Wandering Eyes

What Ballarat Races Where Ballarat Turf Club – 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest VIC 3352 When Sunday, August 25, 2024 First Race 11:55am AEST Visit Dabble The Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) headlines the jam-packed six-race meeting out of Ballarat on Sunday afternoon. All six races are set to be held over the obstacles, with the track rated a Heavy 8 and the rail out 8m the entire circuit. Grand National Day is set to commence at 11:55am AEST. Grand National Steeplechase Tip: Port Guillaume A one time Melbourne Cup favourite, Port Guillaume is making a name for himself over the obstacles and is sure to take some beating in Sunday’s Grand National Steeplechase. The eight-year-old gelding settled too far back in the Grand National Hurdle when six-lengths off Affluential, but the way he held a handy position and won the Australian Hurdle at Sandown on June 2 suggests he is the one to topple race favourite Stern Idol. From barrier five and with 64kg on his back, Port Guillaume can hold a forward position, and when Stern Idol shows any sign of fatigue, this bloke looks like the one to roll the favourite. Grand National Steeplechase Race 6 – #6 Port Guillaume (5) 8yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Tom Ryan (64kg) +500 with Neds Best Bet at Ballarat: The Cunning Fox The Cunning Fox could not have been more impressive in his last two starts over the hurdles. The six-year-old put five lengths on his rivals at Pakenham when proving too good for maiden class, and then produced a breathtaking performance when winning by 12 lengths at Sandown in similar company to this. He drops 2.5kg, and in a race where there looks to be plenty of pressure up front, the race suits The Cunning Fox perfectly to absorb the pressure from the rear of the field and overhaul his rivals in the home straight. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 The Cunning Fox (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Patrick Payne | J: Aaron Kuru (66kg) +130 with Bet365 Next Best at Ballarat: Nassak Diamond The Patrick Payne-trained put nine lengths on her maiden rivals at Pakenham on his jumps debut last time out and looks poised to continue his progression on Sunday. A Jericho Cup (4600m) winner, the Roc De Cambes mare is an out-and-out stayer and showed a clear pair of heels over the obstacles at the first time of asking. She will let proceedings unfold from the rear of the field, and when the pressure goes on inside the final 600m, look for Nassak Diamond to be making her presence known in the home straight. Next Best Race 3 – #6 Nassak Diamond (4) 6yo Mare | T: Patrick Payne | J: Aaron Kuru (70kg) +180 with Picklebet Ballarat Sunday quaddie tips Ballarat quadrella selections Sunday, August 25, 2024 3-6 3-6 1-2-3-4 1-6-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Toy Show Quality winner Kimochi as a three-year-old. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Gary Portelli and Jason Collett have combined with Kimochi (+550) to take out the Group 3 Toy Show Quality on resumption at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The four-year-old mare maintained her strong fresh record with a third win from five fresh runs, as she proved too strong for her rivals over the 1100m trip. The daughter of Brave Smash jumped smartly from her barrier and put herself on speed; however, when Collett tried to ease back, they were caught three-wide without cover. The Black Cloud (+340) and Dancing Alone (+1200) led the field to the home turn, but within a few strides, Kimochi took over and ran away from the slowing leaders. Commemorative (+150) and Mumbai Muse (+1100) challenged the winner in the final 100m but Collett got everything out of Kimochi late and just held on to win by a long neck. 2024 Toy Show Quality replay – Kimochi Gary Portelli was on course to speak about Kimochi in his post-race interview. “Fantastic start to her preparation, a great win today for Yulong,” Portelli said. “Great to be associated with Yulong with such a good mare, I’ve said that she was going to improve off whatever she did today and off whatever she’s done before, because she’s never had a decent spell. “She’s been racing nearly forever, and this is the first time she’s come in a good two or three months under her belt. “I was pretty confident that she was after these horses when you saw the opposition that had been winning today. “She’s been amongst these horses every time she’s raced. So today was her day, and she did a great job. “No luck at all, three deep no cover the trip and still did the job, so she’s a pretty good mare. “I’m pushing for an Everest slot, she’ll get better with racing. “Every trainer wants to have a runner in the Everest, there’s no doubt about that, we are a long way from there but you are allowed to dream.” Jason Collett was very happy with the win, and he spoke post-race. “It’s amazing what a break does, she’s just a powerhouse, she never dropped the bridle at all,” Collett said. “I was afraid of how strong she was traveling on the speed, but when I let her go, she really let down. “She’s been able to have a break, a decent break, from her three-year-old season and it’s really helped. “I was more happy to be there (three-wide) than on the inside. “Found that out from the inside gates all day. “So, you know, probably happy to be there, but you know, you are always sitting duck late when you are first up. “Gary and the team have done a great job with her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Via Sistina produced a breathtaking finish to claim the Group 1 Winx Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina ($11.00) has defied a severe drift with horse racing bookmakers to claim the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. After opening as short as $5.50 after the barrier draw on Thursday morning, the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) winner was friendless in the market prior to jumping in the $1 million feature, with most pundits suggesting the 1400m would be short of her best trip. The race shaped out perfectly for the daughter of Fastnet Rock, with Kerrin McEvoy biding his time towards the rear of the field, as the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Tropical Squall ($9.00) powered across to lead the quality field of 12. The well-supported Zougotcha ($6.50) was ridden to hold a position outside the leader before putting the foot down turning for home, with Tommy Berry trying to pinch the race aboard the three-time Group 1 winner, as the short-priced favourite Fangirl ($2.50) forced to make a wide run under James McDonald. Zougotcha seemed to be travelling best in the final 200m, however, it was Via Sistina coming with a withering burst along the inside, with McEvoy able to avoid the traffic as he didn’t go around a horse to claim victory. 2024 Group 1 Winx Stakes Replay – Via Sistina The win now marks her third Group 1 success across both hemispheres, with this being the first time being tested over the short course trip, leaving the Waller barn to suggest there is still more in store for the impressive seven-year-old. “Obviously, she’s a very smart horse,” said Waller. “Privileged to be training horses like her. She’s a pickup addition to the stable. The others are stalwarts and she’s beaten them today, but it’ll be a match race I’m sure in a few weeks time. “It was a beautiful ride from Kerrin (McEvoy) he didn’t go around a horse, saved ground and had plenty of horse topping the famous Randwick rise, yeah, she was strong all the way to the line. “Tommy (Zougotcha) put a little bit of work early. I just didn’t want a Pride Of Jenni type race where I could just see Tropical Squall getting away with it in front. “I just said to Tommy (Berry) just to make sure you’re right there, that’s her normal style of racing, and she traveled beautifully up to the 200m and just got caught on the line.” Kerrin McEvoy was delighted with the performance and praised his mount for her toughness over the shorter journey. “Great win, she’s just a winner basically,” said McEvoy. “I’ve only sat on her once, which was last Saturday, and she was on her own, but she’s just a competitor. “Chris (Waller) just said look, she’s in really good form. The unknown was 1400m in this grade, and first up. “Just wanted to let her tell me where she wanted to be. She jumped in the air a little bit and got sort of back and ended up on the rail, inside Fangirl and I just thought, I’ll cut the corner. I thought I’d just make it a little bit easier, rather than James (McDonald) who got shuffled back a little and had to come wide.” “She really motored the last furlong, so fantastic training effort to see her do that first up at that level, and the world is her oyster this prep now.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Goulburn Races Where Goulburn Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Goulburn NSW 2580 When Sunday, August 25, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEST Visit Dabble The $200,000 Goulburn Cup (1400m) headlines the action on Sunday afternoon, with a terrific eight-race program set for decision. The rail is in the true position the entire way around, and with nothing but sunny skies predicted in the lead-up, punters can expect a pristine Good 4 surface for race-day. The opening event at Goulburn Race Club is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm local time. Goulburn Cup Tip: St Lawrence St Lawrence appears to be a terrific bet in the 2024 Goulburn Cup. The son of Redwood brings elite form-lines into this, with a minor placing behind eventual Group 2 P.B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) winner Gentleman Roy at Flemington on August 3. Tyler Schiller should get the run of the race from barrier two, and whether he attempts to lead or drop in for cover, St Lawrence should be right in this when they turn for home. Goulburn Cup Race 7 – #7 St Lawrence (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Tyler Schiller (56.5kg) +550 with PlayUp Best Bet at Goulburn: Cristal Clear There was a lot to like about the return of Cristal Clear at Wyong on July 25. The son of Exceedance cleared out alongside Zousain Bolt on that occasion, with the latter just barely getting the upper hand in the concluding stages. The step-up to 1600m second-up should be ideal for this lightly raced three-year-old, and provided Jason Collett can get gain an economical run from stall six, watch for Cristal Clear to be storming home down the centre of the course. Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Cristal Clear (6) 3yo Colt | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Jason Collett (57.5kg) +100 with Picklebet Next Best at Goulburn: Media Frenzy Media Frenzy appears set to peak third-up in the campaign after a barnstorming effort at Newcastle on August 8. The John Thompson-trained mare came with a withering burst over 1500m but couldn’t reel in the unassailable margin of Hell’s Itch. Gate one should allow Reece Jones to take closer order, and provided she can get off the inside running rail when the whips are cracking, Media Frenzy will look the winner at some stage. Best Bet Race 5 – #12 Media Frenzy (1) 4yo Mare | T: John Thompson | J: Reece Jones (55kg) +340 with Neds Best Value at Goulburn: Sky Artist Sky Artist is yet to miss the frame in three starts at this course, with a win and two minor placings to her name. That trend appears set to continue after an impressive return at Scone on August 2, gaining some race-day fitness after a 133-day spell. She could be facing some stiff competition in the form of the Danny Williams-trained pair of Kreon and Exit Fee, but at the $12.00 available with horse racing bookmakers, Sky Artist should give followers a bold sight at the each-way price. Best Bet Race 6 – #9 Sky Artist (8) 4yo Mare | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Tom Sherry (57.5kg) +1100 with Dabble Goulburn Sunday quaddie tips – August 25, 2024 Goulburn quadrella selections Sunday, August 25, 2024 2-6-8-12 9-10-15 2-3-4-5-7 3-4-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

New Zealand-breds fought out a thrilling finish to Saturday’s A$80,000 Dr Bernard Clarke Memorial Handicap (2040m) at Moonee Valley, with Lauding digging deep to score a narrow win over Lincoln Rocks. Road to Rock gelding Lincoln Rocks went into the race as a $3.30 favourite on the strength of his last-start win at the same venue on August 10. Lauding had been unplaced in his two previous appearances in this campaign, but was unbeaten in two starts at The Valley and had blinkers on for Saturday’s race. Lauding was drawn in gate nine and was caught three wide around the first corner, but the race was run at only a moderate tempo and Jamie Kah allowed her mount to easily stride forward to take up a position on the outside of the leader. Lincoln Rocks loomed large behind that pair coming down the side of the track, and he and Lauding went to the front together at the home turn. Lincoln Rocks appeared to be travelling the better of the pair, but Kah asked for another effort out of Lauding and he responded. He fought back powerfully and edged out Lincoln Rocks in a head-bobbing photo finish. “He had to do a bit of work today,” Kah said. “I thought he was beaten at the 200m, but to his credit he was very tough. “He’s a very genuine horse. I think the blinkers going back on made a big difference for him. He falls asleep without them, so they really switch him on.” The Ciaron Maher-trained Lauding has now had 14 starts for four wins, five placings and A$218,895. “That was a masterful steer by Jamie,” assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said. “We always wanted to be prominent, and she got him there without really asking him – he just flowed there. He got a bit of a breather when he needed down the back of the track. He was asked a fair way out, but stuck on well and got the bob. “He’s in good form and was at the right trip today. He’s very much a blinkers horse and he’s building a good record. We’re very pleased to get this win today for the MyRacehorse team. “He’s a progressive horse. I don’t think we’ll drop him straight in the deep end from here. We can go for a handicap option again next, and then we may look at black type later. We might as well enjoy the ride and reap some prize-money in the meantime.” Lauding was bred by Rich Hill Stud’s Karl Mihaljevich and is by star Rich Hill stallion Proisir out of the Istidaad mare Lady Lucille. Herself a four-time winner and a fourth placegetter in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Lady Lucille is the dam of five winners from five foals to race including the Group Two-placed Livid Sky, who is also by Proisir. Lauding began his career in the Cambridge stable of Tony Pike, where he had four starts for a win, two seconds and a fourth in last year’s Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m). View the full article

John and Karen Parsons have had a lot of success with the progeny of their talented race mare Arietta (NZ) (Falkirk), which continued at Riccarton Park Synthetic on Saturday with La Bella Nera (NZ) (Sweynesse) collecting top honours in the Christchurch Casino 27th South Island Racing Awards – 13th September Rating 80 (1200m). Based out of Balcairn, the Parsons prepared a pair of runners to contest the open sprint event in La Bella Nera and More Than Words (NZ) (Sweynesse), with the former rated a hot-favourite at $1.80, ahead of her stablemate at $4.80. In the hands of Tina Comignaghi, La Bella Nera showed her speed out of the barriers and looked to have designs on the lead, before King Cougar (NZ) (Alamosa) crossed and set the tempo for the compact field. Comignaghi brought the mare off the rail nearing the home turn and hit the front at the 300 metres, breaking away from her rivals before More Than Words flew late to produce a photo finish. With the quinella tied up, La Bella Nera was announced the victor by a short head from More Than Words, and Karen Parsons was delighted with the result. “With the kids at home, some were picking La Bella Nera and some were picking More Than Words, so it was great to see them so close at the finish,” she said. “We had intended to have blinkers on La Bella Nera today, but there was a mix-up and she didn’t have them on, but she still managed to win. “They’ll go to the next Riccarton meeting for a $50,000 race, over 1000 metres on the 31st of August.” A daughter of Sweynesse, La Bella Nera was bred and is owned by Karen Parsons, with the lucrative Saturday stake on offer bringing her earnings above $95,000. Her dam, Arietta was a talented performer for the stable campaigning throughout the country, with the Listed Canterbury Breeders Stakes (1400m) among her eight successes. She has continued to shine in the broodmare paddock for the Parsons’, with her three foals to race all winners, including Watch Out (NZ) (Highly Recommended), a winner of four from 14 starts. “La Bella Nera a piece of cake to have in the stable, there aren’t too many similarities to her mother but she was a pretty handy mare as well,” Karen Parsons said. “We used to take her up to the North Island to race and had quite a bit of luck with the family. “She’s got a King Of Comedy colt that we can’t wait to try, he’s just a yearling.” View the full article

Previously a stakes winner at the ages of two, three, four and five, Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) kicked off her six-year-old season on a perfect note when she defeated a star-studded field in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa. The high-class daughter of Super Easy has taken her connections on a special ride over the last few seasons, beginning with a victory in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old in February of 2021. Bonny Lass added the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) as a three-year-old and the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at four, and it was as a five-year-old last season that she really came of age. After luckless placings in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) and Gr.1 Telegraph (1400m), she handed elite three-year-old Crocetti his first defeat and collected a richly deserved first Group One victory in the BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in February. Bonny Lass was one of seven Group One winners launching their spring campaigns in an eagerly anticipated renewal of the Foxbridge Plate at the same venue on Saturday, and despite some pre-race concerns around the Heavy9 track, her star quality shone brightest of all. Bonny Lass was given a perfect ride by Craig Grylls, who positioned her in seventh behind a fierce early battle for the lead. It was Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca) who emerged in front after a frenetic first 200m, setting the pace in front of Electric Time (NZ) (Telperion), Wewillrock (NZ) (El Roca), Turn The Ace (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) and Master Fay (Deep Field). Those early exertions were always going to take their toll on the leaders, and the field fanned across the track at the top of the home straight to try to run them down. Grylls got Bonny Lass off the rail just before the turn and presented her five off the fence, and the ultra-consistent mare produced her customary turn of foot to sprint into contention. The battle was far from over once Bonny Lass hit the front, with Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel) soon sprinting through on her inside and drawing level with more than 200m still remaining. But Bonny Lass rose to meet that challenge and shook free again, surging ahead with the finish line in sight. Bonny Lass dashed to victory by three-quarters of a length from the longshot Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca), who flashed home late after being second-last at the home turn. Skew Wiff was another long head away in third, followed by eye-catching finishers Waitak (NZ) (Proisir), Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) and Puntura (NZ) (Vespa). “We had a perfect run, really,” said Grylls, who has guided Bonny Lass to six of her eight career victories. “She began well, and then a couple had to work quite hard to get around us. We were probably in the worst part of the track down on the inside, but she was always travelling well and I was able to get out at the right time. “She just doesn’t know how to not win. Skew Wiff came up next to me around the 200m mark, and she just put her ears back and said, ‘No, you’re not getting past me.’ I wish they were all like her. “She’s won stakes races at two, three, four, five and now six, so you can’t get much better than that. I love her to bits.” Bonny Lass is trained by Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall for breeder Sandy Moore, who shares ownership with the Social Racing Starting Gates Syndicate and Brent and Wendy Cooper. Her 21-start career has now produced eight wins, eight placings and $745,900 in stakes. “That was a very good effort today,” Norvall said. “We know how tough she is. The track being a Heavy9 today was a concern, but she’s tougher than most. “Craig put her in a beautiful spot and she relaxed nicely in behind them, then kicked really hard in the straight. “She’d trialled well and had pleased us in her training. Her coat is coming through ideally for this time of the year. I’m just delighted that she’s come in at the head of the field and I’m so happy for her. It’s a great start to her preparation.” Bonny Lass is now rated a $6 chance for the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 7, sharing second favouritism with defending champion Skew Wiff. Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) retains hot favouritism at $2.20. “We’ll have a chat with all the connections to see where we go from here,” Norvall said. “It’s a fairly quick turnaround into the Tarzino, only two weeks, but we’ll definitely think about it.” View the full article

Evaporate wins stylishly in the Artalia Handicap at Moonee Valley. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli New Zealand-bred gelding Evaporate kept his unbeaten three-year-old record intact in style in Saturday’s A$150,000 Airitalia Handicap (1523m) at Moonee Valley. The son of Per Incanto has always been held in high regard by trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes, who threw him in at the deep end for his raceday debut in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield in February. He finished fourth in that event, followed by a second at Ballarat, an eighth in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) and another second placing in his final two-year-old start. Evaporate began his three-year-old season on a perfect note with a convincing front-running maiden win on August 1, and he went back-to-back on Saturday with an even more impressive performance. Rider Michael Dee settled off the pace this time before striding forward to throw down a challenge to the front-running Trunk just before the home turn. Evaporate was clearly travelling the better of the two at the top of the straight, and he drew clear through the final 150m to win by three lengths. “We wanted to try to ride him with a bit of cover today, and Michael did a great job,” Ben Hayes said. “He was a bit keen in behind them and wanted to get rolling. Michael whipped around them at the right time, put the pressure on early and has run fantastic. “We think he’ll be even better over further than this, so it’s very exciting for the ownership group. He was gelded at the start of this preparation and has come back well. “As a physical, he was one of our favourite purchases at the Magic Millions sale and we paid good money for him. He’s just so big and has taken a bit of time. We thought gelding him would help make him a racehorse. “It was very pleasing to see him make such a long, sustained run today and win so easily. A mile and beyond will hopefully suit him better, so you never know where we might end up.” Dee was equally impressed with his mount’s performance. “I had a talk with Ben and Grace (Ramage) before the race, and we weren’t too sure what to do,” he said. “We were drawn wide, and there looked to be genuine speed in the race on paper. “We came up with a plan to try to slot in just behind the speed, and if that didn’t eventuate, it was up to me. We ended up further back than we thought, but that was probably good for the horse going forward. He’s quite a keen-going horse, so for him to somewhat relax was good. “He grabbed the bridle on his own accord and really wanted to be a part of it. It was a big improvement from his last win. He still does quite a lot wrong, but we’re getting there with him. “As long as he keeps learning and putting it all together, I’m sure you’ll find him in stakes races later on.” Horse racing news View the full article

Medatsu with his second successive victory in Saturday’s Andrew Wisemantel Handicap (1600m) at Randwick. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Chris Waller is looking forward to stepping Medatsu up in distance after the emerging four-year-old collected his second successive victory in Saturday’s A$160,000 Andrew Wisemantel Handicap (1600m) at Randwick. The New Zealand-bred son of Staphanos began his career in the Cambridge stable of Clinton Isdale, for whom he placed in three of his four starts including the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) as a late-season juvenile. Medatsu was a first-up winner for Waller at Kembla Grange last September, then stepped straight up into the big time and was unplaced in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m). He returned from a long break with an impressive first-up win over 1500m at Rosehill on August 3, and Saturday brought more of the same – this time in the colours of the race sponsors, who promote and raise funds for organ donation around Australia. Medatsu was ridden by Tommy Berry, who settled towards the back before moving up in the slipstream of Peace Officer as that fellow Kiwi-bred swooped around the outside of the field at the home turn. Peace Officer pounced and hit the lead with 300m remaining, but he was quickly joined and passed by Medatsu, who surged ahead to win by a length and three-quarters. “He’s a lovely horse,” Berry said. “I’d just like him to leave the barriers a bit better. He’s going to have to do that once he gets into some better races. “But he’s a progressive staying type and he gave me a good feel today. We had something to cart us into the race at the right time, which made the job easier.” Raced by breeder Luigi Muollo in partnership with his brother Tony, Medatsu has now had eight starts for three wins, three placings and A$195,861. “That was a very good ride by Tommy,” Waller said. “He was awkwardly drawn (gate 10) but didn’t panic. He brought him into the race at the right time, and the horse was very strong in the straight. “He’s a very progressive horse. I was concerned that the 1600m might be a bit short for him today, but he showed good acceleration. He’ll step up in distance now.” Horse racing news View the full article

Joliestar winning the 2023 Thousand Guineas. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Joliestar may have punched her ticket into The Everest after she demolished her rivals in the Group 3 Show County Quality first-up at Randwick on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained mare was well-backed in the lead-up to her fresh run, following two impressive trials, which saw her jump as the +150 favourite with online bookmakers. The daughter of Zoustar was given a top ride by James McDonald, as she settled midfield off the fence and was kept out of trouble before the final turn. McDonald allowed his mount to balance up at the 400m mark, but once he released the brakes and asked for a burst of acceleration, Joliestar sprinted away from her rivals. Even though she was eased up with over 50m to go, Joliestar still claimed a 2.9-length victory over Our Kobison (+300) and Phearson (+5000), who filled the placings, but they were no match for the talented sprinter. 2024 Show County Quality replay – Joliestar The master trainer, Chris Waller, was on course to speak about the win post-race. “She’s very good, she’s well named, she’s a star,” Waller said of Joliestar. “She was dominant in the Arrowfield in the Autumn. “The owners, Brendan and Joe, have looked after her so well and have been so patient and they’re reaping the rewards now. “It does help with looking towards slot interest, but most importantly, see how she comes through it, and wherever she goes, she’s going to be a star. “I’m still learning, learnt a lot today. “I think she was in her comfort zone over 1200m, I was pleased that we didn’t run her over 1100m, we’ll just see what James thinks.” James McDonald echoed the thoughts of Waller in his post-race interview. “I expected her to win, but not with that much ease, she executed really well,” McDonald said. “She’s been working like a really, really good horse at home, and it’s been hard work containing her but they’ve done a really good job. “It’s been really nice to let the shackles off, so to speak and let her rip. “She does what she has to. “I really like her, we won’t go off too early, but she’s well on her way. “It’ll be interesting to see where the bossman places her, she’s got some big targets, she could go for anything.” Joliestar is an +700 second favourite for The Everest with top online horse betting sites. Horse racing news View the full article

Silver Shadow Stakes winner Ameena. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Ameena ($4.80) has come with a withering burst to claim the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) in a grandstand finish at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Tassort put the writing on the wall last preparation, contesting some of the best two-year-old races across the nation, including a luckless effort in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) before being tipped out for a spell. She returned on the back of two strong barrier trials heading into Saturday’s $300,000 feature, with James McDonald doing the steering from stall 10. He no choice but to retreat towards the rear of the field, as the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Chateau Miraval ($21.00) ensured a genuine tempo for the three-year-old fillies, while Kerrin McEvoy was happy to sit outside the leader aboard Silmarillion ($23.00). All the main market hopefuls were left chasing from the back-half of the field, with Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) winner Manaal ($2.20) the first to mount a challenge turning for home. The Michael Freedman-trained filly appeared to have them all covered, before Ameena and Erno’s Cube ($12.00) loomed large in the final furlong, with Ameena getting the better of Silmarillion in a photo finish thanks to a James McDonald drive. 2024 Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes Replay – Ameena It secures the first leg of the Princess Series, with the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) possible targets for the Freedman camp, however, as co-trainer Anthony Freedman spoke post-race, they were simply happy to have her back at the races after spelling in Queensland. “We took quite a few up to Queensland this year, and worked well for us,” said Freedman. “The winters are much harder in Melbourne, obviously so we like to get the better ones away. She came here and she presented well today, and there was enough speed for her to finish off. “She won her first two starts, leading or right on pace, but I’ve never really thought that’s how she would race, so it opens up some options for her.” James McDonald was impressed with the win as well, suggesting there’s still plenty of scope for improvement. “She’s improved a lot since last time I rode her,” said McDonald. “She’s come on immensely. “She moved well today, she was a nice filly when I rode her so it wasn’t going to take much to improve her, really nice win today.” After the win on Saturday, Ameena has firmed into $11.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) on October 5. Horse racing news View the full article

Top mare Bonny Lass returns in winning fashion taking out Saturday’s Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Previously a stakes winner at the ages of two, three, four and five, Bonny Lass kicked off her six-year-old season on a perfect note when she defeated a star-studded field in Saturday’s Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa. The high-class daughter of Super Easy has taken her connections on a special ride over the last few seasons, beginning with a victory in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old in February of 2021. Bonny Lass added the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) as a three-year-old and the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at four, and it was as a five-year-old last season that she really came of age. After luckless placings in the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) and Group 1 Telegraph (1400m), she handed elite three-year-old Crocetti his first defeat and collected a richly deserved first Group One victory in the BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in February. Bonny Lass was one of seven Group One winners launching their spring campaigns in an eagerly anticipated renewal of the Foxbridge Plate at the same venue on Saturday, and despite some pre-race concerns around the Heavy 9 track, her star quality shone brightest of all. Bonny Lass was given a perfect ride by Craig Grylls, who positioned her in seventh behind a fierce early battle for the lead. It was Romancing The Moon who emerged in front after a frenetic first 200m, setting the pace in front of Electric Time, Wewillrock, Turn The Ace and Master Fay. Those early exertions were always going to take their toll on the leaders, and the field fanned across the track at the top of the home straight to try to run them down. Grylls got Bonny Lass off the rail just before the turn and presented her five off the fence, and the ultra-consistent mare produced her customary turn of foot to sprint into contention. The battle was far from over once Bonny Lass hit the front, with Skew Wiff soon sprinting through on her inside and drawing level with more than 200m still remaining. But Bonny Lass rose to meet that challenge and shook free again, surging ahead with the finish line in sight. Bonny Lass dashed to victory by three-quarters of a length from the longshot Mali Ston, who flashed home late after being second-last at the home turn. Skew Wiff was another long head away in third, followed by eye-catching finishers Waitak, Mustang Valley and Puntura. 2024 Group 2 Foxbridge Plate Replay – Bonny Lass “We had a perfect run, really,” said Grylls, who has guided Bonny Lass to six of her eight career victories. “She began well, and then a couple had to work quite hard to get around us. We were probably in the worst part of the track down on the inside, but she was always travelling well and I was able to get out at the right time. “She just doesn’t know how to not win. Skew Wiff came up next to me around the 200m mark, and she just put her ears back and said, ‘No, you’re not getting past me.’ I wish they were all like her. “She’s won stakes races at two, three, four, five and now six, so you can’t get much better than that. I love her to bits.” Bonny Lass is trained by Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall for breeder Sandy Moore, who shares ownership with the Social Racing Starting Gates Syndicate and Brent and Wendy Cooper. Her 21-start career has now produced eight wins, eight placings and $745,900 in stakes. “That was a very good effort today,” Norvall said. “We know how tough she is. The track being a Heavy 9 today was a concern, but she’s tougher than most. “Craig put her in a beautiful spot and she relaxed nicely in behind them, then kicked really hard in the straight. “She’d trialled well and had pleased us in her training. Her coat is coming through ideally for this time of the year. I’m just delighted that she’s come in at the head of the field and I’m so happy for her. It’s a great start to her preparation.” Bonny Lass is now rated a $6 chance for the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 7, sharing second favouritism with defending champion Skew Wiff. Crocetti retains hot favouritism at $2.20 with horse racing bookmakers. “We’ll have a chat with all the connections to see where we go from here,” Norvall said. “It’s a fairly quick turnaround into the Tarzino, only two weeks, but we’ll definitely think about it.” Horse racing news View the full article

Eliyass winning the Group 3 2024 Premier’s Cup. Photo: RacingNSW Eliyass (+120) has returned to the racetrack with a tough win in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott yard, holding off the fast-finishing Touristic (+550) in the final stages of the race. Tim Clark settled the race favourite in the box seat behind the leaders, Canberra Legend (+850) and Cleveland (+800), but once the field hit the home turn, Clark extricated off the fence to make his run. It took the son of Le Havre a few strides before he hit top speed, allowing Super Strike (+1000) and Touristic to close in before the 200m mark. The Peter Snowden-trained runner let down with a strong finish to chase down the leader; however, Eliyass dug deep and prove the superior stayer over the 2000m journey. The winner will target the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) later in the spring, so connections will be happy that he returned with a strong win. 2024 Premier’s Cup replay – Eliyass Representing the winning stable, Adrian Bott spoke about the win post-race. “He was vulnerable there at the furlong when challenged, but those good horses, that’s what separates them,” Bott said. “He’s just able to dig deep, and he found plenty there, through the line. “So I’m sure there’s good improvement off the back of that.” “He’s on a Metropolitan path and I I think he’ll be better suited when he gets over that little bit further. “So there’s a couple of nice options coming up for him, but I think he’s right on track. “I think we’ll bide our time. “He might have a month between runs now, running 2000m in a month’s time (Kingston Town Stakes), and that’ll be his main lead up for the Metropolitan.” Tim Clark was complimentary of the winner, expressing how tough he was late in the piece. “Horses that build that winning record, they just find a way to keep putting their head out,” Clark explained. “He fought, really, hardly there. “It’s a warm day today than his debut here, and he probably did feel it a little bit, but he is a highly strung type of horse.” “He keeps himself pretty busy. “He’s building an imposing record, and he’s come back in good order.” Eliyass is the +400 favourite for the Group 1 Metropolitan with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Whiskey ‘N Roses (outside) fights off the challenge of Joshua Brown at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Rugged three-year-old Whiskey ‘N Roses showed he could be a contender for higher honours in the spring when he made it back-to-back victories with a gritty performance at Te Rapa. The Joanne Surgenor-prepared son of Belardo took on the older horses at Rating 65 level after breaking his maiden status at Ruakaka back in June. Given a freshen up by Surgenor following that success, Whiskey ‘N Roses stripped in good order for his assignment over 1200m on Saturday, with rider Vinnie Colgan having him travelling sweetly in behind the pace after jumping well from barrier six. Angled to the outer rounding the home bend, Whiskey ‘N Roses quickly levelled with pacemaker Joshua Brown as the pair set down to a titanic struggle in the closing stages. Whiskey ‘N Roses battled gamely to hold a long neck advantage over her rival to the winning post with Hey Hey Baby shading Takeachance for third a further four lengths astern. Surgenor was sporting a beaming smile after the race. “That was a tough run as he has done an amazing job and has pulled up looking pretty happy with himself,” Surgenor said. “It’s just the beginning for him and it’s very exciting as hopefully we can get to Christchurch for the Guineas (Group 1, 1600m). “That’s the target and we will be plotting a course there as it is onwards and upwards.” Surgenor will assess the recovery of her charge before deciding on where she will head next with him as she looks towards a start in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9. “We’ll just to see how he is in the next couple of days as that was a big run for him,” she said. Horse racing bookmakers have taken no chances with him in the Fixed Odds market for the 2000 Guineas having him sitting on the fourth line of betting at $12 behind early favourite Move To Strike ($6). Horse racing news View the full article

Sent off at 6-1, MYSTIC LAKE (f, 3, Mo Town–Salty Soul, by Itsmyluckyday) made a strong move around the far turn to reel in longshot pacesetter Overnight Pow Wow (Fiber Sonde) and clear off for home, winning the GII Charles Town Oaks by open lengths Friday night. Situated off the pace early as the West Virginia-bred set the tempo, the Saffie Joseph, Jr. runner came after that leader past the quarter pole and went right on by to win over My Mane Squeeze (Audible) and Princess Madison (Speightstown). This is the second graded stakes win for Mystic Lake who also took this year's GIII Miss Preakness Stakes. Lifetime Record: 11-5-3-1. O-C2 Racing Stable LLC and Stefania Farms, LLC; B-Peggy Costanzo; T-Saffie Joseph, Jr. Sales History: $3,500 ylg '22 OBSOCT, $130,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR, $370,000 RNA 3yo FTDMAY. The post Mystic Lake Sharp In Charles Town Oaks Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alpha Delta Stables' Raging Sea came with a strong run through the lane to catch champion Idiomatic in the final strides of the $485,000 Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course and win by a head.View the full article

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As a precursor to Thorpedo Anna's participation against males in the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, another 3-year-old filly, Caitlinhergrtness, upset males in the CA$1 million King's Plate at Woodbine Aug. 23. View the full article

The speedy Filo Di Arianna took the race to his rivals right from the jump, blazing through quick early fractions and outlasting a closing War Bomber for a nose victory in the CA$207,600 King Edward Stakes (G2T) at Woodbine.View the full article

Alpha Delta Stables' Raging Sea came with a strong run through the lane to catch champion Idiomatic in the final strides of the $500,000 Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course and win by a head.View the full article

The betting public pounded D J Stable's previously undefeated Bullet (War Front) into 3-5 favoritism for Friday's Catch a Glimpse Stakes at Woodbine, but it was the same outfit's uncoupled SHIFTY (f, 2, Medaglia d'Oro–Elusive Luci, by Elusive Quality) who spoiled the party at odds of 11-1. Given her chance in stakes company off a slow-starting fifth in a six-furlong maiden July 4, the $350,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling emerged from a line of about five or six horses to take up the running down the backstretch and led them along at a solid gallop around the turn. Narrowly in front as Bullet loomed three deep at the top of the long Woodbine straight, Shifty continued to find and proved not for catching as Bullet faded to about sixth. Shifty is the 148th Northern Hemisphere stakes winner for her sire and his 180th worldwide stakes winner. Sales history: $350,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT. O-D J Stable LLC; B-Anderson Farms Ont Inc (ON); T-Mark Casse. #4 SHIFTY ($25.50) breaks her maiden in the $150,000 Catch a Glimpse at @woodbinetb! This was just the second career start for the two-year-old filly by @DarleyAmerica's Medaglia d'Oro. @SahinCivaci was in the irons for trainer @markecasse. pic.twitter.com/OmjtCZvQwC — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 23, 2024 The post Medaglia d’Oro’s Shifty Causes a Surprise in the Catch A Glimpse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WinStar Farm and Siena Farm's CAITLINHERGRTNESS (f, 3, Omaha Beach–Belatrix, by Giant's Causeway) got the better of a final-furlong tussle with heavily favored My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) and edged clear in the final yards to take out Friday's repositioned King's Plate at Woodbine. Having lost the July 20 Woodbine Oaks on the wire, the $375,000 OBS April breezer was off at 9-1 in the King's Plate and took up a forward position for Rafael Hernandez as stablemates Essex Serpent (Honor Code)–last-out winner of the GIII Marine Stakes–and My Boy Prince vied on a good pace up front. Sahin Civaci allowed the chalk to claim Essex Serpent, but he did so fully three furlongs from home, setting him a tall task over a 10-furlong trip at which he was perhaps a bit suspect. Nevertheless, My Boy Prince carried the lead past the eighth pole, but by this time, Caitlinhergretness was bearing down and she grinded her way past in the shadow of the post. She is the sixth filly to beat the boys in Canada's premier 3-year-old race since Inglorious (Hennessy) in 2011. Hernandez and trainer Kevin Attard teamed to win the race when still known as the Queen's Plate with Moira (Ghostzapper) in 2022. Sales history: $65,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $160,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $375,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 7-3-1-1. O-Siena Farm LLC & WinStar Farm LLC; B-Jesse Korona (ON); T-Kevin Attard. #4 CAITLINHERGRTNESS lives up to her namesake @CaitlinClark22 in the $1M King's Plate at @WoodbineTB. Jockey Rafael Hernandez was up for trainer Kevin Attard. Congratulations to @SienaFarmKY and @WinStarFarm on your victory with this daughter of @SpendthriftFarm's Omaha Beach. pic.twitter.com/fe65j5OMlD — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 23, 2024 The post Omaha Beach’s Caitlinhergrtness Beats The Boys In the King’s Plate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a race billed as the renewed rivalry between Idiomatic (Curlin) and Randomized (Nyquist), it was 6-1 upsetter RAGING SEA (f, 4, Curlin–Stormy Welcome, by Storm Cat) who got there in the shadow of the wire to earn Grade I glory in the GI Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga Friday. One of two entries for Chad Brown, the last-out GII Shuvee Stakes winner was poised to pounce on a pace duel that developed early between stablemate Randomized and champion Idiomatic. With only Brad Cox's Idiomatic left at the top of the lane, Raging Sea launched from the center of the track and gained with every stride, overtaking last year's Eclipse-winning older dirt female just in the final jumps to get her first Grade I win and top the Curlin-sired exacta. Lifetime Record: 11-6-1-1. O/B-Alpha Delta Stables LLC; T-Chad Brown. RAGING SEA, daughter of @HillnDaleFarm stallion Curlin, pulls off a huge upset in the Personal Ensign Stakes! Flavien Prat and Chad Brown team up for another unforgettable moment at Saratoga! pic.twitter.com/Azf9N8ESOy — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 23, 2024 The post Raging Sea Runs Down Idiomatic Under The Wire In Personal Ensign Upset appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – A little bit of seasoning came in handy for Rare Art (Munnings) in her maiden special weight victory Friday at Saratoga Race Course. A one-length losing third in her debut on July 21, Rare Art prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Good Conduct (Without Parole) at the conclusion of their spirited duel through the stretch in the seventh race. Rare Art and Luis Saez reached the wire in the 1 1/16th miles $100,000 turf event for 2-year-old fillies in 1:46.36 and paid $6.60 as the 2-1 favorite. Trainer Tony Dutrow said that Rare Art benefitted from her first race, was able to recover from a slow start and handle the stiff challenge presented by Good Conduct. “The one experience they get, if they're a nicer kind, they really come alive the next time,” Dutrow said. “I think that's all that was with her today. She had that one out. We gave her 35 days back to the next race. We were really confident that all the pieces were in place for today, or we'd have waited longer. When they're a nice kind of horse, and they have that one experience, they're a good filly the next time, or a good colt.” Dutrow purchased Rare Art for the partnership of Woodford Racing and Team D for $170,000 at. the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. “We liked her a lot as a yearling,” said Bill Farish of Woodford Racing, who noted that Dutrow had some serious competition from David Ongordo in the bidding when she was in the auction ring. “Tony and David both loved her,” Farish said. “Tony got to draw the long straw on her and get her and he's loved her since the beginning. We're really happy. Her first start was really good here in Saratoga. She ran a great race, and we were very encouraged by that. Then to have her come back and really didn't have all the best of it today. She broke terrible and then she had to circle the field and go wide. We're just absolutely delighted. Winning a race like that up here with that list of well-bred horses in the race, it's exciting.” Dutrow said he spotted the daughter of the Giant's Causeway mare Adjudication but figured she might be outside his price range. “I saw her back at the barn and didn't think we could buy her,” he said. “She was $170,000 and I didn't think it was possible to get her for $170,000 but, nonetheless, I was extremely excited about her when I saw her the previous days back at the barn.” Wild and Free (Into Mischief) with Good Conduct a length behind provided the pace early on through fractions of :24.66, :50.55 and 1:15.93 while Saez was moving Rare Art from near the rear of the field of 10. They were three lengths back after six furlongs and on even terms with the leaders at the head of the stretch. Good Conduct, trained by Cherie DeVaux, forced Rare Art to work hard to get her victory. “Cherie's filly was awesome today,” Dutrow said. “She was game to the wire. Our filly, she went wide around the turn and passed horses and was able to keep it going through the stretch. Very impressive.” Rare Art was just a bit better and earned her first opportunity to pose for pictures with her happy connections. “Getting to win at Saratoga, to win for these connections with Team D and the supporters and Bill Farish and Woodford Stable, it's so special,” Dutrow said. “This is a really special filly. I looked at each and every one of the fillies in this race and they were some beautiful fillies. The day is going to come when we'll look back on this race and see how many nice fillies come out of this race today.” 7th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-23, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 1:46.36, fm, 3/4 length. RARE ART (f, 2, Munnings–Adjudication, by Giant's Causeway), who made an encouraging debut when a late-rallying third over track and trip July 21, made a five-wide stretch bid under Luis Saez to secure victory. Saez, who had dropped his crop in the stretch of her debut, made no errors today as he settled the 2-1 favorite near the back of the 10-horse field before rousing her on the far turn. She swept past four of her rivals in the stretch and finished 3/4 lengths ahead of the forwardly-placed Good Conduct (Without Parole {GB}) at the finish. Her dam, an unraced daughter of MGSW Criminologist ($554,313), has produced the SP Point of Entry filly La Dame Blanche ($136,010). She was bred to Two Phil's for this term. Sales History: $170,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $67,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Woodford Racing, LLC and Team D; B-Ralph Ebert (KY); T-Anthony W. Dutrow. RARE ART, the 2YO daughter of @coolmoreamerica stallion Munnings, breaks her maiden in the seventh race with @luissaezpty up for trainer Anthony Dutrow. pic.twitter.com/N4Mfz2A50k — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 23, 2024 The post In Her Second Try Rare Art Snagged A Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.–There was a steady stream of people ambling over to trainer Kenny McPeek's barn at the Annex behind the Oklahoma Training Track Friday morning. They all wanted to send good thoughts to him and his 3-year-old filly, Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), as Saturday's $1.25 million GI Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course quickly approached. McPeek, standing outside his office with his canine companion Sonny at his side, accepted all the positive vibes. Some lucky ones were even able to secure a pink Thorpedo Anna baseball cap, which were delivered to McPeek's barn courtesy of Fasig-Tipton. “We're relaxed,” McPeek said Friday morning. “I'm not nervous. My work is done.” Thorpedo Anna will attempt to become the first filly since 1915 to win the Midsummer Derby. She is also the first since Wonder Gadot in 2018 to run in the race; she finished last. McPeek is hip to the history of fillies in the Travers. He has done some research. He knows what a big deal it would be if Thorpedo Anna could pull this off. And he is not about to take any credit for what Thorpedo Anna has done to earn her shot at possibly making history. She has won all four of her starts this year–three of them Grade I's–by a combined 18 3/4 lengths. It's all on her. “It is her that has dragged us here because she has been so dominant,” McPeek said. “I didn't wake up saying 'I want to win the Travers with a filly.' I have a filly that really deserves a chance at it. She dragged us here. I didn't push it.” But here she is. Thorpedo Anna, who will start from the rail with jockey Brian Hernandez, is the 3-1 co-second choice on the morning line (along with Fierceness (City of Light). Among those she will face in the eight-horse field are Dornoch (Good Magic), the GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes winner and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who is overdue to win one of these big race. “I don't have any doubt that she will be competitive,” McPeek said. “I think there is all to gain and not much to lose. If she wins, that's historic. If she doesn't, then we'll regroup and take her to Parx and win the (GI) Cotillion.” Cox Says Timberlake Should Thrive When He Tries Cutback In Allen Jerkens It was during the running of the GI Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park last month when trainer Brad Cox started thinking about the 500,000 GI Allen Jerkens, for his 3-year-old Timberlake (Into Mischief) which will be run Saturday at Saratoga. “I figured it out at the eighth pole of the (1 1/8-mile) Haskell,” Cox said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. After being part of the Triple Crown trail–Timberlake got off after fading in the GI Arkansas Derby on March 30–Cox gave him some time off before taking on a distance of ground in the Haskell. Part of the third-place finish in the Haskell can be blamed on the layoff. Cox is not convinced that Timberlake can't handle two turns and, before all is said and done, he might get that chance. For now though, it's the seven-furlong Allen Jerkens. “That was a big ask in the Haskell going a mile and an eighth off that layoff,” Cox said. “I thought he ran a great race. I am not going to be too hard on him. Can he win going two turns? Absolutely. He showed that in the (GII) Rebel.” Timberlake, who is owned by Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC, will be reunited with jockey Florent Geroux, who was on board for the first five starts of Timberlake's career. He replaces Flavien Prat, who rode Timberlake in the Arkansas Derby and Haskell. Prat, who could have ridden four horses in the Jerkens, chose Domestic Product (Practical Joke) for trainer Chad Brown. Cox is optimistic the cutback will be something that Timberlake will relish. He tried seven furlongs twice before, breaking his maiden by 9 1/4 lengths in his maiden breaker and then finishing second in the GI Hopeful at the end of the 2023 Saratoga meet. “This is something that will benefit him,” Cox said. “I love the horse. It's a hard race, but I think he is going to run a fantastic race. Maybe there will be a horse that jumps up … hopefully it's him.” Vahva | Sarah Andrew Time Off Helps Vahva, The Even-Money Favorite In Ballerina The last time Vahva (Gun Runner), a 4-year-old filly from the barn of Cherie DeVaux, ran was June 22 when she won the GIII Chicago at Churchill Downs. Sixty-three days later and here she is, the even-money morning-line favorite for Saturday's $500,000 GI Ballerina at Saratoga. The time off was by design. “Last year, we had to give her time to get over her races,” DeVaux said outside her barn on the Saratoga backstretch. “In between her starts, we turn her out for a few weeks and bring her back and just target whatever race we are going for. She has shown up every time we have done that.” In her career, Vahva has won six of 13 career starts with three seconds and two thirds. Vahva, who will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., has won five of her seven attempts at seven furlongs; she was second in the other two. Five of her last seven starts have been at the distance, all in graded stakes. She has won four of them. “It seems to be her specialty,” DeVaux said of seven furlongs. “Six of six and a half is too short and a mile could be in her wheelhouse. For now, we are going to keep her where she is most effective. She just tries every time she runs.” DeVaux also has Cagliostro (Upstart) entered in the $500,000, GI Forego. The 4-year-old colt, like Vahva, has won two of three starts this year. In his last start, he won the listed Hanshin Stakes at Churchill Downs by a length. He is 9-2 on the Forego morning line. Cagliostro is cutting back to seven furlongs, a distance he has not run since his first career start. That came at Saratoga in 2022, and he finished sixth. “We just want to see how effective he can be,” DeVaux said. “I think he can handle it. He can handle two turns going a mile. I don't know about 1 1/8 miles. He seems to lose his kick late in those races.” The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented by NYRA Bets: Work Is Done, Now It’s All Up to Thorpedo Anna appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article