Wandering Eyes

Drifting ridden by Blake Shinn wins the Quezette Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) A front-running masterclass by Blake Shinn has paid dividends for Drifting ($3.10) to claim the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Zousain was already a Group 3 winner as a two-year-old, with a victory in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill last preparation. She was forced to lug the top-weight to victory on Saturday, but it didn’t seem to hinder the lightly raced three-year-old, with Shinn taking complete control from the jump. He managed to tick off some manageable sectionals in the middle stages aboard the first-up filly before giving a strong kick in the final furlong, clinging on from the fast-finishing Tasmanian invader Geegees Mistruth ($9.00) The well-supported favourite Kuroyanagi ($2.50) seemingly got every chance under Jamie Kah, with the Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea-trained filly stalking every step of the way from the one-one but didn’t let down with her customary turn-of-foot settling for a fourth-place finish. It was all about the winner in the end though as Peter Snowden praised the win of his filly while keeping his cards close to his chest in regard to where we’ll see Drifting later in the spring. 2024 Group 3 Quezette Stakes Replay – Drifting “It’s good to see her win like that,” said Snowden. “Blake (Shinn) rode her extremely well and I’d been disappointed if she didn’t win come the corner considering the run she had. “She’s got a bombproof attitude, she’s got brilliant gate speed, and that’ll take you a long way. To be able to harness that and bring them back and rate them, and he did that perfectly today and hopefully that’s not her last win. “Hopefully she can keep kicking goals.” Blake Shinn was impressed with the victory as well and credited the Snowden camp having Drifting ready to fire first-up. “Very exciting filly,” said Shinn. “Full credit to Peter (Snowden), he’s placed her really well and she’s just a pleasure to ride, full proof in terms of her manners, and she’s had form around some great fillies. “Although she had to concede some weight to her opposition, we had a nice run in front, and her class shone through. She was fantastic.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Sunday, August 18, 2024 First Race 12:45pm AEST Visit Dabble Wyong is the destination for provincial racing on Sunday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and although the track was rated a Heavy 9 at the time of acceptances, punters can expect an upgrade into the Soft range. Check out our Wyong betting tips and quaddie numbers for the meeting on August 18. Best Bet at Wyong: Memoria Memoria appears set to peak third-up into the campaign after a luckless performance at Rosehill on August 3. The daughter of Caravaggio sat three wide without cover for the entire journey, with the five-year-old dropping out of contention in the home straight. Gate four should allow Benjamin Osmond to find the one-one this time, and with this Class 6 contest lacking depth, Memoria should have the class to dispatch this lot. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Memoria (4) 5yo Mare | T: Kris Lees | J: Benjamin Osmond (a3) (59kg) +340 with Bet365 Next Best at Wyong: Guzumped Guzumped was the last one turning for home at Canterbury on August 7 and looked to be finishing the best of the beaten brigade. The Brad Widdup-trained gelding launched at Victory Roll in the shadows of the post, just missing out by a nose. Stepping up to the 2000m appears ideal, and with Tommy Berry electing to stick aboard this progressive stayer, expect Guzumped to be storming over the top to claim the Wyong Cup Prelude. Next Best Race 7 – #8 Guzumped (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Brad Widdup | J: Tommy Berry (56kg) +190 with Neds Best Value at Wyong: Flying Rani Flying Rani was no match for Zeitung at Canterbury on August 7, but the fast-finishing effort suggests she is worth following in this wide-open BM64 contest. Tyler Schiller will have no choice but to drag back from barrier 15, but with a strong tempo likely in this big field, Flying Rani should get every opportunity to finish over the top and claim her second career win at start seven. Best Value Race 8 – #11 Flying Rani (15) 4yo Mare | T: Matthew Smith | J: Tyler Schiller (57.5kg) +1000 with PlayUp Wyong Sunday quaddie picks – 18/8/2024 Wyong quadrella selections Sunday, August 18, 2024 2-3-5-6-8 2-4-5-12 4-8 1-3-8-11-13 Horse racing tips
 View the full article

Australia's darling racemare Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}), who carved out a reputation as being one of the world's best sprinters following an unbeaten 25-race career, has died one day shy of her 18th birthday following laminitis disease. The winner of 15 Group 1 races was humanely euthanised at the Scone Equine Hospital on Saturday morning after giving birth to a foal. “You don't think it affects you, but you are being stupid not to think it doesn't,” her trainer Peter Moody told reporters at Caulfield, as reported by Racing.com. “It's impossible not to get attached to most animals, let alone one like her. She had the foal this morning, a colt foal by Snitzel and they put her down shortly after that on humane grounds. “They scanned her feet yesterday and there was no blood flow at all to her feet. There was minimum blood flow to her feet anyhow but there was none and she's such a big girl. I rang all the staff and told them. They were all very upset.” Black Caviar was added to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame after retiring in 2013, amassing nearly $8 million for prize-money. But perhaps she will be best remembered in Europe for her victory in the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes, where a stunningly-cool Luke Nolen stopped riding towards the finish, with the 1-6 favourite holding on to win by just a head from the fast-finishing Moonlight Cloud. Nolen, who guided Black Caviar to the majority of her wins, commented, “It's a hollow feeling. You could say she was just a horse, but she was more than a horse and that's why we're feeling a bit blue. She meant a great deal to us. “She was an integral part of my career but, more importantly, she was so important for racing itself. She was one of our equine heroes. It was great to be a part of her story, but I always felt a bit guilty because anyone could've done the job.” The post Legendary Australian Sprinter Black Caviar Dies Following Laminitis Disease appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Band Of Brothers ridden by Damian Lane wins the Vain Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Matthew Ellerton & Damien Lane have combined with Band Of Brothers ($5.50) to claim the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. The son of Omaha Beach proved far too classy in the three-year-old feature, courtesy of a perfectly timed steer by Lane, landing into the one-one throughout the journey to gain the ideal stalking position. He was able to gain the back of Winchester ($15.00) in the middle stages, who was happy to sit outside the leader, as Interest Point ($4.20) cruised along at a genuine tempo under Michael Dee. The race set up nicely for the back markers to come into play, as the eventual winner came with his run, as did Let’sfacethemusic ($4.40), powering down the centre of the course but unable to reel in the unassailable lead of Band Of Brothers. Meanwhile, the well-supported favourite, Wonder Boy ($3.20), was doing his best work late, charging into third, with the Jerome Hunter-trained gelding already looking for a step up in trip. It was all about the winner in the end though, as Band Of Brotherw never looked in doubt in claiming the Group 3 feature. 2024 Group 3 Vain Stakes Replay – Band Of Brothers Matthew Ellerton was at home celebrating the victory while recovering from a stroke suffered in Bali back in early July, but his calls were heard to apply the blinkers as Lane spoke post-race. “It just switched him on a little bit (the application of blinkers),” said Lane. “He was very hesitant to lead last start and I just felt like he was going to pull up to a trot, he had his ears pricked and he was stopping and starting. “We always liked him but probably to see him winning a Group race was probably a stretch. “Credit to the team identifying this race, we elected to come here rather than the benchmark 64 on Wednesday.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley training partnership had plenty to celebrate on Saturday when they produced a superb quinella in the feature event at Ruakaka, the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), with stable runners So Naive (NZ) (US Navy Flag) and Toruk Makto (NZ) (Eminent). So Naive, a stunning son of The Oaks Stud resident stallion U S Navy Flag, had won twice from four starts during his two-year-old campaign and was fitted for his new season resumption with a comfortable win at the Cambridge trials last month. Rider Craig Grylls sent him forward from barrier rise but found himself out three wide as pacemakers I’m All In (NZ) (Zoustar), racing in the colours of race sponsor Cambridge Stud, and Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) placegetter Full Force (Cosmic Force) setting a steady speed in front. Grylls didn’t panic and had his mount relaxed rounding the home bend as the pressure went on. I’m All In kicked hard at the 200m but so did So Naive as he hit the front shortly afterwards before holding out a late charge from Toruk Makto who closed to within a length with an eye-catching burst from well back in the running. It was the second time the pair have provided the quinella in a race after they finished in the same order over 1100m at Ellerslie in October last year, with Cooksley delighted with both horses. “He (So Naive) has grown and got a bit stronger, so the further he goes the better he will get,” Cooksley said. “Give him another six months and he will be even bigger and stronger but so will the second horse who went good as well. “It’s good to see the two-year-olds come back well as three-year-olds, so hopefully they can keep going. “I’m not sure where we will see them next but we will work it out.” Grylls was also suitably impressed with the victory. “We were drawn towards the outside and with the inside getting a bit cut up now I was happy to stay out three-wide on the train,” he said. “I was just keeping out of the kick back as a couple I had ridden earlier had responded badly to it. I was quite happy out there as he is a beautiful big horse and I was pretty confident a wee way out we would pick them up as he let down well. “He wasn’t real comfortable in it (the wet track) but he showed last season he has a good turn of foot and I think they are going to be in for a lot of fun with him.” Bred by Dr K C Tan, So Naïve is raced by Able International, a long-term client for the stable after being purchased out of Kilgravin Lodge’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft by Wallace Thoroughbreds for $37,500. He has now won three of his five starts and $133,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Taranaki representative Tobias (NZ) (Complacent), carrying the black and gold hoops of the Taranaki province, proved too tough in a slogging finish to the ITM New Plymouth Interprovincial (1600m) on Saturday. Apprentice rider Ellie Sole made good use of her 4kg claim to reduce the seven-year-old’s weight from 61kgs to a more manageable 57kg impost as she sat in third before sending him to the lead at the 600m. With Sole riding hard, the Tony Dravitzki-prepared runner refused to yield as he held out the challenges of Ghazzah (Akeed Mofeed), race favourite Who Knows (NZ) (Redwood) and Drop Of Something (NZ) (Telperion) over the final 200m, taking the event by more than a length and adding a fourth consecutive victory to his career record. An emotional Dravitzki was struggling to come to terms with what the lightly raced son of Complacent had achieved in his recent starts. “That was unbelievable really as I’d never won two races in a row and now this guy has won four,” he said. “He’s been a very tough horse and one of the toughest you could get to break in, but he has grown into himself this year and taken us on an unbelievable trip. “Some people were saying it was 49 days since his last run, but I went on holiday for two weeks and so did he. I wasn’t concerned about that, but it was just the weight. “Ellie has now won three from three on him and I just told her to be positive and go forward. They seem to be winning on the rail so she switched to there in the straight and got the chocolates. “Not in my wildest dreams I could have imagined this.” Dravitzki co-bred the gelding with his brother John and brother-in-law Ian McCaul and they race the gelding with friend Noel George. From the Zabeel mare Zabolta, Tobias is closely related to the dual Group One winner Bazelle (NZ) (Zabeel) and has now won seven races from 25 starts and more than $156,000 in prizemoney for his connections. View the full article

In-form galloper Rise At Dawn is likely to be set for a black-type assignment after notching a comfortable victory at Caulfield on Saturday in the Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1600m). The four-year-old son of Almanzor is prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, and has now won six of his 11 starts. Ridden by Michael Dee, Rise At Dawn sat outside Keats, who led throughout and applied the pressure upon straightening to score by three-quarters of a length from Kettle Hill and Rhapsody Chic. “Keats got rolling into the bend which probably suited Rise At Dawn, having the race fitness, and that’s how he gets ridden,” Ben Hayes said. “He just gets to that high-cruising speed and holds it right to the line and he’s really gutsy at the end. “I think the mile is definitely his trip but now he’s fit, there’s so many nice options. He’s won a Benchmark 100 today and he is the fit horse on the scene. “He’s been in work a long time so we have just got to manage him run by run. “But if he pulls up well and we’re really happy with him, he probably deserves a shot at a stakes race.” Hayes suggested the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) back at Caulfield in a fortnight could be an option. “It could be suitable for him out there in front with no weight,” Hayes said. “He’s a super horse who has given his whole ownership group a really big thrill. We’ve got a long time employee in Bruno Rouge-Serret in the horse. He’s really looked after us and he taught me how to saddle horses, so it’s good to get a winner for him.” Bred by the Smithies family’s Monovale Holdings, Rise At Dawn was purchased by Lindsay Park for A$90,000 at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. He has now won A$371,335 for connections. By Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor, Rise At Dawn is an older brother of last season’s Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) placegetter Kay’s Ruebe with their dam the Listed Newmarket Handicap (1200m) winner and multiple Group One placegetter Kay’s Awake. View the full article

It may have taken a few more races than expected but there couldn’t have been a more fitting result for local trainer Allan Sharrock as his great mate Justaskme (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) provided his mentor with his 1000th New Zealand win in the training ranks at New Plymouth on Saturday. Sharrock entered the day on 999 victories and was confidently expected to pick up victory in one of the opening races on the card, however, he had to play the bridesmaid role as Tisse (NZ) (Belardo), Bella Timing (NZ) (Time Test) and Indian Gold (NZ) (Ocean Park) all filled the runner-up position in their respective events. By the time the fifth event on the card rolled around many were thinking this wasn’t to be Sharrock’s day, however, the nine-year-old warhorse Justaskme wasn’t having any of that as he produced a typical dogged effort to come from last in the hands of apprentice Rihaan Goyaram to collect career win number 13 and his sixth on his home patch. Despite settling last of the nine runners, Justaskme travelled sweetly in the testing Heavy10 track conditions on offer with Goyaram setting him alight at the 800m to circle the field out wide and hit the front turning for home. Justaskme was resolute in his desire and held all challengers at bay as he coasted home to win the Makita 1800 by just on three lengths from Soldier Boy (NZ) (Proisir), who chased hard down the straight, along with third-placed runner Sacred Pearl (NZ) (Sacred Falls). Sharrock, who numbers 75 Group and Listed wins amongst his 1000 win tally with horses of the calibre of Grout (NZ) (Gold Brose), Kawi (NZ) (Savabeel), Wahid (NZ) (Almutawakel), Shez Sinsational (NZ) (Ekraar) and Ladies Man (NZ) (Zed), admitted he had been worried when he couldn’t take a trick earlier in the day. “He’s been a grand horse for me, my brother and one of my best mates in Kempy (Tony Kemp),” Sharrock said. “I came in here all confident and got kicked and kicked and kicked, and I thought this isn’t going the way I saw it. “I had been having a few words to the jockey (Goyaram) throughout the day and I asked him if he had done any video footage and he said to me he was going to ride him like Johnathan Parkes and be into him at the 800m and he did. “We’ll go home and watch the rugby tonight but I’d say we will have a proper event with all my friends and colleagues to celebrate.” Bred by Sharrock, who co-owns him with his brother Bruce and former Kiwi rugby league international Tony Kemp, Justaskme has now won 13 of his 48 starts and more than $538,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Stratford trainer Tina Egan was charging to the bar at New Plymouth on Saturday to celebrate Chajaba (NZ) (Keano) taking out the New Plymouth Building Supplies 1400. The eight-year-old son of Keano jumped well and was taken straight to the front by apprentice jockey Ciel Butler, who quickly handed up to Tavis Court (NZ) (Tavisock). Butler elected to keep to the rail throughout and her decision was rewarded on the Heavy10 footing, hitting the front with 400m to go and maintaining their advantage to the post, winning by half a length over Make Time (NZ) (Makfi). Butler and Chajaba have formed a formidable partnership, recording three wins from nine starts, and Butler was full of praise for the gelding post-race. “Tavis Court came around and I was happy to take a trail. He relaxed and I was very happy, and he kicked nice and strong,” she said. “He is just so tough and he puts in everything he has every time he races, it doesn’t matter what it is. “Tina does a fantastic job, she is such a great horsewoman. He is beautiful to ride.” Egan was delighted to get the winning result with Chajaba, particularly with the less-than-ideal build-up this preparation. “He has had an interrupted prep,” said Egan, who also co-bred and part-owns the gelding. “He pulled a muscle earlier on and I didn’t get to go to the races I wanted to leading into the Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m). “He has had a stone bruise and he hasn’t really been on four feet until today.” Egan had planned on heading straight to next week’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa with Chajaba following his last start placing, but said she was coerced into heading to New Plymouth on Saturday, and she is glad she did. “I wanted to wait until the Foxbridge next week, but my partner wanted her to go this week,” she said. Chajaba means a lot to Egan, who named him after her three children, and she said he is well named given what they do after every victory. “He is named after my three kids – the twins are Chase and Jade, and Bailey – so that is how we got Chajaba, and if he wins, we charge to the bar,” she said. “We will be charging to the bar (now).” View the full article

So Naive winning the Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka on Saturday. Photo: Therese Davis The Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley training partnership had plenty to celebrate on Saturday when they produced a superb quinella in the feature event at Ruakaka, the Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), with stable runners So Naive and Toruk Makto. So Naive, a stunning son of The Oaks Stud resident stallion U S Navy Flag, had won twice from four starts during his two-year-old campaign and was fitted for his new season resumption with a comfortable win at the Cambridge trials last month. Rider Craig Grylls sent him forward from barrier rise but found himself out three wide as pacemakers I’m All In and Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) placegetter Full Force setting a steady speed in front. Grylls didn’t panic and had his mount relaxed rounding the home bend as the pressure went on. I’m All In kicked hard at the 200m but so did So Naive as he hit the front shortly afterwards before holding out a late charge from Toruk Makto who closed to within a length with an eye-catching burst from well back in the running. 2024 Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes Replay – So Naive It was the second time the pair have provided the quinella in a race after they finished in the same order over 1100m at Ellerslie in October last year, with Cooksley delighted with both horses. “He (So Naive) has grown and got a bit stronger, so the further he goes the better he will get,” Cooksley said. “Give him another six months and he will be even bigger and stronger but so will the second horse who went good as well. “It’s good to see the two-year-olds come back well as three-year-olds, so hopefully they can keep going. “I’m not sure where we will see them next but we will work it out.” Grylls was also suitably impressed with the victory. “We were drawn towards the outside and with the inside getting a bit cut up now I was happy to stay out three-wide on the train,” he said. “I was just keeping out of the kick back as a couple I had ridden earlier had responded badly to it. I was quite happy out there as he is a beautiful big horse and I was pretty confident a wee way out we would pick them up as he let down well. “He wasn’t real comfortable in it (the wet track) but he showed last season he has a good turn of foot and I think they are going to be in for a lot of fun with him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Rise At Dawn in the hands of Mick Dee scored a comfortable victory at Caulfield. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli In-form galloper Rise At Dawn is likely to be set for a black-type assignment after notching a comfortable victory at Caulfield on Saturday. The four-year-old son of Almanzor is prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, and has now won six of his 11 starts. Ridden by Michael Dee, Rise At Dawn sat outside Keats, who led throughout and applied the pressure upon straightening to score by three-quarters of a length from Kettle Hill and Rhapsody Chic. “Keats got rolling into the bend which probably suited Rise At Dawn, having the race fitness, and that’s how he gets ridden,” Ben Hayes said. “He just gets to that high-cruising speed and holds it right to the line and he’s really gutsy at the end. “I think the mile is definitely his trip but now he’s fit, there’s so many nice options. He’s won a Benchmark 100 today and he is the fit horse on the scene. “He’s been in work a long time so we have just got to manage him run by run. “But if he pulls up well and we’re really happy with him, he probably deserves a shot at a stakes race.” Hayes suggested the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) back at Caulfield in a fortnight could be an option. “It could be suitable for him out there in front with no weight,” Hayes said. “He’s a super horse who has given his whole ownership group a really big thrill. We’ve got a long time employee in Bruno Rouge-Serret in the horse. He’s really looked after us and he taught me how to saddle horses, so it’s good to get a winner for him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Australia’s greatest ever sprint, Black Caviar. (Racing Photos) Australia’s greatest sprinter, Black Caviar, has passed away after a short battle with Laminitis. The unbeaten champion of the turf had been suffering complications due to a milk infection in recent weeks, and after giving birth to a Snitzel colt on early Saturday morning, Black Caviar was humanly euthanised at Scone Equine Hospital. Black Caviar’s connections took to X/Twitter to confirm the news and made a statement on their one-in-a-lifetime mare. “It is with deep sadness that the Madden, Hawkes, Wilkie, Taylor and Werrett families wish to advise that champion mare Black Caviar passed away peacefully today. “Black Caviar was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, most famous for her stellar racing career which saw her undefeated with 25 wins from 25 starts.” The statement went on to describe some of the wonder mare’s greatest achievements, including a win on the world stage at Royal Ascot when claiming victory in the 2012 Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m). Peter Moody spoke to the tragic loss as well, adding. “She was a remarkable horse that gave us all the ride of a lifetime and memories.” During her four years of racing, Black Caviar amassed an incredible $8 million in prizemoney to go along with her 15 Group 1 victories. Black Caviar leaves behind an incredible legacy in Australian racing. Horse racing news View the full article

Illicit Dreams winning at Ruakaka on Saturday. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) Ruakaka trainer Kenny Rae has a great record campaigning horses in the South Island and he is hoping that will continue this spring when he heads to Riccarton with Saturday winner Illicit Dreams. The well-travelled four-year-old had been in great form on her home track over winter, placing in all four of her starts, including a last start third behind Group One winner Crocetti and Group Three winner Master Fay. Rae went into Saturday’s event quietly confident, and that was duly rewarded with an all the way victory by his mare in the hands of Waikato hoop Jasmine Fawcett. “She has got a wee bit of class about her,” Rae said. “She is a lovely horse and is easy to do anything with. I have got great partners in the horse with me.” Fawcett shared Rae’s confidence heading into the race and was pleased to get home by 1.75 lengths over fellow Ruakaka runner Patricia. “She loves this track, she can gallop, and she got the job done,” Fawcett said. “She ran into a couple of nice horses last start, one of those being Crocetti, so I knew the form was really good today and she performed well.” Rae hasn’t been afraid of travelling with Illicit Dreams in the past, having campaigned in the Central Districts and Canterbury in previous seasons, winning the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton as a juvenile last year before returning to the Christchurch venue last spring where she was runner-up in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) behind Viva Vienna. The Northland horseman is now contemplating a return to Riccarton over spring with his charge, with an eye towards New Zealand Cup week. “I think I might have a shot at the Stewards (Listed, 1200m) or something like that later on, but we will just take it one race at a time,” he said. While looking forward to heading to Riccarton with Illicit Dreams once more, Rae said he would ideally like to avoid the country’s leading barn. “She travelled down to Wanganui as a two-year-old and just got beaten by Te Akau (Sky On Fire), she went down a year later to Riccarton and got beaten by Te Akau again (Viva Vienna), so when they are not in the race I have got a chance,” he quipped. Horse racing news View the full article

Justaskme winning at New Plymouth on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) It may have taken a few more races than expected but there couldn’t have been a more fitting result for local trainer Allan Sharrock as his great mate Justaskme provided his mentor with his 1000th New Zealand win in the training ranks at New Plymouth on Saturday. Sharrock entered the day on 999 victories and was confidently expected to pick up victory in one of the opening races on the card, however, he had to play the bridesmaid role as Tisse, Bella Timing and Indian Gold all filled the runner-up position in their respective events. By the time the fifth event on the card rolled around, many were thinking this wasn’t to be Sharrock’s day; however, the nine-year-old warhorse Justaskme wasn’t having any of that, as he produced a typical dogged effort to come from last in the hands of apprentice Rihaan Goyaram to collect career win number 13 and his sixth on his home patch. Despite settling last of the nine runners, Justaskme travelled sweetly in the testing Heavy 10 track conditions on offer with Goyaram setting him alight at the 800m to circle the field out wide and hit the front turning for home. Justaskme was resolute in his desire and held all challengers at bay as he coasted home to win the Makita 1800 by just on three lengths from Soldier Boy, who chased hard down the straight, along with third-placed runner Sacred Pearl. Sharrock, who numbers 75 Group and Listed wins amongst his 1000-win tally with horses of the calibre of Grout, Kawi, Wahid, Shez Sinsational and Ladies Man, admitted he had been worried when he couldn’t take a trick earlier in the day. “He’s been a grand horse for me, my brother and one of my best mates in Kempy (Tony Kemp),” Sharrock said. “I came in here all confident and got kicked and kicked and kicked, and I thought this isn’t going the way I saw it. “I had been having a few words to the jockey (Goyaram) throughout the day and I asked him if he had done any video footage and he said to me he was going to ride him like Johnathan Parkes and be into him at the 800m and he did. “We’ll go home and watch the rugby tonight but I’d say we will have a proper event with all my friends and colleagues to celebrate.” Horse racing news View the full article

Black Caviar, Australia’s greatest sprinter, has passed away aged 17 following a battle with laminitis. View the full article

Legendary mare Black Caviar passed away peacefully on Saturday, aged 18. View the full article

Chris Waller has unearthed another potential Group 1 star. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) The Chris Waller-trained Autumn Glow ($3.10) produced a statement debut victory at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, careering away with the opening event of the program. The daughter of The Autumn Sun couldn’t have been more impressive, dispatching her rivals by 2.5 lengths, cruising past the well-supported favourite Dawn Service ($2.30) with 200m left to travel. Tyler Schiller manoeuvred the unraced three-year-old into the one-one throughout the 1300m journey, and from there, it was all over as Autumn Glow proved far too classy in the concluding stages. It comes after being a late withdrawal from Wednesday’s Kensington meeting at Randwick, with Chris Waller confirming post-race that the decision was made to head to this BM72 contest amongst concerns a Heavy surface may hinder the unraced filly. “She was entered to race last Wednesday at Randwick on the Kensington track and there was rain on the day,” said Waller. “I just wanted her to have the best possible experience. This track at Rosehill is probably one of the best in the world, it gives horses a great experience, hence the reason why racing’s so good here. “You need horses to have good experiences, so she’s had that today and she’s on her way to bigger and better things.” Waller went on to suggest they wouldn’t rush the three-year-old, but a possible Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) tilt could be on the cards. “We’ll look at how she pulls up because respecting it’s her first preparation, some horses can cope better or worse, some might take the next step, some really struggle, so that will tell us first and foremost. “We’d love to be able to get her to a Flight Stakes if we can.” After Saturday’s impressive victory, Autumn Glow has firmed into $4.50 on the second line on betting with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) on October 5. Horse racing news View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. – Saturday is going to be a big day for horses being pointed to the $1.24-million GI Travers Stakes. Two key horses for the race–Dornoch (Good Magic) and Fierceness (City of Light)–had their final works switched from Friday to Saturday. They will join Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), Honor Marie (Honor Code) and Batten Down (Tapit), who are all scheduled to have their final Midsummer Derby moves on Saturday. Saratoga did have some heavy rain on Thursday, but the track appeared ok on Friday morning. Danny Gargan, the trainer of GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes champ Dornoch, did not like what he saw. “We got another day (Saturday) and the weather looks beautiful,” Gargan said outside his barn on the Saratoga backstretch Friday morning. “We just decided to wait another day.” Dornoch, who could be made the morning-line Travers favorite when the field is drawn on Sunday, will work four furlongs in company, Gargan said. “Maybe Ringy Dingy (Dialed In),” Gargan said. “She (3-year-old filly) has worked with him many, many times and she has outworked him several times. We are going to try and go :48, :49. He worked fast last week; we don't need another :47.” Two Travers horses did get their final works in on Friday. Chad Brown had unbeaten Unmatched Wisdom (Cairo Prince) work five furlongs in 1:00.41 (3/6) on the main track. He won the Curlin Stakes at Saratoga on July 24 in his last start to run his record to three-for-three. Brown, who also trains Sierra Leone, knows the Travers is a big ask for Unmatched Wisdom, but also is confident the colt has plenty of upside. “He is a beautiful horse who has high expectations,” Brown said at his barn on the Oklahoma Training Track. “It is a huge step jumping up to a Grade I against really seasoned 3-year-olds that are at the top of the division. He has a real tall order there. But I love bringing an undefeated horse to a race like this. He certainly hasn't learned how to lose.” Unmatched Wisdom broke his maiden by 6 1/4 lengths at Aqueduct on May 10 and then won an allowance, also at the Big A, by 5 3/4 lengths on June 24. Then he took the Curlin, going gate-to-wire. Brown though, says he does not have to be on the lead. “He won on the lead in the Curlin because there wasn't much speed in the race,” he said. “I think if he has a target, he is going to be much more effective and he should have one in this race. I do think he is sitting on a big race, and he is going to have to be because this is a big one.” The other Travers horse to work on Friday was Corporate Power (Curlin) for Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey. The runner-up in the Curlin went four furlongs in :47.44 (1/45) on the Oklahoma Training Track. A Cinderella Story for Carl Spackler and Chad Brown Of course, the name jumps right out at you. Especially if you are a fan of the 1980 movie “Caddyshack.” Carl Spackler was the hapless groundskeeper at Bushwood Country Club in the iconic flick and was played by Bill Murray. And it is the name of a racehorse trained by Chad Brown and owned by e Five Racing Thoroughbreds. The 4-year-old Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has won three of four starts this year, the most recent being the GI Fourstardave Handicap last Sunday. Carl Spackler heading to the winner's circle Sunday | Sarah Andrew To paraphrase Caddyshack's Carl, it was certainly a Cinderella Story. Carl's popularity swelled after that race, partly because of his name, mostly because of his ability. The Fourstardave was his first Grade I victory. “He is a fan favorite because of his name and his big, white face,” Brown said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. “He's a neat horse and he's a neat story.” His jockey, Tyler Gaffalione, is married to the former Cassidy Edwards, daughter of Bob and Kristine Edwards of e Five Racing. Carl Spackler has won three of his four career starts at Saratoga Race Course, all of them in graded stakes races. He won the GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes last year and added the GIII Kelso earlier in the meet and then won the Fourstardave. Overall, Carl Spackler has six wins in nine career starts. For Brown, it was his first-ever win in the Fourstardave. He grew up in nearby Mechanicville and remembers sitting out in the picnic area with his parents and betting on the legendary Fourstardave, who won at least one race at Saratoga every year from 1987-1994. “Growing up and betting on Fourstardave with my parents was a real cool experience,” Brown said. “One of the sure bets of the meet was that that horse would win. They weren't big (bets), I was just a kid. I probably should not have been betting, but they were winners.” Casse, The Last Trainer To Run A Filly in Travers, Weighs In On Thorpedo Anna In 2018, a filly named Wonder Gadot (Medaglia d'Oro) captured the imagination of the GI Travers Stakes when she ran in the Midsummer Derby. Mark Casse with Wonder Gadot | Sarah Andrew Before the race, there were buttons made, depicting the filly as Wonder Woman, ala Gal Gadot, the actress who played the Amazon superheroine. Wonder Gadot could not back up the hype as she finished 10th–and last–in that Travers, which was won by Catholic Boy (More Than Ready). Wonder Gadot went off at odds of 11-1, the sixth choice in the wagering. Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) will be the first filly since then to try to conquer the boys in the Travers when she takes a spot in the starting gate next Saturday. “She is pretty impressive,” Casse said of Thorpedo Anna, who has won six of seven career starts by a combined 36 1/4 lengths. Casse's mind wandered back to that day in 2018 when Wonder Gadot took her shot against colts. “She didn't run very well,” Casse said. “We have had great luck with running fillies against colts, but we did not have great luck with that one. Got Stormy beat colts twice, Tepin did it all the time. Of course, those were on grass.” Wonder Gadot had beaten the boys twice in Canada, taking the prestigious Queen's Plate by 4 3/4 lengths and the Prince of Wales Stakes by 5 3/4 lengths. That gave Casse the confidence to try the Travers. It didn't work out. “You can't make horses do things they can't do,” Casse said. “The biggest thing about training horses is keeping them happy and knowing how to keep them happy. Good horses win when everything goes their way; great horses win when they don't.” The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented by NYRA Bets: It Will Be a Crowded Work Tab For Travers Horses On Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a full-brother to multiple group winner Chindit (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). 16.05 Newbury, Mdn, £40,000, 2yo, 7fT FITZMAURICE (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) makes his debut at the track that hosted his multiple group-winning full-brother Chindit (Ire) on five occasions, with a win in the G3 Greenham Stakes and a runner-up finish in the G1 Lockinge Stakes among his efforts here. Bought by Wathnan Racing for 470,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1, the William Haggas trainee encounters other intriguing newcomers including Ballydoyle's Aftermath (Ire) (Justify), whose dam is a full-sister to Galileo's Group 1 winners Misty For Me (Ire) and Ballydoyle (Ire); Victorious Racing's 500,000gns fellow Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase Into Combat (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a Ralph Beckett-trained son of a half to Barney Roy (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}); and Juddmonte's Cosmic Year (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a Harry Charlton-trained son of the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Passage Of Time (GB) (Dansili {GB}) whose best progeny so far is Dubawi's multiple group-winning sire Time Test (GB). 16.16 Doncaster, Novice, £25,000, 2yo, 7f 6yT CHANCELLOR (GB) (Kingman {GB}) bids to get back on track as the Gosdens look to restore his confidence after a deflating third when the hot favourite in Ascot's Listed Pat Eddery Stakes last month. Cheveley Park Stud's son of their GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Queen's Trust (GB) (Dansili {GB}) had dazzled on debut to join his sire's long list of TDN Rising Stars and while he was overturned on the King George card he lost a front shoe and that form has been boosted this week by New Century (GB) (Kameko). The post Wathnan’s 470k Brother To Chindit Starts At Newbury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite coming from a relatively small pool of Canadian-bred 3-year-olds, recent winners from the King's Plate (run as the Queen's Plate from 1952-2022) continue to distinguish themselves in the graded stakes ranks.View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Saturday, August 17. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for August 17, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Bet Your Way With More Tools In Your Punters Toolbox Take it to the neds Level with Super Saturday! Get MORE Price Boosts, MORE Bet Backs, MORE Fluc Ups, MORE Back Ups & MORE Extra Nudge tools! Available to use on ANY races of your choice Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Caulfield & Rosehill R1-5 | Run 2nd or 3rd get your stake back in bonus bets Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-5 at Caulfield & Rosehill and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 25% Boosted Winnings – Rosehill & Doomben Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd In R1-3 at 5 Metro Meetings Rosehill, Caulfield, Doomben, Morphettville & Belmont. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting! Bet & win up to 4th place Picklebet Terms and Conditions Apply Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Any Australian Racing 3+ Leg Multi | If 1 Leg Fails Bonus Back Up To $50 Place a 3+ leg Fixed Win/Place Multi across Australian Thoroughbred, Harness or Greyhound racing this week and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available once daily. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10%. Thoroughbreds only T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Best Tote and Starting Price Guarantees a dividend equal to the highest of the official win dividend paid by the three Australian TAB pools or the official starting price. Maximum stake: $2,000. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for August 17, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

With York's Ebor Festival drawing the elite performers next week, Saturday's action across Europe is lacking a championship contest but not intrigue as some progressive types put their reputations on the line at Deauville, Newbury and The Curragh. Perhaps the biggest name on the day is Ballydoyle's G1 St Leger hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in the G3 Royal Whip Stakes at the Kildare venue, looking to build on his comeback effort in a renewal of Royal Ascot's G2 Hardwicke Stakes that has taken on extra gravitas with the passing of the last few weeks. Extra intrigue is provided by the G2 Prix du Calvados at Deauville, where the G3 Princess Margaret Stakes winner Simmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) features among the seven fillies assembled for the seven-furlong contest. Moving up in trip following her Ascot exploits, Al Shaqab's acquisition is bred for the distance and trainer Ollie Sangster has no concerns on that score. “She saw out the stiff six of Ascot well and was doing her best work at the end, so I think this step up to seven furlongs is logical and Ryan [Moore] suggested that as well,” he said. “It looks a nice opportunity and hopefully it will be quick ground and we're looking forward to running her.” France's leading hope is Denford Stud's unbeaten Fraise Des Bois (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), who took the six-furlong Listed Criterium du Bequet by seven lengths at La Teste de Buch last month. Jean-Claude Rouget saddles the exciting prospect and the Stud's Richard Evans is keen to see how she fares against British competition. “Her last race was probably the most impressive when she won by seven lengths and she is a progressive filly now heading to a Group 2 and then after that we can see about some Group 1 entries, depending on how she does on Saturday,” he said. “The race on Saturday will tell us really where we are, I think, and the competition is going to be a lot stiffer obviously. If she can win or even run a good race then I would say she will probably go for a Group 1 in France or we have the Cheveley Park entry as well.” Also at Deauville is the G2 Prix de Pomone, where the Wertheimers' TDN Rising Star Aventure (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) looks the class act, while Newbury's highlight is the seven-furlong G2 Hungerford Stakes. Juddmonte's half-brother to Frankel, Kikkuli (GB) (Kingman {GB}), looks to get back on track after his disappointing effort in the G1 Prix Jean Prat in a weak-looking renewal in a division currently very short on genuine top-level performers. The post Continuous Heads Saturday Cast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The absence of the 'Grizzly Bear' has not put a damper on Saturday's GI Alabama Stakes, neither for the connections in it nor likely for the betting public, but despite Candied (Twirling Candy) being the class of the field, it's not as cut and dry of an affair. Currently sitting cosy at 7-5 on the morning line, Candied is deservedly the one to beat as victory in the GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes, a third in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, and a gutsy second to 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks did not happen by accident. Candied earned a 99 Beyer for her effort two back June 8 in Monmouth's Lady's Secret Stakes when she overwhelmed MGSW Honor D Lady (Honor Code) by 4 1/2 lengths. That filly would turn around to produce a masterclass of her own next out July 7 in the GII Delaware Handicap, winning by a widening 5 1/2-length margin over a field including last year's GI CCA Oaks winner and Alabama Stakes runner-up, Wet Paint (Blame). While Candied does need to prove that she can go this distance, her relentless, grinding running style suggests it's in her wheelhouse, and given there's no Thorpedo Anna in here–both literally and figuratively–now is as good a time as ever to secure her second Grade I victory. Her foes will not make it an easy affair, however, as two daughters of the late Arrogate look to give their sire another Grade I winner to his growing tally–Iowa Oaks victress Just Basking and far outside marker Neon Icon, both of whom have already won at this distance by sizeable margins. The former has steadily been improving with every race, and her win in the Prairie Meadows marque contest produced her highest number to date, a 90 Beyer, which puts her right in the conversation. Breaking closest to the rail and another hailing from that CCA Oaks in July is Intricate (Gun Runner) for Brendan Walsh, who is no stranger to a Grade I race in Saratoga and what his horse needs to bring to win it. All things considered, she carries the distinction of being the only runner to ever beat Thorpedo Anna thus far–granted as juveniles in the GII Golden Rod at Churchill Downs–and stubbornly kept on last out to take third, although a long way back. Power Squeeze (Union Rags) dominated early in her career, but had to ramp back into form following a sixth-place effort in the GI Kentucky Oaks, and managed to pick up that all-important Grade I black type when running third in the GI Acorn behind, you guessed it, Thorpedo Anna. The GII Gulfstream Park Oaks victress has a running style shared by many in this field, midpack or further out, which calls into question what kind of pace there will be, especially when California girl MGSW Chatalas (Gun Runner) has shown she has the foot to lead, if necessary. Lone, or uncontested, speed is hard to reel in, especially when they're good at what they do. Chatalas returns to the Mark Glatt barn after taking the GIII Indiana Oaks last out for Grant Forster by a head, and also producing her best number to date in a string of improving ones. To round out the field, Wilton Stakes winner Miss Justify (Justify) would need to overcome not only a jump up in distance, but a fairly large one in class as well, to win. Stakes-placed America's Vow (Constitution) hails from the chaotic July 28 Saratoga allowance where horses broke too soon, were declared non-starters, and there was a disqualification for interference, all in one race. Up-and-Coming Talent Clashes with Proven Form in the Lake Placid… While there has been much talk of the elephant in the room known as 'shrinking fields' in America, the turf division doesn't have that problem this weekend at Saratoga, as most evident by the competitive 11-runner soiree assembled for the GII Lake Placid Stakes, carded to jump just ahead of Saturday's Alabama. With a juvenile win in the GI Natalma Stakes and twice placed at the highest level since then, She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}) more than provides the vibe as the horse to beat. The aforementioned two placings were a pair of thirds–in 2023 to wrap her season in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Fillies and last out July 6 in the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes behind the heralded GISW Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal) while just nosed out for second by GSW Segesta (Ghostzapper). Les Reys en route to victory in the Listed Prix Volterra | Scoop Dyga Even if that overwhelming favorite had not been in the field back in July, the 1 3/16-miles could've arguably been a step too far, as her connections opt to return their filly to a distance more suited to her prior form. At a mile, she has two victories by over four lengths and a Breeders' Cup placing, which provides a convincing enough argument to stay in the mile/mile and change division. To her outside are the second and third choices Beautiful Love (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Dynamic Pricing (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), respectively. The former comes into the race with consistency as her calling card, off the board just once and not by much in fourth, back in 2023 in Newmarket's British EBF 40th Anniversary Montrose Fillies Stakes. She too ran into the titan known as Cinderella's Dream back in February–trainer Charlie Applby has no qualms of running stablemates against each other–when they shared the starting gate in a Meydan allowance to start her year. She turned around two weeks later to win at that level by six lengths and the Godolphin homebred resurfaces here having gone unraced since that triumph. Dynamic Pricing has work to do to prove her win in the GII Edgewood Stakes May 3 at Churchill Downs was not a case of footing she handled better than a struggling field. She had no kick last out in the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational to run seventh, and before her Edgewood win, finished in that spot in the GIII Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs in March. The last of the European raiders, and who is making a start for new connections, is French Listed Prix Volterra victress Les Reys (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), who dons colors for the partnership of West Point Thoroughbreds, Peter Leidel, and Winters Equine LLC for the first time. Moved into the barn of Christophe Clement from Dider Guillemin, she'll have her first chance to make a good impression Stateside for her new team. Del Mar Oaks Provides Grade I Turf Action in California… The 3-year-old turf filles on the West Coast will meet for a chance to claim their highest level black type in the GI Del Mar Oaks at the surfside venue and Iscreamuscream (Twirling Candy) is garnering the lion's portion of attention. Contested at 1 1/8 miles, it's quite telling that she would be the morning line favorite having never gone close to the distance in her three-race career, but having never not found the line first, it's hard to argue with success when it has plenty of speed and a rail spot to compliment it. She likely won't be left to her own devices on the lead with Graded-level newcomer Whiskey Decision (Into Mischief) also coming in with speed, so she'll need to relish this distance if she wants to hold off challengers, late. Iscreamuscream (orange & white cap) lead home the cavalry charge in the GII San Clemente | Benoit Photo That being said, the stablemate to her immediate outside Circle of Trust (Union Rags) has to be given a good look considering the fact that she's run at this distance four times now, and went from breaking her maiden to graded placed to a graded winner in the GIII Honeymoon Stakes in the course of three starts. That victory last out June 1 by 1 1/4 lengths will lead to a rematch with SW & GSP Sakura Blossom (Classic Empire) and Sea Dancer (Mastery), those fillies being neighbors in the gate on the far outside. Medoro (Honor Code) will also prove hard to overlook, and despite her career combined winning margin being less than four lengths in her first four starts, the 5-1 morning line shot will look to rebound from her first defeat last out July 20 in the GII San Clemente Handicap–a race most of this field contested–where Iscreamuscream and Zona Verde (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) had enough of a head start to hold off her furious late charge after a bad trip. East Coast invader MGSW Buchu (Justify) will need a pace to run at in order to produce her best kick and have a chance to win. It's King's Plate Day in Canada… The premier race for our neighbors to the north, the Canadian-bred restricted Listed King's Plate Stakes will see not only the best of the Canadian-bred colts racing for the top prize but potentially continuing the tradition of Woodbine Oaks fillies doing well against the boys. Riding into the race on a three-race streak and with Beyer numbers none of his competition can match, My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) has been made the commanding 7-5 morning line favorite. After a 6 3/4-length tour de force in the King Corrie Stakes at Woodbine that was awarded a 97 Beyer, the grey has proven impossible to catch and hard to outkick, making it a 'rock and a hard place' situation for anyone hoping to beat him. He's near untouchable at Woodbine, his lone loss on the same synthetic he'll contest Saturday was on debut when he ran second May 2023, and his two trips into Grade I company on the grass were races where he was run down by Grade I-quality competition. There is no shame in being beaten by MGISW Carson's Run (Cupid) in the local GI Summer Stakes and Grade/Group 1 runners Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Mountain Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never) at the Breeders' Cup. By the numbers, his closest competition is Essex Serpent (Honor Code), whose win in the GIII Marine Stakes June 29 produced the closest figure of this field at 89. While he's never been off the board, he's got three starts to his name and a big task ahead of him if he wants to beat My Boy Prince. Caitlinhergrtness (Omaha Beach) was caught late on the wire in the similarly restricted Woodbine Oaks, but her form has been steadily improving since making the move to Canada from New York. All things considered, she's in the same boat as everyone else. On the undercard for the King's Plate, the GII Bet365 King Edward Stakes going a mile on the grass will see the elder statesmen of the division line up for a crack at claiming yet another tally to their careers, headlined by MGSW & MGSW-Brz Filo Di Arianna (Brz) (Drooselmeyer). The Mark Casse-trainee has been made the 4-5 morning line favorite with GSW Cruden Bay (Big Screen) the 7-2 second choice, and MGSW War Bomber (Ire) (War Front) made the 5-1 third selection. The sprinters will take to the synthetic in the GIII Bold Venture Stakes and, with a gaudy 103 Beyer from his seasonal debut victory in the restricted Pink Lloyd Stakes, Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) seeks to defend his crown against a field of seven. Playmea Tune (Maclean's Music) will look to build on his rise through the ranks and take down that favorite–along with considerably more seasoned rivals–in just his third start, and has been given a 4-1 chance to do it. Graded Action at the Jersey Shore Grade I form from the West and East Coasts will clash here in the GIII Philip H. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park as MGSW & GISP Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) will take on MG1SW-Arg & GISP Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify) for superiority at the Jersey Shore. On paper, GSW Everso Mischievous (Into Mischief) looks to play spoiler if the top two on the morning line can't produce a run. The post Alabama Leads Saturday’s Graded Parade with Candied as Grand Marshall appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Respected racing journalist Howard Wright, one of the founding members of the Racing Post, died on Friday, that publication reported. He was 79, and was writing up until a few months ago. The Doncaster native joined Timeform as a clerk in 1964, before moving to the Sheffield Morning Telegraph as racing editor for 11 years, eventually becoming the deputy sports editor. After a time as deputy racing editor of the Daily Telegraph, he switched to the Racing Post when it began in 1986, alongside the publication's founding editor Graham Rock. Also in 1986, he began serving as a member of the British Flat Pattern Committee, a role which lasted until 2009. Later appointed industry editor at Racing Post, he continued with the paper in that role until he retired in 2012. Wright continued to contribute to various industry publications in a part-time capacity in retirement. “Howard Wright was a legend of the Racing Post and a true journalist's journalist,” RP editor Tom Kerr told the Racing Post. “He was one of the paper's founding staff, possessor of the finest contacts book in the sport and could invariably be spied at racing events around the globe, no doubt having just secured his next scoop. Although he 'retired' in 2012, he was still providing Post readers with the benefits of his immense experience and knowledge as recently as April. “Howard enjoyed the widespread respect and fondness of both his press colleagues and those he reported upon. That was born of his impeccably informed work, his deep integrity and his laconic charm. “On behalf of all at the Racing Post past and present, I extend our condolences and sympathy to Anne, his wife, and Andrea and Karen, his daughters.” A trustee of the National Horseracing College since 1990, he was vice-chairman of that organisation since 2004. “The thoughts of everyone at Doncaster Racecourse are with the family, friends and colleagues of Howard Wright,” the racecourse posted on X on Friday. “Howard was a great friend to racing and Doncaster Racecourse in particular. He will be sorely missed on St Leger Day this year, a day he had not missed since 1948.” The post Former Journalist Howard Wright Dies At 79 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Honoring retired trainer Rick Schosberg, the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund will hold a 'Salute to Thoroughbred Aftercare' from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Sept. 10 at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the fund said in a Friday release. Besides honoring Schosberg, who has exerted a positive influence over aftercare organizations TAKE2 and Take The Lead, attendees will watch the trailer for the documentary “Off Track: Fate of a Racehorse” and hear from the film's director, John Wager. The post Schosberg To Be Honored For New York Aftercare Efforts Sept. 10 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article