 23, 2024 3-4-8-10-11 2-4-11 2-3-4-10 1-2-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Geelong Cup Day 2024 Where Geelong Racecourse – 99 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater VIC 3219 When Wednesday, October 23, 2024 First Race 12:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) headlines a stacked nine-race program in Victoria’s second city on Wednesday afternoon. Perfect conditions are set to match those on the turf, with the track likely to start as a Good 4 despite the Soft 5 rating at the time of acceptances. The rail returns to its true position, with Geelong Cup Day 2024 commencing at 12:40pm AEDT. Geelong Cup Tip: Unusual Legacy The Chris Waller-trained Unusual Legacy started as favourite in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) last time out but ran third, beaten 3.6 lengths by Land Legend. The son of Unusual Suspect brings excellent form lines to Wednesday’s feature and, unlike some of his rivals, is blessed with a strong turn of foot at the back end of his races. The Metrop was his first start at 2400m and his first at black-type level, and with Joao Moreira on board for the Geelong Cup, Unusual Legacy shapes as the one to beat. Geelong Cup Race 7 – #9 Unusual Legacy (10) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Joao Moreira (54kg) +320 with Picklebet Geelong Classic Tip: Truth Or Dare Truth Or Dare put in a stinker in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) on October 5, but as he steps up to the 2200m in the Listed Geelong Classic, he looks poised to bounce back. The son of Vanbrugh will wear blinkers for the first time, and if he produces anything like what he did when breaking maiden ranks at Cranbourne two starts back, he presents great each-way value with horse racing bookmakers. He’ll need it to be run at a genuine clip, as he is just a dour stayer, but from a cosy draw, Truth Or Dare looks the one most likely to see out the trip. Geelong Classic Race 5 – #2 Truth Or Dare (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Mark Walker | J: Michael Dee (57kg) +850 with Neds Best Bet at Geelong: Muktamil Muktamil comes to Geelong on the back of six consecutive top-two finishes. The five-year-old gelding boasts two wins and four seconds in that time, and despite stepping back from 3000m to 2400m, he should prove to be the superior stayer. Jamie Mott sticks on board, and with two wins from as many starts at 2400m, Muktamil should be keeping that perfect record intact. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 Muktamil (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Jamie Mott (59kg) +270 with Dabble Next Best at Geelong: Moby Dick Moby Dick is sure to appreciate getting back around a bend after his first two runs this campaign have come down the Flemington straight. The four-year-old gelding returned with a breathtaking win over 1200m, then ran 0.2 of a length off the winner when finishing fourth over the same trip. As a natural backmarker, the race sets up perfectly for Damian Lane to have Moby Dick settled towards the rear of the field before overhauling his rivals. Next Best Race 8 – #11 Moby Dick (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Damian Lane (56.5kg) +220 with PlayUp Wednesday quaddie tips for Geelong races Geelong quadrella selections Wednesday, October 23, 2024 2-4-5-6-11 1-2-3-4-6-9-14 5-11 1-2-6-7-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

In-form handler hopes the progressive youngster can relish a return to 1,650m in Wednesday’s Class Three Tsim Mei Fung Handicap.View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Aussie champions Leap To Fame and Just Believe will both cap their preparations for New Zealand Cup week when they race this weekend. As expected, Leap To Fame will tackle the 2300m Battle Of Beersheba free-for-all at Menangle on Saturday night. All going well there he seems a certainty to make the trip to Christchurch and in the latest TAB Market is now a $1.75 favourite for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington on Tuesday, November 12. The top two Kiwis Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming are next at $4.50 and $5.50. Just Believe is expected to step out at the big Maryborough all-trotting day on Sunday in the $30,000 Group 3 Maryborough Gold Trotters’ Cup, a mobile start 2690m race. Just Believe, a $1.60 favourite for the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot on Cup day, is is booked to fly from Melbourne to Auckland early next week. Leap To Fame’s trainer-driver Grant Dixon has stressed the importance of Saturday night’s race for his charge. “Let’s get through Saturday night before we talk any more about NZ,” he said, “he seems to have recovered well (from a virus which forced him out of the Victoria Cup), but the race will really tell us where he’s at.” Leap To Fame was floated from Melbourne to Robbie and KerryAnn Morris’ stables next to Menangle early last week. If he comes through Saturday night well, Leap To Fame will take his spot on a November 3 flight from Sydney to Auckland. Owner Kevin Seymour was a little open about NZ. “All the signs have been good with his recovery and he’s raring to go this week. He looks back on track for the NZ Cup,” he said. The obvious plan would be to cap Leap To Fame’s preparation with the traditional “Cup Trial” at Addington on November 5. The five-year-old will dominate betting from gate eight (he will move into seven if the emergencies come out) on Saturday night. The last time Leap To Fame raced at Menangle he brilliantly won the $1m Miracle Mile on March 9. The IRT NZ Cup flavour to Leap To Fame’s race runs even deeper with trainer Jason Grimson lining-up his two remaining Cup hopefuls – Major Moth (gate 12) and Nerano (six) – against the champ. Both will need to impress for Grimson to push ahead with NZ plans. The other key runner of the race is in-form veteran Max Delight, who has gate two after a fantastic fourth in the Victoria Cup last Saturday week. Trainer Jess Tubbs said Just Believe and her Auckland Cup winner Better Eclipse were “very likely” to race this weekend. “There’s the Maryborough race for ‘Harry’ and Better Eclipse will probably go to Melton on Saturday night,” she said. While trainer Andy Gath will wait until next Tuesday to trial his two key NZ hopefuls, Callmethebreeze and Catch A Wave, at Melton. “All going well, they’ll both then race at Melton the following Saturday (November 2). There’s a flight across (Melbourne to Auckland) on Melbourne Cup Day (November 5),” Gath said. View the full article