Wandering Eyes

The GI Breeders' Cup Classic has been confirmed as the next port of call for City Of Troy following his dominant win in Wednesday's G1 Juddmonte International at York. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said, “It looks like City Of Troy is going to go straight to the Classic, I think, listening to everybody. I think he's going to go to one of your tracks [for a racecourse gallop], either Southwell or Ryan [Moore, jockey] mentioned Wolverhampton. “We just want to get him on a different surface, so that's where he could go and then he'll go straight on [to America].” On going to the Breeders' Cup Classic, Coolmore partner Michael Tabor added, “It is very difficult, trying to prepare the horse for a different situation and it is a big ask. I noticed someone quoted him at 3-1. That is a short price–that's a ridiculous price when he's not used to that surface. “Naturally we'd love to win it. We've gone pretty close with Giant's Causeway and maybe one day we'll win–hopefully this year with City Of Troy.” Beaten just once in seven career starts, City Of Troy produced a career-best effort when adding to this year's Derby and Coral-Eclipse victories on the Knavesmire, making every yard of the running to win by a length and in course-record time. Timeform confirmed on Thursday that the son of Justify has been awarded a rating of 130p for that blockbuster performance–the 'p' attached to his rating denotes that he is open to further progress–which identifies him as the highest-rated horse in training ahead of runner-up Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who improved his rating to 129p. Described by O'Brien as the best horse he's ever trained, City Of Troy still has work to do on Timeform's figures to surpass the likes of Hawk Wing, whose peak rating of 136 puts him ahead of Galileo (Ire) and Rip Van Winkle (Ire)–both of whom achieved a rating of 134–among O'Brien's highest-rated horses. The post Breeders’ Cup Next for City Of Troy Following World-Leading Win at York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A synthetic track is necessary for the survival of New York breeding farms, such as Sequel. The New York Bred program and the breeder awards generated are incredibly beneficial and fundamental to the financial stability of the New York farms and breeders. However, New York breeders only earn awards for horses competing within New York. Unfortunately, horses that are predominantly competitive on turf are often shipped to Florida or Louisiana for turf racing as owners want to see their horses race. As such, several prominent New York trainers base their “winter” operations in these warmer climates. The breeders of these migrating horses earn no award money during that time. Our farms require an immense amount of capital to operate as our employees, blacksmiths, veterinarians, feed companies, etc. all require year-round jobs to survive. The addition of a guaranteed winter racing surface has allowed those of us with farms to breathe a sigh of relief as we depend upon these award monies to fund our operations. As NYRA continues to build the best turf program in the United States, the ability for some of these horses to remain in New York, gives breeders more earning opportunities. The potential for additional award monies is greatly embraced as turf horses, in many instances, convert very well to synthetic surfaces. The synthetic surface has already increased Sequel's scope of operations. Following the announcement of a new synthetic surface at Belmont Park, leading racing entity, Three Diamonds Farm, chose New York to stand their Breeders Cup winning turf stallion. In addition, they earmarked 15-20 mares to join the New York program. There is no shortage of quality stallions capable of producing successful offspring on multiple surfaces. Notable stallions such as Uncle Mo, War Front, Into Mischief, Justify and even our own Freud have produced exceptional graded stakes horses on multiple surfaces, including synthetic. As more trainers become familiar with our new Belmont surface, I believe there will be an increased comfort level and participation. Ultimately, our operation is protected by the guarantee of year-round racing. We, the New York breeding industry, need to embrace this concept and unite in support of our future. –Becky Thomas, Sequel, New York The post Letter To The Editor: Why Synthetic Surfaces Makes Sense For New York Breeders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 213 entries for its August Digital Sale, which opened bidding Aug. 22 and will close Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 12 p.m. ET., the auction house said in a press release on Thursday. The catalogue features 70 horses of racing age, led by GISP School Dance (Animal Kingdom) (hip 2), who is both a racing and broodmare prospect. Breeding stock offerings include 90 broodmares or broodmare prospects, many with stakes qualifications. Headlining these offerings are: MGSP Pantsonfire (Ire) (Sir Percy {GB}) (Hip 1); Social Matrix (Jimmy Creed) (Hip 4); SW Grazed My Heart (Grazen) (Hip 15). Covering sires represented include Complexity, Gunite, Maclean's Music, Mage, McKinzie, Taiba, Thousand Words, Vekoma and Yaupon. The catalogue also includes 25 New Mexico-bred yearlings being offered by 2023 New Mexico Breeder of the Year A & A Ranch. These yearlings–which are by leading New Mexico sires Marking, Sporting Chance, as well as American Anthem–are available for inspection by appointment. Weanlings, two-year-olds, and a stallion prospect are also catalogued. “Fasig-Tipton Digital continues to gain impressive momentum, evidenced by the size of this catalogue,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “We have quality offerings at all price points, including some exciting racehorses and mares in foal on attractive covers.” Click here to create an account or register to bid. The post Fasig-Tipton Opens Bidding For August Digital Sale With Over 200 Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

7th-SAR, $100k, Msw, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, post time: 3:54 p.m. ET Chad Brown saddles a pair of debutantes in this spot, led by Klaravich Stables' $310,000 Keeneland September purchase LEANER AND MEANER (Munnings). The Jan. 28 foal's dam Revitalized (Uncle Mo) was acquired for $360,000 with this filly in utero at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale and is a daughter of 2011 GIII Virginia Oaks heroine Excited (Giant's Causeway), the dam of SW & MGSP Thrilled (Uncle Mo) and GSP Beside Herself (Uncle Mo). The stakes-winning third dam Path of Thunder (Thunder Gulch) was a full-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Distaff upsetter Spain. Brown also sends out Wise Racing homebred Rescue Me (More Than Ready), whose dam Fools Gold (Medaglia d'Oro) recorded her biggest career victory in this track's GIII Waya Stakes for the same connections in 2019. Our Prosperity (Tapit), a half-sister to MSP For the Flag (Uncle Mo), is out of a half-sister to GI Flower Bowl Stakes victress Civil Dispatch (War Front) and French GSW/G1SP War Dispatch (War Front). Third dam Black Speck (Arch), a half-sister to Dynaformer, produced Group 1-winning champion Hong Kong stayer Helene Super Star (ex Lines of Battle) (War Front)–also winner of the G2 UAE Derby–and Flower Bowl victress War Flag (War Front), herself responsible for Grade III winner Personal Best (Tapit). American Justice (Justify), a half to MSW & GSP Yulong Warrior (Street Cry {Ire}), is out of a half-sister to GSW Summer Raven (Summer Squall), the dam of MGSW/MGISP Lewis Bay (Bernardini) and GSWs Misconnect (Unbridled's Song) and Winslow Homer (Unbridled's Song). TJCIS PPs 1st-SAR, $100k, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 12:35 p.m. ET SENZA PAROLE (Gun Runner) is set to become the first starter out of the winning Senza Te (Street Cry {Ire}), whose three-time graded-winning dam Sacristy (Pulpit) produced five winners from six to race, including SW & GSP Catiche (Arrogate) and SW/GISP 'TDN Rising Star' Flor de la Mar (Tiznow). Sacristy's half-sister Mozu Superflare (Speightstown) was a seven-time winner in Japan, including a victory–via DQ–in the 1200-meter G1 Takamtsunomiya Kinen on the turf. Alyeska (Vekoma) would be a poignant debut winner for the Marylou Whitney Stables and trainer Norm Casse. The chestnut is a maternal granddaughter of 2003 GI Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town (Cape Town), dam of GSW sire Bird Song (Unbridled's Song). This is also the family of Birdstone (Grindstone), who won the GI Travers Stakes under the cloak of darkness and approaching storm some two decades ago. TJCIS PPs The post Friday Insights: Brown Has Turf Maiden Surrounded appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the fillies with the capability of playing a spoiler Friday in the Personal Ensign Stakes is Rigney Racing's Xigera, who figures to be the longshot in the betting but could return to top form at an opportune time.View the full article

Building on her debut second over seven furlongs at Leopardstown last month, Newtown Anner Stud Farm's Chantez (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Lady Lara {Ire}, by Excellent Art {GB}) returned to the same course and distance to stamp her authority on the card's opening maiden on Thursday. Another from Ger Lyons' talent-packed team of juvenile fillies, the 220,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase was restrained to track the leading duo by Colin Keane throughout the early stages. Let loose passing the two-furlong pole, the 5-6 favourite whose GII Honey Fox Stakes-winning dam produced Ballydoyle's G2 King Edward VII Stakes scorer Changingoftheguard (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) surged to a three-length success from Indigo Dream (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), with a neck back to Proxima Centauri (Ire) (Circus Maximus {Ire}) the daughter of Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) in third. “We're looking at the [course-and-distance Listed] Ingabelle,” her trainer said. “I was thinking at the start of the year they can't all be nice, but luckily we are blessed with a nice bunch of fillies this year. She shouldn't really be doing this at two, as she's one for next year so we'll take baby steps.” Exciting filly – Chantez (Wootton Bassett) is a half-sister to Royal Ascot winner Changingoftheguard and scores with little fuss second-time out for Ger Lyons, @ctkjockey and Newtown Anner Stud @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/tpC3WJdV0f — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2024 The post Impressive Leopardstown Win For Newtown Anner’s 220K Wootton Bassett Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A colt by Justify who is a half-brother to GSW Clearly Unhinged (Into Mischief) has been supplemented to Book 1 of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the company said in a press release on Thursday. Out of the Smart Strike mare Smart Win, the colt (hip 372) is consigned by Thorostock, agent, and is scheduled to go through the ring Sept. 10 during day two of the auction. A total of 4,407 horses have been entered across 12 sessions, which will run from Sept. 9 through Sept. 21. Click here to access the online catalogue. The post Colt By Justify Added To Keeneland September Book 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

American owner-breeder John Stewart of Resolute Racing has completed a deal to buy a majority share in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}). The four-year-old gelding, who is trained in Chantilly by Francis-Henri Graffard, was bred by Gestut Schlenderhan and races in the colours of Schlenderhan's Baron Philip von Ullmann. The owner's father, Georg, raced the 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Shirocco (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) among a host of top-class horses, and this year's Breeders' Cup will be among the options under consideration for Goliath. Based in Kentucky, Stewart is the owner of Resolute Farm and has become a major player on the bloodstock scene in recent years. His high-profile purchases include Puca (Big Brown), the dam of Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) and his dual Grade I-winning full-brother Dornoch. Now 12, Puca was bought at Keeneland last November for $2.9 million. He has made no secret of his desire to expand his racing interests into Europe and had his first runners at Royal Ascot this June. Over the weekend, Stewart bought three yearlings for €2.17 million at the Arqana August Sale. Goliath, who also won the G3 Prix d'Hedouville earlier this season, holds entries for the G1 Qipco Champion Stakes and G2 Qatar Prix Foy but he also has potential targets farther afield. Stewart told TDN, “So many people over here [in America] have changed to where it's a breed-to-sell programme. What are the chances somebody else is going to buy a gelding who's the number two horse that year? He's already got his 'Win And You're In' for the Breeders' Cup and for the Japan Cup and could point to the Sheema Classic. I negotiated a 75% controlling interest in the horse. That's some of the flexibility I have with my focus being the racetrack. I want to have the best-bred horses on the track.” Graffard, who sent Goliath's stable-mate Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) to York on Wednesday to run a gallant second to City Of Troy (Justify) in the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes, has issued an update on the King George winner. He said, “I'm very happy with Goliath. He's in top form. We gave him time in August and the plan is to run him in the second half of September, either in the Prix Foy at Longchamp or the Preis von Europa in Cologne. After that he has the option of the Champion Stakes at Ascot, the Breeders' Cup or the Japan Cup.” He added, “We are delighted to welcome a new owner to our yard in Mr Stewart and we look forward to some international competition.” The post John Stewart Buys Controlling Interest in King George Winner Goliath appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Residences at The Adelphi Hotel will celebrate their grand opening this afternoon, Aug. 22, with a ribbon cutting at 3:00 p.m. ET and a set of tours from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET., the property management said in a press release Thursday. The event, which includes a cocktail reception, will be attended by the Mayor of Saratoga John Safford and Senator James Tedisco. Created by Michael Dubb and Larry Roth, the development complements the history of the hotel–established in 1877–with 21st century amenities. The post The Residences At The Adelphi Hotel Celebrate Grand Opening appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Everyone has their superstitions before a big race. For Mark Edwards, it's the shirt he was wearing when Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) broke her maiden by over eight lengths and became a 'TDN Rising Star' at Keeneland last October. He's worn the same shirt for every one of her races since then other than her only career loss last year in the GII Golden Rod, so you can bet that Edwards will be sporting his shirt this weekend when Thorpedo Anna takes on the boys in the GI Travers Stakes. “I'm doing my best to find some pink stuff that will go with it before Saturday,” said Edwards, a lawyer from Paducah, Kentucky who owns the superstar filly in partnership with Brookdale Racing, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing. Along with a boisterous group of his kids, grandkids and other family members, Edwards will make the trip to Saratoga on Friday. Right now, he's feeling pretty sure of his filly's chances. “Oh, she's got this,” he said with a chuckle. “I mean, it's a horse race. All of these horses are great. But I'm confident as can be that if she runs her race, she will win.” Thorpedo Anna's nearly undefeated career has been somewhat of a dream come true for Edwards as the filly has taken him to winner's circles from Keeneland, Saratoga and of course Churchill Downs with her victory in the GI Kentucky Oaks. Edwards may not have the same numbers as some owners, but as a lifelong racing fan he understands that very few get to experience the ride he's been on over the past ten months. From left: Mark Edwards, Thorpedo Anna's breeder and co-owner Judy Hicks, and Kenny McPeek | Coady Media At a young age, Edwards inherited a love of racing from his uncle. The pair would watch the sport together and every year when his uncle went to the Kentucky Derby, Edwards sent him $6 to put an across-the-board bet in for him. After graduating with a degree in broadcasting, Edwards attended law school at the University of Kentucky. He would plan his class schedule to be jam-packed in the mornings so that afternoons were free for him to go to Keeneland in October and April. After law school, Edwards served in the Marine Corps. He spent five years of active duty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Once a year, he was required to spend a week in Oceanside–which is just a few miles up the road from Del Mar–at the Camp Pendleton base for rifle and pistol training. “I had to be at Camp Pendleton at like zero-dark-30,” Edwards recalled. “As soon as the sun would come up, we would start shooting and be done by 11:30 or noon. I would always plan to do this in August because that's when Del Mar runs. I would take my lawn chair, fill my cooler with a six pack, and go sit on the rail and watch Del Mar every day.” In 2009, Edwards joined a group of fraternity brothers from his undergraduate days at Western Kentucky University in buying a racehorse. In college, the friends had hosted a luau party every Derby week, so they named their filly Luau Queen (Include). Unfortunately, she never won a race for the group. Edwards may have gotten his fill of horse ownership, but by then his oldest son Brian had caught the bug. Brian incessantly sent his dad information on West Point Thoroughbreds until eventually, Edwards got involved. He owned several horses through West Point, including millionaire and Grade I winner Ring Weekend (Tapit). A few years ago, a friend had a horse with Kenny McPeek and asked Edwards to join the partnership. Rated R Superstar (Kodiak Kowboy) raced to multiple stakes wins for the group including a score in the 2018 GIII Ben Ali Stakes at Keeneland. Edwards was impressed with McPeek and asked the veteran trainer if he could pick out horses for people. He soon learned that McPeek not only did that, but he was pretty darn good at it. Edwards has gotten more involved in ownership since, owning a share of around six to 10 horses in training with McPeek each year. In October of 2022, Edwards was at Keeneland to watch his horse Ten Days Later (Collected). The colt broke his maiden that day, but McPeek was not there for the winner's circle photo. He was busy shopping at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale. As soon as the race was over, Edwards called McPeek to see if there were any yearlings he could buy in on. McPeek told him there was 20% left of a Fast Anna filly he had purchased for $40,000. Edwards replied that if he could name the filly, he would take her. “Truth be told, I would have taken her anyway,” admitted Edwards with a laugh. An ecstatic winner's circle after the GI Acorn | Sarah Andrew The filly was named after Edwards's granddaughter Anna Thorpe, who swims competitively with the nickname “Thorpedo.” Edwards has been at every one of Thorpedo Anna's races other than her most recent victory in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks. He had a previous commitment to visit a friend who was performing at a concert in Mexico, so he sent the rest of his family to Saratoga to cheer her on. In Mexico, realized that he wasn't going to be able to pull up the race on a streaming service, so he Facetimed a friend he knew would be watching from home. Through his friend's television in Massachusetts, Edwards tuned in to Saratoga from Mexico as Thorpedo Anna hit the gate at the start and broke last, quickly raced to stalking position in second, then surged past at the quarter pole and won by 4 ½ lengths. This weekend in Saratoga, Edwards will have his four children and all eight of his grandchildren on hand for the Travers, including Thorpedo Anna's namesake and Edwards's youngest granddaughter who is just five months old. Edwards said that the opportunity to share this journey with his family is the greatest gift Thorpedo Anna could have given him. “It's unbelievable,” he said. “I mean, who would have ever thought it. It's really cool to have a horse that is this good, but to have my kids and all of their kids getting into it, it's just really cool.” The post “She’s Got This,” Mark Edwards Riding High with Thorpedo Anna appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Open to the public, a celebration of the life of John Hendrickson will take place at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Friday, Aug. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET., the Saratoga repository said in a Thursday press release. Hendrickson, the museum's chairman since August 2017, passed away unexpectedly Monday at the age of 59. His services will be private. The post Life Of John Hendrickson To Be Celebrated At Saratoga Racing Museum Aug. 30 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Continuing Aidan O'Brien's incredible week, Content (Ire) created history on Thursday by bringing up the 100th individual group 1 winner for the legendary Galileo (Ire) in the G1 Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks. Unlucky when second to You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in the G1 Irish Oaks last month, the daughter of the high-class sprinter Mecca's Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) who captured two editions of this meeting's G1 Nunthorpe Stakes was keen early for Ryan Moore anchored behind the leaders. Finding plenty when delivered towards the far side in the straight, the 3-1 favourite had to chase down that rival and Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) but managed to do it inside the final furlong and prevail by 3/4 of a length. You Got To Me was second, a length ahead of Emily Upjohn who had looked the likely winner for much of the early part of the straight before tiring in the closing stages. This came a year on from Galileo's 99th group 1 winner in the same race. EIGHT wins in the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks for Aidan O'Brien! 3/1 favourite Content lands the Group One feature on day two to continue a fine Ebor Festival for Ryan Moore and Ballydoyle @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/0LrkhppgKW — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2024 The post Ballydoyle’s Content Gives Galileo Landmark 100th Group 1 Winner In The Yorkshire Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Clive Cox trainee Diligently (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}–Anna Of Lorraine {GB}, by Dutch Art {GB}) had failed to strike in five prior outings, but timed his breakthrough success to perfection and swooped late to garner Thursday's £626,462 Harry's Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes at York. The February-foaled bay, a 30,000gns Tattersalls December foal turned £100,000 Goffs UK Premier yearling, was positioned in a handy seventh after an alert getaway in this six-furlong contest. Inching closer from halfway, the 22-1 chance was bustled along to go fourth entering the final furlong and kept on relentlessly under a drive to deny 11-8 favourite Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev) by a head in the dying strides. The victory provided Cox with back-to-back renewals having garnered last year's edition with Dragon Leader (Ire) (El Kabeir). Thrilling finish to the #HarrysHalfMillion By @GoffsUK Premier Yearling Stakes! Arizona Blaze looks home but 22/1 chance Diligently has other ideas, snatching the £250,000 first prize on the line for @Rossaryan15 and Clive Cox pic.twitter.com/6jW7gnPdYI — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2024 The post Harry Angel’s Diligently Swoops Late To Snag Harry’s Half Million Pot at York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer racing season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced offspring from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, with links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Friday at Saratoga and Del Mar: Friday, August 23, 2024 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, f, 6f, 12:35 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Hay Evabody (Mitole), OBSAPR, 75,000, :10 C-Grassroots Training & Sales, agent; B-Calumet Farm Saratoga 7, $100k, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 3:54 p.m. ET Hampton's Affair (Authentic)-MTO, OBSAPR, 130,000, :10 C-Global Thoroughbreds LLC, agent; B-Wellbourne TB Invesments LLC Del Mar 4, $75k, 2yo, 5fT, 7:30 p.m. ET Cullen J (Sir Prancealot {Ire}), OBSAPR, 75,000, :10 2/5 C-Paul Sharp, agent; B-Grey Price, agent Panic Stable Grinnell (Vekoma), FTMMAY, 47,000, :10 4/5 C-Tom McCrocklin, agent; B-Harris Farms Inc The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: August 23, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rockcliffe Stud's Listed Empress Stakes victrix Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}–Pepita {Ire}, by Sir Prancealot {Ire}), who collected minor prizes in last month's G2 Prix Robert Papin and G3 Molecomb Stakes, regained the winning thread with a pillar-to-post victory in Thursday's G2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at York. The 13-2 chance broke sharply and seized an immediate lead in this six-furlong 2-year-old contest. Holding a slender advantage throughout, she came under pressure soon after passing the quarter-mile marker and was ridden out inside the final furlong to hold the late charge of Time For Sandals (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}) by a neck for a career high. Wathnan Racing's Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), lumbered with a three-pound penalty for her G2 Queen Mary Stakes success, made late headway to finish 1 1/2 lengths back in third, a half-length in front of Aidan O'Brien trainee Heavens Gate (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Celandine blossoms on the Knavesmire! The Kingman filly is quick and tough and makes all in the Group 2 @SkyBet Lowther Stakes for @TomMarquand, @edwalkerracing and Rockcliffe Stud pic.twitter.com/tMKTZTSWKp — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2024 Pedigree Notes Celandine is the third of five foals and one of two scorers from as many runners out of Listed Maggie Dickson Stakes victrix and G3 Summer Stakes third Pepita (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}), herself kin to three black-type performers headed by stakes-winning G1 Criterium International third Redolent (Ire) (Redback {GB}). Descendants of her second dam Esterlina (Ire) (Highest Honor {Fr}) include G1 Flying Five runner-up Son Of Rest (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and G2 Gimcrack Stakes second Johannes Brahms (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}). The March-foaled homebred bay, who hails from the family of G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Forest Flower (Green Forest), is full to a yearling colt and half to a weanling filly by Starspangledbanner (Aus). Thursday, York, Britain SKY BET LOWTHER STAKES-G2, £250,000, York, 8-22, 2yo, f, 6fT, 1:10.77, g/f. 1–CELANDINE (GB), 128, f, 2, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Pepita (Ire) (SW & GSP-Eng), by Sir Prancealot (Ire) 2nd Dam: Esterlina (Ire), by Highest Honor (Fr) 3rd Dam: Shaquick, by Shadeed 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Rockcliffe Stud (GB); T-Ed Walker; J-Tom Marquand. £141,775. Lifetime Record: GSP-Fr, 6-3-0-1, $238,729. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Time For Sandals (Ire), 128, f, 2, Sands Of Mali (Fr)–Days Of Summer (Ire), by Bachelor Duke. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€35,000 Ylg '23 TATIRY). O-D Bevan & Mrs D Bevan; B-Ballyhane (IRE); T-Harry Eustace. £53,750. 3–Leovanni (Ire), 131, f, 2, Kodi Bear (Ire)–Kassandra (Ire), by Dandy Man (Ire). (20,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT; £190,000 2yo '24 GOUKB). O-Wathnan Racing; B-KCS Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-Karl Burke. £26,900. Margins: NK, 1HF, HF. Odds: 6.50, 10.00, 3.00. Also Ran: Heavens Gate (Ire), Perfect Part (Ire), Miss Lamai (Ire), Tales Of The Heart (Ire), Betty Clover (GB), Unspoken Love (Ire). The post Kingman’s Celandine Makes All For Lowther Triumph appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Riff Rocket. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) field is littered with previous Group 1 winners, but the Chris Waller-trained Riff Rocket has been the one who has been best backed since final field markets opened on Wednesday morning. The 2023 Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) winner returns to the track for the first time as a four-year-old, and with a record of seven wins from 11 starts, punters are hoping he can return a winner. Having opened at a $13 quote with horse racing bookmakers, the three-time Group 1 winner is now listed as an $8.50 chance on the fourth line of betting with Picklebet. The son of American Pharoah was a dominant winner first-up last campaign over 1400m in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes when disposing of a handy field at Flemington. Watch Riff Rocket win the 2024 CS Hayes Stakes Truth be told, Chris Waller dominates the Winx Stakes betting markets, with a strong hand of six for the first Group 1 of the 2024/25 season. Fangirl won the 2023 Winx Stakes and is set to have her first start since finishing second in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) on March 2. Having opened as a $2.10 favourite, punters are happy to keep her Fangirl safe in betting, with the mare a $2.20 favourite. Watch Fangirl win the 2023 Winx Stakes Stablemate Via Sistina made a strong impressions during her initial Australian campaign during the Sydney autumn, winning stylishly in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m), before finishing a distant second to Pride Of Jenni in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). Quoted at $5.50 when markets opened, bookies have pushed the mare out a full point to a $6.50 quote, with that price likely to drift further with the former European tending to her best work over a mile and beyond. Watch Via Sistina win the Ranvet Stakes Group 1 winners Tropical Squall and Zougotcha have both stuck firm at a $9 quote, with the pair expected to play prominent roles in Handicap events throughout the Sydney spring, whilst Semana ($13) and Detonator Jack ($19) will be looking to build on impressive autumn campaigns. Atishu ($26) is the best of the rest, whilst Just Fine ($27), Zardozi ($34), Buckaroo ($71) and Zeyrek ($126) are all looking to use the Group 1 as somewhat of paid barrier trial as they look to step up in trip as their campaigns roll on. 2024 Winx Stakes Final Field 1. Buckaroo (8) T: Chris Waller J: Joshua Parr W: 59kg F: x6535 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Roheryn (IRE) +7000 +1200 2. Detonator Jack (2) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jason Collett W: 59kg F: x8263 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Jakkalberry (IRE) Dam: Red Delicious (NZ) +1500 +270 3. Zeyrek (3) T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes J: Reece Jones W: 59kg F: x9269 Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Zerkaza (IRE) +12500 +2000 4. Just Fine (4) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Rachel King W: 59kg F: x58x0 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Bint Almatar (USA) +2600 +450 5. Riff Rocket (12) T: Chris Waller J: Nash Rawiller W: 58.5kg F: x1131 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: American Pharaoh (USA) Dam: Missile Coda +750 +145 6. Fangirl (9) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 57kg F: x21x4 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Sebring Dam: Little Surfer Girl +120 -333.33 7. Via Sistina (7) T: Chris Waller J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 57kg F: x21x2 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Nigh (IRE) +550 +110 8. Atishu (10) T: Chris Waller J: Tyler Schiller W: 57kg F: x2318 Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Posy (NZ) +2500 +450 9. Zougotcha (6) T: Chris Waller J: Tommy Berry W: 57kg F: x111x Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Zoustar Dam: Fast Talker +800 +160 10. Semana (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: Dylan Gibbons W: 57kg F: x20x3 Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Sire: Winning Rupert Dam: Festivity +1200 +220 11. Tropical Squall (11) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Adam Hyeronimus W: 56.5kg F: x641x Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Prized Icon Dam: Squalls +700 +135 12. Zardozi (1) T: James Cummings J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg F: x2310 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) +3300 +550 Horse racing news View the full article

After winning at The Valley’s first race meeting of the season, New Zealand import Lincoln Rocks (NZ) (Road To Rock) is entered to head back there on Saturday aiming to make it back-to-back victories. The six-year-old gelding made it two wins from three Australian starts when he took out a 2040-metre Benchmark 70 on August 10 at The Valley and will run run over the same distance in Saturday’s Benchmark 78 on the Carlyon Stakes program. “He won there two weeks ago and he heads back,” co-trainer Annabel Neasham said. “He’s been a horse the owners have had to be patient with, he’s had his few little setbacks, but he seems in a good frame of mind. He’s a talented horse.” Lincoln Rocks was restrained from his draw to settle back in the field last start, before jockey Mark Zahra got going before the home turn to put the gelding into the race. Neasham is hopeful for a better barrier draw this time. “He won from back in the field and had to loop the field and was strong late,” Neasham said. “Hopefully he can just draw a bit better. He’s had a few bad gates now, so if he can draw a bit better and settle a bit closer without doing any work, he should run well again.” Lincoln Rocks, who races in the colours of OTI Racing, has an overall record of four wins and three placings from 12 career starts. He has now had three starts in Australia for two wins and a placing, having originally been prepared by Lisa Latta in New Zealand, for whom he won two of nine starts. View the full article

Local galloper Jack Morrison(NZ) (Darci Brahma) has found his feet racing on the Awapuni Synthetic surface this campaign and the gelding will shoot for a fourth straight success in the McMillan Equine Feeds 2140 on Friday. A five-year-old by Darci Brahma, Jack Morrison had failed to figure prominently in four starts on the turf and trainer Mark Oulaghan turned to the synthetic surface hoping that may be to his liking, which proved to be an understatement as he remains unbeaten in three attempts. Typically a frontrunner, the gelding dictated terms in each of his winning efforts and fought off any challengers, a style likely to be seen again with Kate Hercock aboard in the Rating 75 contest. “It was really an unknown (going to the synthetic), he showed that he could gallop but we tried him on the turf and his form was pretty average,” Oulaghan said. “As a last resort, we thought we would give him a go on the poly and he’s really found his niche there. “He’s the sort of horse that likes to be out in the open a bit, so the smaller fields suit him where he is able to race handy. “When we were lining up in 12 and 14-horse maiden races, he wasn’t getting away from the barriers very well and was hesitant to get going. “On the poly, he just goes out and we set him alight in front which seems to suit well.” Oulaghan will have one other representative at the meeting in Miss Rosie, who has been knocking on the door to break maidens with a close-up second at her most recent start. With Chris Dell in the saddle, she will contest the Prydes Easifeed 2140 to kick off the meeting. “She’s only a little thing, and she’s in the same boat where poly races seem to suit her as well,” he said. Over the weekend, Oulaghan will turn his attention to a pair of runners at both the Te Rapa and Hawera meetings, with up-and-comer Kentucky Boy featuring in the Bridges Insurance Services Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m) at the former. A comfortable maiden steeplechase winner at Hawke’s Bay, Kentucky Boy faced his first big test in the Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) in mid-July where he finished sixth. “It doesn’t look an overly strong field so we’ll give him a go, it was a fair run in the Wellington Steeples but he’s probably got to improve a fraction off that,” Oulaghan said. “Hopefully he can do so, if he could be finishing in the first three or four we’d be pretty happy.” Semper Magico will take his place in the Savabeel 2100, reverting back from the hurdles after finishing fourth in the 0-1 contest at Riccarton earlier this month. “I didn’t think the open handicap at Te Rapa was too strong, and after his run at Riccarton I thought we would drop him back to the flat and see where we are at with him,” Oulaghan said. “We’ll make a decision after Saturday whether we go back to the hurdles or have a couple of runs on the flat.” Closer to home at Hawera, stablemates Dal Kilchoan and Super Spirit will go head-to-head in the Heather D. Yaxley-Martinez 0-1 Steeplechase (3900m), with the former backing up from a strong effort for second in the open contest at Rotorua last Sunday. “He went a good race at Rotorua and if he can do everything right he should be right there on ability, but he tends to mix his jumping a bit at times,” Oulaghan said. “Super Spirit is just a young chaser coming through, he jumps nicely and his form is thereabouts so this sort of race would suit him at this stage.” View the full article

Kevin and Stephen Gray will have their first runners together in a quarter of a decade with two representatives at Friday’s Feilding meeting on the synthetic track at Awapuni. The father and son duo will kick-start their new partnership with Clickety Click in the Fiber Fresh Active Handicap (1000m) and Oscar in the Hygain Tracktorque Maiden (1200m) but are more hopeful than confident on a dream start. The former is a three-time winner who was a handy fifth when resuming at Otaki while Oscar will make his debut off the back of one trial. Under their Copper Belt Lodge banner, the Grays were a major force to be reckoned with and sent out more than 400 winners before Stephen departed in 2000 for a successful solo career in Singapore. He prepared 825 winners, including feature events such as the Singapore Derby (1800m), Singapore Gold Cup (2000m), Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m), Lion City Cup (1200m), Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and the Kranji Sprint (1200m). Emperor Max won an edition of the Stewards’ Cup for Gray and subsequently took him to England where the prolific sprinter finished a respectable seventh of 20 in the Gr.1 Champions’ Sprint (1200m) at Ascot. In the wake of the bombshell announcement of the Singapore industry shutting down, Gray and wife Bridget returned home earlier this year to settle in the Manawatu. “There’s been a lot of change as you would expect and it’s good, we’re getting there slowly,” he said. “I’ve brought my treadmills back and put some new paddocks in and we’re employing a few more staff. “We’ve got some nice young horses around us, so we’ll see how it goes. “We’ve got 30 in work with 15 two-year-olds and the response from owners has been very good.” The team has also been bolstered with a handful of proven horses from overseas, including Gray’s multiple stakes winner Hard Too Think. “Hard Too Think won the Derby and the Queen Elizabeth over there and (seven-time winner) Silent Is Gold is a pretty sharp sprinter, he’s more than capable,” he said. “Hard Too Think lost a bit of form, but he had kissing spine and had surgery before he came back. “There’s been a lot of interest and I had a few syndicates in Singapore for expats and I’m sure when we get going they’ll be involved as well. “I’m quite keen to buy a few horses online to syndicate, there are good opportunities and I’ll also be buying yearlings.” View the full article

Go Racing’s multiple Group One winner Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) will kick-off what they are hoping will be a lucrative spring preparation at Randwick on Saturday in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m). The daughter of Savabeel was a standout last spring, finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Golden Pendant (1400m) and Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) before winning the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Champions Day. Following her autumn preparation, which included victory in the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and placings in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) and Gr.1 Queen of the Turf (1600m), she was earmarked to be sold as a broodmare proposition, however, a vote amongst her owners has extended her racing career into another season. “We entered her in the Magic Millions sale,” Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt said. “There was a lot of discussion around whether the owners wanted to sell her or not. In the end we put it to a vote and there was a clear majority that wanted to race her on for another season, so that is what we have done. Hopefully it is a decision that pays off. “She is a multiple Group One winner in Australia, so she has got a good value on her and will be sold as a broodmare at some stage.” Until then, her owners are hoping to have plenty of fun with her over the next season, which will kick-off in the Winx Stakes on Saturday where she will be ridden by Tyler Schiller from barrier 10. The seven-year-old mare trialled over 900m at Rosehill earlier this month and Allnutt said trainer Chris Waller is pleased with her ahead of her first-up target. “Her trials indicate that she has come back really well,” Allnutt said. “She is probably going to need the run on Saturday, there might be a few in there that are a bit more forward than her. She has drawn wide, so she is going to need a bit of luck as well, but it is not an overly big field, which will help. “She is coming up really well and has hopefully got a nice season in front of her, with plenty of Group One targets hopefully.” Following her first-up run, Atishu will head to Melbourne next month where she will tackle the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), and she is set to return to the venue in November to try and replicate her feats from last year’s Melbourne Cup week. “She will go to the Makybe Diva next and at this stage she will go to Melbourne Cup Week,” Allnutt said. “She just grows another leg at Flemington, she absolutely loves it there. She has performed well at that venue in the past, so it is a good option and a good way forward.” Prior to the weekend, Go Racing are hoping Lord Ardmore can gain an automatic entry into the A$2 million The Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick in November when he contests the Murwillumbah Cup (1550m) on Friday. “He has been a consistent performer for us,” Allnutt said. “He is probably looking for 2000m but there is just a lack of races around for him over that distance. “The reports from the stable is that he has been working well. Despite the distance being short of his best, he should be right in the finish tomorrow from a good barrier (1). “We are hopeful of a good run from him and it is a qualifier for The Big Dance, so it would be great if he could win it and book a spot in that race.” Meanwhile, Allnutt said they are a bit perplexed with their Group One-winning filly Velocious’ subpar first-up performance at Taupo on Wednesday where she finished second-to-last in the Taupo Pak ‘N Save 3YO Fillies (1100m), which was taken out in impressive fashion by Alabama Express. “It was a bit of a headscratcher,” Allnut said of the Stephen Marsh-trained filly. “Her trial was good and Stephen seemed to think the track played fair yesterday. At the start having to be taken out of the barriers and then reloaded after being vetted wasn’t ideal, but we are certainly not making that as an excuse. “She is a big, long-striding filly and I just wonder whether she likes a really firm track and a bigger, roomier track where she can really stretch out. “The winner was obviously very impressive and showed a really good turn of foot, but we probably did expect better going into the run yesterday. “From all accounts, she vetted up perfectly after the race, she is fine this morning and ate up overnight. She has come through it well and we know we have got a really classy filly on our hands, so we are certainly not panicking at this stage.” An Australian spring campaign was on the cards for Velocious, but Allnutt said they will now let the dust settle following her Taupo outing before making any decisions. “If she went out and raced really well yesterday and won, or was a very good second, Australia was certainly on the cards,” he said. “I guess we have got to have a bit of a rethink now. We are just going to give her a couple of days to get over the run and then we will plot a path from there. “We aren’t ruling Australia out, but we will just see what happens in the next few days and once we have had a good discussion with Stephen early next week, we will be in a better position to know where she is going.” View the full article

What Belmont Races Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, August 24, 2024 First Race 12:09pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes will headline the nine-race program at Belmont Park this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances, but with more rain forecast for the rest of the week, the surface will be in the Heavy range by raceday. The rail will go back into its true position, with the first race scheduled to kick off at 12:09pm AWST. Idyllic Prince Stakes tip: Saloon Bar Saloon Bar flew home down the outside of runners in the Listed Belmont Newmarket over 1200m second-up and appears to be crying out more distance third-up. The Daniel Morton-trained gelding will appreciate a rise in trip to 1300m and a strong tempo in the Idyllic Prince Stakes. Lucy Fiore will be legged aboard for her first ride on this son of Sessions, and if Saloon Bar can replicate his most recent run, he can take out the feature. Idyllic Prince Stakes Race 8 – #3 Saloon Bar (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Daniel Morton | J: Lucy Fiore (59kg) +360 with Dabble Best Bet at Belmont: Deferred Deferred recorded a hat-trick of wins and remained undefeated in her second racing preparation with a strong victory over 1400m at this track. This daughter of Epaulette is undefeated on Soft and Heavy tracks (3:3-0-0) and should relish in the wet conditions this weekend. Chris Parnham has retained the ride, and if he can keep Deferred out of trouble off the speed, she will win again. Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Deferredo (7) 4yo Mare | T: Simon Miller | J: Chris Parnham (55.5kg) +100 with Picklebet Next Best at Belmont: Soso Lucky Daniel & Ben Pearce may have unearthed another smart galloper on August 7, when Soso Lucky won dominantly in a Class 3 Handicap at just her second start. The lightly raced four-year-old mare looked as though she was in trouble at the 500m mark, but she picked herself up and rattled home in the inferior ground to win by 2.2 lengths. With Chris Parnham sticking and another Heavy track predicted, Soso Lucky can bring up a hat-trick of wins here. Next Best Race 7 – #10 Soso Lucky (6) 4yo Mare | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Chris Parnham (55kg) +200 with Neds Best Value at Belmont: Yallingup Girl Although the form guide reads eighth of 12 last start, Yallingup Girl was taking considerable ground of the rest of the field late and only finished 2.3 lengths off the winner over 1200m first-up. The Neville Parnham-trained mare raced exclusively over 1400m last preparation, and now that she rises to 1300m second-up, she will only improve on Saturday. Steven Parnham can push forward from barrier six, and if Yallingup Girl finishes off as strongly as she did fresh, she will go very close. Best Value Race 4 – #9 Yallingup Girl (6) 5yo Mare | T: Neville Parnham | J: Steven Parnham (56kg) +700 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, August 24, 2024 2-3-5-8 5-10 1-3-8-9 1-4-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Kiwi-bred mare Atishu will contest the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Go Racing’s multiple Group One winner Atishu will kick-off what they are hoping will be a lucrative spring preparation at Randwick on Saturday in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m). The daughter of Savabeel was a standout last spring, finishing runner-up in the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) and Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) before winning the Group 1 Champions Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Champions Day. Following her autumn preparation, which included victory in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and placings in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) and Group 1 Queen of the Turf (1600m), she was earmarked to be sold as a broodmare proposition, however, a vote amongst her owners has extended her racing career into another season. “We entered her in the Magic Millions sale,” Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt said. “There was a lot of discussion around whether the owners wanted to sell her or not. In the end we put it to a vote and there was a clear majority that wanted to race her on for another season, so that is what we have done. Hopefully it is a decision that pays off. “She is a multiple Group One winner in Australia, so she has got a good value on her and will be sold as a broodmare at some stage.” Until then, her owners are hoping to have plenty of fun with her over the next season, which will kick off in the Winx Stakes on Saturday, where she will be ridden by Tyler Schiller from barrier 10. The seven-year-old mare trialled over 900m at Rosehill earlier this month, and Allnutt said trainer Chris Waller is pleased with her ahead of her first-up target. “Her trials indicate that she has come back really well,” Allnutt said. “She is probably going to need the run on Saturday, there might be a few in there that are a bit more forward than her. She has drawn wide, so she is going to need a bit of luck as well, but it is not an overly big field, which will help. “She is coming up really well and has hopefully got a nice season in front of her, with plenty of Group One targets hopefully.” Following her first-up run, Atishu will head to Melbourne next month where she will tackle the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), and she is set to return to the venue in November to try and replicate her feats from last year’s Melbourne Cup week. “She will go to the Makybe Diva next and at this stage she will go to Melbourne Cup Week,” Allnutt said. “She just grows another leg at Flemington, she absolutely loves it there. She has performed well at that venue in the past, so it is a good option and a good way forward.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Murwillumbah Cup Day 2024 Where Tweed River Jockey Club – 185 Racecourse Rd, Tygalgah NSW 2484 When Friday, August 23, 2024 First Race 12:45pm AEST Visit Dabble The $70,000 Murwillumbah Cup (1550m) headlines the action at the Tweed River Jockey Club on Friday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program set for decision. The track is rated a Heavy 10 at the time of acceptances, but with sunny skies forecast on Wednesday and Thursday, the track should be upgraded into the Soft range on Friday morning. The rail is in its true position the entire way around, with racing scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. Murwillumbah Cup Tip: Cranky Harry Cranky Harry was a dominant winner two starts back in Highway company at Randwick on July 13. The five-year-old has since been unplaced at the Sunshine Coast on August 10, although he was doing his best work late in a slowly run affair behind Cunnamulla Fella. If Jake Bayliss can get Cranky Harry to the front, like he was in his previous victory, the Matthew Dunn-trained gelding should wind up with a free ticket to the Big Dance (1600m) on the first Tuesday of November. Murwillumbah Cup Race 7 – #7 Cranky Harry (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Jake Bayliss (54.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Murwillumbah: Bravely Bravely returns after a 124-day spell and brings some quality form to this BM58 contest. The son of Zoustar was tried in Listed company at the end of last campaign, but he bombed the start at Eagle Farm on April 20 and never got a look in. Thanks to the 4kg claim of apprentice jockey Claire Ramsbotham, Bravely appears well weighted as he looks to make amends in this winnable first-up assignment. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Bravely (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Claire Ramsbotham (a4) (63kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best at Murwillumbah: Climactic Climactic got too far back at Doomben on August 3 and should have finished much closer than 2.5 lengths away. The son of Yes Yes Yes closed with some of the best figures of the race, suggesting a step up to 1200m would be ideal on his quest to break his maiden. Gate two allows Jake Bayliss to take closer order, and provided Climactic can utilise his blistering finish, this guy should be closing best. Next Best Race 5 – #10 Climactic (2) 3yo Colt | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Jake Bayliss (56.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Murwillumbah Cup Day quaddie tips Murwillumbah quadrella selections Friday, August 23, 2024 1-6-7-10 1-4-6-10 1-2-7-8 1-2-3-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The Sydney Spring Racing Carnival kicks off with the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. Chris Waller, the reigning champion trainer, has a strong hand in the race with six of the 12 finalists, including the defending champion Fangirl. Fangirl is the favorite to repeat her Winx Stakes win, paying $2.30 to take […] The post Winx Stakes 2024 Preview: Fangirl Aims for Back-to-Back Victory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Winx Stakes Day 2024 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, August 24, 2024 First Race 11:45am AEST Visit Dabble The Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) headlines a bumper 10-race program at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday afternoon, signifying the unofficial start of the spring carnival. The $1 million feature is supported by a terrific undercard of black-type racing. The rail is out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with sunny skies forecast leading into the weekend, punters can expect the Soft 6 surface to be upgraded to a Good 4 on Saturday morning. All the action for 2024 Winx Stakes Day is scheduled to get underway at 11:45am local time. Race 1: BM72 Midway Handicap (1200m) The Kerry Parker-trained Well Timed needed the run first-up at this course on August 10 and should take significant improvement from the runner-up performance. The son of Nicconi ran into a rock-hard fit version of Bundeena on that occasion, and now gets a 2kg swing in the weights on that key rival heading into this wide-open BM72 contest. Nash Rawiller will be looking to track across and lead despite drawing barrier 14, and provided Well Timed can get there relatively uncontested, this guy will prove hard to chase down. Selections: 5 WELL TIMED 4 SMASHING EAGLE 9 TREIZE 1 CHEERFUL LEGEND Race 2: BM78 Handicap (2400m) Jabbawockeez has proven to be a model of consistency this campaign, with two wins and three minor placings across his seven starts. He brings some differing form-lines to Sydney after stepping up to the 2400m for the first time, and he never shirked the task behind Golden Crusader at Sandown on July 31. Mark Zahra makes the trip to Sydney as well, and with gate three to aid him on his journey, punters can expect a bold showing by Jabbawockeez in this wide-open BM78 contest. Selections: 1 JABBAWOCKEEZ 2 STRATHTAY 5 KUREDER 9 FUTTAIM Race 3: Class 2 Highway Handicap (1100m) There will be a nervous wait for connections of Kreon as they need two scratchings to make the final field for this Class 2 Highway Handicap. The Japanese breed four-year-old couldn’t have been more dominant in his only start last preparation, careering away to score by 4.3 lengths at Gundagai on November 17 before being sent to the paddock. The Danny Williams camp must have a big opinion of this guy to send him to Highway company at start two, and provided he gets a start in this field, Kreon must be considered the one to beat. Selections: 16 KREON 1 ATMOSPHERIC ROCK 10 COOL STORM 9 BRIAL ROSE Race 4: BM78 Handicap (1600m) There was a lot to like about the first-up victory of Medatsu at Rosehill on August 3. The son of Stephanos took off with 600m left to travel, with Tommy Berry happy to sit on the four-wide line in the concluding stages to complete the one-length victory. He’ll strip fitter for that effort as he slowly steps up in trip, and although he’s got a tricky draw to overcome in gate 12 this time, Medatsu has strong claims at the each-way price in a wide-open BM78 contest. Selections: 12 MEDATSU 2 UNUSUAL LEGACY 4 PEACE OFFICER 13 UNLIMITED Best Value Race 4 – #12 Medatsu (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Tommy Berry (55.5kg) +900 with Neds Race 5: Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) The best bet comes up in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m), with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Eliyass resuming after a 77-day spell. The French import was sensational on Australian debut, making a mess of his rivals in the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) at this course and distance on June 8. He’s been ticking over nicely in two recent barrier trials to get set for this $200,000 staying feature, and with this guy yet to miss the frame in nine career starts, punters can expect that trend to continue as Eliyass bolts away with the Premier’s Cup. Selections: 3 ELIYASS 8 CANBERRA LEGEND 6 TOURISTIC 1 KALAPOUR Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Eliyass (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (57kg) +110 with Playup Race 6: Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) The Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) is for the three-year-old fillies and brings the return of Group 1 Sires Produce (1400m) winner, Manaal. The daughter of Tassort boasts a formidable record of four starts for three wins at this course, including a dominant second-up victory in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) on March 2. She’s been trialling exceptionally well heading into this first-up assignment, and with barrier four allowing Jason Collett to lob into the one-one, Manaal should prove hard to beat in the 2024 Silver Shadow Stakes. Selections: 1 MANAAL 6 HALLETT 9 ZEITUNG 2 ERNO’S CUBE Silver Shadow Stakes Race 6 – #1 Manaal (4) 3yo Filly | T: Michael Freedman | J: Jason Collett (58kg) +180 with Dabble Race 7: Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) The Chris Waller barn have earmarked the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) as the return date for Joliestar a long way out. She appears wound up for this event on the back of two strong barrier trials, with her latest piece of work catching the eye at Rosehill as she cruised through the wire under her own steam. She was too classy in her only run in the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at this course and distance last preparation, and with the Waller team thinking she has the potential to be set on an Everest (1200m) path, Joliestar will need to make a similar impression. Selections: 8 JOLIESTAR 1 SOUTHPORT TYCOON 14 OUR KOBISON 2 DEMOCRACY MANIFEST Show County Quality Race 7 – #8 Joliestar (11) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (54kg) +240 with Bet365 Race 8: Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) The $1 million Winx Stakes has attracted a quality field of 12 runners, with the Chris Waller-trained Fangirl installed as an even money favourite with online bookmakers. Waller is represented by seven of the 12 runners engaged in this year’s edition, so will it be one of his cohort to take out the first Group 1 of the season? Or is there an upset on the cards on Saturday afternoon? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Winx Stakes Race 9: Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) The James Cummings-trained Commemorative could be a potential star on the rise as she returns after making a mess of her rivals at Scone in the Listed Denise Joy Stakes (1100m) on May 18. She savaged the line on that occasion to stamp herself as a promising mare, with the camp putting her away in hopes of a lengthy spring preparation. She couldn’t have been more impressive in a recent trial at Warwick Farm on August 12, and with an 8kg swing in the weights on the likes of Lady Laguna, Commemorative appears perfectly placed first-up in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m). Selections: 11 COMMEMORATIVE 1 LADY LAGUNA 4 KIMOCHI 2 OPAL RIDGE Toy Show Quality Race 9 – #11 Commemorative (5) 4yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (53kg) +220 with Picklebet Race 10: BM78 Handicap (1200m) Spring Lee will be looking to bounce back after a luckless runner-up effort first-up at Rosehill on August 3. The daughter of Zoustar had to change running lines of multiple occasions in the home straight, only building the revs in the final furlong. Mark Zahra takes the reins from gate nine this time, and with the four-year-old possessing a lethal turn-of-foot when at her best, Spring Lee should be storming down the middle of the course to send punters home with a winner. Selections: 7 SPRING LEE 3 PANIC 9 INVADER ZIM 10 WORLD ALLIANCE Next Best Race 10 – #7 Spring Lee (9) 4yo Mare | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Mark Zahra (57kg) +200 with Unibet Randwick free Saturday quaddie tips Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, August 24, 2024 1-2-4-8-14 5-6-7-9-10 1-11 3-7-9 Horse racing tips View the full article