Wandering Eyes

Boasting a 50 per cent strike rate in tandem this season, the Australian ace and veteran handler look well placed to continue strong form at city circuit.View the full article

Englishman George Rooke is the newest addition to the ever-growing group of international riders in New Zealand. Coming from a small town in Hampshire, Rooke progressed through the well-recognised British Racing School in Newmarket, and under the tutelage of three-time British Champion Jockey and now trainer Richard Hughes, he rode 167 winners and was a dual all-weather (synthetic) champion apprentice. “I lived in a small town called Hook just off the M3, and I got into pony club and eventing side of things first,” Rooke said. “We heard about the Newmarket Racing School and I applied for that, and after getting a position there, I did a four-week course before getting a placement with Richard Hughes. “I kept my apprenticeship for four years and it took me that period of time to ride 95 winners, which is the full claim over there.” Rooke also spent time working for an icon of New Zealand equestrian sport, Sir Mark Todd, which ultimately led to an opportunity to ply his trade on the other side of the world. “I worked for Sir Mark Todd in England as well, he mentioned to me about coming to New Zealand and he’s good friends with Roger James,” Rooke said. “It all worked out from there, Rodney Schick (Windsor Park Stud principal) rang me and explained all of the details, and now I’m here. I’m staying at one of his farms down the road from Windsor Park Stud. “I do trackwork mostly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, then trials and jump-outs on Tuesdays. On my days off, I’ve been getting in the gym and getting my racing gear ready for the next meeting. “I’ve been riding for Roger James, Andrew Forsman and Stephen Marsh over the past week, I’m hoping to expand that as I stay here longer.” The 23-year-old made his Kiwi race riding debut at Taupo last Friday, with a second placing aboard Camacho his best result of his five rides, giving him a good insight into the style of racing in New Zealand. “The horses are very much similar, how they are trained is slightly different to the UK, but the races are still tactical, you’ve got to be in the right position and have your wits about you,” he said. “I haven’t ridden on the polytrack here yet, but in England, everything is a lot sharper and happens pretty quickly. It’s very dependent on the weather, similar to the grass, if it’s warm it runs a bit deeper, whereas in the cold, it tightens up and runs quicker.” Rooke has a pair of Listed winners to his name and has ridden twice at Group Two level, with a shot at a Group One his goal in the future. “I would love to ride a Group One, that’s my biggest aim while I’m here,” he said. “Everything else that comes with it is a bonus really, gaining more experience will be great so I’m looking forward to it. “I don’t really have a time limit, I’ll just see how I go.” View the full article

Mark Baker anticipated Nikau Spur would be a horse that would only improve with time, and he has continued to be proven correct as the evergreen galloper collected the Listed Queensland Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. In the care of Toowoomba trainers Corey and Kylie Geran, Nikau Spur has won five races in the past 18 months, capped off with an impressive effort in the staying feature, much to the delight of his former owner in Baker. “When he got shuffled back to last on the turn, I thought he’d only be a hope to run a place, but the trainers have done a great job with him and he really attacked the line,” Baker said. “He finished off the race very well. “It’s hard to win a mid-week maiden race, let alone a stakes race in Australia, so it’s always great to see your horses performing at that level. “It’s great for the staff and especially when you own the mare and a share in the stallion.” The Hallmark Stud principal bred Nikau Spur alongside the Springvale Family Trust, out of the first crop of foals by successful Rich Hill Stud sire Proisir. After failing to meet his $40,000 reserve at the 2018 Karaka Yearling Sales, Nikau Spur was leased to Stratford trainer Rosie Buchanan, who prepared him to finish third in his only New Zealand start, before the gelding was privately sold through Ciaron Maher’s bloodstock agent Will Bourne. “He was a terrific bodied horse with a terrific action as a yearling, but he was a little bit offset through his knees, which put a few people off,” Baker said. “He was also a horse that was going to take a little bit of time, and factors like that make it a little bit harder to sell in first-crop Proisir’s, as the stallion hadn’t set the world on fire yet. “We took him home and leased him to Rosie Buchanan, she did a great job with him.” Nikau Spur was the second foal out of Sarsarun, a daughter of Ustinov who won seven races including the Listed Karaka Classic (1600m). The mare returned to Proisir on five further occasions and produced two fillies, with the most recent selling to Maher for $230,000 at Karaka 2023. “We’ve had this mare for a few years now, this breeding game is certainly a long one,” Baker said. “We remember her racing, she was tough and always tried really hard, and being a stakes winner made her have huge appeal. “She was a good size and scope for a broodmare and very correct. “It was an old Rodmor Stud family, going back a fair way. You can’t beat having progeny out of these great old families, they can go through quiet periods, but in the end they always stand by you.” This breeding season, Sarsarun has visited Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State, a young sire that Baker has plenty of time for. “She’s back in foal to Sword Of State, we bred from her with Robert and Leone Stewart from Wanaka, so I’m delighted for them,” he said. “I have a lot of time for Sword Of State, he suited her physically which was the main thing, and seeing his first progeny and knowing what a very fast horse he was with a great page, we are big fans of his.” View the full article

Tony Gollan has long-hailed Antino as the best horse he has put a saddle on and those convictions were well and truly proved correct when the striking near-black galloper trounced his rivals in Saturday’s Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m). The Queensland conditioner will now stick to his original plan of getting the son of Redwood to the Gr.1 Hong Kong International Mile (1600m) on December 8, although the path to the race has altered slightly. The Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington on November 9 in now the likely stepping stone rather than the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) a week later. “We’ve been thinking about Hong Kong for a year, it’s not an afterthought,” Gollan told Radio TAB. “Obviously, the connections are from there and it would be a great thrill to have a horse that they own and purchased, come back and actually race for them on their doorstep. “It’s unlikely when you buy a horse like this, it was ever going to happen. And to be able to get back there and race on their biggest day with its limitation from the club, it’s probably too good an offer for us not to have a good look at. “That’s the plan now. But he’s got to get through Flemington yet (Champion Mile). “It’s eight weeks to Hong Kong and he’s got to run a mile against the best milers up there that they have to offer. “I can’t just sit idle for eight weeks and go there into a mile race like that. I think running in the Champions Mile on the way through is the right thing to do.” Antino was rated 108 heading into Saturday’s Handicap, but after a near seven length demolition job weight-for-age racing is now on the agenda, with a long-term goal next year’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m). Bred by George Kit Ma’s Blossom Trading & Breeding Company Ltd, Antino is by Westbury Stud stallion Redwood. Out of a full-sister to Group One gallopers Hurrah and Best Gift, Antino’s dam Mahamaya was purchased for just $3,000 in foal to Redwood at the 2018 Karaka May Sale by Logan Salvador on behalf of Ma. Antino was purchased for $27,000 by her Hong Kong owner Jeetu Ramchandani under his New Balance Racing banner at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale from the draft of Cheltenham Stables. The six-year-old gelding advanced his record to 11 wins from 21 starts with a further five placings and prizemoney of A$1,668,865. View the full article

A star-studded field lined up for the 2024 Sports Toto Supreme Challenge Cup on Sunday and what a race it turned out to be. The rivalry between Antipodean (NZ) (Derryn) and Golden Pegasus has now been put to bed with a victory that left spectators on the edge of their seats when Antipodean came from a hopeless position to win. The Simon Dunderdale runner had no luck in running from a bad draw ,once again, and had to race wide for the majority of the race. Berry Bliss arguably had the run of the race tracking the leader, Violet, until the top of the straight and had no excuses despite a cheeky effort in second. However, while Berry Bliss was enjoying his smooth run, Antipodean started his move around runners at the 600m switching straight to the outside. He wasn’t even in the picture until the final 200m when all of a sudden R Shafiq aboard the now nine time winner, came swooping past Berry Bliss to take home the honours. Berry Bliss held on to second while Cheval Blanc bounced back to form running on to finish in third. Golden Pegasus could only manage to complete the quartets in fourth. Antipodean certainly has the qualities of being the best horse in Malaysia and is without a doubt a fan favourite amongst the racing fraternity. Racing takes a break from Selangor for two weeks where we’ll back for a double header of racing on the 26th & 27th of October. View the full article

Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) has fallen from favour with many punters in the lead-up to Saturday’s Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), but co-trainer Mick Price remains optimistic about his chances in the $5 million event. The Cranbourne trainer is convinced the rise to 2400 metres will bring out the best in the gelding, who he trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr. The son of War Decree finished resolutely to grab fourth placing in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) first-up but then disappointed when 11th in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on October 5. Price was not thrilled with the run but saw enough immediately after the race and since to suggest Warmonger will show his best in what has always been his first major spring target. “I thought he raced a bit dour and I think I underestimated his capacity for fitness, because I thought he was three or four lengths short of where he should be,” Price said. “First-up he was good. Sometimes I can’t tell whether it was second-up syndrome or not, no one can, but I went and checked him about 20 minutes after the race and he had a resting heart rate of about 80. “Now that is way low and I just thought, ‘this horse is fit and ready for a Caulfield Cup’. “So I’m actually tapering off him a little bit. He’s nice and fresh and I think if it rains he’ll come into a bit. He’s ready to go.” Warmonger has had two starts beyond 2000m for a second in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) and a 10-1/2-length win in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m). Warmonger was Caulfield Cup favourite before the Turnbull but is out to as much as $17 on the eve of the final field being known and barrier draw, which will take place at 12.45pm Tuesday. Michael Dee, who has ridden Warmonger at his two runs this campaign, retains the ride with the four-year-old to carry 53.5kg. View the full article

Trainer Dominic Sutton had mixed emotions as he watched his stable star Feroce go within a nose of victory in Saturday’s Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) won by Private Life. The son of Super Seth was momentarily held up which was more than enough to cost the rookie trainer a Classic within his first 12 months of training. But on the bright-side there are now lucrative targets in the offing for the smart three-year-old, who could possibly have his next run in the A$500,000 Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 2 or the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on October 26 at Randwick. “It was mixed emotions to be honest,” Sutton reflected after the race. “I felt like he was there to win and even watching him through the line, he still had a handful of horse. “So yes, while a little frustrated I am super proud of the horse and the team to get him there in such great order. “He’s had a faultless preparation so far and it’s just frustrating to get done by such a small margin.” Sutton said he had been fortunate to have the right people around him as he navigates the business of training after an apprenticeship that included stints with Chris Waller and as Assistant Trainer for Leon and Troy Corstens. “It’s been a good ride so far and I’m very fortunate to have the right team around me,” Sutton said. “When you surround yourself with the right people it makes it a lot easier. You need the horses as well, so to have a horse like him in the barn, he’s obviously got a lot of ability. He’s taken a little bit of time to put it all together. “He got pushed back into a pocket by Rue De Royale and I think in the end that’s what’s cost us between winning and running second.” Feroce was coming off a lead-up fourth in the Gr.3 Guineas Prelude (1400m) and now has a brace of victories and three placings from his seven appearances. Options now include the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and the Carbine Club Stakes while connections are also interested in gaining a slot in the $3.5million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8. As one of ten bonus eligible races, connections share in a $1 million bonus pool should they win the Carbine Club and run top three in the NZB Kiwi. “There’s a few guys in New Zealand that are sniffing around for a slot in the NZB Kiwi so we’ll probably put a circle around that race,” Sutton said. “He’s obviously a gelding so we can chase the prize money with him.” Bred by Pencarrow Stud, Feroce was purchased out of Kilgravin Lodge’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft for $160,000 by Sutton and McKeever Bloodstock last year. Feroce is a son of the unraced O’Reilly mare Corinthia and is a half-brother to the Listed Karaka Classic winner Siracusa and a member of the famed Eight Carat family. View the full article

Promising three-year-old Patch Of Cosmo has continued his winning run of form in Hong Kong. The son of Super Seth had returned from a break last month at Sha Tin to open his account over 1200 metres at his third appearance. On Sunday evening, the Manfred Man-trained representative produced a repeat performance over the course and distance and again in the hands of Luke Ferraris. Patch Of Cosmo was bred by Waikato Stud and purchased by Richard Racing for $70,000 at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale and then realised $260,000 when offered by Riversley Park at the Ready to Run Sale, where he was purchased by prominent Hong Kong owner Kin Man Yeung, who races the ‘Patch’ horses. Patch Of Cosmo is the first foal of the Savabeel mare Thee whose dam, the dual stakes winner Thy is a three-quarter sister to the two-time Group 1 winner The Jewel and a half-sister to the Gr.1 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner La Diosa. John Foote secured Thee’s Super Seth colt sold for $170,000 at Karaka earlier this year and the mare has an Ardrossan yearling colt and is due to foal again to the son of Redoute’s Choice. View the full article

Te Akau Racing unshackled exciting filly Stage ‘N’ Screen (NZ) (Ace High) at Seymour on Sunday with a winning debut paving the way for some exciting spring targets. Stage ‘N’ Screen trialled on three occasions on home soil before departing for Australia to prepare for her first race-day appearance, which came in the Go Seymour Maiden Plate (1200m), where she started $2.40 favourite. Michael Dee utilised the filly’s inside barrier draw in the early stages, sitting on the speed at a moderate tempo. On straightening, Stage ‘N’ Screen found a solid turn of foot and lead all the way to the post with plenty left in store. After an interrupted start to her racing career, Walker was pleased to see the daughter of Ace High deliver on her early promise. “She’s been a work in progress, especially around the starting gates, and Julien Welsh and his team at Booralite Park have done a really good job building her confidence in that department,” Walker said. “She showed plenty of ability when trialling in New Zealand, and we had her entered to start last month on the home course at Cranbourne, but a horse slipped over beside her which upset her and she was late scratched. “I think she’s a very promising filly with untapped ability and it’s great for her to get a win on the board at her first start.” Despite the initial hiccup, Stage ‘n’ Screen is now on a path to the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) which has been shuffled later in the spring carnival in recent years and will be conducted at Caulfield on November 16 “Stage ‘n’ Screen is on a path towards the Thousand Guineas and she’ll either run in the Vanity Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) on Derby Day (2 November) at Flemington, or Melbourne Cup Day (5 November) in the Amanda Elliott Stakes (Listed, 1400m).” Stage ‘N’ Screen was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $200,000 out of Kiltannon Stables’ draft at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sales, and she is a half-sister to Australian Group One performer Japanese Emperor. The pair are out of the O’Reilly mare Inthespotlight, along with a filly by Satono Aladdin who fetched $900,000 at this year’s Book 1 Yearling Sale at Karaka to the bid of Guy Mulcaster and Chris Waller. In addition to Stage ‘N’ Screen, Mark Walker also trained Midnight Blue to win the Listed Seymour Cup (1600m) on Sunday, continuing a phenomenal run of form on Australian racecourses for Walker, with his last 11 runners resulting in seven winners, including Bellatrix Star in the Gr.2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday. View the full article

Taranaki horseman Aidan Schumacher has put his faith in the family of his foundation broodmare Mini Mandy over the last few decades, and his loyalty paid off in a big way on Saturday when Spencer took out the Gr.3 Valley D’Vine Restaurant Spring Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. The Derryn gelding had been a revelation over winter, posting three wins and a runner-up result in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m), and went one better on Saturday, scoring by 1-1/4 lengths over Geriatrix in the feature sprint. Schumacher, who bred and owns the gelding, was rapt to get the win, but was even more excited to see his former pupil Erin Hocquard score her first Group win as a trainer. “It was a great thrill to get that win,” he said. “He has been in work for a fair while, but Erin has done a great job and he has been racing well. It is very pleasing that she got the Group win. “Erin came and worked for me and I think she stayed here for about four or five years, and she learned to ride with me. I was just an owner-trainer and the first year she started we won five races and it progressed from there. “She moved down to John Boon’s at Waverley because she wanted to get a bit closer to home, she’s from Palmerston North. When John Boon pulled out of training, she took over his property and I have been supporting her since then. “She helps me out at times when I have had some work to do here. She comes and does the foals, she has been a great helper.” Spencer is a rising star, and Schumacher is hopeful he can reach the same lofty heights as his predecessor Aimee Jay, who Schumacher trained to Group One success in the Easter Handicap. “We started off with two broodmares. One was Mini Mandy, who is a mare we got off Maurice Campbell,” Schumacher said. “We have stuck with the two families, and they are both going well. Aimee Jay has been the best one so far, and this one (Spencer) has come along now. “Aimee Jay was a tough horse. She had six races in 42 days and she won four of them. One of them was a Group One and another was a Group Two.” Schumacher said Spencer has inherited that toughness, which has been shown by his success over a long preparation. “Darcistar (dam) was a tough horse and I think it is coming out in Spencer now, it is a tough breed.” Spencer is the first foal out of the unraced Darci Brahma mare Darcistar, who has subsequently left a three-year-old filly and yearling colt by former Grangewilliam Stud stallion Wyndspelle. “Erin has got the filly, and the colt is still at home,” Schumacher said. “The filly will come back into work shortly and hopefully she can be just as good (as Spencer).” Darcistar wasn’t served last year but has returned to Derryn off the back of Spencer’s success. “She was served about 10 days ago and hopefully we can get another colt,” Schumacher said. While Spencer has been up for a long time, Schumacher said he may have one more run this preparation in the Gr.3 Gee & Hicton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham later this month. “There is the Thompson down at Trentham,” Schumacher said. “I ran that past Erin last night and she said the horse has come through the race well, but there is no guarantee yet, it is up to her.” View the full article

What Kilmore Races Where Kilmore Racing Club – East St, Kilmore VIC 3764 When Tuesday, October 15, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble For the first time since November 26 last year, racing in Victoria heads to the Kilmore Racing Club on Tuesday afternoon for a competitive eight-race meeting. Perfect springs conditions above will match perfectly with the Good 4 rated track, whilst the rail will stick to its true position. The Kilmore races are set to commence at 1:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Kilmore: She’s Got Pizzazz Returning from a four-month spell, She’s Got Pizzazz has found the right race to break maiden ranks in. The three-year-old filly did not miss the top three in her three starts as a juvenile earlier in the year, and was always up on speed, giving a bold sight. The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained filly gets the services of Blake Shinn again, and from barrier nine if the pair land outside lead inside the first 200m, She’s Got Pizzazz should prove too slick in the opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #11 She’s Got Pizzazz (9) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Kilmore: Perfectly Good Perfectly Good broke maiden ranks in fine style at Wagga on September 30 when jumping cleanly from the barriers and leading throughout, going on to score by 4.5 lengths. The three-year-old gelding gains the services of Blake Shinn on Tuesday, and aided by drawing barrier two, the pair will look to replicate what the son of Super Seth produced last time out. As long as he is not forced to use too many carrots in order to hold the rail, Perfectly Good will prove too hard to gun down once again. Next Best Race 6 – #12 Perfectly Good (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) Bet with Playup Best Value at Kilmore: Sports Choice Andrew Homann’s Sports Choice caught the eye when hitting the line strongly over 1000m on return from a six-month spell. The six-year-old mare looks like she will finally appreciate stepping up to the 1100m, a trip she is yet to run top three at in five goes. Luke Cartwright hops on board claiming 2kg, getting her in nicely with just 56.5kg on her back. With plenty of speed drawn underneath, Sports Choice will trail a hot speed throughout, and with a similar finish to what she produced fresh, she looks a great price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 7 – #10 Sports Choice (7) 6yo Mare | T: Andrew Homann | J: Luke Cartwright (a2) (58.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Tuesday quaddie tips for Kilmore Kilmore quadrella selections Tuesday, October 15, 2024 5-6-8-10 1-3-12 1-5-8-10 4-7-11-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

General Due to the starter having to leave the course following race 5 at Ascot Park 9 October, Stipendiary Steward V Munro was appointed as the starter for the remaining races in line with GRNZ rule 19.3(j). The post 7-13 October 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Driver Penalties A Butt | NZ Metropolitan 11 October; use of whip; suspended 20 – 21 October inclusive. K Newman | NZ Metropolitan 11 October; use of whip; suspended 12 – 18 October inclusive. J Dickie | NZ Metropolitan 11 October; contacting track marker; fined $100. S Phelan | NZ Metropolitan 11 October; contacted track marker; fined $100. B Butt | NZ Metropolitan 11 October; breach of push out rule; fined $300. S Hill | Oamaru 13 September; careless driving; suspended 19-23 October inclusive. Trainer Penalty M House | NZ Metropolitan 9 October; late notification of gear changes; fined $50. Horse Penalties RAKERO SCOTTY | Waikato 8 October; broke resulting in interference; must complete trial. HEZASWEETIE | Auckland 11 October; broke in running; must complete trial. Protests ASTERIA LAVRA | Waikato 8 October; lapped on; disqualified. WHAT THE BELL | Northern Southland 10 October; lapped on; disqualified. The post 7-13 October 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties K Mudhoo | Timaru 8 October; medical certificate required. B Rogerson | Waverley 9 October; careless riding; suspended 17 – 27 October inclusive. C Dell | Waverley 9 October; medical certificate required. N Hailey | Taupo 11 October; medical certificate required. K Williams | Ashburton 12 October; careless riding; suspended 13 – 19 October inclusive. T Ladoucher | Ashburton 12 October; careless riding; suspended 13 – 19 October inclusive. L Riordan | Ashburton 12 October; use of whip; fined $600. J Allen | Waikato 12 October; careless riding; suspended 17- 27 October inclusive. S Weatherley | Waikato 12 October; use of whip; fined $500. T Moodley | Waikato 12 October; unable to make required weight; fined $400. O Bosson | Waikato 12 October; weighed in over the required weight; fined $500. D Mansour | Rotorua 13 October; use of whip; fined $300. Trainer Penalty J & K Parsons | Ashburton 12 October; presenting runner without notified gear; fined $100. Horse Penalties VIOLETSRBLUE | Waverley 9 October; late scratching due to lameness; vet clearance required. CLOSE | Northern Southland 10 October; broke in the running; must complete trial. AVORIAZ | Taupo 11 October; cardiac arrhythmia; vet clearance required. FANTASTIC SMILE | Taupo 11 October; raced greenly; must complete barrier trial. WEE WHISTLE | Taupo 11 October; cardiac arrhythmia; vet clearance required. CLOCHE | Ashburton 12 October; refused to load; must complete barrier trial. MAGAWA | Waikato 12 October; required veterinary attention post-race; must have veterinary clearance prior to racing next. RIDGEVIEW CHIEF | Rotorua 13 October; epistaxis; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. The post 7-13 October 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Geraldine trainer-driver Lionel Dobbs says it was “pretty overwhelming” to secure yesterday’s breakthrough win at Oamaru. At drive number 131, Dobbs reined home his first ever winner when Betterthandiva took out the David Ovens Building Mobile Pace, paying $23.90 and $4.50 From four back the running line Dobbs went four and five wide round the home turn and then charged to the line to win by half a length. “It was a good run but I was probably one horse further back then I wanted to be but I didn’t panic and at the 400 I pulled her out and off she went.” “It was pretty overwhelming actually.” Post race he says he’s been inundated with well wishers. “The texts and the reaction has been great, everyone’s been so supportive.” “The first person that shook my hand was Blair Orange and John Dunn was on the phone before the horse got back to the stalls – it was unreal.” When Dunn drove Betterthandiva to win at Ashburton in May this year it gave Dobbs his first training success. The win capped off a great day for Dobbs, earlier he qualified one of his trotters Phantom Spur. “John Dickie sent him down from the North Island, we leased him and we love him.” Dobbs has a 40 hectare crop farm “growing barley and lucerne” and trains a team of standardbreds and gallopers from his Orari base. Wild Willow’s comeback continues with Oamaru Cup success By Jonny Turner Ricky May’s masterful manoeuvring helped Wild Willow extend his outstanding record in the Oamaru Cup on Sunday. The pacer made it four wins from just six career starts when heading a quinella for veteran Mid Canterbury trainer Warren Stapleton, with Lester running into second. After enjoying a sweet run in midfield for much of the event, Wild Willow needed to be extricated from a tricky spot at the 600m which May was able to do with ease. “I got a reasonably good run, I got out down the back and he sprinted the best,” the reinsman said. “I thought the stablemate was jogging beside me coming around the bend and I thought he would be the hardest to beat but he never got past me.” Wild Willow began his career at Mark Purdon’s All Stars Stable before moving to Greg and Nina Hope’s barn and then onto the Stapleton stable. Stapleton is renowned for his ability to patch up an injury-plagued horse and he has again worked his magic on Wild Willow whose tendon and ligament injuries had limited him to three starts in just under two years leading into the Oamaru Cup. “For a horse that has only had six starts, to win four of them is a big effort alone,” May said. “[Warren] has certainly done a marvellous job on their legs.” Arafura produced one of the more spectacular wins on Oamaru Cup Day when taking out the Denice Swain Memorial. The two-year-old loomed up on the home turn and then ducked in and broke, seemingly ruining her winning chances. But after getting rebalanced by driver Bob Butt, Arafura charged late to record an incredible win in just her second career start. The victory continued a successful weekend for both trainer Hayden Cullen and driver Bob Butt. Butt combined with Bet N Win who justified his favouritism for the Group 3 Canterbury Park Trotting Cup with an easy victory which guaranteed his place in next month’s Group 1 Renwick Farms Dominion Trot. Sunday’s edition was the inaugural running of the Denise Swain Memorial following her passing in Invercargill late last month. A multiple Group-race-winning trainer, Swain was the first woman to start a horse in the New Zealand Cup, with Clancy going on to run second. View the full article

THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY are the brand new $500,000 slot races that will be a big part of the Show Day Twilight race meeting at Addington Raceway on Friday, November 15. The $30,000 slots for the two races for the three-year-old trotters and pacers were snapped up in quick time – so who are the people behind the names? Over the next few weeks we will profile many of the slot holders. Today it’s Tumby Park By Adam Hamilton Scott Whitton’s love of harness racing’s biggest race meetings made snapping up a slot in the inaugural $500,000 THE ASCENT an easy decision. Whitton (pictured above, in the middle), who breeds and races a big team of horses under his Tumby Park banner, is also an unashamed fan of slot racing. “I think I’ve applied for a slot in every slot race so far in Australia and NZ, some I’ve got, others I’ve missed out,” he said. “They’re a good concept and I like being involved in the biggest races at the best carnivals. Slot races are a great way of doing that for someone like me. “When it comes to carnivals and big race days, there’s nothing better in this part of the world than NZ Cup Week. “So, I jumped at the chance to take a slot in one of these new races. I’d love to expand on it and be even more involved near year and beyond.” Whitton admits he was drawn to THE ASCENT this year because he thought he had a trotter good enough to give it a shake. That’s Majestic Son gelding My Ultimate Sunny, who has raced just seven times for five wins and a second. The only unplaced run was a fifth in the Group 1 Great Square at Albion Park and the wins included the Group 3 Queensland Trotters’ Derby and Group 2 Qbred 3YO Trotting final. But Whitton’s Addington plans for My Ultimate Sunny have been shelved. “Just this week we pulled the pin on him,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong, but he had three weeks out after the big Queensland races and he went backwards. He didn’t spell well at all. “So, we’ve scrapped the plans to take him and now I’m back in the market for a runner in my slot. “I’m in no rush. It’s still a month to the race and the good horses are back racing now. “We might not get one of the headline acts, but should get a fit and in-form horse.” Whitton has cut back his numbers, but still has “about 75” horses at Tumby Park, near Tweed Heads just on the NSW side of the border with Queensland. “There’s 15 broodmares, they’ll have 15 foals, then there are 20 yearlings and another 25 or so racehorses,” he said. Whitton’s love for horses goes way back. “It’s a family thing. Dad (Ron) and I used to have 10 or 12 horses in work in the Tamworth/Armidale area (NSW) and won a few premierships in that region,” he said. “One year we finished second to Paul Fitzpatrick in the NSW trainers’ premiership. “We also set what was an Australian record at the time with six winners at one meeting at Tamworth.” To see the Breckon Racing/Richard Cole profile click here To see the Pukekohe Punter click here To see Diane Reilly click here To see Peter and Janet Argus click here View the full article

Paul Denton, 60, who won the Alice Springs and Provincial jockeys’ premiership last season, booted home a winning double at Pioneer Park on Saturday. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Jockeys Paul Denton and Dakota Gillett claimed winning doubles at Alice Springs on Saturday. Denton, 60, the NT’s eldest active rider, saluted aboard the Kerry Petrick-trained Magic Defense – $4.20 with horse racing bookmakers – over 1200m and Greg Connor’s Quanapirri Bay ($3.40) over 1000m. Nineteen-year-old apprentice Gillett, the NT’s youngest active rider, booted home Hurn Court ($2.60 fav) over 1200m for her father Terry Gillett and James Carroll’s Jackset ($2.05 fav) in the 1200m maiden. Magic Defense, formerly trained by Mornington’s Jerome Hunter, made it two wins from as many Pioneer Park starts after winning an 1100m maiden a fortnight ago. The four-year-old mare missed the start but was second passing the 800m before overtaking Kevin Lamprecht’s pace-setting Frankfurt in the home straight to seal victory by 1.5 lengths. Quanapirri Bay, victorious in August before coming fifth in September, was never far of the speed before the five-year-old gelding caught Barry Cooke’s Chief White Sock in the home straight to win by three lengths. Hurn Court, formerly trained by Nyngan’s Rodney Robb, started life in the Alice with two seconds over 1000m in September and 1100m on October 6 at 0-70 level, so he boasted good form. The seven-year-old gelding dominated the five-horse field on Saturday before overcoming stablemates Valley Prince, aiming for three straight wins, and Ornamental Lady by 2.8 lengths. Jackset finished half a length behind Magic Defense in second place two weeks ago, so the six-year-old gelding was in the mix, and victory provided Carroll with his first win since July last year with Truckload Of Hoffa. Gillett had Jackset in front after 100m and he was never in danger of defeat before downing Viney’s Bodmin Boy and Connor’s Dependency by 1.8 lengths. Will Savage’s Fantasy Eagle ($12) had been placed in his past two starts behind Terry Gillett’s impressive duo Altar Boy in June and Beau Factor in August. The eight-year-old gelding spent the next seven weeks on the sidelines, but he still managed to topple the 0-64 opposition over 1400m. He was third turning for home before sealing a narrow win over Dan Morgan’s stablemates and pace-makers Zasceed and Barocco Bar. For winning jockey Ianish Luximon, it was a welcome return after missing two meetings through suspension. Horse racing news
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Young Werther. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Trainer Danny O’Brien has confirmed that seven-year-old Young Werther will take his chance in Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), as the gelding aims for his first stakes victory. After winning at Caulfield on August 31, Young Werther put in a strong performance to finish fifth, just 2.5 lengths behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on October 5. “He’s going as well as he’s ever gone. That was a good run in the Turnbull, and he’s come out of it in good shape,” O’Brien told Racing.com. “He will never get a better opportunity to win a Caulfield Cup. This is his opportunity.” Young Werther will be making his second attempt at the Caulfield Cup, having finished eighth behind Incentivise in 2021. “He wasn’t quite mature enough then, he’s ready for it this time,” O’Brien added confidently. Horse racing news
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Zardozi ridden by James McDonald winning the 2023 VRC Oaks at Flemington. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Trainer James Cummings believes Zardozi’s chances in this weekend’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) have been boosted by securing Hong Kong-based jockey Andrea Atzeni for the ride. Cummings explained that Atzeni’s winning performance aboard Circle Of Fire in last autumn’s Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) influenced his decision to book the Italian-born jockey for Zardozi, who will carry just 51 kilograms in the race. “Number one, he can comfortably ride the weight,” Cummings told Racing.com. “I am impressed with his record in staying races. He’s got some trophies there that would be the envy of most jockeys. “He had Circle Of Fire travel so beautifully for him in the Sydney Cup back in April. These types of rides stick in your mind.” While Cummings didn’t have a runner in the Sydney Cup, he admitted Atzeni’s ride caught his attention. “A little birdie gave me the tip-off that he might be available after the Metropolitan, so I engaged his services.” Horse racing news
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Midnight Blue and Daniel Stackhouse winning the Listed Seymour Cup (1600m) on Sunday. Photo: Brett Holburt – Racing Photos Te Akau Racing are renowned for producing horses they have purchased as yearlings or two-year-old’s, but it was a tried eight-year-old, Midnight Blue, that earned Mark Walker a victory in the Listed Seymour Cup (1600m) on Sunday. A previous winner of the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) and Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) for Grant and Alana Williams, Midnight Blue had won five races before Te Akau principal David Ellis sourced the gelding for $92,500 on the Inglis November Online Sale. Midnight Blue found success at his third start since joining Walker’s Cranbourne stable when winning a Benchmark 100 2000m contest at Caulfield in May, and was resuming off a spell coming into Sunday’s feature. In the hands of Daniel Stackhouse, Midnight Blue jumped positively from barrier seven and eased out of a competitive duel for the lead along the back stretch, finding a comfortable trailing position in third. Stackhouse asked for an effort turning for home and his charge responded, hitting the lead early in the straight and kept finding to the line to score by a length to Earl Of Tyrone. At odds of $29.50 with horse racing bookmakers, Midnight Blue had been among the middle market, but Stackhouse indicated after the race that he had every faith in the veteran galloper. “It’s always hard when you have a number of rides to choose from, but we were lucky enough to choose the right one,” Stackhouse said. “It was a great training performance by Ben (Gleeson, assistant trainer) and his team, and Mark, to get this horse here in perfect order, for a mile first-up, after trialling really well leading into it. “The race worked out as we wanted it to and although I was a bit concerned about going down to the fence (trail), we able to build into the race at the right time. “He gave me a really good feel when I won on him at Caulfield, and the feeling he gave me today going to the start was unreal, so I was quietly confident. “He probably got a bit tired late, first-up over a mile, but he’s got so much more improvement to come.” Walker praised the efforts of Gleeson and the extended Cranbourne team, who have utilised the unique facilities at Cranbourne to rejuvenate Midnight Blue. “It was a great win today and I was really proud of him,” Walker said. “Obviously we’re not usually in the business of buying tried seven-year-olds, but we looked at him in the online sale and Ben had had an association with him previously. We set ourselves a budget and full credit to Karyn (Fenton-Ellis), because we went above the budget but she was keen to get a readymade horse to sell between the Ready To Run Sale and the Yearling Sales. “She got the owners on board and, gee, they’ve had a great run because he’s won twice and seems to be loving his racing as much as ever. “The training facilities are outstanding at Cranbourne, with the sand dunes out the back, a beach just down the road, which really suits this horse and he’s just so big you can’t help but love him. “Everyone seems to make a fuss of him, too, and he’s been feeling really good in himself and that’s the difference when they have a spring in their step. “Full credit to Ben and the team, we’ve thought outside the square with this horse and it was a big thrill to win the Seymour Cup, especially with Daniel Stackhouse aboard who was an original Te Akau apprentice before becoming a fully-fledged rider in Melbourne.” Out of a Zabeel mare Midnight Special, Midnight Blue has now won seven of his 34 starts and over $902,000 in stakes earnings. Gleeson indicated the son of So You Think would be targeted towards the $500,000 Country Cups Final (1600m) during the upcoming Melbourne Cup Carnival. Horse racing news
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Luberon powers to victory in the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua on Sunday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Cambridge Stud’s outstanding weekend continued at Rotorua on Sunday, with their exciting mare Luberon adding a valuable black-type success to her name in the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m). The previous day at Te Rapa, Snazzytavi carried the prominent yellow and black-chequered silks to victory in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) for Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, and it was the turn of the Stud’s private trainer Lance Noble in the feature sprint, where Luberon was rated a $6.20 hope on the tote with horse racing bookmakers. A competitive field assembled in this year’s race, with a number of proven elite-level sprinters in the mix, while Luberon had put her hand up as a key chance with a strong resuming victory at Ellerslie last month, starting fourth-favourite with Bonny Lass on top at $3.20. With Warren Kennedy in the saddle, Luberon was positively away from the gates before front-runner Farravallo took over the lead, with the mare settling midfield and off the fence. Turning for home, Luberon trailed Navigator and ranged up on his outside to hit the lead at the 200m, before showing a sizzling turn of foot to kick clear by more than two lengths. Rising talent Navigator and Group 1 Railway (1200m) winner Waitak put in strong performances to fill the trifecta. 2024 Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes Replay – Luberon Noble was thrilled with the performance, which was Luberon’s first stakes victory after placing in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m), Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and finishing fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “She’s probably just fulfilling the promise she’s shown as a three-year-old, a few things went wrong so this is very pleasing,” Noble said. “She is a great advertisement for Embellish, and it tops off a great weekend for Cambridge Stud.” After the race, Kennedy indicated the shorter distances were now well suited to Luberon. “Since we’ve brought her back to the sprints, I think she’s found her niche,” Kennedy said. “Lance put those cheek pieces on her and it’s done the trick, they went at a good pace up front and she was a little bit fierce for me, but when she saw daylight, she’s picked them up really quickly and easily. “It was just a hands and heels ride.” Horse racing news
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Galaxy Patch sweeps clear in the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy (1600m). Synonymous with Golden Sixty’s towering feats, Vincent Ho has anointed Galaxy Patch as Hong Kong’s “next future star” after the gelding’s dominant HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) victory at Sha Tin on Sunday. Ho piloted Galaxy Patch (129lb) to an emphatic 1.5-length win over Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble (135lb) and rising talent Chancheng Glory (115lb) in 1:33.49 in another confirmation of Galaxy Patch’s extraordinary talent. “He (Galaxy Patch) has got great talent and he will be the next future star, I would say,” said Ho, who partnered Golden Sixty to 26 wins from 31 starts, crowned by a Hong Kong record 10 Group 1 triumphs and world record prizemoney haul of HK$167.17 million. “At the moment, he’s only 70% fit – based on his form last-season, he would have smashed them easier today but it was enough for him to win today by just stretching out by himself.” Settling in second last place in the nine-horse field led by Beauty Eternal (131lb), Galaxy Patch loomed on the home turn before Ho angled into the middle of the track, clocking 22.11s for the final 400m without fully extending. Voyage Bubble was brave in defeat after covering ground, while Chancheng Glory held on well for third as stayer Straight Arron (125lb) charged from the rear for fourth. 2024 Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Replay – Galaxy Patch Ho combined with Golden Sixty to win last December’s Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) – the race trainer Pierre Ng hopes to claim this season with Galaxy Patch – and Ho believes Galaxy Patch has the attributes to emulate Golden Sixty. “He (Galaxy Patch) is a horse that (will) probably replace Golden Sixty at the mile. He’s still maturing, of course. Once he relaxed, he can put the race to sleep and he also had a great turn of foot. It’s early-season, the first race for him, and the preparation is (going) very well.” By Wandjina, Galaxy Patch raced only once in Australia as Gulinga Spirit, winning a Morphettville maiden race over 1100m for Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea before transferring to Hong Kong, where he has now won seven of 13 starts and prizemoney of more than HK$25 million. Extending his lead at the top of the trainers’ championship, Ng will aim Galaxy Patch at the Group 2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) on November 17 before the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile on December 8. “He’s the right horse that every trainer wants to train,” Ng said. “We’re very pleased. With four trials, we just wanted him to be settled and he was today. Of course he’s not 100 per cent fit, but we just tried to get him fit enough for today and he did very well. “With his stride length, he definitely looks improved from last season. Racing-wise, he’s more professional, more relaxed and if he can be more relaxed in the parade ring, I’ll be a bit happier. “Definitely he’s got the potential – it’s how we manage to get him up there. We’ll just do it by each race and hopefully he can go further and better.” John Size’s emerging sprinter Wunderbar posted his sixth win from seven starts to give Zac Purton a treble. “Like all of John Size’s horses, he’s improved with the run and he’s going the right way, he just got to learn to switch off a little bit better in the middle stages,” said Purton, who also scored on Charmander and Savvy Brilliant. Frankie Lor-trained Savvy Brilliant earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million for victory in the Class 3 Athletics And Judo Handicap (1200m). By Toronado, Savvy Brilliant raced in Australia as Gallaroo, winning his only start for Anthony & Sam Freedman at Mornington. Purton then combined with David Hall atop Charmander. Luke Ferraris slotted his fourth win of the campaign when Manfred Man’s Patch Of Cosmo landed the Class 4 Swimming Handicap (1200m) before Britney Wong teamed with David Hayes-trained Awesome Treasure. “It’s really amazing for me because Mr Hayes has offered me a couple of mounts but I couldn’t take them because I had to ride a horse for my boss (David Hall) or I had already taken another ride,” Wong said. “I’m so thankful that Mr Hayes kept offering me rides and this horse is such a straight-forward ride, a very honest boy. He’d been running very close this season and that means he tries hard. “Luckily, we got the 10lb claim today and thankfully the draw didn’t cost us the race today because I was concerned about barrier 10. Once I put him in the lead, he did everything right – he knew what to do – and turning into the straight, I had 100% percent confidence in him and he gave me everything. It was an awesome win.” Wong now has three wins and will maintain her stance of not setting a targeting a number of victories for the rest of the season. “I wouldn’t say I’m aiming for a number, but I hope I can keep the number coming – that’s the main goal. As long as I’m improving, I’m very happy,” she said. Hayes sealed a double with Stellar Swift for Hugh Bowman, who earlier partnered Caspar Fownes-trained Family Jewel. Lucy In The Sky continued his solid progress for trainer Me Tsui with victory, while dual Chilean Group 1 winner Winning Dragon landed the Class 3 Hong Kong, China’s Paris 2024 Olympic Team Celebration Cup Handicap (2000m) for Tony Cruz and Brenton Avdulla. Horse racing news
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Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile, upset winner of the GII California Crown John Henry Turf Championship Sept. 28 at Santa Anita, returned to the work tab Sunday with an easy four-furlong move on the main track in :51.40. Trainer George Papaprodromou said he was happy with the work and reaffirmed Cabo Spirit is pointed to the $5-million Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 2 at Del Mar. In the 1 1/4-mile John Henry, Cabo Spirit was able to set a modest pace under Abel Cedillo was never headed en route to a one-length victory at odds of 24-1. Campaigned by Kretz Racing, the 5-year-old will need to be supplemented for $150,000 in pre-entry and entry fees to compete in the 1 1/2-mile turf. Also working on Sunday in advance of next month's Breeders' Cup–Mixto (Good Magic) (Classic), Anisette (GB) (Awtaad {Ire}) (Filly & Mare Turf), Supa Speed (Justify) (Juvenile Fillies Turf) and Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) (Turf Sprint). Mixto, winner of the GI Pacific Classic last out for trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill, worked five furlongs in 1:02.00. Anisette, most recently third in the GII John C. Mabee Stakes, worked five furlongs on the main track in 1:04.00 for trainer Leonard Powell. Supa Speed, exiting a second in the Del Juvenile Fillies Turf Sept. 7, drilled five furlongs on the main track in 1:02.00 for trainer John Sadler. Motorious, winner of the GIII Green Flash Stakes at Del Mar last out on Aug. 31, worked three furlongs on the training track in :59.60 for trainer Phil D'Amato. It was the fastest of 16 works at the distance. The post Breeders’ Cup-Bound Cabo Spirit Returns to the Worktab appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Future Is Now has has quietly put together as good five months as anyone in Thoroughbred racing, culminating in her stakes-record-setting victory in the $303,244 Franklin Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland Oct. 13.View the full article

With major Breeders' Cup prep races all in the books, this past weekend's stakes action focused on state-bred and -sired programs in West Virginia, Maryland and Louisiana. It wasn't difficult to find three standout horses who turned in headline-worthy efforts for smaller-scale outfits whose perseverance and accomplishments routinely fly beneath the radar. Leading the charge at Charles Town was breeder/owner/trainer Cyndy McKee's Beau Ridge Farm, which won four of Saturday's night's 10 Breeders' Classic stakes for West Virginia-breds, and ran second and third with two other entrants. “It felt like I was in a dream,” McKee told TDN Sunday afternoon. Catch the Humor (Girvin) won the $75,000 Russell Road S. by 10 ½ lengths. It was the 3-year-old gelding's third career start. Direct the Cat (Redirect) tallied by 9 1/4 lengths in the $75,000 West Virginia Lottery S., giving the 3-year-old filly seven victories in her last eight starts by a combined 68 lengths. Overnight Pow Wow (Fiber Sonde), the only filly to have beaten Direct the Cat in the last 14 months, prevailed as the 7-10 favorite in the $125,000 Cavada S. as the lone 3-year-old against a field of older distaffers. The 6-year-old gelding No Change (Fiber Sonde) captured the $75,000 Onion Juice S. at 4-1 odds. “The one I was really shocked by was Humor,” McKee said of her 7-1 winner. “He had just broken his maiden in a field that looked like it was light. I figured, 'He's ready for it; if I get in I get in, and if I don't I don't.' I knew he wanted to run farther. We got in, and-that was it.” Direct the Cat, who won at 1-10 odds, remains the “big horse” in McKee's barn, however. After Overnight Pow Wow stopped her stablemate's win streak back on July 27 in the $75,000 Sylvia Bishop Memorial S. for state-bred 3-year-old fillies, McKee told TDN that Direct the Cat had been suffering from what was initially believed to be a superficial cut that happened when she won a July 4 seven-furlong, second-level open allowance at Charles Town by 15 ¼ lengths. “She got what everyone at first thought was a minor cut on her hind leg,” McKee said on Sunday. “Another horse ran up on her and cut her.” But the laceration turned out to be trickier to treat than it looked like it would be. “It ended up being about $8,000 [in veterinary bills] getting her healed up,” McKee said. That meant missed training for most of August before Direct the Cat “got back on her game,” McKee said. “I would have loved to have had her in the [Aug. 23 GII Charles Town] Oaks with Pow Wow [who ran fourth at 44-1 odds],” McKee said. “But Direct the Cat missed all that with this 'minor' cut.” Direct the Cat earned an 83 Beyer Speed Figure on Saturday; Overnight Pow Wow a 77. McKee said she is contemplating shipping out of town for better money against open company. “I don't know if I can find somewhere off the beaten track to try and get a shot at graded stakes placings for both these fillies,” McKee said. “I'll start looking [Monday].” Earlier this year, McKee told TDN that operating Beau Ridge has been challenging since her husband, John, died at age 83 in 2023. The 170-acre spread, just five miles from Charles Town, is home to 80 horses spread across four stables, plus a foaling barn, a show ring, and a three-eighths-mile training track. Both Redirect and Fiber Sonde stand there for $1,000 stud fees, as do three other stallions. John had been a major force in establishing and being president of the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association, so the wins on Saturday were particularly special for Cyndy. “It's great not only for the farm and the stallions, but also for the morale of the help-and the morale of me for continuing on without John,” McKee said. “That makes it all worthwhile. “I told my crew [Saturday] night, 'Guys, y'all better love this moment, because I'm not sure we can ever do it again,” McKee said. “It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience-you better enjoy it.” Homebreds Sweep Maryland… A few hours earlier and 75 miles east of Charles Town, homebreds swept all eight of the stakes on the Jim McKay Maryland Million program at Laurel Park. Brilliant Ice, a 5-year-old gelding owned and bred by Crystal Park Stables, uncorked a 5 1/4-length victory in the featured $150,000 Classic S. He earned a 94 Beyer, a career best in what was his first win beyond a mile. “He is the great-grandson of the first horse that we ever owned,” said Phil Bartz, a principal of Crystal Park Stables, which was enjoying its first stakes win after several decades in the racing and breeding business. Stretching to nine furlongs was a little bit of a question, but, Bartz said, “His grandmother, who we owned, won at a mile and eighth here. And the way he was finishing at a mile, we thought he could do it. I didn't think he would be this dominant, but it was awesome.” Brilliant Ice was the first Maryland Million winner in 15 tries for trainer Annette Eubanks, who watched the race at home while recovering from a knee replacement. Earlier on the card she ran second in the $100,000 Sprint with even-money favorite Band Camp (Bandbox), a homebred gelding she owns in partnership with her son, Dan, of Rising Sun Racing Stables. “It's very emotional because mom is not doing very good today. It's the biggest day of her career and she couldn't be here for it,” Dan Eubanks said. “[Brilliant Ice] ran huge. It's like a homebred for us and for them. We just missed with Band Camp, and it's just an awesome day. Mom's 80 years old and having her best year ever. This is amazing. These horses can break your heart, and sometimes they can make it.” Bartz said of Eubanks: “She's been our trainer for over 30 years. We met her when she claimed Ice's great-grandmother away from us,” he added with a laugh. “She's just phenomenal, She really cares about the animals, and that's why we stayed with her for so long. “It just means everything,” Bartz summed up. Let Freedom Ring… Free Like a Girl (El Deal), a $5,500 auction buy in Louisiana as a yearling, edged closer to the $2-million earnings mark Friday night with career victory number 19 at 1-10 odds in the $100,000 Magnolia S. at Delta Downs for Louisiana-bred distaffers. Those purse winnings represent about 363 times the value of her modest sales price. With $1,979,978 in purses, the 5-year-old is the highest Louisiana-bred earner of all time. She was bred by sisters Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne. Trained by Chasey Deville Pomier (who was celebrating a birthday Friday) and owned in partnership owned by Pomier, Gerald Bruno Jr., and Jerry Caroom, Free Like a Girl's 84-Beyer effort represented a homecoming to Louisiana after more than half a year of punching far above her weight in out-of-town stakes. Free Like a Girl's multi-track tour over the spring and summer included Grade 1 placings in the Apple Blossom H. in April at Oaklawn Park (third) and in the La Troienne S. in May at Churchill Downs (second). She also won the $500,000 Pink Ribbon S. at Charles Town in August. 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