Wandering Eyes

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

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, August 24, 2024 First Race 11:53am AEST Visit Dabble Brisbane Racing Club will host a very competitive nine-race program at Doomben this Saturday afternoon, with racing set to kick off at 11:53am AEST. Although the track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, there is no rain in the forecast, so it is expected that the surface will improve a rating or two before raceday. The rail will be in the +3m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Doomben: Avone Avone couldn’t have been more impressive when winning by 3.5 lengths at the Sunshine Coast last start, as the Tony & Maddysen Sears-trained mare careered away from her rivals late over 1000m. This daughter of Spirit Of Boom has been running well in tougher races before her most recent win, and the drop in grade will give her more confidence ahead of her next start. If Melea Castle can hold the rail and settle in the box seat from barrier one, Avone will prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 6 – #11 Avone (1) 4yo Mare | T: Tony & Maddysen Sears | J: Melea Castle (a3) (56.5kg) +140 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Bohemian Lad Ryan Maloney will be legged aboard Bohemian Lad for the first time in three starts as he seeks to maintain his unbeaten record (3:3-0-0) on this gelding. The David Vandkye-trained galloper has finished in the placings in two of his three previous starts but was very unlucky in his most recent run at the Sunshine Coast. From an inside barrier (4), Maloney can settle behind the speed in the one-one position, and with even luck, Bohemian Lad can return to the winners circle. Next Best Race 7 – #4 Bohemian Lad (4) 4yo Gelding | T: David Vandyke | J: Ryan Maloney (59.5kg) +250 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Hector De Maris Following a sub-par performance on a Heavy track first-up, Hector De Maris has produced two solid runs over 1615m and 1800m in his last two starts to finish third and fourth, respectively. With Cejay Graham in the saddle on both occasions, the galloper from the Billy Healey stable has settled on speed and finished the race strongly. With further improvement expected fourth-up over 2200m, Hector De Maris gets conditions to suit and looks a great each-way play with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #6 Hector De Maris (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Billy Healey | J: Cejay Graham (58.5kg) +1000 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, August 24, 2024 5-11 4-12-21 1-3-4-10-11 3-4-10-13-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, August 24, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEST Visit Dabble An action-packed nine-race meeting awaits at Moonee Valley this Saturday, headlined by the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m). With perfect conditions on the forecast, the track is expected to improve into the Good 4 range by the time racing gets underway. The rail comes out 5m for the entire circuit, with the Moonee Valley races on August 24 commencing at 1:10pm AEST. Carlyon Stakes Top Tip: Sans Doute Sparks will fly up front in the $175,000 feature, but first-up from a spell, the Mark Walker-trained Sans Doute looks to have the ability to absorb all that pressure. Predominately known for her work up the Flemington straight, the five-year-old mare has two minor placings at the Moonee Valley 1000m to suggest she is more than capable around the unique circuit. Mick Dee will get a perfect cart across to land just behind the speed, and with a strong finish, Sans Doute should be able to reel in the leading brigade. Carlyon Stakes Race 8 – #7 Sans Doute (7) 5yo Mare | T: Mark Walker | J: Michael Dee (56kg) +500 with Dabble Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Dom Despite being rolled as an odds-on favourite at Caulfield, Dom is sure to take some catching on his first looks at Moonee Valley. Drawn perfectly in barrier four under Daniel Stackhouse, the Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained gelding looks the likely leader in a race that appears to lack depth. Stepping up to 1523m, Dom should be good enough to right those wrongs from last time out. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Dom (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (60kg) +140 with PlayUp Next Best at Moonee Valley: Sea What I See With just 53kg on her back and Jamie Kah on board, Sea What I See appears to have everything in her favour as she kicks off her campaign. The five-year-old mare strung together six straight wins last preparation, culminating in Listed success in Adelaide over 2019m. She won over 1600m at The Valley second-up back in March, so the 1523m should be no issue for a horse that has bigger fish to fry this spring. Next Best Race 7 – #9 Sea What I See (6) 5yo Mare | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Jamie Kah (53kg) +200 with Picklebet Best Value at Moonee Valley: Wolfgang After back-to-back wins at Doomben and the Gold Coast, Wolfgang failed to make any impact in his last couple of runs as a two-year-old. Now gelded, he heads to Moonee Valley after a six-month spell and an eye-catching jumpout. The three-year-old draws perfectly in barrier two, and although Mick Dee will need a touch of luck approaching the home turn, Wolfgang can spring an upset if he is anywhere near his best first-up. Best Value Race 2 – #2 Wolfgang (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans | J: Michael Dee (57kg) +1400 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, August 24, 2024 3-8-11-12 4-9 3-5-7-9 Field | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Opal Ridge. Photo: RacingNSW Luke Pepper has acknowledged that Opal Ridge’s performance in Saturday’s Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) will determine whether the five-year-old mare is targeted at The Kosciuszko (1200m). The Rubick-sired mare is currently the $8 third favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the $2 million country feature, but a strong showing in this weekend’s Group 3 could shift her focus towards black-type races. “We will make an announcement before the tickets are drawn on which direction we’re going,” Pepper told Racing NSW. “If she was a gelding, it’d be a no-brainer; she’d be going straight to The Kosciuszko. “But being a mare, stakes wins mean so much to her. We’ve got to build her profile for the breeding barn. You don’t get many chances at stakes level with these mares, so you’ve got to try and make the most of it. “My feeling is if she’s going well and we’re happy with her, she will run in the Sydney Stakes on the same day (as The Kosciuszko). “We’ve kept all options open and we’ll make a decision after we get her back to the races. If she comes out and wins, she definitely won’t run in The Kosciuszko.” Horse racing news View the full article

Encap winning the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality. Photo: Racing NSW Warwick Farm-based trainer Gary Portelli is set to unleash a pair of Golden Eagle (1500m) hopefuls at Randwick this Saturday. Both Encap, sired by Capitalist, and Kimochi, by Brave Smash, will kick off their four-year-old campaigns. Encap, fresh from a recent barrier trial to prepare for the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m), has impressed Portelli. “He’s come up really quickly and come up really well. If I’d have turned up and trialled him (again) he probably comes out and wins and we go we probably should have raced him,” Portelli said. “It took a lot to get him fit before and now it’s not so hard. “He’s run second to Militarize in a Golden Rose so it’s hard to put ones beside their name when you’re racing these horses. “You’d have to think at Randwick it’s a matter of coming out and being comfortable, we just want to see him hitting the line and we know he’s in for a big prep.” Meanwhile, Kimochi, carrying the Yulong colours for the first time, will start in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) after a recent trial. “She’s a lot stronger, she definitely has physically improved and we’re pretty keen to see her resume. “I was planning on starting her on September 14 in the Sheraco but she’s come together too quickly in trackwork. “It’s only 1100 metres so it’s a nice race to kick off then we’ll go three weeks into the Sheraco.” Horse racing news View the full article

Rising star tackles elite company for the first time on day two of York’s spectacular Ebor meetingView the full article

Often the Bridges Insurance Services Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m) acts as a prelude to the Great Northern Steeplechase three weeks’ later, but for Niall Quinn, Saturday’s event is the key target for his well-performed Country Bumpkin (NZ) (St Reims) . A son of St Reims, Country Bumpkin has won four races over fences, with a trio coming in his favoured steeplechasing role where he more recently was an eye-catching second behind West Coast in the Koral Steeplechase (4250m) at Riccarton Park earlier this month. Quinn pressed onto the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) the following weekend where Country Bumpkin finished fifth, indicating the distance in testing conditions may have not been to suit. “I was really happy with him in the Koral and he did well in the National, but I just don’t know whether he can quite get the trip in the heavy ground,” he said. “He’s come through it really well. He’s come home and seems happy. “Based on the National result, I don’t think we’ll go onto the Northern, so he’ll most likely do the Pakuranga and then back to Woodville on the last day of the (jumping) season. “Otherwise, he might get into the Jericho Cup race at New Plymouth.” Initially starting with Mark Brooks, the 11-year-old joined Quinn’s farm-based operation over five years ago and has been a consistent presence both on and off the track. “I’d heard about him because he didn’t suit being in a big stable, he had a few issues and wasn’t a very good doer,” Quinn said. “The owners wanted him to go somewhere he could be outside and working in a farm environment, so that’s how we got him. “He always showed a lot of promise and has had about nine seconds, so he’s done well. “He’s never changed, he’s always just had a great attitude and anyone can ride him, he’s really easy to have around.” Prior to Saturday’s race, Quinn had planned to take last-start winner St Elmo’s Fire to Awapuni Synthetic on Friday, but the gelding will be saved for next year with jumping firmly in his future. “He’ll go out for a holiday now and come back next year, he’s got his jumping ticket and has shown a lot of potential,” Quinn said. St Elmo’s Fire was set to run against newer member Steve Austin in the Majestic Horsefloats 2140, with the latter coming north from owner Kenny Moore’s stable with a career over fences also in sight. “A good friend of mine, Alan Browne, got me onto him and he’s a nice horse. I’m pretty excited for him,” Quinn said. “I also have Haloumi and Chiavari getting ready to go as well, they are really tidy jumpers. “They are most likely to get going next year.” View the full article

Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson were pleased to see the successful return of What You Wish For (NZ) (Embellish) and Trobriand at Taupo on Wednesday as the four-year-old pair collected fresh-up victories on the competitive card. What You Wish For, a son of former Te Akau star colt Embellish, had shown his prowess over ground as a three-year-old with a close-up third in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m), completing his preparation with a solid sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in March. Resuming off the back of two trials, the gelding was tasked with the 62.5kg topweight, which was initially set to be decreased by Tayla Melvin’s four-kilogram claim. The stable apprentice was unfortunately injured at trackwork on Wednesday morning, with the ride then being picked up by Rihaan Goyaram. Jumping from an outside barrier, Goyaram eased What You Wish For back to the tail of the field, with a solid tempo set up by Phelan The Power and Drum Major. The gelding began to rapidly circle his rivals turning for home and swept into contention at the 200m, powering clear to score from a fast-closing Don Pauly and Kaimai Queen. The young hoop was grateful to secure a victory for the powerful stable and had plenty of praise for his mount. “He is a really nice horse and I’m very happy with him,” he said. “The horse was drawn wide and my instructions were to ride quietly, but he showed a very good turn of foot and he flew. “I think I got out at the right time and his turn of foot was very impressive.” Walker was equally impressed with What You Wish For, who picked up his second win from 11 starts for the Te Akau Wish & Win Racing Partnership. “It was a really good effort to win today, especially from a staying horse over the 1300m,” Walker said. “We had to have a late jockey change after Tayla Melvin was injured in a fall this morning, which was really bad timing because she had been doing a lot of work on this horse. “He will only improve with this run under his belt, still has to come on in the coat, but ran home in very good sectionals and has certainly returned to work as a stronger horse in this campaign.” Later on the card, stablemate Trobriand looked to be finding the form that placed him among the top two-year-old performers of his year when winning the Waikato Stud (1200m). In the hands of Opie Bosson, Trobriand was ridden patiently in midfield and waited for the gap at the top of the straight, and when it came, the gelding burst into the lead and let down strongly to score by 1-3/4 lengths to Marotiri Molly. Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper indicated post-race that Trobriand had been gelded following a disappointing autumn campaign, a change that will hopefully assist in a long racing career for the promising sprinter. “He was having too much of a think when racing as a colt, so we had him gelded,” Trumper said. “His trials were very good coming into this, and Opie galloped him on Saturday on the course proper and said he’s absolutely flying. “He’s probably a horse like Prise De Fer that as an older horse can continue to work through the grades and be competitive in stakes races again.” Bred by Windsor Park Stud, Trobriand has won five races from 14 attempts and more than $325,000 in stakes earningsMark Walker and Sam Bergerson were pleased to see the successful return of What You Wish For (NZ) (Embellish) and Trobriand at Taupo on Wednesday as the four-year-old pair collected fresh-up victories on the competitive card. What You Wish For, a son of former Te Akau star colt Embellish, had shown his prowess over ground as a three-year-old with a close-up third in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m), completing his preparation with a solid sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in March. Resuming off the back of two trials, the gelding was tasked with the 62.5kg topweight, which was initially set to be decreased by Tayla Melvin’s four-kilogram claim. The stable apprentice was unfortunately injured at trackwork on Wednesday morning, with the ride then being picked up by Rihaan Goyaram. Jumping from an outside barrier, Goyaram eased What You Wish For back to the tail of the field, with a solid tempo set up by Phelan The Power and Drum Major. The gelding began to rapidly circle his rivals turning for home and swept into contention at the 200m, powering clear to score from a fast-closing Don Pauly and Kaimai Queen. The young hoop was grateful to secure a victory for the powerful stable and had plenty of praise for his mount. “He is a really nice horse and I’m very happy with him,” he said. “The horse was drawn wide and my instructions were to ride quietly, but he showed a very good turn of foot and he flew. “I think I got out at the right time and his turn of foot was very impressive.” Walker was equally impressed with What You Wish For, who picked up his second win from 11 starts for the Te Akau Wish & Win Racing Partnership. “It was a really good effort to win today, especially from a staying horse over the 1300m,” Walker said. “We had to have a late jockey change after Tayla Melvin was injured in a fall this morning, which was really bad timing because she had been doing a lot of work on this horse. “He will only improve with this run under his belt, still has to come on in the coat, but ran home in very good sectionals and has certainly returned to work as a stronger horse in this campaign.” Later on the card, stablemate Trobriand looked to be finding the form that placed him among the top two-year-old performers of his year when winning the Waikato Stud (1200m). In the hands of Opie Bosson, Trobriand was ridden patiently in midfield and waited for the gap at the top of the straight, and when it came, the gelding burst into the lead and let down strongly to score by 1-3/4 lengths to Marotiri Molly. Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper indicated post-race that Trobriand had been gelded following a disappointing autumn campaign, a change that will hopefully assist in a long racing career for the promising sprinter. “He was having too much of a think when racing as a colt, so we had him gelded,” Trumper said. “His trials were very good coming into this, and Opie galloped him on Saturday on the course proper and said he’s absolutely flying. “He’s probably a horse like Prise De Fer that as an older horse can continue to work through the grades and be competitive in stakes races again.” Bred by Windsor Park Stud, Trobriand has won five races from 14 attempts and more than $325,000 in stakes earnings View the full article

Gal in a Rush broke through at the stakes level July 6 by rallying from last to win the Hendrie Stakes (G3) on Tapeta at Woodbine. Now she seeks a follow-up victory at the Canadian track in the CA$135,000 Seaway Stakes (G3) Aug. 24 at Woodbine.View the full article

Senor Buscador has the earnings, but The Chosen Vron brings a six-race winning streak into the seven-furlong Pat O'Brien Stakes (G2) at Del Mar.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features the return of TDN Rising Star Sea Just In Time (Sea The Stars). 16.10 York, Listed, £100,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 11f 188yT SEA JUST IN TIME (IRE) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) takes TDN Rising Star status into this Listed British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes, having impressed on debut at Newmarket and previously failed to fire on her first black-type attempt in the Listed Agnes Keyser Stakes. William Haggas has the Sunderland Holding's Arc and British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes entry in a better place now as she heads back up in class taking on an intriguing type in the Gredleys' Noisy Jazz (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), a James Owen-trained Newmarket debut winner who is a half-sister to their star stayer Big Orange (GB) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}). 16.50 Leopardstown, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, f, 7f 30yT NATIVE VERSE (IRE) (Siyouni {Fr}) was a 550,000gns investment by Al Shira'aa Racing at Tattersalls October Book 1, with her half-sister Al Husn (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) having annexed the G1 Nassau Stakes weeks beforehand. Willie McCreery has been handed charge of the March-foaled bay, whose peers include the Niarchos Family's prized Proxima Centauri (Ire) (Circus Maximus {Ire}), the Jessica Harrington-trained daughter of Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) who was an eye-catching fifth on debut at Leopardstown last month. HOW THEY FARED 17.50 Kempton, Novice, £9,900, 2yo, 7fT Silver Peak (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Godolphin's €1.25million Arqana Deauville August graduate whose dam is a half to Persian King (Ire), failed to land a blow in fourth. The post Thursday’s Observations: TDN Rising Star Sea Just In Time Sits Galtres Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There was never any doubt about what Panagiotis "Peter" Synnefias would do—or wanted to do—when he was old enough to make a career decision. He became a trainer like his parents, Dimitrios and Paulina Synnefias.View the full article

The Grey Wizard takes one step closer to a possible stint in the Nov. 5 Melbourne Cup (G1) with his last-to-first victory in the $200,000 Cape Henlopen Stakes at Delaware Park.View the full article

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Eight fillies and mares of contrasting recent fortunes line up for Thursday's G1 Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks, with the appropriately named Queen Of The Pride (GB) (Roaring Lion) currently edging favouritism for Clarehaven in an open affair. One of the least exposed and therefore inevitably of more intrigue than most of her rivals, the impressive G2 Lancashire Oaks winner would be an emotive winner for Qatar Racing being a product of their beloved but ill-fated Roaring Lion and Classic heroine Simple Verse (Ire) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}). David Redvers conveyed the importance of Queen Of The Pride on Wednesday. “It's everything we hope for in an organisation like this; to breed, raise and race horses at the highest level,” he said. “This filly is the culmination of quite a few years' work and it's hugely exciting for all the team. Now is the moment, so we will see. There's no such thing as an easy group 1 and this is a million miles from an easy group 1, but it's great to have her in there with a proper fighting chance and the betting public have taken a view that she has as good a chance as anything else in the race.” Can Emily Shine Again? Life is never as simple as fairytales every time, however, and the biggest danger could come from within as the Gosdens try again with Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) as the 5-year-old bids to turn around a largely unsatisfying campaign. Her form figures in 2024 read a scarcely-believable 5426, but that is not even half the story. Too keen when run down late only by the star filly Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) when the ground had gone for her in The Curragh's G1 Pretty Polly Stakes in June, she was visibly uncomfortable on the unique contours of Goodwood but looks tailor-made for York's flat track granted the summer ground she needs. Is The Century On? If Aidan O'Brien can eke a small degree of improvement from the so-far progressive Content (Ire), this is going to be a landmark event as Galileo's 100th individual group 1 winner and given that she looked unlucky when second to You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in the G1 Irish Oaks it is more than possible. Clearly in need of this mile-and-a-half trip now, she could pull off a unique family feat if successful, with her dam Mecca's Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) having won two editions of the meeting's G1 Nunthorpe Stakes over five furlongs. Wednesday could not have gone any better for Ballydoyle and Ryan Moore and the rider is keen on his filly here. “It was a good run from her in the Pretty Polly when third to Bluestocking and Emily Upjohn and she stepped up on that when an unlucky second to You Got To Me in the Irish Oaks,” he explained. “She has progressed with every run and I think York will suit my filly though and I'm looking forward to her.” You Got It… Like Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Valmont and Newsells Park Stud Bloodstock's You Got To Me first showed her sizeable potential in Lingfield's Classic trials in May. Needing time and experience to mature and progress in the following weeks, she looked the finished article in the Irish Oaks and is the kind to carry on her improvement. “She did a nice bit on the grass on Saturday just gone, that went as well or better than expected, so we think she might have come forward,” trainer Ralph Beckett said. “I think York is set up really well for her as a track, the timescale is good as well,” he added. “She is a filly who needs to be kept on the go, she's not one that you can be hanging on to for targets later down the line, you have to keep rolling with her. I was concerned immediately after the Oaks that I wasn't going to get her to put back on what she'd lost that quickly. As it turned out, I was wrong about that, you've just got to get your timings right.” A Rich Tradition… When it comes to the elite fillies and mares races, Meon Valley Stud can say that they have enjoyed a fair amount of success down the years but they have yet to land this prestigious prize. Given the nature of the operation's bloodstock, it is always possible that they will come up with a gem every few years and they supply a dangerously stealthy improver this year in the Hughie Morrison-trained Mistral Star (GB) (Frankel {GB}). While her win in Newmarket's Listed Aphrodite Fillies' Stakes last month needs to be bettered here, the manner of it suggests she can get involved and she has a genetic headstart as a daughter of the top-level performer Shirocco Star (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}). Leovanni Sits Lowther Test… Not seen since winning the G2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, Wathnan Racing's Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) bids to provide the Karl Burke stable with some recompense in the G2 Lowther Stakes following the deflating experience of Sunday's G1 Prix Morny. Also responsible for the Queen Mary fourth and Listed Marwell Stakes winner Miss Lamai (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and outsider Unspoken Love (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), he is fully loaded in the race he won with Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) two years ago. Ballydoyle's G3 Albany Stakes and G3 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes third Heavens Gate (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) should prove a tough nut to crack, having collected Naas's Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes with the minimum of fuss. Rockcliffe Stud's Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is back over six furlongs on fast ground which was the combination in place for her defeat of Tales Of The Heart (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) in Newmarket's Listed Maureen Brittain Memorial Empress Fillies' Stakes. The post ‘Now is the Moment’ Redvers Relishing Queen of the Pride’s Yorkshire Oaks Bid 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.–In an intriguing GI Travers Stakes loaded with talent and questions, will anyone be surprised if 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) wins? Nope. Although it is unlikely that the colt trained by Chad Brown will be the betting favorite Saturday in the 155th running of the signature race at Saratoga Race Course–he is a narrow fourth at 3-1 on the morning line–Sierra Leone's record demands respect. He has never been worse than third in seven career starts. One of those victories came in the GI Blue Grass. His three seconds in a 3-3-1 record are by two noses–most notably in the GI Kentucky Derby–and one length. His third was by 1 1/2 lengths in the GI Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 8 when the deep closer stumbled at the start and delivered a big rally over a speed-favoring track. Sierra Leone and jockey Flavien Prat will start from Post 2 in the field of eight entered in the $1.25 million Travers. Leaving from the next stall in the 1 1/4 miles race will be his Brown stablemate Unmatched Wisdom (Cairo Prince). Unmatched Wisdom, to be ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. for the first time, is unbeaten through three starts and is making his graded stakes debut. The field includes Belmont and GI Haskell winner, the 5-2 favorite Dornoch (Good Magic), the brilliant 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), and 'TDN Rising Star', 2-year-old champion and beaten Derby favorite Fierceness (City of Light), providing a serious handicapping challenge. Brown grew up in nearby Mechanicville and began attending the Travers as a young boy with his family. He has saddled 15 horses in the Travers from his debut in 2011. His top finishes are a pair of thirds: Miles D (Curlin) in 2021 and Zandon (Upstart) in 2022. Sierra Leone | Sarah Andrew Much has been expected of Sierra Leone after he was the $2.3 million topper at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Since his winning debut on Nov. 4 at Aqueduct he has proven to be a top-level race horse with $2,218,00 in earnings. In his last three starts, though, the Derby, Belmont and a second in the GII Jim Dandy he was a major player, but not a winner. He has been a mix of fabulous and frustrating for Brown. “The horse is doing great. He's got no excuse,” Brown said. He's a very consistent horse. He's run really consistently good races. Recently, he's likely run into horses that are really on their best day and had beaten him. “He's consistent. He's always there. He's the horse that keeps showing up in these races. I'm hoping that over time, his consistency will prevail and he'll get back to winning. His first couple starts of the year were very impressive, that he was able to win, and his losses have been by small margins.” Brown noted that Sierra Leone, co-owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing and Peter Brant has been a durable type. This will be his sixth start as a 3-year-old in a season spread over seven months. “I've never been disappointed with this horse,” Brown said. “I've been disappointed with a couple of the results, him being on the wrong side of the outcomes at the finish, but I've never, ever been disappointed in this horse.” In his run through the stretch of the Derby, he bore in and bumped with Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel (Jpn), and that incident that might have compromised both colts' chances to win. Brown changed bits and jockeys for the Belmont, replacing Tyler Gaffalione with Prat. The bias of the course, the rough start and being forced wide by Protective entering the stretch did not help him. Brown said it would be nice if the Sierra Leone could get a better position earlier, rather than coming from so far off the pace. “I don't believe in any of his races it's been for any fault of any jockeys that have ridden him,” Brown said. “This horse just doesn't have a lot of early speed. But in a perfect world, yeah, I wish he was a couple lengths closer early. Certainly, we're going to attempt to put him there. I don't think anyone's taking him back. It's just the horse sort of settling, kind of where he ends up early. If we could encourage him to be a little closer, I do think it would be beneficial.” Unmatched Wisdom (outside) | Sarah Andrew With speedy Dornoch, Fierceness, Thorpedo Anna, Batten Down (Tapit) and Unmatched Wisdom in the field, Sierra Leone could get an ideal setup in the Travers. “His running style is pretty defined,” Brown said. “You can see that he's a come-from-behind horse so hopefully a good pace develops in front of him and he can navigate a clean trip without getting stopped and come with his late run and hopefully at a mile and a quarter, it's good enough to get there in time.” Klaravich Stables's Unmatched Wisdom fell sick last year when he was being prepared for the races and did not debut until May 10. He won a muddy mile maiden at Aqueduct by 6 1/4 lengths, prevailed in a 1 1/8 miles allowance on June 22 by 5 3/4 lengths and led from gate to wire in the Curlin Stakes on July 19 to win by one length. “He's done nothing wrong,” Brown said. “He's training really well. He's got to step up. He's facing three of the most talented 3-year-olds in the crop, including Thorpedo Anna, Fierceness and Dornoch. These three horses are really at the top of the division, so he's going to have to step up and prove he belongs in that group.” Brown said he considered a couple of factors before deciding to enter Unmatched Wisdom in the historic Travers. “He's got a win over the track,” Brown said. “He seems to be doing well here. I think he's improved since the Curlin. I didn't momentarily think about waiting for the (GI) Pennsylvania Derby, but you only get one crack at the Travers. He's got good positional speed, and his last work here with Irad on him (Aug. 16, 5f in 1:00.41 3/6), really convinced me to give it a shot.” The post Brown Has Sierra Leone And Unmatched Wisdom Ready For The Travers Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Long successful with grass females, trainer Chad Brown has racked up a record seven victories in the Ballston Spa Stakes (G2T) at Saratoga, all since 2012. He is likely to get an eighth when he starts four horses in the 1 1/16-mile turf race.View the full article

Eleven 3-year-olds will vie for a CA$200,000 prize in the Aug. 24 Canadian Derby (G3) at Century Mile Racetrack. The field is headed by Western Canadian star sophomores August Rain and Classy City in the 1 1/4-mile main track contest.View the full article

City of Troy earns a Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) berth with his spectacular, record-setting victory in the Aug. 21 Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York.View the full article

John and Thady Gosden have two high-profile entrants in the Aug. 22 Yorkshire Oaks (G1). Queen of The Pride has gone from strength to strength this season, while her group 1-winning stablemate Emily Upjohn has some questions to answer.View the full article

The Aug. 3 Whitney Stakes (G1) didn't work out for Skippylongstocking, but trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has turned the page and entered the 5-year-old Exaggerator horse back to defend his title in the $1 million Aug. 23 Charles Town Classic Stakes (G2).View the full article